In a Minute by Marnie Kortuem
As adults, we often look back on our childhoods with rose-tinted glasses. But the truth is, for all the fun we had with toys and playtime, childhood has its own unique drawbacks. Kids can’t drive themselves to the playground whenever they want or cook the dinner they prefer to eat. School and homework are no walk in the park, either. And one of the most truly frustrating aspects of a kid’s childhood is when their favorite adults are too busy to spend time with them.
It’s that feeling of disappointment and rejection that’s inspired In a Minute by Marnie Kortuem (Barnes & Noble Press). Achingly earnest, the book captures children’s perspective — the wonder they feel at everyday life, even when it’s hard for adults to understand this point of view. Not only is it a narrative that children can relate to, but also an informative lesson to the adults reading the story alongside them.
Empowering Children to Speak Up for Themselves
Throughout In a Minute, the book’s unnamed protagonist has a lot of bright ideas. She has big plans for an elaborate blanket fort — even though it’s almost bedtime. She constructs a huge card tower on the kitchen table — even when it’s time to set the table. And she wants to play ball or make-believe with her parents. But between work, errands and chores, her parents simply tell her, “In a minute, I’m busy.”
This protagonist is tired of hearing no! Finally, after speaking up for herself and expressing her feelings, her parents get the message. “I promise,” her mom tells her as she ties on a cape to play make-believe, “no more in a minute and a lot more of letting you be you!”
To close out the story, author Marnie Kortuem includes a message directly to young readers. “The end of this story and the start of yours. Take time to talk to your grownups. Your voice is so important.” It’s a reminder to children that it’s okay to speak up for themselves when they’re unhappy with something — even if that means asking a loved one to do better.
A Children’s Book for Adults!
Written with family storytime in mind, In a Minute is aimed at adults and kids alike. With its childlike perspective, the book shows parents and guardians children’s unique way of looking at the world, unfettered by social conventions. Sometimes they make an unconventional request to wear rainboots on a sunny day. But in the grand scheme of things, that’s simply their way of enjoying the spontaneity of life — and it’s something we could all learn from them.
In a Minute serves as a gentle reminder to adults that spending quality time with their children means the world to little kids. It’s a suggestion to put the day’s schedule on hold sometimes and take part in an impromptu playtime. Taking a page from your child’s book and embracing the fun of the present is advice we could all stand to hear in these busy times. It seems that sometimes when it comes to parenting, it’s the young who end up teaching the old.
Marnie Kortuem, author, is a mother of two grow sons, step-mother to a wonderful step-daughter and grandmother to two wonderful little girls named Quinn and Karleigh. She lives in Minnesota and is always eager to take off on an adventure of any kind. The hope of this story is to inspire parents and guardians to slow down and enjoy the beautiful uniqueness that each young person possesses.
Katie Zellmer, illustrator, is a young mother of two amazing young girls, Willow and Sage. Katie is also from the great state of Minnesota. She is driven and immensely talented in many ways. Her artistic expression in this story is meant to appeal to all audiences.
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