Suddenly, I Found It! (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780996519076)

With bold, vibrant illustrations that take the reader on a fantastic journey following a string, Suddenly I Found It addresses the joy of discovery and a little boy's appreciation for the gifts found within. The poetic cadence and repetitive phrases help children remember that if the gift is out of sight, you must always "keep looking." You may have to move things around and also face your fears, yet an opportunity to find a gift awaits the seeker on every adventure. The discovery of those gifts, when combined with a smile, creates sustainable changes toward stronger individuals, families, and communities around the world.

Genese Clark creates a story of curiosity and exploration to reinforce the benefit of a strengths-perspective. By identifying one's strengths, an individual is acknowledging what they have rather than what they are lacking. Though the main character begins his journey in search of something he thought he did not have, he soon realizes that his "gifts" connect to his string and his heart keeps making it appear. Whether a child is climbing a tree, whispering into a dog's ear, or imagining the possibilities that lie beyond the stars, the simple pleasures of life hold within them priceless gifts.

This approach to life is the building block to the family strengths approach, which utilizes universal strengths found in strong families around the world. Research shows that commitment, spiritual wellbeing, positive communication, time together, appreciation and affection, the ability to manage stress and crisis, as well as, leadership and the arts as emerging traits among engaged families. Those traits are vital for creating and maintaining successful family systems.

Playfully and creatively, this book highlights qualities found within those family strengths while teaching children and adults to identify and validate their internal assets.