As someone who volunteered at a mission that serves the homeless, it did not surprise Dalen Keys that he came up with an idea for a children’s story about homelessness.
What did surprise him was how it happened. “My wife and I were returning home from visiting friends, and this entire story literally popped into my brain,” Keys remembers. “I’ve never had this happen before. I couldn’t wait to get home and write it down.”
The story, Charles T. Cup (Winepress Publishing), illustrated by Ron Wheeler, is the story of a teacup who has it all, as the most important cup in the kitchen, until he gets chipped. “This is a story about falling from a life of comfort and wealth into a world of having nothing,” Keys says, “but then discovering what life is really about.”
With homelessness becoming more common in our society, Keys has noticed it is often hard to explain what it is to children. “I wanted to provide a story that opened the door to a conversation,” he explains. “I think it is very important for us to teach the importance of helping one another, including the homeless.”
On his website, Keys also provides a teacher’s guide and coloring pages. “We are hoping this can make the book a tool for teachers as they teach about social issues.”
The Mission as portrayed in the book’s artwork is based on the mission where Keys and his wife volunteer. Bringing all this to life fell to illustrator Ron Wheeler. “His artwork absolutely captivated me. He brought the manuscript to life,” Keys says. “I think that is the magic of children’s picture books: the integration of a beautiful story with wonderful artwork.”
Keys hopes this magic will help bring his message to life. “We have an obligation to demonstrate God’s love,” he says, “by caring for those less fortunate that are around us.”
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2012 issue of FamilyFiction digital magazine. Subscribe for free today!