Serendipity

by Stephen Cosgrove

Book Overview

A large sea creature discovers she has important work to do as guardian of all the seas.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0871916622
• ISBN13: 9780871916624
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: Creative Education
• Length: 32 Pages
• Age Range: 5 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 4

Customer Reviews

Happiness is Discovering Serendipity

Stephen Cosgrove's 'Serendipity' series teaches kids to deal with everyday situations in the world they live in. It provides them with positive solutions to difficult problems. all the charaters are whimsical and beautifully illustrated. There's lot more of these charming books. Collect all the Serendipity series books. Read them all. Start with this one. They're sure to entertain and teach children some valuable lessons they will remember.In the first book of the series, 'Serendipity' is the story about a large pink sea monster who discovers she has important work to do as guardian of the seas. The moral is knowing who you really are will bring you happiness. Would I have ever known that a children's book could even teach me the meaning of true happiness. And I've been searching for a long time in lots of wordy adult books. The message is plain and simple. My favorites from the series are: 'Creole' (Don't judge people by the way they look.); 'Dragolin' (Believe in yourself-all things are possible.); 'Leo the Lop' (Being different makes you special because you're you.); Rhubarb (To have a friend you must ba a friend.); 'Wheedle on the Needle' (Cooperation can solve almost any problem.); 'Sooty Foot' (Friends don't take advantage of each other.); 'Jake O'Shawnasey' (If you believe in yourself you can do anything.); and 'Little Mouse on the Prairie' (Laughter makes work much easier.). All of these are guaranteed to give any child a good time in fun and learning. Like the name 'Serendipity' means "a fortunate discoveries by accident." And, these are quite the case.

Environmentalism and Self-knowledge.

Obviously this book is awesome, so I won't add anymore to what's already been said. However, everyone seems to have missed the environmentalism that the book espouses. Really cool for kids, huh. Serendipity becomes a guardian of the ocean at the end. She finds her purpose, and it's to protect others in her environment. She finds meaning and purpose (symbolized by her name) in helping others! What a great message!

The most beautiful lessons ever learned...

Serendipity books are the best written books in childrens literature. Just this morning, up in the attick, I found 13 of my favorites. Also, in the box I found my stuffed animal, you know, the one you keep forever. Along with a cup of tea and a rainy day, I read, and re-read every book I owned. The lessons in these books tought me to be a better person (Little mouse on the Prarie) and connect with my brave friend leo...I highly recommend these books for your children, and you.

A Classic!

I have about 38 "Serendipity Series" books from Cosgrove including about 15 printed in the 70's. I am now in my 20's and am adding to my collection. I understand that several of the books are out-of-print, and I am looking for those. I concur with others who want a complete set made available. I would also like to see a web site devoted to the books. I can't wait to read these to my children (when I have them).