Madison's Patriotic Project Book

In celebration of President's Day, Madison is confident that her beautiful scrapbook on patriotism will win her the first prize trophy and free pizza. Despite her self-assurance, Jonathan wins the prize and Madison is disheartened. But with counsel from her parents and Courage the Lion, she does the right thing and congratulates Jonathan on his success. The story of this engaging five-year-old who conquers her hostility highlights an important lesson: trying your best is what truly counts. Based on positive parenting and child development research, Vanita Braver incorporates important lessons and values for children in her books.

Children's Literature

This book is one of a series written by a child psychiatrist who is producing books meant to teach values, virtues and ethical behavior. Child appeal is supposed to be built in as a parent and a stuffed animal are programmed in to help the child protagonist resolve a dilemma. As laudable as Braver's intentions are, the lesson is forced, in this book at least. Madison wants to win a prize for the most creative project in her classroom and is disappointed when a boy named Jonathan does instead. The issue of wanting to win is a real one for young children, but the few consoling words Madison's mother offers don't seem enough to resolve the issue as quickly as it is in this story. There are a few aspects of the book that raise questions. Madison's father seems to be doing as much as Madison in putting her scrapbook together. At the same time, the issue of patriotism signaled in the title is treated very superficially. Part of the "Teach Your Children Well Series." Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry