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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
34 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.
Recommend this book:
Sarah's Shadow
Nick Jones
2018 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Sarah's Shadow is a children’s picture book written by Nick Jones and illustrated by Si Clark. Yasmin Hughes seemed to take a perverse delight in tormenting and teasing Sarah, and the other kids always followed suit. When Yasmin pointed out that Sarah’s shadow was long and thin, just like Sarah was, all the kids started laughing at her. Sarah’s day had been totally ruined. She went home crying and wishing that she didn’t have a shadow. That night, as she was looking out her window, a shooting star flashed by overhead. Delighted, she ran downstairs to tell her mom and dad, who suggested that she make a wish on that star. Figuring out that wish was easy -- she wished her shadow would just go away. At first, nothing happened, but then she watched as her shadow slowly got up, waved to her and walked away.
Nick Jones’ children’s picture book, Sarah’s Shadow, addresses the painful effects that actions of bullies can have on other kids -- both their victims and the kids who feel compelled to go along with them -- in a humorous story about a girl who wishes her shadow away. Sarah soon realizes that not having a shadow at all still makes her different and not like the other kids, still a target for mean kids like Yasmin. I loved the upbeat message of this tale and the power that Sarah finds when she rediscovers her shadow and becomes herself. Si Clark’s illustrations are fabulous, especially in the detail of the facial expressions of the characters in the story and Sarah’s amazing shadow creatures. Each panel is brightly colored, and the bold line drawings make it feel as though one is reading a comic book or a graphic novel. All kids want to belong and not to feel that they’re different from their peers, but as Sarah discovers, wishing away parts of yourself because a bully teases you is never the right answer. Sarah’s Shadow is most highly recommended.
Sarah's Shadow is a children’s picture book written by Nick Jones and illustrated by Si Clark. Yasmin Hughes seemed to take a perverse delight in tormenting and teasing Sarah, and the other kids always followed suit. When Yasmin pointed out that Sarah’s shadow was long and thin, just like Sarah was, all the kids started laughing at her. Sarah’s day had been totally ruined. She went home crying and wishing that she didn’t have a shadow. That night, as she was looking out her window, a shooting star flashed by overhead. Delighted, she ran downstairs to tell her mom and dad, who suggested that she make a wish on that star. Figuring out that wish was easy -- she wished her shadow would just go away. At first, nothing happened, but then she watched as her shadow slowly got up, waved to her and walked away.
Nick Jones’ children’s picture book, Sarah’s Shadow, addresses the painful effects that actions of bullies can have on other kids -- both their victims and the kids who feel compelled to go along with them -- in a humorous story about a girl who wishes her shadow away. Sarah soon realizes that not having a shadow at all still makes her different and not like the other kids, still a target for mean kids like Yasmin. I loved the upbeat message of this tale and the power that Sarah finds when she rediscovers her shadow and becomes herself. Si Clark’s illustrations are fabulous, especially in the detail of the facial expressions of the characters in the story and Sarah’s amazing shadow creatures. Each panel is brightly colored, and the bold line drawings make it feel as though one is reading a comic book or a graphic novel. All kids want to belong and not to feel that they’re different from their peers, but as Sarah discovers, wishing away parts of yourself because a bully teases you is never the right answer. Sarah’s Shadow is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Friendship Bench
Whitney Dineen
2017 Finalist
76 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Friendship Bench is a children's picture book written by Whitney Dineen and illustrated by the students of Fir Grove and Oak Grove Elementary Schools in Albany, Oregon. Ella thought second grade was just perfect. Her teacher, Mrs. Fancy, was a fun and enthusiastic teacher who made learning an adventure. And, best of all, Bella, Ella's best friend, was in the same class, and they even got to sit next to each other. They enjoyed learning in class, and had loads of fun playing outside and exploring the schoolyard for fairy hideouts. One day, Ella was worried when Bella came to school with tears in her eyes. Bella had the saddest news for the two friends. Her family was moving away to Chicago. They wouldn't get to play and sit together in class anymore. When Bella left, Ella felt so alone without her friend, but Mrs. Fancy had an idea that would help put a smile on Ella's face again.
Whitney Dineen's children's picture book, The Friendship Bench, illustrates how kindness and caring can make a huge difference in a child's school-time experience. The idea for a Friendship Bench that Mrs. Fancy comes up with is marvelous. I was thrilled to read that both Oak Grove and Fir Grove Elementary Schools have actually added Friendship Benches to their playgrounds, and hope that the idea spreads to many other schools. I love this story and the spirit in which it's written, but the true stars of The Friendship Bench are the illustrators. There are dozens of original art works by children in kindergarten through fifth grade levels contained in this book. And while the pictures range according to the skill sets and ages of the artists, they are all brilliant and worth looking at quite carefully -- every single one. The artists chose colors that complement the themes of their work, and many pictures display the artist’s instinctive grasp of perspective and shading as well as the ability to convey motion. Plan on spending some time enjoying the artwork, and there's a lot of it, and then hand out the construction paper and crayons after story time is over. This book will inspire new artists whenever and wherever it's read. The Friendship Bench is most highly recommended.
The Friendship Bench is a children's picture book written by Whitney Dineen and illustrated by the students of Fir Grove and Oak Grove Elementary Schools in Albany, Oregon. Ella thought second grade was just perfect. Her teacher, Mrs. Fancy, was a fun and enthusiastic teacher who made learning an adventure. And, best of all, Bella, Ella's best friend, was in the same class, and they even got to sit next to each other. They enjoyed learning in class, and had loads of fun playing outside and exploring the schoolyard for fairy hideouts. One day, Ella was worried when Bella came to school with tears in her eyes. Bella had the saddest news for the two friends. Her family was moving away to Chicago. They wouldn't get to play and sit together in class anymore. When Bella left, Ella felt so alone without her friend, but Mrs. Fancy had an idea that would help put a smile on Ella's face again.
Whitney Dineen's children's picture book, The Friendship Bench, illustrates how kindness and caring can make a huge difference in a child's school-time experience. The idea for a Friendship Bench that Mrs. Fancy comes up with is marvelous. I was thrilled to read that both Oak Grove and Fir Grove Elementary Schools have actually added Friendship Benches to their playgrounds, and hope that the idea spreads to many other schools. I love this story and the spirit in which it's written, but the true stars of The Friendship Bench are the illustrators. There are dozens of original art works by children in kindergarten through fifth grade levels contained in this book. And while the pictures range according to the skill sets and ages of the artists, they are all brilliant and worth looking at quite carefully -- every single one. The artists chose colors that complement the themes of their work, and many pictures display the artist’s instinctive grasp of perspective and shading as well as the ability to convey motion. Plan on spending some time enjoying the artwork, and there's a lot of it, and then hand out the construction paper and crayons after story time is over. This book will inspire new artists whenever and wherever it's read. The Friendship Bench is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris
Janina Rossiter
2017 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen for Readers' Favorite
Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter is a fun children's book about a penguin named Tovi. Tovi and his friends are visiting the city of Paris, when Tovi notices a poster of the Mona Lisa, and falls deeply in love with her. Tovi's friends decide to make a treasure hunt for Tovi to help him find the Mona Lisa. The treasure hunt takes Tovi all over Paris. Tovi sees many well-known landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, but will Tovi ever see the Mona Lisa in person?
I really enjoyed Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter. The book has some funny parts. People will enjoy trying to solve the clues with Tovi. The book is relatable, as many people have visited Paris. I liked that Paris in the book is very similar to Paris in real life, with the illustrations showing the finest details. The illustrations are very well done and depict each scene vividly. Also the pictures really look like places in Paris. The book is very well-written and descriptive. I liked how the clues for the treasure hunt rhymed. Tovi is a really likeable character, because he can be kind of funny. The book is a fun way to learn about Paris, because it teaches about French culture, and about important landmarks. I would recommend Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter to all young readers.
Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter is a fun children's book about a penguin named Tovi. Tovi and his friends are visiting the city of Paris, when Tovi notices a poster of the Mona Lisa, and falls deeply in love with her. Tovi's friends decide to make a treasure hunt for Tovi to help him find the Mona Lisa. The treasure hunt takes Tovi all over Paris. Tovi sees many well-known landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, but will Tovi ever see the Mona Lisa in person?
I really enjoyed Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter. The book has some funny parts. People will enjoy trying to solve the clues with Tovi. The book is relatable, as many people have visited Paris. I liked that Paris in the book is very similar to Paris in real life, with the illustrations showing the finest details. The illustrations are very well done and depict each scene vividly. Also the pictures really look like places in Paris. The book is very well-written and descriptive. I liked how the clues for the treasure hunt rhymed. Tovi is a really likeable character, because he can be kind of funny. The book is a fun way to learn about Paris, because it teaches about French culture, and about important landmarks. I would recommend Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter to all young readers.
Recommend this book:
 share adventures sparked by places in her backyard. A mound of di...){kind=link}
The Adventures of Gracie & MonkeyBear
Book 1: Summer
C. S. O'Kelly
2017 Bronze Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by JB McPherson for Readers' Favorite
Beautifully illustrated, The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear - Book 1: Summer revels in the imagination and the marvels of childhood. The narrative is by C.S. O’Kelly and illustrations are by Jordy Farrell. Together they create a delightful book. Gracie and MonkeyBear (her dog) share adventures sparked by places in her backyard. A mound of dirt becomes a dinosaur excavation site, a tree becomes a landing site for an alien, and the kiddie pool becomes the habitat of a mother whale trying to save her child from an ensnaring net. Gracie and MonkeyBear rise to every occasion, even freeing a live dinosaur and speaking to an alien (in alien language!). Only when the sun sets do they hear Grandma’s voice calling them home for dinner.
The magic of The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear resides in the clever combination of text and illustrations. Often the illustration picks up where the story pauses, and vice versa. This element allows the child reader to supply the imagination to fuel the narrative. The creators dedicate the book thus: “For all the girls in all the worlds: May you feel strength with your first breath, realize your unlimited potential for greatness on your second, and follow your dreams on your third.”
Despite the girl protagonist and dedication, this book will appeal to boys as well. MonkeyBear the dog provides humorous moments when his enigmatic barks are completely understood by Gracie. All children will relate to the need to include snacks in any invention, and brushes with dinosaurs and aliens draw everyone into the excitement. O’Kelly and Farrell have created a rollicking adventure of imagination! A wonderful book!
Beautifully illustrated, The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear - Book 1: Summer revels in the imagination and the marvels of childhood. The narrative is by C.S. O’Kelly and illustrations are by Jordy Farrell. Together they create a delightful book. Gracie and MonkeyBear (her dog) share adventures sparked by places in her backyard. A mound of dirt becomes a dinosaur excavation site, a tree becomes a landing site for an alien, and the kiddie pool becomes the habitat of a mother whale trying to save her child from an ensnaring net. Gracie and MonkeyBear rise to every occasion, even freeing a live dinosaur and speaking to an alien (in alien language!). Only when the sun sets do they hear Grandma’s voice calling them home for dinner.
The magic of The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear resides in the clever combination of text and illustrations. Often the illustration picks up where the story pauses, and vice versa. This element allows the child reader to supply the imagination to fuel the narrative. The creators dedicate the book thus: “For all the girls in all the worlds: May you feel strength with your first breath, realize your unlimited potential for greatness on your second, and follow your dreams on your third.”
Despite the girl protagonist and dedication, this book will appeal to boys as well. MonkeyBear the dog provides humorous moments when his enigmatic barks are completely understood by Gracie. All children will relate to the need to include snacks in any invention, and brushes with dinosaurs and aliens draw everyone into the excitement. O’Kelly and Farrell have created a rollicking adventure of imagination! A wonderful book!
Recommend this book:
 by Liana-Melissa Allen is a children’s picture book loosely based upon the classic story of The Three Little Pigs. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and is part of the Horse Valley Adventure series. Liana-Melissa Allen has taken a children’s fable and...){kind=link}
The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey
A Horse Valley Adventure (Book 1)
Liana-Melissa Allen
2017 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite
The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey: A Horse Valley Adventure (Book 1) by Liana-Melissa Allen is a children’s picture book loosely based upon the classic story of The Three Little Pigs. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and is part of the Horse Valley Adventure series. Liana-Melissa Allen has taken a children’s fable and turned it into this wonderful tale that children will enjoy as they learn about bullying, independence and sharing. When the home that the three little horses shared burned down, they each had to make a new life decision. Collectively the three little horses were strong against the bullying Donkey, but individually they were not. Children will not only enjoy reading The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey, but will learn a lot about life lessons, choices and decisions that make a difference in their lives and the effect on them.
Sometimes life can seem unfair. It can cause us to make decisions about various things and sometimes the decisions are made quickly. The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey is that type of story where survival of the fittest does matter. Big Bully Donkey had no problems terrorizing the forest, but even he eventually saw that there are some that will stand up to him. I enjoyed the life lesson reminders in The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey by Liana-Melissa Allen. There are so many people being affected by bullying and it must stop; this is the book to show readers how things can be turned around.
The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey: A Horse Valley Adventure (Book 1) by Liana-Melissa Allen is a children’s picture book loosely based upon the classic story of The Three Little Pigs. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and is part of the Horse Valley Adventure series. Liana-Melissa Allen has taken a children’s fable and turned it into this wonderful tale that children will enjoy as they learn about bullying, independence and sharing. When the home that the three little horses shared burned down, they each had to make a new life decision. Collectively the three little horses were strong against the bullying Donkey, but individually they were not. Children will not only enjoy reading The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey, but will learn a lot about life lessons, choices and decisions that make a difference in their lives and the effect on them.
Sometimes life can seem unfair. It can cause us to make decisions about various things and sometimes the decisions are made quickly. The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey is that type of story where survival of the fittest does matter. Big Bully Donkey had no problems terrorizing the forest, but even he eventually saw that there are some that will stand up to him. I enjoyed the life lesson reminders in The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey by Liana-Melissa Allen. There are so many people being affected by bullying and it must stop; this is the book to show readers how things can be turned around.
Recommend this book:
 by Liana-Melissa Allen is a children’s picture book about perseverance, motivation and the willingness to be open to others. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and is part of the Horse Valley Adventure series. The three little horses, Lax, Jack and Max, are brothers that decided to go out...){kind=link}
Donkey's Kite
A Horse Valley Adventure (Book 2)
Liana-Melissa Allen
2017 Gold Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite
Donkey's Kite: A Horse Valley Adventure (Book 2) by Liana-Melissa Allen is a children’s picture book about perseverance, motivation and the willingness to be open to others. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and is part of the Horse Valley Adventure series. The three little horses, Lax, Jack and Max, are brothers that decided to go out kite flying with their friend, Donkey. As the three brothers were diligently creating and designing their kites, Donkey immediately began to have problems. It appears that no one was aware of his problems, so they did not offer to help, nor did Donkey seek help from his friends. Donkey’s kite was too flimsy and would not fly, but Donkey was persistent. Eventually, he met Gusty the goose, who helped Donkey to be able to fly his kite like his friends, Lax, Jack and Max.
Donkey's Kite is a wonderful story that children will love just like I did. The beautiful message conveyed in Donkey's Kite will make children not only want to read the story, but it will become one of their favorites so that they will want to read it over and over again. Donkey's persistence and his ability to allow someone to assist him with his dilemma are paramount in resolving the hardship that he was experiencing. Children will learn and discover that there are times in life when help can sometimes come from unknown places, and that they must be open to it.
Donkey's Kite: A Horse Valley Adventure (Book 2) by Liana-Melissa Allen is a children’s picture book about perseverance, motivation and the willingness to be open to others. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and is part of the Horse Valley Adventure series. The three little horses, Lax, Jack and Max, are brothers that decided to go out kite flying with their friend, Donkey. As the three brothers were diligently creating and designing their kites, Donkey immediately began to have problems. It appears that no one was aware of his problems, so they did not offer to help, nor did Donkey seek help from his friends. Donkey’s kite was too flimsy and would not fly, but Donkey was persistent. Eventually, he met Gusty the goose, who helped Donkey to be able to fly his kite like his friends, Lax, Jack and Max.
Donkey's Kite is a wonderful story that children will love just like I did. The beautiful message conveyed in Donkey's Kite will make children not only want to read the story, but it will become one of their favorites so that they will want to read it over and over again. Donkey's persistence and his ability to allow someone to assist him with his dilemma are paramount in resolving the hardship that he was experiencing. Children will learn and discover that there are times in life when help can sometimes come from unknown places, and that they must be open to it.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Flapjack
Saying Goodbye
Dan Cohen
2016 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of Flapjack: Saying Goodbye is a children's concept picture book written by Dan Cohen and illustrated by Lisa Norman. Flapjack is a dog who is quite happy living with his human mom and dad. He didn't always live there, however, because a ranger found him in the forest as a puppy. He had a special friend while he lived in the forest, a duck named Fowler. After he left the forest, Fowler would come to visit Flapjack in town where he lived with his family. Fowler used to visit with the changing of the seasons, but it had been five seasons since Flapjack saw his friend, and he wondered why. Finally, he saw a duck circling and then landing in his pond. Flapjack got very excited and was sure that the duck was his friend, but, no, it was Fowler's son who had sad news for the dog. Fowler was not at all well, and he would not be getting better. Flapjack wanted to see his friend before he died, and he kept on insisting until Fowler's son agreed, and together they traveled back to the forest.
Dan Cohen's children's concept picture book, The Adventures of Flapjack: Saying Goodbye, is a well-written and gentle tale about loss and grief. Flapjack's sadness and initial inability to process the news that his friend is dying echoes the universal sentiment of the bereaved, no matter how strong one's faith in an afterlife or what stage of life one is in. Saying Goodbye is probably the hardest and most mysterious aspect of life to comprehend, especially for a child, and I believe that Cohen's sensitive coverage of the subject may help children cope with the loss and grieving process that hits all of us so hard. This eloquent and moving story is accompanied by Lisa Norman's marvelous artwork that follows Flapjack on his final visit to Fowler. Reading The Adventures of Flapjack: Saying Goodbye is a sad, yet uplifting experience. It's most highly recommended.
The Adventures of Flapjack: Saying Goodbye is a children's concept picture book written by Dan Cohen and illustrated by Lisa Norman. Flapjack is a dog who is quite happy living with his human mom and dad. He didn't always live there, however, because a ranger found him in the forest as a puppy. He had a special friend while he lived in the forest, a duck named Fowler. After he left the forest, Fowler would come to visit Flapjack in town where he lived with his family. Fowler used to visit with the changing of the seasons, but it had been five seasons since Flapjack saw his friend, and he wondered why. Finally, he saw a duck circling and then landing in his pond. Flapjack got very excited and was sure that the duck was his friend, but, no, it was Fowler's son who had sad news for the dog. Fowler was not at all well, and he would not be getting better. Flapjack wanted to see his friend before he died, and he kept on insisting until Fowler's son agreed, and together they traveled back to the forest.
Dan Cohen's children's concept picture book, The Adventures of Flapjack: Saying Goodbye, is a well-written and gentle tale about loss and grief. Flapjack's sadness and initial inability to process the news that his friend is dying echoes the universal sentiment of the bereaved, no matter how strong one's faith in an afterlife or what stage of life one is in. Saying Goodbye is probably the hardest and most mysterious aspect of life to comprehend, especially for a child, and I believe that Cohen's sensitive coverage of the subject may help children cope with the loss and grieving process that hits all of us so hard. This eloquent and moving story is accompanied by Lisa Norman's marvelous artwork that follows Flapjack on his final visit to Fowler. Reading The Adventures of Flapjack: Saying Goodbye is a sad, yet uplifting experience. It's most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Tabitha Fink On A Mission To Mars
Rick Felty
2016 Honorable Mention
39 Pages
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Children - Picture Book
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
“Different is cool,” says Tabitha Fink and it is cool to learn new things, even if, at first, they seem a little bit scary. But Tabitha Fink isn’t scared. In fact, she’s a cat on a mission to learn all she can, this time about the far distant planet of Mars. She knows that a lot of things are different on Mars, like the things Martians do for fun, how they travel, and the food they eat, but she doesn’t know what the differences are and she’s determined to find out.
Tabitha Fink makes an excursion to Mars in her spaceship and she meets some really cool young Martians who teach her how they play, how they travel, and what they eat. But there is one Martian who is afraid to come and meet Tabitha Fink. She reaches out in friendship and points out that it doesn’t matter if we’re all different, that’s what makes life so interesting.
Rick Felty’s colorfully illustrated picture book story, Tabitha Fink On a Mission to Mars, is a clever teaching tool to help young readers overcome or at least try to manage their fear of things that are new and different. By using a cute cat as the brave explorer, the story, with its rhyming verse and humorous innuendos, allows young readers to feel good and brave like Tabitha Fink. The cat herself is even different as she only has one eye, but that doesn’t stop her from exploring and learning about the universe around her. This is a great inspirational and fun story for young readers.
“Different is cool,” says Tabitha Fink and it is cool to learn new things, even if, at first, they seem a little bit scary. But Tabitha Fink isn’t scared. In fact, she’s a cat on a mission to learn all she can, this time about the far distant planet of Mars. She knows that a lot of things are different on Mars, like the things Martians do for fun, how they travel, and the food they eat, but she doesn’t know what the differences are and she’s determined to find out.
Tabitha Fink makes an excursion to Mars in her spaceship and she meets some really cool young Martians who teach her how they play, how they travel, and what they eat. But there is one Martian who is afraid to come and meet Tabitha Fink. She reaches out in friendship and points out that it doesn’t matter if we’re all different, that’s what makes life so interesting.
Rick Felty’s colorfully illustrated picture book story, Tabitha Fink On a Mission to Mars, is a clever teaching tool to help young readers overcome or at least try to manage their fear of things that are new and different. By using a cute cat as the brave explorer, the story, with its rhyming verse and humorous innuendos, allows young readers to feel good and brave like Tabitha Fink. The cat herself is even different as she only has one eye, but that doesn’t stop her from exploring and learning about the universe around her. This is a great inspirational and fun story for young readers.
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