Animal Talk

Animal Talk By: Joyce Grant-Smith

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This Book was AMAZING!!! I love animals so this book hits a special spot in my heart. "Animal Talk" is a compilation of stories of how Animals and their Humans can communicate and  help each other, and how animals, even small ones can be life savers and  Heroes/Heroines. they exhibit great characteristics, that even some humans find it hard to embrace. for instance, Devotion- Shown by Rascal and Forest, even though they didn't like each other, they came together in the interest of a Common Love. Heroes Such as Indiana Jones, Who saved his human family from certain death. The Story of Ency "Little Mother" who proved to live up to her nickname. The stories of the Therapy Dogs, Jenna and Brook who brought smiles and rehabilitation to a lot of other people besides their humans, and Arthur the dog who teaches the love of learning to Children. Then Tim, who saved many lives and apprehended many criminals during his career. This book goes to show that animals are loving, caring, peaceful animals who want one thing, to be treated as equals and with respect. I loved all of these stories, and if you're a true animal lover you will too.

Kira's Secret

Kira's Secret By: Orysia Dawydiak

Kira's Secret is a Children's Chapter book, at 156 pages it is a fantastic read, and yet another tale of Mythical Creatures that I and the Children I read to will thoroughly enjoy. Orysia whose name sounds a little like a Fairy tale Queen was the first born child to Immigrant parents who settled in Northern Ontario. I imagine "Kira's Secret" may well be a little look into her life has a child, as she Grew up in Canada, but was raised on a diet rich in Ukrainian traditions and stories, Almost like she was living in two worlds at once. She now lives in Prince Edward Island where she raises Sheep and Dogs. She has written books on livestock protection dogs, and also award-winning fiction for children and young adults. Her first novel, "House of Bears" was published by Acorn in 2009, but is not a children's novel.

I Find Kira's Secret to be a magical story, one that may match children's books such as The Little Mermaid, and Other Princess tales in lives of children (little girls especially), Kira is a strong role model to look up to, she knows what she wants and she strives to find out the truth no matter what it takes. The only thing about this book that I would like to see is a sequel (you'll probably feel the same at the end of the book, I can't say why because I don't want to ruin the ending ;)...) All-in-all I thought this was a wonderful book I recommend it to any young readers, and maybe even the older readers, if you're looking for a little of that childhood magic we all loved, and want to hold on to.

"Dreamtime" By: Deirdre Kessler

Illustrated By: Christina Patterson

This is a very Cute Children's book, very short, Just right for helping young Children learn how to read, and also for helping the little ones Drift off into dreamland. The illustrations are very well done, and at first glance of this book I saw something very close to my heart (Light house). The Cover photo actually reminds me a lot of my home town, which I don't get to see very often, so this book is another that really touches me. I love reading, and I especially love reading to Children so rest assured this book will get plenty of use. 

A little about the people who made this book:

Deirdre Kessler, has written five children's novels, which have won the Canadian Children's Book Center Award. Seven Picture books. She also teaches creative writing and Children's Literature at the University of Prince  Edward Island.

Christina Patterson, Lives in Charlottetown with her husband, She  has won numerous awards and competitions for her fantastic art. besides illustrations, she also does Personalized clay portraits and designs for living. Her art has been featured on Regis and Kelly, CBC, CTV's Live at 5 and many News articles across Canada. 

Bud The Spud

Stompin' Tom Connors: Bud The Spud
Illustrations by: Brenda Jones

When I saw this book I had to Have it!  My Father sang "Bud The Spud" to my siblings and I all the time while we were growing up, He still sings it now when he comes home from Alberta. My Father as always Loved Stompin' Tom, so of course growing up hearing it everyday, you either love or hate it. I love it!! Hearing/Reading Bud the spud really makes me feel Nostalgic, and gives me great joy.

For those of you who may not know who Stompin' Tom Connors is, He is a Canadian Legend, in Contemporary Music, He was raised on Prince Edward Island, and has spent  a lot of time as a traveling Musician, he has 37 albums, and several films as well as T.V series accredited to him. If you haven't heard the song Bud the Spud, here is a little treat for you :) Enjoy.