by EMILY MELTON
Lifestyles Editor

Many people scoff at the idea of reading a book written for a child, failing to realize the deeper meanings that lie beneath their brightly colored covers.

For advice, many turn to friends, family, counselors, self-help books, columnists and prayer circles.
But when in doubt, remember “The Little Engine that Could.”

Though your weight may seem heavy and your climb steep, though the odds may be against you and though you may not even believe in yourself, the little engine could do it. Why can’t you?

If you still need a boost of confidence, question your intelligence and fear the future, put your worries aside.

According to Dr. Seuss, there are many things you can think. But “Oh, the places you’ll go!”

When watching your weight, don’t forget what happened to the “Very Hungry Caterpillar” before it turned into a butterfly (though I think exercise would have helped).

If you have trouble finding something, whether you simply misplaced an old coat or you’ve been trying to put your finger on something deep within yourself, remember: you found Waldo, so you can probably locate just about anything.

When learning, it’s okay to be curious.

Though it may have killed the cat, it certainly didn’t kill George, so, in most cases, you’re probably okay, too.

If you doubt the worth of an animal, don’t forget how “Charlotte’s Web” saved Wilbur, and keep in mind the ability one person has to make a change.

If you have misbehaved or caused trouble, or feel your life has gone astray, go to “Where the Wild Things Are,” conquer them and be home in time for dinner.

When you have a fight or when you just feel like being plain-old mean, remember that it is so much friendlier with two.

(Winnie the Pooh is also resourceful in times of loss. See: “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”)

And then, probably my most favorite of all time, probably the epitome of a book chock full of advice: “The Giving Tree.”

When you have done as much for someone as you possibly can, when you think you can do no more and you think you have nothing else that you could possibly give, find something to do anyway.

And you will be happy.  

Because the bad guy never wins.

Just read a book by Roald Dahl.

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