My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me
Did you know that Maya Angelou wrote a children’s book? She did, back in 1994. I have been reading her book to my preschoolers long before I really knew of her.
I was always drawn to her quote in the introduction of the book:
To all the children, for they are the hope of humankind.
This statement was so profound, so direct, and so right. It crawled under my skin and made me think. Hard. Every time I read the book, I read the quote.
Hope is my word for 2021. Hope was Maya Angelou’s word throughout this book for children. Hope was always her beacon, and her message. It is mine, too.
The story is of a child in South Africa, her family, and her best friend, a chicken. Maya tells a tale that is engaging to children and full of interesting facts. She manages to weave words that are as powerful as they are simple:
All children are hope for their families, and many Ndebele girls are named Hope. If you like, you can call yourself Hope, too. In secret, of course.
Many years after finding and reading this book, I also came across more of Maya Angelou’s powerful words. She says things with few, well chosen words that make a difference. She is an ember that lights a fire. These are her words that made a difference for me:
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
The last quote, WOW! How true is that? Very nice, Jennie! Have a great day!
Yes, a big wow! I have that quote mounted for me to see all the time.
It’s a great one.
I didn’t know she wrote a children’s book!
I was surprised too! It’s really good.
So hard to get a hold of, though!
Really? Amazon has it for $7.99, but maybe that’s not in the UK.
No, not in the UK. Think there is one edition for over £35!!
Ritu, email me your address and I will send you the book. sfitzkee@erols.com
Oh, Jennie! You don’t have to do that! ❤
I’d be happy to! ❤️
Wonderful
Thanks, Beth.
She has been a spark for millions of people all over the world. Perhaps she will be remembered as the voice of our generation. I would like that.
I feel the same way!
I did not know she wrote a children’s book. I love her theme of hope. ❤
I was thrilled when I discovered this book. Hope is my theme, too. 🙂
❤️
I love Maya Angelou and her wise words. I was not aware that she wrote a children’s book but not surprised either. I´m sure it´s very good.
I think few people know she wrote a children’s book. Yes, it is very good. Her words are some of the best. Thank you, Darlene
No, I didn’t know that Maya Angelou wrote a children’s book! I love the passage that you quoted:
“All children are hope for their families, and many Ndebele girls are named Hope. If you like, you can call yourself Hope, too. In secret, of course.”
I was surprised when I found this book. Who knew she wrote a children’s book? I love how she wove hope throughout the book, in a way that makes the reader feel inspired.
I certainly didn’t! She was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy.
Yes!
All great quotes, and wise words to live by. 😀
Hear, hear! 😀
😀
LOVEEEE Maya Angelou! I didn’t know she wrote a children’s book, but I’m not surprised. I want to get Amanda Gorman’s children’s book too. She too is a powerful black female poet who will move the world with her art. I guess I need to go find this book now
I was really surprised when I found this book. Who knew Maya Angelou wrote a children’s book? Yet, I shouldn’t have been surprised. It is good! Amanda Gorman’s new book “Change Sings” sounds wonderful. The illustrator, Loren Long, is one of my favorites. I don’t think it’s coming out till fall? It is definitely on my list!
Very rich post…filled with ‘hope’ just in the reading of it. To add to your observation that many South African children are named Hope – it seems to be a common denominator name in several African nations. A family I worked with in Horse Therapy adopted a Ugandan girl and kept her given name – Suvi – (not sure of the spelling) because it was her mother’s last wish/blessing and message to her little girl. That being: HOPE.
Hugs, teacher.
I love your story! Hope, tradition, and family is a perfect trilogy. Yes, hope! How wonderful that you were part of her life. Maya Angelou’s book is just what we need right now. Thank you, Laura. 🥰
BEAUTIFUL
Thank you, Don!
Reblogged this on alkaplan and commented:
From my friend Jennie.
Thank you!
I hadn’t known about this book; thanks, Jennie. And I love this quote!
Thank you, Becky. I was delightfully surprised when I discovered she had written a children’s book. Her quote is my favorite!
The last quote is so full of insight. Lovely post, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
As much as I like quotations, this is the only one I have hanging on a plaque for me to see all the time. Thank you, Pete.
This is so exciting! I love Maya Angelou, definitely going to get this book whenever I have children
Thank you, Deanna.
Children are the hope, and we realize the possibilities when they grow in the love of family and of teachers like you, Jennie.
Awww… that’s so nice, Dan. Children are the hope! And, hope grows in love. Thank you for your kind words.
Love this book! I purchased it for our library children’s collection when it came out.🥰
I’m not surprised you purchased it for your library! It is so good, and even more timely today. On a side note, I just finished reading a new book by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen (you know them both!). “Skunk and Badger”. It is one of the best children’s books I have read in a long time.
Ooh! I have to look that up!
😀
I have often repeated that quote about not forgetting how you made people feel, but all these years I didn’t know whose quote it was. So thank you for that, Jennie.
I’m glad to put a name to that quote! Best to you, Anneli.
Thanks, Jennie. I hope you’re not getting this cold spell that we are getting just now.
We’re in a normal winter temperature mode, but a snowy one.
I did not know this Jennie. You many students have been lucky to have heard this book over the years. Maya Angelou was a woman who spoke so inspirationally.
Thank you, Carla. I’m glad to have read this book to so many children. She was a great inspiration.
Her words always leave me thinking. I love the last quote, and it makes me think of some of my former teachers. I don’t remember any of their lessons, but I recall how they made me feel.
As much as I love quotations, the only one I have mounted and hanging is this one. I see it and read it every day- thank goodness. I like your remembering of former teachers. I often think of a handful, and how they made me feel. Miss Pinson and her music, Mr. Ianello the only teacher who didn’t make me feel stupid in math. How they make you feel carries a child like a swift ship.
I did not know about Maya’s children’s book, Jennie… Thanks so much for sharing. It is surely one of those must-read/share/discuss treasures! 💞
It is a treasure, full of fun childhood and also the wisdom that Maya Angelou imparts. Thank you, Bette.
👍👍💓🌺
Thank you for the very interesting information. Will have a look on it. Have a beautiful weekend, Jennie! Best wishes, Michael
Thank you, Michael. Best to you.
Thank you, Jennie! You as well.
🙂
Maya Angelou is an inspiration. I love that last quote you shared. I have her beautiful picture book in my collection. I bought it in New York. 🙂
I’m so glad you have the book! Her last quote is hanging for me to see every day.
Perfect!
🙂
No… I didn’t know that Maya Angelou wrote a children’s book. And thank you for sharing that wonderful quote at the end.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
No I didn’t know Maya wrote a children’s book, but thank you as I’d love to get a copy for my little niece ❤
It’s a good book. Best to you, Debby. I hope you are well.
Thanks Jennie. I’m going to get a copy. 🙂
Maya Angelou never disappoints. 🙂
Never. “When they show you who they are – believe them.” ❤
Yes! 😍
How interesting that Maya wrote a children’s book. Did she have family in South Africa that she chose to write about a child living here?
I wondered the same thing. The book doesn’t say. It’s a wonderful story, with focus on hope and learning that people decorate their houses by painting with chicken feathers.
Interesting, I’ve never heard of that.
I wonder if it’s just a custom in that village. Of course the book is now back at the library so I can’t look it up for you.
I will look it up on my side as a general query. It interests me.
Let me know what you find out.
Beautiful! I need to find a copy of this book!
It is lovely. Thank you.
Really Nice book!
It is!
Yeah!