Dog Band by Regan W. H. Macaulay

Dog Band by Regan W. H. Macaulay is a delightful and creative story about a group of dogs who start a band. The challenge is that they don’t know what type of music to play, so they go about asking their friends for advice.

This is such a cute story. Between the fun text by Macaulay and the colorful illustrations by Wei Lu, this book is destined to entertain youngsters.

There is so much to enjoy about Dog Band. The band receives a variety of answers with great reasoning behind their friends’ choices. The author includes some pronunciations for readers as well, so they understand how to say different breed names.

Children who like reading stories about animals, children who have a love for music, and those who appreciate fun stories will want to read Dog Band.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

• Publisher : Iguana Books (March 23, 2021)
• Language : English
• Paperback : 32 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1771804750
• ISBN-13 : 978-1771804752
• Reading age : Baby – 8 years

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish Series by Stephanie Guzman

If parents are looking for a fun series that teaches kids vital interpersonal skills, they don’t need to look any further than The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish, a series by author Stephanie Guzman.  

When readers first meet Oliver in Invitation Slip-up, the cheerful clownfish is not his usual happy self. It seems everyone has been invited to Sally the seahorse’s birthday party except he. It sure doesn’t help that his friend Paul is talking about what a great time it will be. Hurt and angry, Oliver finally confronts Sally, which leads him to find that sometimes things aren’t the way they seem.

In Acting Cool, Oliver and Paul enjoy playing with their new neighbor, Dolly, a dolphin whose body is covered in neon shapes. They spend the rest of the summer together, but when school starts, their friend Sally says she isn’t going to play with Dolly because of the way she looks. Paul and Oliver want to be cool, so at first they go along; but in the end, Oliver decides he must do what is right.

My youngest daughter (6) and I have read these books, together and separately. She is drawn to the vibrant illustrations provided by P.S. Babu  (Invitation Slip-up) and TD (Acting Cool), and the ease with which she can read through them. I, on the other hand, like a story where animal characters display human characteristics and deal with human conflicts. I feel this makes the message of the book easier for children to accept and appreciate. Most of all, though, these are delightful stories that will engage your youngster. I’m sure my daughter and I will be reading The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish again.

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Invitation Slip-Up

Publisher: Not So Plain Jane Publishing

ISBN-10: 1596640014

ISBN-13: 978-1596640016

SRP:  $14.95

Acting Cool

Publisher: Not So Plain Jane Publishing

ISBN-10: 1596640022

ISBN-13: 978-1596640023

SRP:  $14.95

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Sully’s Topsy Tale by Donna J. Shepherd

What is a snake who only sings solo supposed to do when he gets laryngitis? You’ll find out when you pick up a copy of Sully’s Topsy Tale by Donna J. Shepherd.

In this final book in the Topsy Tales trilogy, Sully the Snake is so used to singing solo that when he gets laryngitis, he and the other animals aren’t sure how to deal with the silence. One by one, Sully’s friends take a turn at livening up the jungle, giving Sully time to rest his sore throat and teaching him a wonderful lesson in the process.

This is the first book in the series I’ve read. Now, I want to buy the other two.  This is a fun, rhyming tale of friendship that teaches children to appreciate each other’s talents–an excellent lesson at any age.

Having also read Shepherd’s Poodle & Doodle, I can tell you this book is just as enjoyable as the story of that prissy little poodle who became upset when a mangy mutt was brought home. I’ve always enjoyed stories that assigned human characteristics to animals and used them to gently teach children important life lessons. Shepherd’s books accomplish this task well.

Kevin Collier is the illustrator for this one, which kind of surprised me. I can usually pick out Kevin’s work easily. While you can still see his style of wide, round eyes and bright colors, the lines coming more to a point, the jagged edges, and the color selection all blend together with this jazzy story to create a lovely compliment to the words.

Sully’s Topsy Tale is a story many youngsters are sure to enjoy!

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

ISBN-10: 1616330473

ISBN-13: 978-1616330477

SRP:  $10.95

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Iggy the Iguana Pays TC&TBC a Visit

Today The Children’s and Teen’s Book Connection has a special visitor–Iggy the Iguana from the Iggy the Iguana series of books by Melissa Williams.

We reviewed the first book in this series yesterday. You can check out that review here. We figured we would sit down with Iggy and get his point of view on a couple of things.

Hi Iggy, it’s great to have you with us today. It sure seems like you have a lot going on, so we’re happy to get a chance to sit down and talk with you. 

I’m happy to be here!  I love interviews!

Looks like you’re starting off the year in a new school.  What’s that been like? Have you made some new friends?

I have started a new school, and I have to say the experience has been a pleasant surprise.  I was so nervous to change schools because I moved from a private “All-Lizard” school to a public “All-Animal” school.  It’s a complete eye opening experience to be around the different animals … but it didn’t take long to make friends at all! 

What about your new teacher?  Is she nice or is she a meanie?

Mrs. Buff?  She is really nice and caring.  If you talk too much in class, she will still make you sit out at recess, but she never yells or gets angry.  It takes her a while to get around the classroom. My friend Snap thinks she has arthritis in her feet.  I just think that is the way older terrier dogs walk.

What’s up with Kit Kat? He seems, I don’t know, a bit crazy at times?

Kit Kat is in his own world that’s for sure!  He can be a trouble maker at times, but he has always been cool to hang out with.  Wait, actually, I had to go to the principal’s office because of Kit Kat once.  Sometimes you have to be careful when it comes to who you hang out with.

Is it fun being best friends with a turtle?  I mean, it doesn’t sound like you and Snap would have a lot in common.

Snap is the coolest friend in the world.  He is like a brother to me now!  We both love baseball and the beach, but you’re right we have a lot of differences too.  Our differences have actually made us become better friends.  We teach each other a lot about life and our backgrounds.  Snap’s an only child and his mom died a few years ago.  I have a little sister and both of my parents are still married.  Being around Snap has shown me that even if you go through difficult times, you can become a stronger animal because of it.

How about that younger sister of yours? She has some interesting outfits.

Ha!  Molly … so you noticed.  Yes, she basically won’t wear anything but pink and every outfit has to be some sort of a costume.  Tutus, fairy wings, princess crowns, and cheerleading skirts are the usual.  Oh, and Molly’s biggest nightmare is a pair of pants.

From browsing through the pages of the book it sure seems like faith plays an important part in your life.  Is that true?  Does anybody tease you about it?

It is a big part of my life.  My parents have always taught me to believe in something greater than myself.  My mom has always told me that God always has a plan and that is something I believe from the bottom of my heart.  I haven’t gotten teased for my faith, but if I ever do, it won’t matter.  I would actually be really disappointed in the animal that ever dared to make fun.

Can we talk about Liz for a minute?  She sure seems nice.  Do you like her?

Ummm … Well, yeah, you could say that.  It took awhile, but she finally accepted my Valentine! Liz is another best friend to me … and I kinda had a secret crush on her all year.  She was the first animal I met at Memorial Elementary.  She was so nice to me and showed me to my classroom on our first day of 4th grade.

Hey Iggy, it seems like our time is up, man. It sure goes by quick when you’ve got a great friend to chat with. Where can our readers find you if they want to catch up with you again?

I have a website!  www.IggytheIguana.com!  My first book just came out in audio book too.  My books are also on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com.

Take care, Iggy.  I hope you come back and visit us again real soon.

Thanks!  I had so much fun too!

Iggy the Iguana

Iggy the Iguana is the first book in the Iggy Chapter Book Series for ages 7 to 11. The story focuses on the major themes of acceptance, friendship, and diversity while Iggy starts a brand new school. The transition from a private “all-lizard” school to a public “all-animal” school is eye opening, as Iggy soon accepts that just because other animals are different doesn’t mean they can’t be your friends. By the end of Iggy’s 4th grade year, he realizes that changing schools was the best move he could have ever made!

Summer League (Sequel)

Summer League is the second book in the Iggy the Iguana Chapter Book Series for ages 7 to 11. After an exciting school year, Iggy and his friends kick off their summer vacation with some fun in the sun and … baseball! While playing on his All-Star little league team, Iggy faces a very difficult situation that could change his future in sports forever. Iggy learns many valuable lessons during the summer, most importantly, it is not wise to keep secrets from adults and we can’t judge others on the outside.

Melissa M. Williams is an advocate for literacy and creativity in children. Her children’s chapter books were inspired by real life experiences with childhood pets she owned while growing up in Houston, Texas. While finishing her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, Melissa started substitute teaching for elementary schools in order to understand the daily life of her young audience. The students helped her create relatable and realistic stories while including lessons, values and acceptance within the story-line. In addition to writing, Melissa spends most of the school year speaking to students about her own journey as an author and the process of creative writing, while encouraging each student to think outside the box, follow their inner passion, and write their own stories.

Win the Iggy the Iguana Give Away!

 Including the Newly Released Items in Iggy Collection, Snap Shell the Turtle (Plush Doll), Iggy Collector’s Baseball Cards, and The Read3Zero T-Shirt … supporting the fight against illiteracy 30 minutes at a time. Be our most active visitor during the tour for a chance to win this Iggy Collection — the tour schedule is posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2010/01/iggy-iguana-and-melissa-m-williams-tour.html to make it easy for you to visit and comment. To learn more about Iggy and Melissa Williams – visit www.iggytheiguana.com.

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Iggy the Iguana by Melissa Williams

Get ready for Iggy the Iguana by Melissa Williams. Iggy is nine years old and starting at a new school. It’s hard to move and make new friends. Iggy is one nervous iguana. He’s got an annoying younger sister too. And man does Molly have some outrageous outfits.

But soon Iggy starts to make new friends. He’s got his best friend, Snap Shell, a turtle,  and an off-the-wall cat named Kit Kat. His new teacher is really nice too. There is one tiny problem though–his friend Liz is also an iguana, and Iggy is crushing on her. Oh, and there’s that bully, Buddy the Bullfrog. Seems he’s the principal’s grandson and takes full advantage of that. Not only that, Buddy might like Liz too!

Will Iggy survive fourth grade?

I found a lot to like about Iggy the Iguana. In a fun and engaging way, this book explores the challenges of being the new kid at school, moving into a new place, making new friends, and dealing with people that are different from you.

The cast of characters is as fascinating as the storyline, and readers ages 7 to 11 will be totally captivated by Iggy and his friends. Though I adore Iggy and his circle of new friends, I found his younger sister Molly stole my heart.  One minute annoying and the next cute as a button, it looks like she will continue to be a thorn in Iggy’s side for several more years. I also like that Iggy’s parents play a significant role in this book. Iggy’s dad is a marathon runner. He has a big race coming up that the family turns out to support him in.

My only sticking point is that a good portion of the book deals with Iggy’s crush on Liz. As a parent, I have a hard time trying to imagine a nine-year-old boy having a crush that is strong enough for him to be jealous of the attention another boy pays to a girl. Now, this is a very innocent crush and I’ll admit to being a bit old fashioned in this regard, but I also have an eight-year-old daughter.  Boys are pretty much the farthest thing from her mind, and that doesn’t bother me one bit.  🙂 I think Williams did an excellent job in how she handled this particular aspect of the book, I just didn’t care for it.

The illustrations provided by Kelley Stengle are absolutely charming. I love the cover art on this one. And that picture of Molly in her wedding outfit made me crack up.

Iggy the Iguana is going to be a huge hit with readers. It helps kids appreciate their differences and lets them know that they are not the only ones dealing with certain difficult situations.

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Publisher: LongTale Publishing Inc.

ISBN-10: 098180540X

ISBN-13: 978-0981805405

SRP:  $9.99

Iggy the Iguana

Iggy the Iguana is the first book in the Iggy Chapter Book Series for ages 7 to 11. The story focuses on the major themes of acceptance, friendship, and diversity while Iggy starts a brand new school. The transition from a private “all-lizard” school to a public “all-animal” school is eye opening, as Iggy soon accepts that just because other animals are different doesn’t mean they can’t be your friends. By the end of Iggy’s 4th grade year, he realizes that changing schools was the best move he could have ever made!

Summer League (Sequel)

Summer League is the second book in the Iggy the Iguana Chapter Book Series for ages 7 to 11. After an exciting school year, Iggy and his friends kick off their summer vacation with some fun in the sun and … baseball! While playing on his All-Star little league team, Iggy faces a very difficult situation that could change his future in sports forever. Iggy learns many valuable lessons during the summer, most importantly, it is not wise to keep secrets from adults and we can’t judge others on the outside.

Melissa M. Williams is an advocate for literacy and creativity in children. Her children’s chapter books were inspired by real life experiences with childhood pets she owned while growing up in Houston, Texas. While finishing her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, Melissa started substitute teaching for elementary schools in order to understand the daily life of her young audience. The students helped her create relatable and realistic stories while including lessons, values and acceptance within the story-line. In addition to writing, Melissa spends most of the school year speaking to students about her own journey as an author and the process of creative writing, while encouraging each student to think outside the box, follow their inner passion, and write their own stories.

Win the Iggy the Iguana Give Away!

 Including the Newly Released Items in Iggy Collection, Snap Shell the Turtle (Plush Doll), Iggy Collector’s Baseball Cards, and The Read3Zero T-Shirt … supporting the fight against illiteracy 30 minutes at a time. Be our most active visitor during the tour for a chance to win this Iggy Collection — the tour schedule is posted at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2010/01/iggy-iguana-and-melissa-m-williams-tour.html to make it easy for you to visit and comment. To learn more about Iggy and Melissa Williams – visit www.iggytheiguana.com.

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