Hugo the Happy Starfish - The Last Bully and The Secret to Happiness Book Review

        So this is one of those reviews where I may stray off subject a bit so just a heads up before you start reading!  I have always always always been one of those proactive people against 'bullying' or the nasty kids in school who think they are better than everyone.  I have made it appoint to be nice to as many people (popular or unpopular) throughout my educational career as well.  Now that's not to say I've never been mean or gotten into a fight but my parents always taught me the good ole saying, "you don't start it but you better finish it!"


        They also taught the three of us sisters that no matter where you are in life or what your relationship is like (good or bad) you stand up for family above all.  In saying all of this I have already begun these same lessons with my children and especially the two boys.  Since both of them have been in the 90th + percentile for size since birth (meaning they are large for their age), I have always been overly worried they could potentially be perceived in some way as a bully.

        This is NOT and NEVER will be acceptable.  I have been through quite a few suicides of friends, as well as one multiple murder of family members and even more extreme situations because of these kinds of today's issues with teens.  I think that everything begins and ends with the parents.  There are tons of ways that you can start teaching your children young how to treat others and how to be happy and confident with themselves.

        I was recently given the opportunity to review two children's books from the My Starfish Group called "Happiness Begins With Respect" and "The Last Bully".  Both are all about a starfish named Hugo and his travels throughout the big ocean.  "The first and second book of Hugo The Happy Starfish is an Award-Winning Finalist in the Children's mind/body/spirit category of the USA 'Best Books 2011' and 'Best Books 2012' Awards."

        The Last Bully synopsis says "Hugo is a little starfish and so it’s not surprising that in this story he comes across several bigger fish in the ocean. Sadly, they are bigger fish with the wrong attitudes – they are bullies! After seeing his friend getting bullied, Hugo decides enough is enough. He forms the Anti-Bully Club and teaches the bullies a valuable lesson about respect."

        The Secret to Happiness synopsis says "Hugo is a little starfish. He finds his life dull. Tired of feeling sad, one day he sets off to find happiness. After much searching, he discovers something that makes his heart do a somersault! Sharing with others is the only thing that makes him truly happy; all other things just made him feel better for a little while."

        "The key theme behind the HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH series is that building character based on a positive attitude leads to a happy, self-confident and successful human being."  I love each of the valuable lessons that this book series provides and that they coincide with my feelings on the same subjects.

        I appreciate the fact that each of these books teaches my children that you don't want to be a bully and the importance of not only self respect but respect for others and their differences.  The boys really enjoyed sitting and reading these over and over again at night before bed.  Each book even comes with a number of worksheets which are available for free download on their website.

Cost/Available to Purchase:  $15.95 Hugo Happy Store
Recommendation:  Definitely worth the money for both of these short children's books.  They had great lessons for the kiddos and honestly kept them interested over and over.  I would love to see a package deal or better pricing for multiple buys!
Facebook: Hugo the Happy Starfish

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.