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Tuttle Twins #1
The Tuttle Twins Learn About The Law
Until now, freedom-minded parents had no educational material to teach their children the concepts of liberty. The Tuttle Twins series of books helps children learn about political and economic principles in a fun and engaging manner. With colorful illustrations and a fun story, your children will follow Ethan and Emily as they learn about liberty!
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2014
53 people are currently reading
1037 people want to read
About the author
Connor Boyack
91 books239 followersConnor Boyack is founder and president of Libertas Institute, a libertarian think tank in Utah. In that capacity, he has spearheaded important policy reforms dealing with property rights, civil liberties, transparency, surveillance, and education freedom.
Connor is the author of several books, including the new Tuttle Twins series that teaches the principles of liberty to young children. Other books include Latter-day Liberty: A Gospel Approach to Government and Politics and its companion, Latter-day Responsibility: Choosing Liberty through Personal Accountability.
Connor's work has been publicly praised by former Representative Ron Paul, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Tom Woods, and other nationally recognized figures. He is a frequent commentator on current events and has appeared in local, national, and international interviews to publicize and comment on his work.
Connor is the author of several books, including the new Tuttle Twins series that teaches the principles of liberty to young children. Other books include Latter-day Liberty: A Gospel Approach to Government and Politics and its companion, Latter-day Responsibility: Choosing Liberty through Personal Accountability.
Connor's work has been publicly praised by former Representative Ron Paul, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Tom Woods, and other nationally recognized figures. He is a frequent commentator on current events and has appeared in local, national, and international interviews to publicize and comment on his work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
June 8, 2020
Libertarianism can be defined as capitalism without laws. What could possibly go wrong?
A lot. Libertarianism is ideology that can seem logical, but in practice it doesn't work out well. When you take away protections for workers, minimum wage, public space, public school, social services for the poor, environmental protections, and corporate regulations, the result is that the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, the environment gets plundered, and ultimately the quality of life for everyone goes down. There is nothing to stop Nestle from seizing all the water and throwing you in prison for collecting rainwater (that actually happened in Bolivia when they privatized their water. It lead to a civil war). There would be nothing to stop companies from extracting every last resource and arresting or assaulting anyone in their way. Think of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Mexico or Nigeria can be considered a good example of Libertarian practices: little to no minimum wage or protections for workers, no social services, nothing to prohibit corporations or wealthy people and profits. I repeat, it leads to mass poverty and suffering and a plundered environment. On the other hand, we have MANY living examples of left-wing economic policies leading to peace, prosperity, happiness and health. I'm talking about Europe, particularly Scandinavia. There are no such examples of right wing economic policies working out well for anyone but the .01%. I have a STRONG suspicion this book series is ultimately funded by the surviving Koch Brother, who invented modern Libertarianism and funds its promotion. He is a libertarian only because it serves him as a billionaire.
A lot. Libertarianism is ideology that can seem logical, but in practice it doesn't work out well. When you take away protections for workers, minimum wage, public space, public school, social services for the poor, environmental protections, and corporate regulations, the result is that the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, the environment gets plundered, and ultimately the quality of life for everyone goes down. There is nothing to stop Nestle from seizing all the water and throwing you in prison for collecting rainwater (that actually happened in Bolivia when they privatized their water. It lead to a civil war). There would be nothing to stop companies from extracting every last resource and arresting or assaulting anyone in their way. Think of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Mexico or Nigeria can be considered a good example of Libertarian practices: little to no minimum wage or protections for workers, no social services, nothing to prohibit corporations or wealthy people and profits. I repeat, it leads to mass poverty and suffering and a plundered environment. On the other hand, we have MANY living examples of left-wing economic policies leading to peace, prosperity, happiness and health. I'm talking about Europe, particularly Scandinavia. There are no such examples of right wing economic policies working out well for anyone but the .01%. I have a STRONG suspicion this book series is ultimately funded by the surviving Koch Brother, who invented modern Libertarianism and funds its promotion. He is a libertarian only because it serves him as a billionaire.
June 18, 2020
So it used to be that a Barenaked Ladies concert was the whitest thing out there... then these monstrosities came out.... Made by an author who clearly didn't even read Smith, or Jefferson, or any of their apparent influences... it's social studies for wealthy white kids to help make a new generation of tax evaders... delightful...
Not to mention that their facebook page shares crap from Jordan Peterson, yep that piece of shit bigot. These books should not be read by anyone, let alone children. If you want your kid to turn into a libertarian proud boy, then I guess this fits, but if you want your kids to understand actual complex problems, read elsewhere.
Not to mention that their facebook page shares crap from Jordan Peterson, yep that piece of shit bigot. These books should not be read by anyone, let alone children. If you want your kid to turn into a libertarian proud boy, then I guess this fits, but if you want your kids to understand actual complex problems, read elsewhere.
July 13, 2014
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected given my distaste for politics, mainly because of corruption. If more children grew up believing the ideas promoted in this book, governmental corruption such as “redistributing” taxes paid by workers to those who won’t work would become a thing of the past. Giving would be the province of individuals and charitable organizations with better means to determine whether a need is real. I was alone while reading, but I wanted to shout, “Yes! Truth for youth!” And for adults.
I liked the characters, especially Fred, and I loved how he interacted and taught the twins in a fun way. The twins seemed a little idealized but not enough to detract from the story. If their enthusiasm was infectious to me, I think it will infect children even more. A potentially boring subject became an adventure to me. Most of all, I liked the author’s demonstration of the twins’ learning how charity should work, nothing forced about it. The illustrations made a nice focal point for each idea.
I wrote the above paragraph before my nephew, grand-niece, and grand-nephew listened to my oldest niece read the book. I kept quiet so as not to influence their opinions. When I asked each of them to rate the book from one to five, both boys gave it a five. The girl was shy. She just said she liked it. The boy I had time to ask for a favorite part said he liked the scene where the twins showed what they learned by giving. To gauge the strength of the text, this boy wasn’t even sitting where he could see the illustrations, yet he listened the whole fifteen minutes without distraction.
My own beliefs coincide with the author’s because of personal experience. Long ago, I learned how much a person’s sense of self-worth plummets if he or she doesn’t give back. I witnessed events that taught me everyone has something to give and give back, even if it’s only time and talents like social interaction or mental skills. The government does a lousy job of encouraging return giving, and their redistribution shouldn’t be allowed anyway. So this review is my way of shouting from the rooftops, “Read this book to your children!” But don’t wait until they’re grown to apply the lessons to real life.
The Tuttle Twins Learn about the Law should be part of every elementary curriculum from about fourth grade up. If third-graders have a good attention span, some might understand and apply the knowledge too. A must read for those who value their freedom. I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the characters, especially Fred, and I loved how he interacted and taught the twins in a fun way. The twins seemed a little idealized but not enough to detract from the story. If their enthusiasm was infectious to me, I think it will infect children even more. A potentially boring subject became an adventure to me. Most of all, I liked the author’s demonstration of the twins’ learning how charity should work, nothing forced about it. The illustrations made a nice focal point for each idea.
I wrote the above paragraph before my nephew, grand-niece, and grand-nephew listened to my oldest niece read the book. I kept quiet so as not to influence their opinions. When I asked each of them to rate the book from one to five, both boys gave it a five. The girl was shy. She just said she liked it. The boy I had time to ask for a favorite part said he liked the scene where the twins showed what they learned by giving. To gauge the strength of the text, this boy wasn’t even sitting where he could see the illustrations, yet he listened the whole fifteen minutes without distraction.
My own beliefs coincide with the author’s because of personal experience. Long ago, I learned how much a person’s sense of self-worth plummets if he or she doesn’t give back. I witnessed events that taught me everyone has something to give and give back, even if it’s only time and talents like social interaction or mental skills. The government does a lousy job of encouraging return giving, and their redistribution shouldn’t be allowed anyway. So this review is my way of shouting from the rooftops, “Read this book to your children!” But don’t wait until they’re grown to apply the lessons to real life.
The Tuttle Twins Learn about the Law should be part of every elementary curriculum from about fourth grade up. If third-graders have a good attention span, some might understand and apply the knowledge too. A must read for those who value their freedom. I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2021
For a book like this, I think the story itself needs to be reviewed separately from the message.
STORY (1 star)
I'm not completely sure what grade level this is intended for, but I can't envision a scenario in which any child walks away from this book having enjoyed it. There is no character development, and the plot is simply "two children listen while their neighbor talks at them, THE END." It spends its time being very heavy-handed with its messaging with no real concern for reader engagement. It simplifies the subject matter, but overly so. Which leads to...
THE MESSAGE (also 1 star)
The libertarian message in this book pretty much boils down to: the government taxes workers (theft) and redistributes that money to either 1) people who refuse to work, or 2) government employees who illegally skim off the top. Full disclosure, I used to identify as libertarian...until I worked directly for a billionaire who had no regard for anyone but himself, and I saw firsthand the problems with unchecked capitalism (incidentally, he's currently in federal prison for attempting to bribe a public official). So, I have real issues with the book's logic that we should abolish taxes, and thus all social safety nets, and rely on altruism to care for those in need. Secondly, if we ditch taxes, where does the author think public infrastructure will come from? But then again, no kid needs to be reading about how roads are funded. But if the message is going to be done right, it really should go into that level of detail. Which is to say, with a message like this, it's just silly to give this book to a kid in the first place.
STORY (1 star)
I'm not completely sure what grade level this is intended for, but I can't envision a scenario in which any child walks away from this book having enjoyed it. There is no character development, and the plot is simply "two children listen while their neighbor talks at them, THE END." It spends its time being very heavy-handed with its messaging with no real concern for reader engagement. It simplifies the subject matter, but overly so. Which leads to...
THE MESSAGE (also 1 star)
The libertarian message in this book pretty much boils down to: the government taxes workers (theft) and redistributes that money to either 1) people who refuse to work, or 2) government employees who illegally skim off the top. Full disclosure, I used to identify as libertarian...until I worked directly for a billionaire who had no regard for anyone but himself, and I saw firsthand the problems with unchecked capitalism (incidentally, he's currently in federal prison for attempting to bribe a public official). So, I have real issues with the book's logic that we should abolish taxes, and thus all social safety nets, and rely on altruism to care for those in need. Secondly, if we ditch taxes, where does the author think public infrastructure will come from? But then again, no kid needs to be reading about how roads are funded. But if the message is going to be done right, it really should go into that level of detail. Which is to say, with a message like this, it's just silly to give this book to a kid in the first place.
July 29, 2021
2021-07-29 - I listened to this marvelous little book, the first in the remarkable Tuttle Twins series, a month and a half ago, and then again last week. Because I listened to the audiobook version, I missed the catchy graphics that the printed series contains. That seems to be about the only down-side.
The narrator was very good. The theme, dialog, characters were all excellent.
The book is based on the insights of the equally short, but even more powerful book for adults, "The Law" by the French classical liberal, Frederic Bastiat, acknowledged in the story of this book.
I believe the age range that this book is geared for is 8-12 or 13 years old. I am 65 and thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to parents and their age-appropriate kids. If more parents and their kids read/listened to and considered the lessons in their daily lives in this book (and indeed, the whole series) the world would be a far better and happier place.
The narrator was very good. The theme, dialog, characters were all excellent.
The book is based on the insights of the equally short, but even more powerful book for adults, "The Law" by the French classical liberal, Frederic Bastiat, acknowledged in the story of this book.
I believe the age range that this book is geared for is 8-12 or 13 years old. I am 65 and thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to parents and their age-appropriate kids. If more parents and their kids read/listened to and considered the lessons in their daily lives in this book (and indeed, the whole series) the world would be a far better and happier place.
July 2, 2020
How much you like or dislike this book will probably depends on your politics. The closer you are to total libertarian, the more you'll like it.
Children's books are often absolutist in order to convey the message. In this case, any taxation by the government to help others equates to theft. Not sure that's an extreme many people would support nor want their kids to support.
Children's books are often absolutist in order to convey the message. In this case, any taxation by the government to help others equates to theft. Not sure that's an extreme many people would support nor want their kids to support.
July 1, 2014
The Story- The Tuttle twins are taught about the word wisdom in school and are then asked to interview someone they think is wise. They choose their neighbor Fred, and go visit him after school. Fred tells them about The Law, a book by Frederic Bastiat. He explains to the children about responsibility, about helping others because you want to, not because you are forced to, about legal plunder, and about true laws that protect people.
My Thoughts- THIS IS A MUST READ! 5 Stars! Okay, enough shouting. The book itself reads like a school book and is definitely more educational than a joy read. But, the concepts are definitely something children need to be taught and this book does so in an easy to understand way. So, my criteria for this book is as an academic read, not a leisure read.
It is often so hard to teach children about government, and this book explains it on a child's level. Plus, the illustrations are wonderful. They really help children to visualize the concepts the author is presenting. At the end of the book is a section about Frederic Bastiat himself with quotes and info. I find it wonderful that a man who lived in 1850, wrote a book about the law that applies to our government and its problems today. I haven't read the original, so I can't do more than talk about the parts that the author included in the children's book, but, the concepts hit home today. I'm buying a copy to read to my children.
Teach children to be independent and to help one another. A worthy goal!
My Thoughts- THIS IS A MUST READ! 5 Stars! Okay, enough shouting. The book itself reads like a school book and is definitely more educational than a joy read. But, the concepts are definitely something children need to be taught and this book does so in an easy to understand way. So, my criteria for this book is as an academic read, not a leisure read.
It is often so hard to teach children about government, and this book explains it on a child's level. Plus, the illustrations are wonderful. They really help children to visualize the concepts the author is presenting. At the end of the book is a section about Frederic Bastiat himself with quotes and info. I find it wonderful that a man who lived in 1850, wrote a book about the law that applies to our government and its problems today. I haven't read the original, so I can't do more than talk about the parts that the author included in the children's book, but, the concepts hit home today. I'm buying a copy to read to my children.
Teach children to be independent and to help one another. A worthy goal!
August 2, 2022
A sad and only-just-above amateur children's book that is effectively a propaganda vehicle for Frederic Bastiat, Ayn Rand and other reactionary authors who would rather leave the poor to rot without hospital access or worker rights at the benefit of the rich - in case you're wondering a clear majority of US capitalist entrepreneurs have the advantage of inherited wealth anyway.
This book (and others in the series) reduce issues of corporate privilege and government intervention (ie: tax) to children's playground adventures, lemonade stands etc. As mentioned above, these books are embarrassingly obvious propaganda, illustration work is at best average.
This book (and others in the series) reduce issues of corporate privilege and government intervention (ie: tax) to children's playground adventures, lemonade stands etc. As mentioned above, these books are embarrassingly obvious propaganda, illustration work is at best average.
May 13, 2014
As many Libertarian/Small-Government proponents probably know, teaching these ideas to your kids can be kinda difficult given the lack of books or study material for their age range. While the ideas are simple, it can often be difficult for parents to explain them in ways that are interesting or fun. I am happy to say the Tuttle Twins book on The Law is a great entry into this almost non-existent genre of literature. It is a children's version of Frederic Bastiat's The Law...which is a great book that discusses what The Law is, the proper role of Law in our lives, how Law is often misused by those in charge of creating and administering it, and how this creates conflict amongst all people subject to the law since it pits some groups against other groups in a mad grab of self-interested power.
The children's version does an excellent job of explaining, by way of a short story about two nine-year old kids, the proper role of Law (protecting life, liberty, and property), and explaining how those things which are bad for you and I to do (i.e. stealing) are bad for governments to do as well. I would highly recommend this to any parents with children as a good starting point for learning the idea of Freedom and Law. Even for most teenagers and adults who have gone their whole lives never questioning the legitimacy of laws created by "the state", this could very easily be an eye opening book. Coming in at about 60 pages, it is a very short read which is NOT a bad thing since children, and let's face it...adults, have a very short attention span. A lot of good material is packed into these few pages. For barely more than the price of a good lunch, this is an awesome tool for liberty and could very well reinforce in your children the idea that Freedom and Liberty are the basis for prosperity...not government plunder.
I heard about this from Tom Woods' radio show, and I'm glad I did. my wife and I have five children, and we are looking forward to them all reading it.
The children's version does an excellent job of explaining, by way of a short story about two nine-year old kids, the proper role of Law (protecting life, liberty, and property), and explaining how those things which are bad for you and I to do (i.e. stealing) are bad for governments to do as well. I would highly recommend this to any parents with children as a good starting point for learning the idea of Freedom and Law. Even for most teenagers and adults who have gone their whole lives never questioning the legitimacy of laws created by "the state", this could very easily be an eye opening book. Coming in at about 60 pages, it is a very short read which is NOT a bad thing since children, and let's face it...adults, have a very short attention span. A lot of good material is packed into these few pages. For barely more than the price of a good lunch, this is an awesome tool for liberty and could very well reinforce in your children the idea that Freedom and Liberty are the basis for prosperity...not government plunder.
I heard about this from Tom Woods' radio show, and I'm glad I did. my wife and I have five children, and we are looking forward to them all reading it.
September 4, 2014
PLEASE READ:
This book is without a doubt one of the best books on philosophy and government for the age group. It's highly Libertarian/Anarco-Capitalist, and everyone who knows the name "Basitat" should expect that. This is an accurate representation of "The Law" in a children's book format.
ONE BIT OF CAUTION:
This book has a powerful religious component. If you are an Atheist, this book will offend. The argument of Bastiat goes like this: God gives you rights. Rights protect you. Therefore, God protects you with his gift of Rights. Of course, if you take God out of the equation, you end up with "God doesn't exist, therefore, he cannot give you rights", which renders the whole formula of the Law inert. The syllogism is flawed, but the conclusion is sound. I don't have a problem with it as much from an Atheist perspective, but from a philosophic perspective. If rights are something to be granted (by a god or government), then we must assume that humans alone don't have, or don't deserve rights. This is in my estimation wrong. Humans have rights. Not because of a God or Government, but because they exist. To point to an external entity to grant rights is dangerously flawed.
Note that I gave this 4 stars. It's a good book, and has powerful and thought provoking ideas for kids and adults alike. Kids deserve philosophy and theory as much as adults.
This book is without a doubt one of the best books on philosophy and government for the age group. It's highly Libertarian/Anarco-Capitalist, and everyone who knows the name "Basitat" should expect that. This is an accurate representation of "The Law" in a children's book format.
ONE BIT OF CAUTION:
This book has a powerful religious component. If you are an Atheist, this book will offend. The argument of Bastiat goes like this: God gives you rights. Rights protect you. Therefore, God protects you with his gift of Rights. Of course, if you take God out of the equation, you end up with "God doesn't exist, therefore, he cannot give you rights", which renders the whole formula of the Law inert. The syllogism is flawed, but the conclusion is sound. I don't have a problem with it as much from an Atheist perspective, but from a philosophic perspective. If rights are something to be granted (by a god or government), then we must assume that humans alone don't have, or don't deserve rights. This is in my estimation wrong. Humans have rights. Not because of a God or Government, but because they exist. To point to an external entity to grant rights is dangerously flawed.
Note that I gave this 4 stars. It's a good book, and has powerful and thought provoking ideas for kids and adults alike. Kids deserve philosophy and theory as much as adults.
July 11, 2021
Having heard so much about this series, I had to read one of these books to see what the hype was about. I was not impressed.
The writing level and the ideas presented do not seem geared toward the same audience. The story is very simply written and not at all engaging. The ideas presented- “legal plunder”, “government shouldn’t be able to do anything I can’t do”- are really above the targeted reading level here and aren’t fleshed out by the author. Not to mention, as a Christian, I thought the theology of the book was completely off base, too.
Not a good fit for our family.
The writing level and the ideas presented do not seem geared toward the same audience. The story is very simply written and not at all engaging. The ideas presented- “legal plunder”, “government shouldn’t be able to do anything I can’t do”- are really above the targeted reading level here and aren’t fleshed out by the author. Not to mention, as a Christian, I thought the theology of the book was completely off base, too.
Not a good fit for our family.
January 18, 2019
The Tuttle Twins learn about an important aspect of freedom. If stealing is wrong, why do we allow the government to steal from us to give “free” stuff to others? If I worked to earn it, the law protects my property. When it stops protecting property, it becomes corrupt because everyone wants “free” stuff and no one wants to work and earn it themselves if they don’t have to. Based on the book “The Law,” this book helps kids understand a basic concept that is at the foundation of true liberty.
January 19, 2021
2021 Update: Lots of discussion this time around. The book went to 5 stars because of the interaction with the text. J was very interested and inquisitive.
The writing is lacking, but the content is perfect for our present state of being. My 9 year old was fully engaged.
The writing is lacking, but the content is perfect for our present state of being. My 9 year old was fully engaged.
August 14, 2021
my children read this book and now they want to join antifa
May 26, 2021
Kind of a mixed bag. It takes the “taxation is theft” stance. It explains that stealing is wrong, then states “If something is wrong for us to do, its wrong for the people in the government to do.” This is false—government is given responsibilities that are different from those of private citizens. For example, the death penalty. The Bible says the sword is given to government to punish evildoers (Romans 13:4), but God doesn’t allow individuals to exact revenge.
It goes on: “The bad guys in government take my things and give them to others without my permission. Sometimes they take my things to keep for themselves, or give away to their friends instead of helping the needy.” This is only partly true. We do still live in a representative democracy where we can vote on some measures about how much the government should tax us and what it should be spent on. But there is definitely wasteful and corrupt spending, as well as tax dollars being spent on things we may have a moral objection to. However, the Bible commands us to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7, Matthew 22:21).
Here’s a loaded statement: “If a law lets the government do something I’m not allowed to do, then it’s not a true law.” Really? What moral standard are you basing this on? Not the Bible (see above). And how do they define “true law?” Do they think this mean we can disobey the law and not expect consequences (earthly or eternal)? Again, see Romans 13.
One thing I agreed with the book on is that when we delegate charity to the government, it encourages the desire to take instead of give, people expect the government to care for them, and government takes more and more control. It is our responsibility as individuals and the church to care for people.
“True laws protect people and their property from plunder. When true laws exist and are respected, people work hard to improve their lives and they work peacefully with others. Everyone prospers together and is happier. When there isn’t any legal plunder, people rely on the kindness and service of others for the things they need.”
That’s the goal, although I don’t believe it’s that simple. The author is Mormon, so doesn’t have a biblical framework to go off of for how we are individually transformed to love others this way.
Lastly, the book is just not very well written from a literary standpoint. All in all...I supposed it’s a decent jumping off point to discuss these issues with kids, especially since I don’t know of other children’s books addressing them. But I disagreed with a lot that this book said.
It goes on: “The bad guys in government take my things and give them to others without my permission. Sometimes they take my things to keep for themselves, or give away to their friends instead of helping the needy.” This is only partly true. We do still live in a representative democracy where we can vote on some measures about how much the government should tax us and what it should be spent on. But there is definitely wasteful and corrupt spending, as well as tax dollars being spent on things we may have a moral objection to. However, the Bible commands us to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7, Matthew 22:21).
Here’s a loaded statement: “If a law lets the government do something I’m not allowed to do, then it’s not a true law.” Really? What moral standard are you basing this on? Not the Bible (see above). And how do they define “true law?” Do they think this mean we can disobey the law and not expect consequences (earthly or eternal)? Again, see Romans 13.
One thing I agreed with the book on is that when we delegate charity to the government, it encourages the desire to take instead of give, people expect the government to care for them, and government takes more and more control. It is our responsibility as individuals and the church to care for people.
“True laws protect people and their property from plunder. When true laws exist and are respected, people work hard to improve their lives and they work peacefully with others. Everyone prospers together and is happier. When there isn’t any legal plunder, people rely on the kindness and service of others for the things they need.”
That’s the goal, although I don’t believe it’s that simple. The author is Mormon, so doesn’t have a biblical framework to go off of for how we are individually transformed to love others this way.
Lastly, the book is just not very well written from a literary standpoint. All in all...I supposed it’s a decent jumping off point to discuss these issues with kids, especially since I don’t know of other children’s books addressing them. But I disagreed with a lot that this book said.
February 15, 2021
I really like these Tuttle Twins books. It is amazing how easy it is to forget things like is it okay to steal? No. Is it okay for the government to steal on a larger scale. No. But somehow we get used to the government infringing on rights and doing things that they should be held accountable for. We become desensitized to their corruption. Especially when it happens slowly over time. This book was great. But I don't feel like this one gets 5 stars just because I think it needed more examples of what the Law is and ways the government does not uphold the law. My kids came away saying the government is bad. Which of course it is bad in many ways. But I think it would have been great to follow up on what the government should be doing and what that looks like in a non corrupt way. I am still glad I read this with my kids!
August 14, 2021
simply just MAGA propoganda , if russia or north korea released books disguised as propaganda there would be an outrage.
August 15, 2021
Conservative brainwashing for children.
January 22, 2021
I ordered the 11-book set, and they came in the mail today. I knew my boys wouldn't be ready for them yet, but I wanted to get my hands on them.
It's no real surprise that I agree with the basic concept of this first installment. This is Book 1, so it's setting the stage with a super-basic idea. Obviously, it's not a complete and full picture with every objection addressed and every nuance explained. It's for KIDS.
I'm a huge fan of helping the poor, providing relief for suffering, for charity and giving. I just think that individual people do this much better than the government does. Private charities are way more efficient (and accountable) than government social programs. Plus, when individual people do the giving, the giving changes the giver—it promotes a strong social fabric where we're lending a hand to one another in times of need and cheering each other on because we've invested in each others' success. We're not squabbling over who gets government funding. When we do need help, it's so much healthier when we're getting it from the warmth and love of our family, friends, and neighbors. I know that people with opposing views think that everyone in our society should be forced to give to the government in order to fund social programs.. but has that really produced good fruit? Has it produced more givers or more takers in society?
I'm an old lady who knows where I stand. I'm interested to have my teenage nephews read these books and see what they think because I know that they haven't given this stuff much thought.
It's no real surprise that I agree with the basic concept of this first installment. This is Book 1, so it's setting the stage with a super-basic idea. Obviously, it's not a complete and full picture with every objection addressed and every nuance explained. It's for KIDS.
I'm a huge fan of helping the poor, providing relief for suffering, for charity and giving. I just think that individual people do this much better than the government does. Private charities are way more efficient (and accountable) than government social programs. Plus, when individual people do the giving, the giving changes the giver—it promotes a strong social fabric where we're lending a hand to one another in times of need and cheering each other on because we've invested in each others' success. We're not squabbling over who gets government funding. When we do need help, it's so much healthier when we're getting it from the warmth and love of our family, friends, and neighbors. I know that people with opposing views think that everyone in our society should be forced to give to the government in order to fund social programs.. but has that really produced good fruit? Has it produced more givers or more takers in society?
I'm an old lady who knows where I stand. I'm interested to have my teenage nephews read these books and see what they think because I know that they haven't given this stuff much thought.
February 1, 2018
Very good adaption of Bastiat's The Law for children.
The only downside I can see is the reduction of the explanation of Natural Rights as given by God. The argument in favour of Natural Rights is much stronger without invoking God, and the book would be better if this perspective were added to it.
I know that Bastiat's original argument was focused on God, but that's no reason to enrich it with a stronger version fit to our time.
The only downside I can see is the reduction of the explanation of Natural Rights as given by God. The argument in favour of Natural Rights is much stronger without invoking God, and the book would be better if this perspective were added to it.
I know that Bastiat's original argument was focused on God, but that's no reason to enrich it with a stronger version fit to our time.
September 11, 2020
I love the principles of this book. I just wish it went further than it does. The general idea presented that if it's not legal for citizens to do, it's not legal for the government to do, but then doesn't really discuss why it happens anyway. Maybe that should mean I should rate it higher? Good idea that leaves you wanting more? Maybe I need to look into their "teen" books for a more in depth look at the issue?
January 3, 2020
I like the info presented...but I’m not impressed by the writing, it’s just ok...
February 28, 2021
Bastiat for children. Nothing wrong with that!
April 3, 2024
I don't have time to discuss all of the propaganda in this book, but if I could give it negative stars, I would.
November 25, 2023
Review to follow.
March 6, 2021
Straightforward basic ideas about the law, derived from Frederic Bastiat's book: The Law, but in children's examples.
Bastiat's ideas highlighted are:
Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place.
But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some person what belongs to them and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime.
As long as it is admitted that the law maybe diverted from its true purpose-that it may violate property instead of protecting it-then everyone will want to participate in making the law, either to protect himself against plunder or to use it for plunder.
If the natural tendencies of mankind are so bad that it is not safe to permit people to be free, how is it that the tendencies of these organizers are always good? Do not the legislators and their appointed agents also belong to the human race? Or do they believe that they themselves are made of a finer clay than the rest of mankind?
Bastiat's ideas highlighted are:
Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place.
But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some person what belongs to them and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime.
As long as it is admitted that the law maybe diverted from its true purpose-that it may violate property instead of protecting it-then everyone will want to participate in making the law, either to protect himself against plunder or to use it for plunder.
If the natural tendencies of mankind are so bad that it is not safe to permit people to be free, how is it that the tendencies of these organizers are always good? Do not the legislators and their appointed agents also belong to the human race? Or do they believe that they themselves are made of a finer clay than the rest of mankind?
May 4, 2021
Although this was not written for my age group, I still found it interesting and learned things. I like that this book took a complex topic like law, and explained it in terms that anyone can understand. And while this book was written for Americans, it applies to any country and government.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
October 31, 2020
Well, there are some mistakes but overall it’s good.
December 16, 2021
Two stars because I agree that bad guys are in the government, but my bad guys are very different from Connor Borack's bad guys.
April 21, 2022
Capitalist propaganda.
Because indoctrinating your kid into capitalistic ideology is fine, but if it the other way around, then it is the end of the world-
Because indoctrinating your kid into capitalistic ideology is fine, but if it the other way around, then it is the end of the world-
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