A great children's book with important lessons
930124
Every time I babysit my younger cousin, we always enjoy reading together. It gives us something to bond over since we both love books, but it also helps her improve her reading as well. I always try to pick up a book with a deeper life lesson in it, and I really enjoyed the lesson this book offers. It's about a group of birds, all unique in their own way struggling to find true happiness. They learn to appreciate the happiness in their differences and from within. I think it sends a powerful message, especially in todays world's where children can struggle with fitting in.
1455200
I love this little book with big messages for our children.  This book explores a number of behaviors that build character in our children, while pointing to unacceptable behaviors in non-judgmental way.  The authors explain what certain healthy and unhealthy behaviors are, and why it's important to exhibit healthy behaviors.  There are wonderful examples in this book of the behaviors children should engage in that show respect for themselves and others.  Bullying is a big issue for our children, and the authors have it covered.  They explain the behavior, and offer children strategies for handling this kind of situation. Each chapter has important lessons for the young reader, a conclusion at the end of the chapter, and a very short quiz. This is great as it helps parents know if their young one understood what they read.  Wonderful lessons in this book that helps children develop healthy character, informs them about the consequences of their behavior, teaches respect, good habits and so much more.  This book is for my grandchildren.  Thank you Madeleine and Britt Howard!
3595459
What an adorable story with a beautiful lesson.
Marcus, the little monkey, rather play than eat. After he visits all his friends, he learned a valuable lesson. The neighbor's grass is not always greener ! He returned home with a new appropriation to the food his mom prepared for him.
This story will also teach little kids to count. Very recommended !
3453199
I love this book and have bought it for nieces, nephews, friends and grandchildren.  Not only is it a fun book to read (or sing), it has a very important lesson.  No matter the obstacle in front of us -- tall grass, snowstorms, or mud -- we have got to go through it.  A good life lesson for any age.
3865053
An early lesson, well-told and beautifully illustrated, about realizing what is important in life and not getting distracted by objects. The jungle animals in this story will appeal to children and parents alike, leading easily to discussions about the hazards of materialism - at least, this is what happened in our family. There was a secondary lesson which we discussed on how easily the animals slipped into negative talk, with bragging and complaining when they got bored. The story gently highlights how slipping into that habit made all of the animals more unhappy. Learning to be grateful and happy with what they have is a tremendous lesson for everyone to remember and this story delightfully opens up the conversation with even the youngest family members.
4738299
This is a great little book which has an important moral. It's a great way to discuss values with your child. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and engaging.
2906210
I first discovered this book while working in a daycare center. The children loved the characters of Ann and Andy, and I loved that it taught excellent lessons regarding manners and proper behavior. I don't know how many times I read this book to the children. The book deals with the correct way we should treat others (a quality so lacking in today's society) and does so by providing little rhyming scenarios that Ann and Andy face. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to teach proper manners and treatment of others to children, but since it is out of print it will not be easy to find. I am so thankful that I have my own copy to read to my children.
2572747
This lovely, gentle story teaches children valuable lessons: that community cats don't want to be touched and are not suited for adoption, yet their lives have value; that these cats can have a fine quality of life with the help of a sympathetic and responsible caregiver; and that spaying and neutering is a crucial part of their care. The Q&A structure of this story will make it easy for kids to identify with the characters and understand the key points.

It's apparent that the backstory here is a classic one where the cats were there before the caregiver came along, he took the humane and responsible approach to dealing with them, and he derives emotional satisfaction from caring for these non-cuddly yet special animals. He sets a great example for the kids -- also it's nice that the author and illustrator chose a good-looking young man as the adult mentor, because in the real world caregivers comprise a diverse group that defies the "crazy cat lady" stereotype. Kudos to the author and to the illustrator for guiding and inspiring the next generation of compassionate TNR caregivers!
1893174
Shelley Admont is a successful mom and a successful creator of children's books that are for both entertainment and lessons for behavior for children. In this book she has wisely engaged illustrators Sonal Goyal and Sumit Sakhuja who provide wonderful images for Admont's story.

We're back with the bunnies - Jimmy has a birthday and his brothers want to join in the opening of his presents, Jimmy respond, `"Don't touch it! It's my train!" he cried. "All these presents are MINE!"  Jimmy's brothers go outside to play, leaving Jimmy alone with his toys. But Jimmy has problems assembling his train and needs assistance. Noting his brothers playing basketball in the yard he is amazed at their using one ball to have such fun. Realizing that they are sharing in order to have fun the concept seeps in. When rain comes and the brothers come inside, their mother brings out the remaining small piece of birthday cake - and Jimmy shares it with his family. And all is well!

Nice story, nice illustrations, nice lessons. Just what we have learned to expect from Shelley Admont. Grady Harp, February 15
4790301
The book is simple to read, but has depth that is not usually seen in children's books. The author does a great job in teaching life lessons wrapped into a cute children's story.
4935619
I'm giving this children's picture book 4 stars for just two reasons: One, the illustrations are wonderful. The watercolor art is bright, quirky, cute, and engaging. I think children would enjoy looking at the pictures of Pinky Doodle Bug and her friends. Two, I like the theme very much and feel it is important for children to figure out the best way to embrace and express their creativity. Pinky is a character with whom kids can relate; she makes some mistakes, but she learns how to channel that creative streak of hers in a more helpful way.

So, if illustrations and theme are the most important aspects of children's lit in your family, you will probably enjoy this book as much as I did.
2808447
"Timothy the Christmas Mouse" is a wonderful little book with an important message. At first, Timothy had a great life with a family of people who left enough food for him when he was hungry. But things changed when the family moved away. Being a clever little fellow, Timothy decides to go out looking for something to eat. He shares his yummy discovery with many animals he meets in his travels. Timothy is generous with the food he finds. Then something happens to make him sad.  In the end, Timothy gets a surprise. It's a lovely story,  with an important message.
Small children will love this story and it's bright colorful illustrations! I thoroughly enjoyed it and give it my highest recommendation.
Reviewed by children's author, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
2277161
A very well written and illustrated book, I am really thankful to the author who kept the story simple with great life lessons. The little reader will be able to relate to Muhiima which is important so that the child can understand the values mentioned in the book. I also like how the author was able to marry culture and Islam without overstepping. I highly recommend this book!
4522154
There are so many wonderful lessons in this book for children to learn.  I loved that Kathy helps youngsters understand that different is good and acceptable.  In this day and age of much diversity, it is a very important and good lesson to learn at a young age...embrace diversity.  It also shows how to take action, in an acceptable manner, for something you believe in.  Wonderful lessons for young people to learn.  I love the questions at the end of the book to help start a discussion of all the lessons that this wonderful book has to offer.  The colorful illustrations make this book a real keeper!
714656
A nicely illustrated book with a powerful message of obedience and the possible consequences of not listening to your parents. What a great way to share an important lesson with your kids. Nicely done, Chuka.
695686
Grannys Guitar is a delightful childrens book that teaches positive life values at a young age.  In the story, Amandas prized teddy bear is snatched away by a bully.  In her quest to find her teddy bear, Amandas granny tells her an amazing story of a lost guitar and teaches her the value of having a positive outlook in the midst of a sad situation.

As the book unfolds, it beautifully illustrates how it is possible for many blessings to come from one sad encounter.  After all, if Granny hadnt lost her guitar, she never would have met her husband, and had Amandas mother, who in turn had Amanda.  As granny tells the story, the look on Amandas face is priceless as she realizes the possibility of blessings.

In reading, I discovered a secondary moral to the story too.  It shows the respect that Amanda has for her granny.  And, can teach children to always listen to their elders as they were young once and have much to teach us.

As a grown-up, I must admit that I also enjoyed this book.  The illustrations brilliantly conveyed the mood of each scene.  At the beginning, the bright colors projected Amandas joy with her teddy bear.  As the bully takes it, the colors turn darker.  Then, they slowly brighten once again as Amanda realizes the possibilities of blessings, ending in a scene that conveys paradise.

Overall, Grannys guitar is a heartwarming, magical childrens book.  It would be an excellent resource to include in the homeschooling curriculum of pre-school age children.
2695668
This is an amazing book with a lot of amazing illustrations and valuable lessons from cover to cover. The more I read it, the more I understand the lessons it's teaching the readers. I wish it an amazing success and hope it give us all good lessons in a simple and fun way.