Mum’s the Word

Mum’s the Word was written with the eager intent of providing a basis for discussion with young children, in order to help prevent sexual abuse or assault. I decided to write the story at the age of 63 while I was taking a class titled ‘Identifying Children at Risk’ as part of my studies at Talpiot College of Education. During our very first session, the professor, Dr. Sarit Shliselberg, explained the importance of keeping watch, of backing the victim and not standing idly by; as soon as class ended, I said to myself, Okay, it’s time, now it’s my turn to tell the story. This is my mission.
It was obvious to me when I started writing Mum’s the Word that it would be written with young children in mind, to help them understand that they should not be afraid to share how they feel and what they experience with the people around them – parents, friends, teachers. That they should not be ashamed or feel guilty, or think that they’ve done anything bad.
Mum’s the Word is about a family of lions – strong, resilient animals – because children take profound interest in animals. I also chose lions because my name is Ariella – the effeminate form of the name ‘Ariel,’ which means ‘lion of God’ – and my zodiac sign is Leo, making lions the natural choice.
The experiences of Leo, the young lion at the center of the story, should teach young readers how important it is to watch out for themselves and their friends, to support victims and not stand idly by. Familiarity with the thoughts and feelings of abused children and with ways of helping them might help identify the next incident and reduce harm as much as possible.
“It was for this reason that man was created unique, to teach you that anyone who destroys one life is considered by Scripture to have destroyed an entire world; and anyone who saves one life is as if he saved an entire world.” –Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5
 
Yours truly,
Ariella Miriam