First, let me share that it is beautifully illustrated. It shows the changing seasons, and the importance of friendship.
SHow do I begin this review?
First, let me share that it is beautifully illustrated. It shows the changing seasons, and the importance of friendship.
Second, this will be a teachable and touching story for kids. About what we learn from others, as the city dog learned from the frog and the frog learned from the dog. It also depicts the cycle of life.
Kleenex may be needed. (I did.)
Lastly, and most importantly, this is a heart-felt story about accepting change (seasons and loss), because there will be that moment when something changes and kids will learn about what that change/loss and acceptance means, too.
How does one get over the loss of great love and begin again with their child? This is the dilemma facing Kate. It has been two years since the loss oHow does one get over the loss of great love and begin again with their child? This is the dilemma facing Kate. It has been two years since the loss of Cam, and she and Charlie are clinging to hope and humor through pain.
Her best friend, her mother and even her boss are all cheerleading her on, but she knows she isn’t adjusting well, even two years later. So, she does what she believes will help her and Charlie. She decides to leave and fulfill a bucket list adventure.
This is a beautiful story that addresses deeply all the typical feelings associated with love and loss and starting over again. It is well-paced and emotionally engaging.
But will the end satisfy or be too perfect?...more
I was thrilled when I saw this one so prominently displayed in the children’s section of my local library.
It is clear from the beginning that this isI was thrilled when I saw this one so prominently displayed in the children’s section of my local library.
It is clear from the beginning that this is a teaching book. One that hopes to change the landscape of our thinking about racism. Of how we can teach children to think and have explicit conversations about race and equity.
Through beautiful, colorful illustrations and nine lessons, the author outlines those nine ways to be an antiracist baby.
I can’t emphasize enough how much this book is such a powerful teaching tool that needs to be available in all homes and libraries throughout the world!
The author provides a note to parents and caregivers at the back of the book that helps with conversation about race and racism with young children. ...more
This story takes place in 1960, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
So, let us first understand what dead letters at a post office mean at that time and plaThis story takes place in 1960, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
So, let us first understand what dead letters at a post office mean at that time and place.
Back in the day, there was such a thing as a dead letter office (DLO) within the postal system where undeliverable mail was processed. Mail would be considered undeliverable when the address was considered invalid because it couldn’t be delivered to the addressee, or there was no return address. But the people who worked in the DLO would do everything within their powers to attempt to find the individuals before declaring the letters completely undeliverable. Thus, declaring the postal workers, “skilled dead letter detectives.” Sometimes being tasked with opening the letters to find potential clues.
And thus, this becomes our protagonist, Esther “EJ” Cloud’s story when Evelyn dumps some letters addressed to a Miss Mary Ann Evans on her desk.
Soon it becomes clear that these aren’t ordinary letters. And EJ becomes quite fascinated in her intent to find who the mysterious Dorothea, the sender could be.
In the meantime, she has a new neighbor who is determined to involve EJ in rehabilitating her garden. EJ who has enjoyed her quiet spinsterhood, is finding her life being disrupted in more ways than one with this added task at work, and now her quiet life at home being filled with people.
Will all these disruptions and change add something new or special to her life?
And what mysteries will be unraveled behind those dead letters that might spark something for EJ to discover about herself?
Although it doesn’t take center stage, readers are aware that because the book setting is in the south, in 1960, racism is felt through the author’s depiction of the civil rights movement.
The minimal scenes the author exposes readers to involve the rebellions against race, class, segregation, social injustice and sex discrimination of that time. But she also depicts characters being guided towards an allyship journey.
The story is character-driven with a great cast of characters.
Overall, the dialogue and humor keep the story moving at a quick pace, and the historical details help the narrative feel believable. And certainly, the mystery of the dead letters, keep readers curious about EJ’s personal evolution and self-discovery.
The added beauty of this novel is that there is a blend of literary, historical and mystery – with no dead bodies! When has that ever happened in a mystery (no dead bodies)?
And that book cover? So artful. There is something to be said about that flaming red hair (which will be important) and those flowers (gardens also are important here).
This one also came up as a Facebook memory that I thought I had already posted on Goodreads. But since I had not, I am doing so now. Also, I had receiThis one also came up as a Facebook memory that I thought I had already posted on Goodreads. But since I had not, I am doing so now. Also, I had received this as a paperback. Since there is no paperback version shown here on Goodreads, I am posting my review under the Kindle edition.
This is a very different kind of Halloween story. One in which a little girl asks her sister a lot of questions about a Man on the Moon. So much so that she feels compelled to write him a letter and send him some of her Halloween candy and her mask that she wore from Halloween night.
Of course, we can only hope that the postmaster will know how to deliver her letter.
What happens next will be exactly how you would want any book to provide for a perfect ending.
This was a lovely story for any family to read together with their kids.
This book was donated by the authors for our Little Free Library Shed....more
Here is another book that came up on my Facebook memory that I thought I had already posted to my Goodreads reviews. But since I had not, I am doing sHere is another book that came up on my Facebook memory that I thought I had already posted to my Goodreads reviews. But since I had not, I am doing so now.
Sometimes getting someone to smile isn’t as easy as we would like anyone to believe especially a baby.
And in this case as we look at baby Emmie we can see that she is different than the faces of her relatives.
So, what will it take for her to finally smile, to recognize that all the faces that now surround her, love her and accept her, just as she is.
Although the word adoption is never mentioned in the book, you get a sense that Emmie is different – but acceptance is clearly the message conveyed throughout the pages.
Keep turning the pages with your child as you read this lovely illustrated tale and get your child to smile with silly faces and the eventual trick used that helps Emmie see how loved she truly is.
A beautiful story provided by the authors for our Little Free Library Shed. ...more
They were dark charcoal gray knee-high UGG boots. I loved those UGG boots. I remember when they went on sale at N“Every pair of shoes tells a story.”
They were dark charcoal gray knee-high UGG boots. I loved those UGG boots. I remember when they went on sale at Nordstroms when I lived in Southern California. I had saved my dollars so I could buy them. They were the thing! They were perfect when I moved to the Central Coast. So warm and cozy to wear on wintry cold days.
And one day while I was visiting my horse Buddy that I had at the time, I was wearing those very same UGG boots. And then…
Buddy moved left when I wasn’t paying attention (shame on me) and he stepped on my left foot and ended up tearing open my UGG boot. I don’t know what I was more upset about – the torn UGG boot or the torn/strained tendon in my foot. I loved those UGG boots. I was heartbroken when I realized that they were irreplaceable.
But those boots have nothing to do with this story. I just thought the first line, brought that memory back for me.
“One day at a time.”
No, this is Esme’s story. About dreams shattered and changed when a car accident kills her mother and makes her father a paraplegic. So instead of celebration on her college graduation day, she finds herself for the next 7 years taking care of her father and losing herself.
After he dies, this becomes Esme’s opportunity for self-discovery. And through her love of shoes, she takes a month, and baby-sits a dog named Elvis and finds a way to reconcile the past, discover her future, and learn about herself, so that she can create the life she truly deserves.
“You are my north.”
“You are my north, my south, my east, and my west.”
But, will she find her happily ever after?
With a deeply developed cast of characters, that have their own heart-wrenching stories to tell, this is a true gem of a story that will keep any reader wanting to stay with it from the moment they pick it up.
And perhaps have memories about favorite shoes, too!...more
“The heart is the inner face of your life. The human journey strives to make this inner face beautiful. It is here that love gathers within you. Love “The heart is the inner face of your life. The human journey strives to make this inner face beautiful. It is here that love gathers within you. Love is absolutely vital for a human life. For love alone can awaken what is divine within you.”
Catching up…
This is one of those books that is with you, that you pick up and read as you need it when you need it. And so, even as I review it, I share with you, that this book has been with me for years. It is ageless to me. I started reading it slowly years ago. Then I read it cover to cover years ago. I still read it. It is an old book to me. It is a new book to me. I always see it with fresh eyes every time I open its pages.
And so, if you find this book, it may be one that once you get it, you may be like me. You may choose not to let it go.
Listen closely to his opening words…
“It is strange to be here. The mystery never leaves you alone. Behind your image, below your words, above your thought, the silence of another world exists. A world lives within you. No one else can bring you news of this inner world.”
If I were to even begin to attempt to interpret his thoughts, I would consider that he is asking us to go within. To recognize what is in each of us. To see the true artist within each of us. How can we not be mesmerized by what he sees within each of us? Or what he is asking each of us to see that exists within us?
This book taps into the richness of Celtic spirituality, poetry and stories. He explores friendship, awareness, and intimacy. Our senses. Our soul.
He asks us to recognize the aging process as living in rhythm with our soul and our life. Even looking at life all the way through to his last chapter as we affirm death and see it as an invitation to freedom.
There is so much to appreciate about his words. He is truly stirring our soul and stoking the fires of our imagination. He reminds us of the precious gift of present moment living.
Most the time my books are read and reviewed and released to my Little Free Library Shed. But this one evokes a different and deeper meaning for me. And so, it stays with me. Where I can read it again and again. As I need it, when I want it.
The words continue to resonate with me and remind me of the preciousness of life. The gift of what we have been given. And what comes back each time for me is a feeling of immense gratitude. I am grateful for this life.
I read this one years ago, and now I am bringing my review to Goodreads.
I confess, before streaming, and when Opra“I see you! I am here!”
Catching up…
I read this one years ago, and now I am bringing my review to Goodreads.
I confess, before streaming, and when Oprah had her television show, I use to DVR it and would love to watch it when I got home from work. And I remember when she featured the author and his book. So, who didn’t run out and buy this book when Oprah mentioned it? It was a birthday gift to her, and now she made him and his book famous.
Well, if you were too young when this happened, let’s just say that is what occurred with a whole generation at one time. And it wouldn’t have been a bad decision.
Even if it was one of Oprah’s all-time Favorite Things, his collection of reflections were truly gentle wake-up calls for anyone needing positive reminders for the life they wanted to live each day.
As a poet and philosopher, and cancer survivor, Nepo devoted his work to wholeness of mind, body and spirit. He shared that this daybook should be seen as a “spiritual sonnet of our age, a sturdy container for small doses of what matters.”
This daybook which covers the whole year, is an intimacy to all things. It is filled with an appreciation for tears, the art of letting go, friendship, the broken heart, healing, patience, and all the connections that link people with each other.
Also, for each day of the year there is an opportunity to read a daily inspiration, practice a breathing or meditation exercise and/or appreciate a suggestion on what you can do to just contemplate the day.
This book helps readers in a way that speaks directly to the heart about the beauty, bounty and blessings of life. And sometimes it is nice to have that daily reminder....more
Oh, how I love my neighbors and their generosity to my Little Free Library Shed. And, it just so happens that this one is going to be a diCatching up…
Oh, how I love my neighbors and their generosity to my Little Free Library Shed. And, it just so happens that this one is going to be a discussion book for the Mobile Public Library in August which I have been invited to attend via Zoom. So, I am looking forward to the discussion. It was nice to re-visit this book again and catch up with all the characters.
Of course, this is not the typical Grisham. I love Grisham for his courtroom dramas. But he has been known to write other stories that have tugged at the heartstrings, and garnering readers attention.
So, if this isn’t courtroom drama, or a legal thriller, what is it?
Well. It is one of Grisham’s favorite pastimes, baseball. And even though baseball may not be a favorite type of story for me to read, it was something I enjoyed watching as a spectator in my younger days living in Southern California. (I was a Dodgers and Angels fan.)
And, this turned out to be quite a compelling and heart-felt story. So, I am grateful to have let myself be open to a different kind of reading experience.
This is a sweet, simple story. A story with a moral. Most importantly, a story about the importance of forgiveness.
“It’s known as the restorative powers of forgiveness.”
Joe Castle is a 21-year-old rather talented rookie first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. His nickname is the name of the book, Calico Joe. His nickname comes from his hometown of Calico Rock, Arkansas. His talent is all those homeruns he seems to hit every time he comes to bat!
Unfortunately, there is a pitcher, Warren Tracey who doesn’t play fair, and his intentions are to challenge batters which sometimes include throwing balls directly at batter’s heads. Will he do this to Joe?
And then there is the pitcher’s son, Paul, the narrator of the story, who knows that ball is coming but, stands silent as he watches the pitch.
What is going to happen next will leave readers spellbound. But it doesn’t happen right away. Grisham builds to that moment. And when it finally does…many lives will be changed, including Paul’s.
And that is what keeps readers turning pages in this captivating, easy-to-read, beautifully written story.
What will happen years later is what brings this story to its amazing climax. Including the emotions of its readers.
Is redemption possible? Perhaps Kleenex might be welcome in this moment.
But that isn’t the only moment. There is more. Keep reading to its very satisfying end. You’ll need the Kleenex again....more
Love that dog. How can one resist such a title? Or even this book cover? Even some of the poem verses were delightful in honoring the dog.
How did I cLove that dog. How can one resist such a title? Or even this book cover? Even some of the poem verses were delightful in honoring the dog.
How did I come upon this one? My Goodreads friend, Stephen Wallace. He asked me to find him a dog book to read. So, I went searching on my local library database. And I found this one. I was so excited when the search brought this one forward. And then I couldn’t wait to tell Steve about it. The problem was, as soon as I was ready to tell him, I noticed he had already read and reviewed it. Oh well.
The book is actually about the power of poetry to a child. Where kids can express their thoughts and feelings in free verse form.
In this particular story, Jack gets to share the story of the importance of his late dog, Sky. Through his writing. There is much to appreciate about the emotional connection and intellectual attachment between the boy’s feelings and thoughts about how he sees his life and what his dog meant to him.
Especially facing how his dog died. Which may be an important trigger for parents to address with their kids. As well as, how one can process feelings of grief.
“…and especially I liked the dog In the dog poem Because that’s just how My yellow dog Used to lie down, With his tongue all limp And his chin Between his paws And how he’d sometimes Chomp at a fly And then sleep In his loose skin, Just like that poet, Miss Valerie Worth, Says, In her small Dog poem.”
Pass the Kleenex please.
Again…The beauty of a book like this in reading it with a child is to guide them in two ways.
One: To show them that writing – can be done in free form. Journal writing. As an example.
Or, two: Talking about their feelings. Because, if they have lost an important pet to them, just as Jack lost his Sky, this would be an opportunity to talk about their feelings about that loss....more
Whenever I write a post on my Facebook page, I always end my posts this way – Hand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
I do this as an opHand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
Whenever I write a post on my Facebook page, I always end my posts this way – Hand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
I do this as an opportunity to breathe in the moment I am experiencing/reading. As I consider this book, I just want to take it in. Pause. Reflect. To take it in…Because this book experience was truly achingly beautiful. The story gives readers so much…Beauty. Heartache. Tragedy. Pain. Sweetness. Sadness. Gladness. Shock. Readers even feel…Enraged. Helpless. And eventually…Hopeful.
This is a story about what happens when a Black man (Chris) falls in love with a White woman (Sidonie) and they form a relationship and choose to live together. He is a sound engineer. She is the manager of the club where he works.
And then, one day as he heads to his job, he is stopped, and questioned by the police, arrested, and chaos ensues.
And then something else, comes up which creates a fracture in their relationship. Will they be able to overcome these stresses? Will she believe in him?
As readers we are immersed in the emotional depth that the author takes us. And when the characters are pushed to extremes, we can’t help but feel the strain.
The letter that Sidonie writes to Chris calls to all of us to embrace her feelings of concern…(partial shown)
“It’s not that I’m naïve or unaware. Events shock me. I’m outraged about people being treated differently, by the statistics and stories that prove that everything about life in this country can be, and too often is, biased and bigoted against people of color. I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t as aware that everyday people – honest, hard-working good people living their lives while existing in black skin – were just as vulnerable.”
As readers, we can’t help but root for this couple. And, in the author’s note, she shares some insights from her own personal experiences.
Also, through her writing, she has brought a sensitivity and awareness to some of the issues that are key for conversation regarding race and bias.
This is a book that needs to be read and discussed.
This is a beautifully and artfully illustrated book by the author of the short story, “The Arrival.” The same story that was made into a movie in 2016This is a beautifully and artfully illustrated book by the author of the short story, “The Arrival.” The same story that was made into a movie in 2016 and starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forest Whitaker.
But this isn’t about that short story. Although the cover of the book, gives you the same “out-there” feelings. As if someone is walking around in a space age suit, when it really is just a deep sea diver walking on dry land in your neighborhood. Still, even that may be odd trying to look rather normal.
Keeping that picture of the deep sea diver in mind as an example of just one story, this is a collection of short stories set in the Australian suburbs, about how the most outlandish things can appear normal or commonplace.
But this is more than a collection of stories.
The author’s greatest asset is his artwork. His images remind us of Japanese woodcut prints or Renaissance frescoes or sepia photographs. Whatever the vision being presented, they are stunningly beautiful.
One story has children following a map to the end of the world. Literally. They sit with their feet hanging over the edge. Who does that in storytelling? What an extraordinary image. The author allows our own imagination to take us beyond the words and visual image as the reader. Is the world really flat? Or did we just read a charming collection of imaginative art? ...more
This story takes us back and forth in time so that readers can get a better sense of our main characters, Marial, Ned and Florence, and the importanceThis story takes us back and forth in time so that readers can get a better sense of our main characters, Marial, Ned and Florence, and the importance of the Lakeside Supper Club to them. But more than anything we feel the feelings and experience it all…Love. Family. Loss. Community. Devotion.
And there is also the humor. The quirkiness that exists between the complicated relationship of Florence (mother) to Marial and what it will take for the two to come together after years of conflict.
Also, there are the moments of profound sadness as characters address tragedy in different ways.
But mostly readers will be rooting for the characters, in every possible way, through heart-break and tears.
This is truly a heart-felt, thoughtful, joyful, warm hug kind of a story into a lovely community and family life.
As readers we feel this story deeply. We care about each of the characters. We want the best for them. And by the last page, we are sad to leave the town.
This is the second book that came from my local library after I heard about the author’s passing.
The story opens with a boy kneeling at his bedside pThis is the second book that came from my local library after I heard about the author’s passing.
The story opens with a boy kneeling at his bedside putting his hand towards his stuffed bunny rabbit. It looks like he is dressed in his pajamas. He is in a very neat bedroom that has several stuffed animals placed on a dresser or sitting at a table. The books first lines read…
“Somewhere a pair of shoes lies under a chair. A window yawns open. Twilight blazes a trail across the wall.”
There was something surreal about this opening page. About this boy. This room. About a window that yawns open.
The story continues to show a beautiful moon with outdoor life alive. There are vibrant colors painted across the pages. The boy not ready to quite sleep.
But what we soon learn, is that it is more than this set-up, it is really about what happens if the moon could talk all across the world.
And that is the beauty of this beautifully illustrated book.
Through these pages, we visit so many places around the world – nature – people – wild life – and back again to the boy’s room – to find out what happens…
Did you know that this book has beautiful illustrations by Billy Renkl, her talented brother? The cover and the beginning of each chapter is illustratDid you know that this book has beautiful illustrations by Billy Renkl, her talented brother? The cover and the beginning of each chapter is illustrated by him which sets the tone for the seasons.
So, what is a backyard year?
For Renkl it is a way to bring the seasons alive in 52 chapters – a seasonal round – for the animals and plants – in her yard – in nearby parks – where she lives in Tennessee. She is living her despair of the human-caused crises that the natural world faces. She says…
“The very least I owe my wild neighbors is a willingness to witness their struggle, to compensate for their losses in every way I can, and to speak on their behalf about all the ways I can’t.”
Her intentions are to save animals that need mending, or insects, or birds that need food, or provide support for the monarch butterflies, or a haven for tree frogs, whatever it takes to make their living more naturally friendly.
She talks of human-caused global warming that is altering our environment and harming other species. Her awareness of the changes in the natural environment made me aware of the changes that I have noted in our ocean environment, as well, where I live in Morro Bay, CA. We use to see starfish all the time, and over the last few years, so few have been seen, that when we do see one, we seem to cheer when one is spotted. How sad is that?
And Renkl points these changes in our natural environment out readily. Especially noting that fewer birds and animals have come out as well.
Her ecological grief is real. Many of us require fuel to restore our spirits. Renkl’s chapters like…
Praise Song for the Dog’s Marvelous Nose… The Bobcat Next Door… Praise Song for the First Red Leaf of the Gum Tree… Loving the Unloved Animals
Are perfect to read to help restore that fuel.
There were other chapters that brought so much joy to my heart. I found her chapters short and quick reads that definitely gave peace, joy and a sense of hope.
The compliment of words and drawings in this little book by this talented family is worth a visit.
But mostly…the animals and plants so treasured by Renkl need us now more than ever.
4.5 stars rounded up because of the illustrations....more
This is a true story, illustrated children's book.
Which…
Is about William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies who found an abandoned dachshund puppy whiThis is a true story, illustrated children's book.
Which…
Is about William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies who found an abandoned dachshund puppy while visiting Germany in 1928.
And…
For those who don’t know who those two individuals are…
William Randolph Hearst was a famous American businessman, salacious newspaper publisher tycoon and politician known for early tabloid “yellow” journalism.
In his day, it was not unusual for him to sensationalize and use crude exaggeration that presented little or no legitimate, well-researched news to tell a story. He was all about eye-catching headlines that would increase sales of his newspapers.
As well as…
Building a dream castle on a hill that is a centerpiece to his experiences of those seen on his trips with his mother to Europe. He chose the central coast of California for his location, and worked 28 years in collaboration with architect Julia Morgan to achieve his dream.
Now…
Marion Davies was an American actress, and Hearst’s mistress. At the time of their meeting in 1916, she was 19 and he was 53. He took over management of her career and promoted her as a film actress.
For this story…
They brought the puppy from Germany, and named him Gandhi, after the “man of peace who was popular in the news at the time,” home to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.
For those who don’t know…
San Simeon, California is only a few miles up the coastline from Morro Bay, where I live.
And…
Hearst Castle (which was their home at the time) is now a ticket purchase, state park attraction, known as ‘The Enchanted Hilltop.’ https://hearstcastle.org/tour-hearst-...
This beautifully illustrated book follows Gandhi’s boat trip circa 1928, with Hearst and Ms. Davies from Germany to his new home in California.
As well as…
Give readers a sense of puppy life on this beautiful estate, from Gandhi’s point of view, as he discovers his favorite place to be.
Author, Julia Stanert had been a docent at Hearst Castle, and typically would be costumed as Marion Davies on special days at the Castle. Thus, her interest in creating this story.
And…
She was also the publisher of San Simeon Press (2013-2017) which featured this book and her book, “Shelby the Brave Little Pup of San Simeon Bay.”
Which...
Was inspired by her special sighting of an elephant seal pup, which are prevalent along the central coast of California, specifically, San Simeon Cove.
This was a lovely donation to my Little Free Library Shed.
This artistically illustrated book by local Cambria artist, Jayne Koontz and perfectly rhymed prose will appeal to all ages....more
With this book, she has teamed up with the late illustrator/artist, Jerry Pinkney, a Caldecott Medalist. What some may not know about him, is that he was the first African American artist to win a Caldecott Award for his illustration of the 1989 book, “Mirandy and Brother Wind,” written by Patricia C. McKissack.
Also…
He went on to win 5 more! His last win was in 2010…
And…
Was historic, for its wordless adaptation of one of Aesop’s most beloved fables, “The Lion and the Mouse.”
Why am I giving so much attention to the illustrator?
Because…
It is Pinkney who makes this book come alive with his picturesque portrayal of farm life.
I absolutely loved Goodnight Moon, but for this, Brown just provided some rhyming words that didn’t really contribute much.
It really was about the pictures…
Which…
I found absolutely captivating with it’s stunning, rich and vivid illustrations.
And…
Any parent or teacher will find they can tell any story they choose wandering these glorious pages with a child.
Reading level: Age 2-5 years – Pre-school – 3rd grade ...more
There are so many different words that can describe this story, but those above came to mind aHeartwarming. Inspiring. Moving. Engrossing eye-opener.
There are so many different words that can describe this story, but those above came to mind automatically.
How can we not be mesmerized by a person’s dedication to such a beautiful animal? Especially when so many are in danger.
The author reminds us that elephants have a great spirit, and as a conservationist, she knows how important it is for us to save them.
The author’s dedication to creating a rescue center in the wilds of Africa, for injured elephants, orphaned rhinos and hippos tugs at our heartstrings. We want to know that they will be safe and never harmed again.
“My Thula Thula journey had been driven by love. First, I fell in love with my husband (who has since passed away), then the land, and then the elephants. Somehow, the elephants got into my soul.”
The author shares the many challenges of running such a center. But she also gives readers an inside glimpse into the various personalities of the animals that grace the pages. Which adds to her own experience of why she feels compelled to do so.
She also takes us through Covid – looting – poaching – loss of tourism to help pay the extensive bills, as well as the various permits expected in running a game preserve.
This story was educational as much as it was inspiring. For anyone interested in conservation of our wildlife, nature and environment, this book opens the doors to understanding.
The author shares...
“I hope that my story and the story of the elephants…has made you fall just a little in love with them too, and understand the need to protect them. To educate people about conservation and to bring awareness about the vanishing wilderness with the urgent necessity to create more space for all our precious wildlife here in Africa, and in the rest of the world. To take better care of our planet and all of its inhabitants. We must all take on this task with passion and determination, so that future generations will be able to share one of the most profound and beautiful experiences imaginable – to see an elephant, a rhino, a cheetah or a lion roaming free in their natural habitat.”
And yes, as readers, I believe we feel the love, too. Especially when the pictures included add to the beautiful story before us.
This was an in-between book, in which I would read a short story, in-between the novels I was also reading. That way I could take my time Catching up…
This was an in-between book, in which I would read a short story, in-between the novels I was also reading. That way I could take my time and savor the book for as long as I needed it.
Years ago, I read and discussed with my Library Book Discussion group, “The Good Lord Bird.” I still need to write my review for that one. I can tell you that it was an epic discussion experience.
Now…
This one. Also, read a while ago, and I’m now bringing my review to Goodreads. Do you ever think I will catch up with my reviews for all those amazing books that have touched my life?
I guess it will be one book at a time.
So…
With this collection, McBride has a way of writing that captures the soul of his characters through his imagination. It is bold, fearless and original as he takes readers into a variety of lives – human and otherwise.
Speaking of which …
The otherwise is…
A 5-chapter novella charming us with zoo animals. From the narration of an insightful lion humiliated by zoo life, we are treated to an out-of-the-ordinary and unexpected tale that is heart-touching.
And…
In his Author’s note, he shares with readers that he wrote the zoo story as a way to soothe his nephews who were “horrified” by their first visit to one.
Of course…
There are other stories – 9 total. All with colorful, interesting characters.
And…
He provides us these tales in style and setting that are linked by compassion. He features well-drawn characters that are beautifully written.
So…
For those interested, the stories, lyrical in their own way, they will most likely stick with you, long after you turn the last page. ...more
![Rare SIGNED Hearst Castle A Favorite Place To Be Exclusive 1st Ed Hardcover Stanert [Hardcover] Julia Stanert](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698045004l/166253675._SX50_.jpg)
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