<b>The friendliest monsters you ever saw inhabit the pages
of this lively picture book, a story that simultaneously teaches
young children how to be fine, upstanding people and offers numerous examples
of the Yiddish word mensch—in the language of the book, an "honorable"
and "kind" person.</b><p></p><b><br /></b><p></p>
While each monster portrays a characteristic of
a mensch, the author reminds children that being one isn’t always easy;
it can be quite a challenge on many occasions to do the right thing, but
when you do it, you "feel ten feet tall." Children will identify with
these thoughtful, colorful creatures who are each different, some with
bright colors, each with various numbers of eyes and heads, but all working
hard at being good and helpful. They share with others, respect their parents
and teachers, sneeze into elbows or tissues, and help their families prepare
for Shabbat.<p></p>
<br /><p></p><b>This cheery book features joy, courtesy, and care for others
in a fun and lighthearted way</b>. It can be used by parents and teachers
to support social skills without presenting even a hint of didactic
or heavy teaching. <p></p><b><i>---Michal Malen, THE JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL</i></b><p></p><b><i><br /></i></b><p></p><b><i><br /></i></b><p></p><<b>In this delightful and perky picture book directed to young
readers and families, the main character and narrator, A. Monster, gives
readers direct advice for how to be a mensch. The humorous text speaks directly
to the reader.</b><br />
<br /><i>
"It's hard to believe, but some people are afraid of monsters.<br />
It's true that monsters can look scary.<br />
But most of us are kind and helpful.<br />
Monsters can even be mensches!"</i><p></p>
<p></p><br /><b>
I love funny books! Our kids deserve to laugh—even as they grapple with
challenges of the world.</b><br />
<br />
On each spread, readers will love the monster-specific examples (like not
staring, with one eye or five) as well as general concepts, like sharing and
caring and preparing for Shabbat. Yoshikawa’s illustrations amp up the humor. Young readers are going to love
checking out the menschy monsters on every page.<br />
<br />
The book ends with a question directly for young readers: "What kind of
mensch will you be?" This will certainly start conversations for families.
When it comes to our world today, what could be more important than figuring
out how to be a mensch? This may book may seem like a fun romp with
monsters, but it speaks to the responsibilities we all share without getting
didactic. Leslie Kimmelman and A. Monster are right: Even the smallest acts of
kindness can make a difference!<br />
<br /><b>
How To Be A Mensch is recommended for families introducing young children
to the idea of social action and repairing the world. It is a cute and funny
book with strong Jewish values</b>. <p></p><b><i>--Sarah Aronson, THE SYDNEY TAYLOR SHMOOZE</i></b><p></p>
"This cheery book features joy, courtesy, and care for others in a fun and lighthearted way". --Jewish Book Council
"Delightful and perky picture book" --The Sydney Taylor Shmooze
Join this bevy of friendly, colorful monsters as they demonstrate how they, too, can be mensches (creatures of integrity and honor) by treating others well. Includes a definition of the word mensch.