The idea of teaching children the different virtues and encouraging them is not a new one. However, finding something that will capture the attention of a child these days which portrays those virtues in a positive manner can be a chore.
Eutopia, The Discovery is a book that seeks to use story telling to engage, entertain and empower children while teaching them the value of virtues such as compassion, helpfulness, empathy and love.
About the Book:
Eutopia,(which means the perfect place as oppose to Utopia which means a perfection beyond attainment) is a fantasy fiction story of two boys who stumble across another world named Eutopia. As they arrive in this land, they come to realize that it has been destroyed by vice and greed. The boys must practice their virtues in order to awaken the guardians of Eutopia and restore this once perfect place. Through reading this series, children will feel empowered and see that they can make a positive difference in the world through practicing virtues.
About the Author:
Kathy Motlagh is the writer and creative force behind the Eutopia book series and products, and managing director of Think Virtues. Motlagh, a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, has taught art at the Montessori School of North Hoffman for the past twelve years and been an active board member of the school since its inception twenty years ago.
Motlagh’s business experience includes eighteen years in the mortgage banking industry, where she has been featured in business publications as one of the top female financiers in the country. A recipient of many business awards and accolades, she has helped over two thousand families realize their home buying dreams.
Motlagh resides in Chicago and involves her family, including her six and seven-year-old sons, in community service and fund raising activities for many non-profit organizations and causes.
My Thoughts~
I thought it was a cute story overall. The boys were less enamored with it, but mostly due to their enjoying books like The Hobbit and thinking something with illustrations is too young for them. I’d definitely say this book is part way between a chapter book and picture book.
One feature I did really like was the short section at the end which lists all the virtues mentioned in this title with longer descriptions of the virtue and specific examples from the story to reinforce them. This format is beneficial whether it is used in a home or school environment.
I will caution Christian readers that the fantastical world the boys find themselves in contain fairy like creatures that each are a guardian of a specific virtue. Our family has not had any issues with some fantastical creatures, but I do like to mention it for those who do avoid them.
Eutopia, the Discovery is sold exclusively through Think Virtues. A hardback copy of the book retails for $29.99 and an ebook is available for $9.99. Virtue cards are also available through them for $30.
Disclaimer ~ I was sent a copy of this book to facilitate a review. No monetary compensation occurred and all opinions are my own.
