Customer Reviews

A Child's First Book of Virtues

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We already own Bennet's Book of Virtues and read from it frequently, but this book is so sweet & fun for the very young! It is definitely on my list of books to buy next.

From the back cover: "Growing Up Wise Celebrate the virtues of generosity, courtesy, honesty, cheerfulness and a host of other positive character qualities with your children! Delightful rhymes and old-fashioned storytelling make this a perfect bedtime book or homeschool companion."
And: "Includes more than 100 short, easy-to-read stories and poems for the whole family."

The book is divided into sections according to virtue, which is first defined, such as:
The Virtue of Compassion, "To be COMPASSIONATE is to take pity on those in need, to offer sympathy to those in trouble, to be tenderhearted toward those who are hurting... and above all to look for ways to show kindness and to be helpful." Following this page are all stories, poems, prayers related to compassion.

The illustrations are all in black and white and very sweet. Here is a rhyme from "Generosity":

"Selfish Sue, selfish Sue!
With toys of every kind,
You never share! You never share!
You say, "They all are mine!"

Selfish Sue with face so blue,
The Bible says, "Be kind!"
Share your toys with girls and boys,
And then your face will shine!"

From The Golden Rule, is a very cute story about Benjamin, "The Bear Who didnt Care! (No, he really didnt!)" Its filled with little songs that the bear likes to sing: "Oh, ho, ho! Im a very happy bear! Ive got five dollars and Im going to the fair!" and "Oh, ho, ho! Im going to the fair! I'll have a happy time when I get there!" As he encounters people in need along the way, his reply is: "I won't help you, I dont care! Ive got five dollars and Im going to the fair!" Then, at the fair he's robbed and so he leaves to return home. On his way back, he seeks help from those whom he earlier refused and here are some of the replies he gets: "To quench my fire, you helped me not! To quench your thirst, not one drop!" and "You helped me not in my time of need. You'll get no apple, no indeed!" until he comes to one last man (who was reading the Bible) and he gets this reply: "Do come and share my porch with me! We'll have a sandwich and some tea!" Benjamin is so impressed by this man's act of kindness (in spite of how he had treated him earlier) that he is moved to sorrow and then decides to sing a new song:
"Oh, ho, ho! Im a happy helping bear! Why do I help you? Because I really care!"

Emily Hunter is also the author of the classic Christian Charm Course, Bible-Time Nursery Rhyme Book, The Keepsake Bible Story Coloring Book and with her husband, Wayne, of Man In Demand.

Terese Cooper (My children are 5.5, 4 and 2 and they all seem to love this book as much as I do!)

I have both this and Bennet's Book of Virtues and I always choose to read Bennet's over Hunter's book. I seem to be able to find stories that my younger children enjoy in Bennet's book. The pictures are a nice addition to this book and the stories correlate well with the lesson being taught. I felt the only thing about this book being a child's first book of virtues is that there is only 100 stories and poems so it is a small volume.

I remember being read this book over and over again as a kid and it has helped me become a better person. Even if you're not Christian, like myself, you and your kids can take so much away from this. In it's purest form, the book teaches how to be a good person; how to share, to be kind to others and other such lessons. "The Bear Who Didn't Care" is probably the story that has stuck with me the most. It taught me as a kid to teat others with the kind of kindness and respect that I want and I think this is an important for any child to learn. So, whether you're a Christian or not, I definitely taking a look at this one. I guarantee it won't disappoint.

Every child should own a copy of this book. They just don't make them like this anymore, unfortunately. Easy to read, understand, and is filled with fun and entertaining stories/poems. Every one teaches a virtuous lesson. I first bought this for my daughter 2 years ago and she still loves it and reads from it often.

All ages of children benefit from these easy to understand stories about virtues to live by...Honesty, Cheefulness, Loyalty, Thankfulness, The Golden Rule, etc. It is fun to read aloud, as much of it is written as poetry. A reviving of these Biblical principles is just what our country needs now...children who will learn the virtues the older generation was taught at home, at school, at church. Thank you Emily Hunter for writing about basic principles that are getting lost among the crazyness of life.