Catundra

When I was a little girl I was overweight and this was my favorite book. It doesn't teach that obesity is bad, if you think it does you didn't truly READ the book. If you want to look at it as teaching tolorance of being fat feel free. But you know as a kid I never saw that the mole was working Catundra so she'd lose weight and be liked. He was teaching her to like herself. Teaching her to realize the importance of Self-worth, the importance of liking herself regardless of what you look like. Catundra starts liking herself and realising that she is a good worth while person long before she even realizes that she lost weight, before she realizes that her physical apperance had changed. This book isn't about being Fat and the 'evils' of it it teaches about how much more important it is to LIKE yourself regardless of other people's oppinions.

of healthy living through food and exercise. This book teaches children that food should not be an escape from reality, it should be a fuel for our bodies and minds. I read this book as a child and I received a copy as a gift the other day. I don't think that the writer of this book meant for people to take his story as saying that fat people and animals aren't accepted, like so many of you have written. I think he wants us to all learn the importance of healthy living. Catundra is my favorite book in the world.Stephanie

It is always difficult to look and see the differences. It can also be painful to point them out to persons. I love these books that encourage us to be compasionate and understanding of others situations. If you've never had a weight problem it is difficult to understand, as with other disabilities. Thank you Steven Cosgrove for stepping across the line to teach in a fair and kind way. Lessons can be painful but they put us on the path of knowledge which leads to understanding and acceptance and yet so vital for children to learn.