REVIEW and GIVEAWAY
Johnny Big-Ears:
The Feel-Good Friend
The Feel-Good Friend
by John Paul Padilla
October is National Bullying Prevention Month! Join the campaign with this amazing book for children ages 4 to 8, Johnny Big-Ears: The Feel-Good Friend by John Paul Padilla. Also available: Johnny Big-Ears: Meets His New Neighbor Suzy, as well as Spanish versions of both books.
This book blast and giveaway is brought to you by Providence Book Promotions. You can also read my review and an excerpt. Please be sure to visit the other participating blogs as well.
Description
Johnny Big-Ears is just like every other five-year-old child, but when he starts his first day of kindergarten, children begin to tease him because of his enormously large ears. Follow Johnny as he faces the challenges that being different presents. How will Johnny react to being teased?
Find out why Johnny turns out to be a winner in this endearing, thoughtful book that addresses typical childhood bullying and offers children advice on how to deal with teasing. Whether you're a parent or an educator, now you will be able to encourage your kids or students through this special book and help motivate all young kids to start feeling good about themselves no matter who they are, or what they look like!
Book Video
Excerpt
Praise for the Book
"I absolutely loved the book, and so did my daughter. She took the book to school and shared it with her class." ~ Tomi-Lynn White
"A great teaching tool concerning the need for a positive self-image and how to handle unkindness from others has been made even better." ~ Wayne S. Walker
"... the story should be generously shared with the children preparing for going off to school for the first time as well as for those who will be able to read the book on their own later. This is a fine addition to the library of positive influence children's books and Padilla, hopefully, will provide us more!" ~ Grady Harp
"I think that this is a great book for both children and their parents. As a parent reads it to their child, and discusses it with them, they will see the importance of building up the self-esteem of the child, even if he isn't perfect." ~ P. Lovitt
"A story about dealing with adversity as a youth and a message to young children that minor differences mean nothing, Johnny Big Ears is a solid choice for young children who may face such teasing." ~ Midwest Book Review
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
It's Johnny's first day of school and his mother has just given him a haircut for this special occasion. Unfortunately, Johnny's big ears are now in plain sight. What will happen when he goes to school and the kids make fun of him?
The gorgeous illustrations by Victor Ramon Mojica, bring Johnny Big-Ears to life. I especially love the close-up illustrations of the top of Johnny's head and his curly hair. However, I did find the black writing a bit difficult to read against the background of the colored illustrations. The text is also above the reading level of the age group the book is aimed at. This is definitely one that needs to be shared by a parent or teacher.
I love the author's dedication of this book to "all those kids out there who are teased, or bullied, simply because they look different! Remember, being different means you are special and not like the rest. So, be yourself and be proud!" Indeed! The book is based on the author's own experiences as a child, and it creates a scenario to teach children about teasing and bullying. The story is followed by a set of questions designed to get children talking about what happened in the story and how the situation depicted can be applied to them. There are also two activities to get the children thinking about their own special qualities.
A great educational tool.
About the Author
John Paul Padilla was born in Los Angeles, California. He is a multi-award winning author that includes Mom’s Choice Award. He is also a public speaker and advocate against bullying. He is currently residing in the Central Valley of California. John Paul is an ex model, and has danced for fifteen years with a dance academy. He has written lyrical, verses that were recorded by Nashville artists. He has previously published Wings to Cross an Ocean, an inspirational poetry book that encourages personal growth and happiness for adults. John Paul was inspired to write his first anti-bullying book, Johnny Big Ears: The Feel Good Friend, based on his own childhood experiences with teasing and bullying. He has also written Johnny Big-Ears: Meets His New Neighbor Suzy, for little girls who get teased because of their weight. Both of his books are now out in Spanish. Most recently, Johnny Big Ears: The Feel Good Friend won the Grand prize for best overall, Best Book Cover in the 2017 IndieBRAG First Annual Book Cover Contest.
Giveaway
Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $15 Amazon.com gift Card or one of five print copies of Johnny Big-Ears: The Feel-Good Friend by John Paul Padilla (continental US only).
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