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BLEAGH! A Book About Values
It’s BLEAGH’s first day at school. Like the other students in his class, BLEAGH is cheeky and fun but there’s one big difference between them….he’s a MONSTER! Will BLEAGH be able to learn important values and make new friends?
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Leana Lyn Doray
4 books1 followerLeana Lyn Doray is a trained educator, having obtained a double degree in Arts and Education at the University of Sydney. Serendipity led her to teach in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in Singapore for four years, where she discovered her love for reading to young children and providing a holistic education above and beyond basic academia. BLEAGH! A Book about Values is Leana’s first book, borne from almost a decade of educating (and being educated by) curious young minds. Leana is Singaporean, and lives in Singapore with her husband. She enjoys travelling, cooking, trips to the library and the thrill of new experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 31, 2013
My son (6) and I read reviewed this book for Mother Daughter Book Reviews. Here are our brief thoughts. You can visit us at our website for the full review.
SON SAYS:
I loved the pictures and the cover of the book. I really liked the painting in the book because it looks like space with different coloured stars. I also liked the way Bleagh was drawn. I liked Bleagh and I felt bad for him when he was homesick. My favorite part of the story was when the kids were being really nice to Bleagh even though he was sometimes rude and mean. My least favorite part of the story was when Bleagh said "Eagh" about the painting because it made three of the kids cry. I learned that even though someone is acting mean or rude that you shouldn't be mean or rude back. Sometimes they act that way because they are sad or mad so they need care. I really liked this book because it had a good story and good pictures. I think ALL boys and some girls would like this book, even grown-ups.
MOM SAYS:
I don't typically start reviews with this kind of statement, but in this case, it really does apply: I LOVE THIS BOOK! Allow me to elaborate. I have been teaching my kids for years that when a child (or teen or adult, etc.) they are interacting with does or says something mean to them (or anyone else) it is typically because they don't feel good about themselves. Why do I teach them this? Because my life philosophy begins and ends with compassion. BLEAGH! A book about values centres around this (and other) themes.
We meet "Bleagh", a big furry monster when he starts off in a new school with a new teacher and new classmates. I know ... scary for anyone, right? Well, Bleagh decides that if he acts foul, he'll get respect from the other kids. What is the response? They recognize that Bleagh is feeling unsure of himself in his new situation so they give him a hug:
Ok so, yes, I noticed that there is a bit of a problem with rhyming and cadence here (and in a couple of other spots, to be honest), but the message is dead on! Bleagh goes on to commit a few more "faux pas", but the children, with guidance from their teacher patiently try to understand why Bleagh acts the way he does and suggest alternatives. So, so, so well done!
The illustrations cover the full page every page and are bright and colourful. Bleagh is simply delightful as a friendly "creature" who definitely stands out, but who is completely accepted by everyone nonetheless. On some of the pages, there is a crest or badge which has a lone word which corresponds with a theme being covered in the nearby pages (e.g., compassion, tolerance, creativity, cooperation, etc.) These are good teaching prompts and will help children expand their vocabulary. Great idea!
I could see that some of Bleagh's behaviours could be interpreted as bullying with respect to the type of bullying we would typically see in early elementary or even preschool. The behaviour is not malicious, so much as "inappropriate". From what I've seen in the earlier years, there is much to be learned with regards to socialization or learning how to interact with your peers. This book would be a great tool in a preschool or kindergarten class for example where kids are still learning how to interact socially.
My Bottom Line:
BLEAGH! A book about values is, in short, a gem. It features an unusual and sympathetic main character in "Bleagh" (love that name!), the illustrations are excellent and kid-friendly, and the life lessons in this book just happen to overlap quite neatly with some of positive messages I try to reinforce in my children. I highly recommend BLEAGH! (I still giggle every time I say that out loud!) for parents of young children, librarians, and preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary school teachers as a great resource for teaching socialization skills. Ages 3+
* This book was provided to us by the author free-of-charge in exchange for our honest review.*
SON SAYS:
I loved the pictures and the cover of the book. I really liked the painting in the book because it looks like space with different coloured stars. I also liked the way Bleagh was drawn. I liked Bleagh and I felt bad for him when he was homesick. My favorite part of the story was when the kids were being really nice to Bleagh even though he was sometimes rude and mean. My least favorite part of the story was when Bleagh said "Eagh" about the painting because it made three of the kids cry. I learned that even though someone is acting mean or rude that you shouldn't be mean or rude back. Sometimes they act that way because they are sad or mad so they need care. I really liked this book because it had a good story and good pictures. I think ALL boys and some girls would like this book, even grown-ups.
MOM SAYS:
I don't typically start reviews with this kind of statement, but in this case, it really does apply: I LOVE THIS BOOK! Allow me to elaborate. I have been teaching my kids for years that when a child (or teen or adult, etc.) they are interacting with does or says something mean to them (or anyone else) it is typically because they don't feel good about themselves. Why do I teach them this? Because my life philosophy begins and ends with compassion. BLEAGH! A book about values centres around this (and other) themes.
We meet "Bleagh", a big furry monster when he starts off in a new school with a new teacher and new classmates. I know ... scary for anyone, right? Well, Bleagh decides that if he acts foul, he'll get respect from the other kids. What is the response? They recognize that Bleagh is feeling unsure of himself in his new situation so they give him a hug:
"Suddenly, B grimaced. He gave a big growl.
`Maybe they'll think I'm cool,' he thought, `if I act really foul.'
The children were shocked and a wee bit scared
But put themselves in B's shoes and
Thought he might need a hug instead."
Ok so, yes, I noticed that there is a bit of a problem with rhyming and cadence here (and in a couple of other spots, to be honest), but the message is dead on! Bleagh goes on to commit a few more "faux pas", but the children, with guidance from their teacher patiently try to understand why Bleagh acts the way he does and suggest alternatives. So, so, so well done!
The illustrations cover the full page every page and are bright and colourful. Bleagh is simply delightful as a friendly "creature" who definitely stands out, but who is completely accepted by everyone nonetheless. On some of the pages, there is a crest or badge which has a lone word which corresponds with a theme being covered in the nearby pages (e.g., compassion, tolerance, creativity, cooperation, etc.) These are good teaching prompts and will help children expand their vocabulary. Great idea!
I could see that some of Bleagh's behaviours could be interpreted as bullying with respect to the type of bullying we would typically see in early elementary or even preschool. The behaviour is not malicious, so much as "inappropriate". From what I've seen in the earlier years, there is much to be learned with regards to socialization or learning how to interact with your peers. This book would be a great tool in a preschool or kindergarten class for example where kids are still learning how to interact socially.
My Bottom Line:
BLEAGH! A book about values is, in short, a gem. It features an unusual and sympathetic main character in "Bleagh" (love that name!), the illustrations are excellent and kid-friendly, and the life lessons in this book just happen to overlap quite neatly with some of positive messages I try to reinforce in my children. I highly recommend BLEAGH! (I still giggle every time I say that out loud!) for parents of young children, librarians, and preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary school teachers as a great resource for teaching socialization skills. Ages 3+
* This book was provided to us by the author free-of-charge in exchange for our honest review.*
August 21, 2013
This book uses a unique approach to teach life lessons to children by engaging a monster creature named Bleagh (pronounced Bleh). Doray prefaces the book by giving the three definitions of bleagh: 1) the name of a friendly monster who wants to make new friends, 2) the sound children make when they smell something unpleasant, and 3) the sound that a friendly monster makes. At the beginning of the story, the reader meets Bleagh, a friendly but ugly homesick monster who has just arrived at school for the first time. Bleagh misses his other monster friends and does not understand the language or the customs of these children who appear terrified of him. Their teacher, Ms. Lyn explains that the creature is not mean but afraid so they should show EMPATHY for him. They do make an effort to do just that, but Bleagh terrifies them with the sounds he makes. She encourages the children to show TOLERANCE, but that is very difficult to do when the creature opens stinky garbage to eat for his lunch. Some of the children get the brilliant idea to give him a pile of stinky socks to eat. The classroom practices COOPERATION when they all must assume different roles in a class project. There are team leaders, presenters, timekeepers and illustrators. When the time comes for the students to examine all their work hung on the walls, Bleagh says that one of them, “looks like a baboon’s backside.” He has the children in tears. Ms. Lyn says, “You never truly see something till you see beauty.” After a few moments, Bleagh steps back and notices new colors and patterns, exclaiming, “It’s fantastic.” They all break out in applause. Near the end of the day, Ms. Lyn reminds them that it is time to vote for the Star Student of the day. Bleagh wants to vote for himself, but decides that would be cheating. So he displays INTEGRITY and votes for Ming instead. There is a surprise ending that all readers will enjoy.
In addition to the four highlighted virtues embedded in the story, there are spellbinding illustrations of monsters, exotic plants, art work, and the classroom in which the children work. Little Pink Pebble has done an amazing job of portraying the story line and moods of the characters. The drawings display multicultural children in beautiful colors and exotic settings. Furthermore, the lessons it promotes have universal appeal and relevance. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of children age seven and up.
In addition to the four highlighted virtues embedded in the story, there are spellbinding illustrations of monsters, exotic plants, art work, and the classroom in which the children work. Little Pink Pebble has done an amazing job of portraying the story line and moods of the characters. The drawings display multicultural children in beautiful colors and exotic settings. Furthermore, the lessons it promotes have universal appeal and relevance. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of children age seven and up.
June 12, 2013
“Bleagh” is an adorably drawn book that teaches children to embrace difference. Each page is a value lesson with a badge of the value illustrated (I do question if creativity is indeed a value but why not, let’s toss it in). Bleagh is very different from his classmates so they work with him to adapt to his new school. There are probably some overt touches that young readers might not get. Because of the division within the values, this is a great book for reading each day in order to embrace new experiences. Children can make a game and relate that “experience of the day” to their own lives.
The best thing about this picture book is the illustration. Each page is colorful, attractive and perfectly reflects the story. There is a joy of movement in the blue monster as he wallows in garbage that will attract pre-schoolers. Great book for young readers and perfect for the classroom.
The best thing about this picture book is the illustration. Each page is colorful, attractive and perfectly reflects the story. There is a joy of movement in the blue monster as he wallows in garbage that will attract pre-schoolers. Great book for young readers and perfect for the classroom.
June 21, 2013
In her book, Bleagh! A Book About Values, Leana Lyn Doray uses a lighthearted and engaging story to teach children key lessons in empathy, tolerance, creativity, cooperation, appreciation, and integrity.
Bleagh is nervous and a little shy. Today is his first day at a new school, but the other students do their best to welcome Bleagh and try to empathize with how he must be feeling. At lunchtime, Bleagh has an unusual lunch, but instead of poking fun the children ask him to describe the strange food, displaying tolerance. Bleagh is a very large creature with an appetite to match so when he is still hungry the children band together and creatively find him more to eat. These lessons go on and on throughout the day with Bleagh learning many lessons of his own in cooperation, appreciation, and integrity. Bleagh's day might have started out bleak, but he's about to get a big surprise.
Bleagh opens the eyes of young readers and helps them discover the importance of living each day with values. I especially like that each individual value is highlighted with a gold badge. This helps to make the lesson clear so children can easily grasp each concept and demonstrate it in their own life.
My favorite part from the story is when Bleagh is learning about integrity and "a small voice inside him began to speak, B, you know the right thing to do. It may seem hard and it'll take courage, but you'll feel great about making the right choice too." Even some adults struggle with integrity and by instilling its importance in all that we do children will be on the right track to live a life with values.
The beautiful illustrations by Little Pink Pebble are rich in color and create a lively appeal that bring emotion to the story.
I recommend picking up a copy of Bleagh! A Book About Values.
Bleagh is nervous and a little shy. Today is his first day at a new school, but the other students do their best to welcome Bleagh and try to empathize with how he must be feeling. At lunchtime, Bleagh has an unusual lunch, but instead of poking fun the children ask him to describe the strange food, displaying tolerance. Bleagh is a very large creature with an appetite to match so when he is still hungry the children band together and creatively find him more to eat. These lessons go on and on throughout the day with Bleagh learning many lessons of his own in cooperation, appreciation, and integrity. Bleagh's day might have started out bleak, but he's about to get a big surprise.
Bleagh opens the eyes of young readers and helps them discover the importance of living each day with values. I especially like that each individual value is highlighted with a gold badge. This helps to make the lesson clear so children can easily grasp each concept and demonstrate it in their own life.
My favorite part from the story is when Bleagh is learning about integrity and "a small voice inside him began to speak, B, you know the right thing to do. It may seem hard and it'll take courage, but you'll feel great about making the right choice too." Even some adults struggle with integrity and by instilling its importance in all that we do children will be on the right track to live a life with values.
The beautiful illustrations by Little Pink Pebble are rich in color and create a lively appeal that bring emotion to the story.
I recommend picking up a copy of Bleagh! A Book About Values.
May 14, 2013
I read BLEAGH (as a 30-year old adult) and found it entertaining and educational. Par for the course, kids will find it easy to relate to - who doesn't remember their first day of school, struggling to make friends? Even more so for children whose families relocate from country to country or state to state.
As an adult, I also found it surprisingly relevant, as the examples Ms Doray used are commonplace. An example that came to mind was Bleagh's food - he eats garbage and other "gross" things that his classmates find unpalatable. This struck me as analogous to some articles the local news recently ran regarding a family that complained about their neighbour's curry, which smelled awful to them. Bleagh tackles complex issues such as tolerance with skill, grace and tact, showing both children and adults how to appreciate unfamiliar cultures and appearances.
As an adult, I also found it surprisingly relevant, as the examples Ms Doray used are commonplace. An example that came to mind was Bleagh's food - he eats garbage and other "gross" things that his classmates find unpalatable. This struck me as analogous to some articles the local news recently ran regarding a family that complained about their neighbour's curry, which smelled awful to them. Bleagh tackles complex issues such as tolerance with skill, grace and tact, showing both children and adults how to appreciate unfamiliar cultures and appearances.
June 28, 2013
BLEAGH! is the best kind of children's book -- one that moves kids of all ages, even grown-ups. Beautifully illustrated with bold, vibrant colors, BLEAGH tells the classic story of a new kid who desperately wants to fit in, but has a few missteps along the way.
As the cover says, this is a book about values. But rather than dumbing down the concept of kindness, the author explores its many dimensions in a kid-friendly way, touching upon values I personally want to see more of in the world - empathy, creativity, tolerance, and appreciation.
"You never truly see something till you see it's beauty," the teacher tells Bleagh. I saw the beauty in this story and I'm sure readers will, too!
As the cover says, this is a book about values. But rather than dumbing down the concept of kindness, the author explores its many dimensions in a kid-friendly way, touching upon values I personally want to see more of in the world - empathy, creativity, tolerance, and appreciation.
"You never truly see something till you see it's beauty," the teacher tells Bleagh. I saw the beauty in this story and I'm sure readers will, too!
May 15, 2013
No points for guessing what's this book about! What's amazing is that how the author has taken on such a complex topic and explained it so skillfully and in such child friendly language. It's hard to believe that this is her first attempt at writing a book. Now just because it's a picture book, let's not be in a haste to label it as a 'Children's Book', for we all know that in todays world, everybody would benefit from reading this book about values. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 4, 2014
This is a cute story about a creature named Bleagh who goes to a human school. He learns the diffetence between right and wrong. Good morals and great artwork. Might be a little advanced for a younger child, but worth the read. WaAR
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews