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Can We Get a Rhinoceros?
Can We Get a Rhinoceros?, by Christian Kueng, is a delightful tale of a young boy’s boundless imagination and his quest to find the perfect pet. This whimsical narrative takes readers through a series of fanciful pet suggestions, from a rhinoceros to a blue-footed booby, each more extravagant than the last. The boy’s mother, aware of the limitations of their small condo with a modest patio, gently tries to guide his choices toward more practical options. This gentle push and pull between mother and son forms the heart of the story, capturing the essence of childhood imagination and parental guidance.
The charm of the story is further amplified by Nana Melkadze’s vibrant and engaging illustrations. These images not only complement the narrative but also deepen the reader’s connection to the story, offering a visual feast that sparks the imagination. The illustrations’ bright colors and dynamic compositions make each page a delight, encouraging young readers to ponder their own wild animal choices.
Kueng’s tale goes beyond mere entertainment, offering a delightful avenue for interaction between children and parents. It serves as a springboard for playful discussions and imaginative thinking, encouraging families to engage in creative and silly dialogues. The story provides a light-hearted and enjoyable experience for both children and parents, making it a wonderful addition to family reading time. An added educational component is the “Animal Information” section at the book’s end. This informative addition enriches the reading experience by offering fascinating facts about the animals featured in the story, further engaging young readers’ curiosity.
Can We Get a Rhinoceros? is more than just a story; it’s an invitation to explore, imagine, and learn together. It’s a book that celebrates the joys of childhood imagination, the warmth of family interaction, and the thrill of learning. For those reasons, it comes highly recommended as a delightful read for families looking to add a touch of whimsy and education to their bookshelves.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CQPC9THQ
Empathy, Cooperation, and Problem-Solving
Huckleberry Academy: The School of Imagination, Volume I The Majestic Feather follows a shy young monkey with anxiety who has to attend a new and strange school. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
COVID was a terrible experience for us all, and it really affected my children when they had to attend school from home. After moving to a new city, my kids had to meet new friends and experience school in a whole different way. I saw the struggle that my kids went through, and I used that experience as my initial motivation to write the book.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The main characters were derived from my childhood. I used to be an introvert like Bongo and afraid of everything. I was scared to experience new things and always tried to stay in my comfort zone. Mo is who I became when I grew into a man. Spontaneous, extroverted, and ready for the world. I wanted to put these two versions of myself together and create a bond between the two. The stories that I write are actual events that I went through as a kid.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that I wanted to explore in this book were:
1. How to overcome fears and inner conflicts
2. I wanted to teach empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving skills to young readers
3. I also wanted to build children’s confidence in knowing they are not the only one who finds it difficult to make friends and through communication and cooperation they can be accepted as part of a group regardless of individual background or differences.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters? And when can readers expect the next volume?
The next book in the series will show how the main characters develop their friendship and explore new characters that were introduced in the first book. The next book will also explore the mysticism surrounding the school and the city of Huckleberry.
The next book can be expected around Fall 2023
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Huckleberry Academy, The School of Imagination Volume 1 The Majestic Feather
Bongo is heading out for his first day at a new school. For most students, this is a big deal, but for Bongo it’s incredibly challenging. You see, he is afraid of literally everything. There is no situation that doesn’t put poor Bongo into a state of pure panic. Heading in for his first day, Bongo meets super-confident and extroverted Mo. As Bongo and Mo begin their day, Bongo points out Maurice, a mouse from Bongo’s old school. He is quick to fill Mo in on the many shenanigans for which Maurice has been responsible. It looks like this new school has come with old problems for Bongo.
Huckleberry Academy: The School of Imagination, Volume I The Majestic Feather, by J.L. Willis, is a children’s chapter book featuring Bongo the monkey as the shy and anxiety-ridden main character. His fears are many and his day-to-day battle will resonate with many a young reader. As a teacher, I really like the build up to the first day of school, especially the first day in a new school. This is definitely something many children face, and having a book like Willis’s to quell fears is certainly an asset.
One of the most appealing aspects of Willis’s storyline is the fantasy surrounding the magic feather. Readers in grades 2-4 will immediately find themselves swept up into the adventure when that prankster Maurice steals the feather and chaos ensues. Seeing the class clown brought down a notch is another satisfying plot point for young readers.
It is always wonderful to be able to offer books to young readers high-interest books that teach valuable lessons. That is exactly what J.L. Willis is handing readers with Volume I of Huckleberry Academy. I highly recommend Willis’s work to anyone looking to provide a new and engaging series to elementary students.
Pages: 60 | ASIN : B0C5QSRPMW
LITERARY TITAN 