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Becoming Better Grownups: Rediscovering What Matters and Remembering How to Fly
A New York Times-bestselling author looks for the meaning of a good life by seeking advice from the very young and the very old.
When his first book tour ended, Brad Montague missed hearing other people's stories so much that he launched what he dubbed a Listening Tour. First visiting elementary schools and later also nursing homes and retirement communities, he hoped to glean new wisdom as to how he might become a better grownup. Now, in this playful and buoyant book, he shares those insights with rest of us --timeless, often surprising lessons that bypass the head we're always stuck in, and go straight to the heart we sometimes forget.
Each of the book's three sections begins with the illustrated story of "The Incredible Floating Girl." Brad weaves this story together with lessons of success, fear, regret, gratitude, love, happiness, and dreams to reveal the true reason we are here: to fly, and to help others fly.
Beautifully designed and featuring Montague's own whimsical 4-color illustrations that appeal to the kid in all of us, Becoming Better Grownups shares the purpose and meaning we can all discover merely by listening, and reveals that--in a world that seems increasingly childish--the secret to joy is in fact to become more childlike.
When his first book tour ended, Brad Montague missed hearing other people's stories so much that he launched what he dubbed a Listening Tour. First visiting elementary schools and later also nursing homes and retirement communities, he hoped to glean new wisdom as to how he might become a better grownup. Now, in this playful and buoyant book, he shares those insights with rest of us --timeless, often surprising lessons that bypass the head we're always stuck in, and go straight to the heart we sometimes forget.
Each of the book's three sections begins with the illustrated story of "The Incredible Floating Girl." Brad weaves this story together with lessons of success, fear, regret, gratitude, love, happiness, and dreams to reveal the true reason we are here: to fly, and to help others fly.
Beautifully designed and featuring Montague's own whimsical 4-color illustrations that appeal to the kid in all of us, Becoming Better Grownups shares the purpose and meaning we can all discover merely by listening, and reveals that--in a world that seems increasingly childish--the secret to joy is in fact to become more childlike.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published March 31, 2020
452 people are currently reading
5864 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
May 2, 2020
Every person who works with kids, interacts with kids, has kids...should read this book.
September 10, 2020
I am going to go against the grain... I listened to the audio and maybe that it why I didn't enjoy it was much as everyone else. I didn't get the pictures they are raving about! I thought it was ok, but after 1/2, it just seemed like the same adages over and over.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
It could be that I am still in shock from the horror novel I just finished???
3 stars
Happy Reading!
It could be that I am still in shock from the horror novel I just finished???
April 14, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book—one of the first things I noticed about it was that there are pictures on nearly every page. That delighted me because how many books are printed today for adults that have PICTURES? I personally feel like not very many, though you may feel otherwise. I should’ve known it would have many illustrations since Brad is an artist, but somehow it slipped my mind and I was happily surprised by the many colorful images on the inside.
This book declares in a loud voice for all to hear, you MATTER. You DO make a difference in the world, even if you can’t see it.
Oftentimes we can believe that our acts of kindness don’t really affect people, but this book reveals that our acts of goodness—even the smallest ones!—can impact people far beyond what we could ever imagine, and there are many stories in this book to prove this. People are rarely thanked aloud for the impact they’ve had on another’s life, but even if it isn’t voiced, it’s there. We need each other. Every single person matters in this world and can make a positive difference in another person’s life.
We’re the grownups in the room. Our acts of joyful rebellion against the darkness of the world truly makes a difference. So if you’re asked yourself before, “Do I really matter? Have I made or can I make a difference in this world?” The answer is a resounding YES!
This book was funny, inspiring, and motivating. Its main message derives from becoming more like a child—childlike, but not childish. It’s about imitating the best found in innocent children: love, kindness, empathy, and a drive to do good.
This book is for everyone who wants to be a better person, not just for grownups.
I highly recommend this book to all who are curious about it. Brad has made something wonderful in this short but sweet book.
Fly, and help others fly as well. You have the ability to do this.
This book declares in a loud voice for all to hear, you MATTER. You DO make a difference in the world, even if you can’t see it.
Oftentimes we can believe that our acts of kindness don’t really affect people, but this book reveals that our acts of goodness—even the smallest ones!—can impact people far beyond what we could ever imagine, and there are many stories in this book to prove this. People are rarely thanked aloud for the impact they’ve had on another’s life, but even if it isn’t voiced, it’s there. We need each other. Every single person matters in this world and can make a positive difference in another person’s life.
We’re the grownups in the room. Our acts of joyful rebellion against the darkness of the world truly makes a difference. So if you’re asked yourself before, “Do I really matter? Have I made or can I make a difference in this world?” The answer is a resounding YES!
This book was funny, inspiring, and motivating. Its main message derives from becoming more like a child—childlike, but not childish. It’s about imitating the best found in innocent children: love, kindness, empathy, and a drive to do good.
This book is for everyone who wants to be a better person, not just for grownups.
I highly recommend this book to all who are curious about it. Brad has made something wonderful in this short but sweet book.
Fly, and help others fly as well. You have the ability to do this.
December 1, 2020
I can't tell you how many times I've already been inspired by Brad. And so I expected the book to be special. Therefore I made it my early morning motivation only allowing myself read a chapter after actually waking up at 5am, working out and jumping into a cold shower. Let's just say after the very first chapter I've never felt more motivated!
I've cried with laughter and painful rediscovering of childhood memories and yet immense hope with every single one of those chapterd. I felt more than inspired. I was left wanting to give this book to every single parent, teacher and grownup in my life. So we could all "Fly and help each other fly."
I've cried with laughter and painful rediscovering of childhood memories and yet immense hope with every single one of those chapterd. I felt more than inspired. I was left wanting to give this book to every single parent, teacher and grownup in my life. So we could all "Fly and help each other fly."
January 30, 2022
Perfect ratio of easy-to-read-ness and helpfulness. The content is really insightful, but it felt like I was reading The Giving Tree to my kids not like I was reading a self-improvement book.
March 23, 2024
This book is a gift. Incredibly heartwarming and packed full of wisdom from children. A gentle reminder of the power of showing up and an encouragement to follow the example of kids, whom the author aptly named “joy rebels.”
January 15, 2021
Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book. I’ve been reading it chapter by chapter over the past couple of months. The library owns it, but after the first couple of chapters, I bought my own copy so I could underline passages and write notes in it. We need this book in these dark times. He talks about being a “joy rebel,” being “dedicated to wonder,” and tells us we are all essential partners/teammates/puzzle pieces on Earth.
May 8, 2020
Wonderful, positive messages and amazing illustrations make this book really special.
October 14, 2020
I wanted a book that was uplifting, refreshing, and not something that required much brain power during my week off. This book certainly fit the bill, and it made me realize how much more I actually enjoy challenging/ provocative reads than this puff piece.
Basically, kids see the world differently, and we should see the world as kids do. Certainly, we should focus less on the drudgery of adulthood and stop being proud of being so worn out all the time. However, If the solution is putting on adventure goggles every time I go to the grocery store, singing to my plants to help them grow even if it doesn’t work, or talking in to tin cans tied to a string in order to communicate with my friends...I’m going to say that’s Peter Pan syndrome, not an alternative/better way of living. I am sure it was a great read for many and it’s possible I’m mis-representing the author, but it wasn’t my cup of joe.
Basically, kids see the world differently, and we should see the world as kids do. Certainly, we should focus less on the drudgery of adulthood and stop being proud of being so worn out all the time. However, If the solution is putting on adventure goggles every time I go to the grocery store, singing to my plants to help them grow even if it doesn’t work, or talking in to tin cans tied to a string in order to communicate with my friends...I’m going to say that’s Peter Pan syndrome, not an alternative/better way of living. I am sure it was a great read for many and it’s possible I’m mis-representing the author, but it wasn’t my cup of joe.
June 6, 2020
As an educator living in this uncertain moment, I liked all the messages Mr. Montague has to deliver in this delightfully illustrated text.
We all have a lot of remembering and unlearning to do. And for those of us lucky enough to spend days around children, the opportunity to do so is great. The message of being present really resonated with me. I've been working on that in my life and recognize that it's something I'll likely be striving toward until the end.
Thanks, Mr. Montague for being willing to share your own grown-up struggles and the perspectives and mindsets you've uncovered that have helped you to see those struggles in a different light.
We all have a lot of remembering and unlearning to do. And for those of us lucky enough to spend days around children, the opportunity to do so is great. The message of being present really resonated with me. I've been working on that in my life and recognize that it's something I'll likely be striving toward until the end.
Thanks, Mr. Montague for being willing to share your own grown-up struggles and the perspectives and mindsets you've uncovered that have helped you to see those struggles in a different light.
March 21, 2023
“Love is at the root of everything”
Review 2023
Este libro es un caldo de pollo calientito para el corazón. CONFIRMO. Un libro para regresar y regresar. Esperanza Pura.
Review 2023
Este libro es un caldo de pollo calientito para el corazón. CONFIRMO. Un libro para regresar y regresar. Esperanza Pura.
December 29, 2022
This book has truly helped me become a better grownup. Happily dog-eared the heck out of it and will be thinking of it for many years to come.
May 1, 2025
The book is similar to a Bob Goff book I read last year, “Love Does.” Each chapter is a culmination of different stories and experiences that Brad had or stories/experiences someone he knew had. I enjoyed the meaning and thoughts he put into this book, however I struggled to feel the call to action throughout. It’s harder for me to feel that call when it comes to audiobooks, which is how I digested this book. I would suggest to the physical copy (as you probably should for most books) to get the full/heartfelt intention behind it. I did enjoy hearing Brad’s narration as it did show how passionate he was of it. The 4 stars were only docked as it felt to be a better book digested via the physical copy.
September 14, 2020
There is so much for us to learn from children and from our own childhood. I liked the wisdom he shared from kids and people who care about them. One strange drawback of the print edition is the raw cardboard edge actually hurt my hands. So I only read it when I could set it on a table (not a favorite place for me to read). I have no idea why someone would manufacture a book like this.
August 7, 2025
From the creator of Kid President, this book includes imaginative doodles and simple calls to better humanity
Cute, positive, and reflective!
Cute, positive, and reflective!
Read
June 19, 2023This was just a cute little book by the person that is responsible for all those Kid President videos. He spent time traveling around to classrooms to see how kids perceive adults and how we can harness more kid energy.
October 17, 2023
Growing up! It seemed like a good idea.
Better grownups are committed to hearing the music in every person. They are keyed in to hearing the songs that lie beneath the noise and beyond the fear. They make certain it is shared. They find there are always songs to be sung and parties to be planned.
We seem to develop an addiction to distraction that can make us forget who we really are. And when you don’t know who you are, you can’t be where you are. Showing up can become an impossible task.
“learn from the past, dream about the future, but keep focused on looking around you for who you can serve now.”
Children are so deeply rooted in the magic of the everyday that time is both abundant and completely stalled. There’s a full magic show going on all the time, but we grow up and get too busy to pay attention to it.
“You were a child once, too.”
They’re looking for what you love. They’re hoping there’s some crossover between what they love and what you love. They’re wanting to connect. Really, it’s true of kids and all of us former kids. We’re all just children on a playground wanting desperately to be loved and to tell one another about that love.
Better grownups are committed to hearing the music in every person. They are keyed in to hearing the songs that lie beneath the noise and beyond the fear. They make certain it is shared. They find there are always songs to be sung and parties to be planned.
We seem to develop an addiction to distraction that can make us forget who we really are. And when you don’t know who you are, you can’t be where you are. Showing up can become an impossible task.
“learn from the past, dream about the future, but keep focused on looking around you for who you can serve now.”
Children are so deeply rooted in the magic of the everyday that time is both abundant and completely stalled. There’s a full magic show going on all the time, but we grow up and get too busy to pay attention to it.
“You were a child once, too.”
They’re looking for what you love. They’re hoping there’s some crossover between what they love and what you love. They’re wanting to connect. Really, it’s true of kids and all of us former kids. We’re all just children on a playground wanting desperately to be loved and to tell one another about that love.
May 30, 2020
One of the most heartwarming, joyful, creative, and hopeful books I’ve read in a long time.
May 10, 2022
Un libro necesario y fácil de leer… Necesitamos escuchar a los niños y niñas… Qué rico es vivir con esperanza y estando presente.
Easy read, increíbles ilustraciones.
Easy read, increíbles ilustraciones.
May 22, 2020
Right now it's the book of my life.
December 4, 2020
Absolutely obsessed with this book! I've read excerpts of it to my kids to talk about goal setting and trying to grow into our best selves. I don't even have the words, I just love everything he spends time diving into in each chapter. So much love. So much light!
May 14, 2020
It is not often I find a book that speaks directly to my heart. It makes me want to be a better person and at the same time makes me feel very good about the person that I am. I have long believed the magic found in childhood is what will carry us through long after we have "grown up." The trick is remembering the magic.
April 2, 2020
I could write a follow up book about all the reasons Becoming Better Grownups is so wonderful. From the front cover to the back, this book has made me laugh out loud, legitimately cry, reevaluate and reconsider how I can be a better grownup, especially by helping me remember my own childhood. I'm already excited to read it again so I can highlight everything that spoke to me. But I've also wondered if that's even necessary because it would be every sentence on every page... Brad is a modern day Mr. Rodgers and I'm so grateful he chose to share his gifts with the world to inspire us to share our own gifts.
April 3, 2020
Where do I even start? I LOVE this book! Brad Montague has written this book in a way that grabs your attention and makes you want to keep reading. This book is definitely relatable and has gotten a few laughs out of me (It's just that relatable!). During this pandemic, the world needs more light, happiness, and hope and this book brings that! It's the book we all need during this scary time. I highly recommend this book!
May 5, 2021
I feel guilty giving this book two stars because the author bemoaned his self esteem throughout the book. But ugh. The book should’ve been half as long. There was really valuable advice shared. I enjoyed the quirky drawings and cute enough story of the flying child but didn’t enjoy wading through the excessive repetitive filler.
January 27, 2022
Profound… it hit me straight in the heart, the gut, the soul, simply and beautifully. I cried (a lot), laughed out loud, and wrote in the margins. Everyone should read this book. I’ll probably read it again.
April 19, 2020
I LOVED this book!! Especially with what's going on in our world right now...every SINGLE PERSON should read this book! Don't wait!
May 2, 2020
I have no doubts that if every grownup read this book, the world would be a better place. A must read for sure.
February 6, 2021
This fun read reminds the reader how to see the fun in everyday life. A good reminder to appreciate the little things and live your life with the curiosity of a child.
March 30, 2021
Nowadays, it’s so hard to find people who are intentional.
I’ve been reading this book called “Becoming Better Grownups” by Brad Montague because tbh when I saw it in FULLY BOOKED I WANTED TO OWN IT. ASAP. BYE. LMAO.
Anyway, I love intentional people. Sometimes, you don’t know what other people’s intentions are with you and that sucks. Some people will take advantage of you and take your kindness and efforts for granted. Some will even go through lengths to make you look bad because idk for reasons we will never understand. Your mistakes, your mishaps—they’ll take/hold it against you for clout. Sad really. But despite all that, we still have genuine people and I love people with genuine intentions. PEOPLE WHO CARE ENOUGH TO NOTICE YOUR ABSENCE AND APPRECIATE YOU. PEOPLE WHO NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU. PEOPLE WHO DO NOT THINK TWICE BECAUSE THEY KNOW YOU CAN AND YOU WILL.
This is why I’ve become vocal about appreciating people around me. Because I want to be a better grownup. And as much as I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Peter Pan. I want to be Wendy—this girl grew up and became one of the better grownups.
And this book by Brad is one of the best reads I had read in this lifetime. I WANT MORE. I love that it’s from the perspective of kids, too. How kids see grownups! I love kids! Even if sometimes I want to bite their butts but still... childhood innocence and childlikeness will forever win my heart! Lmao
So to you who’s reading this, I hope you also desire to become a better grownup. Let’s set an example for the next generation because the next generation IS the future. And we don’t want the future to suck because of grownups who half-ass everything at the moment. Lol let’s be better humans—grownups.
I’ve been reading this book called “Becoming Better Grownups” by Brad Montague because tbh when I saw it in FULLY BOOKED I WANTED TO OWN IT. ASAP. BYE. LMAO.
Anyway, I love intentional people. Sometimes, you don’t know what other people’s intentions are with you and that sucks. Some people will take advantage of you and take your kindness and efforts for granted. Some will even go through lengths to make you look bad because idk for reasons we will never understand. Your mistakes, your mishaps—they’ll take/hold it against you for clout. Sad really. But despite all that, we still have genuine people and I love people with genuine intentions. PEOPLE WHO CARE ENOUGH TO NOTICE YOUR ABSENCE AND APPRECIATE YOU. PEOPLE WHO NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU. PEOPLE WHO DO NOT THINK TWICE BECAUSE THEY KNOW YOU CAN AND YOU WILL.
This is why I’ve become vocal about appreciating people around me. Because I want to be a better grownup. And as much as I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Peter Pan. I want to be Wendy—this girl grew up and became one of the better grownups.
And this book by Brad is one of the best reads I had read in this lifetime. I WANT MORE. I love that it’s from the perspective of kids, too. How kids see grownups! I love kids! Even if sometimes I want to bite their butts but still... childhood innocence and childlikeness will forever win my heart! Lmao
So to you who’s reading this, I hope you also desire to become a better grownup. Let’s set an example for the next generation because the next generation IS the future. And we don’t want the future to suck because of grownups who half-ass everything at the moment. Lol let’s be better humans—grownups.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews