Peter H. Reynolds is my guest on this week’s episode of ‘Sylvia & Me.’ That’s right, a MAN! You see, Peter is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author and illustrator. I received an advance copy of his latest picture book ‘Our Table’. Within five minutes of reading it, I realized that this book needs to be read to children because the adult reading it needs to learn what it offers. And then I went back and read Peter’s other books, including his award winning ‘The Dot’.
‘Our Table’ is the story of a family of four who used to sit at a large table together. The table starts to get smaller and smaller. Technology has gotten in the way. The little girl realizes that she needs to do something before it disappears. This inventive little girl uses technology to make the table larger and brings the family connection back together. During this time of stress and the pandemic, it’s seen so many family members and friends brought together. For most of us, it was great at the beginning. Then the stress of the togetherness and the newness of the togetherness started to fade and strain. People began to retreat to their own corners, so to speak. ‘Our Table’ teaches us how to reconnect, using some inventive ideas thought of by a child.
Just a few words and a picture says it all
In just a few words, in a children’s picture storybook, Peter teaches and shows us the power of human connectivity. ‘Our Table’ has been called a modern fable. In our present-day world, it’s one that we need to embrace. Peter’s mission throughout everything that he has done, is to use media to tell stories which matter. Stories that challenge each of us to reach our full potential.
So there you have it… you see why I had to have this very important conversation with Peter.
Meet Peter H. Reynolds
For over thirty years Peter has used and still uses, the power of positive storytelling to move the world to a better place. His award-winning books and animated films have reached millions around the world. Peter sees his audience as a transformational partnership of co-changemakers. He is best known for his children’s books about ‘authentic learning, creativity and self-expression.’ Peter and his identical twin brother Paul, also launched the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity (RCTLC). The center is a nonprofit that encourages creativity and innovation in teaching and learning. To learn more about Peter, his award-winning books, films and more go to https://www.peterhreynolds.com/ .