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A Tribute To Her
Happy Tails Camper Stories: Lucy Learns to Share follows a young dog as she learns that having the toy you want but no one to share it with is not any fun. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My inspiration for this book was our Westie, Lucy, who actually did have a favorite toy at her doggie daycare that she would not share with the other dogs. I was also motivated to write her story as a tribute to her, because she got very sick and we had to say goodbye to her last year. Writing the book was cathartic for me and brought me closure after her loss.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Sarah Gledhill?
The publisher, Atmosphere Press, referred me to several illustrators so I could make my choice. What drew me to Sarah’s artwork was the way she draws dogs…they are charming and expressive without being “cartoon-y”. Sarah was able to draw Lucy, her friend Bingo and some other dogs based on photos I sent her. I’ve had many compliments on Sarah’s illustrations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Sharing can be tough for young children, whether it is with siblings or playmates. I think children can relate to the sharing issue as seen through Lucy’s eyes and hopefully learn that it really is better to share toys with friends.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I actually have ideas for two more books in the series. Shortly after we lost Lucy, we adopted a stray that showed up in a friend’s neighborhood, so I am working on a story about Harry finding a new home. Also, I know a new baby in the family can be difficult for a child, so I think Bingo will be getting a little brother and will learn to deal with the issues that a new family member will present for him. I would like to have both books done by the end of 2022.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
On her first day at Happy Tails Dog Camp, Lucy meets other dogs and sees lots of toys to play with. But another dog grabbed the toy she wanted and ran off with it! Lucy has a plan to get that toy for herself, but when she does, her plan doesn’t work the way she had hoped.
In “Happy Tails Camper Stories: Lucy Learns to Share” by Sharlene Novak, we experience Lucy’s disappointment when another dog takes the toy she wants and when her plan to get that toy has an unexpected result. But her friend Bingo saves the day with the perfect solution!
Happy Tails Camper Stories: Lucy Learns to Share
Lucy is nervous about her first day at Happy Tails Dog Camp. Once she gets there, she sees so many different dogs in all sizes. There was a big play yard with a shed off to the side. Lucy sniffed and made friends with the other dogs. After a while the humans brought out a big box of toys to play with. Lucy wanted the orange ball, but Baxter took it first. All Lucy could think about was that orange ball. So, the next day at camp when the toys were brought out she dashed for the orange ball and ran off and hid so no one could take the ball from her. Lucy learned that playing alone is no fun.
Happy Tails Camper Stories: Lucy Learns to Share by Sharlene Novak and illustrated by Sarah Gledhill is a heartwarming story about learning to share. Learning to share is hard, whether you are a kid or a dog. This playful picture book shows that keeping toys to yourself can end up not being as much fun as one would hope. Instead, it is better to share what you have and that way everyone can have fun together.
The colorful illustrations come to life in this imaginative story. Seeing the way the dogs make friends is relatable to small children that are naturally drawn to cute cuddly animals. The idea of sharing is a hard concept to visualize for little kids, so seeing Lucy get the toy she wanted and be disappointed is a great message that children can relate to.
Happy Tails Camper Stories: Lucy Learns to Share would make an excellent read aloud book for children. The pictures are engaging and the story is beautifully written to relate the message of sharing. Children will love the charismatic dogs in this picture book and parents and teachers will love the meaningful message and simple writing style.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B09N3WQTSZ
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