Reviews
Read the Enthusiastic Comments from Librarians, Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Parents, Leaders, and Children
Sample: Librarians
Teachers Want the Whole Set
“The reaction at our school has been very positive. I suggested it to several teachers, and when they checked out one, they wanted to get the whole set....And the students want to check them out too. They don’t stay on the shelf very long.”
Miriam Hartman, Librarian Media Specialist, Lakeview Elementary School, Portsmouth, Virginia
One of the Most Popular Series in Our Library
“My 3-5 graders can’t get enough of these books! Once they read the 1st one they haunt the library waiting for the others to return so they can read the next one. This is one of the most popular series in our library.”
Linda Lopez, Librarian, Dessau Elementary School, Austin, Texas
A HUGE Success
“I purchased his entire set of books, sight unseen—to support the character education curriculum. They have been a HUGE success. I can’t keep them on the shelves, and they are great teacher read-alouds.”
Marge Lawrence, Librarian Media Specialist, Roanoke Avenue School, Riverhead, New York.
Books Stay Checked Out All the Time
“The children love them. The books stay checked out all the time. We don’t shelve them with the regular books, we have put them in a special place where they are easily accessed. We keep them available, and we really love them.”
Carolyn Pulley, Librarian Media Specialist, Lawrenceburg Public Elementary School, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Had to Separate Books Due to Demand
“We had to put those books separate from the rest of the books because the students were asking for them so much. Now that they are used to them, they just go to the shelf and get them, and they check them out two at a time, which is their limit on books. They love the books.”
Jan Millet, Library Media Specialist, Harwood Elementary School, Rigby, Idaho
Can’t Keep Them on the Shelves
“The kids just thought they were fabulous, and the teachers too. They loved the drawings, the stories, everything. I like them too. I can’t keep them on the shelf, either. One brings them in, and another one in the same class wants to check it out. They’re very popular.”
Cindy Harris, Librarian Media Specialist, Lone Elementary School, Jackson, California
Sample: Teacher’s Choice Award
How did your students react to the product?
“The students have really enjoyed the books. They will often ask to reread a [a] book. The love the songs that go with each book. They have had a very positive reaction to the product. The books have generated some lively conversations. The students love the books. They ask me to read them over and over! They love to make connections between the books and their lives. The boys and girls have really enjoyed the stories. They often ask if we can read them again and again. The children enjoy the stories. They often refer to them in class discussions. They often ask if we can read them again and again.
What skills could this product teach?
These books can be used to help build a sense of community in a classroom. They can be used to help children learn how to treat each other; how children can persevere through hard times or difficult situations; how children can be good members of our country. We have been using the books to learn how we can become better friends, what are some things we can do when we become discouraged, and other important social skills.
Do you feel this product effectively helps you meet state/national standards?
Absolutely. Our standards specially target life-long learners and caring, productive citizens. Without a solid social curriculum and material content to support that curriculum, teachers can not foster altruistic behaviors and maintain effective classrooms.
Would you purchase this product?
I would buy this product because I think it can be used in a variety of ways to teach several topics. I am very impressed with this product. It would be a great school wide character-ed program. It is also very effective in building a classroom community.
Sample: Children
Books are Fun, Exciting, and Interesting
“I liked all your books. They are all fun to read! They are exciting and interesting. “I learned from Can You Help me Find my Smile? that when you help someone you make the person feel good. It makes you feel good too! “When I help my mom, my sister, my brother, and my whole family they smile and so do I! I like making my family happy and making them feel good. I loved reading your books. Thank you.”
Donovan
They Are My Favorite
“I like your books. They are very exciting! Your books are good. I like them very much. I am number 2 in reading the most books. I am 7 years old. My brother and sister like the books too! I read them a lot. They are my favorite. I am in first grade. Thank you for giveing us the books.”
Ellie
Carl Sommer is the Best Author in the World
“My favorite book is Mayor For A Day because I learned a big lesson in mayor for a Day. Carl Sommer books are the best books in the world. If I met you I would flip out. I would hug you and run up and down the walls. You are the best author in the world.”
Chris
Liked Books—Each Book Teaches a Lesson
“I liked Tied up in Knots because I learned if you work together on something you can solve anything. I like all your books because each book teaches you a lesson.”
Alexander
Sample: Leaders
Kathi Hudson
Vice President of Citizens for Excellence in Education, author of numerous books “I’ve just finished reading the Carl Sommer’s, ‘Sommer Time Story Books,’ listed on the enclosed flyer [they are selling the books]. The lessons are all so simple but powerful. They are, without a doubt, the best children’s books I have ever read. Today I read, ‘Can You Help Me Find My Smile?’, to my three year old. He loved it!! These six books will be enjoyed by all children two to ten years of age--as well as adults. The adorable color illustrations convey amazing depth of emotion that speaks to every child in vibrant color.” (Bold is in the original.)
Jane E. Hattan
State Executive Management Assistant for Michigan Department of Education, Lansing, MI
“Thank you for the opportunity to read several of the children’s books you have written. I read about four of your books to my eight year old daughter, Kelsey. Kelsey and I thoroughly enjoyed your work. Kelsey told me that she liked the stories[,] and when I asked her what she liked about them, she stated, ‘I liked that they had a message.’”
Dr. D. James Kennedy
President, Coral Ridge Ministries; Chancellor, Knox Theological Seminary
“I fell indebted to you for sharing with me the advance copies of Carl Sommer’s unique series for children, entitled ‘Another Sommer-Time Story.’
“Both the artwork and the text of these remarkable books capture the magic of a child’s world. I appreciate especially the wholesome lessons which they convey in such a charming fashion."
Sample: Awards
Won Over 100 National Awards
Teachers’ Choice Award
It is an annual event for products around the world from Learning® Magazine. Teachers’ Choice is the only awards program that is judged by teachers in the classroom.
Mom’s Choice Award
Given to those books whose content and design are stellar and notable. The award helps parents and teachers choose appropriate materials with positive messages for their children.
Parents’ Choice Award
The nation’s oldest nonprofit program created to recognize quality children’s media. The Parents’ Choice Awards program honors the best material for children.
Family Choice Award
One of the most family-friendly business and service consumeraward programs. The Family Choice Awards recognize the best in children’s and parenting resources.
Family Review Center Gold Award
Its purpose, focus, and goal is to provide a place for parents to find products they can trust for their children, their home, and their role as parent.
International Literacy Association and Children’s Choice Award
Children’s Choice Award is is cosponsored by the International Literacy Association where children themselves evaluate the books and vote for their favorites.