Fast Freddy

Sea Kids #1

by Lee Ann Mancini

Multiple, award-winning series, which promotes Christian values in children, Fast Freddy overcomes the ridicule of being different. He joins the swim team, and the kids learn he is a great kid. Freddy wins the championship for the first time, overcoming Marcus, a formidable threat. He says a prayer of thanks to Jesus for being different and for his new friends.

Lee Ann Mancini and Dan Sharp (illustrator)have created an underwater world that explodes with color, drawing the children into the captivating story.

28 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Lee Ann Mancini graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Regent University (1990), a Masters in Biblical and Theology Studies from Knox Seminary, Magna Cum Laude (2014), and a Masters in Christian Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Cum Laude (2014). Lee Ann also received her certificate of completion from the Ravi School of Apologetics (2011).

Lee Ann is currently an adjunct professor teaching Ministerial Ethics and Romans at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary. She is has taught Bible Study for over 10 years and has been an active community volunteer/leader for over 20 years: Representing children as a Palm Beach County Guardian Ad Litem, International Affairs commission Chair for St. Joan of Arc Council of Catholic Women, Community Support Chair for the Junior League of Boca Raton, and CCD religious education teacher for St. Joan of Arc. Initiated and chaired the Auction for Boca Raton High School for six years, and initiated and chaired the PTSA for Boca Raton High School for two years. In addition, Lee Ann is involved in the Women’s Ministry at Spanish River Christian Church and is on board Alexandrian Forum under the tutelage of Dr. Warren Gage Th.M., J.D., Ph.D., seeking to bring a greater understanding of the Bible by hosting annual Typology Conferences in South Florida dedicated to the theme of Christ as the center of Scripture. In addition, Lee Ann speaks to women groups regarding the redemptive power of the gospel represented though the types of brides of the church.

In addition, Lee Ann is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and Society for Pentecostal Studies. She was awarded “Woman of Distinction Award” by the Soroptimists International of Boca Raton 1995, among other awards in service to the community, school, and church.

Lee Ann is married and has two children. She loves to read, jog, and teach the Word of God. She is also a Christian Children’s author with a series of books, which will make their debut in 2015.

Reviews

[Angie Fehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

*FTC Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through BookCrash.com and GLM Publishing Company in return for an honest review. The opinions below are entirely my own.


This is a pretty adorable book that will help Christian parents discuss the topics of anti-bullying / accepting the differences of others with their young readers. A great book for anyone really, as the Christian elements, though there, are not heavy handed at all.

Freddy, an octopus, transfers to a new school but immediately struggles to fit in. The fish point and laugh at him because he has the body of an octopus but a head like a shark. Miss Mermaid, the teacher, points out that the students like her and she's half-person/half-fish. My favorite though was the janitor seahorse who points out "look at me! I'm not chubby, I'm pregnant!", teaching child readers how silly and hurtful it can be to put labels on others, or try to fit everyone in a specific box. Feeling stronger with all this support behind him, Freddy the Octopus points out that he has the strength of an octopus but can also be as fast a swimmer as a shark. His classmates then get the idea that maybe if Freddy joins the school swimming team, maybe they could win against reigning champs The Baracudas for once!

Such a sweet story that's sure to get young readers cheering Freddy on. I was especially touched at the page that shows Freddy saying a prayer actually thanking God for making him different and unique.

The one concern I had -- and this could just be me reading into things too far -- but the whole thing with Freddy's classmates learning to like him after they thought maybe he could win them a swimming medal. My concern would be that some young kids might interpret that as people will like you as long as you can get them what they want. Then again, that can be something parents can clarify and discuss with their children.

I also recommend picking up a copy of this book to see the jaw-dropping, stunning illustrations done by Dan Sharp, who has previously done work for Disney, Warner Bros. and American Greetings Card Co. I think young readers will really enjoy its Finding Nemo-esque feel. If you enjoy this book, Mancini also has another in the series called What A Bragger, also available through the GLM Publishing website.

[Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every child wants to be accepted and liked by their peers. Since no one is exactly alike (thank goodness!) differences in appearances, talents, and skills will in variably surface. If these are obvious, a child can easily be singled out, made fun of, bullied and rejected. This delightful story addresses the problem of children not accepting those who are not like them.
Freddy is starting a new school and like any new student is nervous he might not fit in. Being an octopus is very different than the other sea students. Everyone shuns him until the teacher talks to the children. She points out she and Mr. Seahorse Janitor are very different yet the class likes them. The students take heed and become his friend. Everyone is surprised and happy to find out Freddy has a hidden talent that benefits all of them.
There were many things I liked about this book. First of all Freddy prayed asking God’s help on his first day and at the end of the book thanked Him for His blessings. Children can learn that we are to ask God for our needs and thank Him for all He does.
There was also a strong lesson in not looking on outward appearances. This reminded me of 1 Samuel 16:7 where God tells us He looks at the inward person and their heart. If God does it then it must be very important and we need to also. Freddy shows young readers that if we judge someone without getting to know them, we may miss valuable hidden qualities they have to contribute.
Good Christian children’s books are difficult to find, especially for younger children. The illustrations are vibrant, colorful and detailed. Each page has so much to look, just the ticket for keeping a little one’s attention. High quality is found in every part of the book, from the sturdy washable cover to the durable page; something that will last and be passed on to the next generation. Even with all this, that is not the best part.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated are my own.

[Set · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is weird. It mentions Jesus in prayer and whatnot but it's a bit confusing for children. They mention that male seahorses get pregnant and they had a catfish pride (in rainbow colors) parade or prep rally. The message of this book might be a bit subliminal.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this award winning children’s picture book, author Lee Ann Mancini and illustrator Dan Sharp have created a beautiful and fun book that kids will not only like, but will thoroughly enjoy. With brightly colored, beautifully detailed pictures, as well as a great story, children will love this novel that teaches them about not picking on others and being friends with everyone. A main theme of the story is being nice and accepting people that are different than yourself. Don’t judge someone because they are different, figure out what you like about them because they are different, and most importantly become his or her friend. Not only will children enjoy this story, but parents and teachers alike will love the real-life teaching principles within the story. I would recommend this book to teachers and parents to use as a learning tool, as well as for children that love to learn new principles in life to help them become better.

Series: Sea Kids Adventure Books
Genre: children’s fiction
Literary Awards: FAPA Gold Winner: Best Children’s Picture Book; IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award; Moms Choice Award Winner; readers’ Favorite Finalist: Children’s Books K-3rd; Readers’ Favorite Illustration Award Winner: Children’s Books K-3rd
Publisher: BLM Publishing
Publication date: April 9, 2015
Number of pages: 28
Age: 3+
Grade level: Pre-preschool+

Other books in the series:
2-What a Bragger
3-I’m Not Afraid (coming in 2016)

Content Ratin: G
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by Book Crash.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Freddy by author Lee Ann Mancini is an award winning, 28 page, over-sized paperback book for children. It is vibrantly illustrated with beautiful sea pictures that will capture children's attention and imagination. While you children will enjoy it, so will older ones. My 7 year old grandson thought it was "awesome". He has read it multiple times. It is funny, has a story kids can understand and relate to as well as teaches them lessons.

This enchanting book tells the underwater tale of Freddy, part shark and part octopus. He is different from the other fish in his new school. When they begin making fun of him, he becomes sad. (A good lesson for children not to make fun of someone different.) The teacher, Miss Mermaid, tells the students they should not make fun of someone because he is different. When the kids find out he is a strong, fast swimmer, Freddy is talked into being on the swim team and for the first time his school has a chance to win. This sweet book provides many learning opportunities and spiritual messages: pray, thank God for making you who you are, don't make fun of people, have Jesus in your heart, and that sometimes being different is a good thing. At the end of the book the author tells readers to go back through each page and look for a hidden ichthus. This was a nice surprise.

It is easy to see why this book won awards. It is wonderful. I gave it a 5 out of 5 star rating and would highly recommend it. A copy was provided by The Book Club Network for my honest review.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were five award stickers on the front of this book and I agree they are all well deserved! I read this book to both my grandchildren, five year old girl and three year old boy. They enjoyed the story but also enjoyed looking for the fish symbol on each page. It got to be a competition with them seeing who could find the fish on "their" page first. I explained to them what the fish symbol stood for.
The story was a great lesson on being different and not making fun of those that are. The mermaid teacher admonished the students for making fun of Freddy. Freddy was half shark, half octopus but he proved himself valuable to the swim team because he was strong but could also swim fast. There was a couple more examples of being different in the book. (The mermaid teacher and the seahorse janitor) In this day and age of so much bullying, this book would be a great help to introduce young children to the fact that we are all different but that shouldn't be a reason to make fun of anyone. Another lesson for them to grasp is that we can be valuable to others, whether classmates, neighbors, friends and still be different. This is a book that should be read to young children by parents, grandparents and teachers.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Freddy by Lee Ann Mancini The story behind this book is about being special in your own way. It also focuses on making new friends and learning to help with fitting in. The audience is for children and parents that have small children. There is a meaning behind the plot that teach children that it okay to be different.Your children will learn that being different is not all bad. Your children will learn how special they are. This is a great book to have it as a conversation starter. This also a good book for beginner readers. Children can learn that about being unique can be a blessing. The art and font were helpful. It was also inspiring a bit.I thought the pictures were well done. I could see the what the book was about with pictures. The words are big enough for children that are just started to read. Images were colorful. Fast Freddy is an easy read. I recommend this book for young readers. Parents can read this book as well to their children. I also like the way the author has put it together where you will learn about friendships as well. It is a fun and sweet book to read.

[Laura Galindo · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Lee Ann Mancini

Illustrated by Dan Sharp

GLM Publishing printed this cute tale about anti-bullying and overcoming. This story is full of sea creatures and is focused on a sea creature that happens to be half shark and half octopus. Both of these creatures alone are fierce but Freddy doesn't realize his potential strength because he feels awkward and shy at being a combination of both. Throughout the story, Freddy discovers who he really is by moving past being bullied and coming to realize his talents. The sea creatures that tease him also learn a lesson about what is expected in social settings when dealing with others who are different. It is a story about overcoming, perseverance and determination. At the end, all the sea creatures celebrate their friendship. The author and illustrator did a great job at the text and pictures. My children enjoyed it and read and reread the story. The pictures are vivid and cute. The last page reminds children to say their prayers ask Jesus into their hearts, which is ultimately the most important thing of all.

I received this book as part of a book review program from BookCrash.com. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts: Illustrator, Dan Sharp, has created a brilliantly colored pallet of fish and other under-the-sea characters to tell author Lee Ann Mancini's story of accepting our differences. His cute cartoonish styled creatures inhabit the pages of Fast Freddy as all the sea creatures turn out for school and the event of the day, the race.


Freddy is different. He is kind of like a shark and kind of like an octopus. (Is there such a creature?) Anyway, their teacher tries to get the other fishes to like and accept Freddy and welcome him to their school.

The story plays on themes familiar to children: sports, racing, school, the classroom, acceptance, being shy, etc. Children will easily identify with the setting and draw mental conclusions set in their own real life environment.


This is a cute book that comes in soft cover or hard cover versions. The book is Christian orientated with praying to Jesus a vital element.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from BookCrash Book Review program on behalf of the author and publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Donna Mcginnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, delightful and entertaining story for children with a message not only for kids but adults also. A message that bullying others because they are different is not only wrong but how hurtful it can be for the one you are bullying and making fun of. A good teaching tool for parents. It also contains a game for children. Beautifully illustrated by Dan Sharp with brilliant colors. The stories characters are fish and other under the sea creatures.
Fast Freddy is starting at new school and the fish immediately start teasing him. Freddy is half shark and half octopus. He is heartbroken. His teacher a mermaid reminds the class that though Freddy is different he is unique and to try and make friends with him. After finding out how fast Freddy is and his other talents they embrace him in friendship.
I can't wait to read this story to my great granddaughters when they come over. Also told my sister about this book so she could get it for her grand children. Lee Ann Mancini has done a wonderful job and the book deserves all the awards it has been given.

I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Freddy is a brilliantly penned and vibrantly illustrated tale that instills the importance of accepting others and being a good friend to all.

Freddy is starting at a new school and feels like a "fish out of water" so when the other fish tease him for being different he is heartbroken. However, when the teacher reminds the class that our uniqueness is what makes us special they decided to give friendship with Freddy a try. They soon find his talents extraordinary and are happy to have him at their school.

Fast Freddy is a such a sweet tale. It deals with important topics like bullying, acceptance, and friendship. Little ones will love all the colorful illustrations and fun fishy characters. They will celebrate when Freddy crosses the finish line and learn gratitude when Freddy says his prayers, thanking Jesus for his new friends. The story also has a hidden Christian fish on each page which even I enjoyed searching for.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Fast Freddy.

[Debra Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway promotion in order to write an honest review. Fast Freddy by Lee Ann Mancini is a moral tale that will delight the 3-7 year old child. The illustrations by Dan Sharp are very captivating! Freddy is the new boy at Catfish School. He's afraid though of what the other kids think about him because he doesn't look the same as them. When recess time comes Freddy hides under a rock ledge. Miss Mermaid, their teacher, sees him hiding. She tells the class that she's not like them either. She's actually half human and half fish because she is a mermaid. Then Freddy says he's different, too. He can swim really well because he's half shark. The other kids ask him to please join the Catfish Cruisers swim team with them. So he does. He helps them beat those uppity Barracudas who always win! That night Freddy prays to Jesus. He thanks Him for making him special and for giving him new friends. This story teaches children that being different can be a good thing. Great picture book!

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAST FREDDY BY LEE ANN MANCINI
Was happy to have received this book, especially for my grandson who we will be visiting soon. He likes creatures and these are very colorful with words he should be able to read himself.
Freddy is the new kid in town and he's afraid others won't like him. He's got the head of a shark and the body of an octopus. The others, especially the seahorse janitor tells him it's ok to be different.
Love that their teacher is a mermaid. I had just made a mermaid afghan that a child could walk in. Danny and Joey tell him he should join their swim team to help the school win.
Loved seeing all the other creatures in the race as they will be easy to pick out what they are for my grandson. The day of the big swim meet, after many times of practicing is about to start....
Ending is about a prayer Freddy says to Jesus thanking him for being so different. Didn't notice a symbol and at the end it tells you what it is so you can go find it in the book, cool idea!
I received this book from The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son absolutely loved this children’s book! He really liked the pictures of the different fish and since he is into racing right now, he especially liked the race that Freddy participates in. We definitely have read it a variety of times since receiving it and still continue to enjoy it!

I liked the message “Fast Freddy” has in treating everyone as we would want to be treated, even if they are different. I especially liked that Freddy thanks God for being different and his new friends despite that they were not very friendly to him in the beginning. I thought this to be a very important message for kids in embracing who we are, no matter if we “look different” or not.

This is a colorful story with a good message that I would recommend to families who want to encourage their children to be thankful for who they are.

*(I received this book from Bookcrash in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a positive review.)*

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so impressed with this funny and inspiring children's picture book! The illustrations are bright and detailed, and on every page there is a hidden Christian Fish symbol that you can hunt for! How cool is that?!
All the little fish at school have their own personalities, and I loved seeing them learn from their teacher, Miss Mermaid.
The story is well-organized and follows a simple but profound story arc.
Freddy is half-shark and half-octopus, so he gets teased for being different. I loved the poignant moment when Miss Mermaid reminds the class that she herself is half-fish and half-human. The little fish learn their lesson, but the story goes on as Freddy begins to make friends on the racing team.
The best part is that Freddy prays for God to help him and thanks God for making him different.
This book is full of positive messages on so many levels!

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review.

[Penny Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful kids book. I can't wait to share it with my nephews little ones. The message is great especially now that everyone seems to judge everyone for their outside instead of what is inside.
Freddy is new to school and is feeling very isolated because he is different. Some of the class treat him differently until the teacher and even the janitor speak up showing that they are different too and they are loved. Suddenly the students give Freddy a chance and he even helps them win the championship race over the Barracudas. I love the underdog story. God makes all different and this great book shows kids that it is ok to be different.
Two things, one I enjoyed looking for the fish symbol on every page and know the kids will love it and two, the illustrations are amazing! They are eye catching and will keep the attention of the kids while you read it to them.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. Thank you and God Bless

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Freddy, written by Lee Ann Mancini, is about a sea animal that has the head of a shark and the body of an octopus. Freddy moves to a new school of fish. He gets picked on because he is different from the rest. But after the teacher tells the class that she is different too, she is a mermaid, half human and half fish, the class is more accepting of him. The story also points out that we all have different talents, Freddy's is that he is a really fast swimmer..
This is a good book for helping to teach children about others who are different. The pictures are very colorful and pretty. Each picture has a fish symbol on it that will help engage young children by having them look for it. The story is a very nice story, however, I felt the prayer was a little out of place without any other Christian aspect in the book.
I received a copy of the book from Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review.

[Darlene Bochman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fast Freddy” by Lee Ann Mancinic is a delightful children’s book that is a good teaching tool for helping children to understand that being different from others is not something to be made fun of, but to appreciate who God made them to be. “Fast Freddy” is a new student at school who has the head of a shark and the body of an octopus. The children come to see that those characteristics are very helpful for them to win in sports events. This book is beautifully illustrated. The bright vibrant colors will be enticing to any child to look at this book. The message of accepting people that are different is a very important lesson for children to learn. A nice surprise at the back of the book tells you that there is a hidden fish on each page for the children to search for. Children will love the adventure of finding the hidden fish.
I got this book free through Bookfun.org for my honest review. I will be posting reviews on Amazon.com, Goodreads, DeeperShopping, and CBD.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Freddy by Lee Ann Mancini was a wonderful book. My six-year-old loved it and I have already told so many people about it! I’m so glad it’s part of a series and my little one gets to make friends with the characters for three books, not just one.

There is humor and lessons learned but most of all it’s entertaining and does what I so want to teach my children - teaches about a relationship with God, not a ritual. Praying is communication with our Father and that’s only one aspect that makes this book so wonderful. The illustrations as well as beautiful and capture the attention of the little ones.

Great book - can’t wait to read the next in the series.

I received this book for free from The Book Club Network and the author in exchange for my honest review. I placed my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping, if available.

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of me likes this story, and part of me sees it for what it is- another typical- it's okay to be different IF you're going to end up saving the day/winning one for the team/etc. It's okay to be different if you have something up your sleeve that is valuable to the majority. Unfortunately, I can tell you, as a special education teacher, I work with a lot of students who are "different" (general education students too!) And while they do all have something special/unique/awesome about them, many of my students won't win the big game/be the star of the show/save the day. Many of them do not have something glaringly obvious to their peers that they can bring to the table. Yes, we do our best to teach kids that everyone's strengths are valuable, but then a book like this derails it because then the kids only value the "different" kids who have something "valuable" about them.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is good reason this book has won so many awards (there are five stickers on my copy of the book). It is absolutely delightful! Both of my sons enjoyed having me read this book to them in one sitting. This is saying a lot since I am pretty sure my six year old has never sat still while I read an entire book. Freddy is the new kid in school and looks different since he has the body of an octopus and the head of a shark. The other kids give him a hard time but quickly realize that looks don't matter as he turns out to be the fastest swimmer around. The illustrations are beautifully drawn and my kids enjoyed looking for the hidden pictures on each page. I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Freddy, by Lee Ann Mancini, is a marvelous book for preschool children to be reminded that we are all unique and have special talents. This award-winning book is illustrated by Dan Sharp in bright, full-color pictures of an under-the-sea world where sea kids can meet new friends and see beyond their differences. Fast Freddy is part shark and part octopus and is going to a new school. Fearful and sad, he tries to fit in. Once the sea kids realize his strengths, they work together on the swim team and later Fast Freddy remembers to thank Jesus for his new friends and for making him special. Parents won't want to miss this fabulous book for their child's library.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Victoria Brinius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute book that reminds kids to be nice to each other. It also tells kids not to pick on each other. I liked it because it promoted working together and using the talents that God gave you. We each have our own. I thought that the idea of a school of fish at school was fun, as was the addition of mermaids and races. The last page tells the reader to go back and find a hidden symbol in each picture. This is great because it will grow with the child and be looked at over and over. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great children’s book to gently make children aware of the differences in others and how they can be advantages. Bullying is also addressed.

Freddy is a new kid in the sea school – and he looks like a cross between a shark and an octopus – a most unusual combination! Unfortunately, at first the other sea students make fun of his differences but then his physical traits become an advantage at the championship swim races.

I loved the cute story and the illustrations were superb. And we loved looking for the little fish symbol on each page. The book closes with a message to kids to pray. I really thought this was a great book and I highly recommend it for preschoolers and early elementary. I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my children, ages 5 and 3. We all thought it was a super cute read, and I appreciated the springboard that it was to talk with my kids about how we treat each other and how being left out for being different feels. Freddy was a likable character who had a lot to offer his team once they chose to accept him. This is a quick, easy, read with a great message. The illustrations are beautiful! And the "find the fish" game was a great little competition between my two ;-)
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review, which I've given.

[Pam Graber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun children's book!! The illustrations are gorgeous and the story sparks conversation on bullying and friendship and the fact that being different isn't a bad thing. As an added bonus there's a fun hidden picture game on each page that will have both kids and adults searching for the Christian fish symbol. I can't wait to read this with my grandbabies!
Thank you Bookfun.org for providing this book to me for my honest review!

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic children's picture/story book. The illustrations are wonderful. This book tells a nice story about a character that is a little different from the other characters. Can they learn to be friends? I received this book from bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this to my grandchildren. They loved the colorful illustrations and I loved that the story was a strong moral story they could enjoy and learn from. I liked the way the students helped a new student feel like one of them.

[Joey Gaudino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. It features a wonderful lesson to be learned by every child; that it's okay for them to be different and unique. Illustrations were beautiful and full of detail.

[MeghanMurphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book at a literacy conference and it is signed by the author! I didn't realize it was a Christian based picture book and I love it even more because of that! Great pictures and story!