I was in California last week, the home state of Bev Bos, legendary early childhood advocate and mentor to thousands. She died the week before I spoke on Feb. 4, and it was fitting that I should be addressing a collection of cooperative preschools. Bev dedicated 50 years to leading the Roseville Community Preschool, a co-op preschool, in California. My hosts dedicated the evening as a tribute to Bev.

I suppose that in some ways, Bev helped write my first book. It’s OK Not to Share is filled with wisdom from the School for Young Children, a preschool in my hometown in Columbus, Ohio. Bev Bos was a great friend to SYC and all the teachers there. They visited each other’s programs and spread inspiration.

It’s OK Not to Share had many mentors: Mr. Rogers from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Bev Bos, Haim Ginott, teachers from SYC who’d taught 30 and 40 years in the classroom. Some of these inspirations I met, some of them I’ve never met, but their ideas have lived and spread. That’s the power of a true mentor. Someone whose influence is not contained in a single life.

I never met Bev Bos, but I was looking forward to meeting her in April. We were both due to keynote at a wonderful Play conference in Washington, DC. Now the rest of us need to carry that spark on.

Who are your mentors – in life, writing or early childhood? Have you ever reached out to thank this amazing person?