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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Miss Rumphius summary
Barbara Cooney
Brief summary
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney is a heartwarming children's book that teaches the importance of making the world a more beautiful place. It reminds us that we all have the power to leave a lasting legacy through small acts of kindness and beauty.
Table of Contents
Miss Rumphius
Summary of key ideas
A Grandfather’s Influence
In Miss Rumphius, Barbara Cooney introduces us to the intriguing character of Alice Rumphius, known by her small community as “the Lupine Lady.” The story begins with a young Alice living in a city by the sea, with the influence of her grandfather who came from far across the sea. He cultivated a fascination for travel in Alice and shared with her tales of far-off places. A vision was thus planted in Alice: to one day travel the world as he had, and finally settle down in a place by the sea.
Her grandfather, however, had one more hope for Alice. He wished for her to do something more than just traveling and living by the sea. His advice, strung throughout the narrative, was a duty to make the world more beautiful. This advice would play a significant part in her life journey.
Travel and Discoveries
As Alice grew up, she remained true to her dreams. Taking the name Miss Rumphius, she traveled extensively just as she once dreamed. Her adventures took her to towering mountains, vast deserts, and thick tropical forests. She encountered different cultures, met diverse people, and broadened her understanding of the world. But, as time passed, she began feeling a pull to settle down as her grandfather did.
Miss Rumphius finally found her place by the sea and set down roots. Fulfilling her life's second ambition, she had put an end to her travels. Yet, she recalled the third part of her grandfather's advice - to do something to make the world more beautiful.
Fulfilling the Grandfather’s Advice
Now living by the sea, Miss Rumphius sought a way to fulfill her grandfather's third wish. The answer came unexpectedly after she recovered from an illness and a springtime walk revealed an invigorating sight of blue and purple lupines in the wild. She was then struck with an idea – if she could populate her town with these beautiful flowers, she'd make her world more beautiful.
She ordered five bushels of lupine seeds and began sowing them all over her town, determined to add a dash of color to the landscape. She scattered the seeds in fields, along country lanes, near schoolhouses, and around the town. Her efforts bore flowers that turned the landscape into a sea of purple, blue, and rose.
Legacy of the Lupine Lady
Many years passed, and Miss Rumphius grew older, but lupines continued to bloom every spring. Children from the town would visit her, eager to hear the stories of her adventures. One such visitor, her young niece dubbed "Alice," was particularly enthralled by her life.
In the end, Miss Rumphius passed on her grandfather's invaluable advice to her niece: to travel the world, settle in a place she loves, and do something to make the world more beautiful. The book ends with young Alice echoing her aunt's sentiment and becoming the next bearer of this virtuous purpose. Miss Rumphius is, therefore, a heartwarming tale about fulfilling personal dreams and contributing to the landscape of one's community in an act of sheer beauty.
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What is Miss Rumphius about?
Miss Rumphius is a heartwarming children's book about a woman who seeks to make the world more beautiful. Through her travels and experiences, she learns the importance of leaving a positive mark on the world and inspires others to do the same. With beautiful illustrations and a powerful message, this book encourages readers to find their own way to make the world a better place.
Miss Rumphius Review
Miss Rumphius (1982) by Barbara Cooney is a delightful children's book that teaches valuable life lessons. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The beautiful illustrations bring the story to life, captivating both children and adults alike.
- The inspiring message about making the world a better place encourages readers to think about how they can contribute to their communities.
- The endearing character of Miss Rumphius serves as a role model for children, showing them the importance of pursuing their dreams and leaving a positive mark on the world.
Who should read Miss Rumphius?
- Anyone seeking inspiration to make a positive impact on the world
- Readers who enjoy beautifully illustrated books
- People who appreciate stories about personal growth and embracing one’s passions
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Miss Rumphius FAQs
What is the main message of Miss Rumphius?
The main message of Miss Rumphius is the importance of making the world more beautiful.
How long does it take to read Miss Rumphius?
The reading time for Miss Rumphius varies, but it can be read in a few hours. The Blinkist summary takes only 15 minutes.
Is Miss Rumphius a good book? Is it worth reading?
Miss Rumphius is a delightful book worth reading. It is a gentle reminder to create beauty in the world.
Who is the author of Miss Rumphius?
The author of Miss Rumphius is Barbara Cooney.
How many chapters are in Miss Rumphius?
There are no titles for chapters in Miss Rumphius.
How many pages are in Miss Rumphius?
Miss Rumphius contains 32 pages.
When was Miss Rumphius published?
Miss Rumphius was published in 1982.
What to read after Miss Rumphius?
If you're wondering what to read next after Miss Rumphius, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
- All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
- The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
- Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
- Moms Mean Business by Erin Baebler and Lara Galloway
- Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
- Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
- Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
- The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller