Because of You

What a sweet, positive message for little ones. I love that this book drives home the idea that a happy, peaceful world can start with a little child. The illustrations are beautiful and the message important. I have already bought another as a baby gift. If you like this one, you'll also enjoy "My Book of Thanks" by the same author and illustrator.

I know this book is for kids, but I received it as a grownup's gift and was in tears before I got to the third page. The message this book imparts gives a gentle reminder that we all bring something to the world and our very existence is something to be treasured. It also reminds the reader that we have the potential to bring positive action to our world and the people in it. These are valuable thoughts for readers of any age. It's the core message of Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" but in a far more accessible story. The next time I'm having a bad day or I feel discouraged about my life, I will turn to this little book with a very profound message and read it again and again. This a keeper--for life.

This book is targeted to a very young age and might also be good for early readers because there are only a few words per page. My two year old loves it and the illustrations are beautiful. It isn't a "storybook" that you would sit down and read to a 5 year old.

How small and powerless our children must feel sometimes. This book simply and beautifully conveys the message that each person, no matter how small, does indeed matter as an individual and as part of the whole. It also incorporates the concept of inter-relatedness with others, such as: "Because of you, there is one more person who will grow and learn and one more person who can teach others," and "Because of you, there is one more person who needs help and one more person who can help others." It ends wonderfully: "Even something as big and important as peace begins with something small and precious. It might begin...because of you." After I read this aloud to my 5-yr old he was full of hugs and cuddles. He seemed to have gotten a genuine feeling of love and self-appreciation from the book. Simply lovely and utterly important message for our children to receive. For more on this concept see "Horton Hears a Who" by Dr. Seuss, the poem "Who Am I?" by Felice Holman (from which I borrowed my title).

As an elementary school teacher & mother of two small girls, whose passion is reading, I am always on the lookout for great children's books. I first found out about this beautiful book when it was highly recommended by a children's book review site. After reading it, I could not agree more. The watercolor illustrations, done by Nakata, are adorable and children are easily drawn to them. They really complement the text, which is where the real treasure lies. What a wonderful, enduring message to reach little hearts! It shows how one small person can make a difference while teaching valuable life lessons. For example, Hennessy writes, "Because of you, there is one more person to share with. And there is one more person who can share feelings and ideas, as well as things....one more person who can help others... When you help, care, share, & listen, you are being kind. When two people help, care, share, and listen to each other, they are friends." The whole book is a gem, and I recommend it for children of all ages. It is definitely part of our collection.