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Peke-A-Boo! Find the Ball That's Blue
Wendy Zambrana
2021 Illustration Award
32 Pages
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Children
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
Samantha is a spunky Pekingese puppy who loves to play with her blue ball. However, she frequently cannot find the blue ball. The children’s book, Peke-A-Boo! Find the Ball That’s Blue, written by Wendy Zambrana and illustrated by Anne Zimanski, is a delightful participatory book. The child to whom the book is being read is asked to find the blue ball throughout one day in Samantha’s life. On the first pages, the child is shown that the ball is blue with two white stripes and is told it frequently seems to vanish. When Samantha wakes up one morning, she cannot find her blue ball. She loses it throughout the day, both inside the house and in the yard.
One of the outstanding features of this children’s book is the engagement of the child in the storyline. It will certainly be a fun experience for young children. Another feature is the richly detailed illustrations, making it more difficult for a child to spot the ball. Although the book is written for young children, the drawings will be enchanting to a child for several more years. Additionally, there are several areas where parents can encourage further conversations. For example, in Samantha’s dream titled The Adventures of Samantha and Her Blue Ball, parents can talk to children about dreams and how these may connect to real-life experiences. Author Wendy Zambrana and illustrator Anne Zimanski have crafted a beautiful children’s book in Peke-A-Boo! Find the Ball That’s Blue. A wonderful addition to any child’s library!
Samantha is a spunky Pekingese puppy who loves to play with her blue ball. However, she frequently cannot find the blue ball. The children’s book, Peke-A-Boo! Find the Ball That’s Blue, written by Wendy Zambrana and illustrated by Anne Zimanski, is a delightful participatory book. The child to whom the book is being read is asked to find the blue ball throughout one day in Samantha’s life. On the first pages, the child is shown that the ball is blue with two white stripes and is told it frequently seems to vanish. When Samantha wakes up one morning, she cannot find her blue ball. She loses it throughout the day, both inside the house and in the yard.
One of the outstanding features of this children’s book is the engagement of the child in the storyline. It will certainly be a fun experience for young children. Another feature is the richly detailed illustrations, making it more difficult for a child to spot the ball. Although the book is written for young children, the drawings will be enchanting to a child for several more years. Additionally, there are several areas where parents can encourage further conversations. For example, in Samantha’s dream titled The Adventures of Samantha and Her Blue Ball, parents can talk to children about dreams and how these may connect to real-life experiences. Author Wendy Zambrana and illustrator Anne Zimanski have crafted a beautiful children’s book in Peke-A-Boo! Find the Ball That’s Blue. A wonderful addition to any child’s library!
Recommend this book:
Secret of the Starflower
Rainbow of Spectra
Jessica Kopecky
2021 Illustration Award
118 Pages
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Fiction
Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
Secret of the Starflower: Rainbow of Spectra is a work of children's fiction by author Jessica Kopecky. Sandy wasn’t like the rest of the seahorsicorns that she knew growing up in Spectra. While everyone at school had pretty colors and could vanish as a way to protect themselves against chomperfish, Sandy had a strange rainbow mane and couldn’t vanish at all. Instead of disappearing, a beautiful starflower would appear, much to her dismay. Because of her bright colors, Sandy had to remain hidden when she looked for food, and oftentimes she’d go hungry. When her hunger got the better of her, she’d join the other seahorsicorns to eat, but was often bullied and pushed away because of her colors and how she attracted chomperfish. When the mayor of Spectra came to her and told her it would be best if she left since she attracted too many chomperfish, she found herself in a lonely life, until she got a knock on her door and a letter from a seahorsicorn who loved adventure. The two continued to write to one another and a friendship was built. Would this newfound friend help Sandy come out of hiding, or will she remain in the cave where it was safe but lonely?
I thought Secret Of The Starflower was an emotive and enlightening read. Sandy's experience of being teased for being different is a subject that I can see kids understanding. It also teaches a very good lesson that being different isn’t a bad thing, and what makes us unlike others can be seen as a strength and not a weakness. The main character Sandy is very well written and a muse that the young reader will relate to. The illustrations are also beautifully done and fit perfectly with the storyline. They are bright and colorful which will also grasp and keep a child’s attention. I think Jessica Kopecky has done a wonderful job and I can’t wait to read Sandy the seahorsicorn’s next adventure.
Secret of the Starflower: Rainbow of Spectra is a work of children's fiction by author Jessica Kopecky. Sandy wasn’t like the rest of the seahorsicorns that she knew growing up in Spectra. While everyone at school had pretty colors and could vanish as a way to protect themselves against chomperfish, Sandy had a strange rainbow mane and couldn’t vanish at all. Instead of disappearing, a beautiful starflower would appear, much to her dismay. Because of her bright colors, Sandy had to remain hidden when she looked for food, and oftentimes she’d go hungry. When her hunger got the better of her, she’d join the other seahorsicorns to eat, but was often bullied and pushed away because of her colors and how she attracted chomperfish. When the mayor of Spectra came to her and told her it would be best if she left since she attracted too many chomperfish, she found herself in a lonely life, until she got a knock on her door and a letter from a seahorsicorn who loved adventure. The two continued to write to one another and a friendship was built. Would this newfound friend help Sandy come out of hiding, or will she remain in the cave where it was safe but lonely?
I thought Secret Of The Starflower was an emotive and enlightening read. Sandy's experience of being teased for being different is a subject that I can see kids understanding. It also teaches a very good lesson that being different isn’t a bad thing, and what makes us unlike others can be seen as a strength and not a weakness. The main character Sandy is very well written and a muse that the young reader will relate to. The illustrations are also beautifully done and fit perfectly with the storyline. They are bright and colorful which will also grasp and keep a child’s attention. I think Jessica Kopecky has done a wonderful job and I can’t wait to read Sandy the seahorsicorn’s next adventure.
Recommend this book:
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man
Season One
N Blake Seals
2021 Illustration Award
120 Pages
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Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man: Season One is an action and adventure graphic novel written by N. Blake Seals, with art by Butch Mapa. The bucolic nature of the little hamlet nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, Cold Spring Harbor, was disrupted one day by an explosion at the most notorious element of the area, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Those who were closer to the scene were also privy to a most unusual sight. A gigantic monkey-man dressed in clothes that seemed shredded as a result of a transformation had appeared outside the Lab. He was even now trying to evade the authorities. Would he have time to figure it out? Was there a way to reverse the experiment that had created this man-monkey fusion?
This story is apt to be an irresistible draw to any Long Islander; I know it was for me. Seeing the opening frames showing downtown Cold Spring Harbor brought to mind the night I was first introduced to that marvelous, historic hamlet. Likewise, the flight of the Monkey Man and the motley crew that assembles to assist him out to Montauk and onwards had me revisiting the far eastern reaches of the island in my mind and wondering if it wasn’t time to go back for a visit. If you’re not from Long Island, try the story anyway. You’ll probably end up becoming an honorary Long Islander and planning your own visit in the near future. N. Blake Seals and Butch Mapa do a grand job of making the island real, no small feat considering the constraints of the format and the fantastic elements of the story.
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man: Season One is marvelous, spectacular and so much fun to read. It’s beautifully put together: the art, coloring, storyline, and the result is a professionally designed and created story that’s wacky, entertaining, and filled with fast-paced action. Seals’ characters are well-crafted, and his plot is ingenious and clever. This is one of those reads that makes one experience a pang of regret when it’s over -- but it’s not! There appear to be three more seasons based on the artwork shown at the end of the book. The Saga of Evil Monkey Man is most highly recommended.
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man: Season One is an action and adventure graphic novel written by N. Blake Seals, with art by Butch Mapa. The bucolic nature of the little hamlet nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, Cold Spring Harbor, was disrupted one day by an explosion at the most notorious element of the area, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Those who were closer to the scene were also privy to a most unusual sight. A gigantic monkey-man dressed in clothes that seemed shredded as a result of a transformation had appeared outside the Lab. He was even now trying to evade the authorities. Would he have time to figure it out? Was there a way to reverse the experiment that had created this man-monkey fusion?
This story is apt to be an irresistible draw to any Long Islander; I know it was for me. Seeing the opening frames showing downtown Cold Spring Harbor brought to mind the night I was first introduced to that marvelous, historic hamlet. Likewise, the flight of the Monkey Man and the motley crew that assembles to assist him out to Montauk and onwards had me revisiting the far eastern reaches of the island in my mind and wondering if it wasn’t time to go back for a visit. If you’re not from Long Island, try the story anyway. You’ll probably end up becoming an honorary Long Islander and planning your own visit in the near future. N. Blake Seals and Butch Mapa do a grand job of making the island real, no small feat considering the constraints of the format and the fantastic elements of the story.
The Saga of Evil Monkey Man: Season One is marvelous, spectacular and so much fun to read. It’s beautifully put together: the art, coloring, storyline, and the result is a professionally designed and created story that’s wacky, entertaining, and filled with fast-paced action. Seals’ characters are well-crafted, and his plot is ingenious and clever. This is one of those reads that makes one experience a pang of regret when it’s over -- but it’s not! There appear to be three more seasons based on the artwork shown at the end of the book. The Saga of Evil Monkey Man is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters
J Bean Palmer
2022 Silver Medal
196 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Samantha Gregory for Readers' Favorite
ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters by J Bean Palmer is the story of a young witch called ElsBeth, who lives in the human world. She goes to a human school and must hide what she can do from everyone around her. As well as dealing with schoolwork, bullies and the perils of being a witch, ElsBeth also has to contend with Ms. Finch, her horrible teacher. She constantly picks on ElsBeth and embarrasses her in class when she gets an answer wrong. She faces a new threat when she goes on a school trip and one of her classmates is kidnapped. ElsBeth sets out to rescue him along with the help of a ghost - Captain Thomas Jacques. ElsBeth must use everything she has learned from her witch grandmother to save the day.
J Bean Palmer has written an engaging and entertaining story with ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters Cape Cod Witch Series. This is the second book in the series and ElsBeth has been on quite an adventure in book 1. ElsBeth is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her. She may not be the most skilled witch, but she is always eager to help those in need. I liked how the author worked in a few lessons along the way like a math question. It's a fun way for kids to learn without realizing they are. The story moved at a good pace and I think that kids would enjoy reading this book. I would recommend it.
ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters by J Bean Palmer is the story of a young witch called ElsBeth, who lives in the human world. She goes to a human school and must hide what she can do from everyone around her. As well as dealing with schoolwork, bullies and the perils of being a witch, ElsBeth also has to contend with Ms. Finch, her horrible teacher. She constantly picks on ElsBeth and embarrasses her in class when she gets an answer wrong. She faces a new threat when she goes on a school trip and one of her classmates is kidnapped. ElsBeth sets out to rescue him along with the help of a ghost - Captain Thomas Jacques. ElsBeth must use everything she has learned from her witch grandmother to save the day.
J Bean Palmer has written an engaging and entertaining story with ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters Cape Cod Witch Series. This is the second book in the series and ElsBeth has been on quite an adventure in book 1. ElsBeth is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her. She may not be the most skilled witch, but she is always eager to help those in need. I liked how the author worked in a few lessons along the way like a math question. It's a fun way for kids to learn without realizing they are. The story moved at a good pace and I think that kids would enjoy reading this book. I would recommend it.
Recommend this book:
When The Sky Roars
Katie Weaver
2022 Gold Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
When The Sky Roars, written and illustrated by Katie Weaver, is about a boy who didn’t like thunderstorms because they spoiled his activities. They also scared him. He decides to investigate the source of the thunder, hoping he can put an end to the roaring sound. Our young hero takes to the skies, but to his surprise finds fantastical people and creatures. He also finds the source of thunder, at least in a way that satisfies him. Weaver’s book is written in rhymes, such as “I remember that time while with Gramps in the park, large gray clouds moved in fast and the sky became dark.” The book also includes a recipe for “Four Berry Crumb Pie,” which serves “one medium size dinosaur.” Weaver herself illustrated the book with some evocative pictures.
My children would have liked When The Sky Roars when they were young. Author Katie Weaver doesn’t specify an age group that the book is intended for, but I think those under five would get the most enjoyment from it. The rhymes are cute and never forced, and children will find them memorable. Weaver’s illustrations show that she is multi-talented and the images fit the book's quirky ideas perfectly. I laughed out loud at one of the creatures that the boy found as he investigated thunder’s source. I won’t say what the boy learns about why the sky roars because I don’t want to spoil the story, but I will say that author Katie Weaver has a wonderful sense of humor and knows exactly how to appeal to children.
When The Sky Roars, written and illustrated by Katie Weaver, is about a boy who didn’t like thunderstorms because they spoiled his activities. They also scared him. He decides to investigate the source of the thunder, hoping he can put an end to the roaring sound. Our young hero takes to the skies, but to his surprise finds fantastical people and creatures. He also finds the source of thunder, at least in a way that satisfies him. Weaver’s book is written in rhymes, such as “I remember that time while with Gramps in the park, large gray clouds moved in fast and the sky became dark.” The book also includes a recipe for “Four Berry Crumb Pie,” which serves “one medium size dinosaur.” Weaver herself illustrated the book with some evocative pictures.
My children would have liked When The Sky Roars when they were young. Author Katie Weaver doesn’t specify an age group that the book is intended for, but I think those under five would get the most enjoyment from it. The rhymes are cute and never forced, and children will find them memorable. Weaver’s illustrations show that she is multi-talented and the images fit the book's quirky ideas perfectly. I laughed out loud at one of the creatures that the boy found as he investigated thunder’s source. I won’t say what the boy learns about why the sky roars because I don’t want to spoil the story, but I will say that author Katie Weaver has a wonderful sense of humor and knows exactly how to appeal to children.
Recommend this book:
, written by Catherine Ann Russell and illustrated by Brooke Connor, the princess lives with her royal father. He abhors shallowness and has forbidden mirrors in the peaceful kingdom so that no one will be self-conscious about their appe...){kind=link}
The Pond of Reflection
Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1
Catherine Ann Russell, Brooke Connor
2022 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Sarah Scheele for Readers' Favorite
Princess Journee is a little mouse with a big mission. In The Pond of Reflection (Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1), written by Catherine Ann Russell and illustrated by Brooke Connor, the princess lives with her royal father. He abhors shallowness and has forbidden mirrors in the peaceful kingdom so that no one will be self-conscious about their appearance. The internal person, the “inside-out,” is of greater importance. But Journee doesn’t know what she looks like and feels she doesn't know enough about herself even though she is aware that the external does not define her. For her birthday, she goes on a quest, traveling through the kingdom with three friends in search of the Pond of Reflection, which can serve as a mirror since the kingdom has none.
With a pristinely flowing narrative and quirky characterization, The Pond of Reflection (Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1) has a lot of charismatic strength, and the story never falters. A moral fable at its finest, it springboards off a Bible verse, Proverbs 27:19, to build a winsome story about finding true self-respect. It's a beautiful, high-quality fantasy story about a set of four close-knit animal friends who quietly meander through an enchanted countryside and discover life together. A splendid yet understated interior of illustrations and decorative page design makes this book perfect for little readers to savor and read over and over. Catherine Ann Russell’s book is the sort of story I loved to read as a child and I'm sure many young people today will enjoy it too because it depicts the world of children, what they need, and what preoccupies them so sympathetically.
Princess Journee is a little mouse with a big mission. In The Pond of Reflection (Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1), written by Catherine Ann Russell and illustrated by Brooke Connor, the princess lives with her royal father. He abhors shallowness and has forbidden mirrors in the peaceful kingdom so that no one will be self-conscious about their appearance. The internal person, the “inside-out,” is of greater importance. But Journee doesn’t know what she looks like and feels she doesn't know enough about herself even though she is aware that the external does not define her. For her birthday, she goes on a quest, traveling through the kingdom with three friends in search of the Pond of Reflection, which can serve as a mirror since the kingdom has none.
With a pristinely flowing narrative and quirky characterization, The Pond of Reflection (Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1) has a lot of charismatic strength, and the story never falters. A moral fable at its finest, it springboards off a Bible verse, Proverbs 27:19, to build a winsome story about finding true self-respect. It's a beautiful, high-quality fantasy story about a set of four close-knit animal friends who quietly meander through an enchanted countryside and discover life together. A splendid yet understated interior of illustrations and decorative page design makes this book perfect for little readers to savor and read over and over. Catherine Ann Russell’s book is the sort of story I loved to read as a child and I'm sure many young people today will enjoy it too because it depicts the world of children, what they need, and what preoccupies them so sympathetically.
Recommend this book:
The Chocolate Clouds
A magical journey through a world of chocolate, sweets and all kinds of delicious food.
Marc Remus
2022 Silver Medal
242 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
One day in the Gingerbread mansion, a young boy named Henry wakes up to find something horrible has happened; the chocolate clouds have vanished. This causes panic within his family's empire and sparks fear among the workers. Luckily, Henry notices something that his mother failed to see; a trail of chocolate! Henry tries and tries to show his mother, but as always, she ignores him. So with everything on the line, Henry makes the decision to find the chocolate clouds himself, along with the help of his cat Tiger, who can lend his keen sense of smell. Will Henry manage to track down the chocolate clouds and restore what his town has lost? And will Henry be the same boy he once was? Find out in this highly entertaining book, The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus.
The Chocolate Clouds was a joy to read. The storyline is engaging and leaves you wanting more. It is written flawlessly and keeps you riveted to every page. Not only is this book fun to read, but it is also educational because it shows what can happen when you eat too many sugary foods. I feel this book will prove to be extremely useful when teaching children about the importance of eating healthily as it shows the benefits through the character of Henry. I loved the illustrations as they are a perfect fit for the book and help bring the characters alive, as well as visually show what eating healthily can do. A lot of thought and effort has gone into The Chocolate Clouds and it is now one of my favorite children's books that I've had the pleasure to read. I urge anyone with or without children to buy a copy, because either way, you will enjoy this wonderful story. Good luck, Marc Remus. I hope to read more of your stories in the future.
One day in the Gingerbread mansion, a young boy named Henry wakes up to find something horrible has happened; the chocolate clouds have vanished. This causes panic within his family's empire and sparks fear among the workers. Luckily, Henry notices something that his mother failed to see; a trail of chocolate! Henry tries and tries to show his mother, but as always, she ignores him. So with everything on the line, Henry makes the decision to find the chocolate clouds himself, along with the help of his cat Tiger, who can lend his keen sense of smell. Will Henry manage to track down the chocolate clouds and restore what his town has lost? And will Henry be the same boy he once was? Find out in this highly entertaining book, The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus.
The Chocolate Clouds was a joy to read. The storyline is engaging and leaves you wanting more. It is written flawlessly and keeps you riveted to every page. Not only is this book fun to read, but it is also educational because it shows what can happen when you eat too many sugary foods. I feel this book will prove to be extremely useful when teaching children about the importance of eating healthily as it shows the benefits through the character of Henry. I loved the illustrations as they are a perfect fit for the book and help bring the characters alive, as well as visually show what eating healthily can do. A lot of thought and effort has gone into The Chocolate Clouds and it is now one of my favorite children's books that I've had the pleasure to read. I urge anyone with or without children to buy a copy, because either way, you will enjoy this wonderful story. Good luck, Marc Remus. I hope to read more of your stories in the future.
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:
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:
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.
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