Andrew Newman’s book, A Little Light (illustrated by Rosie Balyuzi), offers a profound reminder of the importance of keeping keiki (children) at the center of our work. This can be challenging in a system often fragmented by billing, departmental divides, grant constraints, and the equity barriers faced by families in rural and remote communities. One book page reads, “They often looked at parts and forgot about the whole.” This is a powerful reflection for anyone caring for a child, particularly one navigating difficult times. It gently calls on those with kuleana (privilege and responsibility) to “bring out the light” in our children.
The book also introduces a trauma-informed approach right from the start with “Snuggle Breathing,” a practice that begins with the reader and child sharing breaths. The text encourages us to say, “I breathe for me, I breathe for you, I breathe for us, I breathe for all that surrounds us,” creating a grounding and calming presence. This is an ideal way to start a bedtime routine with a young child.
The story ends with a simple but resonant message: “Turn on your inner light switch.” Of all the books in Andrew Newman’s Bedtime Club series, this one stands out for its soothing message and the calming practice it teaches. There’s also a narrated version available on YouTube, with the author offering calming tips alongside the story.
We know the importance of bedtime routines, storytime, gentle reminders to breathe, and a bit of reflection time to think about the clients we serve. I hope this book may "shed a little light" on your work.
Mahalo,
Danny
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