Book Review - Maurice's Valises

About the Books
Maurice travels the world and gathers many tales and lessons. Mementos of his adventures are packed into a valise, to be pulled out later for evenings of fireside storytelling to his grand nieces and nephews. Respect, understanding, self-esteem, self-reliance, and empathy are some of the topics explored within the Maurice's Valises collection. The stories and app games impart the multicultural teachings of Aesop, Buddha, Christ, Confucius, Einstein, Muhammad, the Talmud, Thoreau, and other sources of universal truth. The lavish illustrations by Chris Beatrice, an award-winning children's book artist, help bring Maurice's adventures to life.

This series was recognized with a Gold Medal from the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. USA Book News named the first volume, In the Beginning, "Best Children's Picture Book".

The author states that "As a Mom, my greatest wish is that despite this tough world, our children learn how to be kind to others, show empathy when it matters most, and be compassionate. How do parents even begin to help their children develop kindness, empathy, and compassion? I turned to a mouse named Maurice."

Author J.S. Friedman has created Maurice's Valises, a children's book and app series to address these very issues. Maurice the traveling mouse opens up constructive dialogue between parents/teachers and children in a fun, creative and passionate way. Mr. Friedman also offers children the opportunity to express their feelings of empathy by donating books to children in need, at no cost, through the free app.

My Take on the Books
Six Maurice books arrived in a sturdy cardboard valise. There are a total of 11 books in the series. Maurice is a mouse who has traveled the world . As he travels he meets other animals and together they learn some kind of life lesson. 

For example, in Book 1 Maurice travels to New Zealand and learns the value through the Aesop's tale of telling the truth. In this story it is a rat that cries "wolf" and is finally ignored. 

In reading the other books, Maurice travels to Russia and befriends a lonely mouse and Morocco and learns the value of friendship.There was a special Christmas story too. I found all the books so child friendly in their story content. 

I believe you and your child will enjoy Maurice's adventures and the lessons he shares with his readers. The illustrations by Chris Beatrice are so lovely.

----------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com