Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I own hundreds of social-emotional intelligence picture books that I use for homeschooling. This is one I purchased on a whim because it's frequently advertised by Amazon and it has SO MANY good reviews. I was disappointed when I read it. I appreciate what the author is trying to do and I hope he continues spreading positivity. From all of these reviews, I see that many people really love this book and that's great. I hope it's very helpful for those people. I just wish there had been a more balanced and comparative review when I purchased this book so that I could make a fully informed decision. That's why I wrote this. PROS: -It names shame once and then shame is seemingly the theme of the book. It's a hard emotion and important to learn about. -The Prince had a positive influence in his adult life (presumably his wife) who helped and nurtured him which could be helpful for teaching about good friends and asking for help when you're having a hard time. -I can see this being useful in a classroom setting as a social-emotional intelligence read aloud (practice first - see my cons for why) and discussion. -The illustrations are whimsical and lovely. CONS: -The meter and too-frequent near rhymes are awkward, making reading aloud cumbersome throughout. (I dread reading it.) It's just not written that well. (See pictures) -It's too long. -This is a tale about the author's life told as an allegory. The Prince/Author spends most of the story as an adult (or teenager?) It's boring and the moral is heavy-handed because ADULT LIVES AREN'T THAT INTERESTING OR RELATABLE TO CHILDREN. -It's not funny, clever, fun or thought-provoking. -The story reminds me of a touchy-feely story in a church sermon (although religion is NOT mentioned) or a picture book that a parent would write to teach their own children about the hard lessons they learned in their lives (because that's what it is). This is not a children's book. It's one of those moral picture books that adults like because it has a good message so they will gift it to the children in their lives (nieces, nephews, grandchildren, neighbors, etc.) who will read it once and then probably not again. Those children will prefer social-emotional books written with children in mind with subtle messages that are funny or clever or relatable because the stories are about children. My children (5 & 11) will let me read picture books to them for hours. This is not a book that my children want to read. Thus, the good intention of this book is completely negated. If you're interested, check it out from the library first to see if you like it. You just might. When comparing it to all of the other books that teach about feelings, kindness, relationships, etc., I didn't. But, taste is a personal thing. Hopefully this review helps you decide if it's for you or not.