Several years ago, an article in the New York Times, “For Better Social Skills, Scientists Recommend a Little Chekhov,” suggested that good literature enhances one’s development of empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence. I think of this often since, as “Nana,” it is my joy to send picture books to my three grandchildren in Los Angeles. I regularly send all kinds of books — funny, sad, celebratory, supportive, challenging, inspiring — because I want my munchkins to experience, deep in their bones, the power of story, language, and art with all the wonder and possibility there is in this world. And I want them to grow up to be kind and thoughtful human beings.

Since my grandchildren are too young for Chekhov, I put the picture book, “A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen” by Erin Frankel on my list of books to send. They could learn how a small boy, through his love of family, community, and cooking, grew up to be a great chef who chose to use his talents to feed hungry people in different parts of the world. They would see the creation of World Central Kitchen and think about how someday they, too, might do something important and good.

I could not imagine, even after all the horrific news about the genocidal (yes, genocidal) attacks on Palestinians, that the beautiful people of World Central Kitchen would be slaughtered because they wanted to feed starving Palestinian children and their families. I ask myself what I should do with Erin Frankel’s book now. I do not want my little loved ones to learn that children who grow to be kind get killed. Yet, it seems that empathy is not enough.

Leslie Dwyer
Talent