Captain McFinn and Friends Review

 These days kiddos need reminders that they have value, that kindness and friendship are important. It's just what Captain McFinn and Friends offer in three innovative, original, and educational books geared for children ages 4-8 years.

The collection includes three hard and softcover books, an activity book, a sing-a-long music CD composed by award-winning songwriter Terry Sampson, and educational materials for parents and teachers.

When bullies make headlines, Captain McFinn and Friends offer a "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully" theme. It's a theme that needs to be reiterated as the National Association of Elementary School Principals shows statistics where bullying has become an epidemic in our nation, with an estimated 18 million children in the United States being bullied each year. Fear and negative feelings from bullying account for three million student absences each month across our nation.

Created by Phyllis Cafaro, with inspiration from her grandchildren, Captain McFinn comes alive in colorful, easy-to-read, and easily comprehend books. At the end of each book is a Fun Facts page that my children absolutely love as it includes information on sea creatures, the ocean environment, and so much more. The Captain McFinn website offers additional activities and resources that truly complement the story.

The Legend of Captain McFinn and Friends was the first book we read together. The book introduces the reader to a friendly blacktip shark named Captain McFinn. Once the biggest bully on Sandy Dusty Reef, he meets the Undersea Friends who teach him, through kindness, that being a friend is a better option than being a bully. The Undersea Friends help Captain McFinn transform from bully to protector and leader of the Sandy Dusty Reef.

My kiddos loved the pictures. The characters are easy to like, and the storyline keeps the kiddos engaged. I love that in a book.

“My ultimate goal with Captain McFinn and Friends is to make the world a better place in which to live, one child (and fish) at a time,” says Phyllis Cafaro, author and founder of the Captain McFinn and Friends series. “Bullying in schools is a major issue nationwide, occurring daily. No parent, grandparent, or educator wants children to feel unsafe at school because schools should be a place for learning, fun, and friendship.”

 

Captain McFinn and Friends Rock!: The day Captain McFinn and his Undersea Friends start a band, they learn about more than just making great music.  When Bella feels left out, it takes some extra Finn Power to get everybody ready for the big contest. Will hard work and friendship win the prize, or will Tox and the Barracuda Brothers ruin the fun?

My kiddos love music, and this book featured the topic they understand. Again, bright pictures that are fun with the same cast of characters.Captain McFinn and Friends Meet Coral Rose: Captain McFinn and Friends go on an adventure of discovery when they stumble upon a new paradise where they meet their newest friend, Princess Coral Rose - The Princess Between the Tides.

The Divine Miss M loved this book best. She is all about mermaids, and in this book, she continues to go back tonight after night, immersing herself in the story.

We also received Captain McFinn and Friends: Come Along with the Friend-Ship Band CD.  The kiddos love the music, and it was a must-have on our road trip to South Dakota. Dad wasn't into the music so listening to it became a game of when dad stopped. First, one to the car got to listen to it before Dad returned. It was great motivation for the children, and they enjoyed the music.

This fall, Captain McFinn, and Friends Mobile App and eBook will be available as a free download for all iOS and Android platforms, Barnes and Noble NOOK, and Amazon Kindle devices.

This is a fun series that offers great lessons as children learn about the undersea world and good friends. We recommend this series to all.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free, hoping that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.