April 2023 News from Core Virtues

We're at a time of new life!  Headed into hyacinths and daffodils (at least the lucky are) and the April holidays. Our April virtues -- forgiveness, humility, graciousness -- draw from both the gentle season and its celebrations of Passover, Easter, and Ramadan, which are now upon us.  Don't forget to check out our holiday pages for a rich variety of works that explain "the reason for the season" to the young.  

From Smartphone to Wisephone

Picture

One of the greatest challenges to the emotional and mental health of young people today is social media and screen addiction. Technology has connected us, but ratcheted up bullying, self-doubt, and self-loathing.  We do not recommend phones for children before 6th grade, but if you, as a parent, are looking for ways to stay connected to your children while limiting their internet access, look no further than the Wisephone! This technology facilitates calling, texting, and photos, but little else—that's wise.

Celebrating Tomie dePaola

Picture

One of our favorite children's authors Tomie dePaola passed away in 2020 and his legacy is now celebrated by the U.S. Post office. His classics Strega Nona, Legend of the Indian Paintbrush, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland​ and many others are on our site.  Why not put him on our envelopes?  

Picture

She's now in her 60s, but when Ruby Bridges was six, she earned heroine status. ​The first African American child to desegregate a Louisiana school, Ruby was a heroine not simply for her courage, but for her nightly prayers asking forgiveness for her tormentors. She inspired Norman Rockwell's famous 1964 painting (above), which featured her as a resolute and saintly protagonist with diatribes behind her. 

Telling Our Stories ​​

In the gentle month of April three of the world’s major religions celebrate holidays that promote gentler selves. That's countercultural. Read More

Picture