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A Beginner's Guide to Being Human
Being a human is a lot of work! Thankfully, humans experience many of the same feelings, situations, and challenges, so we don't have to figure it all out on our own--we can help each other navigate the ups and downs. Full of humor and heart, this engaging guide inspires kids to be humans who are kind, empathetic, and thoughtful. No matter what our day brings, we can choose to practice self-control, compassion, and forgiveness. Don't worry, young human, it's okay to make some mistakes along the way--just remember that it's love that keeps us all afloat at the end of the day.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 18, 2022
49 people want to read
About the author
Matt Forrest Esenwine
12 books35 followersAs a radio broadcaster, Matt spent a good deal of time writing and producing commercials and comedy bits. He also wrote poetry, which was published in various national journals and anthologies including the Donald Hall tribute, "Except for Love" (Encircle, 2019). Little did he know all this short-form writing would lead to his debut picture book, the Kirkus-starred "Flashlight Night" (Astra Young Readers, 2017), which was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the Best Books for Kids 2017 and even showed up on Encyclopedia Brittanica’s list of “11 Children’s Books That Inspire Imagination.”
Matt now has more than a dozen books to his credit including "I Am Today" (POW! Kids Books, 2022), which received the 2023 NH State Literary Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature, and "Once Upon Another Time" (Beaming Books, 2021), co-authored with Charles Ghigna (aka, Father Goose®), a book that ALA’s Booklist called “a necessary addition to picture book collections.”
Meanwhile, Matt's children’s poetry can be found in anthologies like "The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry" and "The Poetry of US," (National Geographic Children’s Books, 2015 & 2018), "Construction People" and "School People" (Wordsong, 2020/2018) and 'Highlights for Children' magazine.
Matt may be an adult, but he refuses to be a grown-up. Feel free to connect with him at https://www.MattForrest.com!
Matt now has more than a dozen books to his credit including "I Am Today" (POW! Kids Books, 2022), which received the 2023 NH State Literary Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature, and "Once Upon Another Time" (Beaming Books, 2021), co-authored with Charles Ghigna (aka, Father Goose®), a book that ALA’s Booklist called “a necessary addition to picture book collections.”
Meanwhile, Matt's children’s poetry can be found in anthologies like "The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry" and "The Poetry of US," (National Geographic Children’s Books, 2015 & 2018), "Construction People" and "School People" (Wordsong, 2020/2018) and 'Highlights for Children' magazine.
Matt may be an adult, but he refuses to be a grown-up. Feel free to connect with him at https://www.MattForrest.com!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 30, 2022
This guide to being human gets down to the core of what will make us all better: kindness, empathy, compassion, forgiveness, love… Definitions and pro tips share different scenarios with readers to explore what these emotions look and feel like. This journey through some very complex emotions are illustrated perfectly by Ceolin with colorful pictures that reflects our world. Every human needs to read this book and read it often as a reminder how to keep our actions and thoughts heart and human centered.
September 23, 2022
This unique idea introduces young readers to being human and how exciting it can be. It reads like a letter to beginner readers and what they have to look forward to in their lives.
Humans have imagination, opposable thumbs, and loads of diversity. Humans have family that can be blood relatives and extended family. Families love each other but sometimes fight but the love is still there. As a human, you must remember to be kind and imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes. Humans experience joy, patience, and self-control. Humans can also feel disappointment, sadness, and even anger. The most important thing to remember about being human is to show kindness, empathy, and compassion.
This fun fast read features lively illustrations depicting all of the emotions and scenarios humans find themselves in while living life. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can use this tool to teach the basics of being human so kids can have the best life possible.
Humans have imagination, opposable thumbs, and loads of diversity. Humans have family that can be blood relatives and extended family. Families love each other but sometimes fight but the love is still there. As a human, you must remember to be kind and imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes. Humans experience joy, patience, and self-control. Humans can also feel disappointment, sadness, and even anger. The most important thing to remember about being human is to show kindness, empathy, and compassion.
This fun fast read features lively illustrations depicting all of the emotions and scenarios humans find themselves in while living life. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can use this tool to teach the basics of being human so kids can have the best life possible.
October 9, 2022
ALL humans need to read this book.
Over and over.
Over and over.
January 21, 2024
3.5 stars. Terrific topic, but my personal preference is for books that aren’t overly preachy about a message.
January 23, 2023
Welcome to Humanity! You’re really going to enjoy it! Matt Forrest Esenwine’s A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human is a guidebook full of heart and humor that showcases the best of the human experience by exploring the concepts of family, kindness, empathy, compassion, and more. Oh, there’ll be days of disappointment, sadness, and anger, but we have forgiveness, friends, and love to carry us through those times. With tongue-in-cheek wit and clear examples of positive traits, A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human encourages readers to love and enjoy others.
Good lessons aside, it was actually Andrew Geolin’s illustrations that impressed me most throughout the book. Geolin, Esenwine, and the Beaming Books team obviously brainstormed how to ensure that all types of people from all types of backgrounds see themselves reflected in this book. In the beginning of the book, Esenwine says that a highlight of humanity is our diversity. Geolin’s illustrations bring that to life and give the book replay-ability as children can imagine the relationships and the stories of the people populating the page.
I think I would have liked to have seen a little more thematic cohesion from the text itself. Why did Esenwine pick the traits he did? What makes these traits the foundation of humanness? I’m not saying that Esenwine picked the wrong traits, but when it comes to his thinking of what being human is all about, why these things? The book feels scattered rather than a cohesive progression. Nonetheless, A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human is a joy to read and should be the impetus for many conversations with your young readers.
Good lessons aside, it was actually Andrew Geolin’s illustrations that impressed me most throughout the book. Geolin, Esenwine, and the Beaming Books team obviously brainstormed how to ensure that all types of people from all types of backgrounds see themselves reflected in this book. In the beginning of the book, Esenwine says that a highlight of humanity is our diversity. Geolin’s illustrations bring that to life and give the book replay-ability as children can imagine the relationships and the stories of the people populating the page.
I think I would have liked to have seen a little more thematic cohesion from the text itself. Why did Esenwine pick the traits he did? What makes these traits the foundation of humanness? I’m not saying that Esenwine picked the wrong traits, but when it comes to his thinking of what being human is all about, why these things? The book feels scattered rather than a cohesive progression. Nonetheless, A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human is a joy to read and should be the impetus for many conversations with your young readers.
October 21, 2022
Being human involves a lot of emotions on any given day. Plus you will likely be interacting with others who are also having a lot of various emotions including people you know and don’t know. Every day you are surrounded by people who are like you and people who are different from you. Learning how to manage all these interactions is part of the human experience.
Through explanations and pro tips, Esenwine shares with kids that not all days will be easy and we will have moments that make us sad or frustrated. But, there will be plenty of moments full of joy, love, and kindness. Being around the people you love will help us get through the unhappy moments and help us celebrate the amazing ones.
Kids will learn about compassion, empathy, forgiveness, and being kind. We all have to help each other manage the ups and downs of life. One surefire way to spread kindness is to share a smile with others.
“Smiles can also do wonders.
You never know who might need a smile, so always try to have one ready.”
This diversely illustrated story allows kids to see themselves in the situations depicted on the pages. From a child with two dads to one who struck out during a baseball game to a student who gets bumped in the hallway everyone has emotions but the key is how we react to them. Offering forgiveness and a smile can go a long way in being kind to others.
Through explanations and pro tips, Esenwine shares with kids that not all days will be easy and we will have moments that make us sad or frustrated. But, there will be plenty of moments full of joy, love, and kindness. Being around the people you love will help us get through the unhappy moments and help us celebrate the amazing ones.
Kids will learn about compassion, empathy, forgiveness, and being kind. We all have to help each other manage the ups and downs of life. One surefire way to spread kindness is to share a smile with others.
“Smiles can also do wonders.
You never know who might need a smile, so always try to have one ready.”
This diversely illustrated story allows kids to see themselves in the situations depicted on the pages. From a child with two dads to one who struck out during a baseball game to a student who gets bumped in the hallway everyone has emotions but the key is how we react to them. Offering forgiveness and a smile can go a long way in being kind to others.
December 19, 2022
The book invites children to appreciate the human species, what it enjoys and what one must do to get the best out of the experience.
The illustrations by Andre Ceolin are cozy and charming and a perfect accompaniment to the text.
This could be a neat little gift for a child who has just begun to read. Or a grownup could read out the book to the child and explain some of the concepts such as compassion, empathy, family, friendship etc. Use the book as a springboard to explain to a little one how, despite our differences, we are all alike, and how we need one another’s support to navigate life’s tricky journey.
For that matter, these are refresher lessons that we grownups could also benefit from.
The illustrations by Andre Ceolin are cozy and charming and a perfect accompaniment to the text.
This could be a neat little gift for a child who has just begun to read. Or a grownup could read out the book to the child and explain some of the concepts such as compassion, empathy, family, friendship etc. Use the book as a springboard to explain to a little one how, despite our differences, we are all alike, and how we need one another’s support to navigate life’s tricky journey.
For that matter, these are refresher lessons that we grownups could also benefit from.
December 9, 2022
There is so much to love about this book! I've read it more than once and simply enjoyed the entire experience. The premise is cool. There's an omniscient narrator who welcomes you to humanity and then tells the reader all about what it means to be a good human. This book is smart and the message is on point. Even better, it's not preachy. I was left feeling encouraged about the good this book can do for those who read it. I also think it would make an excellent school visit book as the themes are universal. So, recommend it to the teachers in your life. As for the illustrations, which are very important to me...amazing! Thank you for creating such a timely, inclusive, story!
April 22, 2023
A very well-meaning book, and a successful one at that. Dressed up as a kind of alien's guide to being human, it shows us empathy, kindness and respect in action, and does it all in a simple, vivid fashion. Highlighting the family that supports us through down times, it might possibly be a touch too platitudinous and positive, but there is little wrong with that given the target age range. I did wonder at its success in talking about empathy without defining it, neither when the word first came up nor at the end, but given a helping hand this book will successfully deliver its lesson whatever. A positive four stars.
May 24, 2022
I can't believe a book needs to be written about this subject - but here we are!
Illustrations are amazing. This is definitely for an older young reader - someone who is beyond sight words but not at chapter books quite yet.
The message is simple - love one another - and here are some ways to do it.
This could actually be good for a lot of adults too!
Illustrations are amazing. This is definitely for an older young reader - someone who is beyond sight words but not at chapter books quite yet.
The message is simple - love one another - and here are some ways to do it.
This could actually be good for a lot of adults too!
October 18, 2022
The concept of the book is good in that it teaches that humans experience behaviors and emotions that set them apart from the animal kingdom. We do, as humans, need to learn and practice these differences because we are prone behave or feel the opposite of them.
I am sure that parents and teachers can find good use for this book.
I am sure that parents and teachers can find good use for this book.
February 26, 2023
Learn about kindness, compassion, friendship, empathy, self-control, listening, and more through daily life occurrences at school, home, etc.
A great read-alike for "Oh the Places you'll go" among others serves as a great book for newborns or families, brought to life by Matt Forrest Esenwine with vibrant diversified illustrations by Andre Ceolin.
A great read-alike for "Oh the Places you'll go" among others serves as a great book for newborns or families, brought to life by Matt Forrest Esenwine with vibrant diversified illustrations by Andre Ceolin.
May 21, 2022
This is one of those super explainer books that's going to tell you how to behave and what to think about the world. As far as those books go, this one is not too bad. Not too preachy. Attempts at humor.
December 3, 2022
Matt Forrest Esenwine, author of I AM TODAY, has done it again! It's all about family, kindness, empathy, compassion, patience, forgiveness, and love. Full of humor and heart. A must-read for ALL humans and the perfect book for now.
December 11, 2022
Sometimes we can all use a reminder of what it means to be human. Great SEL book for the classroom especially for older elementary. I love the pro tips. Follow up activities can be writing a family or classroom guide.
Want to read
May 13, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
October 28, 2022
Welcome to humanity! Being human is messy and mixed up sometimes, and it’s not like there’s an instruction manual, but thanks to Matt Forrest Esenwine and André Ceolin we now have a Beginner’s Guide to help us navigate and understand the feelings, situations, and challenges that come with being human. The guide shows how we can take tiny steps and perform small actions that will yield positive results not just for others but for ourselves too. Pro Tips show how easy it can be to be kind and compassionate and a good listener. And the simple reminder to think before we respond shows how a calm exchange beats an angry argument every time. We can do this. We can make a difference. A smile can change someone’s day.
The Beginner’s Guide to Being Human has a humorous, kid-friendly, conversational tone.
The Beginner’s Guide to Being Human has a humorous, kid-friendly, conversational tone.
December 5, 2022
Such an inspirational book that helps us all think about who we are and how we relate to the world. This book is chockfull of humor and heart and is a must read for any age.
June 23, 2023
A very sweet book about being a good person. Should be a must read for EVERYONE!
August 14, 2023
good book
October 25, 2022
Love this overview of what kindness, empathy, and compassion for young readers, complete with "pro tips" and plenty of examples to make these concepts more concrete! Highly recommend to complement social emotional learning units/activities.
October 25, 2022
A cute book about humanity and a great way to have conversations with young children about love, family, kindness, and forgiveness. Thank you Media Masters Publicity for sharing a copy to review.
November 21, 2022
A Beginners Guide to Being Human is a perfect addition to any home, school, or counselor's library.
While reading this wonderful book, you will get to experience empathy, smiling, self control, and a multitude of emotions such as love and disappointment.
You can read my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/a-begi...
While reading this wonderful book, you will get to experience empathy, smiling, self control, and a multitude of emotions such as love and disappointment.
You can read my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/a-begi...
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews