This storybook of seven stories for older children also includes beginning information for the child and the parent, as well as an afterword. The stories usually feature a named animal encountering another animal and include "Olivia and the Parrot," "Waldo and the Dove," "Ronny and the Hen," "Petunia and the Eagle," "Phone and the Crane," "Tabor and the Owl," and "Kiya: The Cat Who Turned Into an Angel." The opening title provides the name's origin and the explanation of the symbol. Each story asks what is the message of the story and relates, in detail, messages such as trusting yourself, being responsible, being honest, not being bossy, getting in touch with your feelings, and learning about loss. Each story also ends with a picture to color. However, all the stories stand alone with their messages, as given by the animals, and can be discussed before reading the sections on what the message is.

This delightfully charming and well-written book should be on the bookshelf for children to read and reread. The stories are all fun and meaningful, and by using animals to tell the tales, children will be engaged with reading them. The prose and detailed descriptions are engaging, and the dialogue is easy to follow. The artwork is very inviting, and the coloring page at the end of each story further engages the child. Each story tells its own truth, and the ending message leads to further discussion of each story's moral, which helps reiterate that truth. In short, this is a beautiful way for children to develop themselves while having fun learning.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Return to USR Home