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If Only I Were…“Wisdom comes in all sizes
and shapes and what we foolishly wish to be can never be a substitute for what
we are right now. Quite a gift of a
message. This book is for kids of
all sizes and shapes and ages. Once
there was a mouse named Missy. But
Missy didn’t find much fun in being a mouse an being so little.
‘My ears are too big, and my tail is too skinny.’
She thinks that being a cat would be fun, and lo and behold, she becomes
a cat. Only to discover that a cat is not all powerful, that a dog
can scare a cat. Well, suppose I
was a tiger, that would stop the dog chasing me.
So Missy becomes a tiger, but an elephant grabs Missy and lifted her high
in the air tossing her into a nearby pond. Being a giant elephant would be more fun, so Missy becomes a
giant elephant would be more fun, only to be herded up into a circus truck, and
to whipped into shape by a trainer.
Being an elephant is no fun. So she
became a trainer, only to be told by the ring master that she might be fired if
she didn’t teach the animals more exciting tricks.
Suddenly, Missy woke up and realized she had been dreaming.
‘Missy was so happy! She
discovered that everyone has problems...Best of all never again was she sad
about the way she looked, or about being a wee, little mouse.’
The full-color illustrations are riveting, and the story is enchanting.
The gift of being yourself is the best gift of all.” “Beautifully illustrated, this is
a nicely told story of self-acceptance. She didn’t like being little, thought
her ears were tool big and her tail too skinny.
She thought that if she were a cat, a tiger, an elephant or an elephant
trainer her life would be wonderful.
She soon discovered that being a mouse was just fine and learned to like herself
skinny tail and all. Great for
teaching values and character education.”
In Carl Sommer's book "If Only I Were"... Missy, a tiny little mouse, is faced
with a big problem. She is not happy with whom she is! What can she
do about her dilema? Children will be delighted in the characters Missy
takes on in search of ways to solve her problem. Perhaps we do not want
all our wishes to come true; therefore, Missy, be careful in what you wish
for! This cute
little story portrays the common misconception that the grass always seems to
look greener on the other side until you find yourself in someone else's
shoes.In the end Missy learns to be content with who she is and that she is
uniquely made. If Only I
Were Instills Great Self Acceptance Values For Kids Carl Sommer does an
incredible job of teaching young children the value of self-acceptance through
the wishes of a tiny little mouse names Missy. Missy's journeys throughout the
zoo change her into different animal personalities. Each time wishing she was a
different animal that was stronger, faster, larger until her experiences leave
her void and wishing she was her old self. My 3 year old loved this book and it
kept his interest peaked. As he struggles with having curly hair and freckles,
this book taught him it is o.k. to be who you are and wishing you were someone
else does not always make you happy. This book provided a great opportunity for
family discussion on the values to liking yourself and being happy with the
attributes you have been given! Definitely worthy for younger readers!
Endorsements for all Sommer-Time Stories
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