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Recommend this book:
Over the Rainbow
Rebecca Yee
2022 Bronze Medal
37 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever heard of the rainbow bridge? It’s a special bridge that takes beloved pets to their forever home beyond this world. A little girl grows up with her best friend, a lovely black dog. They were both young together. They shared a special bond that only strengthened over the years. So, when Mommy suggested that it was time to let her best friend cross over the rainbow bridge to a place where she could run, jump, and play with other four-legged besties forever, the girl was sad. She struggled to understand and accept. Mommy said: “All good dogs are needed there...with wings to show new pals the way.” Mommy also said: “She’ll never leave you,” and “Forever in your heart she’ll stay...Her love will always see you through...even on those darkest days.” No one wants to say goodbye to their BFF, their fur-ever bestie, but Rebecca Yee reminds us in Over the Rainbow that it’s good to know they’ll be waiting for us when our turn comes to join them.
Rebecca Yee’s picture book, Over the Rainbow, is a sweet, compassionate look at the special bond that exists between pets and their fur-ever family. Told in rhyming verse and with beautiful, colorful illustrations, this story leads the reader through the growing-up years, through the ties that strengthen over time to the inevitable and sad realization that it’s time to let go. It’s also okay to be sad, and the little girl in the story is very sad. The heart-breaking occurrence we never want to happen is only a temporary change of bonding, for we’ll see these friends again and they are always in our hearts. Children who have lost a beloved pet and those who are still learning and growing in that special link will warm to this story and they’ll shed some tears, too, I’m sure. At the end of the story, the author introduces the reader to her special friend and how her crossing over the rainbow bridge saddened her. There’s also a list of suggested activities to help heal the pain of loss. The best suggestion, of course, is the one the author used; writing a story or a poem. Told with love and heartwarming care, this book will help heal the wounds left behind.
Have you ever heard of the rainbow bridge? It’s a special bridge that takes beloved pets to their forever home beyond this world. A little girl grows up with her best friend, a lovely black dog. They were both young together. They shared a special bond that only strengthened over the years. So, when Mommy suggested that it was time to let her best friend cross over the rainbow bridge to a place where she could run, jump, and play with other four-legged besties forever, the girl was sad. She struggled to understand and accept. Mommy said: “All good dogs are needed there...with wings to show new pals the way.” Mommy also said: “She’ll never leave you,” and “Forever in your heart she’ll stay...Her love will always see you through...even on those darkest days.” No one wants to say goodbye to their BFF, their fur-ever bestie, but Rebecca Yee reminds us in Over the Rainbow that it’s good to know they’ll be waiting for us when our turn comes to join them.
Rebecca Yee’s picture book, Over the Rainbow, is a sweet, compassionate look at the special bond that exists between pets and their fur-ever family. Told in rhyming verse and with beautiful, colorful illustrations, this story leads the reader through the growing-up years, through the ties that strengthen over time to the inevitable and sad realization that it’s time to let go. It’s also okay to be sad, and the little girl in the story is very sad. The heart-breaking occurrence we never want to happen is only a temporary change of bonding, for we’ll see these friends again and they are always in our hearts. Children who have lost a beloved pet and those who are still learning and growing in that special link will warm to this story and they’ll shed some tears, too, I’m sure. At the end of the story, the author introduces the reader to her special friend and how her crossing over the rainbow bridge saddened her. There’s also a list of suggested activities to help heal the pain of loss. The best suggestion, of course, is the one the author used; writing a story or a poem. Told with love and heartwarming care, this book will help heal the wounds left behind.
Recommend this book:
Wild About the Alphabet!
And Other Tales
Mike Crowder
2022 Silver Medal
64 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Geree McDermott for Readers' Favorite
Mike Crowder’s Wild About the Alphabet! And Other Tales is a delightfully challenging and entertaining alphabet book for grown-ups. I found this book at times surprisingly educational and other times so funny I laughed out loud. This is the perfect book for someone ill or feeling low but only if they don’t mind those around them eyeballing them when they burst out laughing. And, not only does Mike Crowder stimulate our thinking by teaching us new animals and their names, but he also rewards us with his abstract depictions of the animals which are artistically expressive and well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mike Crowder’s unique collection of illustrations of animals, some of which I had never heard of before I read this book. Each letter captivated me and I soon found myself engrossed in the descriptions, illustrations, and the names of odd animals with even more unusual portraits. I found myself smiling, and yes sometimes I even laughed out loud as I read each page and examined each drawing. I like the unusual choice of animals to portray each letter of the alphabet as well as the unique artwork. I also like the animals given honorable mention and illustration, as well as the thoughtful guide to teach us how to pronounce the unusual names, found at the back of the book. Wild About the Alphabet! is amazingly informative and scholastically entertaining at the same time.
I can see Wild About the Alphabet! becoming a must-read among students of literature and art as well as those enduring a long flight or illness or any other stressful situation. My husband of 45 years died two months ago and I have had few instances of spontaneous laughter until I read Wild About the Alphabet! I highly recommend Mike Crowder’s book to those interested in literature, words, art, and, of course, animals.
Mike Crowder’s Wild About the Alphabet! And Other Tales is a delightfully challenging and entertaining alphabet book for grown-ups. I found this book at times surprisingly educational and other times so funny I laughed out loud. This is the perfect book for someone ill or feeling low but only if they don’t mind those around them eyeballing them when they burst out laughing. And, not only does Mike Crowder stimulate our thinking by teaching us new animals and their names, but he also rewards us with his abstract depictions of the animals which are artistically expressive and well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mike Crowder’s unique collection of illustrations of animals, some of which I had never heard of before I read this book. Each letter captivated me and I soon found myself engrossed in the descriptions, illustrations, and the names of odd animals with even more unusual portraits. I found myself smiling, and yes sometimes I even laughed out loud as I read each page and examined each drawing. I like the unusual choice of animals to portray each letter of the alphabet as well as the unique artwork. I also like the animals given honorable mention and illustration, as well as the thoughtful guide to teach us how to pronounce the unusual names, found at the back of the book. Wild About the Alphabet! is amazingly informative and scholastically entertaining at the same time.
I can see Wild About the Alphabet! becoming a must-read among students of literature and art as well as those enduring a long flight or illness or any other stressful situation. My husband of 45 years died two months ago and I have had few instances of spontaneous laughter until I read Wild About the Alphabet! I highly recommend Mike Crowder’s book to those interested in literature, words, art, and, of course, animals.
Recommend this book:
Alpacas Don't Get Angry
Tammy Fortune
2022 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Daniel D Staats for Readers' Favorite
Tammy Fortune has authored an excellent children’s book about the hard-to-handle emotion of anger. In Alpacas Don’t Get Angry, Apollo the Alpaca feels he has been wronged and becomes angry. His friends all give him pat answers, but none of them takes time to listen to him vent his pain. Apollo feels no one cares or understands. The more his friends minimize his emotions, the angrier he becomes. As a parent/caregiver, you can help a young child learn how to handle anger constructively. The farmer comes by and listens to Apollo tell his story, validates his feelings, then advises deep breathing as a calming influence for rage. After one cools off, they need to express forgiveness. This excellent method is a traditional way to teach anyone who struggles with anger.
It is easy to see that Tammy Fortune understands emotions in her book Alpacas Don’t Get Angry. Children will love the animals in this book. Jarc Robinson does a fantastic job illustrating the various animals and depicting the emotions expressed by Apollo the Alpaca. First, Tammy shows that one has to admit their anger instead of pretending it does not exist. Second, it helps to have a compassionate person to listen to why you are angry. Third, learn controlled breathing. Last, forgive the offender. Tammy takes a psychological issue and translates it into an easy-to-understand and identify with children’s story. This book is an excellent jumping-off platform to teach children how to express their various emotions adequately. Tammy’s style of writing is entertaining and captivating.
Tammy Fortune has authored an excellent children’s book about the hard-to-handle emotion of anger. In Alpacas Don’t Get Angry, Apollo the Alpaca feels he has been wronged and becomes angry. His friends all give him pat answers, but none of them takes time to listen to him vent his pain. Apollo feels no one cares or understands. The more his friends minimize his emotions, the angrier he becomes. As a parent/caregiver, you can help a young child learn how to handle anger constructively. The farmer comes by and listens to Apollo tell his story, validates his feelings, then advises deep breathing as a calming influence for rage. After one cools off, they need to express forgiveness. This excellent method is a traditional way to teach anyone who struggles with anger.
It is easy to see that Tammy Fortune understands emotions in her book Alpacas Don’t Get Angry. Children will love the animals in this book. Jarc Robinson does a fantastic job illustrating the various animals and depicting the emotions expressed by Apollo the Alpaca. First, Tammy shows that one has to admit their anger instead of pretending it does not exist. Second, it helps to have a compassionate person to listen to why you are angry. Third, learn controlled breathing. Last, forgive the offender. Tammy takes a psychological issue and translates it into an easy-to-understand and identify with children’s story. This book is an excellent jumping-off platform to teach children how to express their various emotions adequately. Tammy’s style of writing is entertaining and captivating.
Recommend this book:
Oliver and the Wishing Star
Jennifer Decker
2022 Gold Medal
42 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Trisha Dawn for Readers' Favorite
Jennifer Decker’s Oliver and the Wishing Star is a story about a young boy named Oliver who made a life-changing wish on a wishing star. Oliver was upset and frustrated because he was not allowed to go to his friend’s house since he was not done with his homework. He couldn’t help but think that life was unfair and that being a dog seemed better than living his life as a human. As soon as he saw a shooting star, he immediately made his wish, and to his surprise, he became a dog! As Oliver excitedly ran around town freely, he learned that being a dog was not as great as he thought it would be. Will he ever be able to return to his family, or will he roam the streets forever as a dog?
Oliver and the Wishing Star is a fast-paced and well-written story that teaches young readers a valuable lesson. Through Oliver’s struggles, readers are taught to be more appreciative of what life has to offer. This is expressed by Jennifer Decker in the book: “The grass beneath your feet is greener than you think.” Parents and children alike will enjoy reading this extraordinary and fun tale. Aside from the inspiring and meaningful lessons expressed through such an interesting story, the simple and lovely illustrations on every page of the book were also captivating, making the story more magical. I understood and sympathized with Oliver’s troubles and learned a lot from the challenges he faced in the story. Overall, I found Oliver and the Wishing Star to be a truly inspirational and charming tale!
Jennifer Decker’s Oliver and the Wishing Star is a story about a young boy named Oliver who made a life-changing wish on a wishing star. Oliver was upset and frustrated because he was not allowed to go to his friend’s house since he was not done with his homework. He couldn’t help but think that life was unfair and that being a dog seemed better than living his life as a human. As soon as he saw a shooting star, he immediately made his wish, and to his surprise, he became a dog! As Oliver excitedly ran around town freely, he learned that being a dog was not as great as he thought it would be. Will he ever be able to return to his family, or will he roam the streets forever as a dog?
Oliver and the Wishing Star is a fast-paced and well-written story that teaches young readers a valuable lesson. Through Oliver’s struggles, readers are taught to be more appreciative of what life has to offer. This is expressed by Jennifer Decker in the book: “The grass beneath your feet is greener than you think.” Parents and children alike will enjoy reading this extraordinary and fun tale. Aside from the inspiring and meaningful lessons expressed through such an interesting story, the simple and lovely illustrations on every page of the book were also captivating, making the story more magical. I understood and sympathized with Oliver’s troubles and learned a lot from the challenges he faced in the story. Overall, I found Oliver and the Wishing Star to be a truly inspirational and charming tale!
Recommend this book:
Elephant, Please!
Maureen Kauzlarich
2021 Finalist
24 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In Elephant, Please! by Maureen Kauzlarich, when a little boy decides that the perfect pet for him would be an elephant, he thinks finding one will be easy. He dreams of all the exciting things he and his new elephant pet can do together. He imagines how much fun it would be to ride around on his elephant whenever he wants. The little boy visits the local pet shop and is disappointed to find that there are no elephants there. He discovers that all the elephants live in a place called Africa so he takes off on an adventure to find one he can bring home. However, when he arrives, the little boy realizes that an elephant would not really make a good pet and should be allowed to remain in their natural habitat surrounded by other elephants where they can live freely.
I love children's books that teach the young reader a powerful life lesson and Elephant, Please! by Maureen Kauzlarich is a perfect example of this. The colorful illustrations are exceptional and the expressions on the characters' faces display their personalities excellently. I thought the rhyming style of the book was ideal for children to remember the message and also to read along with an adult. The story has so many areas of additional discussion opportunities that an adult can share with a child. The importance of empathy towards nature and animals, why we should protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitat. In addition, children will also learn about the importance of conservation and why it is sometimes better to place others' needs above your own. A wonderful book which should be on every child's bookshelf.
In Elephant, Please! by Maureen Kauzlarich, when a little boy decides that the perfect pet for him would be an elephant, he thinks finding one will be easy. He dreams of all the exciting things he and his new elephant pet can do together. He imagines how much fun it would be to ride around on his elephant whenever he wants. The little boy visits the local pet shop and is disappointed to find that there are no elephants there. He discovers that all the elephants live in a place called Africa so he takes off on an adventure to find one he can bring home. However, when he arrives, the little boy realizes that an elephant would not really make a good pet and should be allowed to remain in their natural habitat surrounded by other elephants where they can live freely.
I love children's books that teach the young reader a powerful life lesson and Elephant, Please! by Maureen Kauzlarich is a perfect example of this. The colorful illustrations are exceptional and the expressions on the characters' faces display their personalities excellently. I thought the rhyming style of the book was ideal for children to remember the message and also to read along with an adult. The story has so many areas of additional discussion opportunities that an adult can share with a child. The importance of empathy towards nature and animals, why we should protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitat. In addition, children will also learn about the importance of conservation and why it is sometimes better to place others' needs above your own. A wonderful book which should be on every child's bookshelf.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo
Inspiring Children to be Kind
Argyro Graphy
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
“What happens when the bully becomes the victim?” The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Kind is an animal storybook for children by Argyro Graphy. Bentley Hippo and his friends are excited that they’re going on a school trip to the Annual Fair. Everyone enjoyed the bus driver’s singing, except Toby the Elephant. Bentley and Jaxon were upset to see his sad face when other kids, including Marty the lion, teased him about his large size. As soon as they arrived at the fair, a kid grabbed Toby’s glasses and ran away. Poor Toby couldn’t see clearly without his glasses. Bentley told their teacher who promised to do something about the bullying. He and Jaxon wanted Toby to be happy so they went on the fun rides. While walking, they heard someone calling for help and saw Marty hiding behind a tree while kids were bullying him. Jaxon and Bentley decided to come to his rescue, but Toby was still angry with Marty. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to help Marty at all.
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Kind by Argyro Graphy is the second of five books in the Inspiring Children Collection. Bullying affects children in many ways and it’s certainly not an issue that should be treated lightly. This storybook addresses the topic very nicely with lovable characters and realistic scenarios. Children will learn about the signs and types of bullying. Knowing how to defend themselves by standing up to mean persons is very important too. The artwork in this animal storybook is appealing. There are many lessons about being kind to others. Other books in this lovely theme-based educational collection inspire children to share and never give up. Parents and teachers can add this collection to their children’s reading list.
“What happens when the bully becomes the victim?” The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Kind is an animal storybook for children by Argyro Graphy. Bentley Hippo and his friends are excited that they’re going on a school trip to the Annual Fair. Everyone enjoyed the bus driver’s singing, except Toby the Elephant. Bentley and Jaxon were upset to see his sad face when other kids, including Marty the lion, teased him about his large size. As soon as they arrived at the fair, a kid grabbed Toby’s glasses and ran away. Poor Toby couldn’t see clearly without his glasses. Bentley told their teacher who promised to do something about the bullying. He and Jaxon wanted Toby to be happy so they went on the fun rides. While walking, they heard someone calling for help and saw Marty hiding behind a tree while kids were bullying him. Jaxon and Bentley decided to come to his rescue, but Toby was still angry with Marty. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to help Marty at all.
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Kind by Argyro Graphy is the second of five books in the Inspiring Children Collection. Bullying affects children in many ways and it’s certainly not an issue that should be treated lightly. This storybook addresses the topic very nicely with lovable characters and realistic scenarios. Children will learn about the signs and types of bullying. Knowing how to defend themselves by standing up to mean persons is very important too. The artwork in this animal storybook is appealing. There are many lessons about being kind to others. Other books in this lovely theme-based educational collection inspire children to share and never give up. Parents and teachers can add this collection to their children’s reading list.
Recommend this book:
The Tip of the Tale
Suzanne Alexander
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
What do hungry foxes like? Chickens! In Suzanne Alexander’s book The Tip of the Tale, we meet a hungry fox who is searching for a delicious chicken meal. He spies a farm and heads there, only to see no chickens but a cat instead. When he asks that cat if there are any chickens, the cat says no and sends him on to the next farm. The story is repeated at each farm he visits until, finally giving up on finding chickens, he settles for some milk, only to have it splashed all over him. Even though the fox sees no chickens, eagle-eyed readers are sure to spot some chicks hiding in unusual places.
The Tip of the Tale has all the elements needed to make it a great book for sharing in storytime. The story is fun and has a repeating element that kids love. Ashley Teets's illustrations are expressive and full of humor. Kids will enjoy spotting the chickens that the fox doesn’t see, some hiding in plain sight. Many times after sharing a book about animals in storytime, I have had kids ask me for more information about those animals. I’m so glad that Alexander has included facts about red foxes at the end of her story. Suzanne Alexander clearly knows how to craft a story for young kids. The Tip of the Tale is simply a great story and one that will be asked for again and again.
What do hungry foxes like? Chickens! In Suzanne Alexander’s book The Tip of the Tale, we meet a hungry fox who is searching for a delicious chicken meal. He spies a farm and heads there, only to see no chickens but a cat instead. When he asks that cat if there are any chickens, the cat says no and sends him on to the next farm. The story is repeated at each farm he visits until, finally giving up on finding chickens, he settles for some milk, only to have it splashed all over him. Even though the fox sees no chickens, eagle-eyed readers are sure to spot some chicks hiding in unusual places.
The Tip of the Tale has all the elements needed to make it a great book for sharing in storytime. The story is fun and has a repeating element that kids love. Ashley Teets's illustrations are expressive and full of humor. Kids will enjoy spotting the chickens that the fox doesn’t see, some hiding in plain sight. Many times after sharing a book about animals in storytime, I have had kids ask me for more information about those animals. I’m so glad that Alexander has included facts about red foxes at the end of her story. Suzanne Alexander clearly knows how to craft a story for young kids. The Tip of the Tale is simply a great story and one that will be asked for again and again.
Recommend this book:
Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog
Michelle Lander Feinberg
2021 Bronze Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog is a children’s animal picture book written by Michelle Lander Feinberg and illustrated by Anna Mosca. Cooper was definitely their dog; from the moment they set eyes upon him at the animal shelter, they knew he was going to be a part of their family. Or maybe he decided that they were his family? In any event, out the door the family flew, following their newest member. Cooper wasn’t big on doing doggie tricks, however, or being in any way a dog. He enjoyed sitting on the couch with his family and eating at the dinner table, just like any other member of the family. And he was as gentle, loving, and cheerful as anyone could ever ask for -- just don’t call him a dog.
Michelle Lander Feinberg’s Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog eloquently states what I’ve long believed -- dogs are angelic companions who grace us with their presence, their unconditional love, and steadfast optimism. Calling them dogs somehow just doesn’t cover what having a canine companion in one’s family truly means. I was enchanted by this story of Cooper, whose lovely smile, kind eyes, and exuberance shine through on every page of this marvelous story. Anna Mosca’s amazing watercolors capture Cooper’s spirit in every panel, and each one made me smile.
I can’t think of a better book to share with children who have canine companions in their family or will be visiting a shelter in the near future to adopt a new family member. It captures the fact that each dog is unique and special, and not to be labeled or expected to perform in a set or predictable way, just like their human companions. A grand selection for storytime, Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog is also written at a level that will enable young readers to enjoy reading it on their own. It’s most highly recommended.
Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog is a children’s animal picture book written by Michelle Lander Feinberg and illustrated by Anna Mosca. Cooper was definitely their dog; from the moment they set eyes upon him at the animal shelter, they knew he was going to be a part of their family. Or maybe he decided that they were his family? In any event, out the door the family flew, following their newest member. Cooper wasn’t big on doing doggie tricks, however, or being in any way a dog. He enjoyed sitting on the couch with his family and eating at the dinner table, just like any other member of the family. And he was as gentle, loving, and cheerful as anyone could ever ask for -- just don’t call him a dog.
Michelle Lander Feinberg’s Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog eloquently states what I’ve long believed -- dogs are angelic companions who grace us with their presence, their unconditional love, and steadfast optimism. Calling them dogs somehow just doesn’t cover what having a canine companion in one’s family truly means. I was enchanted by this story of Cooper, whose lovely smile, kind eyes, and exuberance shine through on every page of this marvelous story. Anna Mosca’s amazing watercolors capture Cooper’s spirit in every panel, and each one made me smile.
I can’t think of a better book to share with children who have canine companions in their family or will be visiting a shelter in the near future to adopt a new family member. It captures the fact that each dog is unique and special, and not to be labeled or expected to perform in a set or predictable way, just like their human companions. A grand selection for storytime, Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog is also written at a level that will enable young readers to enjoy reading it on their own. It’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Do Ants Wear Pants?
A Children's Rhyming Book
Gabrielle Grice
2021 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Rylanne Burdette for Readers' Favorite
In the adorable story Do Ants Wear Pants?, Gabrielle Grice talks about different animals by asking questions about them. “Do foxes sleep in boxes? Do goats ride in boats?” These are just two animals that the author writes about in this book! There isn’t much of a plotline, but it works in its own way, and I thought that it was great. Each page is just one question written with a corresponding illustration. They automatically draw the eye and make the story something special with the drawing style and bright colors. This is a cute book that easily brought a smile to my face.
Do Ants Wear Pants? was such a fun little book to read! The illustrations were captivating, and I loved seeing the myriad of animals depicted in the different pages. Gabrielle Grice crafted a sweet story that is both simple and fun. It was easy to read, and I think that this book could be a great tool to use when teaching young children how to read. The illustrations drove the story, and they connected well with the questions that were asked on each page. Everything tied together in a great way, and I honestly could have read another fifty pages of Grice talking about different animals. I think this is a book that all young children could fall in love with as they read it, and I would recommend that parents and kids read it together. This book gets a five-star rating from me!
In the adorable story Do Ants Wear Pants?, Gabrielle Grice talks about different animals by asking questions about them. “Do foxes sleep in boxes? Do goats ride in boats?” These are just two animals that the author writes about in this book! There isn’t much of a plotline, but it works in its own way, and I thought that it was great. Each page is just one question written with a corresponding illustration. They automatically draw the eye and make the story something special with the drawing style and bright colors. This is a cute book that easily brought a smile to my face.
Do Ants Wear Pants? was such a fun little book to read! The illustrations were captivating, and I loved seeing the myriad of animals depicted in the different pages. Gabrielle Grice crafted a sweet story that is both simple and fun. It was easy to read, and I think that this book could be a great tool to use when teaching young children how to read. The illustrations drove the story, and they connected well with the questions that were asked on each page. Everything tied together in a great way, and I honestly could have read another fifty pages of Grice talking about different animals. I think this is a book that all young children could fall in love with as they read it, and I would recommend that parents and kids read it together. This book gets a five-star rating from me!
Recommend this book:
Ack! The Nantucket Duckling
Alexa Kathrine Spurway
2021 Silver Medal
48 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Everyone wants to fit in. We have the false impression that if we look like everyone else, we’ll be equal and be part of the ‘in’ crowd. Imagine being a duckling with a different – and I mean very different – beak. Ack wasn’t dubbed his name without a reason. He has a beak that looks like the bell of a trumpet and even sounds like one when he tries to quack with the others. As you can probably guess, Ack is teased mercilessly and he’s embarrassed by his looks and his quack. When he sees a young boy also crying because of something different in his appearance, Ack starts to believe that maybe he’s not the only one who feels left out. It takes more than a loving mother’s kind words to encourage Ack, and probably the boy, too. When the annual Nantucket Duckling Parade approaches, Ack hides behind a fire hydrant to avoid being noticed and, potentially, laughed at. What happens next makes him realize that it’s okay to be different and sometimes it can be beneficial, just as long as we believe in ourselves.
A.K. Spurway’s picture book story, Ack! The Nantucket Duckling, is a sweet, charming story, addressing the importance of accepting ourselves and others for all of our differences. After all, differences are a part of life, and we need to embrace what gifts we are given and use them to the best of our ability. The plot follows young Ack’s grief over being different, his embarrassment, and finally, his reconciliation with what he sees as a deformity. The story is told in simple language so a young reader can follow along, and the illustrations are bright and colorful and help carry the story forward. The story is based on an actual annual event on Nantucket Island and some of the histories behind this event and the author’s interest are included at the end. Beautifully told and illustrated.
Everyone wants to fit in. We have the false impression that if we look like everyone else, we’ll be equal and be part of the ‘in’ crowd. Imagine being a duckling with a different – and I mean very different – beak. Ack wasn’t dubbed his name without a reason. He has a beak that looks like the bell of a trumpet and even sounds like one when he tries to quack with the others. As you can probably guess, Ack is teased mercilessly and he’s embarrassed by his looks and his quack. When he sees a young boy also crying because of something different in his appearance, Ack starts to believe that maybe he’s not the only one who feels left out. It takes more than a loving mother’s kind words to encourage Ack, and probably the boy, too. When the annual Nantucket Duckling Parade approaches, Ack hides behind a fire hydrant to avoid being noticed and, potentially, laughed at. What happens next makes him realize that it’s okay to be different and sometimes it can be beneficial, just as long as we believe in ourselves.
A.K. Spurway’s picture book story, Ack! The Nantucket Duckling, is a sweet, charming story, addressing the importance of accepting ourselves and others for all of our differences. After all, differences are a part of life, and we need to embrace what gifts we are given and use them to the best of our ability. The plot follows young Ack’s grief over being different, his embarrassment, and finally, his reconciliation with what he sees as a deformity. The story is told in simple language so a young reader can follow along, and the illustrations are bright and colorful and help carry the story forward. The story is based on an actual annual event on Nantucket Island and some of the histories behind this event and the author’s interest are included at the end. Beautifully told and illustrated.
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