This was a great kids book about not letting your worries control your life. You have to live in the here and now and not worry about what might happen or what could happen.

A nice story about caring for others and not saying hurtful things. A bit wordy for kids. Cute characters. Great message.

I really like the mental process this book teaches: If the first thought you have would cause someone, including themselves, be hurt or be in trouble, you must say it. “Safely comes first.” If the answer is no and your comment might hurt someone’s feelings, that thought should be flushed. Then, try to reframe it in a different way.

This is a wonderful lesson we all could use!


I received an ARC from Boys Town Press through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

I really like the Freddie the fly books. They teach a lesson in an approachable way but are still fun. This time Freddie has a problem with being too truthful. So truthful that he hurts peoples feelings. It’s time to learn Truth or Care. How to avoid saying bad things that will do nothing but hurt someone, and how to find the positives in any situation. This is a great series of books for kids and even for adults.

My daughter loved this book! It was a great way for her to understand her anxiety and definitely helped during this phase of staying at home.

We love the Fly! Freddie and friends is another awesome book for young readers!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

FYI, the title and description are mislabeled on the book’s NetGalley page.

An interesting, entertaining book for children about learning to filter what you say in order to be kinder and more helpful. This is a difficult concept as it is a bit nuanced and obviously, children should not be taught to lie. Overall, the examples in the book were successful and the pictures cute, but could be better. Some of the language used was a bit harsh and/or crude and didn’t need to be. I really liked the tips for parents and educators at the end. The suggestions were very clear and helpful and I plan to use them with my 5 year old son.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boys Town Press for providing an ARC of this book.

Freddie the Fly is a great book! I frequently teach my clients about social skills. Many children can be confused about the concept or why it’s important. I think Freddie the Fly is a great book that breaks down all aspects of social filters. The examples in the book are easy to understand and can be applicable for elementary aged children. I think the book does a great job helping kids to build the skill of reframing their negative thought pattern. The book does a great job making Freddie seem realistic and teaching kids that this skill is something that will take practice, not something that they will immediately be able to perfect. I always enjoy when educational books include tips for parents and educators because it provides adults with additional tools to foster these life skills. I will definitely use this book with my clients and share it with my colleagues.

Thank you Smith Publicity and Netgalley for a copy of Freddie and Friends: Becoming Unstuck by Kimberly Delude for an honest review.

Freddie and Friends is a wonderfully illustrated picture book that left me conflicted. On one hand, learning how to have a verbal filter is a good thing, but on the other hand, teaching that others' opinions and feelings matter more than your own is pushing it (for me). I just can't get behind the book's message fully.

Thank you NetGalley and Boys Town Press for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

This book will be educational for kids. It will teach them how to think about what they say before actually saying it so they don’t hurt anyone’s feelings. The illustrations were also very good, so I feel like that will keep the readers attention.

Freddie and Friends: Becoming Unstuck will be a great conversation starter with young readers and those needing to learn how to use their "filters" when engaging with others conversationally. Social workers, parents, and teachers will appreciate this clear and concise story with concrete examples and lesson reinforcement for how to balance telling the truth and not hurting people's feelings by saying too much. Fun illustrations will engage readers to visually explore as they listen to what is being read.