"People Are Like …" redwood trees? Dogs? Porcupines, even? Rabbi Michael Zedek shares how in a refreshing, humorous style that connects with young readers and their families. The Brooklyn-born master storyteller has been a featured speaker globally, including TEDx. His natural wit and generational wisdom will engage children and adults in this slim volume full of memorable life lessons. The whimsical illustrations add magical notes to complement the content. "People Are Like …" will inspire meaningful conversation to remind us that we still have room and time to grow no matter our age. Michael's collection of tales plants seeds for character-building and self-discovery that teach us to reflect on what we can learn from the mundane moments too often overlooked. “I cannot wait to gift this book to each of my grandchildren. But as the grandmother, I also find these stories of everyday life ringing in my heart long after reading them. Zedek uncovers the deeper truth and invites us to participate in divine goodness.” --Reverend Carla Aday, Senior Minister at Country Club Christian Church of Kansas City, Missouri “As an educator, I’m constantly seeking ways to help students understand themselves and others with greater compassion. This book is a powerful tool for exactly that. It’s accessible, engaging, and rooted in truths that matter—about human nature, relationships, and the beauty of our differences. I plan to share it with colleagues and use its metaphors in my classroom discussions. It’s more than a book—it’s a bridge between generations, perspectives, and hearts.” --Susan Freudenberg, Director, The Gateway School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania “Charming tales imparting wisdom of the ages – for all ages!” --Jim Cosgrove, award-winning children’s recording artist and author “These joyful and witty stories are an engaging read, filled with inspirational and thought-provoking lessons.” --Emanuel Cleaver II, United States Representative “A treasure trove of life lessons for readers of every age.” --Shirley Bush Helzberg, philanthropist, arts and civic leader “ In People Are Like… , Rabbi Michael Zedek offers a delightful children’s book that teaches about animals, life and faith. Read it with your little ones and enjoy!” --Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas "This is a great book to start teaching stories to children of all ages that teach a moral compass. It has practical things to do, behaviors to build character. The book really resonated with me and made me smile. Rabbi Zedek (who I know) is a great storyteller. He asks unusual questions here. People are like porcupines (that literally came up in a class on Noah's ark recently!). His response is priceless. People are like dogs. People are like redwood trees, hippos, even a diamond. Well worth the read. The book made me smile... on every page." -- Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein, Rabbi of Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin, IL “ People Are Like. . . offers a children’s book that’s as meaningful for parents and grandparents as it is for the little ones they love. A collection of gentle, beautifully written stories in a style somewhere between Aesop and Disney, readers meet a variety of life on earth: porcupines, rabbits, dogs, monkeys, hippos and the mighty trees that exhibit and encourage the meanings of sharing, kindness, acceptance and understanding others—no matter how different they may seem. Each crisp tale captures life's lessons in ways children can understand and enjoy. From a shy porcupine who learns that friendship sometimes means taking a chance, to a proud tree that finds strength in helping others. People Are Like. . . encourages warm pathos and lessons to be shared between generations. Perfect for bedtime reading or a cozy afternoon visit, Zedek’s book invites parents and grandparents to share the stories and values—reminding young readers that every act of kindness, big or small, helps the world shine a bit brighter.” -- Sam Wagmeister, The Vegas Voice Magazine Nightlife Editor Michael Zedek offers a simple practice to experience new perspectives and everyday joy. The joyful dad and grandfather is the rabbi emeritus of two outstanding congregations, The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah in the greater Kansas City area and Emanuel Congregation of Chicago. In September 2021, Michael became Rabbi-in-Residence at Saint Paul School of Theology, where he is a respected teacher and community ambassador. The rabbi frequently speaks professionally on themes related to spirituality in countries including South Africa, Israel, Russia, Poland, the former Yugoslavia, Thailand and Italy. Michael has a significant profile in the interfaith community, serving as founder and host of "Religion on the Line," a lively radio program that recently concluded a 29-year run. He is the author of "Taking Miracles Seriously: A Journey to Everyday Spirituality," a heartfelt read on how to live a richer, fuller