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Smeagull the Seagull
A True Story
Mark Seth Lender
2019 Finalist
56 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
There is a house near the seawall that faces the shore. It has a porch and a sliding door. The people who live in the house stand by that door and look towards the sea. Smeagull the seagull knows that Valerie and Mark are there and he comes in the rain, snow, when icicles hang from the roof, and in spring, summer and fall. Smeagull knocks on the door at half past four and he knocks when he is hungry and wants more food. Smeagull's knock on the glass sliding door with his beak is always loud. Seagulls can be found everywhere and many people think they are smarter than the other birds. Smeagull likes fish so a new freezer was bought with a big shelf full of fish just for him. Valerie and Mark's lives become lonely and bleak when Smeagull disappears one day. Will Smeagull come back into their lives?
Smeagull the Seagull: A True Story by Mark Seth Lender is a beautiful story and the very fact that it is a true story makes it even more appealing for readers. The story of Smeagull the seagull will make readers aware about how animals and birds are also like humans and they also have feelings and needs like humans. The illustrations are fabulous and breathe life into the story and give Smeagull a distinct personality. It is an excellent book for children to help them understand how all living creatures need to be nurtured and loved because the Earth needs them too.
There is a house near the seawall that faces the shore. It has a porch and a sliding door. The people who live in the house stand by that door and look towards the sea. Smeagull the seagull knows that Valerie and Mark are there and he comes in the rain, snow, when icicles hang from the roof, and in spring, summer and fall. Smeagull knocks on the door at half past four and he knocks when he is hungry and wants more food. Smeagull's knock on the glass sliding door with his beak is always loud. Seagulls can be found everywhere and many people think they are smarter than the other birds. Smeagull likes fish so a new freezer was bought with a big shelf full of fish just for him. Valerie and Mark's lives become lonely and bleak when Smeagull disappears one day. Will Smeagull come back into their lives?
Smeagull the Seagull: A True Story by Mark Seth Lender is a beautiful story and the very fact that it is a true story makes it even more appealing for readers. The story of Smeagull the seagull will make readers aware about how animals and birds are also like humans and they also have feelings and needs like humans. The illustrations are fabulous and breathe life into the story and give Smeagull a distinct personality. It is an excellent book for children to help them understand how all living creatures need to be nurtured and loved because the Earth needs them too.
Recommend this book:
Little Moss, Big Tree
M. Yap-Stewart
2019 Honorable Mention
40 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Barbara Fanson for Readers' Favorite
Little Moss, Big Tree is a wonderful story about life cycles and growing. Even though the oak tree grows bigger than his friend Little Moss, they manage to stay in touch. One has a view of the ground and the forest around them. The other friend is tall enough to see the sky and everything in it. The two friends vow to protect each other—even if it’s just an oak tree and moss. And they do it in their own way. Their friendship is tested during a snowstorm. The winds howl and snow covers the ground. Can the big oak tree protect Little Moss from the storm? Or, will Little Moss end up protecting the big tree? Author M. Yap-Stewart has written an interesting story for children, as well as their parents, with an unexpected, but wonderful ending!
The illustrations in Little Moss, Big Tree are outstanding. Light pastel watercolors fill the page and invite the reader to escape into this heartwarming tale of two friends. Artist Mariya Prytula illustrates all the trees, snail, animals, and leaves accurately with soft hues of color. Little Moss, Big Tree is bound to be a classic and is a must-have for every school library, public library, classroom, and home. I’m sure it will be read again and again. Author M. Yap-Stewart has woven several themes into this feel-good story. Two friends grow up together but one is growing at a faster pace. Though they started out with the same view, they end up growing farther apart. But, they manage to stay in touch and share their life with the other friend. Each friend promises to protect the other one. A very touching story to be told over and over. I thought the story would have a sad ending, but it ends on a warm and loving note.
Little Moss, Big Tree is a wonderful story about life cycles and growing. Even though the oak tree grows bigger than his friend Little Moss, they manage to stay in touch. One has a view of the ground and the forest around them. The other friend is tall enough to see the sky and everything in it. The two friends vow to protect each other—even if it’s just an oak tree and moss. And they do it in their own way. Their friendship is tested during a snowstorm. The winds howl and snow covers the ground. Can the big oak tree protect Little Moss from the storm? Or, will Little Moss end up protecting the big tree? Author M. Yap-Stewart has written an interesting story for children, as well as their parents, with an unexpected, but wonderful ending!
The illustrations in Little Moss, Big Tree are outstanding. Light pastel watercolors fill the page and invite the reader to escape into this heartwarming tale of two friends. Artist Mariya Prytula illustrates all the trees, snail, animals, and leaves accurately with soft hues of color. Little Moss, Big Tree is bound to be a classic and is a must-have for every school library, public library, classroom, and home. I’m sure it will be read again and again. Author M. Yap-Stewart has woven several themes into this feel-good story. Two friends grow up together but one is growing at a faster pace. Though they started out with the same view, they end up growing farther apart. But, they manage to stay in touch and share their life with the other friend. Each friend promises to protect the other one. A very touching story to be told over and over. I thought the story would have a sad ending, but it ends on a warm and loving note.
Recommend this book:
Meet the Pops
Belinda Barbieri
2019 Bronze Medal
26 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Meet the Pops is a children’s adventure story by Belinda Barbieri. Coco is excited that she and her brother, Soda, are starting school today. But Soda doesn’t feel that way because he’s adopted and believes he won’t make any friends. No one wanted to make friends with Soda and he sat alone at lunch. But something changed when the special treat from his mother glowed brightly, making the other students surround him. Lolly, the kids’ father, checks to see if the wild cherry lollipops are ready to be picked for Halloween. The Pops live on a unique farm with a sugar-sweet river containing peppermint striped bass and gummy snakes. The hens lay marshmallows instead of eggs, and even the cows produce strawberry and chocolate milk.
The Pops’s farm is definitely one where children will love to spend their summers with so many treats and unusual wildlife surrounding them. Soda and Coco are cool kids and so are their parents, Lolly and Candy. Meet the Pops is from the amusing children's adventure series by Belinda Barbieri. It’s an entertaining story for children in the kindergarten to third-grade ages. The author uses her creative writing skills to teach children about good behavior, learning to share and being friendly to others. There are text messages from Candy and Coco to young readers. I love the artwork and am pleased that I was fortunate to review the other story in this series, Meet the Pops: Flag Day, Every Day. I recommend this lovely children’s novella by Belinda Barbieri.
Meet the Pops is a children’s adventure story by Belinda Barbieri. Coco is excited that she and her brother, Soda, are starting school today. But Soda doesn’t feel that way because he’s adopted and believes he won’t make any friends. No one wanted to make friends with Soda and he sat alone at lunch. But something changed when the special treat from his mother glowed brightly, making the other students surround him. Lolly, the kids’ father, checks to see if the wild cherry lollipops are ready to be picked for Halloween. The Pops live on a unique farm with a sugar-sweet river containing peppermint striped bass and gummy snakes. The hens lay marshmallows instead of eggs, and even the cows produce strawberry and chocolate milk.
The Pops’s farm is definitely one where children will love to spend their summers with so many treats and unusual wildlife surrounding them. Soda and Coco are cool kids and so are their parents, Lolly and Candy. Meet the Pops is from the amusing children's adventure series by Belinda Barbieri. It’s an entertaining story for children in the kindergarten to third-grade ages. The author uses her creative writing skills to teach children about good behavior, learning to share and being friendly to others. There are text messages from Candy and Coco to young readers. I love the artwork and am pleased that I was fortunate to review the other story in this series, Meet the Pops: Flag Day, Every Day. I recommend this lovely children’s novella by Belinda Barbieri.
Recommend this book:
When God Made Color
Sheri Carmon
2019 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
When God Made Color by Sheri Carmon is an enchanting book that captures the beauty and allure of colors in a whimsical way. God danced across the waters, carrying all the colors of the rainbow. He stood above the waters and wished there was light and thus day and night came into existence. As the heavens and earth separated at the sound of his voice, color streamed through the entire expanse. Everywhere the colors gave life as they swept down on the earth and the earth burst forth with life. Plants appeared and deep green forests grew and after that God made swimming creatures. Next came the feathered flyers and the animals. Finally, God made his most marvelous creation and blessed them all.
This beautiful book takes readers not only through the world God has created but also introduces them to colors in the most wonderful way. The illustrations are vibrant and vivid and will captivate readers with their radiance. The book is like poetry in motion where every page is awash with bright shades of life. The book highlights God's creations and their beauty and color. The author also celebrates the unity and diversity that exist in the Universe, ranging from humans to animals to plants. It is definitely a good book to make children aware of the beauty, colors, and magnificence of God and his creations in a colorful way. It can be used at home and in schools, teaching about colors and the creations of God in an entertaining way.
When God Made Color by Sheri Carmon is an enchanting book that captures the beauty and allure of colors in a whimsical way. God danced across the waters, carrying all the colors of the rainbow. He stood above the waters and wished there was light and thus day and night came into existence. As the heavens and earth separated at the sound of his voice, color streamed through the entire expanse. Everywhere the colors gave life as they swept down on the earth and the earth burst forth with life. Plants appeared and deep green forests grew and after that God made swimming creatures. Next came the feathered flyers and the animals. Finally, God made his most marvelous creation and blessed them all.
This beautiful book takes readers not only through the world God has created but also introduces them to colors in the most wonderful way. The illustrations are vibrant and vivid and will captivate readers with their radiance. The book is like poetry in motion where every page is awash with bright shades of life. The book highlights God's creations and their beauty and color. The author also celebrates the unity and diversity that exist in the Universe, ranging from humans to animals to plants. It is definitely a good book to make children aware of the beauty, colors, and magnificence of God and his creations in a colorful way. It can be used at home and in schools, teaching about colors and the creations of God in an entertaining way.
Recommend this book:
My Mom Has Two Jobs
Michelle Travis
2019 Silver Medal
62 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Moms can do all kinds of things. They can be doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers, pilots, secretaries, waitresses and so much more. But the best thing about moms is the special care they offer their children. They actually have two jobs: one outside of the home and one at home. It’s important to appreciate the many things that a mom can do. A doctor mom also cares for her injured child at home. A secretary mom helps her child find missing items and keep things at home in order.
Michelle Travis has written a delightful picture book story to help young readers appreciate all the things their moms can do. My Mom Has Two Jobs explores many of the possible occupations for a mom outside of the home and, for each outside job, the author compares it to the similar loving care moms provide to their children at home. For example, the mom who is a police officer: “When I take my friend’s favorite stuffed bear, she teaches me to be honest and to care.” Loving lessons to make young people grow up to be loving, caring, honest adults.
Not only does the author present the many jobs a mom can do, but she also points out to young readers, particularly girls, that they can be and do anything they want as a grownup. And still be a good mom. There are many important lessons to learn in this colorfully illustrated picture book. The author made an excellent selection of occupations, though not every possible occupation is listed. The comparisons will encourage young readers to make their own connections with their moms and what they do in the workplace and at home. An excellent and enjoyable educational book.
Moms can do all kinds of things. They can be doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers, pilots, secretaries, waitresses and so much more. But the best thing about moms is the special care they offer their children. They actually have two jobs: one outside of the home and one at home. It’s important to appreciate the many things that a mom can do. A doctor mom also cares for her injured child at home. A secretary mom helps her child find missing items and keep things at home in order.
Michelle Travis has written a delightful picture book story to help young readers appreciate all the things their moms can do. My Mom Has Two Jobs explores many of the possible occupations for a mom outside of the home and, for each outside job, the author compares it to the similar loving care moms provide to their children at home. For example, the mom who is a police officer: “When I take my friend’s favorite stuffed bear, she teaches me to be honest and to care.” Loving lessons to make young people grow up to be loving, caring, honest adults.
Not only does the author present the many jobs a mom can do, but she also points out to young readers, particularly girls, that they can be and do anything they want as a grownup. And still be a good mom. There are many important lessons to learn in this colorfully illustrated picture book. The author made an excellent selection of occupations, though not every possible occupation is listed. The comparisons will encourage young readers to make their own connections with their moms and what they do in the workplace and at home. An excellent and enjoyable educational book.
Recommend this book:
Reindolphins
A Christmas Tale
Kevin Brougher
2019 Gold Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
Reindolphins: A Christmas Tale is a children’s book written by Kevin Brougher and illustrated by Lisa Santa Cruz. Three days before Christmas, all of Santa’s reindeer find themselves bedridden with chicken pox. Flustered, Santa does not know what to do, until an elf suggests finding an alternative critter to take their place for this Christmas while the reindeer recover. Many species come from near and far, hoping to win this unique opportunity to pull Santa’s sleigh. Elephants, skunks, rabbits, hippos, pigs, cats, monkeys, otters and more auditioned for the role but, one by one, showed that they were not what Santa was looking for. With almost all animal species having failed the test, the elf points to the water where the dolphins are playing. After almost having cancelled Christmas, Santa is overjoyed to have finally found the perfect replacements to pull his sleigh.
Kevin Brougher’s wonderfully illustrated book was a fun and delightful read. Watching all of the different animals audition to pull Santa’s sleigh was exciting and extremely amusing, as each had a trait which worked very much to Santa’s disadvantage. The skunks and cats had me laughing out loud. Although in need of a polish, the unique vintage design ensures that Reindolphins: A Christmas Tale will possibly someday be referred to as a classic Christmas tale, alongside other greats such as Mistletoe Over Manhattan, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Grinch that Stole Christmas. Christmas stories are always fun, and Reindolphins: A Christmas Tale is no exception. I recommend this book to readers, young and old, who enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit at such a magical time of the year.
Reindolphins: A Christmas Tale is a children’s book written by Kevin Brougher and illustrated by Lisa Santa Cruz. Three days before Christmas, all of Santa’s reindeer find themselves bedridden with chicken pox. Flustered, Santa does not know what to do, until an elf suggests finding an alternative critter to take their place for this Christmas while the reindeer recover. Many species come from near and far, hoping to win this unique opportunity to pull Santa’s sleigh. Elephants, skunks, rabbits, hippos, pigs, cats, monkeys, otters and more auditioned for the role but, one by one, showed that they were not what Santa was looking for. With almost all animal species having failed the test, the elf points to the water where the dolphins are playing. After almost having cancelled Christmas, Santa is overjoyed to have finally found the perfect replacements to pull his sleigh.
Kevin Brougher’s wonderfully illustrated book was a fun and delightful read. Watching all of the different animals audition to pull Santa’s sleigh was exciting and extremely amusing, as each had a trait which worked very much to Santa’s disadvantage. The skunks and cats had me laughing out loud. Although in need of a polish, the unique vintage design ensures that Reindolphins: A Christmas Tale will possibly someday be referred to as a classic Christmas tale, alongside other greats such as Mistletoe Over Manhattan, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Grinch that Stole Christmas. Christmas stories are always fun, and Reindolphins: A Christmas Tale is no exception. I recommend this book to readers, young and old, who enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit at such a magical time of the year.
Recommend this book:
Praxx and the Ringing Robot
Paul Ian Cross
2018 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Praxx lives with his mum and best friend Zobott on Ekkadora, a planet far from Earth in the story Praxx and the Ringing Robot by Paul Ian Cross. Praxx has many important jobs but he does not always do what he is supposed to do. He has to clean up the place and take care of the pets, and he makes Zobott do it, whose cleaning up causes more problems in the household. Praxx finds Ribbit, his pet frog, inside Zobott’s storage box, and also his alarm clock in there. There is a worm in his mum’s bag, and their rocket is parked in the house. Mum understands that Praxx has again asked Zobott to do the chores. Who will clean up the mess? Read the story to find out.
I like the concept of doing the household chores properly and the author gets it across to young readers beautifully with the help of Praxx and Zobott. The story is wonderfully silly and will make readers smile. The illustrations are colorful and lively, and they breathe life into the story and characters. The pictures also give clarity to the concept and make it palpable to readers. The pictures and the sounds coming from the robots will encourage little readers to try their hand at doing chores at home like Praxx and Zobott. This book is delightful. It is good for bedtime storytelling, and can be used for fun and interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries while helping children understand how to take care of their pets and do the household chores.
Praxx lives with his mum and best friend Zobott on Ekkadora, a planet far from Earth in the story Praxx and the Ringing Robot by Paul Ian Cross. Praxx has many important jobs but he does not always do what he is supposed to do. He has to clean up the place and take care of the pets, and he makes Zobott do it, whose cleaning up causes more problems in the household. Praxx finds Ribbit, his pet frog, inside Zobott’s storage box, and also his alarm clock in there. There is a worm in his mum’s bag, and their rocket is parked in the house. Mum understands that Praxx has again asked Zobott to do the chores. Who will clean up the mess? Read the story to find out.
I like the concept of doing the household chores properly and the author gets it across to young readers beautifully with the help of Praxx and Zobott. The story is wonderfully silly and will make readers smile. The illustrations are colorful and lively, and they breathe life into the story and characters. The pictures also give clarity to the concept and make it palpable to readers. The pictures and the sounds coming from the robots will encourage little readers to try their hand at doing chores at home like Praxx and Zobott. This book is delightful. It is good for bedtime storytelling, and can be used for fun and interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries while helping children understand how to take care of their pets and do the household chores.
Recommend this book:
If I Weren't With You
Rosie Pova
2018 Honorable Mention
34 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite
Our childhood sets the stage for us into adulthood. If I Weren't With You by Rosie Pova is a beautiful children’s story about what life would be like without the love and protection between a child and his mother. Walk through the forest while Mama and Baby Bear share elements of love and bonding, as Baby Bear inquires as to what would his mother do if he wasn’t around? You can tell that the questions Baby Bear asks display a feeling of of uncertainty and the lack of security, but the answers that Mama Bear provides give Baby Bear the reassurance that his mother loves him unconditionally. If you read this book with your child, you will feel the love and comfort that can set the stage for a lasting and bonding connection between you and your child.
Author Rosie Pova is a mother who sees herself as a Mama Bear to her own three children. This story provides such a solid and beautiful example of how important the bond is between a parent and child. Children need to feel secure and to know that they have someone that they can depend and count upon. Rosie Pova does a great job in telling the story, along with the beautiful and colorful illustrations by Philip Martineau. This collaboration helps to set the stage for how, as a parent, listening intently to your child and giving them the assurance that you love and care about them is important to their development, comfort and growth. I am sure that this book will become one of your child’s favorite stories.
Our childhood sets the stage for us into adulthood. If I Weren't With You by Rosie Pova is a beautiful children’s story about what life would be like without the love and protection between a child and his mother. Walk through the forest while Mama and Baby Bear share elements of love and bonding, as Baby Bear inquires as to what would his mother do if he wasn’t around? You can tell that the questions Baby Bear asks display a feeling of of uncertainty and the lack of security, but the answers that Mama Bear provides give Baby Bear the reassurance that his mother loves him unconditionally. If you read this book with your child, you will feel the love and comfort that can set the stage for a lasting and bonding connection between you and your child.
Author Rosie Pova is a mother who sees herself as a Mama Bear to her own three children. This story provides such a solid and beautiful example of how important the bond is between a parent and child. Children need to feel secure and to know that they have someone that they can depend and count upon. Rosie Pova does a great job in telling the story, along with the beautiful and colorful illustrations by Philip Martineau. This collaboration helps to set the stage for how, as a parent, listening intently to your child and giving them the assurance that you love and care about them is important to their development, comfort and growth. I am sure that this book will become one of your child’s favorite stories.
Recommend this book:
20 Degrees from Normal
Creative Poems for All Ages
Anissa Ferris, Antonio Ferris
2018 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Written by Anissa Ferris and Antonio Ferris, and illustrated by Fanny Liem, 20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages is a collection of poetry in picture-book form for children. The authors are both teenagers who decided to share their love of zany poetry, life lessons and inspirations with others. The book begins with a poem praising the wheel and how this simple, underappreciated invention does so much. There’s also an inventive and compelling poem about lighthouses and the role they play in keeping ships afloat, which is accompanied by a remarkable and inventive illustration. How does one tackle a pesky fly? Jarod finds out that sometimes the path of least resistance really does have its advantages. And the Inverse Nurse is definitely the last person a kid or anyone else would ever want anywhere near them.
Anissa Ferris and Antonio Ferris’s humorous and inspirational poems address just about every aspect of life: from getting up on time in the morning to having the perfect pet. They even address the eventual confrontation between a teenager and his/her parents. Their verses read smoothly and fluently, and their punch lines are usually right on target. I loved the pet poems and still think that having a T-Rex that fetches could be a lot of fun. Fanny Liem’s illustrations work so very well with the whimsy and fun of this collection. The color schemes she employs add zing and energy, and the facial expressions of her subjects are brilliant. This collection, 20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages, is highly recommended.
Written by Anissa Ferris and Antonio Ferris, and illustrated by Fanny Liem, 20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages is a collection of poetry in picture-book form for children. The authors are both teenagers who decided to share their love of zany poetry, life lessons and inspirations with others. The book begins with a poem praising the wheel and how this simple, underappreciated invention does so much. There’s also an inventive and compelling poem about lighthouses and the role they play in keeping ships afloat, which is accompanied by a remarkable and inventive illustration. How does one tackle a pesky fly? Jarod finds out that sometimes the path of least resistance really does have its advantages. And the Inverse Nurse is definitely the last person a kid or anyone else would ever want anywhere near them.
Anissa Ferris and Antonio Ferris’s humorous and inspirational poems address just about every aspect of life: from getting up on time in the morning to having the perfect pet. They even address the eventual confrontation between a teenager and his/her parents. Their verses read smoothly and fluently, and their punch lines are usually right on target. I loved the pet poems and still think that having a T-Rex that fetches could be a lot of fun. Fanny Liem’s illustrations work so very well with the whimsy and fun of this collection. The color schemes she employs add zing and energy, and the facial expressions of her subjects are brilliant. This collection, 20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages, is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear
Book 2: Winter
C.S. O'Kelly
2018 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2 is a children’s picture book written by C.S. O'Kelly and illustrated by Jordy Farrell. Gracie and MonkeyBear loved having adventures, and so Gracie was thrilled to announce that there had been a visitor to their backyard the night before. Snow was lying thick on the ground as the two explorers started to examine the evidence, and they could hear strange sounds coming from the corner of the yard where there was a pile of shoveled snow. Approaching more closely, they noticed that a tunnel had been dug into the snow and the noises were coming from inside. They climbed inside and discovered a yeti, who was understandably quite concerned about his yak. Yomo Yak had made that classic error of judgment and licked the ice. Now, his tongue was stuck, and there was nothing Yeshi Yeti could do to help his friend. Gracie, however, had a plan, and she was quite sure it would work. Solving problems like this one was all in a day’s work for her and MonkeyBear.
C.S. O'Kelly’s children’s picture book, The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2, is a picture book that deftly interweaves fantasy, humor and kid-size steampunk fantasy. Once I discovered, along with them, the yak with his tongue stuck to the ice, I couldn’t help but revisit in my mind the classic movie, The Christmas Story, and feel once again that uncanny blend of humor and pity at the poor yak’s plight. This book also provides yet another compelling reason why all kids should have a dog as their companion. Gracie and MonkeyBear’s friendship is a marvel to behold, and their adventures show how incredibly well they work together as a team. And it’s all about teamwork and compassion and ingenuity. Jordy Farrell’s illustrations are marvelous and highlight the Jules Verne-like atmosphere that makes this book so special. The flying sled is marvelous, and its occupants even more so. Designed to get kids and adults dreaming and imagining, this book does its job perfectly. The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2 is most highly recommended.
The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2 is a children’s picture book written by C.S. O'Kelly and illustrated by Jordy Farrell. Gracie and MonkeyBear loved having adventures, and so Gracie was thrilled to announce that there had been a visitor to their backyard the night before. Snow was lying thick on the ground as the two explorers started to examine the evidence, and they could hear strange sounds coming from the corner of the yard where there was a pile of shoveled snow. Approaching more closely, they noticed that a tunnel had been dug into the snow and the noises were coming from inside. They climbed inside and discovered a yeti, who was understandably quite concerned about his yak. Yomo Yak had made that classic error of judgment and licked the ice. Now, his tongue was stuck, and there was nothing Yeshi Yeti could do to help his friend. Gracie, however, had a plan, and she was quite sure it would work. Solving problems like this one was all in a day’s work for her and MonkeyBear.
C.S. O'Kelly’s children’s picture book, The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2, is a picture book that deftly interweaves fantasy, humor and kid-size steampunk fantasy. Once I discovered, along with them, the yak with his tongue stuck to the ice, I couldn’t help but revisit in my mind the classic movie, The Christmas Story, and feel once again that uncanny blend of humor and pity at the poor yak’s plight. This book also provides yet another compelling reason why all kids should have a dog as their companion. Gracie and MonkeyBear’s friendship is a marvel to behold, and their adventures show how incredibly well they work together as a team. And it’s all about teamwork and compassion and ingenuity. Jordy Farrell’s illustrations are marvelous and highlight the Jules Verne-like atmosphere that makes this book so special. The flying sled is marvelous, and its occupants even more so. Designed to get kids and adults dreaming and imagining, this book does its job perfectly. The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear: Winter, Book 2 is most highly recommended.
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