The Steller Sea Lion is a perfect story to show readers why zoos
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Astro: The Steller Sea Lion is a perfect story to show readers why zoos, protected nature preserves and animal sanctuaries exist. Astro was rescued as a very young pup. With no other sea lions around where he was found, the rescue workers kept him alive. Even after many attempts to acclimate him back to living int he ocean, he found his way back to the people.

Zoos and animal sanctuaries were formed to give animals who cannot live on their own in the wild anymore, a safe place to live where they are cared for. For this reason, it is very important for strict guidelines and regulations to be in place to keep these facilities top notch and in the best condition possible for the safety of these animals.

Jeanne Walker Harvey did right by her telling of this story to educate. Well done. A great non-fiction book to put on your child's book shelf.

Shennen Bersani brings the book to realistic life with her life-like illustrations.

Published by Sylvan Dell Publishing.
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Smokey Bear: The Cub Who Left His Pawprints on History is a book that will leave its paw prints on the hearts of its readers. This book speaks to both young and old animal lovers alike. Signell gets into the psyche of her animal characters, personifying them in a way that the reader can relate to without sentiment or cartoonishness. The short chapters make this long tome an easy read.
Signell's keen observation of animal's body language and voice intonations, along with sounds and smells bring this story to life. It becomes fully dimensional, not just words on a page. Signell researched her subject for such a long time that I'd swear she became part bear in the process. She inhabits her animal characters.
There are things to be learned from every aspect of this book. The reader comes away more knowledgeable about animals and nature, fires and captivity and will never take any of these for granted again.

This book is a classic that will go through time. It should be recommended reading in schools and offered in every national park book stand everywhere. It's an insightful, informative great read!

~~Paulette Frankl, Author and Artist
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What's New at the Zoo? takes the reader on an animal adding adventure. This learning zoo adventure begins: "Two hungry pandas eat a bamboo lunch. One cub joins the meal. How many crunch and munch? 2 + 1 = ?" Through delightful rhyming text and numerals Ms. Slade creates a wonderfully engaging learning experience for children. Each page offers a new addition problem.

Within the rhyming text Ms. Slade cleverly weaves information about animals and the names of the baby animals pictured. Did you know that a baby mammoth boa is called a neonate? But that's not all: the illustrations are striking - they are vivid, realistic and elaborate.
Children will love reading this entertaining and educational picture book, in fact, they may not even realize they're learning in the process.

An added feature to this book is the "For Creative Minds" and "Animal Matching Activity" educational section in the back. It offers additional math problems and solutions as well as information on the animals mentioned in the book. It also explains the differences in the animal classes: mammals, birds and reptiles, and asks the reader to put each of the animals shown within the book into their correct class.

I read this book to my three-year-old grand son. He said his favorite part was the picture with the peacocks. I then had my eight-year-old great nephew read it to me while answering the addition questions. They both enjoyed this book as will all children within the intended age group and even those a little younger. I highly recommend What's New at the Zoo?

About the author: Suzanne Slade is the author of over 60 books for children. Her works include picture books, and biographies, as well as many non-fiction titles about animals, sports, insects, planets, and various science topics. During an earlier engineering career, she worked on Delta rockets and designed automotive braking systems. Ms. Slade lives near Chicago with her husband, two children, and their tiny dog, Corduroy.

About the illustrator: Joan Waites spent 15 years as a neo-natal intensive care nurse prior to studying illustration and launching her freelance career. In addition to What's New at the Zoo? Joan has illustrated nearly 40 books for the educational and trade marketplace. She is also an adjunct member of The Corcoran Museum School of Arts and Design in Washington, DC, where she teaches various children's classes for the college's Aspiring Artists programs.

Reviewed by Karen Cioffi-Ventrice: Freelance writer and reviewer for BookPleasures.
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My daughter absolutely loves this book...so much so that since we discovered it at the library, we kept renewing it until the library told us we couldn't anymore, so here I am!

The story is sweet - its written simply for a child to understand, but not dumbed down - it's an intelligent little tale with beautiful illustrations.  The illustrations are "raised" so there's a touch-and-feel element.  The binding is strong and the pages are thick, so it can withstand a little bit of rough page turning typical of younger kids.

As a burgeoning, possible future marine biologist, my 6-year-old adores seals, whales and other ocean mammals, so this book has a special place in our heart.  Sometimes she just sits with and looks at it happily.  Whether your child has aspirations to be a "sea animal doctor" as my little girl loves to say, or just generally loves sea animals (especially seals), they'll probably love this book.
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"All Aboard the Ark" is a delightful rendition of the Noah's Ark story. My son smiled ear to ear as I read it to him. He also enjoyed flipping back and forth though the pages by himself, naming off each of the different pairs of animals. As a board book, it's durable enough to stand up to little hands. The illustrations are full of beautiful pastel colors and adorable animals as they go about their journey in the Ark. The writing is easy and fun to read with rhyming prose throughout.  The story is actually told through the animals' prospective: "Two by two, We leave the ark. Sing a song, Roar or bark!

This book is perfect for children, ages one through four, and makes a wonderful introduction to the story in the Bible. For evaluation purposes, I've received a complimentary book from the publisher, however, the views and opinions expressed here are purely those of my own.
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With 'First in Space' James Vining tells the true story of the first monkey shot into space with brilliant simplicity.
He manages to keep an overall upbeat, almost whimsical tone throughout the story's telling even as the chimp faces the physical, mental and emotional tests involved with his role in the space race and the narrative never falls into becoming didactic as many historical tales do, leaving the reader to their own conclusions as the story comes to a close.
The pictures reflect the heart of the words well with playful shape and line.  It's not just got eye candy, but eye protein more importantly.
I found this a delightful and educational read; a must have for any adult or child interested in chimps, space or stories grounded in this nation's history.
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Phokey is one of our family's favorite stories. A true tale about a California sea otter who has amazing adventures that warm the heart of both children and adults.  The book is written by the female marine biologist who helped develop the Monterrey Aquarium's otter refuge and is beautifully illustrated. We use Phokey in our Art Camps for story time and inspiration for Under the Sea-themed weeks. After many years without, we ordered it again to keep in our family collection of children's literature.

* Highly recommend this treasured book. *
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This book is delightful and informative, sure to please animal lovers, young and old. The writing is direct and clear, making it also a great choice for struggling and reluctant readers. The illustrations are paired with fun captions, attractively designed. One picture, of a pug puppy, could melt even a dog hater's heart. The choice of subjects--a parrot genius, a skydiving pug, and a talented pot-bellied pig--makes for a well-rounded combination. A book like this not only informs young readers, it could inspire them to learn how to train their own pets. This is a great addition to classroom libraries. Students will find it eye-catching and entertaining.
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The One and Only Ivan is a story about an extremely brave and courageous silver back gorilla; his name is Ivan. Ivan and his twin sister were captured as babies in the wild and taken away with the intention of having both live behind bars somewhere. His sister never made it, she died in transport, and Ivan ended up as a store front gorilla behind glass and bars at the Big Top Shopping Mall.

For years Ivan lived with his friend Stella the elephant there but over the years, business has dwindled and Stella has a bad foot and can't perform like she once did. The owner of the mall, Mack, decides to bring in a baby elephant to help business; her name is Ruby. Ruby was taken from the wild just like Ivan.

Ivan makes a promise to Stella that he intends to keep, a promise of a better life for Ruby, the new arrival at the mall where he lives. Through his artistic ability and with help from a special little girl, he may just be able to keep his promise and help them all.

The story is told by Ivan and he shares what he has learned about life and humans over the years. His voice is pitch perfect, and although it is sad in parts, it can make you chuckle as well. It is a story that will make even young readers (8+) think about what is really best for animals, and it will make older readers think twice about some of Ivan's observations about us humans as well.

I loved this story and thought it was tastefully done and award-worthy. The author does not come across too strong as an animal right's activist, but through Ivan's observations, most of which are spot on, not much more needs to be said.

Ivan's Thoughts on PATIENCE

"I've learned to understand human words over the years, but understanding human speech is not the same as understanding humans.

Humans speak too much. They chatter like chimps, crowding the world with their noise even when they have nothing to say.

It took me some time to recognize all those human sounds, to weave words into things. But I was patient.

Patient is a useful way to be when you are an ape.
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I was immediately drawn to this book on account of the vibrant and adorable cover. For the same reason, my daughter eagerly agreed to read it with me when it arrived in the mail. Since our initial read through we have revisited this book a number of times.
Goodnight, Ark is an enjoyable read aloud book for both parents and children alike. Children will delight in the playfully funny story and the lovable almost snuggly looking animals will capture their imaginations. Parents will appreciate the ease of reciting the sing-song rhyme. Additionally, the ellipsis that appear before the turn of each page leave the reader and listener(s) anticipating the conclusion of the stanza.
Apart from the name there are no other attributes that make this a Christian storybook. It could just as easily be titled Goodnight Zookeeper because there are no scriptural references or mentions of God in the text.
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This book snuck up on me, the writing feels simplistic at first until you understand and see the beauty in reading from Ivan's perspective. I read it aloud to my children (using voices)  and I think that hearing it aloud made the voice of Ivan a little more tangible for my boys.  My oldest son had picked it up and didn't really get into it, however after reading reviews I decided to try reading it aloud. Best decision, we were all anxious every bedtime to read the next bit and became emotionally attached to Ivan, Stella, Ruby and Bob.  It paints a realistic portrait of captivity for animals that is easy for children to understand, without some of the more gruesome elements.  It led to some really wonderful discussions with my boys, questions about zoos and circuses, what it is like for animals in the wild and how we view the lives of an animal.  I am especially glad now that we read it at bedtime together so I could be part of the dialogue, especially for my younger son who had lots of questions and lots of input. I think that for older independent readers there would be no issues whatsoever.
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Hannah loves her job working as a keeper in the small mammals building at the zoo, but it isn't without its problems. For one thing, she is aromatically attracted to her boss, Chris but an involvement with him could put her job--the world's greatest job--at risk if it doesn't work out. And then there is the matter of someone poisoning the lemurs. Who would do such a thing? And, oh yeah, one of her colleagues is murdered and the body left in front of an exhibit in her building.

This is a great book to snuggle up with in front of a fire on a cold winter night. Or to take to the beach if you're reading in the summer. It's not going to change your life but it will keep you very entertained and teach you a bit about animals and life as a zookeeper. It is just the thing for taking your mind off your own troubles and relaxing a bit.
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This book was a pleasant surprise. The pictures are beautiful, the story is very sweet and informative at the same time. The transparent pages are great for children to try and discover the different underwater animals behind seagrass and rocks - very interactive without being over the top. I absolutely recommend this book.
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"Dear Zoo" has been updated and given a new look for its 25th Anniversary! Sturdy flaps and humorous, engaging text are combined with simple illustrations to entertain a new generation of young readers.

A child writes to the zoo to send him a pet. The zoo sends various animals, in crates and boxes (presented as a flap in the book), but none of the animals are suitable for the child. An elephant is too big, a giraffe is too tall, a lion is too fierce, a camel is to grumpy, and so on. Until they send a perfect pet - a puppy!

Kids will love guessing which animal is inside the box, since each drawing reveals some details to give just a little hint. Also parents can imitate the animal sounds to help children remember their names!

Julia Shpak
Author of "Power of Plentiful Wisdom". Available on Amazon.
For more reviews on children's books visit my blog "Julia's Library" at:  ForwardQuoteDOTcom
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As a mother of a 3 year old daughter and an early childhood educator, this is probably my most favorite book available.
The story revolves around a monkey who spies a banana tree on an island across the way and tricks the crocodiles into making a bridge for him to go over and retrieve some bananas.  Each page is very colorfully illustrated and is told in a very catchy poetic form.  Through the story you count crocodiles from one to ten and back again.  The book is short but puts a smile on your face all the way through.
This story is excellent for teaching values, sequence in stories and in counting, and is a great introduction to crocodiles.  A huge fan of The Crocodile Hunter, my daughter finds this story entertaining, and is one of the only stories she asks me to read over and over.  It's nice because this is one of the only stories I like reading over and over!
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This book is perfect for book lovers! Anyone who hasn't want to put down a book with enjoy sharing this adorable tale with their children. Two frogs are supposed to go surfing, but one frog cannot put his book down. The story of a man trying to catch a whale is too good to wait. While they make their way to the beach, that frog continues reading, and his comments about the story get the other frog interested in the story. So much so that he ends up reading when they get to the beach.

The drawings were cute. The language was simple. The story was just so great. I read this book alone, but I will definitely need to read it with my son as he's a book lover too. I think he will appreciate the story.

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Once again, Billi Tiner writes about the amazing bond between humans and animals.  Good people doin the right thing, even when it's hard, and animals understanding and doing what people can't do without them.

This story is a series of exciting rescues that honors the strengths of each character and the love and trust that makes a team, and a family.

It is rare to find a book eveyone in a large family will be able to understand and enjoy.  This book passes that test, keeping the story exciting and emotional.

Here's what I see as the book's great strength:  It is for learning readers, but doesn't sacrifice story for reading level.  The littlest youngster who hears this read aloud will follow the story and be emotionally involved.  The grade school student who reads this on his own will find it a page turner, and have a positve reading experience.

Anyone, young or old, who loves or longs to own a pet will love this book.  Anyone who cherishes or longs for meaningful relationships will love this book.

This makes it a great choice for family read-aloud time:  an exciting adventure that shows the love and trust that make a team and a family.