Think Big
A Story of Embracing Growth Mindset and Resilience
"Think BIG! (Believe, Achieve, and Soar High)" is a captivating tale of Maria, a spirited girl on her first day of Grade 1. The story unfolds as Maria grapples with the conflicting voices in her head – Mr. Small, the voice of doubt, and Mr. Big, the voice of encouragement.
As Maria navigates her desire to conquer the daunting firepole on the playground, she encounters challenges that reflect the internal struggle between fear and courage. Encouraged by a new friend, Siana, Maria learns the power of embracing a growth mindset.
"Think BIG!" delivers a powerful message about the limitless possibilities that unfold when one embraces a positive mindset. Maria's inspiring adventure encourages children to believe in themselves, face challenges head-on, and grow through the process.
With delightful characters, relatable scenarios, and a heartwarming resolution, "Think BIG!" is not just a children's story; it's a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the triumph of a growth mindset. This book serves as an empowering resource for parents, educators, and young readers, offering a valuable lesson that will resonate long after the last page is turned.
Did you notice a device on Maria’s arm?
"Meet Maria, the spirited protagonist of 'Think BIG! (Believe, Achieve, and Soar High),' a remarkable character who carries an important symbol of resilience – a type 1 diabetes pump discreetly placed on her arm. In our story, this is not the focus; it's an incidental representation of an invisible disability that many face daily.
Our aim is to bring awareness to the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes, a condition that often goes unnoticed. Maria's journey in 'Think BIG!' showcases her courage, determination, and the importance of embracing a growth mindset, regardless of the invisible battles she faces.
Through this incidental representation, we hope to shed light on the realities of living with type 1 diabetes and contribute to fostering understanding and empathy. 'Think BIG!' celebrates diversity and aims to create a more inclusive narrative for all readers. Join us on this journey of empowerment, resilience, and awareness."
How did I get the idea for this story?
Well, I'm really interested in something called a "growth mindset." I read a lot of books about it, but there was a problem. I wanted to figure out how to teach this idea to kids when they're still very young. I wanted them to really understand the difference between a "growth mindset" and a "fixed mindset." That way, they could feel surer of themselves, handle tough times better, and make good decisions.
Here's the exciting part of the story! I introduced two fun characters that look like a brain: Mr. Big, who's all about the growth mindset, and Mr. Small, who focuses on the fixed mindset. These characters are super powerful. They help kids relate their feelings to these two characters, showing them how to navigate their emotions and make better decisions. It's like having little brain buddies to guide them through their feelings. I believe these characters make the story even more fun and helpful for kids as they learn about their own feelings.