Customer Reviews

A Walk in the Rain with a Brain

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Written as a children's book, Dr. Hallowell's message is an important one for all ages. As Yoda would say, "Smart we all are, in our own way." The "plot" is weak. When would we ever see a "brain" walking in the rain looking for his head? My 5-year-old great niece will surely say, "That makes no sense." But, the message makes sense and the lesson is a powerful one: "No brain is the same, no brain is the best, / Each brain finds its own special way." Being smart cannot always be measured by a test, and we must play to find our brain's way. In too many homes, watching TV and videos consumes active play time. In our schools today, recess is being taken away to make more time for tutoring and testing. This story reminds parents and teachers about the importance of play as learning. Parents and educators need to hear Dr. Hallowell's message and make changes at home and in school that promote our kids' physical, mental, and intellectual development. The discussion guide at the end makes suggestions for doing so.

I know Ned Hallowell and like his work, but this review is actually from my kids - they loved it! The message is simple and right on - no one type of brain is superior - all are special and you just need to find out at what. Our family also had fun using the discussion guide at the back of the book and talking about what our own brains do best. This story is a gem!

This book is fantastically right that every brain/person is special, no brain is better than any other, and Smart is just a word made up by brains that wanted power. This book fosters the idea of individuality and learning through play which is the way we all learn. I use it in my Brain Gym work with people of all ages. Wonderful illustrations.

This is a wonderful book to help children understand that people's brains work differently. It may help them understand that being different isn't a bad thing.

As a Special Education teacher I enjoyed this book and how it explains the brain. I listened as Dr. Hallowell read this book to a group of children, what an awesome experience. A great book to read to all children but especially lower elementary special education students.

This is one of Dr. Hallowell's best books. It is great for kids and packs a powerful message. The illustrations are amazing.

I've bought a copy of this book for several children. Every time, the reaction has been the same. The child so loved the book that he/she wanted to take it to school for show and tell. Then the teacher would also so love the positive message of the book, that she would break her own rule and read the book to the class several times. One teacher praised the book so highly that I bought her a copy for future classes. This is a wonderful investment in a child's self-image and gives parents and teachers ideas for re-enforcing the child's individuality. I wish this book had been around when my kids were little. I keep an extra copy on hand ready to give when the opportunity arises. Thank you, Dr. Hallowell.

We recieved this book as a gift a couple of years ago. My child (Katie)loved it and still selects it for story time. She enjoys the story and the graphics. Katie has enjoyed the story as it is written and often makes up her own version. It is one of a few books she has taken to her friends house. As a parent I love the message about how everyone is special in some way. A message most of us didn't recieve when we were growing up.

Krista

This book was highly recommended to me by a Speech/Language Pathologist. As a Special Education Consultant, I plan to use this book as a resource, on loan to support staff and schools. It fits in nicely with our Differentiated Instruction philosophy.

I got this book last week and my grandkids love it. It is beautifully illustrated and the message is very important. Our society has come to worship book smarts (but that is only ONE kind of smart). All kids need to know that they are smart in their own special way and this book shows them that. I highly recommend it ... and take advantage of the parent tips in the back to help guide your little one into a discussion about his/her own brain.