Emma's Gems, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Leanne Franson. Peanut Butter Press, 2020. $19.95 ages 5 and up

"Just as they are about to move on, Grandpa Phil kneels down and gently turns over a beetle that is on its back, struggling to right itself.

"There you go, little fellow," he says as he sets the beetle back on its feet. Next, Emma watches her grandfather take another small stone from his right pocket and  ... "

Lessons learned from those we love can change the world. We are seeing that repeatedly as we experience these days of unrest. Look to the words of Nelson Mandela for guidance and understanding:

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

Emma and her grandfather show readers the difference we can make in the world. They love spending time together. On this particular afternoon, it's just the two of them. They head out for a neighborhood walk when Emma notices her grandfather move a tiny rock from one of his pockets to another one. She is intrigued, wondering why he even carries those stones.

Grandpa Phil promptly responds that he doesn't just see them as stones. Rather, he calls them his 'generosity gems'. Every day they remind him to do things that matter to others.

“The grey one reminds me to share with a person. The brown one reminds me to help an animal. And the white one reminds me to take care of the environment. Every day I do my best to make them travel from my right pocket into my left with three acts of kindness.”

What an amazing lesson to learn from a beloved elder! As happens with little ones, Emma immediately takes Grandpa Phil's actions to heart. Emma uses beads from her collection for her own 'gems' and sets to work to make her world at home a better place. We can all follow in Emma's procession, can't we?

Be sure to put this book in your 'grandparents' basket at school. Hopefully, you will be reading it to your students when Grandparents Day rolls around in September.

In conclusion. here's another reminder from Mr. Mandela:

"It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it."