Customer Reviews

Brave Norman : A True Story

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked up this book to share with my preschool class when we were studying pets. It is filled with good messages, and yet does not come across as being preachy. It begins with Norman being adopted from an animal shelter as an adult dog (great message #1). Eventually they learn Norman is going blind. Of course the family will keep Norman, that is never a question! (great message #2). Their older dog Lucy helps Norman by walking next to him so he doesn't bump into things (#3). Norman loves the beach because there he doesn't have to worry about bumping into things. While there, he rescues a girl struggling in the water (#4). It takes the team of people on the beach plus Norman to get the girl in safely (#5). Norman is the hero! An easy reader or a nice read for younger children. I will definitely be purchasing other books in this series.

disclaimer: I have particular interest in thrown away critters with disabilities; I have a houseful of them!

With that said, "Brave Norman" is a GREAT book. It not only touches on animal shelters and how critters with disabilities are treated ("Are you sure you want to keep him?"), but Norman is shown as essentially normal despite his blindness. Then Norman even gets to be the hero by rescuing a little girl who was drowning, not only DESPITE his blindness but probably BECAUSE of it (he heard her cries and responded when the humans didn't notice).

I can't find a single thing here to even think about taking a star away. PERFECT!!!!

My son received this book for his 5th birthday. It is a short book about animals, so it keep his attention. It is also great because it teaches that animals with disabilities should be treated with respect and love which a great lesson to carry over to people. A sweet story with a lesson.

I picked up this book used when I was looking for some non-fiction reading material that would hold the interest of my 5 year old beginning reader. While she can't read it herself just yet, the story was well written and had her mesmerized. A great book for any kid, and much more meaningful content than a lot of books designed for this reading level.