W.Va. Authors Teach Kids Importance of Character
Written by Jason Keeling on November 6, 2007
We’re always looking for stories illustrating people and organizations that help make aBetterWestVirginia, and The Sad, Mad, Glad Book - The Anatomy of Your Attitude is another example of West Virginians making a positive impact. Written by professional speaker/trainer Chuck Stump and marketing professional Jim Strawn, this children’s book uses “body idioms” to teach kids positive character traits.
A Few Examples:
“Keep Your Eye on the Ball” - Determination; “Lend a Helping Hand” - Generosity; “Stick Your Neck Out” - Courage; “Put Your Best Foot Forward” - Effort; and “I’ve Got Your Back” - Friendship.
The authors firmly believe in the importance of attitude. “Everything we do in life has an impact on the character of our children. As a society, we need to exhibit less blame, excuses, and comprising and begin putting efforts into building positive young minds,” said Stump. “This book helps teach children life lessons by taking something they already know—their body parts—and linking them to positive principles and beliefs.”
The book has earned the accolades of First Lady Gayle Manchin and other educators. It is available at Taylor Books (Charleston), Borders (Barboursville), Empire Bookstore (Huntington), or via the book’s Web site. Proceeds help support the Children’s Therapy Clinic.
According to Strawn, the idea was spurred during a benefit golf tournament, as the future authors hacked away, yet encouraged each other across the course. Perhaps even adults will find the book’s simple axioms to be a healthy reminder.
Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia
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November 8th, 2007 at 7:12 am
The Sad, Mad, Glad Book - The Anatomy of Your Attitude by Jim Strawn and Chuck Stump is a great read for kids (and the young at heart)! Love the fun animal pictures as well how it helps kids understand the feelings they have. Well done to two West Virginia authors!
April 17th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Update from the authors: April 17, 2008. Thanks to everone’s support, our first printing (3000 books) is SOLD OUT! We recently received 5000 more and 600 of them are already committed. You can now purchase the book online at fourdolphins.net.