The lighting of the Christmas tree at the ‘V Zoo’

Boy! Did we have a great Christmas lighting party. Everyone came. Margot Finke was here as were Donna Shepherd, Jennifer Gladen, Kevin Collier, Barbara Techel, Kim Chatel, Sue Thurman, Shari Lyel-Soffe, Dianne Sagan and Lanaia Lee. My boss Joy got us a beautiful tree and along with all her friends and zookeepers, they decorated the tree.

But, as this is a zoo, animals do unpredictable things. First Billy got into the act. He wanted to put the star on top of the tree. Well, Star thought she should, after all it is her name. Star had it in her mouth ready to place it when Billy climbed up her neck, grabbed it and took off. He almost knocked the tree down in the process. It took Jabira to stop him. Ever since Billy woke him up that night by jumping on him in his exhibit, Billy’s been afraid he’ll do something to him. So, when he approached Billy, Billy dropped the star and slinked away back to his mother.
When that was all settled, then Fred and Elvis started arguing about who should turn on the lights. Well, I guess you could say it was a total ZOO!

Thanks for all who came and for those who read and follow our, um, my blog.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! See you Sunday with more zoo news from around the world. I’m taking Christmas day off.

Book Review: Professor Horace Cryptozoologist by Kevin Collier

Good evening everyone in Bloggerville. Zebee here. I hope all of you in the USA had a great Thanksgiving.

Today we are meeting with Professor Horace, Cryptozoologist. Well, we’re going to talk about a clever book written and illustrated by Kevin Collier about the Professor and his adventures.

Professor Horace is curious about creatures of legends and myths. He sets out on a grand adventure to see if he can find any of these creatures. I won’t spoil the story, but it’s a wild ride he takes you on.

The illustrations are great, as are all of Kevin’s books. They draw you in and really add to the story with all the extra things that are in them. (This was my favorite part of the book.)

One of the things my boss Joy liked about the book was the index at the end of the story. All the mythical creatures in the story are indexed by the pages they appear on as well as a few sentences about the origins of each of them.

Where can you get this great book? You can find it at

Check out Professor Horace’s web page and learn even more about all those mythical creatures in the book and also learn about cryptozoology.

Another cool thing that Kevin is doing is he’s donating all the proceeds from sales of the book to his son’s school, St. John’s Lutheran School. So pop over to either Guardian Angel Publishing or Amazonand pick up your copy today.

Learn more about Kevin and his work at these sites:
I Christian TV

The Collier homepage

Another thing that Kevin does, is teach drawing to kids of all ages. You can check out some quick drawing lessons at Young Artist Workshop. Here ANYONE can learn to draw.

Okay, I guess that’s it for tonight. Now, I wonder if we could have any of the mythical creatures come and visit us here. I think I’d like to meet a unicorn or maybe the Loch Ness monster. I know, maybe I can get permission to . . .

Book Review: No More Gunk by Donna Shepherd

Good morning everyone, Zebee here. Another one of my boss Joy’s friends is visiting with one of her books. Donna Shepherd wrote No More Gunk and brought it to share today. Let’s learn about it together.

* * * * *NO MORE GUNK and OUCH SUNBURN by Donna Shepherd
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Kevin Scott Collier

PUBLISHED BY: Guardian Angel Publishing (Health & Hygiene Children's Book)

DOUBLE DOOZIE – TWO BOOKS IN ONE!

ISBN: PRINT: Double Doozie: 13-978-1-933090-91-8

E-book: NO MORE GUNK: 13-978-1-933090-91-7

E-book: OUCH! SUNBURN: 13-978-1-933090-60-3

READING LEVEL: Ages 3 on up

Here are what Reviewers have to say:
Humorous, rhyming prose with funny artwork gets a high five, especially when coupled with a second free book! - Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Assistant Editor -- Stories for Children Magazine

A Valuable Mixture of FUN and Practical - Some books for children from ages 4 to 8 are just fun to read--over and over. NO MORE GUNK combines fun with practical. Parents are able to help their children understand the value of consistently brushing their teeth and removing gunk. The snappy rhymes combine with vivid illustrations from Kevin Collier and the combination is irresistible. While not evident on the front cover, you get two books for the price of one with this title. OUCH SUNBURN! teaches the danger from the sun and how small children can protect themselves. Simple thoughtful words combine with terrific artwork. If you have small children, this book could become a read aloud favorite. - Terry Whalin, Agent, Editor, Writer

* * * * *
My boss Joy and Donna read the book to all of us here at the ‘V Zoo’. After hearing them, I’m glad I’m a zebra! How would I hold a toothbrush? The vets come by once a year and check my teeth. They must be perfect because all they ever do is look at them. And as for sunburn, can you imagine a zebra with a sunburn? I’m glad I have a nice fur coat to protect me since I spend most of my days in the sun.
Donna’s book is funny and I’m sure when mom’s and dad’s read it to their children they all laugh. It’s a good way to teach such important lessons.
Thanks for sharing Donna.

* * * * *Now, here are a bunch of links to cool stuff connected to this book. Go check them out!
Book Trailer – really cute!
Buy the book here: Amazon
No More Gunk blog coloring pages
Ouch Sunburn blog more coloring pages
I’m running over here to get the coloring pages. Maybe my boss Joy will let me paint. I’ve seen Lox the elephant paint. How hard can it be?

Donna’s website learn more about Donna and her other books.

Guardian Angel Publishing This is her publisher.

* * * * *

Well, that’s all for today. I’m going to hide in my boss Joy’s car so I can go to the TV studio with her and watch the taping this afternoon. I’ll tell you all about it on Tuesday.

Book Review: The Misadventures of Rooter & Snuffle by Shari Lyle-Soffe

It's Thursday and that means book review day. Hi there, Zebee here. We have the second book of Shari Lyle-Soffe for you today. Let's read the review and see what Rooter and Snuffle are up to in The Misadventures of Rooter & Snuffle. I'll talk to you after we read the review.

REVIEW BY HEIDI STRAWSER....
These little paperback books each contain 3 short stories. The suggested age range is 3 to 9.

Before I tell you about the books, I'd like to introduce you to the author:

Shari Lyle-Soffe has been writing since 1998. Her work has appeared in Children's Playmate, Babybug, Ladybug, Highlights for Children, Schooldays, Holidays & Seasonal Celebrations, Story Friend, The Friend, Hopscotch, Bread for God's Children, Pack-o-Fun, Wee Ones, Wild Animal Baby, Dragonfly Spirit, Holiday Crafts 4 Kids, Stories for Children,and Lighthouse Story Collection. She has three picture/storybooks with Guardian Angel Publishing Inc. titled "The Misadventures of Rooter and Snuffle","On the Go With Rooter and Snuffle", and "Trouble Finds Rooter and Snuffle".

And now, more about the Rooter & Snuffle books.

First in the series is The Misadventures of Rooter & Snuffle. This book follows the tales of two racoon brothers as they rely on their faith to see them through difficult, and sometimes dangerous, times. They learn to find the answers for themselves. And although these brothers may not always agree on everything, in the end they always care about each other. The three short stories in this book are: "The Search," "Rooter's Rule," and "Danger at River Bend." This particular title also includes a 4-part activity page for extra fun.

The second book is called On the Go with Rooter & Snuffle. In this book, the young brother raccoons find that others may not always see things the way they do. But when troubles and disagreements do arise, they are no match for a strong faith, the love of a brother, and the help of good friends. This one includes short stories entitled "Why Our School Stinks," "Follow a Star," and "Something is Fishy."

Third in the series is Trouble Finds Rooter & Snuffle. Once again the rascally raccoon brothers aren't looking for trouble but it finds them anyway. As they look for a way out of trouble, they learn true friendship isn't selfish, everyone is special, and we can all protect wildlife by caring for the environment where we live. The 3 short stories in this title are: "My True Friends," "The Pity Party," and "Yes We Can."
These books are really very sweet. The stories may center around raccoons, but they face many of the same challenges that our children face these days. At first, it often seems like they won't be able to get out of the fixes they find themselves in, but they always try to think about the Christian way to handle things, and they find themselves coming out on top!

These books are illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier. If you are familiar with the Summer Reading Splash program that I managed for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, then you might recognize our mascot, Splish the frog, that Kevin created for us. Kevin has written and/or illustrated over 70 books, and is well-known for his whimsical,colorful creations. Though these particular books are more heavy on words than illustrations, his additions are just enough to make the stories "pop" of the pages.

After reading the books, your children will enjoy visiting the author's coloring page website, where you can print out fun coloring pages (also drawn by Kevin and featuring the Rooter & Snuffle characters). Rooter & Snuffle also have their own website, where you can learn more about them and the whole cast of characters in the Rooter & Snuffle series, learn more about the author and illustrator, find where to purchase the books, read some reviews, and play some fun raccoon games.If these books sound like something your children would enjoy, be sure to keep a watch on Splish's blog, where I will be giving them away. (You can sign up to receive updates via e-mail, making it easy to keep track.)

* * * * * * * * * *

Boy, these books sound like something I'd like my boss Joy to read to us. I think I'll pop over to Guardian Angel Publishing and buy all three. Join me and then we can check out the Rooter and Snuffle website, the fun coloring pages and all the other links mentioned in this great review.

See you Sunday with more zoo news. Until then, READ!

Find out more about Shari and her books at the sites below.

FUN FOR THE KIDS

PREVIEW OF WIP

DIFFERENTLY-ABLED DEFINITELY CAPABLE

NEWS FROM THE ANGELS

Book Review: Trouble finds Rooter and Snuffle by Shari Lyle-Soffe

Good morning from Bloggerville. Zebee here and today we have a book about raccoons for you. Thanks for sharing your great book with us Shari. I hope my boss Joy shares your other books with us too. So, lets learn about Rooter and Snuffle in this review by Mayra Calvani.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Trouble Finds Rooter and Snuffle"

Author: Shari Lyle-Soffe

Illustrator: Kevin Scott Collier

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-933090-85-6

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-933090-72-62008

Paperback, 19 pages, $9.95

Suggested age: 3 (read to age) to 9 (read alone)

In this the third book of the Rooter & Snuffle raccoon series, Soffe gives us three more delightful short tales, each with an important message.

In "My True Friends," Rooter falls under the bad influence of Twitcher, the bully rabbit, and turns his back on his friends. Fortunately, this new attitude of his doesn't last long and he's able to realize what a true friend means. More importantly, he does something about it.

In "The Pity Party," Little Snuffle is feeling sorry for himself--is having, in fact, a pity party. Luckily, Rooter makes up a new game to help his little raccoon brother regain his confidence. Rooter reminds him that we all have our special gifts, we just have to find what those gifts are.

In "Yes We Can," Mrs. Quackers the duck is in serious trouble, and it's up to Rooter and Snuffle to help her and her baby ducklings. When they don't succeed, however, they must get the help of Slappy Beaver. As it turns out, it was a piece of garbage what almost killed the mother duck. This story teaches how we can protect wild animals from getting hurt by simply throwing the garbage in a can instead of leaving it everywhere for creatures to find. It is a story that teaches responsibility and a love and respect for animals.

Whenever I read the words "Rooter & Snuffle", I know I'm in for a good time. I have read all of the books in this series and enjoyed them all. What I like most about this author is that she teaches Christian values without being 'preachy'. The short tales are fun and engaging, and Collier's bright illustrations a symphony of colors on the pages. The expressions on the animal faces are just darling, transmitting their emotions to the reader. If you have young children (3 & up), I can whole-heartedly recommend this series!

* * * * * * * * * *

Check out what Shari and Kevin are working on now. Looks like another great story.

I’m running over to Shari’s blog to learn more about Rooter and Snuffle, raccoon games and facts and grab her coloring page. Last one there buys everyone ice cream!

Book Review Thursday : Maybe We Are Flamingos

Hi everyone. Today we have a real treat for you. My boss Joy wrote a review for the book ‘Maybe We Are Flamingos’. What a cute book.
***** ***** ***** *****

Maybe we are Flamingos
By Safari Sue Thurman and illustrated by Kevin Collier

Flora and Fernando are two baby flamingos. They are born a beautiful fluffy white. As they grow up they turn gray. They worry, we aren’t pink like everyone else, are we really flamingos? Follow them on their hilarious adventure as they learn how flamingos get their color and wonder what they would look like if things were different.

'Maybe We Are Flamingos' is easy to read and understand. Sue Thurman is a gifted storyteller. She weaves facts about flamingos into a truly enjoyable story. Kevin Collier’s artistic skill makes the words come to life. You know exactly how little Flora and Fernando feel and see what great imaginations these two baby flamingos have.

This is one of those stories your children or grandchildren will beg you to read over and over. This will be a treasured addition to any child’s library.
***** ***** ***** *****









A note from Joy:
I read this book by translating it to Spanish to my two grand daughters. They giggled and helped out with the colors and when I finished reading it, they asked me to read it over again right away. Thank you Sue for writing such a delightful story and Kevin for your great illustrations that bring smiles to children of all ages.

Okay, so where can you go to purchase the book? Check out Guardian Angel Publishing.
The book comes as a in your hands book, ebook (both PDF and the cool Flip book formats) or you can order a CD of the ebook.



See you Sunday with lots of good zoo news!
Zebee signing off.

Review of Margot Finke’s ‘Rattlesnake Jam’

Hi everyone out there in Bloggerville. Zebee here.

All I can say is Wow! Today we are here with Mayra Calvani and Margot Finke (some more of my boss Joy’s friends) to share a review Mayra wrote about Margot’s most recent book Rattlesnake Jam.

This is a cute rhyming book that all children will love, but let’s see what Mayra has to say. I’ll be back in a bit.
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Rattlesnake Jam is a hilariously funny children’s picture book about an old couple who share an irresistible affection for rattlesnakes. There’s only one problem: While Pa would rather have the rattlesnakes turned into fritters or pie, old Gran prefers them turned into jam… disgustingly green, sweetened, gooey rattlesnake jam!

So no matter how cold the weather is, there goes brave Pa hunting after the snakes. And as he hunts them, he fantasizes about the various ways Gran could cook them—hot on a plate, fried, sliced on white rice, hmmm… But no way will his dreams ever become a reality, for as readers will learn “…snake cooked for Pa was not in Gran’s plan. She dreamed of them sweetened and made into jam.” Though Gran swears her special jam can cure colds, gout and wheeze, not to mention “troublesome knees”, everyone dislikes the taste of her ghastly creation. Will Gran ever stop? And what would happen to Pa, if she ever did?

Colliers’s colorful, wacky illustrations complement Finke’s humorous rhyme perfectly. Gran is grossly comical with her toothless grin, warts, bell pepper nose, and tough exterior. The reader will feel sorry for Pa, who seems completely under Gran’s control. The book has 28 pages in all, and each story page has an illustration with a short text at the bottom—a two or four line rhyme, like this one:

Drop in chunky slices, stir well with a spoon.
Add mysterious spices! Gran hummed a wild tune.
The way to Gran’s heart was through rattlers galore,
Making rattler jam bubble, ‘til it flowed on the floor.

The song-like cadence will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Snakes are reptiles that inspire both fear and fascination, especially in children, and it was clever of the author to use them as victims instead of villains in this book. This is a fine addition to Finke’s series of rhyming books about animals. Whimsical and amusing, Rattlesnake Jam is one of those books young children will beg their parents to read to them again and again.

Reviewed by Mayra Calvani
* * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks Mayra.

Oh, Margot wanted me to tell you that if you pop over to her website she has some great treats for you like rattler recipes, a rattlesnake puzzle, coloring sheet of Kevin’s fun art and more. You can also win an autographed copy of the book by entering her writing contest. So what are you waiting for? See you over there. Now, who can I get to write my story of when the rattlesnake got . . .

Margot Finke: http://www.margotfinke.com/ Blog: http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/
E-Mail: mfinke@verizon.net Autographed copies from this page on my website:
http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/My%20Other%20Books.htm#other

Rattlesnake Jam
By Margot E. Finke
Illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier
Guardian Angel Publishing
12430 Tesson Ferry Road #186
Saint Louis, MO 63128 USA
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/
publisher @guardianangelpublishing.com
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-24-5
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-00-9
MAY 2008
Paperback, 28 pages, $10.95
Ages 4 & Up