I liked this book for two main reasons. The main reason this book was appealing to me was the main character, Jeremy. He was the “hero” of the story while also being physically disabled. Jeremy had to use crutches to get around and did not have many friends because they teased him and he could not keep up with them. I like that the author chose to make the hero of the story a minority group because it can appeal to group of people that is not often paid attention by many other children’s books. This choice of main character also requires the readers to consider ideas about acceptance and judging people before meeting them. Another reason I liked this book was the choice of conflict. The conflict was that Jeremy’s mother was very ill and he needed money to afford her operation. The audience of this book is children, and the idea of illness and money are not necessarily conflicts that these children have to face often. I think again this choice of conflict may be appealing to a group of children that other children’s books may not pay attention. This conflict is deep and meaningful and can relate to readers with similar issues that are not considered in other children’s books. Overall, I liked that this book considered ideas that are not usually incorporated into other children’s books. The “big idea” is acceptance and not judging a book by its cover. Jeremy’s issues were solved because he was forced to learn not to judge the scary sea monster (Snoogle-Fleejer) by the way it looked. Once he accepted the monster, he was able to fix Jeremy’s conflict. At the end of the story, the other children also learned that Jeremy was not slow and weak because he was able to interact with the sea monster. ( )

The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer is the first book I've read by a former president and among the weirdest children's books I've read. The crux of the story is pretty straightforward: it's your classic "don't judge a book by its cover" type story.

The story is told as a fairy tale beginning in the usual "Once upon a time..." fashion. It follows a Jeremy who lives at the sea with his mother. Jeremy spends his days sitting on the beach mostly by himself because he can't walk (and I guess therefore has no friends?)

Jeremy comes into his own though when he can save the beach from a horrible sea monster, who of course isn't really horrible, just different. The monster in question is the title character.

Morals abound at the end:

1. Everyone is important
2. Anyone can be a hero
3. Don't be afraid of people who are different
4. Be willing to do the right thing even if no one else is

There book is well suited for a classroom situation. It would be perfect for story time with a question and answer session with students. ( )

Fine condition in original cover