James Altucher released his first children’s book in late 2016. This is Altucher’s 18th published title and follows on from the success of his seminal mindset series which include Choose Yourself and The Rich Employee. Now he’s entered the competitive world of kids fiction. Here’s how he fared.

‘My Daddy Owns All of Outer Space’

Why would Altucher write a children’s book int the first place? Who knows. But I’ve now listened or read four of his books including recently ‘The Power of No‘ which he co-wrote with his wife Claudia. All contain powerful advice from someone who has made every mistake in the book. And then some.

So when I saw he’d written a children’s book, I knew it would be good. Here’s the thing – most children’s books suck and I mean are truly eye wateringly awful.

Either they’re too cute and fluffy, promote a victim mindset ( like the sad duck that just wanted a hug but couldn’t get a hug so he went around looking sad until he got a hug.I wish I was joking. But I’m not).

On the other side they are so mouth openingly subversive and vile that I could barely read them to my mother, let a lone my kids.

Here’s how I choose books for my kids:

  • Borrow a selection of books (screened at source) from the library

  • Rely on recommendations from friends/family (my sister and a particular uncle have great taste)

From these I’ll buy a selection of the best for us to keep.

So buying a James Altucher children’s book would be a risk, wouldn’t it? I mean, how good could a self published book be from a guy who’s never written a kids book before in his puff?

Admittedly James Altucher isn’t famous for childrens books. But he has written books on business, the stock market (sadly most are out of print or cost £100 on Amazon) biography as well as novels and the aforementioned mindset titles. So he knows how to write a book.

the rich employee by james altucher

And if you like his message from his blog, podcast, Twitter and books, you’ll probabably like Altucher’s kids book. Right?

RIGHT???

Keep reading and I’ll tell you.

James Altucher’s Children’s Book Has A Strong Message Delivered in a Fun Way

Altucher’s books have some main themes that run through them from start to finish. One strong theme is that of being an abundant person who sets out to give to others.

Looking for people to help every day is a key part of his mindset training and he encourages this in a long list of goals and tasks in his first self publishing hit ‘Choose Yourself‘.

Helping others is also the central theme of ‘My Daddy Owns ALL of Outer Space’. In the story, a girl tells the story of her Dad, a plumber. He works hard and helps people out. But when some mean kids make fun of her, she’s upset and tells her Daddy.

He immediately takes her on a fun and fantastical trip through outer space where she meets all the alien races her Daddy has helped. The message is clear: it doesn’t matter what her Dad’s job is – helping others is his motivation and should be hers too.

When I write it out, it sounds a bit lame doesn’t it? Thankfully the book is entertaining for you and the kids and the illustrations by Molly Hahn provide plenty of laughs. There are even a few nods to James Altucher’s other books. James and Claudia make a cameo appearance at one stage though I don’t want to ruin the surprise…

Is James Altucher’s Kids Book Any Good?

There are two litmus tests for a good children’s book. ‘Do you enjoy reading it‘ and ‘Do your kids like it?’

Here’s my take:

If you’re already a fan or just appreciate Altucher’s work, you’ll enjoy this entertaining self published children’s book.

Equally, if you’ve never heard of Altucher, firstly what’s wrong with you? Secondly, you will love the simple but detailed, comic style illustrations and the valuable lesson in a fun wrapper.

And the kids? Here’s how mine reacted. At the end of the first reading I asked, “Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes Daddy. Can you read it again?”

my daddy owns all of outer space by james altucher molly hahn

You can buy My Daddy Owns All of Outer Space on Paperback or Kindle on Amazon (click here)

About Neil M White

Neil has been writing for a number of years. He has worked as a freelance writer both in the UK and internationally and has worked on a number of high profile media projects. Neil spends his spare time hiking, in the gym or hanging out with his family.

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the rich employee by james altucher

Read: January 2017

The Rich Employee by James Altucher

Few books will influence your professional life as much as The Rich Employee. If you are stuck at work wondering why you haven’t made it as an entrepreneur yet, then this is the book for you.

Altucher explains in his familiar style how to be happy and fulfilled while punching the clock for someone else.

Being a rich employee is more than money. It’s about developing the mindset that sees opportunity and desires to add value to relationships and the business you work for. Will it change your life? Probably. Which is why you should read it.

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