I Want Your Moo: A Story for Children about Self-Esteem Book

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a sense of self -- worth. Children who lack this feeling often express it as "not liking" a part of themselves. I Want Your Moo is a beautifully written and illustrated tale about self—esteem that features Toodles, a turkey who despises the sound of her "gobble gobble." Children will identify with Toodles, her struggle for self—acceptance, and eventual victory over self —doubt when she "saves the day" by using the very voice she so dislikes. Each reading will help to reinforce a child's feeling that all of his or her attributes are a valuable part of a unique and good self.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marcella Bakur Weiner, Ed.D., is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and a Professor of Psychology at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Dr. Weiner also maintains a private practice. She has published numerous books and journal articles, has trained and lectured to audiences in the U.S. and abroad, and has appeared on many national television and radio talk shows. She is currently co -- host of the New York based radio talk show Choices.

Jill Neimark is an author and journalist living in New York. She is author of the acclaimed novel Bloodsong.

ILLUSTRATOR BIOGRAPHY: Jairo Barragan is a Columbian artist, illustrator, and cartoonist of international repute currently living and working in New York City.

Children's Literature

In this story about self-esteem, Toodles the Turkey is dissatisfied with her skinny legs, brown feathers, and especially with her "gobble-gobble." She goes to the cow, pig, horse, duck, goose, cat, and others to ask for their sounds. They all refuse her request. Finally she asks a rooster who agrees to share his cock-a-doodle-doo. He gives Toodles the "doodle-doo" part. The next morning when the rooster wakes Toodles to share in the wake up call, they find they cannot get cock-a-doodle-doo together properly. Toodles runs off. It is a wise owl who tells her that her sound is right for her. When Toodles saves the baby chicks from a hawk with her sound, her feathers, and fast legs, she accepts herself as she is. A long note to parents explains self-esteem, tells of signs that show low self-esteem, and suggests ways to help overcome it. Parents may be heartened by the suggestions in the note, but children will enjoy the silly story. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman