A must read for adults and children alike
597338
This book is the book to get if you want to create, develop or improve on the prayer life of children to provide them with hope through a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
3140178
This is an important book for adults and children alike. It translates the simple yet profound message of a positive and universal energy from which every living thing is created into a short parable to be understood and enjoyed by both bedtime readers and listeners. For children, this will help with the hurly-burly of life. For adults, this may spark a more profound understanding of the world in which we live and our place in it. As such, I would rate this book - with its colourful illustrations - on a par with Trina Paulus's "Hope for the Flowers", which has always been a great favorite of mine. As a bedtime story, a parable or a key to a more profound understanding of things - this is an important book.
34606
The is an incredibly written and beautifully illustrated story about how one small act of kindness can have a huge impact.  This should be in EVERY childs home and school library!  This book embraces diversity and kindness through its elegant word choice and adorable illustrations.  Should be required reading for adults and children!
4125227
A MUST read for adults and children, anyone who loves the wonderful world of imagination such as Harry Potter presented. But Marc Remus has given us a brilliant,curious and very brave young heroine, Molly who with her three friends explore magical places, solve troublesome challenges and make a better world. I have the privilege of knowing Marc and understand why his writing career has gotten off to a great start. His critical observation skills along with his finely tuned imagination is obvious in his world wide award winning paintings. Now ,Marc has turned those talents into his first series of books (more to come) and they shine brilliantly in his carefully chosen words. He says that as a child he felt these gifts presented to him and wanted to share them with the world, first through art, and now,literature. You can hear and see the child in this enthusiastic grown man and it's joy to hear him describe his diverse travel experiences, on going education and plans for more books! Can't wait Marc!
2390620
Not only does this book touch upon death, it also embraces the fact we are all part of a whole. A part of a bigger picture and how we all have an impact on that picture. Also the message of overcoming your fears and letting go to be free and part of the neverending circle of life itself. This book is as much for us adults as it is our children! It is beautifully written and I loved the many messages delivered.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-55-Concepts/dp/0615225179/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The 55 Concepts</a>
2673043
This is marketed as a children's book but as an adult I loved it. It is a soulful story about forgiving, coming to terms with reality, and healing. Although the subject may seem sad on the surface (a young girl is trying to understand her mother's death and rejection by her grandmother), it's an uplifting story with satisfying emotional depth and insights that are useful to children and adults. One of the book's lessons is that in the end, no matter how much we wish it, not all questions can be answered nor all things made right again---so we make do with what we have at hand and create something new from what we discover beneath our sorrow. I see this in the birds that Grace's mother made and in the renewed relationship between Grace and her mother. This is a fundamental life lesson that adults take a long time to learn, and oftentimes children are forced to learn it too young.

The author put a lot of care into this book, into the story, the characters, and the style. It reads like a labor of love, with a lovely, carefully crafted style. The author is very sensitive to the sound of words. The book certainly goes way beyond what I expect from a children's book (I read a lot of them), and I found the writing better than in many adult books that I've put down midway through them.

I would like to see this book made into a movie---as I read I was able to visualize many rich images that would be wonderful in a movie.

This is really an amazing achievement for a first book. I don't find many five-star books. This one is a standout. I'm really looking forward to Tracy Holczer's next book. I think she would do well with either children's or adult books; her style straddles both and she is able to give adults a moving reading experience.
1086008
Not being one who typically reads books of fiction, I determined to break my pattern and read this book.  And I'm glad I did.

This book is for anyone from childhood to adulthood and beyond.  The issues raised in this book are relevant to today's concerns about the well-being of young women and men and those about to embark on this adventure and it is also refreshing to see this presented in a manner that is psychologically sound and presents a model for families to adapt to their own particular situations.

Hindsight, as the saying goes, is always 20-20 and this book gives a lot that readers would be well-advised to consider as they read it.  To be forewarned about life's issues, is to be fore-armed.  Thinking about things in advance of doing them is something often lacking in our collective consciousness which is steeped in the mindset of instant gratification promulgated by the wonders of the click of the mouse on a computer or the tap on the touchscreen of a tablet.  It's great to have that facility, but it is also good to consider taking time to think about things as the lead character, Isabella does in Ms. Bush's novella.

Clearly, there is much more to the book than I have mentioned.  The only thing for a "would be" reader to do now is to read it!

I recommend this book.  Best wishes to the author in her future endeavors.
850575
I highly recommend this book for children and adults alike.  (I am even buying one for my sister, a Ph. D. student in History with a focus on the education of blacks in the South.)  This book is a great historical glimpse into an era from which we are not too far removed from.  Accesible to kids and informative to adults, this is a definite must read.
3829446
this story is a must-have for all families.  the idea that the way the world sees us and the way our creator sees us are vastly different should be taught to every child.  can also be a help to any adult who has issues with self-esteem.  will bring tears to your eyes during the explanation phil vischer offers of his writing of this story.  and the first story, dr. jiggle and mr. hyde is cute.  this makes me glad larry didn't quite make it to danish immersion camp!
428219
The minute my book arrived I read it and almost did not want to send it off to my granddaughter. It is a creative, magical story about the so called difficult topics of diversity and bullying, that opens your heart,making it deeply personal for all ages. I have done much diversity work and would read this to adults. The use of humor helps to make it easy to engage with.  I would recommend it be a part of every school room. After reading this book you feel a kinship with every living being whatever the outward differences.
4950722
This story of a broken truth and the secret to peace and happiness is a remarkable tale for children and adults.  Children may not grasp the full meaning of the story, but they may appreciate that it is a child who helps the world.  Adults will find that the simple truth gives them chills.  The watercolor illustrations are as beautiful as the tale.
I bought this book for my friend's birthday.  Once you read it, you, too, will want to share it with those around you.
3880955
A beautiful story that reads like a classic.  I was so very impressed by its timeless messages, perfect pace and melodiously strong voice.  So much is addressed here - bullying, patience, perseverance, respect, honor, forgiveness, seasons in life, the mystery and complexity of human souls...  Loved the principles as well as the characters.  Cannot recommend this book enough for readers of all ages.  When a children's book is rich enough for adults as well, it goes into a category all by itself.  I look forward to reading more from this author.  Thank you, Michelle, for this wonderful story!
2635423
It is unbelievably hard to write a book, and it is even harder to blend the makings of a fairy tale while using scripture. This well crafted children's story is so powerful that it even touches the hearts of adults.
Cherie Sumner has not only produced a beautiful and touching story; she has illustrated it skillfully so that the reader not only sees artfully drawn parts of the writer's world, but can also imagine a world of their own through the author's eyes.
I regretted reaching the end of the book because the story was so touching and innocent that did not want to lose the feeling of childhood wonder that I experienced. I was left feeling enlightened and loved. This is a book that I will read numerous times because of that unique and uplifting feeling.
Even if you don't have children this book is a must read, but even moreso if you do have children. The "gift" you get from this story is amazing!
112076
I agree this is one of the best books for children (and adults!) that I have come across in a long time. I love the message in it - we are all inherently worthy of great respect, and should treat each other accordingly.
6710
One of the best books for children and adults that I have read in years.  A beautiful portrayal of a Mexican American family and a positive view of the people living in the barrio.  The stories are simple but moving and socially-uplifting.  A must-read for students 5th grade to 12th grade because of the positive and inspiring content.  There is a "need" for this story to be read both in the schools and at home because being tough is not nearly as important or life-sustaing as the human need to experience goodness and kindness, no matter how small.  After a day of encountering rudeness from almost every corner, I read this story in one sitting.  The examples of what "goodness" is possible if we celebrate and teach the need to consider others, outside of the obvious, was healing to me.
2582710
This book is a MUST READ for all adults. As a pastor and mandated reporter for over 30 years, I would highly recommend this book. As a parent, invaluable information written in a balanced, informative way with helpful tips. For all of those who work with children, please read this book--you will not be disappointed.
4345975
I loved this story of friendship and acceptance of others. The characters in this book will remind you to look beyond the outside of a person to the inner heart of them. It was written with children in mind but as you read it to yours; I am sure as an adult you will also gleam some special gems from this book. A great book for any child experiencing bullying and it should be in school libraries. I really enjoyed the illustrations, drawn by Karen's husband, Jim. Great work both of you! I especially love the last illustration, it sends a powerful message to everyone.