THE BIGGEST AND BRIGHTEST LIGHT:
A True Story of the Heart
by Marilyn Perlyn
Illustrations by Amanda Perlyn
Foreword by Muhammad Ali
New Book Teaches Children They Can Make a Difference
This timely new book will inspire children and give them a real understanding of the feelings that come from giving. With America’s renewed interest in character education, The Biggest and Brightest Light is almost “a caring textbook” that is written in a storybook form about a child and her teacher.
When six-year-old Amanda wanted to help her teacher who had a problem, she wondered what could she do? She thought of great ideas like making holiday decorations, baking cookies, and entering a contest. Through Amanda’s efforts to help her teacher, she discovered that helping someone else gave her the best feeling she ever, ever had. It was better than eating a chocolate sundae, better than opening up all the presents at her birthday party, and even better than the day she got her new wet-nosed puppy!
The uniqueness of this incredibly inspiring book lies in the fact that The Biggest and Brightest Lightis a true story written by Amanda’s mother and beautifully illustrated by Amanda when she was only 16 years old. This tender story, written primarily for children ages 4 to 8, will tug at the heartstrings of readers of all ages and leave them looking for opportunities to follow Amanda’s example.
Praise for The Biggest and Brightest Light
“In 1996 I had the honor of lighting the Centennial Olympic Flame in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a light that is celebratedthroughout the world. Just as the Olympic torch passes from person to person, over mountains and seas, may each of your acts of caring kindle a light in another to reach out and make a difference in someone’s life. It is my hope that this story, The Biggest and Brightest Light, will be the spirit that sparks that desire.”
- Foreword by Muhammad Ali
The Biggest and Brightest Light helps us all learn a wonderful lesson gracefully and gently. The clear and simple message that even a small child can make a profound difference in the lives of others has meaning for both the child and adult reader. Once again, the power of caring triumphs!
Caring Institute, Washington, D.C.
MORE ENDORSEMENTS!
“Charming, inspiring…The Biggest and Brightest Light ought to be required reading in every
kindergarten and first grade in America!” – John Rosemond, columnist, author, psychologist
“Amanda’s gift of caring for her teacher is a gift for us all!Her story tugs at your heart, makes you feel good and inspires children to want to help others.A beautiful experience for children and adults to share…” – Ellen Rosenberg, author
“An education beyond the classroom that emphasizes the concept of helping others and a quintessential example of service to others…a must read for every child, parent, and educator in America!”– Art Johnson, Ph.D.’ Superintendent, Palm Beach School District
“A warm and fuzzy tale that gives children and adults a real understanding of the joy of giving to others.” - Editor’s Choice, South Florida Sun- Sentinel
“Refreshing to see a book depart from the traditional implication of a message through characters and offer opportunities to assist this young age group in developing compassion and empathy by identifying witha real person.”- South Florida Parenting Magazine
“Beautifully written and illustrated... truly addresses compassion and charitable giving.”- Barbara Wynne, Publisher, Indy’s Child
“A rich and meaningful treasure about the greatest treasure anyone can share. More than gifts or pleasantries, the biggest and brightest light is love, compassion, and the warm feeling one gets from helping someone in need, a lesson that bears remembering in this timeless tale about making a difference.” - Midwest Book Review
“A charming story.” - Colin L. Powell
“Inculcates the notion that regardless of age, circumstances or stations in life, anyone can make a difference in someone’s life.A wonderful edition to character education programs in our country, state, and nation.” – Esther Bulger, Chair, Character Education, School District of Palm Beach County, FL
“Deeply impressed by the story and your dedication to kids and character development.” - Marvin Berkowitz, Ph.D., Sanford N. McDonnell Professor of Character Education, St. Louis, MO
“A very moving story and one that deserves to be shared with many!”- Cathryn Berger Kaye, author and National Service Learning Consultant
“Out of all the gifts I received for being teacher of the year, yours was the most special.” -Sally Murphy,Bradford County Teacher of the Year, FL
“This heartwarming book is a beautiful and true story that will inspire parents and children alike. It is an effective tool in helping children to understand how to help others. It is rare to find a book such as this that appeals to all generations and it will definitely become a treasured gem in any child’s book collection.” - Katie Cooper, mother, London, England
“Cleverly written children’s book full of teachable moments…gentle and heart-warming. Parents, teachers, and other professionals working with children will find this book to be a useful tool for facilitating discussions about the value of giving and other important life lessons.” – Dr. RickBrodsky, child psychologist, NY
“A truly inspiring piece of children's literature. …a wonderful tool for helping parents introduce to their children the essentials of generosity and the joy of giving to others. As an elementary school teacher, I've been able to incorporate this fantastic story into our character education program. Between the vivid illustrations and Amanda's heartwarming journey, this children's book is a true gem to be cherished for years to come.” – Julie Brown, teacher, Bethesda, MD
“What a tender work of love…not only will this book touch your heart, but, over and over again it reminds us that one small gesture of kindness can last a lifetime!!! – Suzie Entel, mother, Lake Placid, FL
“The most special book we have received.” - Maggie Dickenson, Palm Beach Literacy Coalition
“Great tale with a message for the young and old.” - Rabbi Merle Singer, Boca Raton, FL
“We continue to learn…an annual read in our guidance classes.” -Kevin Smith, Counselor, Ashland, KY
“Most rewarding.”- Linda Hooper, Principal, Whitwell Middle School, Whitwell, TN
“This book is great…can’t wait to share it with my boys.” – Chandra Bill, News Anchor, W. Palm, FL
“Thoroughly enjoyed reading your book…what a great message!”- Rhonda Friend, children’s author
“That little girl taught me something about service and love.It is a story that needed to be told.”-Jeff Singer, NASDAQ executive, New York, NY
“Lovely story…I was touched by it.” – Krisite Fink, Community of Caring, Salt Lake City, UT
“A work of great love, passion, and determination.” - Lois Pope, LIFE Foundation, Delray, FL
“Loved everything about it…the story was beautiful!” – Julie Hildebrand, Pearson Education, NJ
“Demonstrates how good character can impact children’s lives in special ways.” - Kim Williams, Palm
Beach County District Character Education Committee, Palm Beach, FL
“Simply wonderful...inspires helpers as well as families to serve.”- Dr. Adoph Brown, psychologist, family and child wellness expert, Virginia Beach, VA
An inspirational and uplifting story!, May 25, 2007
Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 9) for Reader Views (5/07)
So many times kids think that they are too little to be important. "The Biggest and Brightest Light: A True Story of the Heart" deals with this same topic. Amanda is afraid that since the new teacher has doctor in her name, she will give her a shot. Dr. Malko is a doctor of education but she does deal with a medical crisis. Amanda is just 6-years-old, but she makes an impact on her teacher, Dr. Malko, that will last both of them a lifetime.
Amanda sees a need in her teacher's life and does something to help her. Dr. Malko's daughter Elena is very sick. Amanda comes up with an idea of how she can raise money to help Elena and her family with all of the medical expenses. It's heartwarming to see the love this girl has for her teacher. Amanda is excited to get to meet the young Elena. Amanda has a big heart and it shows even more when she goes to work making cookies for the nurses in Elena's hospital. She enters a contest and wonders if she could win. Dr. Malko is very encouraging for Amanda.
Some teachers make a big impact on their students! This story shows that students can make a difference in the lives of the teachers as well. I have been encouraged and showed love by a couple of teachers in my life and I wish I could be like young Amanda who brightens her teacher's days. I am a few years older than the young heroine in this story, but I loved the story. The pictures by Amanda Perlyn bring the story to life. It's a feel-good story even though there are some sad parts in it. The fact that this is a true story makes me enjoy it all the more.
Note from Brianne's mother: "The Biggest and Brightest Light" brings out the light in a little girl's heart and caring for her teacher. Brianne loved the story and said that she wishes she could somehow bring more smiles to her favorite teachers. She already is expressing interest in being a teacher because she would like to encourage youngsters to be all that they can be.
Kindle a Light Through an Act of Caring, September 8, 2006
This true story, of six year old Amada, demonstrates the impact a young child can have in making a difference in the lives of others through acts of kindness and loving concern.
Dr. Malko, Amanda's first grade teacher, told the children of her daughter's illness. Amanda was concerned when she learned of the hospital expenses. She thoughtfully considered how she might help. An idea came to her. She made and sold holiday ornaments to help provide for this need.
Dr. Malko expressed her appreciation this way: "...You know, Amada, when children do such special deeds, they are like angels...Thank you my little angel." This gave Amanda the best feeling that she had ever had.
As the stars shimmered in the nighttime sky Amanda glowed with pride knowing that no matter how old you are, you are old enough to make a difference in someone's life.
This wonderful story will tug at your heart as you share it with your child. Children ages four through eight will be delighted by the eye-catching color illustrations created by Amanda Perlyn.
"The Biggest and Brightest Light" is inspirational and full of seed thoughts, of kindness, and thoughtfulness, to sow and nurture in your child's mind.
NOT ONLY WILL THIS BOOK TOUCH YOUR HEART, BUT, OVER AND OVER AGAIN IT CONTINUES TO REMIND US THAT ONE SMALL GESTURE OF KINDNESS, CAN LAST A LIFE TIME!!!!....IT IS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND WONDERFULLY ILLUSTRATED...A MUST READ FOR ALL AGES...THANK YOU MARILYN AND AMANDA FOR SHARING YOUR STORY!!!
The biggest and brightest light is love & compassion, May 18, 2004
The Biggest And Brightest Light: A True Story Of The Heart is a rich and meaningful picture book about the greatest treasure anyone can share. Written by Marilyn Perlyn, The Biggest And Brightest Light features very simple yet moving illustrations by Amanda Perlyn. Six-year-old Amanda wants to help her teacher with a problem, but this problem is so big that it cannot be solved... for the teacher's daughter is very sick. Sometimes the best thing one person can do for another is simply to be there, and care. More than gifts or pleasantries, the biggest and brightest light is love, compassion, and the warm feeling one gets from helping someone in need, a lesson that bears remembering in this timeless tale about making a difference.
This heartwarming book is a beautiful and true story that will inspire parents and children alike. It is an effective tool in helping children to understand how to help others. It is rare to find a book such as this that appeals to all generations and it will definitely become a treasured gem in any childs book collection.
The Biggest and Brightest Light is a cleverly written children's book full of teachable moments. Parents, teachers, and other professionals working with children will find this book to be a useful tool for facilitating discussions about the value of giving and other important life lessons. It is gentle and heart-warming. And best of all, its a true story!
This story is inspirational for anybody, of any age, and a wonderful reminder that nobody is too young to help others! The love and hard work of this mother-daughter team shines through the enitre book. I highly recommend this book to chldren and adults a like - we all need a little reminder of the power of giving!!
About the Author:
Marilyn Perlyn, and her husband, Don, live in Boca Raton, Florida. They have raised three children who have each received local, state, and national recognition for their efforts to reach out and help others. Her inspiration for The Biggest and Brightest Light is rooted in her strong belief, based on years of personal experience, that any properly guided child, who understands that they could make a difference, and should make a difference, would make a difference. For every child who comes to this realization, our world becomes a better place. She and her family are recipients of a national award from the Points of Light Foundation and the R. David Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award. Her children have been written about in numerous publications and have appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Dr. Joy Brown Show. The illustrator, Amanda Perlyn, has been a student of art for many years, and her vivid recollections of herself and her teacher in first grade come to life in her illustrations in this book. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including Seventeen/Cover Girl Volunteerism Award, R. David Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award, J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award, Daily Point of Light Award, Allstate Good Hands Volunteer Award, and Voice of Democracy Award. In addition, a story about her was published in Jackie Waldman’s book, The Courage to Give.
Kindle a Light Through an Act of Caring, September 8, 2006
