Liking Myself and The Mouse, the Monster and Me

What happens when best-selling children’s books are out of print? They sell for over $100 online. That’s exactly what happened to two favorites in the year 2000, after selling over half a million copies around the globe. Now, almost a decade later, Liking Myself and The Mouse, the Monster and Me return thanks to Uplift Press.

I’d never heard of these two books until this review, but as I’ve been reading them, I’ve learned that they are valuable resources in every library, classroom, and home. Valuable for teachers, parents, counselors, and even those dealing with troubled youth.

Liking Myself and The Mouse, The Monster and Me are short books for children, written on traditional lined elementary school paper with black and white illustrations and sketches. Written by Pat Palmer and published by her good friend Louise Hart, these books are ultimately geared towards preventing dysfunctional behaviors. But if you think these books are for only children currently having issues, think again. These books are helpful for all children at such a crucial stage in their emotional and social development.

Liking Myself is written for young elementary aged children (ages 5-10). It’s quite simply a book about how to handle all the feelings children have, about themselves, about others, and about situations. The book offers practical advice and statements we all need reminding of…….for example, that everybody doesn’t have to like you, and you don’t have to like everybody either. Children are told taught that it’s ok to show their feelings, and anger is discussed along with pain, grief and more.

The Mouse, The Monster and Me is written for slightly older kids, ages 8 and up. Children will understand that mice are sometimes shy, timid, and unassertive, while monsters are anything but! The book teaches children to be themselves and less like mice or monsters. Topics include strengths, rights & responsibilities, saying “No”, criticism, compliments and more.

While both books can have a positive impact on children’s lives, I’m most impressed with the activities and exercises that are given to the children. One example of how powerful this is, lies within The Mouse, The Monster and Me. A discussion about criticism involves asking the child questions about how they “feel” when criticized, and what they “do” when criticized (in a checklist fashion). It then gives the child TOOLS – a step by step instruction guide on what to do in the midst of being criticized. WOW – it was most impressive and something that I can even do better with as an adult.

Childhood is such a precious time, but can be filled with feelings and things they just don’t know how to deal with. These books can be helpful in so many situations…..with the shy child needing to be more assertive, with the child who is a perfectionist, with the troubled youth acting out in anger as a bully, or even the child being bullied themselves.

Both Pat Palmer, the author, and Louise Hart, the publisher, say, “…..their work will not be finished until all children are raised to believe in and understand themselves”. What amazing women!

Right now you can purchase each bookfor just $12.99 each or $24.00 for both. An added Pre-Publication Special includes FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING (through January 2010).

Debra traded in high-powered suits and high-heeled shoes for a new role as mommy–crayon enthusiast, storyteller, and kisser of boo-boo’s. You’ll find her helping families at A Frugal Friend, where she teaches others how to reduce their expenses through coupons, rebates, freebies and deals.