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A Home for Sally
A Home for Sally is a heartwarming picture book about one little puppy that is born missing one of her paws. She spends months and months in a kennel because no one wants to adopt her with her missing paw. She watches as all her siblings and friends find new homes, and she is left waiting alone. One day a family comes in and finally notices her, but will they have it in their hearts to take home the puppy with a missing paw?
Adopting a pet is a big decision and one that requires an even bigger heart if the animal has a disability or medical issue. Author Stenetta Anthony shows children in this amazing story that it is important to wait for the right situation and not rush into things. Lots of people adopted the other dogs, but it took patience for Sally to find the right family for her. Teaching children to be patient and wait for the right time in life is hard, and this story will help them understand the value of being patient.
While I enjoyed most of this story, one line stood out that did not feel right to me. When Sally was looking in the mirror and saying negative things about herself, she said that her friends had said those things to her. If they were really her friends, they would not be telling her that she was unloveable or unwanted. However, Sally showed grace and the depth of her golden heart when she was worried about them not being adopted when she found her forever home. Showing kindness to those that are not always kind to you is a great message for children to see in action.
A Home for Sally is a well-written children’s book that will teach children about patience, being kind, and never giving up on their dreams. It is a wonderful book for families and classrooms and would be a great book to read to children who are looking to get their first pet.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B09515GN7G
No Dog in my Yard
What is the one question parents dread to hear the most? The answer is, can we get a dog? No Dog in my Yard by Tricia DellAnno follows a young boy on his quest to prove to his parents he is deserving of a dog.
It begins with him showing how much love and attention he spends on the neighbor’s dogs, dropping hints left and right to his parents about how awesome they are in hopes that his parents will come to the realization that getting a dog is a perfect idea. His insistence is shut down in one failed swoop leaving the boy with no other choice; he knows what he must do. That is to begin by cleaning his room.
This is a sweet rhyming story about this young boy who goes above and beyond to get his parent’s approval to finally own a dog. I felt his desperation with every turn of the page. I love how the author was able to encapsulate the feeling of the time when we were all children and the longing for a furry companion. At first, I was worried the main character would only clean his room once, and his parents would get the dog, but in fact, they had him prove himself time and time again to show true consistency, maturity, and responsibility. All the key ingredients to a good dog owner.
No Dog in my Yard is a beautifully written children’s picture book that teaches kids about responsibility and honoring their promises. This is the perfect book for any family going through this phase to educate children on what animals require to live happy and healthy lives.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B09XTMY77Y
Clara & Mr. Milo’s Adventures
Five-year-old Clara’s deepest wish is to have a pet of her own. Clara’s wish soon comes true as a sweet orange kitten, Mr. Milo, enters her world. With her caring mother by her side, Clara learns about the responsibilities and fun of caring for a pet. From playing and exercising to a visit to the vet, Clara and Mr. Milo share seven adorable adventures in one gorgeously illustrated volume.
I love pets, and I love this collection of sweet stories about the special bond between humans and animals. Clara’s journey to find a pet is informative, gently taking young readers through the process of adoption, vaccination, and settling both yourself and a pet into a new routine. Striking a perfect balance between explaining the responsibility of caring for a pet and showcasing the joy a pet can bring, this book has such a beautifully optimistic tone that it touched chords deep within my heart. Pet adoption is an important and relevant topic, and I am impressed by the author’s expert handling of the subject. The illustrations by Lana Lee are bright and joyous, each infinitely adorable picture of Clara and Mr. Milo adding an additional layer of life to an already marvelous collection of stories. The only negative is that we never get to see Clara’s mother’s face. However, this is the tiniest of possible detractions from such an incredibly perfect storybook.
Clara and Mr. Milo’s Adventures: Episodes 1-7 by Clara Donis-Girma contains exceptional storytelling and endearing illustrations. This collection of seven stories is perfectly suited for ages four and up, showing the importance of adoption and the fun of caring for a pet. Wonderful for reading independently or sharing with a large group, these charming tales of Clara’s adventures with her best friend Mr. Milo, is a collection certain to brighten your day and warm your heart.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0BB5SVDMC
The Mouse of the Opera
The Mouse of the Opera by Tuula Pere is a story of a tiny and curious tiny wood mouse. It is a story of adventure and wonderment. It brings to light that even the smallest creatures can have passion and interest and demonstrates how important it is to not be afraid to be a trailblazer despite your limitations, such as being a mouse in Maurice’s case.
A small wood mouse named Maurice and his family lives under a rosebush next to the opera house. They become entranced with the gleaming opera house that plays beautiful music every night. Never actually being inside the place, he is desperate to see what happens inside the dazzling opera house with its luring music. With his eagerness to find out, he hitches a plan to get inside and explore, even though his mother forbids him. Once doing so, he causes such a stir on his tour through the place but gets to see everything it offers, filling him with incredible wonder and awe. He snatches some pastries from the restaurant, marvels at the fabric and gemstones in the wardrobe department, and finally gets to see the show in all its glory up close. All the while making a few friends who deliver safely back home.
I loved this sweet story with all the cute illustrations by Outi Rautkallio. I feel I have never read a children’s book involving the Opera and didn’t realize how interesting and exciting it could be. I would read this to my children to get their curiosities about it sparked and possibly create an outing because of it.
The Mouse of the Opera is a beautifully written children’s book filled with adventure. Children will learn about the Opera as they follow the little mouse on his journey of exploration. This would make a great story for music classes.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B07H9F2VTQ
High Clowder Cats
Life as a feral cat is not easy. When you are alone without a colony, surviving is even harder. Bushytail is determined to have a territory and family of his own. So he sets off to find a territory away from humans where he can meet other tom cats. He finds a home with a group of toms, and they have great adventures together. That is until one of the tom cats, Watcher, Bushytail’s friend, meets a tragic end. Bushytail is shocked and sad that his friend has died. He decides to set off for another territory, hoping to start over. On his way, he is joined by Bristle, a wise, secretive, and strong tom cat. This chance meeting is the beginning of a story of hope, love, sacrifice, and adventure.
Ruby Knight has written an incredible fantasy story for teens and young adult readers that will also entertain and captivate adult readers. The protagonist Bushytail is resilient, sweet, and has hidden leadership qualities that are revealed as the story unfolds. He does, however, have some fascinating weaknesses that provide additional depth to his character. Bristle, Bushytail’s mentor, is a medicine cat; he is mysterious and reveals his knowledge and teachings to Bushytail whether he wants these lessons or not. The other characters in the story are detailed and add an additional layer to the overall story as you get to know them. Readers will find themselves cheering for them and frantically turning the pages, wondering what they’ll get up to next.
The pace of the story never lets up; readers are kept on edge, waiting to see what happens next to this band of cats. The drama in the novel is well done and commendable; readers can easily visualize the dynamics between the characters. The story’s setting is well written and makes for a pleasant reading experience as the reader can visualize the environment and feel like they are there with this colony of cats. The world-building is expertly woven with extra attention paid to the small details making for a memorable and immersive experience.
High Clowder Cats by Ruby Knight is a captivating young adult fantasy novel. The storyline is original, interesting, and easy to get lost in. This is a fantastic start to this new series about a group of feral cats and the struggles they face in order to survive.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0B62NSBFB
The Legend of Paisley Pete: A Magical Story About Abandoned Cats
There are times humans make bad choices, and abandoning a family pet is one of those times. Flynn is confused about why his family has left him in the middle of nowhere; he is afraid, hungry, and scared. So he is suspicious when a strange cat shows up and offers to sit with him. Next, a sweet girl cat shows up and offers him a snack. Soon he follows them back to the feral colony. Here he learns the fable of the Pete the Paisley Cat is real. Cats that have been abandoned by humans and abused turn a majestic paisley pattern, and Flynn realizes his coat is changing as well. He realizes his family has left him and starts to accept those around him, especially Daisy. The following day something magical happens. Will the cats be rescued and find a home?
Author Phyllis Smith has written and whimsical children’s book, The Legend of Paisley Pete: A Magical Story About Abandoned Cats. This heartwarming story is based on her real-life experiences of rescuing a feral cat colony. I loved that the story is told from the perspective of the cats. While Smith says this is because the cat’s view is more interesting, I feel it also adds a dimension to the story of humanizing their feelings. Animals have feelings just like people, and this story highlights that.
The illustrations also done by Smith are amazing. They are vibrant and colorful. Each cat is unique and seeing the different patterns and colors that match their personality bring the story to life. Each page will keep children engaged, looking at the designs and seeing how each cat is different.
The Legend of Paisley Pete is a well-written children’s book from which children can learn compassion. Written for elementary-age children, this would be an excellent book for classrooms and a home library. However, anyone that loves animals, especially cats, will find this book works its way into their hearts and will want to read it more than once.
Pages: 77 | ASIN : B0B1D6CLWZ
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window
M.J. is a friendly and curious dog. She loves to look out the big kitchen window in her home and see everything that is going on. She will often bark to get her mom’s attention and show her what is happening outside. Today she sees a rabbit, a squirrel, and a bird all out front. M.J. wants to go out and say hello to these new animals. After barking some more, her mom takes her out on a walk where she can see them all up closer. After their walk, M.J. returns to her place in front of the window to await more new friends to look at and meet.
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window, written by Vera Harris and illustrated by Tania Ramirez Cuevas, is an enjoyable picturebook that any dog owner can relate to. This is a wonderful children’s book to read to babies and toddlers. It encourages pointing out and identifying different animals and repeats the animals to help reinforce the words and picture connections.
One of my favorite parts of this entertaining book is the illustrations. The expressions on M.J. and her mom are realistic, and I can actually visualize the conversations happening in my own home. While written for children, I could definitely relate to this entire book unfolding in my own home. For this reason, I think parents will enjoy having this book and it becoming a favorite read for bedtime or story time.
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window is a delightful picture book that families will be able to enjoy together. It would be an excellent addition to a classroom library as well.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B08JD3H24W
Saving Gigy
There is no connection quite like the pure, heartfelt love between a person and a dog. In this personal memoir, author Iluta Sutra shares the story of her journey to protect Gigy (pronounced “Gigi”), an extraordinary dog. Iluta’s quest is full of ups and downs, as she puts all her time and energy into ensuring the future safety of her best furry friend. But when friendship falters and promises break, can Iluta find the strength, faith, and healing that she needs to continue?
The tale of a girl trying her best to help an adorable cocker spaniel while faced with betrayal, disappointment, and helplessness resonated deeply within my own being. The raw emotions of fear, desolation, grief, and loss are perfectly juxtaposed with faith, love, forgiveness, and healing. Though full of tragedy, this complex journey is also filled with hope.
A veritable call to action, Saving Gigy by Iluta Sutra, a story based on actual events, shows both the good and bad that permeates the world around us, where everyone has a calling and a purpose. This inspirational narrative shares the story of a dog that means everything and shows that even the smallest actions can make a difference on this brutal, fragile planet we call the Earth. And at the end, one question still remains: What will we do to change things?
Saving Gigy is a bold, brilliant tale of a person doing all that they can, and bravely sharing the story of love, joy, fear, and pain surrounding Gigy’s journey is unforgettable and touched the depths of my heart. A story of faith and love in spite of grief and heartbreak, Saving Gigy shows the importance of every person’s actions, no matter how small, in shaping the future of our harsh and beautiful world.
Pages: 182 | ASIN : B09JJ1SVW8
LITERARY TITAN 