Why Is Your child Not Gifted Or Talented

Every child wants to feel special and talented but, as parents, we know that finding a child’s hidden talent or gift can take time and energy. So what to do?

Joseph A. Osowski, author of the new children’s book The Ant with Red Pants, believes that giving children relatable examples of persistence and patience can help them understand that not everyone finds their talent early in life.

“Even if a child is told that he or she is special, it helps to have examples of other people who have struggled to find their talent or calling in life,” says Mr. Osowski. “Having a fun character to help show kids how to be persistent and patient is a great way to teach them.”

Mr. Osowski’s book, illustrated by Michael and Alicia Smith, is about an ant named Andrew who hides his legs, using red pants he’s made using a spider’s web and red berries, because he thinks they are too skinny to allow him to be a good worker ant.

“I’ve found that kids like hearing about characters like Andrew,” says Mr. Osowski. “It’s important that kids see that there is a place and purpose for everyone.”

In The Ant with Red Pants, Andrew learns to overcome his insecurities after he’s given a stern lecturing by the queen ant, who says that Andrew must help the colony prepare for winter. He does, and even becomes a hero when he uses his pants to cover the opening to the ant colony when the normal winter door won’t work.

“The moral of the story is how children can discover and celebrate their own personal gifts and talents in the face of seemingly long odds,” says Mr. Osowski. “That’s something we’ve all had to deal with in life.”

Joseph A. Osowski resides in eastern Connecticut with his wife, Ann Marie. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. Drawing from his own experiences, he hopes to build children’s confidence as they try to fit in with their peers in today’s society.

Illustrators Michael and Alicia Smith reside in eastern Connecticut with their two children, a boy and a girl. Michael works part-time and cares for their son, who has special needs. Alicia is an elementary-level art teacher in the town of Ledyard.

(The Ant with Red Pants by J.A. Osowski; ISBN: 1-59971-974-6; $15.95; 28 pages; 8” x 10”; hardcover; Baltic Books)

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J.A. Osowski

Baltic Books

Baltic Books

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