Customer Reviews

The Boy Who Didn't Want to Be Sad

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

1591471346The story line is simple; the truth concealed within is life changing. It is the story of a boy who was sad and did not want to be sad anymore. So, he devised a plan. His plan was to get rid of everything that made him sad. He methodically gets rid of things as soon as he realizes they make him sad or have the potential to make him sad. Eventually he realizes that getting rid of everything that could make him sad also got rid of everything that made him happy. This is a lesson about facing sadness so that we can also have a happy and fulfilled life. "The Boy Who Didn't Want To Be Sad" is a very highly recommended children's book.

If there's a more important lesson for children-and parents-to learn, I don't know it. This book caught me totally off guard. I read it to my six year old, who thought it was a good story. But I lay awake the rest of the night, suddenly focused on teaching him how to be happy instead of successful. I hope the lesson isn't too late for me; but I'm sure it's not too late for him.

My wife Jan and I bought this charming book for our granddaughter, who had heard about it from a friend at school. She has read it to us five or six times in the last two weeks. As grandparents, we've read (and been read) many children's books over the years, but this was the only one that actually sparked a thoughtful discussion about happiness. Dr. Goldblatt must be on to something.

I use bibliotherapy often with child clients. Most I don't refer to again and again. This one I do. It is a great conversation starter for children and adults alike. I think it would make me talk if someone read it to me! It brings up pretty powerful feelings without being heavy or depressing.

I've looked for other books by this author, but I think this is his only one. That's too bad, because this one packs a wallop. It's a simple story about a boy who gives up everything he loves to avoid feeling saddened by their loss. But his efforts end up producing the very feelings he is trying to escape, because what he gives up also made him happy. I have several friends and family members who've approached life that way, and they're all on anti-depressants now. They should have read this book when they were kids.

Buying second copy of the book so each child can have her own. Ours are foster children and have lost so much. This books helps them understand that sadness is a part of life - as is happiness...

I was so touched by the premise of this book, I found it to be a wonderful resource for kids who may be struggling with sadness. It is the first time I have seen a book of it's kind,talking about how in order for there to be happiness there must also be sadness as a part of life. The message is so simple yet profound. I highly recommend this book !!

This is an excellent book about life. It teaches that we should not avoid sadness because we will be missing the joy. Great lesson!

This is a beautiful story, and the illustrations are wonderful. Why have I not heard of Goldblatt before?

Use this book to reach out to kids who have suffered loss, violence or hardship. It is a charming story with a powerful message for everyone. I recommend it for use with children up to early teen-age as a great conversation starter. This book can appeal to young kids on a surface level, but as others have observed here, even adults can be stirred by the simple truth contained in this story.