Recommendations

I LOVE YOUR BOOKS - I sure hope you will be able to join us again for our ST. LUCY COUNTY Reading Festival in 2013!!

Debbie Remington, President, ST. Lucy County Reading Council
Media Specialist, Manatee Academy

Thank you for sending the Kingsbury Library a copy of “HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH”.
Because we are a Primary Years Program International School the book fits perfectly into our curriculum of teaching Character Education.
The story and illustrations are well done and the additions of the list of vocabulary words in the back as well as the activities to go with the story are very useful.
The kids also love the author’s signature – it makes authoring and illustrating a book real!
We really appreciate your thinking of us in this kind way.
Sincerely,

Jane S.
PYP Coordinator & Librarian, Kingsbury Library

I was thrilled to receive a signed copy of “Hugo the Happy Starfish”. In a position that allows me to work closely with teachers and be their guide on the side, I am ecstatic to have a children's book that enhances our understanding and appreciation for the PYP Learner Profile and Attitudes.
Sincerely,

Amanda L. F. BAS, MAT
International Baccalaureate Coordinator for the Troy School District
Baker Middle School

Thank you for a great visit, Suzy! The students (and teachers!) loved Hugo, the Happy Starfish! The books are beautifully illustrated and catch everyone's eye. Most importantly, they address values that are important throughout our lives - respect, empathy, and how to be happy! We are looking forward to many more adventures with Hugo! Thank you!

Gabi R., Foreign Language Teacher, Sunset International Elementary School, Coral Gables

Suzy Liebermann visited Sunset Elementary following Ms. Riedel's invitation.
Little did we know what a treat this was going to be for students and teachers alike!
Ms. Liebermann was prepared to introduce her HUGO the starfish series. She told our students the stories in English and German backed - up by a wonderful power point presentation using the SMART Board.
The contents of the books are building blocks developing character skills, control attitudes, and making choices among other important topics relevant to growing up in our society.
Hugo makes it fun to learn and can be applied in all language settings. Kudos to Ms. Liebermann and her adorable starfish!

Sabina H., German teacher, Sunset Elementary, Miami

THE LAST BULLY

“The workbook which is available for download on the website is a wonderful tool that both entertains and teaches children about the subject of respect. ” David | 3 reviewers made a similar statement
“This is another wonderful story starring...no pun intended...Hugo the Starfish. ” S. K. Norman | 3 reviewers made a similar statement
“I can recommend this book for any teacher and parent! ” Bookworm Pat | 1 reviewer made a similar statement

5.0 out of 5 stars my kids loved it!, August 1, 2012
By true - This review is from: THE LAST BULLY (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

I read the book to my kids as a goodnight tale...and I ended up reading it three times in a row!!! The kids couldn't have enough of it, and I was amazed by how many sensible questions could rise from that simple but smart story. We talked about what a bully is, how to react when bullied by someone and about the meaning of "what goes around comes around". We played guessing who could be the next bigger fish in the ocean, and liked the nice illustrations.

I definitely recommend this book!


5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Actually Teaches Kids How to Deal With Bullies, in a lot More Realistic Way Than Most Anti Bully Picture Books, July 14, 2012
By James N Simpson (Gold Coast, QLD Australia) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) This review is from: THE LAST BULLY (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

There are heaps of picture books out there dealing with bullies or teaching kids what they should do if they see someone being bullied. I liked the realism of this one though in that Hugo the starfish is actually targeted by the bully (an Orca) when he steps in to stop bullying he is witnessing. A lot of picture books live in the fantasy world where if you simply speak up the bullying will stop, which kids who live in the real world know through seeing it with their own eyes might occasionally work, but more likely you're going to have a bit of an argument or physical confrontation to get through before the bully backs down. So I really commend the author of this for not being politically correct and telling it like it is. The lesson to kids that if they stick together and confront a bully the bully is also a great one. …

5.0 out of 5 stars What goes around, July 13, 2012
By Mymcbooks - This review is from: THE LAST BULLY (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Hardcover)

My Review: As Hugo the Happy Starfish was swimming through the ocean he came across his friend Clooney Clownfish followed by Bandit the Barracuda. Hugo could hear Bandit taunting Clooney, calling him nerdy and big eyes with small fins and green skin. Clooney was crying and Hugo told him to ignore his disrespectful behavior. Bandit felt like he was the biggest fish in the entire ocean.

So Hugo and Clooney decided to form an Anti Bully Club for someone had to stand up to the bullies of the sea world. They wanted the bullies know that what goes around comes around and there's always a bigger fish in the ocean.

A great book that teaches children respect for others and that being different is okay. And don't forget to tell your children that the best way to deal with bullies is to tell someone about it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bullying...What Goes Around Comes Around!, April 14, 2012
By S. K. Norman (Southern Illinois, USA) - This review is from: THE LAST BULLY (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

This is another wonderful story starring...no pun intended...Hugo the Starfish. With a cast of ocean life ranging in size from small to gigantic, a lesson is taught by the ABC, the Anti-Bullying Club in a way that children of all ages can understand. The illustrations are adorable.


5.0 out of 5 stars Great story with an IMPORTANT LESSON, February 18, 2012
By Bookworm Pat "Bookworm Pat" (USA) - This review is from: THE LAST BULLY (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

SET AN END TO BULLYING! Adults read this book and teach it!

Hugo takes action and the bullies learn that happiness comes from respectin others not bullying them.

This book is a wonderful tool to explain and teach respect.

Like in all the other HUGO books the pictures are illustrated with wonderful colors.

The story is told for easy understanding and my kids immediately identified with the character of Hugo.

THE LAST BULLY a great book to address an issue that we educators all have to deal with!

I can recommend this book for any teacher and parent! It's great!

THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS

“ It fits great in the 3-8 category but the message is so sound that having older children read the story to younger ones is a great idea. ” CristiAk | 5 reviewers made a similar statement
“ The book is a great lesson about sharing and a wonderful teaching tool to explain EMPATHY. ” PM | 4 reviewers made a similar statement
“ This book gives us the opportunity to explore our own emotions and specific situations causing them. ” AppleViolet | 4 reviewers made a similar statement


5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for Children with Special Needs, July 30, 2012
By Northern Virginia Reader "Fairfax, VA" (Fairfax, VA United States) - This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

This is an excellent book on how to deal with emotions. I would recommend this book -and any in the "Hugo" series- especially for special needs children (on the Autism Spectrum for example) having difficulties dealing with social situations and abstract concepts.


5.0 out of 5 stars We want to read ALL of the Hugo series now! We're new fans!, July 23, 2012
By EmbraceLife (Ohio) This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

I didn't know what to expect as I stumbled across a children's book with a character we've never been introduced to yet.

Thankfully, we took the time to read this adorable book with a great life lesson. We visited their website and look forward to reading more books about Hugo that are available. We love it that the Hugo character is teaching and helping with things such as self esteem, understanding emotions and character building.

Congratulations to the author and illustrator. Well thought out book, well written, age appropriate for our little ones and adorable illustrations. The story and the illustrations make us fall in love with Hugo.

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding Happiness, July 13, 2012
By Mymcbooks - This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Hardcover)

My Review: This is another fun and interesting book by Suzy Liebermann dealing with character development. …

This book is not only colorful and fun but it's based on a positive attitude that leads to happiness, self confident and a successful person. I highly recommend for classroom teaching.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love is the way..., March 28, 2012
By Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) (COMMUNITY FORUM 04) (TOP 50 REVIEWER) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

Hugo is a sad little starfish who makes up his mind to find happiness. He tries spending time with friends but that only makes him happy for a month. He tries finding riches and that makes him happy for a year. Whatever can make him happy forever? The story continues and Hugo finally discovers happiness you can't buy. This is a great little book to teach children lessons early in life. Imagine how happy your child will be to have discovered such a secret so early in life. Most of us had to learn this lesson the hard way.

~The Rebecca Review

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK!!!!, February 26, 2012 By David
This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

This is an amazing book!
Great story!
Awesome illustrations!
And certainly a wonderful lesson for all!
A heart-warming story about how Hugo the cute little starfish achieves happiness by being caring and sharing with others.
This book certainly is a very useful and great addition to any library!

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book with a wonderful sweet and important message!,February 26, 2012
By Bookworm Pat "Bookworm Pat" (USA) This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Hardcover)

This book was recommended to me by our school counselor when I had to deal with an issue of the little ones not "caring to share".

Fabulous illustrations keep the kids' attention, the setting is the mysterious ocean and the text is written for easy understanding.

Reading the foreword one also will realize that this is a leukemia survivor story and intents to give hope and comfort to those who need it.

This is not only a good book to have but it also makes a wonderful gift.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book with a wonderful sweet and important message!, February 26, 2012
By Bookworm Pat "Bookworm Pat" (USA) This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Hardcover)

This book was recommended to me by our school counselor when I had to deal with an issue of the little ones not "caring to share".

Fabulous illustrations keep the kids' attention, the setting is the mysterious ocean and the text is written for easy understanding.

Reading the foreword one also will realize that this is a leukemia survivor story and intents to give hope and comfort to those who need it.

This is not only a good book to have but it also makes a wonderful gift.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Positive Message Fun to Read, February 22, 2012
By CristiAk "Reading is powerful" (Juneau, Alaska, USA) This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

Hugo has an awesome message to share. The illustrations are fun to look at. The writing was excellent. The story engages you and your child. Perfect book for opening up discussions that lead to positive body/beauty image. It fits great in the 3-8 category but the message is so sound that having older children read the story to younger ones is a great idea. I highly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story with a terrific lesson for all ages!, February 17, 2012
By Relishing Life - This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

This is a wonderful, well thought-out story about how to find true happinss! Children and adults will learn (or be reminded) about the different levels of happiness and how to be truly happy. Highly recommend this book to all!!

5.0 out of 5 stars THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS - HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH, February 17, 2012
By PM This review is from: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

This is a wonderful picture book with great illustrations and an important message.
HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH is a cute little character any child can relate to.
The book is a great lesson about sharing and a wonderful teaching tool to explain EMPATHY.
I was thrilled to find such a great book about character education at such a great price!
The free worksheets, games and coloring pages available through the book's website are extremely entertaining while at the same time educational.
I would strongly recommend this book and the rest of the HUGO series to any parent or/ and teacher.
Although the books seem to be appropriate for children between the ages 3 and 8 in my opinion the messages contain life lessons for all ages.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

“ I've read and enjoyed some other Hugo the Starfish books. ” Rebecca Johnson | 3 reviewers made a similar statement
“ Wonderful story and illustrations! ” S. K. Norman | 3 reviewers made a similar statement
“ Hugo learns how he can climb a big mountain by taking one step at a time. ” David | 1 reviewer made a similar statement


5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book February 29, 2012
By Anna This review is from: ONE STEP AT A TIME (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

We really enjoyed this book. It comes with beautiful illustrations and a sweet educational storyline, teaching perseverance, determination to kids.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and inspiring, June 7, 2012
By sapphire- This review is from: ONE STEP AT A TIME (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

Beautifully illustrated picture book with a lovely uplifting message for all ages. Really enjoyed it. Love the snowy setting too! Thank you. :-)

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational For All Ages!, April 13, 2012
By S. K. Norman (Southern Illinois, USA) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: ONE STEP AT A TIME (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

The reader falls in love with Hugo the Starfish as he navigates his way to the magnificent Matterhorn in Switzerland. Following his dream of reaching the top of this mountain in order to see the world from a different perspective, Hugo learns to achieve his goal one step at a time by overcoming adversity and the desire to give up. Wonderful story and illustrations!

IT’S GOOD TO BE ME!

“ It is difficult to find engaging and fun books that teach a valuable life lesson. ” Bookworm Pat | 4 reviewers made a similar statement
“ There is some Spanish embedded and translated in the text for easy learning of the five senses while teaching the kids the importance and beauty of self-acceptance. ” David | 3 reviewers made a similar statement
“ This time he learns how important is to accept and love himself. ” true | 1 reviewer made a similar statement

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny book conveying an important message., August 5, 2012
By true - This review is from: IT'S GOOD TO BE ME! (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)
Another funny story of Hugo, the starfish. This time he learns how important is to accept and love himself. He has the opportunity to change his appearance to resemble his friend, the Magic Manta. At the end though, he admits that he is happy only being himself. My kids liked this book a lot, both for the story and the illustrations. They had also fun repeating the lines in Spanish.


4.0 out of 5 stars Good for language study, May 18, 2012
By B. Adlaon "Work-at-home mom" (REAL NAME) This review is from: IT'S GOOD TO BE ME! (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

This is a good vehicle for introducing the kids to a new language. The technique of having the main character repeat his wishes six times -- thrice in English and thrice in Spanish -- looks to me like it would work. Eventually, you could encourage your kids to chant the wishes themselves. It's fun. I wish there were books like this available for different languages, not just Spanish.

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book, March 24, 2012
By D. Wilburn "bijou2u" (OSU in USA) - (REAL NAME) This review is from: IT'S GOOD TO BE ME! (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

picture and cations on the same digital page very important to me in a digital book. I also liked the illustrations mostly wished for more in the manta but mostly colors were engaging. kept my 2 yr old grandson's attention. Good story bit over the top maybe but didnt really take away from my enjoyment of book...

THE JOY OF NOTHING

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet little tale about FRIENDSHIP, August 7, 2012 By White Butterfly This review is from: THE JOY OF NOTHING (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

We just downloaded this "sweet little tale" about FRIENDSHIP and my kids and I love it!

Hugo the Happy Starfish and his friend the little mouse Willie discover that in a friendship sometimes less is more and all you need to do is spend time together and appreciated it.
This book is a great book for little readers as well as a great reminder for older readers accompanied by adorable pictures.

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS BOOK ABOUT NOTHING MAGICALLY BECOMES SOMETHING! June 12, 2012
By S. K. Norman - This review is from: THE JOY OF NOTHING (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

THE JOY OF NOTHING by Suzy Lieberman is another ray of sunshine that will make both children and adults smile and giggle. Part of this writer's magic is being able to take a book about nothing and cleverly make it a book about something. Thrown into the mix is an adorable, confused starfish named Hugo; a friendly, playful sidekick, Willie the mouse; and a simple yet profound lesson to be learned for young and old alike. The book is also wonderfully illustrated with colorful images. Of further note, there are more Hugo the Starfish books by this writer that are equally well done.

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC BOOK SERIES July 29, 2012
By B. n - This review is from: THE JOY OF NOTHING (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

My children and I were recently introduced to this fabulous new children's book series of HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH.

We totally fell in love with Hugo and his adventures - they all teach a life lesson are so wonderfully illustrated.

This particular one struck me the most. THE JOY OF NOTHING tells and teaches a lesson that less can be more and that sometimes "not doing anything but spending time with somebody else" can mean the world to you. It also makes it very clear that in order to enjoy a friendship you don't have to do much more than spend time together and enjoy it. WE LOVE HUGO and are hoping for many more adventures ... SOON!

5.0 out of 5 stars HOW CUTE! GREAT BOOK ABOUT FRIENDSHIP! June 20, 2012
By Bookworm Pat - This review is from: THE JOY OF NOTHING (HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH) (Kindle Edition)

How cute is this book! Children's book author Suzy Liebermann manages to explain FRIENDSHIP making magically something out of nothing.

In this book of the HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH series, HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH is accompanied by a very cute little mouse named Willie.

Together they spend the day doing NOTHING but spending the day together. At the end of the story they realize that even doing NOTHING together can mean everything for a FRIENDSHIP.

THE MAGIC OF THE MOMENT

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL BOOK ABOUT FEELINGS and THE IMPORTANCE TO ENJOY THE MOMENT June 20, 2012
By Bookworm Pat

What a delight! We love THE MAGIC OF THE MOMENT - the new book in the HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH series.

In this fabulously illustrated book Hugo receives presents from his friend Deena the Dolphin. He learns that feelings are magical gifts and only last for a little while.

He also learns that feelings come and go and that they have to be either enjoyed or dealt with while the last.

The book explains the world of feelings and it introduces the three tenses: FUTURE, PAST and PRESENT to the young reader.

Take my recommendation! It's a great book for young and old - as most of us have to reminded once in a while to live in the here and now and to enjoy THE PRESENT OF THE MOMENT!