"Listening can help you understand and get to know friends. It shows them that you care about their feelings in the same way that you want others to care about your feelings."

When Tia the butterfly sees her lightning bug friends playing hide-and-seek, she jumps to join in the fun! However, by the time she arrives by their side, they are taking a break. Impatience fills Tia, and she is so eager for play to resume that she has a hard time listening to Larry Lightning Bug's story! After Tia interrupts a couple of times, Tree pulls her aside to remind her of the value of mindful listening. Tia is grateful when her friends listen to her, and she wants to be thoughtful about their feelings as well, so she apologizes to Larry Lightning Bug and asks him to repeat his story. What better way to learn more about him and create a stronger, deeper friendship!

Everyone struggles to listen mindfully sometimes. Listen Up, Tia! gently reminds young readers why it's so important to practice active listening by paying attention when others are speaking and seeking to truly understand what they're saying. By reading this thoughtful story, children will be encouraged to care about others' feelings the way they want others to care about theirs by listening with mindful ears and an open mind.