Eutopia – Kathy Motlagh

Publisher:  Think Virtues

Pages:  121

Source:  I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Genre:  Children’s Fantasy

Goodreads:

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.

My Thoughts:

This is one of those rare gems that come around every once in a while.  Every parent and teacher should have a copy of this book in his or her home or classroom.

When Kyle and Kamron fall through a hole into another world they not only find an adventure, but also learn about the virtues.  The world has been destroyed by vice and greed.  The boys with the help of their cousin must find the virtue stones to re-awaken the creatures associated with the virtues.  To find the stones they must practice the virtues.  As they find each stone the world begins to get back its beauty. 

This wasn’t just a beautifully written and illustrated book.  From a teacher’s perspective it was a wonderful book to have on my shelves.  It started conversations with my sixth graders who didn’t know what virtues were.  It seems they are no longer taught in elementary schools and many parents don’t teach them either.

Check out the Think Virtues website for Virtue Question Cards and more information

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.  Motlagh resides in Chicago and involve her family, including her six and seen-year-old sons in community service and fund raising activities for many non-profit organizations and causes.