By: Arika Linton, Contributing Writer
Meet Endeah Canty, the Michigan native and 15-year automobile industry veteran tackling the world of children’s literacy through her book, The Magical Shell. Canty talks with the Michigan Chronicle about preserving creativity and introducing a diverse lens to children’s minds everywhere.
Michigan Chronicle: Endeah, as a huge advocate for literacy, talk to us on the importance of why every child needs a favorite book.
Endeah Canty: Establishing children’s love for reading and books at an early age is crucial. Reading physical books where babies and children can reach out and see, smell, and touch what they hear allows them to interact and connect with learning and language. The ability to start to identify the letters that form words that create sentences is key to children’s success. Reading to children and allowing them to connect to books equips them with the skills of language, vocabulary, listening, focusing, interacting, processing ideas, and utilizing critical thinking. Having a favorite book not only ignites all of these great traits but will help children be more successful in school and their adult lives.
Michigan Chronicle: You recently hosted a virtual bedtime story reading for your audience. What are some additional ways parents can inspire and encourage their children to develop a love for reading?
Endeah Canty: My answer to this is more personal. I buy books for my daughter as surprises. I enjoy seeing her face as she looks through the book to see what I decide to bring home. I also allow her to pick out books at fairs and events. This makes her feel independent in deciding what she wants to bring home. We discuss why she chose the books and when we will read them to create anticipation and excitement about something that she chose for us to enjoy. Because these situations don’t happen weekly, taking my daughter to the library bi-weekly is extremely beneficial. We sign up for reading programs at the library, and they have a list of books that will prepare your child for kindergarten, first grade, etcetera. I take her and allow her to interact with the games at the library. I allow her to help me find the book, scan them out and put them in the bag. This allows her to connect to the library and the whole experience of receiving the books before we even get them home to read. Once they are at home, I like to read them over a period of two weeks so that she connects with the books and helps us find new favorites to add to her list. Creating good memories around books is essential.
Michigan Chronicle: Your award-winning book, The Magical Shell, encourages children to believe in the importance of their dreams and imagination by encouraging each reader to explore nature and the world around them through diverse representation and a child’s lens. What importance can The Magical Shell add to a child’s library?
Endeah Canty: The Magical Shell adds adventure, education, self-independence, and freedom to every child’s library. The main character, Johnny, is relatable and fun to the adults and children that read the story. He comes from a loving family and is confident in himself to create his own fun and story and explore his surroundings with or without the engagement and support of others. His active imagination empowers the children to be encouraged and confident in using their own imaginations to the fullest extent. There are several stories and adventures that lie ahead for those who go outside to explore. As they are using their imaginations with confidence, they will realize that they are also storytellers and that they have the ability to use their minds to start molding their life expectations and reality.
Michigan Chronicle: As a mother and advocate for diversity and inclusion. What concerns do you have for your daughter and the next generation of students in the wake of the Supreme Court of The United States’ decision to eliminate race-based considerations for college admissions?
Endeah Canty: A variety of laws are being passed to water down Black culture, Back history and Black support. Black culture and Black history cannot be covered up or erased. As the system continues to cripple Black people, we will always find ways to triumph. We need to take more time to teach our children the truth rather than relying on the school’s stories. We need to unite and continue to create our opportunities by establishing our schools, our businesses, our scholarships, building our network, and making it standard practice to buy from, recommend, and support each other. I have already started on this path myself, not only by supporting other black-owned businesses but also by creating a line of children’s books that represent the variety of Black/Brown-skinned children and families in ways that will inspire and empower them at young ages. This will continue to evolve, allowing children to know their true power. Yes, the Supreme Court’s decision is disturbing, but we are a thriving people, and everything meant for our destruction will only lead us to our expansion along with greater wisdom, strength, and blessings.
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