We love books in our house! Even our baby love books. This book from Karen Sutula was another cute book to add to our collection!
When I think of flamingos, I picture a bunch of pink bodies standing around. That’s it because that is all I have witnessed in life, movies and even in books. If I Knew a Flamingo opened up my mind about the flying side of flamingos which I LOVED! 😍 I never considered what a flamingo looks like in flight. I was so excited to share with my children that I had never seen a flamingo like that!
The story is about a flamingo’s variety of friends.
My favorite friend character is the armadillo. I love the details on his body, but even more I love the culture represented in such a simple, but noticeable way!
I grew up thinking that flamingos stayed in their flock. Flamingos were friends with flamingos. My perceived view was very narrow to the idea that flamingoes would only ever be around flamingoes. However, flamingos have the option to fly away from their flock to meet a new friend. Being a teacher, I instantly made a connection (as good readers do 😉). I could teach my kids or students how important it is to stretch out our own wings and fly away from our comfort zone and make a new friend. 🥰 This book just gave me the idea to challenge my sons to make a new friend at school. I suggested looking past their group of friends and find someone who needed their friendship.
I LOVED hearing my son share his experience with this. (4th grader) 🥰 Challenge your own kids to do this. Then tell them how proud you are of their bravery and kindness!
This page is one of my favorites, and I feel should be on a poster! 😍 I would love to print it and look at it every day.
Here is a little part of my heart in a confession: 💙 Once I gained confidence in myself (took me till I was 22 and a teacher), I had no problem standing out. Then I moved states and I became worried about what others thought of me. Worried at school and at church. I worried about my appearance and tried to dress down more than I preferred or have always done. All of a sudden I was hiding my personality (or at least toning it down). I was not the silly teacher, as much as I used to be. (Key word “as much” 😉 I no longer wore my pretty dresses to school because no one else did. Little things like that.
I was “lost” in the crowd which isn’t bad especially if you prefer that.
For me, my happiest time was when I was myself. My true goofy self in a fancy dress singing to karaoke to teach the USA amendments! 🤷🏻♀️ When I finally had confidence in being my true self it only lasted about 3 years. 😢 Then I was lost in the crowd and not living to my potential.
After 10 years, I have decided to no longer be lost in the crowd and be ok with standing out! ❤️
This page of flamingos makes me happy and encourages me to gain another step up the confidence ladder.
Karen Sutula has created a new love for flamingos in me. 💗 I actually picked flamingos for my water shoes after reading this book! 💗 I’m so excited to always be reminded to be myself. 💗
Check out her website! This book can be ordered via Amazon.
