I am so impressed with this author and series!! Each book focuses on the compassion we should have for others and our relationship with God. Big ideas for such little readers, but Ms. Mancini shares them in delightful and memorable stories.
Adults and children alike have trouble tolerating someone who is always bragging and tooting their own horn. The author helps young ones and adults look at this through God’s eyes. Corey and his friends have had it up to their gills with Melissa blowfish always boasting about her possessions and superiority to the others. This goes on every day. In anger, Corey goes home and shares Melissa’s irritating attitude with his parents. I love that his parents just didn’t agree and join in his gripe session. They gently guided their little boy in showing God’s love and kindness. Upon following her home the next day he finds she is very poor and has nothing. This prompts him to realize his many blessings and thank God for them. With Melissa’s birthday coming up and the teacher planning a surprise party, Corey and his friends pool their money to give her a special gift. What a beautiful example for kids to follow; love and the joy of giving sacrificially! Melissa is overwhelmed by her surprise. She in turn brings thank you notes to all the students. I like this because children don’t write thank you notes anymore; they must be taught to show gratitude. At the end of the book she thanks the Lord for her friends and family. The colorful bright illustrations are attention getters. As with the other books there is a hidden Christian symbol of the fish (cute!) to find. The books are of superior construction and materials and made to last for a long time. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated are my own. ( )

This is a well done book. I love this series of books and this one is wonderful also. Melissa is a bragger. She brags about everything that she has. Though one day it is found out that she doesn't have what she says she has. Her friends get together to help her and she learns a good lesson and her friends do also. I received this from bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion. Keep these stories coming. ( )

This series is such a fun read for kids. The story has a wonderful message of compassion and love. It shows us that sometimes we need to find out the reason behind someone's actions.
Melissa is out on the playground bragging about all of her great toys and how she has the most of anyone. She also is Bragging how she can do everything better than anyone in the playground. This really upsets Corey and he goes home to talk to his parents. They tell him to think about why she might be saying all of these things.
I love how the author shows the communication between the child and parents. Corey quickly finds out the truth and prays for Jesus to help Melissa. This message is wonderful because she realizes that she is loved not only by Jesus but by her friends. Love and compassion
The illustrations in this book are amazing. The colors quickly grab your attention and the sea kids are adorable. I really enjoyed looking on every page for the elusive fish symbol. ( )