Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
Picture books aren’t just for children. Picture books are for grown-ups too! Listen in as we speak with picture book authors, illustrators, and enthusiasts about how these stories contribute to human thriving. Discover how picture books can affirm our experiences, introduce us to new perspectives, serve as conversation starters, foster meaningful reflection, and give us words to make sense of the world! Ultimately, you’re never too old for a great picture book AND these tiny tales can lead to big connection! Join us for the journey, and discover something that might contribute to YOUR thriving.
Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
S2E8 | Melquea Smith and 'The Time Machine'
“We are not taught how to apologize. We are not taught how to communicate. We are not taught how to meta communicate.” –Melquea Smith
Today we’re talking about friendship conflict, setting the table for repairing harm, courageous communication, shame, making apologies, and restorative justice.
Today’s Picture Book: The Time Machine illustrated by Melquea Smith and written Pauline David-Sax
Throughout her illustrations, Melquea Smith encourages children to embrace the magic around them. While doing so, to unleash the long dormant childlike wonder in adults, and above all else, to not let the cynicism of the world keep them down.
Book Description: Bailey's building a time machine . . . not to visit ancient Egypt or King Arthur's court, but to take her to last Thursday. That's the day she said the Thing that made her best friend so mad. But when it's complete, Bailey discovers the only thing harder than building a time machine is having the courage to revisit a moment you regret.
Please consider supporting your local independent booksellers by purchasing The Time Machine. Find a store here: https://www.indiebound.org/
Other Mentions:
- What is an Authentic Apology Exercise- Equal Justice USA Restorative Justice Model
- 5 Ways to Suck Less at Communication - Multi-Amory podcast
- Language for Table-Setting: “The reason why we’re having this conversation is because I care about our relationship. I don’t want us to end this conversation feeling x, y, and z. I want us to come to a mutual understanding, and I want us to grow from the experience.”
- Patrice’s forthcoming anthology
Questions/Activities for further engagement based on the discussion:
Imagine a moment where harm was caused onto you (not something huge or a big trauma; just something small). What did you need at that moment? How did it make you feel? Now imagine a moment where you have caused harm to someone else (again not something huge). What did you need at that moment? How did you feel? What allowed you to come to a conclusion if there was one? In those two scenarios, what is something similar? What was the bridge? For example, “I needed to feel heard” when harm was caused to me and when I caused harm.
Find Melquea:
Website: www.prettykittypaintings.com
Get on Melquea's email list and get a free color page!
Melquea's illustration portfolio
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Ripening Time, Patrice's 2nd picture book, releases April 22, 2025. Order your copy from your local bookstore or one of Patrice's local bookstores!
Also, please visit the podcast’s bookshop.org page for a complete list of books discussed!
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