SumthinWhittee
Hopefully Santa gives these out this year. Best gift to help counter the elementary school propaganda. #tuttletwins
Happy Monday!
It feels like I blinked, and it’s already the last week of June.
Man, we had it good when we were kids. Our summers were wide-open, and we were free as birds to ride our bikes, hang out with friends, and get into as much mischief as possible in those three glorious months of alarm-clock-free independence.
We learned life lessons and built our understanding of the world and our place in it far from the watchful eyes of adults. Sometimes we got in over our heads, but even those experiences taught us independence, problem-solving, and resilience.
I think we’ve done a disservice to kids today by making their lives overly structured, and by being too quick to swoop in and rescue them from discomfort or hardship.
I like the way I was raised. I think that in many ways the changes in childhood over the last couple of decades haven’t really been very good for the overall development and well-being of the rising generation.
One of the most common criticisms I hear about Tuttle Twins books from people who are only loosely familiar with them is that they are unrealistic because Ethan and Emily seem to have so much freedom and responsibility.
They say that it’s not believable for kids to navigate complex situations and solve problems without adults stepping in all the time.
But anyone who grew up like me knows that simply isn’t true. To borrow a phrase from our opponents in the culture war, this type of childhood is my “lived experience,” and it’s an experience I think more kids should have.
It’s the type of childhood we’ve normalized in our Tuttle Twins books.
Here are some examples:
The Tuttle Twins and their Spectacular Show Business
Ethan and Emily decide to buy and renovate a community theater. They quickly realize how tough entrepreneurship is as they face challenges in marketing, budgeting, and managing competition.
This book illustrates that with creativity, determination, and the right support, kids can indeed manage real entrepreneurial ventures. It teaches kids that there are adults who believe that they can grasp and execute complex business concepts when given the chance.
The Tuttle Twins and the Golden Rule
At summer camp, Ethan and Emily face challenges that test their understanding of empathy and fairness.
When the camp faces a serious threat from flooding, the twins and other campers step up to save the day. They devise and implement solutions to stop the rising water, with the adults depending on them to do the hard work.
Critics might think it’s a stretch for kids to resolve such serious issues independently, but this book shows how kids can develop strong moral compasses and problem-solving skills.
(It also teaches the concept of “blowback”… something that many adults don’t even understand!)
The Tuttle Twins and the Food Truck Fiasco
Ethan and Emily step up to help a friend save their food truck business from unfair regulations. They learn about economics, competition, and how to rally public support to overturn bad laws.
This book is based on real economic principles and demonstrates that kids can understand and influence significant issues. It’s a powerful example of how kids can actively participate in, and bring meaningful change to, their communities.
The Tuttle Twins and the Road to Surfdom
Ethan and Emily learn why a new road is causing problems for their favorite beach. They learn about the dangers of central planning and collectivist policies, drawing on lessons from F.A. Hayek’s classic, The Road to Serfdom.
This book teaches kids about the consequences of government overreach and the importance of individual liberty. It shows that children can grasp complex political and economic ideas and see their relevance in everyday life.
Each of these stories highlights the incredible potential of children to think critically, solve problems, and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Critics might find it unrealistic, but we believe that when kids are given the right tools and encouragement, they can achieve amazing things.
The Tuttle Twins books are designed to inspire young readers by empowering them with knowledge and confidence to tackle real-world issues.
Thanks for being a part of this journey and for believing in the incredible capabilities of kids to impact the present, and to build a future that is prosperous and peaceful!
— Connor
P.S. Check out the full Tuttle Twins collection to see how all of our stories inspire and empower the kids you love to be brave and bold builders of the future!
