Writer and Dreamer at work

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 01/02/2014 by Diane Tulloch

I know Christmas has passed by now, but I just couldn’t resist posting this. It’s not so much about Christmas as year round compassion and sacrifice, love and understanding, we need to teach children all year round. This is gorgeous!

Pashmina – The Little Christmas Goat.

Written By: Geraldine Elsehner

Illustrations by: Angela Kehlenbeck

Published by: Penguing Young Readers Group

Ages: 4 – 8 years

Theme: sacrifice, compassion,gratitude

Opening Lines: It was winter, Snow blanketed the land, ad in Simon’s little house up on the mountain, a fire was burning continually in the stove. The big celebration was getting closer. Tomorrow was Christmas and the children were excited but Manja, their mother, was worried.

Synopsis: With Christmas the next day Simon takes off to hunt for food for the table so his family can have a special Christmas dinner. In the woods he find a small goat which he takes home intending to have it cooked for their Chistmas meal. His children beg to keep it as a pet and are happy to eat just the beans and potatoes instead. Their kindness pays off when the little goat they named Pasmina has babies of her own and their beautiful fluffy white coats grow so fast the family are able to make clothes and sell them from the wool.

Why I like this: A beautiful story of compassion, and tell me, your not a push-over for that lovely cover. Angela only stumbled upon illustrating books for children after she had made a funny little book of pictures for a friend in hospital. The friend insisted she try it as a career and after being spotted at a Frankfurt fair by a publisher in 1996 her first book was published. Here is a website of her illustrations… http://www.other-q.com/angela-kehlenbeck-malereiI.html

The story, not really a Christmas story, is beautifully told by Geraldine, and children will relate easily with a tiny animal and wanting to keep it as a pet. There are many levels here in which conversations can be raised with children on compassion for others and sacrificing something in order to help others. This is a tender story inspired by Geraldine when her daughter’s rabbit lost its fur.

Resources/Findings: I couldn’t find any resources related to the book. I did however find this great little website about how children can learn about caring for their first pet. Or how parents/teachers can show how to care for small animals. http://www.masterpet.co.nz/Small-Pets/ – lots of good information there.

Also another great idea for children especially at school is donating a toy they no longer use or play with for orphan children, or for charities in their area that may benefit from this. There is always donations or fun activities for children to raise money for those less fortunate than them. Ask them why they pick a particular charity. How would a child benefit from what they are doing ie.. raising money or donating a toy. It doesn’t have to be Christmas to start thinking of others, any time of the year is the good time.

Pop over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Angela Kehlenbeck, Children's Picture book, childrens literature, Geraldine Elschner, Susanna Leonard Hill | 16 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 24/01/2014 by Diane Tulloch

The Pipi Swing

Author: Sarona Aiono-Iosefa

Illustrated by: Bruce Potter

Published by: Reed Publishing Ltd 2007

Age: 4 – 8yrs

Theme: family, fun, death and moving on.

Opening lines: “Grandpa’s up to his old tricks again, Mai!” I called to my mother. “What, honey? What’s he doing now?” she yelled back. “He’s just called me to say he wants to take me out dancing, something about a pip swing,” I shouted up the stairs.

Synopsis: A 12 year old girl whose Dad had died years earlier is asked by her Gramps and Grandma to come and have some fun and join them for something called a Pipi Swing. When she asks her Mum won’t tell her what it is. Instead her Mum insists she will have fun. When her Grandparents take her to the beach she learns not only about the Pipi Swing. but also about some much treasured memories of her Dad.

Why I like it: A touching story that will have you reaching for a tissue. What I really like is that it gives you a small window on how people in another culture deal with death. The loving family bond and relationships between a child and her grandparents. The memories she has of her father. The book is full of big clear lined simple illustrations. The author is a New Zealand-born Samoan who began writing children’s books when she found too few Pacific Island children’s books. The illustrator, Bruce was a cartoonist for a number of years and later a portrait painter specialising in oils and began illustrating children’s books in 2000. Both writer and illustrator live in New Zealand.

Research and Findings: An activity for the classroom came with this book…. http://www.pacificpicturebooks.co.nz/the-pipi-swing/

Here’s how to make Pipi fritters, even though I have never had them myself, they do look good….. http://www.nzwomansweekly.co.nz/food/recipes/pipi-fritters/

Oh. and if you are wondering what the Pip Swing is…. go down to the beach, take off your shoes at low tide, then do the twist and eventually you will feel the shells of a pipis under your feet. Enjoy and have fun! While you are all wrapped up warm against the biting chill of winter, I will be off to the beach again this weekend, and spending some time out of the big city, seen as it’s a long weekend.

Posted in Children's literature, Folklore / multicultural, Picture Book Review | Tagged Bruce Potter, Children's Picture book, childrens literature, Sarona Aiono-Iosefa, Susanna Leonard Hill | 27 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 18/01/2014 by Diane Tulloch

Callie Cat, Ice Skater

By: Eileen Spinelli,

Illustrated by: Anne Kennedy

Published by: Albert Whitman & Company, in Illinois USA2007

Age: 5years and up.

Theme: Joy, Friendship,

First Lines: Winter was Callie’s favourite season. In winter she would go ice skating. Callie loved ice skating. She loved it more than chocolate cake. More than her fuzzy red sweater. Even more than going to the mall.

Synopsis: (jacket flap) Day and night, Callie Cat ice skates on the pond in her backyard. She loves to ice skate, loves it more than chocolate cake, more than going to the mall – more than her friends can understand. That is, until the Honeybrook Ice Rink announces a contest, and everyone thinks it could be Callie’s big chance! Now Callie practices day and night. She wants to win the big prize… doesn’t she?

Sometimes doing something you love is its own reward, as Eileen Spinelli’s beautiful story demonstrates. Anne Kennedy’s exuberant art shows a unique heroine in motion.

Why I like it: When I first saw this book on the shelf , picked it up and flicked through the pages, it reminded me very much of a writing friends e-book. Gorgeous illustrations, snow and a competition. While hers was about friendship and that even if your little, you can accomplish anything. This story was about regardless of whether you win or lose, it’s about enjoyment. So even if you lose, you still really win. Because the prize is in doing what you enjoy. So when all her friends thought she would win, it didn’t really matter to Callie when she didn’t.

A beautiful story I thought I would share, since those of you in the northern hemisphere are still weathering the white fluffy stuff. Keep warm.

Resources/Findings: I didn’t find any resources with this story, but did come across a website about behaviours and teaching kids about winning and losing. http://www.kidpointz.com/parenting-articles/tweens-teens/extracurricular-activities/view/winning-losing-teach-kids

Here’s a how to teach pre-schoolers to ice skate…. Other links also available here…. http://preschooler.thebump.com/teach-young-children-ice-skate-5221.html

Here is a link to listen to the story…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me7C1PXajH8

Posted in Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, Eileen Spinelli, Picture book | 18 Comments

Looking ahead – 2014

Posted on 02/01/2014 by Diane Tulloch

The first two days of the bright, sparkling New Year has been about catching up with dear friends. I love it when I hop on Facebook for a few minutes only to have a writer friend or two pop up to say hello, and Happy New Year. Especially wonderful to catch up with those I have lost touch with over the past few months. More likely my lack of presence, due to a hectic full-time work schedule and being exhausted at the end of the day. I feel 2014 regardless of my busy work schedule promises to be a more exciting time for me.

Why and how do I know this? Well let’s see:-

Firstly; I will always be grateful for what 12×12 has done for me; meeting new people, learning and garnering so much inspiration, while enforcing and keeping me honest with my writing. It has also helped me with my inner confidence, and that’s a big plus. So I will be joining again with 12×12 in 2014, if for nothing else, then for the family atmosphere that radiates compassion, understanding and encouragement both in the forum and on facebook.

Secondly; My lovely critique group with whom I have had an amazing year and I am so happy we are soldiering on together again this year. We had some wonderful successes in our little group and I know we will hear of more success stories this year. I can feel it!

Thirdly; Making good use of services that are available to me, especially those I feel will benefit, guide and help mould my writing. Examples I will be looking at are Rate Your Story, and Emma Walton Hamilton’s YA Novel writing course that’s expected to start this year as well as a couple of others. This will depend on my time management, and other factors. Something I will be looking into as the year progresses.

Fourth; Continuing with Perfect Picture Book Friday, I love this. Making new friends through blog hopping and discovering what makes a great picture book in the process.

Fifth: and a biggie for me is time management. Setting up a roster to ensure I at least try to stick to meeting deadlines a little more with enthusiasm, instead of sliding on ice to get in, as I did more than once or twice last year. I am profusely aware of how important this is for me, would benefit my writing and also others with whom I have a “writing” relationship with . I owe it to them also.

I also intend to add more stories to my travel section of this blog, which is long overdue. So watch this space!

With a couple of changes I have made in my working life I feel that the coming year should work a little easier for me. The stress should not be as great as last year with cutting staff hours, and jobs and hiring additions. Believe me, from a boss’s point of view it is certainly not easy, and one goes home worrying, stressed out, and unable to sleep. But 2014 will have non of that… yay! Well, not unless someone knows something I don’t! …. All silent in the back row? Good!

I would love also to take this time to thank YOU who have taken time out of your busy life, to read and comment here. I know how time-consuming it can be at times hopping from one blog to another, especially when something you find interests you and takes you off the path you were first travelling. Without you this blog would not exist. Hugs and Thanks!

So, do I plan on more drafts, revisions and the biggie, submissions? Most certainly. That and the encouragement and love from you, and commitment from me, is what it is all about. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey in 2014.

Yay, looking forward in 2014,

*****************************

Posted in 12x12, Blogs, Children's literature, Picture book, What moves me | Tagged 2014, childrens literature, Creative Writing, Julie Hedlund, JulieHedlund's 12x12, Online Writing, Susanna Leonard Hill | 21 Comments

Christmas Blessings and Best Wishes for 2014

Posted on 25/12/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Nga mihi o te Kirihimete ki a koe (Christmas geetings to you.

It comes but once a year and wherever you are no doubt you will be celebrating it in some form or another. For some it’s the finishing of school or business for the holidays. Maybe you have been packing for that long-awaited trip away. You maybe enjoying the day with family and friends or simply putting your feet up to listen to the Christmas sermons and carols on the radio or tv and enjoy the peace and tranquility with a hot toddy! Some will be cuddled around an open fire after enjoying a day of fun and joy in the snow, while others are slapping on the sunscreen and sunglasses as they enjoy their holiday at the beach.

Many of us, such as myself, will be remembering loved ones and friends who are no longer with us. Only yesterday we heard of a passing of a dear young friend, and while it came as a shock it is the special things about her I will always remember. Her lovely smile, her bravery, and caring, gentle nature with everyone she met. She was an advocate for Children’s Rights in Cambodia, and I will always be grateful for the short time I knew her.

It is also around this time those less fortunate than ourselves, comes to mind. Remembering the good work done at “Big Brother Mouse,” and other organisations, I thought I would share a lovely book I came across during a quick visit to the library last week. I felt it really showed the true spirit of Christmas. I would also like to post this as a tribute to my dear friend, Naram.

The Bears Christmas Surprise

From a story by: Bruno Hachler, adapted and translated by J Alison James

Illustrated by: Angela Kehlenbeck.

Published by: North South Books- New York /London

Age: five and up

Theme: the giving, true meaning of Christmas

First line: It was Christmas Eve. A bear with a red bow tie sat forgotten on the bookshelf. He had been there for years. Hours of play and then neglect had made his fur dull and shaggy. But the corner of his eyes still held the glow from the time when he first was clasped in a child’s arms.

Synopsis: A heart-warming story of a shaggy stuffed bear who slipped out on Christmas eve to join other bears of all shapes and sizes in sneaking into houses and removing the presents from under the Christmas trees and replacing with mysterious little notes. One can only imagine the shock on Christmas morning when children far and wide opened their presents only to find a note and no gift at all. But it is not until they read the note’s simple message do they get the real meaning behind it. What happens next really shows the true spirit of Christmas and the flow-on effect is sweet and a joy. It will bring tears to your eyes.

Why I like it: Bruno Hachler is a Swiss singer song-writer and this is his first book for North South, has brought a new twist to a holiday festive season with page turning anticipation. Angela’s illustrations are cute and wistful. Those stuffed teddy bears thought only of those less fortunate, the tired and old, and lonely. It’s taking this special time to be kind, gentle and forgiving of one another and to remember the true spirit of Christmas. So go ahead, wish someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. a Merry Christmas! Oh, and if you have a stuffed Teddy Bear on your shelf or wardrobe, bring him out and give him a hug too!

Merry Christmas to you all. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends, keep safe, all the best for 2014 and I look forward to seeing you all then.

Posted in Blogs, Folklore / multicultural, Picture book, Picture Book Review, What moves me | Tagged childrens books, Christmas, Naram, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Picture Books for Christmas | 10 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 07/12/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Sadie – The Air Mail Pilot

Written and Illustrated by: Kellie Strom

Published by: David Pickling Books 2007

Ages: 5 – 8 years

Themes: determination, courage

Opening Lines: Once upon a time a few brave pilots in little planes flew the Air Mail. Early one morning at Air Mail HQ, the Chief was giving orders to every pilot on the base… well almost every pilot.

Synopsis: from Amazon… Sadie is a brave and fearless pilot who overcomes the elements – and even a plane crash – to deliver the mail. Like all the dedicated Air Mail pilots, she is kept busy by the arrival of never-ending sacks of mail and the Air Mail HQ chief who barks orders at his staff. But that won’t stop Sadie from getting it delivered.

Why I Like it: Earlier this year I sent a Birthday parcel to a friend, in what I thought was plenty of time. Only thing was, their Postal system decided to go on strike for three months a week after I had sent it. I was terribly disappointed not only because she would not get the item on time (or earlier), but it reflected the postal system as a whole world-wide. She was delighted of course when it did finally turn up and it was shortly after that I came across this adorable book which renewed my faith in the Postal system. It made me smile! Exquisite colourful, lively illustrations would grab any reader, girl or boy. Such detail one would need to read it more than once for the illustrations alone, combing fact with fiction, with details of inside planes to the whimsical space-like runway and scenery. Kellie cleverly brings many animals such as elephant, cat, pig, ostrich, alligator, mice… and so on, together in a very human situation. The story itself is set in South America and the text, in prose, is broken on a few pages by a rhyming refrain. “Things look grim, but don’t get nervous, Northing scares the Air Mail Service”, and another is; “The winds may blow ice and snow, But still the Air Mail’s got to go!” I also noticed the way in which the text was laid out with more on some pages, less on others, the building up of suspense and page turners. For a young book it has a lot in it to admire from a writers point of view. Even the first line quoted above “Once upon a time…” is written on a page before the title page; interesting!

Resources/Findings: Here is Sadie’s very own website and although it hasn’t been updated since 2009 it shows some of the exquisite illustrations I was talking about and some interesting articles…. http://www.sadiethepilot.com/

Here’s a fun reading of the book with a look at some of the illustrations…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3JmcUR_bUo

A website of historical facts on the early postal air pilots, stamp collecting etc… http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibits/2c2a_earlypilots.html

A great school activity would be designing Christmas stamps, or hold a Christmas stamp competition.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Kellie Strom, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill | 14 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 23/11/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Junk Man’s Daughter

Author: Sonia Levitin

Illustrations by: Guy Porfirio

Published by: Sleeping Bear Press (October 2007)

Ages: 6 and up

Themes: Hope, hard work, dreams, and determination

First Lines: When we were still in the old country, every night Papa told my brothers and me about America. “You will see, Hanna,”Papa said. “There are streets of gold.”

Synopsis: The family moved to America believing the streets were made of gold. But soon after arriving, Hanna and her family learned that the streets were not paved with gold as her father had promised Her parents had to work hard to make ends meet. Hanna and her brothers had to sleep on a mattress on the floor. One day Hanna sees something glinting in the sunlight, something like gold! She and her family begin to collect “junk” from the streets to sell and after long days and nights and much hard work, they finally earn enough to buy a cart and then to buy a truck to haul the junk around. By the time Hanna is an adult the family owns a fleet of trucks and a very profitable company proving hard work and determination, wins out in the end.

Why I like it: This is another heart-warming story that I would love to keep. Young readers will empathise with Hanna’s longing for a better life The beautiful warm illustrations are so life-like and life between the old country and America is so striking. I love the details and facial expressions.

Sonia Levitin writes with compassion and having been born in Germany just before World War 11 and escaping the Nazi, leaving all her possessions for a better life in America with her family, she has a true sense of what it must have been like. She is also an award-winning author of more than forty books.

This is Sonia’s website… http://www.sonialevitin.com/

Guy Porfirio dreamt of becoming an accomplished illustrator when he was a young child. Well, after seeing this book and then his website, I have to say he is a MASTER at his craft. The New York Times best selling illustrator has illustrated many, many books and now living in Tucson Arizona with his family. Just pop over and be blown away by his artwork…. INCREDIBLE! … Drool! www.guyportirio.com

Resources/Findings: Interesting teachers tool … http://jwa.org/teach/golearn

The following are a couple of ideas to help entertain kids and benefit the environment.

This is a great website on recycle crafts for kids… http://www.favecrafts.com/Earth-Day-Crafts/16-Recycle-Crafts-for-Kids

Another website on recycled craft ideas… http://www.planetpals.com/recycle_crafts_kids.html

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, childrens literature, Guy Porfirio, Sonia Levitin, Susanna Leonard Hill | 23 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 16/11/2013 by Diane Tulloch

One Boy’s War

Author: Lynn Hugging-Cooper

Illustrated by: Benfold Haywood

Published by: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Ages: 7 – 11years

Themes: War, Hope, longing, despair

Opening Lines: WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED! The papers are full of the news that the Germans have attacked France. Pa is restless. His pals are rushing off in droves to join up. He says, “It’s every man’s duty to fight for King and Country.”

Synopsis: from the front flap – It is 1914, and 16 year-old Sydney is bursting to get a crack at the Kaiser. Fired up by the military recruitment campaigns and the brave men going off to fight in the Great War, he runs away to enlist, but soon finds himself in a frontline trench where reality – and the rats – begin to bite. Told through Sydney’s optimistic letters home and his journal, this is his honest portrayal of the disillusionment and degradation in the trenches of World War 1.

Why I like it: Described as an outstanding, fearless book it is based on a true story of the real Sydney Dobson who perished in World War 1. Told from the view-point of the young soldier, who lied about his age, so he could follow his father in to battle. This is a dramatic account of life in the trenches, with huge water-colour illustrations leaving nothing to the imagination. The ending is both powerful and heart wrenching, not quite what I expected. You could say this story broke a few rules as picture books go. Still, I would enjoy reading it again as both text and illustrations are captivating. This would be a great school library addition. With the 100 year anniversary of Wold War 1 in 2014, this would make a great contribution to discussions about war, past and present. Not only of the effects it has on its soldiers but also of the people left behind.

Resources/Findings: The back pages of this book have some facts of Sydney Dobson and about World War 1.

http://www.oneboyswar.co.uk/3.html

There are a number of pages, resources on war .. here is one on the effect it has on environment and children…. http://cultureofpeace.org/impactofwar

Here’s another http://www.ppu.org.uk/chidren/children_effect_yugo.html

An interesting and informative website with many links for teachers and parents. http://www.reachandteach.com/content/article.php/2005120617102976

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged Children's Picture book, Lybn Hugging-Cooper, Picture book, Susanna Leonard Hill | 33 Comments

Month of Idea’s and a SCBWI Workshop

Posted on 13/11/2013 by Diane Tulloch

November is one of the busiest times of the year for writer’s, with so much going on in different groups. Writing festivals, conferences are just a couple. There are also great fun ways of gaining ideas and encouraging each other in writing and illustrating.

Like my friend Tina, at Tina’s Tidbits, I also enjoy the Picture Book Month series, started by children’s author Diane de Las Casas, where a picture book author/illustrator will share about why picture books are special. So pop over and register.

Another series happening this month is SkADaMo. My lovely friend Julie Rowan-Zoch is completing that challenge. I love peering in to see what lovely creative illustrations she has come up with. So wade on over and have a look at how she is going on Julie Rowan-Zoch Blog.

Sometimes we need just a little push or maybe (in my case) a kick in-the-rear to come up with some ideas for stories. BiPolMo instigated by Tara Laza of Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) is here again this November with over four hundred writers and illustrations around the world tuning in, (like me), for encouragement, ideas, tips and tricks in writing and illustrating from the best of the best in the field. All we have to do is come up with thirty ideas in thirty days. There are prizes to be won and the encouragement and camaraderie is second-to-none. Your idea might simply be a line, a paragraph or just a title. Whatever it is, just write it down and with any luck during the following year some may flourish into beautiful stories.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending one of our countries first SCBWI Picture Book Workshop 101. Ideas for a story pulled from a hat to having both acclaimed author Sally Sutton of such books as Charlotte Frisbee and the Slime Attack, and award-winning illustrator Nina Rycroft of such titles as Pooka and Dinosaurs Love Cheese, to name a few, collaborating together on a picture book story board in front of our eyes was such an amazing experience. It is not known fact that an author and illustrator can be found in the same room, let alone demonstrate the building of an idea, feeding off one another and the audience in order to capture a story in first draft. This energized and fun-filled workshop was dotted with tips and demonstrations, use of plot, language, dialogue, page turns and story arc. We even were taught how to draw a mouse. How cool is that? Here is my one.

So what writing challenge are trying out this month?

Posted in Children's literature, ideas for writing, Picture book | Tagged Kiwi-SCBWI, PiBoldMo, Picture Book Month, SCBWI, SkADaMo, Tara Lazer | 13 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 09/11/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Adventures of Riley – Operation Orangutan

By: Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz

Illustrations and Layouts by: Ulkutay and Ulkutay, London.

Published by: Eaglemont Press 2007

Ages: four years and up.

Theme: adventure, science, excitement.

Opening Lines: “Pippen has been gone for days and I can’t find him anywhere!” said Riley. “But I have to go or I’ll miss my flight.”

Synopsis: While his mother stays home looking for his cat, 9 year old Riley travels to Borneo with his Uncle, a scientist. and extended family members including cousin Alice. Searching for orangutans, learning their habitat and environment issues, Riley embarks on an adventure in an unusual hot air balloon. After spotting sun bears, flying frogs and strangler figs, Riley makes a rain forest discovery. Will this be his new pet, and what rare event does he witness in the unpredictable forests of Borneo? You will have to get this book to find out.

Why I like this: This book is one in a series of “Adventures of Riley” by Amanda and Laura. Every book contains fascinating fact boxes, a glossary of terms, additional information at the back of the book, and a smart blend of illustration and “real-life” photography, with different stories, a different place, different animals, and each a great learning tool, captivating young readers, with adventure and action in the wilds whether Riley is in the jungle or out on the ice. Like in all the books, there is a letter in the front of the book inviting Riley to join his Uncle and other extended family on an adventure kids would jump to have a chance at!

Interesting Note: Produced with the assistance of wildlife experts from the Smithsonian, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the World Wildlife Fund, the series’ titles include Tigers in Terai, Safari in South Africa, and Amazon River Rescue. The books are published by Eaglemont Press, a Washington-based publishing company cofounded by Lumry that specializes in books that focus on nature and the environment. Other books by Lumry draw on her talent as a photographer, including Homespun: An Intimate Portrait of an Amish and Mennonite Community and Cayman: A Photographic Journey through the Islands, the last which features over 200 photographs by Lumry and Wengerd that bring to life the three-island group that is a favorite of tourists.

Resources/Findings: The book itself is dotted with facts, at the back is a glossary and links for more information.

Here are some other books in the series, with links to more…. http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Riley-Polar-Bear-Puzzle/dp/054506838X/ref=pd_sim_b_5

http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Riley-Safari-South-Africa/dp/0545068266/ref=pd_sim_b_4

Here is an interview with the author… http://grist.org/article/lumry/full/

This is a website listing resource links for kids with pets… http://m.parenthood.com/article/detail.php?article=5543