Behavior Book Reviews
From Parents and Professionals

These grown-ups like my Child Behavior Books...

We tried out "How Smoolie Became a Shy-entist" last night and Claire loved it! She wanted to read it over and over. I'm sorry to report that her drawings, however, could use some serious help. All the pages have been nicely decorated with horizontal, purple lines. We will have to try again when she is a bit of a better drawer.

But, I wanted to say about that, I though it was quite good. In the beginning, I balked a little because I was afraid that I would be giving her ideas about being shy and, for our situation, I half-suspect that her shyness (which only seems to be when she's supposed to be at karate class or some other formal setting like that) is not entirely real. I half-suspect that it's more about just wanting to hang out with Mommy, because, as the rest of her encounters go, she is quite outgoing. Quite.

I really loved your approach. That Smoolie took a notebook and examined what everyone else was doing. How her mother guided her into seeing that all the grown-ups were at least a little bit shy and learning how the children broke the ice with each other. I loved the fact that it wasn't preachy or stilted and that Claire related to it so well. Wow -- talk about giving kids a huge edge in the area of emotional intelligence! I honestly thought it was a really good book. I can't wait to read the others!

Pam Rooks, KS, USA

Hello!! I have read your book (The Time Balooga Forgot Other People's Feelings) to my class and they had the opportunity to work in teams to illustrate the pages. Many groups were able to illustrate three pages, some groups just illustrated two. I paired them up as a good reader with a struggling reader so they could reread the page they were supposed to illustrate. But they still had an idea of the story as a whole.

It was a very positive experience!! The meaning behind the story goes along with the character traits we teach in the school. I was also able to make a reference to your story when talking to a student in my class who may have forgotten someone else's feelings. I would ask them how Moo-la felt when Balooga was just telling her what to do. So they were able to make a text to self connection (another skill taught) and able to get a deeper understanding of how their actions affect others.

Making the illustrations was a great way to check for understanding of the story and enforce what the story is trying to teach them. They had to agree on what they were drawing and assign each other jobs.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I bound the book together so they can take it to their seats and read silently when they have the time. They can also look at the illustrations some of their classmates drew!

Melissa, 1st grade teacher, IL, USA

So far so good. The kids are continuing to illustrate the books. I read it to them originally and then left them two GBC bound copies on the dining room table with a box of crayons. On occasion they have just sat down and started drawing and talking about the story on the pages. I have just left it up to them to illustrate when they want to. My daughter is up to page 14 and my son is right behind her.

We had an issue with our daughter that prompted me to search the internet. I was happy to find your book.

Thank you for contributing such a wonderful resource to help us teach our children.

Marc, AZ, USA

My daughter enjoyed your story and was very anxious to illustrate the pages. Lying has been a recent thing in our house so we have tried to address it right away using several different tools. I think she is getting the message and your story helps with that. I think that your particular story may be one that “sinks in” since children have the opportunity to illustrate it. I can only think that by drawing pictures, the story will be remembered and hopefully make an impression. Thank you!

Kaye, OR, USA

"Life's lessons are often taught through experiences and words and this story is a compassionate guide written for both parents and children. Parents get assistance in overcoming everyday issues and the children receive an empathetic lesson on sharing through love and experience."

Randi Levin, Award-Winning Author, MA Education, MA Psychology, former teacher and at-risk youth counselor (and Culinary Professional!)

I just had to write and tell you how grateful I am for your book - The Time Balooga Forgot Other People's Feelings! My almost four-year old son had been having some difficulty sharing at pre-school and this book really helped us! Thank you so much!... (Read more)

Rob Callahan, parent

I just stumbled across your site and wanted to tell you how amazing I found it to be. Both of your children's books [Balooga and How Bobo Learned to Be Satisfied] are really well written and unlike any I've seen before. They teach a great lesson, and I look forward to sharing them with my son. I also think I may take your advice and write my son his own book.

Thanks so much!

Rebecca Anderton, parent

Thank you for letting me download the book. Our ten year old read it and is incorporating it with his playdates. He seems to be getting along better with the other kids. I think the book was amazing. The message hit home with him.

Thanks again.

Dennis, California

This story was great. It is so funny, one of my 3 children always says that it's his room (shoes, etc.) and it doesn't bother him if he never picks them up/puts them away, etc. I would say that it bothers me. So...this story really hit home for him. He put himself in the main character's shoes and thought what it would be like to have dirty plates, etc. A lot of it is habit, though. So I think this is a good place to start but pickin up after yourself really has to become a habit. My son was able to tell me exactly what he learned from the story and he has more motivation to help out now.

A mom, North Carolina

Our 5 year old liked the story. There are sooo many pictures to draw that she lost interest in that part fairly quickly. (However she just told me she forgot about the book and she hopes to get back to doing it tonight!) We have noted an improvement in her behavior. As we continue the process of reading it and completing the drawings we'll keep you posted. Please keep us informed of any future books.

Heather, British Columbia

Have you had a good (or bad) experience with my Children's Behavior Books? Please tell me about it!