Author: Richard A. Singer, Helen Thomas and Joseph Betty

Publisher: Books For Living

ISBN-10: 0615213359:  ISBN-13: 978-0615213354

If your kids have ever asked you “what is success” then hand them this book which endeavours to educate children in the keys to being successful.

In this story readers meet two children, Michael and Emily. For their school homework they have been asked to write about what they think success means. They aren’t too sure so they decide to ask their good old dad if he can help explain. It seems that even he thinks that question is a tricky one as it can mean lots of different things. Then he goes on to explain to them the secrets he learned from his parents that he guarantees will make them into the best people they can be.

Here the book has been divided into sections - each containing one of eight “secrets” for kids to learn. The first one talks in poetry about how it is important that in this world boys and girls see each other as equal. Below the verse is a questionnaire that presents questions parents and children can discuss. Questions that feature how do you begin to practice being equal to others and how can you show love and kindness? An excellent way of teaching children the values of life.

Secret number two is also good and set out in the same way. This is about helping others:

“If you lend a helping hand and do something that’s needed,

You will learn that helping out is fun and find you have succeeded”

A lovely piece of poetry that is easy for children to learn and the rhyming is fun and will encourage them to repeat this to their friends.

Secret number three is on sharing which I found really lovely and helpful to children.
“What do you have that you can share and who will you share it with?” is one of the following “parent and child interactive discussion” questions.

Other sections follow on the meaning of life, believing in yourself, and living each moment as much as you can, amongst others.

This teaches not only the meaning of success in life but also the most important things such as loving each other, being caring and most importantly believing in yourself!

The illustrations included are softly drawn and show the messages that children will learn in subtle ways.

A book that will teach children important lessons and also open up a bridge of communication between parent and child too.