Finders Keepers? (India Unveiled Childrens Series, 1) [Hardcover]

Robert A. Arnett (Author), Smita Turakhia (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2003 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: India Unveiled Children's Series (Book 1)

Timeless and universal values of honesty, respect, doing the right thing, and brotherhood are emphasized in this vividly illustrated absorbing book set in India. This charming book has earned several literary awards including a Mom's Choice Award for Best Educational Picture Book, a Benjamin Franklin Silver Award for Best Multicultural Book, two Independent Publisher's Awards, and The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.

The charming true story set in India is about a boy who found the author's wallet and could not understand why he should be rewarded for returning to the author what was his. The concept of accepting a reward for doing the right thing made no sense to him!

The delightful, vividly colorful illustrations take children on a picturesque, fun-filled journey through the exotic land. Though the setting is in India, the message is timeless and universal. With such beautiful illustrations and story, Finders Keepers? is an excellent picture book for parents and educators seeking to introduce children to lands beyond their borders. A great character education and a multicultural book.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4--The author of India Unveiled (Atman, 1996), a travelogue for adults, tries to distill his experiences into a book for children. In the midst of lovely illustrations, tantalizing travel morsels, and modest moralizing, Arnett includes a brief anecdote about losing his wallet and having it returned to him by a small boy who wanted no reward. An explanation of dharma follows: "Do what you ought to do, not what you want to do." In closure, the author provides a glossary called "Jog Your Memory," a pronunciation guide called "Oh, See Can You Say," and a two-question list called "Food for Thought." The index has entries such as, "wallet, I lost and was returned to me" along with page numbers. Sumptuous jewel-toned paintings with Indian motifs and folk-art simplicity engage readers while the text hops from thought to thought. The challenge is to find those children who can glean all that this title has to offer without being distracted by its good intentions.--Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WA
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Review

Finders Keepers? is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. The Mom's Choice Awards honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of the Mom's Choice Awards. Parents and educators look for the Mom s Choice Awards seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award. --Mom's Choice Awards

Finders Keepers? took my breath away with its vibrant illustrations and gentle, loving observations of life in India...a book that enriches our minds and hearts while presenting a message that is urgently needed in today s world. --Marian Tompson, Co-founder, La Leche League International

Gorgeous illustrations and global message...a wonderful book...teaches multicultural respect, character education skills, self-esteem, tolerance, and cultural awareness...students wanted me to read it again immediately after I finished. --Learning (R) Magazine Teacher Evaluators

Gorgeous illustrations and global message...a wonderful book...teaches multicultural respect, character education skills, self-esteem, tolerance, and cultural awareness...students wanted me to read it again immediately after I finished. --Learning (R) Magazine Teacher Evaluators

Finders Keepers? took my breath away with its vibrant illustrations and gentle, loving observations of life in India...a book that enriches our minds and hearts while presenting a message that is urgently needed in today s world. --Marian Tompson, Co-founder, La Leche League International

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 34 pages
• Publisher: Atman Press; 1st edition (October 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965290026
• ISBN-13: 978-0965290029
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 11.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Explore the World > Middle East
  • #47 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Travel
  • #92 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Explore the World > Asia

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Learned Many Things About India, April 7, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Finders Keepers? (India Unveiled Childrens Series, 1) (Hardcover)

This book is about a man who's on vacation to India. I learned many interesting things about India from it.

For example, I learned that a toran is something that is hung over a doorway to welcome God and guests. Torans are made of fresh flowers and leaves. Torans can be seen all across the country.

One thing I learned is that to say "hello" or "goodbye," it is called namaste. And how you do it is to get your hands together like you're praying and bow your head.

I also learned that there are a lot of bats in India that like to hang in the daylight in trees.

In the story, the man drops his wallet and a little boy finds it and gives it to him. And then the man tries to reward him with money. But the boy didn't want the money. So the man asks a man who knows English and the boy's language to ask the boy why he doesn't want the money. The man tells him that the boy doesn't understand why he should be rewarded for giving him his wallet.

They have great pictures in this book.

I think other people should read it too.(...)

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent! - A story about doing the right thing!, November 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Finders Keepers? (India Unveiled Childrens Series, 1) (Hardcover)

Being Hindu and of Indian origin, I found this book especially appealing because it brings out the beauty of India and its primary philosophy of "Dharma", which is about doing the right thing. If my children learn nothing else, I want them to learn their virtues. So, if you're looking for a simple yet powerful way to express to your young children the high value of loving and respecting one another and doing the right thing, then this is the book for you!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL illustrations, December 29, 2005

By 

MLPlayfair (Ravenna, OH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Finders Keepers? (India Unveiled Childrens Series, 1) (Hardcover)

"Finders Keepers?" by Robert Arnett has been honored with the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award of the Publishers Marketing Association for Best Multicultural Book of the Year, the Independent Publisher Outstanding Book of the Year, and the Seal of Approval of the National Parenting Center. This book is better for school-age children, as it really provides a geography lesson, a study in ethics and a brief insight into Indian culture.

The book tells the true story of an experience the author had while traveling through India. He had just bought some postcards when a young Indian boy tapped him on the elbow and held out Arnett's wallet, which the boy had picked up when the author accidentally dropped it. The man thanked him and offered him a reward, but the boy refused to take any money, insisting that he should not be rewarded just for doing the right thing.

I'm in LOVE with the brightly colored illustrations by Indian-born Smita Turakhia, who said she was inspired by memories of the place where she spent her childhood. In fact, even the youngest kids enjoy looking at the pictures, so I skip some of the more technical stuff when I read it to them.