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heisereads's review
4.0
A good book to share with kids reminding them that most people are good and want to do the right thing. Especially with the news we see today, it is a message kids need to hear. Would pair well with [b:Come with Me|33506796|Come with Me|Holly M. McGhee|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492012333s/33506796.jpg|54267221] & [b:The Bad Seed|36145964|The Bad Seed|Jory John|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504027376s/36145964.jpg|48322350].
ljrinaldi's review
4.0
This book is really a hand holder, something to give children so they aren't afraid, and children do get afraid when they hear about all the bad things that go on in the world. This is sort of the Mr. Rogers of picture books. It very simply tells children that yes there are bad people out there, but that there aren't a lot of those people. And that some people just need help.
This book makes it very clear that most people are good, and that all the bad people in the world could probably fit into one dark room.
Yes, this is simplified, but children need this kind of reassurance, which is why this gets four stars. If I were more cynical I would rate it lower, but this book wasn't written for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This book makes it very clear that most people are good, and that all the bad people in the world could probably fit into one dark room.
Yes, this is simplified, but children need this kind of reassurance, which is why this gets four stars. If I were more cynical I would rate it lower, but this book wasn't written for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
mrs_erven's review
3.0
I love the premise of this book--most people are kind and want the best for others. I didn't love how black and white things were--things people do are "bad" or "good." Eh, life is way more nuanced than that. But yes, most people are trying to do what they're convinced is best for most people.
Oh yeah, and the part about people looking “nicer” when they smile? Completely unnecessary and unhelpful.
Oh yeah, and the part about people looking “nicer” when they smile? Completely unnecessary and unhelpful.
orangerful's review
3.0
A book with the best intentions, too bad the editors didn't pick up on a few lines of text that feel a little problematic (see other reviews). But I did love the idea of assuming that most people want to do good things, want to be good and helpful. It is true!
(Also, I'm really tempted to do a nerdy parody of this with all of the apparent strife going on in the fandom world right now...)
(Also, I'm really tempted to do a nerdy parody of this with all of the apparent strife going on in the fandom world right now...)
jennybeastie's review
2.0
I'm torn about this book. I love the overall idea of the message. I love the idea of being reassuring to kids, and I don't think it's wrong -- I think most people do want to be helpful and happy and all. I love the diversity in the illustrations, too.
What I have a hard time with is this line:
"A person who is frowning and mad, or sad, or mean is like a sour grape in a bunch of sweet grapes"
because to me that reads as a dismissal of real feelings. In fact, I think that's what troubles me about the whole book. Yes, there are a lot of angry and sad people in the world. There is a lot of hate and violence and horrible things, and we all need hope for and work towards better times. But I think a lot of those immense feelings are justified, and one of the causes of all the bad stuff in the world is that we don't talk about things that make us uncomfortable, and we don't confront things that are bad. For me, this book is a great try that fell down really hard about halfway through. Am I overthinking it? Yep. Is it worth looking at? Yep. Would I recommend it? Probably not.
If you want to check out a book that deals with some of the same themes, try Daddy, There's a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell.
What I have a hard time with is this line:
"A person who is frowning and mad, or sad, or mean is like a sour grape in a bunch of sweet grapes"
because to me that reads as a dismissal of real feelings. In fact, I think that's what troubles me about the whole book. Yes, there are a lot of angry and sad people in the world. There is a lot of hate and violence and horrible things, and we all need hope for and work towards better times. But I think a lot of those immense feelings are justified, and one of the causes of all the bad stuff in the world is that we don't talk about things that make us uncomfortable, and we don't confront things that are bad. For me, this book is a great try that fell down really hard about halfway through. Am I overthinking it? Yep. Is it worth looking at? Yep. Would I recommend it? Probably not.
If you want to check out a book that deals with some of the same themes, try Daddy, There's a Noise Outside by Kenneth Braswell.
rogenecarter's review
5.0
Of the most beautifully decorated and simple illustrated books concerning Humanistic Psychology that I have ever read.
afro75's review
4.0
I loved this book. What a excellent way of having a conversation about good and bad actions. And how everyone has a seed of good in them just waiting to grow!