Ping Ping Panda:The Power of Personal Responsibility is a story about a panda in Western China who learns the value of personal responsibility.
When Ping Ping spends all his money during one afternoon with his friends, the young panda's father refuses to give him any more.
"When I gave you money for the summer I told you it was your choice how you spent it."
When Ping Ping's friends hear about their friend's money problems, they suggest that if Ping Ping's father really loved him, he would give him more money.
The rest of the story is about how taking personal responsibility can provide more choices in your life, even if it doesn't always seem like it at the time.
At its core, Ping Ping Panda:The Power of Personal Responsibility is a story of a father's love…and how it sometimes can be misunderstood.
Stephen Smoke is the author of 20 novels, including Black Butterfly, Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Blues, Trick of the Light, The Prince of Palos Verdes, and Cathedral of the Senses under his own and other names. He has also written eight non-fiction books.
Stephen has written and directed feature films, including "Street Crimes" (starring Dennis Farina) and "Final Impact," and has written screenplays for others, including "Magic Kid."
In 2011 he published the first novel with its own embedded soundtrack: "Cathedral of the Senses." The songs on the album of "Cathedral of the Senses," were written by Stephen and recorded mainly by musicians and singers living in Sedona.
If I'm honest I found the writing and dialogue of Ping Ping Panda a little stiff, but the clear message of fiscal responsibility and the gratification of a wage well earned eclipsed this one small drawback. I enjoyed the pictures and look forward to reading this story to my two children.
I read Ping Ping Panda: The Power of Personal Responsibility with my 5-year-old son. I really like the purpose behind the story and the message to kids about taking responsibility. Ping Ping the Panda receives a bag of money from his father for summer activities, telling him that it must last the whole summer. At a festival, Ping Ping and his friends enjoy all the cash and use it all on games, treats, and rides. When he returns home, he argues with his father about the money. Ping Ping is angry that his father sticks to his decision not to give Ping Ping more money. Father has a plan, though, and gives Ping Ping extra work. When the work is done, Ping Ping's father gives him pay for his work. Over the summer Ping Ping earns enough money to go to the Big Concert and bring his friends along. My son said he liked the story and the pictures, and his favorite part was where Ping Ping took his friends to the concert. I enjoyed the bright, colorful pictures and the story's admirable theme. The character pictures show cute and varying emotions in an interesting historical environment. As a parent, I appreciate any reinforcement of my own lessons about responsibility. It is so easy in this fast and bountiful culture to miss the appreciation of what we have and of others' generosity. This book is written in the present tense, and I'm not a fan of that style. I feel the switch in the dialogue between past, present, and future tense, while correct, still makes for awkwardness in the flow of the story. This may not bother other readers. The story also uses a few big words which may be difficult for younger children. I don't mind the bigger words because a few included in the story becomes an opportunity to teach a child vocabulary. Ping Ping Panda: The Power of Personal Responsibility is a charming story that children will enjoy and learn a positive message. I approve this title for Awesome Indies. http://awesomeindies.net I received this book from the author for the purposes of unbiased review.
A clever little story about managing resources, or money in this case, and a real lesson about both the value of money and the effort needed to earn your way.
While many parents are 'allowance' givers, or tend to provide money when asked; this little book shows an easy way to teach children to save and plan, and would be appropriate for kids who are learning to manage money.
I received an eBook copy fro the author for purpose of honest review as part of Children Read week at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Wonderful story and lesson. I will pass it on to my daughter to read and discuss with her son. Thanks for the opportunity. I also absolutely loved Bernadette and Steven's beautiful Ling Ling which I rated 4 stars.
This is a well-written book conveying important lessons. My grandson is too young right now for this book but he will definitely have it read to him when he is ready. I know he will enjoy the story and looking at the pictures.