2 Brief Kids Book Reviews - The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Schilling World War II Engineer; Mara Rockliff and Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure; Megan Wagner Lloyd

\

The Girl Who Could Fix Anything:  : Beatrice Schilling World War II Engineer

Mara Rockliff (auth) Daniel Duncan (illustrator) - Candlewick Press - 2021

(ages 5-9 through grade 4))

This year I've read several children's books based on true stories of women who have done great things but, may have not gotten the recognition they deserved.

In this book Beatrice Schilling was a British woman whose mechanical expertise set her apart from her peers. She was able to convince the Royal Aircraft Establishment to let her prove her abilities by solving a fighter plane engine fuel issue during World War II.  Her early interest in anything mechanical and her quick ability to learn and try new things enabled her to attend and study engineering at the university and build confidence and hone her skills.  

As a grandmother to (3) young girls, I love books that encourage young girls to try new things and to foster an interest in technology and the sciences. Thins is the type of story that builds confidence and lets young girls see that they too can pursue their dreams if they just persist.  This book has terrific illustrations and a great story. It is the type of book that would make a great addition to school and public libraries or personal collections.

RATING - 5/5 stars

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for sending these books my way in exchange for my unbiased review.)

Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure; Megan Wagner Lloyd

(ages 8-12 - grades 3-7) (Candlewick Press -  August 16, 2022

Haven was once an abandoned cat but Ma Millie took her in so she no longer had to forage for food and live outdoors. Hav is a small but brave house cat and, yes, she is still a bit timid but, she is quite content being an indoor cat with plenty of food to eat.  However, when Haven's owner becomes ill and her health eventually worsens, it's up to Haven to pay Ma Millie back even if that means venturing out into the scary forest to find help.  Can a brave, a bold fox and a timid cat find a way to send help for Ma Millie?

This is a good middle grade book that will appeal to cat lovers. It has short chapters and the story reinforces themes like bravery, friendship and the importance of helping others. A bittersweet story not easily forgotten.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Book Reviews - Kids Fight Climate Change: Act Now to be a #2minutesuperhero; Martin Dorey

Kids Fight Climate Change: Act Now to be a #2minutesuperhero

 Martin Dorey  (Illustrator: Tim Wesson)

Walker Books - 2021 - Candlewick Press 2022

(ages 7-12)

This book takes a very serious subject and makes it fun for young children to learn, understand and to do some small things to help save our planet.  The book gives a brief overview of climate change and why it is so important for everyone including the very young to get involved. Children get an opportunity to become a superhero activist.

Children learn why the fight matters, they also get to learn about wind turbines, solar power, renewable versus non renewable energy, about not wasting water.  There are some 60 different types of small actions and changes to become help in a small way.  Although this book is a good introduction for young children to do their part, I thought the information provided about climate change seemed overly simplistic and incomplete - even for the targeted age group here.  The illustrations  by Tim Wesson are really fun and well done.

RATING - 4/5 stars

NOTE: This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

Brief Children's Book Reviews - Hat Cat; Troy Wilson and The View From the Very Best House in Town; Meena Trehan

Hat Cat; Troy Wilson (Eve Coy-Illustrator)

Candlewick Press - 2022

(ages 4 - 8)

This is a touching story about growing old and caring for other living things both human and animals.

We meet a lonely, elderly man who lives alone. He enjoys the simple pleasures like leaving peanuts for the squirrels and watching them feast from his front porch.  One day the man realizes that he forgot to bring his hat inside and he finds a small kitten nestled underneath.  The old man begins feeding the kitten and even names him Hat. The cat named Hat becomes an indoor cat but misses its outdoor life.  When the man goes away for a bit and Hat seems to have been left alone.  I feared this story was moving to a dark place, perhaps too dark for young children but, it did not. While the man is away the neighbors step in to care for the cat until the man eventually returns home.

The colorful illustrations are well done and quite sweet, I liked the story about companionship and helping others in need.

 

Rating - 4/5 stars

The View From the Very Best House in Town; Meena Trehan

Walker Books - 2022

(Ages - 8 - 12)

Part thriller, part friendship story, this is a book that will make the reader think about what constitutes a "real friend and a real home."  The story features two good friends, Sam and Asha, who are on the autism spectrum.  Sam has just been accepted into a private school, Castleton Academy. It's his mother that wants to change things up for him and things get off to a rocky start for him when he is publicly referred to as the Miracle Boy.  Sam is faced with new classmates who may pretend to want to be his friend but their actions show something quite different. 

Sam and Asha's characters come across as both unique, complex and quite genuine.  I thought it was quite creative that a third character -- a mansion known as Donnybrook added a mystery element to the story as well as the girl named Prestyn, who lives at Donnybrook. She pretends to want to be a friend  to Sam but is anything but.

This is the type of story that should generate questions and conversation form the children who read this book.  I thought this debut story was well done and the ending satisfying as well.

Rating - 4/5 stars

NOTE: (Both of these books were sent to me at no cost in exchange for my unbiased reviews.)

Children's Book Review - Love; Robert Sabuda

 Love; Robert Sabuda

Candlewick Press - 2021

I've long been a fan of Robert Sabuda's Pop-Up books and have gifted many different ones in the past as well.  His 2021 release - LOVE was a real gem.

Each page begins with...I Love you and includes a 3-D pop up image

I Love you...

   and I always will

I Love You...

   and will keep you safe

I Love you

   and will encourage you to do great things

I Love you...

   exactly as you are

I Love you...

   and will share everything with you

And most of all, I love you...

   forever

This book is targeted for ages 5-8 but, come on, it also is a keeper for book lovers my age. This is one of those lovely books that would make a great gift not only for Valentine's Day but, as a gift to new moms, for Mother's Day or for the special someone in your life anytime.

(This book was sent to me by Candlewick Press in exchange for my unbiased review.)

(5 of the 6  images from this book)

(4) great children's books for Christmas: Winter Lullaby; Dianne White; Where's Waldo? Santa Spotlight Search; Martin Handford; Bake, Make and Learn to Cook; David Atherton and We Are One: How the World Adds Up; Susan Hood

Christmastime means book buying time for many people.  Instead of all the toys I always try to add a few kid pleasing books to my holiday list.  These (4) I'm featuring are so well done IMO. 

Winter Lullaby; Dianne White (Ill. Ramona Kaulitzski)

(Ages 4-8) Releases date - 12/8/2021 - Candlewick Press

The weather is changing, gray sky and cold winds have begun. Mama Bear is trying to convince Small Bear that it is time to prepare for a long winter's sleep.  Small Bear isn't convinced and still wants to play with chipmunk, hare, raccoon, skunk and badger.   Patient and reassuring Mama Bear show Small Bear how each are preparing for a long cold winter's sleep as they prepare their cozy, sheltered nests.  At last Small Bear understands that when spring comes and the days are brighter, he will be able to play with his old friends once again.

A lovely story of a mama's love. This book has the perfectly detailed  nature scenes which show the slight color changes as winter turns to spring.  I loved the gentle story told in rhyme; a beautiful book.

Where's Waldo? Santa Spotlight Search; Martin Handford

Candlewick Press - 2021 (ages 5-9)

With Christmas right around the corner, comes a great activity book to keep the kiddos busy by trying to find Santa -- the right Waldo Santa that is --it's not always as easy as it seems. To add to the fun there is a cool glow wand that helps to spot the Santa in the dark.  In addition to searching for Waldo Santa and his friends searches there are puzzles, games and more.  There is a special pocket that will hopefully keep the glow wand from getting lost. The hardcover construction and larger size make this a delightful gift and one that even older kids might enjoy trying out their super sleuth skills at.

Bake, Make & Learn to Cook -  Fun Healthy Recipes for Young Cooks;

David Atherton (Ill. Rachel Stubbs)

Release Date - 12/8/2021 - Candlewick Press

(ages 5-9)

David Atherton, Winner of the 2019 British Baking Show has written a great book for young, beginner cooks. This book is great and contains a glossary of easy to understand cooking terms, measurements and equipment that will be need. There are so many recipes to try and the illustrations and recipe names are sure to tempt kids into wanting to try each one.

Here are just some of the recipes featured:

• Purple smoothies
• Banana Bear pancakes
• breakfast jars
• edible chia bowls
• oatmeal toppers
• scrambled egg surprise
• teapot soup
• snaky breadsticks
• Octo Pizzas
• Easy-peasy pot pies
• Hummus Lion
• sushi shapes
• Fruity Jelly jars
• Peanut Butter Bones for dogs
• Sweetie Birthday Cake
• Mega chocolaty cake

Beginning cooks are sure to be thrilled with this book as will their supervising adults.  Well organized and terrific illustrations as well. Highly recommended.

We are One: How the World Adds Up; Susan Hood (Ill. Linda Yan)

Candlewick - 2021  - (ages 3-7)

This book accomplishes an important thing -- how does "one" fit into the bigger picture.  Using understandable terms and concepts small children will learn that although they may be small, they are an important part of everything around us.  The book's message "we are one" - but, one is a part of everything. From Ten to One the author demonstrates example of "one" being a part of something greater - For example: Ten pins in bowling, Nine Supreme Court Justices, Eight Limbs on an Octopus, Seven Days of the week etc..

The book can be read as rhyme with additional details for a more in depth conversation on each page.  This book with its lovely illustrations is beautiful and important in helping little ones understand just how important they are to everything else in the world.  Highly recommended.

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for providing me with these lovely books in exchange for my unbiased reviews.

3 children's books worth considering: The Secret Starling; Judith Eagle - Judy Moody in a Monday Mood; Megan McDonald and Welcome Back Maple Mehta-Cohen; Kate McGovern

 

The Secret Starling; Judith Eagle (Ill. Jo Rioux)

Walker Books - US - Ages 10-14

Set in a time before technology, twelve year old Clara Starling lived a boring and lonely life in a crumbling old British mansion with her strict uncle Edward.  Her mother died when Clara was born and Clara never knew her father.  One day her uncle disappears leaving her with a pocketful of money.  Clara is unsure what to do having been sheltered from the outside world with no friends and now no uncle. Things change when Peter, an orphan boy her age arrives with his cat.  He is expecting to be staying with Edward after his grandma has become ill but, soon the two abandoned children need to work together and solve a the mystery of the past and what has brought them together. Can they piece together the past with some clues found in the present?

A charming mystery story with an old-fashion feel that both children and adults can enjoy; I loved the illustrations as well.

Judy Moody in a Monday Mood; Megan McDonald (Ill. Peter H. Reynolds)

Candlewick Press - 2021 - (Ages 6-9)

Who hasn't had the Sunday night blues? Young Judy Moody is no exception so when feeling rather down at school, hr teacher Mr. Todd comes up with an idea that cheers her up - he declares a reason to celebrate "Bubble Wrap Day."  It is indeed a strange day to celebrate but it opens the door to new types of celebrations for Judy, her brother and her friends.  Their ideas are wild and crazy as "bubble wrap day" but, open up the opportunity to do good things and celebrate differences and isn't that a wonderful thing?

Judy Moody is a kid pleaser; children in Grades 1-3 will enjoy this fun story and well done illustrations.

Welcome Back Maple Mehta-Cohen; Kate McGovern

Candlewick Press - 2021 (ages 9-12)

Maple is a half-Indian - half-Jewish girl who is has an amazing vocabulary, she writes stories but, she is struggling. She is in the fifth grade (again) and trying to keep a secret from her friends.  She has difficulty reading, it does not come easy to her - she mixes up the words.  Her anxiety increases as she worries what the other kids will think and say about her and, she feels like she is disappointing her family as well.

This was such a well written, realistic story and such an important one as well.  I liked that not only is Maple of mixed heritage, the story was also about children with real learning issues like dyslexia.  I thought the perfect target age for this story would be 10-11 year old children.

My thanks go to Walker Books US and Candlewick Press for sending these books my way in exchange for my unbiased reviews.

5 delightful books for kids that I read in September

The Summer We Found the Baby; Amy Hest

Candlewick Press - 2020 (ages 10-13)

This story takes place during the summer while WWII is going on.  A father and his (2) young daughters, Julie age 11 and Martha age 6 are spending time over the summer at Belle Beach in Long Island as the father works on his book; the mother of the girls has died.

As the story begins the sisters are looking forward to the opening and dedication of the children's library when a special invited guest, Eleanor Roosevelt, is expected shortly.  Then the unexpected happens:  Julie finds a basket with a baby on the steps.  Bruno Ben-Eli lives nearby and spots Julie carrying the basket away and thinks she and Martha have kidnapped someones baby but, he is on a mission for his brother who is fighting in the war and needs to find out what Julie is up to first.

Of course nothing is as it appears. The story is told in alternating POV's, I liked the way the story played out. With a brother at war and the death of a mother, the concerns of the children seemed genuine and appropriate. I thought the story provided a nice balance of the concerns of children during times of war as well as the simple joys and surprises found in childhood.  

Ivy Lost and Found; Cynthia Lord

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 (ages 6 - 9)

First of a new series - Ivy was once the beloved doll and companion of little Anne who received Ivy as a birthday gift. Like all children they eventually outgrow even beloved treasured play things.  Sadly, Ivy was packed away and long forgotten until one day the now adult Anne, a librarian finds her long forgotten friend and she comes up with an idea. Ivy comes to life once again as she becomes one of the library "book buddies" who can be checked out by other children. One child in particular child, a girl named Fern, finds Ivy to be just the friend she needs to share her thoughts and fears with as she eases into finding her place in a new blended mixed race family.

I loved that this story is told from Ivy's POV, and, the story seemed both sweet and realistic tin the way it showed the concerns of a young child finding herself in a new situation.  I was left with a warm feeling and think this series has the potential to be be a wonderful new readers series with its short chapters and charming black and white illustrations.

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat; David LaRochelle 

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 (ages 4 - 8)

This second book in a beginners reader series following: See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog.  In this offering there are (3) short stories: See the Dog, See the Lake and See the Sheep.  Max the Dog is sick so Baby Cakes the Cat is stepping up and ready to take over the dog duties. Unfortunately for Baby Cakes some of dog's daily duties like fetching sticks, digging holes and herding sheep just seem better suited to a dog.  Luckily for the cat, Max gets better and is soon able to resume his daily routines.

This book and series is perfect for new readers. The illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka are fun and creative as well. These books have just enough words on each page and just enough humor to show new readers  just how much fun reading can be without causing any frustration.  This is a series that provides lots of smiles and giggles reminds me a lot of Mo Willem's Pigeon series books which are so popular with new readers as well.

Ducks Overboard: A True Story of Plastic in Our Oceans;  Markus Motum

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 - Ages (7 - 10) 

This is a story of what happened when a cargo ship container from China that was carrying 28,000 yellow plastic ducks intended to be sold and provide bath time fun for children here in the US emptied into the Pacific Ocean. Just what happened to all those plastic ducks? This is one little yellow plastic duck's story and what he encountered while traveling his ocean journey.  The story shows the grave situation that garbage, fishing nets, plastics and other debris has caused to endanger marine life.  The ducks lost at sea is only part of the story the journey but, the book itself with its moving illustrations and seriousness of our environmental crisis.  Hopefully, our youngest generation will see the importance of doing something and encourage them to ask adults to join the campaign to become a change agent.

The book has fabulous illustrations, lots of facts about plastics and how children can help. This is definitely a good conversation starter for educators and parents alike. I loved that we also learn where some of the places other ducks from the cargo container were spotted. A great addition to libraries and personal collections.

Charlotte's Web; E.B. White

2019 - Listening Library Audio , Penguin Random House

The full cast of more than (20) audio book narrators led by Meryl Streep, January Lavoy, Kirby Heyborne and MacLeod Andrews to name a few, was incredible to listen to. I don't recall reading this book to my own children when they were young and, I had no idea it was so sad at times yet, hopeful in the end. Charlotte, Wilbur and even Templeton and Leonard will stay with me forever.

What a lovely story about loyalty and real friendship as well as the cycle of life. Just an amazing story and performance in this 2019 audio edition - highly recommended

3 new Book Reviews - delights for children - Annie Lumsden: Girl From the Sea; David Almond - Sweet Pea Summer; Hazel Mitchell and Atticus Caticus; Sarah Maizes

 

Annie Lumsden, The Girl From the Sea; David Almond

(Illustrations: Beatrice Alemagna )

Candlewick - 2021

(ages 7-10)

Annie Lumsden is 13 years old and she hasn't been to school for a while, she isn't like most other children at school. Her hair seems to float like seaweed as she move about, her thoughts seems to drift to the wonders of the sea.  Since she has trouble confusing her letters and her numbers, her artist mother teaches Annie from their little beach house by the sea.  Annie loves listening to all of her mother's stories about her artwork but, her favorite tales by far are ones about the sea.  One day, it's a stranger that is new to the area who helps Annie to understand how special she really is,

I loved that this story features a girl who is different from her peers but, she isn't overwhelmed by her differences and rather in a good place it seems.  I loved the relationship she had with her mother who was so supportive of her daughter's uniqueness and her creature-of-the-sea qualities.  A good store and positive message and lovely illustrations that add to the mystery within the story.

Sweet Pea Summer; Hazel Mitchell (author/illustrator)

Candlewick Press - 2021

(ages 4-8)

When a little girl's mother must be hospitalized, Grandma and Grandpa have her father bring her over to spend the summer with the them.  Hoping to take her mind off her mother, they try to get her interested in gardening, both flowers and vegetables.  The sweet peas were always a beautiful garden addition and they hoped to enter them in the flower show this year but sweet peas were not doing well. The buds were falling off, the girl tried everything she could think of to help them: umbrellas for shade, covering them at night for cooler temps and just the right amounts of water too.  Soon came the day of the flower show and the hard work had paid off - it was her bluest ever sweet peas that won the prize. They also served as a perfect welcome home gift for her mom.

Sweet story, lovely illustrations and an overall summer perfect story.

Atticus Caticus; Sarah Maizes 

Kara Kramer, Illustrator

Candlewick Press - 2021

Atticus Caticus features a day in the life of a quirky cat and her little human.  Yes, Atticus can be a tad annoying, it's just how some cats can be, but, above all else it is his quirks that make him the cool fun unique cat that is hard not to love.

The rhyme, fun verse is a delight but, may take some time getting used to. The illustrations were fun, (I can't call them adorable) but, the expressions on Atticus are just priceless.  I think most little ones who love cats will pick this one as a favorite.

Thanks go to Candlewick Press for sending these lovely books my way in exchange for my unbiased reviews.

Book Review - The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye; Jane Yolen (Illustrated by: Jim LaMarche

 

The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye; Jane Yolen (Illustrated by: Jim LaMarche

Random House - 2011

Tiger Rose is an older cat who has lived a good life as an indoor/outdoor cat living in the country. Recently, she just isn't the same, she has grown tired, her legs hurt, her memory isn't very good and she no longer has an appetite. Her humans have been kind to her: a mom and dad and young boy and girl.  On her last day on earth Tiger Rose meows goodbye to her human family as they leave for work and school and, ventures outdoors to say goodbye to her outdoor critter friends she has enjoyed over the years. After she has seen those who have brought her the most happiness she curls up near her favorite rose bushes and bathes herself and she drifts off for one last sleep leaving her tired body behind. It was a good life for Tiger Rose.

This was a beautiful story and non-religious as well. It's very well done but, one suited more toward and indoor/outdoor cat family. The illustrations felt peaceful, gentle and appropriate as well.

Of course, I am tearing up a bit typing this review (I actually reviewed this one in 2012 as well). I purchased this book several years ago in preparation for when my granddaughters may first experience the death of one of their cats.  It appears that day may soon be here with one of the cats being very ill. 

                                                      (purrs for this beautiful 9 year old boy)

Book Review - Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares (Illustrator)

Twenty-One Steps is an informative book that explains the importance and significance of keeping vigil while standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Our unknown soldier narrator from WWI tells us the story of his hero's funeral that took place at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1921. A symbolic funeral was held at our nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C followed by internment at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where he lie alone.   Things changed at midnight on July 2, 1937 when a sentinel guard has been assigned round-the-clock duty, no matter the weather or time of day to make sure the fallen soldiers are never alone again. It is considered a privilege to serve a 2 year term as Tomb Guard.  The position's standard is perfection and it requires: focus, reverence, discipline, respect, appreciation and devotion. A beautiful, respectful tribute to all who have served.

Targeted for grades 2-5, ages 7-10,  I thought the story was well done with a solemn serious tone. The story provided a good overview about the important role as Tomb Guard and I loved the way the manner in which the story was told.  I did think it might be slightly advanced for the younger children in the targeted age range but, older children should do well with this one.  The illustrations were beautifully and thoughtfully drawn to clearly demonstrate the importance, significance and respect deserved of those who have served our great country.

This book is a beautiful tribute to celebrate this Memorial Day and the 100th anniversary this coming November. I'm sure this would make a great addition to school, public library or personal collections.

NOTE: This book was sent to me by Candlewick Press in exchange for my unbiased review

Book Review - Another Earth Day Treasure - A World of Plants; Martin Jenkins and James Brown (ILL)

A World of Plants is a stunning, all encompassing book about plants full of facts about what plants can do.  It is a beautiful, oversized hardboard book approx. 11"x15". The targeted age group is 7 - 10, but, adults  might be surprised that they learned quite a few new things by reading this book as well. 

Some of the topics that I found fascinating were:

• Plants That Eat Animals
• Sacred and Symbolic Plants
• Breeding Plants
• Ten Plants That Feed the World
• Cycling Carbon
• Plants That Steal
• Tall, Taller, Tallest Trees
• Desert Plants
• Breeding Plants...... and honestly so many more.

Each particular topic is given a (2)-page spread like the ones shown below with beautiful illustrations and details about the specific topic featured. There is interesting information about photosynthesis, what it is and how it works.  It also cautions readers about how important it is to take the climate crisis seriously and how important plants are to life on Planet Earth. 

This book would work great as an instructional tool as well as for personal collections.

Thanks go to Candlewick and Walker Books US for sending this lovely book my way.

Book Reviews - Earth Day is April 22nd ~ Some fabulous Children's Books to Celebrate: Zonia's Rain Forest ; Juana Martinez-Neal and Zee Grows a Tree; Elizabeth Rusch

Zonia's Rain Forest; Juana Martinez - Neal

2021 Candlewick Press 

Zonia's Rain Forest is a kid-friendly opportunity to learn about the rain forests and how the beauty of this environment is in jeopardy. Zonia is a young Ashaninka girl who lives with other Indigenous people in the Peruvian rain forest. Each day she spends time chatting with the critters who live there.  She loves her outdoor adventures.  One day it becomes clear that the future of the rain forest is questionable as a result of deforestation and action clearly needs to be taken to protect it. 

From adorable sloths to jaguars, snakes, leopards, birds, turtles, anteaters and more compromised living things, Zonia's Rain Forest is a call to action. The color appropriate pencil and ink pallet images and illustrations on paper made of banana bark are impressive and really draw the reader into the rain forest along side of Zonia and her friends.

This is a wonderful book to start educating young children about environmental issues.

A beautiful book meant to educate the very young about our compromised environment. A great book for personal collections as well as school and public library collections. I found the information about the Ashaninka people so interesting and a glossary was a wonderful addition as well. A perfect book to read to children in celebration of Earth Day.

Ages 4 to 8 

40 pp

Zee Grows a Tree; Elizabeth Rusch (Ill. Will Hillenbrand

Candlewick Press - 2021

On the very day that Zee Cooper is born a Douglas Fir seedling sprouts on her family's Christmas Tree Farm.  As Zee grows, so does the seedling. As her mom and dad cared for Zee, they also nurtured the seedling that sprouted into a big tree. As Zee grew she began to care for her tree as well often comparing height until the tree's height eventually surpassed Zee.  One summer drought hit hard and damaged the tree so it needed extra protection again the upcoming winter. The extra love and protection helped the tree survive.

I thought this was a very sweet and touching story that followed Zee and the Douglas fir from birth to age 8 and measured  various milestones. I liked that there was an index and suggestions for both enjoying and preserving precious trees.  With glossy pages and pleasing art and a story and simple text that should be appropriate for children between the ages of 4 and 8.  This is another Earth Day winner. Be sure to add this to your personal library.

Book Reviews - Jasmine Green Rescues - Animal Rescue Series Chapter Books by Helen Peters

Children's author Helen Peters has published a lovely collection of (9) chapter books, targeted for the 7 to 9 year old age group (Grades 2-4).  Each book features Jasmine Green a young girl who loves animals. Her mother is a veterinarian and her father is a farmer, so caring for animals have always played a big role in her life.  When she sees an animal in trouble or in need of help she usually knows what she needs to do, often with the help of her best friend Tom.

This is a great collection that teaches young children the importance of caring for other living beings that need help. Each story is different and special. The stories are informative and even a bit sad at times but, they encourage children to extend a love of animals to help those in need. I love that each book promotes and educates about rescue.

This is a series that would make an excellent addition to a school or public library or as a gift for your the animal loving child in your life. Ellie Snowdon does a great job with the black and white illustrations peppered throughout.

If an abandoned orphan goat at the local fair doesn't find a new home what will become of it? Of course the goat that Jasmine has already named Willow wins her heart as well as that of her friend Tom.  What is the duo to do as Jasmine already has rescued several different animals now living on the family farm.  Jasmine and Tom must keep this a secret and don't baby goats need goat's milk? Will Jasmine convince her mother that she's like to drink goat's milk now?

It's school vacation and Jasmine and friend Tom have plans to use an old shed for their Animal Rescue Clubhouse. They frighten a stray black cat that scratches Jasmine but, there is a reason. They stray has kittens to protect.  They leave and when they return the mama cat has moved (2) of the (3) kittens so Jasmine, names the cat Holly and hopes to be able to keep her without checking with her parents first.  This particular story is a bit different and has a side story about Jasmine's friend Tom and what he is experiencing.  I love that this series is not always about things working out exactly as a child hopes they will.  A nice pet rescue story, perfect for Christmas or any time really.

Duck eggs found in the woods and one in particular needs saving after a loose dog stirs up trouble and causes the death of the mother duck.  Caring for hatched  ducklings is hard work but, the survivor Button makes it all worthwhile. 

At Oak Tree Farm a tiny lamb loses its mother and Jasmine sees a call to action.  Not only does the orphan lamb need bottle feeding, it also needs help learning to walk and Jasmine is already caring for several rescues including two baby birds that require quite a bit of care.

While on a house call with her veterinarian mother, Jasmine finds a poor piglet, the runt of the litter, weak and fighting for survival. Surprised that the owner does not seem concerned that the piglet cannot even drink, Jasmine takes action and names it Truffle.  A sweet story with lots of good info on pet care as well.

So far I've read and enjoyed (5) from this series which were sent to me by Candlewick Press in exchange for my unbiased reviews.  I hope to add the other (4) to the collection soon.

These individual books are published in the US and Canada by Walker Books US.

The (9) book boxed set from Nosy Crow LTD in the UK is also available for purchase.