Such a great message within the story
345764
One of the only cartoons that I watch with my son. Such a great message within the story. LOVE IT!!!!
1783381
I enjoyed reading this book very much, but for more than just the story.  I'm thankful for the message it sends.  As for the story, the author has captured the way people were during the 1960s very well:  the way that they thought, the way they spoke to one another, the way they lived, and the way society reacted to difficult circumstances on many levels.  As for the message, the author conveyed the very real and accurate struggle of what the consequences were when choosing life during an unplanned pregnancy.  Most importantly of all, she showed the value of every life.  I especially love that the author offered peace and help at the end of her book for those who live with grief.  This story is reminder to us all that there is hope!!
1467938
One of my all time favorites! Such a wonderful message!
2750987
This is a fantastic message.  I love being able to teach my 3 year old son about not making fun of other people through this story.  Much better to celebrate what we can do, than point out what other's can't.
1553090
This is a wonderfully fun story with great illustrations that kids and adults will enjoy.  It also relays a great message that sometimes the best things in life are already right in front of you - just open your eyes! Well done.
4537661
This book had many great messages to its readers. Stevie had many concerns that she was trying to juggle at one time.  As an adult, I don't if I could have handled it very well yet here she was a teen trying to keep it all together.  Her eating disorder, somewhere she feels she has control in her life, has landed her in rehab just when the anniversary of her brothers death is approaching.  She had big plans for this first anniversary and now her father pulled this on her.  Determined not to ruin her plans, she plays along with the rules of the camp but they're not as stupid as she thinks they are.  Shes persistent and she knows she only has a set number of days at the treatment center yet the staff sees the person hidden under her clothes, who will win this battle?  I truly enjoyed the conversation that Stevie has with Shrink; I feel this message spoke volumes.  Shrink tells Stevie that she needs to quit wearing labels, and that she is not responsible for everything that occurs in her life and that she needs to quit beating herself up and move forward in her life.  Shrink speaks from the heart; she lets herself go and tells Stevie the things she needs to hear. The truth is finally spilled out for her.  Shrink is there, she never gives up on her even when Stevie is at her worse.  Stevie is a locked box, so closed up, her walls so tall that someone needs to break them down to find the person that needs someone badly.  Stevie does find joy, its those moments in the novel where she is actually having a good time, Im smiling and I realize there is hope.
2695335
The message in this book is one to take to heart, especially in our society. Everything is more, more, more and what is truly important is overlooked.  The story is very to the point, very well written and really a relevant lesson for any age.
918901
Before I read this to my kids I read it to myself and I must say, such a powerful message. I recommend this to anyone. The author did a great job and my kids loved it! "Perfection is in the eye of the seeker." Well done!
3778587
Great idea, with a great message..my family and I really loved reading it!
3431964
This is such a wonderful story and fantastic addition to the Princess Parables stories. Follow Princesses Joy, Hope, Grace, Faith and Charity as they prepare for an elaborate Easter celebration, meet their new neighbors (yay!!! introducing 5 princes to the series!), go on an adventure and learn that just as Jesus gave his life for us, He wants us to live our lives to help others and reach out to those in need. You won't be disappointed!! The illustrations are beautiful and the message even more so!
3835341
Note - I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The message of this book is wonderful, who among us doesnt need a reminder that it is better to give than to receive.  Karen uses stories from her life that are very relatable to show who in our lives might need extra love.  Her tips aren't fancy; they're things we can all do!  Everyone should read this book and it would make a great addition to church & public libraries.
3686990
Great story and wonderful message. I read this book with my High School students this year. To Be Frankie held their attention and had my students excited for the next chapters. It has a great message for my students and I recommend this read for all ages. Check it out!!
4474191
I've read this book too my three kids and they all love the message. It's very reassuring to know that your parents love you no matter what you do. I use the story a lot whenever we have a little mishap!  Beautiful illustration too.
4476727
I rated Odd Duck with 5 stars because I feel that the story brings a much-needed message. These two ducks find their way through a negative viewpoint or two, instigated by a comment they overhear, and discover that their differentness will not end their friendship. They value one another and realize that there is room for more than one viewpoint. The illustrations are great, adding so much to the story. I would recommend this book to anyone, since the fresh, breezy illustratiions carry the story along and points are made in an easy, humorous way.
1632419
I love the positive concept of the story. Very encouraging for our youth that except giving up as an option and the value of positive people who influence each other. The art work is beautiful. The colors are bright and stick out while reading, which brings more attention to detail of the artwork. Love it!
4444098
I remember reading this book about two years ago and being sucked into the life that Connor led and the relationship between him and Jared. But what really stuck with me after all these years is the very beautiful, hopeful message of self-acceptance. Connor had to find his way after finally getting a more fulfilled life then it being taken away. But during this journey of standing up for himself, he had to realize being an introvert and being socially challenged made him no less of a person, no less worthy of more.

His forgiveness of Jareds behavior was nothing short of who he was but showed a level of maturity and understanding I don't think most full-grown adults get. The author really took us on a journey in this story and one that has always stuck with me. Im not any of the things that Connor was, but I still felt for him, connected with him, and cheered for him, Jared too. Thats the mark of a fantastic story that becomes a must read.

The authors writing style and craft in building this story was more than beautiful, and I hope that you take a chance on her and read Connor and Jareds story!
3698766
The Boy and the Sea, by Orna Gadish, is a poignant story with a beautiful message for growing children. It is also a message for adults who feel a little down on their luck. Its a story about abundance around us. Its a message about what got us started in life, and what sustains us onward. The ending is a reminder that we never lose touch with who we really are.

I have always believed that stories such as this, especially stories for children, need to contain a moral message. Such messages hidden or woven into the story line sink into the psyches of the young. The messages help children in their decision making processes as they grow and mature.

The sea, the fish, sand castles, and other symbols, as well as the art, will appeal to the young and hold their attention. I can see this story becoming a favorite of children, read time and again.