Excellent addition to any character lesson!
583466
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I love this book!  It is an intriguing story for children, and it teaches them how each person is special.  The examples in the book are easily related to children's normal lives.  Perfect for any lessons pertaining to not judging others, acceptance, bullying, loneliness, and self confidence.
2393491
This book focuses on Wonders adventures and the experience and knowledge he gains on these journeys.  During Wonders adventures he meets and encounters many intriguing animals; some of these include a crow, bear, owl, ram, otters, coyotes, and many others.  Each journey brings a new lesson, message, insight, and experience.

Wonder or better nicknamed as Wander is such an adorable, fun spirited and adventurous character!  Wonder is the main character of this book and he is a cute, small, white goat.  I loved Wonders sense of adventure and curiosity!  He sounded just like a real little kid with lots of endless questions!  He always wanted to learn and explore the unknown.  I also really liked that Wonder was raised with manners which shows such a great example of positive character traits.  Wonder spends most of his time with his best friend/side kick, Mac Craack, nicknamed MC who is a crow and his teacher, Oren, an elderly, but extremely wise goat.  I liked how well these characters worked together and played off each other.

I loved how well this book was broken up; lots of short chapters.  I constantly found myself saying, Okay just one more chapter its only a few more pages LOL!

I really enjoyed the quotes and lessons in this book!  I think there is always room for self-improvement and that learning isn't just done in the classroom.  This book shows how you can learn from anyone and anywhere.  This book shows that there are still valuable lessons to be learned and personal growth to be achieved.  I found answers, inspiration, and guidance in this book.

A quick and easy, but very enjoyable read!  The passages are so well detailed it is very easy to picture the story happening!  Although this book addresses complex lessons, it is simple to understand and follow.

I would absolutely recommend this book to BOTH adults and children.  I think this would make a great storybook for adults and children to read together and discuss the lessons.  There aren't many books that I can re-read, but this book is the exception!  I can definitely see myself re-reading this book several times and still learn something new each time over!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
1144750
I really liked this simple story with engaging illustrations that brought the story to life. The lessons are clear, timeless and beautifully intertwined yet simply taught. Creativity, listening to the wisdom of others, adventure, service and hard work without forgetting the fun of life. A fun, simple and great story to teach timeless values.

I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are honest and entirely my own.
1540799
I am a mom of 4 and we have been homeschooling for 12 years now. I was so excited to get a copy of this book as it contains such wonderful teaching. We have grown to love and appreciate history...real history...and how wonderful it is to be able to read about real people, with real integrity and true character...and that the focus is on the character of the person, amidst an interesting yet often challenging time in history. This book is laid out in an easy to read format but rich in word pictures so as to strengthen our children's "brain muscle" (we call it!), and then relate it to the character trait we are working on in our home. It's so handy to just pick it up and read to the children, capturing their attention, while learning and teaching about a trait that we are needing ... they never forget a good story which then reminds them of true character! Thanks for putting together this needed tool to strengthen our children, families, homes, and nation!
2358701
I love this book, as it offers mature lessons that I value but haven't seen in other picture books at this level.  The main character is resourceful and finds a way to earn the money to do what he wants most -to rent a bike.  He learns that riding a bike takes practice, and he applies himself to the task.  In time, he earns the bike stall owner's trust, and ultimately, forgiveness.  And in forgiveness, the owner apprentices the boy and teaches him to build his own bike.  I like to see the boy asking forgiveness and for a chance to make amends by working off a debt.  These lessons seem to be from another era, but they are lessons that will resonate for most parents.  My three year old son is awakening to the question, "How do I get what I want in this world of adults?" and the lessons here clearly resonate with him.  I highly recommend this book.
2022119
THE LAST BULLY (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH - An Inspiring Sea Adventure for Young Children) was a great read for my kids and I.

I have 3 small kids and they would let me read books to them all day! So they were just as excited about this review as I was!

Not only is it a positive book for little ones to hear and read, but it's about character education. I love any book that isn't simply about shapes and color but teaches the reader a life lesson they can take with them...all wrapped up in a children's book. It was smartly written and still young enough for a little one to grasp. This book was about how Hugo the starfish that tells your kids a great lesson on bullying and how, as a team, we can overcome this problem.

Suzy Liebermann has created this exciting series of charming books about HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH to teach kid's important lessons, instill self confidence, and learn respect.
The series of books on character education aims to help educate children about their feelings, their attitude, their choices and the consequences that follow and includes an introduction to the Spanish language, lessons of character, ecological alertness and life skills--all amid a backdrop of a colorful island and mystical underwater world.

I know bullying is such a big problem in schools today so teaching your kid's about it at a young age is important so they will be prepared when it happens to them or someone they know. I think it's important our kids know how to handle these tough sitations and through this book the conversation can be started.
2333832
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the incorporation of Buddhist quotes that perfectly apply to Zen as he tackles his latest challenge (walking, talking) and also on a much larger scale.  The author obviously spent some time finding the right quotes to use as exactly the right time in the story.

The illustrations remind of Todd Par, who also strives to teach valuable and complex lessons to children (and adults) through seemingly simple language and stories.

Looking forward to learning more with Zen!
4424134
My students truly enjoyed the story.  The universal theme that no one is perfect and we can all use some help is a wonderful lesson for students.  The true friendship between Max and Kevin is also a good lesson for students.  I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good read and doesn't mind an occasional tissue break!
1949842
I had the pleasure of reading this story to my kindergarten class, and they LOVED it! Any story that is captivating and entertaining to 5-year-olds all the while teaching them important life skills is a book that has a permanent place on my bookshelf! I truly appreciate the story's ability to introduce problem solving skills to students who often struggle to acknowledge that they ARE capable to working things out on their own. This story also led to a class discussion about what it means to be a good friend, which is an important conversation in a world where there aren't always many positive examples of true friendship.
4888331
This wonderful book is able to take complex and abstract psychological processes (mindfulness and compassionate self-acceptance as examples) and present them in an engaging and understandable manner that even young children can understand. I particularly like that the Want Monster is approached as a friendly and benevolent creature and not something to be afraid of, attacked or denied. As a therapist, this is how I encourage my clients to treat all of their feelings; rather than deny or fight them, simply "name them to tame them."

There is playfulness and joy on every page of this book, with a unique tone that has a distinctive voice and is full of heart. I think it's a wonderful resource for kids (and adults) of all ages.

--Matt Casper, MFT. Psychotherapist and author of the children's book series, Emotes!
1569093
Character matters. Character is learned, not inborn.  In terms of teaching character, actions speak louder than words.  In "Lessons Kids Need to Learn",  David Staal uses these principles to help parents examine different life lessons that not only build character, but build resilience in children (and adults).  He emphasizes the importance of acting out positive character traits, not merely talking about them.

Staal pairs complementary character traits, talks about what they mean, and uses examples from his own family, from articles and memoirs, and from focus groups conducted with parents and teens.

Staal's 6 lessons are drawn from basic Judeo-Christian values, but this is not simply a Christian parenting book.  Any reader who believes that children need a good foundation to thrive will find much to like here:

*  Believe that you matter -- Live like others matter more
*  Appreciate those who serve you -- Make serving others a priority
*  Forget unimportant stuff -- Remember life has consequences
*  Be a people person -- Be your own person
*  Find your unique fit -- Find out you can fail
*  Always speak up -- Only speak the Truth

"Lessons" includes heart lessons that are vital to healthy living: never lose hope, appreciate others, and practical lessons that help children get along in life: make eye contact, listen to others, a firm handshake makes a good impression.

Staal's book is not only valuable for the content, his writing voice is highly readable and lends itself well to discussion and reflection. (Keep a highlighter handy.)  To this end he includes 2-3 questions after each chapter.  The format of this book is suitable for individual study or for parents/caregivers to read together.  It would make a fantastic small group study for parenting groups in (or out of) the church.

Endnotes are included so that readers can find the original articles or books from which Staal pulls some of his quotes and statistics.

If you only read one parenting book this year (or ever), make it this one.
536578
My children loves books.  My 3 year old daughter and I read every night before bed and it gives us quality time together.  It also helps teach her to read.  I especially love books that offer lessons within their pages.  Hugo The Happy Starfish books do just that.

Hugo The Happy Starfish: The Last Bully teaches respect to children and how to deal with bullying.  The story is amazing and really shows how one person (or little starfish) can make a BIG difference.  The story is very cute and teaches a great life lesson. The illustrations are very well done as well.  The character development is so great.  There is one line that is repeated each time a fish is bullied and I personally love it, "RESPECT!  Don't bully!  What goes around comes around and there's always a bigger fish in the ocean!" Hugo the little starfish stuck up for his friends when they needed it and formed the ABC (Anti Bully Club).
Suzy Lieberman, the author, is genius and has created a whole series of Hugo books that help build character in kids.  I love that she even includes Spanish phrasing in her book to encourage the love of language.

Disclosure: I was provided with a free sample of this product to review, and was under no obligation to review it.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.  All opinions are my own.
3509228
This is such a great book!! My Class loved it!! This book captured the children's attention as well as provide a great lesson to love yourself the way you are. Definitely recommend!
3953908
I actually bought this for my daughter at a library sale and it was such a wonderful buy! I love the message, for any age, including me when I get upset I cant say negative things and this reminds me and teaches my 6 year old that saying not nice things is hurtful. I love the rhythm of the story and how well it flows. I am also not a religious person but believe in good morals and this book does a wonderful job of teacher them. Looking for other books by the same author on Amazon and just thought Id share my thoughts :)
3159204
Excellent life lesson story with superb illustrations!
1049736
I recieved this book from a giveaway and absolutely love it! I read it to my special needs class of 3rd and 4th graders as part of our Community Meeting. This book fit perfectly in our discussion about being a kind friend. This book provided a lot of great discussions for my classroom of kiddos. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to teach children about the importance of kindness and respect.
4490428
This is a great book to teach positive character eduction to high school students.  It has some very valuable information and insight on making positive changes to improve teen's behaviors that will help enable them to form lasting relationships, from speaking and listening skills to attitudes.  It offers insight on making positive changes to improve relationships with others and within themselves.

This is a book I highly recommend!