Clayton's Path [Paperback]

Brett Bishop (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2000

Far away in a beatiful canyon, a group of hard working pack mules help travelers down the steep trails. One mule in the pack, Clayton, would often get distracted and make thoughtless mistakes which annoy the rest of the pack. Because the other mules tease him, Clay feels alone and different. One day his actions separate him from his companions. Clay continues his journey alone and finds a new path, discovering new talents along the way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

For a child out of step... this story suggests that there is a belonging place for everyone. -- Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D.

“A poignant story that beautifully captures themes of feeling different, of discovering one's unique strengths and of developing self acceptance and courage. Children will readily identify with and learn from the struggles and triumphs of Clayton as he comes to understand and appreciate his gifts and talents. This story will have a positive impact on those children and the adults in their lives who read it.” -- Robert Brooks, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist. Author of The Self-Esteem Teacher and co-author of Raising Resilient Children.

“Excellent! Heartwarming! Clay’s story is a great model for kids struggling to overcome disabilities. The story encourages them to not give up and encourages parents to embrace their child’s potential-- that they can be accepted and excel despite their differences.” -- John J. Ratey, MD, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical SchoolCo-author of Driven to Distraction and Shadow Syndromes

“Excellent! Heartwarming! Clay’s story is a great model for kids struggling to overcome disabilities.” -- John J. Ratey, MD, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School

“This story that beautifully captures themes of feeling different, of discovering one's unique strengths, developing self acceptance, and finding courage” -- Robert Brooks, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

“This story will have a positive impact on children and the adults in their lives who read it.” -- Robert Brooks, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

From the Author

This story provides inspiration to all parents to use creativity and energy to bring out the best in their children. This story motivates parents to emphasize children's strengths and help them find a path where they can excel. As children journey with Clayton through the beautifully illustrated majestic plateaus, they learn that being different, awkward, or out of step with others is okay. Children learn that through guidance and structure they too can feel successful and in control.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Apogee Pub (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970003536
• ISBN-13: 978-0970003539
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,474,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars delightful, December 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Clayton's Path (Paperback)

A wonderful book, brightly and beautifully illustrated. I read it to my children's classes at school and all the children loved it. They could relate to Clayton and felt truely connected to him when he became seperated from his pack and had to find his own path in life. I highly recommend this story. Especially for children who may be feeling like they are different in some way..and need to forge there own paths.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!! A must-read book!, November 5, 2001

By 

"richard_fuller" (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clayton's Path (Paperback)

A good children's book is usually regarded as one that tells a story, holds the child's attention and often distracts the child from doing something else. A great children's book does all of that and teaches a valuable lesson as well. By this definition, Clayton's Path is a great children's book.

Clayton is a pack mule, very sturdy and very kind. But Clayton's eyes are weak so he can't see the trail very well. Indeed, Clayton is short-sighted in many ways; overly friendly and impulsive, always playing; and not concentrating on his tasks while annoying the other pack mules. And so, Clayton feels different, alone and separated from his friends.

In this meaningful parable, Clayton goes off on his own and meets an old man who cannot walk well, but can see well. And so they traveled together with the old man serving as the eyes, and Clayton serving as the legs. Clayton told his companion, "I am short-sighted and sometimes I do not know I have done something wrong until it is too late."

The old man teaches, "Mistakes are within all of us, but they can be lessened through guidance." Further, Clayton learns that there is a time and place for everything. But the biggest and best lesson of all is that we are all special in one way or another and we can all feel good even though we may be different from the pack.

Clayton's Path offers this wisdom in a heart-warming, colorful and loving fashion. Consider that there are only a few truly great children's books and Brett, Laura and Mona have given us one of them. Here is a must-read for the health and happiness of our children, one this reviewer wishes existed sixty years ago!

4.0 out of 5 stars Different can mean unique, March 3, 2001

By 

"adhdcom" (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clayton's Path (Paperback)

As the parent of an ADHD child, I am always looking for books that explain this somewhat complicated disorder in a more positive framework to children. Clayton's Path does just that. It never even mentions the disorder directly, but instead introduces us to a mule, named Clayton, who desires to fit in but is too often driven by his curiosity into situations that cause trouble either for himself or others. I think many children can identify with Clayton. And they will be relieved to see Clayton finally find a home where he is accepted for who he is and even honored for his unique abilities. If your child is between the ages of 4 and 10, he or she should find this story with it's beautiful pictures quite captivating.