Current Project

And So We Grow…Sowing Seeds to End Ageism

A reader’s guide to cultivating positive age beliefs in children

Illustration of a leafy tree with books stacked at its base. Text reads: "And So We Grow... Sowing Seeds to End Ageism. A Reader’s Guide to Using Storybooks to Cultivate Positive Age Beliefs in Younger Children.
Flyer with the heading "Aging is Rewarding." Text invites readers to grab a free copy of the book "How Old Is Mr. Tortoise?" featuring a smiling tortoise and snail with cake. Contact info and copyright details at the bottom.

The Opportunity

Ageism begins early, often shaped by the stories children hear and the images they see. Without positive representations of aging, younger minds absorb stereotypes that reinforce fear and bias toward growing older. To cultivate a more inclusive view of aging, we have to start by changing how children perceive aging and themselves as they grow older.

The Solution

We collaborated with Marsha Weiner to develop, micro-fund, and support the And So We Grow…Sowing Seeds to End Ageism Reader’s Guide. By introducing books like How Old is Mr. Tortoise through the Big Red Bookshelf Program, we help foster positive views of aging, highlight Vital and Involved People (VIPs) at any age, and encourage children to cultivate their inner VIP.

A woman in a red top speaks into a microphone in front of a projection screen displaying information about an event titled "And So We Grow... Sowing Seeds to End Ageism" at a community center.
A book titled "And So We Grow... Sowing Seeds to End Ageism" lies on a table. The cover features an illustrated tree and a stack of colorful books. The subtitle reads, "A guide for parents and caregivers to cultivate positive age beliefs.
A close-up of three books titled "And So We Grow" with illustrated trees on the covers, a few colorful bookmarks, and some stickers on a gray table. The largest book is spiral-bound.
A children's book titled "How Old Is Mr. Tortoise?" featuring an illustrated tortoise with a large cake is displayed upright on a table, surrounded by other books and electronic devices.
A brochure titled "And So We Grow... Sowing Seeds to End Ageism" rests on a colorful surface with birthday candle and cake illustrations. Part of a pink book cover with cartoon characters is also visible on the left.
A display table with stacks of children’s books, including “How Old Is Mr. Tortoise?” centered among other titles like "The Walk," "Berry Song," "Giant Island," and pamphlets offering a free book for kids.
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