Welcome to today’s episode!

Today on the Lil' Leaders Podcast, meet Harriet! She’s a young girl with a huge heart, on a mission to make sure everyone feels included and loved. Through her charity work, Harriet proves that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity and make the world a better place. Be inspired by her understanding of how important it is to life others up. Let's get started!

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. Don't Be Afraid To Drop

Author: Julia Cook                                       Illustrator: Anna Laura Sullivan

What happens when one little raindrop finds the courage to let go?

Way up in the sky, Hopp the raindrop is scared of change. Hopp loves playing with his friends, riding on clouds, and being happy with his safe, predictable life. But he soon learns that staying where he is limits the impact he can have on those around him.

"You have so many gifts to share with the world, so many dreams to live. Take a chance little man, let go of this cloud. Discover the ways you can give."

Don't Be Afraid to Drop is a book for anyone who is at a transitional point in their life. From the kindergartener heading to school, to an adult nearing retirement, and everyone in between, this creative analogy provides all who read it with a positive perspective on change, taking risks, and giving back. There's so much good that can happen when we step beyond our comfort zones and try something new!

b. How To Make a Better World

Author: Keilly Swift                                       Illustrator: Jamie Margolin

Full of positive encouragement to find something you're passionate about and how to get started on making a big difference through small actions, this brilliant factbook for kids is a treasure trove of information and great advice. There's a lot that can be changed by just one person if you know what to do. If you are a kid with big dreams and a passion for what is right, you just might be a world-changer in the making! Through ideas as small as creating a neighborhood lending library to as important as public speaking and how to talk about politics, How to Make a Better World is a practical guide to activism for children. Well-written and divided into sections on You, Community, Environment, and more, this educational book helps children to look at what they might like to achieve, and the logical approach makes it easy to navigate if you want to tie topics up with school projects. Brightly illustrated inclusive art makes this factbook as visually appealing as its message. You can easily jump around without any loss of comprehension and dip in for short or longer periods. Learn about tricky social interactions like friendship fallouts, or bullying and how to maneuver them, or find out how to go about creating activist campaigns to tackle climate change or social injustice. If kids are to think positive thoughts and be part of movements for positive change, they need to be encouraged to do it. This book is full of wonderful facts about the world, presenting such positivity as cool, sensible, exciting, and achievable. The perfect starter book to activism for kids.

 Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. How does Harriet’s belief in "it shouldn’t have to happen to you to matter to you" resonate with you? Can you think of a time when you applied this in your life?

2. Harriet makes sure her brother, who is autistic, feels included. What are some ways we can promote inclusion for people of all abilities in our own communities?

3. Harriet’s charity work, like blessing boxes and Block Love Charlotte, shows her commitment to giving back. What causes or acts of kindness are you passionate about supporting?

4. How do you think Harriet balances her charity work, modeling, acting, and school at such a young age? What can we learn from her about time management and following multiple passions?

5. What are some ways you can encourage inclusivity and kindness in your everyday life, inspired by Harriet's story?

Have a great week!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina