Book Review: The Sound Snatcher by Linda Bryan Sabin

Good morning book fans. I have a cute, (but scary) book to share with you today.
My boss Joy read us this morning while the zookeepers were cleaning and getting ready to open for the day. Let’s see what she has to tell you about this story.

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“The Sound Snatcher” is a cute rhyming story about a very special vacuum in Mark’s house. He’s curious about what this thing does. It cleans the floor like all vacuums do, but, it also eats up sounds. It eats the clock ticking sound, the phone ringing even the cat meowing and the dog barking! Is there any sound the sound snatcher doesn’t snatch?

The illustrations are great. They walk you through the adventures of this sound snatching machine. If you have a child who isn’t sure about what they think of your vacuum, this book just might be a good book to have. At the end of the story, there are several pages with questions and vocabulary words you can use with your little ones to learn more.

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Can you imagine a zoo with no noise? We all decided that we like the story but don’t want the sound snatcher to visit us here at the V Zoo unless he’s not plugged in.

Where can you pick up your copy? Why at Peekingkitty of course.

See you back here Sunday, and remember to let me know about your local zoos Halloween activities so I can share them with the rest of the crowd here at Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa.

posted by Zebee aka Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Fun ways to help children learn
Books Go Beyond Reading

Book Review: The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett

Good morning book review fans, Zebee here. Today I'm going to share a book with all of you that my boss Joy just finished reading to us. It's called "The Three SnowBears."

Do you know the story of Goldilocks? This is Goldilocks with a twist. This story takes place in Alaska with a little girl named Aloo-ki. She's an Inuit eskimo. She's out fishing with her sled dogs one day when the dogs drift away from her on a piece of the ice that's melting. On her hunt for them, she comes across an igloo and can't resist going inside to check it out. I'm not going to tell you any more, you'll have to read it for yourself.

The artwork in Jan's books is always beautiful. She illustrates the story, but on the sides of the main illustratoins she has other pictures of things that are going on as well. Like in this book, the main pictures show you what A;oo-ki is doing and the side pictures show you what the bears and sled dogs are doing. I really like that. There's so much to see on each page.

Our polar bears Cindy and Clide, really liked the book. Cindy wants a coat like mama snow bear's.

Okay, so where can you buy this beautiful book?

Barnes and Noble

Booksense

Books a Million

Borders

That's all for today. Oh, go visit your local library, you never know what you might find there!

Bye until Sunday!

posted by Zebee aka Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
You learned that from a picture book!?!
Books Go Beyond Reading

TV Interview with María Chuzema!

Hello all you out there in Bloggerville, Zebee here. Well, my boss Joy has been working hard to bring you a short video of her interview with María Chuzema, a local children’s TV personality who loves books. The interview was done in Spanish, so if you don’t understand Spanish I’ll give you a breakdown.

María and Joy discussed how the book came about, why Joy feels it’s important to have bilingual books, they read in both languages to show the children watching what a bilingual book is and talk about the activity book and teacher’s guide. If everything is used, my boss Joy will be on the show for a full half hour! Talk about great publicity!

The show will air on tuTV in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, October 22nd. That’s the same day the two of them are introducing the book to the press and a group of school children. So, here’s the video, I hope you like it.



See you Thursday with another great book review.

Book Review: What do you do with a kangaroo? By Mercer Mayer

Hello everyone, Zebee here. Okay, here is the book review I promised two weeks ago. This was my boss Joy’s favorite book to read to Rebekha and her brother Daniel when they were young.

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What do you do with a kangaroo? by Mercer Mayer
Published by: Scholastic
ISBN 10: 0-590-44850-1

Review by: Joy Delgado
One of my favorite children books, What do you do with a kangaroo? takes you on a journey into the imagination of a little girl. She goes through her whole day imagining what she would do if first a kangaroo jumps in her bedroom window, well let me quote:

What do you do with a Kangaroo
who jumps in your window, sits on your bed,
and says,
“I never sleep on wrinkled sheets,
so change them now and make them smooth,
and fluff up the pillow if you please.”

What do you do?

You throw him out, that’s what you do.
“Get out of my bed you Kangaroo!”
The story goes on with encounters of the oddest sorts. She meets an opossum, a llama, a raccoon, a moose, a tiger and a camel. What does she do? Throws them out, but they all come back at the end of the day. She what she does in the end when they all want to sleep in her bed.

The illustrations are by Mercer Mayer and they are spectacular. These pictures are rich and full of detail and really bring the story to life.

I highly recommend searching for and acquiring a copy of this book and letting your imagination sore. First copyrighted in 1973, it is still around today.

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My boss Joy brought it by the ‘V Zoo’ a while back and read it to all of us. And here’s what some of us had to say about it:

Jewel the giraffe: “What a fun story. I like the llama the best.”

Lito the gerenuk: “That little girl has guts. I don’t know what I’d do if I encountered a tiger, no offense Simon.”

Simon the tiger: “No offense taken Lito. I wonder what it’s like riding a tricycle.”

Billy the chimp: “I know what I’d do if I were in the story. I’d hang from the ceiling fan and spin around until I got dizzy then I’d jump down and run all over the house. Can I mom, huh?”

Brindi, Billy’s mom: “No Billy, but you can swing from the ropes here today and pretend, okay?”

Billy: “Okay, if that’s all I can do.”


Personally I liked the story, but one thing was missing. A zebra!
Until Sunday, stay safe and dry, my boss Joy is STILL getting lots of rain.

The Activity Book is printed! Picture book printing soon!

Hi everyone in Bloggerville. Zebee here. Today my boss Joy is on the phone with Kelly from 3 A Press, where the book is being printed. I want to hear what they are talking about. Let’s listen in.

“Joy, I just wanted to tell you that the Activity Book is being printed as we are speaking.”

“That’s great Kelly. I can hardly wait to see how it looks in print. I’ve looked at it on my computer screen for so long, it will be strange to hold it in my hands and turn the pages.”

“It looks really good. Also, if things go according to plan, the picture book will be printed Friday. Are you and Julio still planning on being here for that?”

“You bet. We wouldn’t miss it. Can I bring my camera and make a short movie of the printing process? I want to put it on the internet. Sort of a ‘virtual field trip’ for my readers.”

“That’s a great idea. Of course you can.”

“Great. Well, I’ll wait for your call later this week to see if it’s a go for Friday. Thanks Kelly for everything.”

“No problem Joy. We’ll talk in a few days. Bye.”

“Bye Kelly.”

Wow! That sounds really good. I wish I could go along, but I don’t think I fit in the car. Well, I’ll keep you all posted and as soon as the video is ready I know my boss Joy will put it here first.

See you Thursday with a special visitor and a review I wrote about her book.

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.)

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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: "Don't Eat Platypus Stew" by Margot Finke

Today we have the last (sniff, sniff) of Margot Finke's books to review. We have really looked forward to Margot's visits and will miss her. I know that when her next book comes out she'll stop by and share it with us.

Anyway, here she comes, I can't wait to hear today's story. Talk to you later.

Hi Margot, what do you have for us today?

Well Zebee, today I'm reading you and your zoo friends the last in my series of rhyming books about animals from the US and Australia. Zebee's zoo friends tell me they have had fun listening to me read all my books on CD. "Don't Eat Platypus Stew" tells 3 rhyming tales about cool Aussie critters: The platypus, the koala, and the kookaburra bird.

I am reading it from my laptop, and the illustrations jump bright and clear onto the screen - all the Zoo friends oo-h and aha! They also think it's fun to hear the pages flip over.
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SAMPLE VERSES:

"Platypus Stew"
Who built the Platypus? Ridiculous name!Was it someone you know, just playing a game?With fur from the beaver to help keep it warm,They added webbed-feet to swim up a storm!Perhaps you'll approve of its duck-like flat bill?But young laid in eggs? . . . Well I never will!
"Koala Capers"The Koala Bear is very rare,So much so, you’re allowed to stare.They’re soft, and gray, and cute as well,You’ve gotta love them – can’t you tell?
"Kooky Kookaburra"
Kookaburra's hunt for mice and snakes,
They don’t eat grass, or sissy seed-cakes.
And if one asks you out to dine, Bring your own eats – you’ll be just fine
<><><><><><><><><><>REVIEW:
Genre: Children's

Title: Don't Eat Platypus Stew - 30 pages

Author: Margot Finke

Illustrator: Rebecca M. Holdsworth

Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing -

ISBN: 1 920972 13 7

Sunday, January 14, 2007Children's Writer Margot Finke Has Two New E-Picture Books Available!

Good news! When I first reviewed an e-picture book I was enchanted with the magical way the flipviewer turns the pages. I have to admit, I still think this is pretty special and does give a magical quality to these delightful little books.

Now, children and adults alike will love Margot Finke's medley of whimsical Aussie Bush Rhymes in her new e-picture book called Don't Eat Playtypus Stew.

Through Finke's engaging rhymes and Holdsworth's charming illustrations, children all over the world can learn about the platypus, the koala bear, and the kookaburra - animals all found in Finke's native Australia.

But readers probably won't even realize they're learning new information because the text and illustrations are such fun.

Finke even includes a glossary of "Aussie Words" in the back of the book, which is good because no doubt many readers will have no idea what she is talking about when she mentions some of these unfamiliar terms.

VISIT Suzanne Lieurance's website and go to her BOOK REVIEWS.

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Australia is known as The Land Down-Under, and it has many fascinating animals that are found only on its shores.

Go with Zebee and her Zoo friends to my website's "Down-Under Fun" page, http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/Down-Under.htm#you
There you can learn cool new stuff about the Aussie animals in this book
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QLIPPITS Are Way Cool: Before you leave Down-Under Fun, take a trip to my HomePage.
There you will find QLIPPITS. Clicking on a Qlippit allows you to hear me read one of my stories, while enjoying slides of the illustrations. Go listen and enjoy!

BUY a CD of any book from the BOOKS page on my website, and I will include a link to me reading the story.

Zebee, thanks for letting me visit you and your zoo friends with my series of books. I had fun. You can bet I will come back and visit - OFTEN!

Thanks again for a great story! I'm glad you you've had fun and you are welcome back anytime you want!

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Visit the Website of Zebee’s Zooprise Party - Fiesta Zoorpresa, for fun and great reading.

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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.

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"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!

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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!

The Missing Tuesday Post

Zebee here. Wow, have we been busy.

Sorry we missed posting yesterday, but there was a good reason. My boss Joy took her husband, me and a few friends to the printers. We toured the place where the book will be printed, met the people who will be doing the work and sat with the man in charge of making sure all the colors are perfect.

Boy, was that a fun experience. If you’ve never visited a big printer, I highly recommend doing so. The machines the book will be printed on, checked, folded, stapled, checked again, boxed, well, it’s awesome to see.

Anyway, that’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another great book review. See you then, I need to go tell Lito, Elvis, Jabari and Lenny, Star, Honey and Jewel . . .

Hello everyone in Bloggerville. I like Margot’s books so much, that I asked her to share another one of her stories with us. She said yes, so here she is, Margot Finke.

Thanks Zebee for that nice introduction. Zebee invited me over to see all the new goodies Joy Delgado added to his Blog. Zoopriseparty-Fiesta-Zoorpresa is really way cool. To add to this "coolness," I thought I would introduce you to "Humdinger Hummers," another of my rhyming, educational books: on CD and download. Delightful illustrations by Amy Moreno.


Sample Verse:
If you planned to cook up a Hummingbird pie,You’d need to catch hundreds before you could try.

These bold dainty beauties are fast as a flicker,

Can you think of fowl that fly any quicker?

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REVIEW:
Genre: Children’s

Title: "Humdinger Hummers"

Author: Margot Finke

Illustrator: Amy Cullings Moreno

Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing

ISBN: 1 920972 17 X -

Pages: 20

Reviewed for the Muse Book Reviews

As captivating as a flock of hummingbirds flying overhead, this delightful book will win the hearts of children and adults.
In beautiful rhyming verse, Margot Finke enlightens her readers about the habits of these charming feathered friends. What do they eat? How big are their nests? And what kind of personality do they have? All but the most avid bird-watcher will find something new to learn about hummingbirds. The quirky and cheerful illustrations by Amy Cullings Moreno complement the text in a dazzling burst of color.

This e-book can be purchased on Margot Finke's BOOKS page.

MUSE REVIEW MARK: Highly Recommended.

Reviewer: Alice Berger, Muse Reviews

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The United States has many awesome and fascinating animals. Hummingbirds are some of the most beautiful wild creatures in the U.S. Go with Zebee and his Zoo friends to my website's "WILD U.S CRITTERS " page. There you can learn cool new stuff about Hummingbirds and other critters.

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BUY a CD of any book, from my BOOKS page, and I will include a link to me reading the story, + autograph the cover.

QLIPPITS "voice" slides are a way to see the "Humdinger Hummer" illustrations, while listening to me read the story.

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Zebee, you are a real pal for having me over. I hope "Humdinger Hummers" helps you and your friends appreciate the hummingbirds that zoom around the flowers in your zoo. Make Zebee’s Zooprise Party - Fiesta Zoorpresa a daily stop-over!

Zebee is thrilled about his boss, Joy's new web site . Go visit, and see all the terrific new surprises for yourself!

Thanks Margot. I will take some time to watch the humming birds. I sure did learn a lot about them. I hope you’ll come back in a few weeks with another book to share.

For all you readers out there, buzz on over to Margot’s web site with me to grab a copy of her book and get that great deal she’s offering of an audio version and an autographed book cover. See you there.

New Peacock and Party Plans

Hello, Zebee here. Did you hear the news? We got a new male peacock named Fred. I know, that’s a strange name for a peacock, but the last zoo he was at didn’t have much of an imagination when it came to naming their animals. Anyway, Fred is the most gorgeous peacock I’ve ever seen. That’s him in the picture. See what I mean? All the hens are in love with him. Look, there’s Mori. I wonder if he's met Fred yet.

Hey Mori, have you met Fred the peacock?

Hi Zebee. Yes, he came by to say ‘hi’ and check out my exhibit. He’s very friendly.

Yeah, I guess he’s made the rounds to everyone now. I think he’s going to be a great addition to the ‘V Zoo’.

Me too. So Zebee, have you heard anything more about the book Rebekha wrote?

Uh, yes. It’s at the printer and should be published sometime in October.

That’s when my birthday is. Do you think they’ll sell it at the gift shop? I bet they will since one of our keepers wrote it.

From what I’ve heard they are. I also heard they are planning a big party in October to let everyone know about it. From the plans our boss Joy has been working on, it looks like it will be lots of fun. I’ll tell you more later.
Okay Zebee. Here comes Sally with my breakfast. I’ll talk with you later. Bye.

Bye Mori. That was a bit close. I really don’t want to spoil the surprise. Got to go. See you Thursday.

Book Review Mama Grizzly Bear by Margot Finke

Hi everyone in Bloggerville, and hello again Margot. Margot is going to share another one of her great books with us today. Take it away Margot.

Thank you Zebee.
Zebee has become my good friend. He invites me inside Zoopriseparty-Fiesta-Zoorpresa so I can tell you about some of my rhyming, educational picture books. This week I brought Zebee and friends one longer story, titled "Mama Grizzly Bear."
It takes you for a one year trip into the life of Mama Grizzly Bear and her new cubs.

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SAMPLE VERSES:
The great grizzly mama is awesome and wild,She'll tear you to bits if you threaten her child.With her shaggy coat flying, she hunts down a meal,Her sharp teeth and claws make it look like a steal.
When winter comes roaring right out of the sky,The Grizzly snores off in a place warm and dry.Just wait until spring pops her first tender shoots,That's when, with a yawn, she'll start digging for roots.
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REVIEW:

Genre: Children’s - Title: Mama Grizzly Bear - Pages: 27Author: Margot FinkeIllustrator: Gloria SwanPublisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing - ISBN: 1 920972 18 8
Mama Grizzly knows exactly what to teach her inquisitive cubs, and Margot Finke knows exactly how to show us.
Readers young and old will enjoy following Mama Grizzly through a year of her life. In rhyming verse and lifelike illustrations, we see Mama snug in her cave nursing her cubs. When they’re old enough, she guides them to find the food they will need to survive, like berries, honey and fish. And when winter blows cold and snowy, a long nap is in order. A gentle nudge reminds us that man has encroached on nature and is her only threat.
MUSE REVIEW MARK: GREAT READ
Reviewer: Alice Berger, Muse Reviews
*GREAT READ

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The United States has many awesome and fascinating animals. GRIZZLY BEARS are one of the most awesome creatures we have. Go with Zebee and her Zoo friends to my website's "WILD U.S CRITTERS " page: http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/US20Critters.htm#US
There you can all learn cool new stuff about the GRIZZLY and other critters.

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BUY a CD of any book, from my BOOKS page: http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/Books.html#clues and I will include a link
to me reading the story, + autograph the cover.

QLIPPITS "voice" slides are a way to see "Mama Grizzly" illustrations, while listening to me read the story.

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Zebee, thanks for letting me visit with you again. I hope this book helps you understand what makes the Grizzly Bear such a magnificent survivor.

Drop in on Zebee’s Zooprise Party - Fiesta Zoorpresa for every day fun and entertainment!

HUGE SECRET:
Zebee was all of a dither today about his boss, Joy, launching a new web site: http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/

Please leave comments, or Zebee might blow a gasket - or whatever it is that freaked out zebras do!! I took a peek, and at the moment there are only a few pages up, but the secret word is that new pages will be added every week.

Don't you just LOVE secret surprises!!!

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Margot Finke -

* BLOG - Cool Book Trailer & Writing News http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/ * RATTLESNAKE JAM - Rhyming fun with Gran & Pa* GRAN'S KITCHEN for Rattlesnake Recipes !* Manuscript Critiques - Writing Help - my Books * Musings - find it ALL here: http://www.margotfinke.com/

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Thanks again Margot for another great book we can all learn from.

Everyone let’s meet at Margot’s for all the goodies she has to offer. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our new web site while you’re at it.
See you Sunday.

Book Review: ‘Never say BOO to a Frilly’ by Margot Finke

Good morning everyone in Bloggerville. Zebee here with another great book review. We have invited Margot Finke back to share her next book in the series about Australian and American animals. Hi Margot! Good to see you again. I’ll turn it over to you. See you at the end.

Hi everyone. Zebee has again invited me to play with him inside his Zoopriseparty-FiestaZoorpresa blog pages. Today I brought "Never say BOO to a Frilly" with me - 3 rhyming tales about cool Aussie critters: The Frillneck Lizard, Rainbow Birds and Tasmanian Devils.

"Never Say BOO" is sure to make Zebee laugh - maybe even giggle!

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SAMPLE VERSES:

"Never Say BOO to a Frilly"
Aussie Frillneck Lizards, are they Dinosaurs that live?Or just some wretched lizards with nothing much to give?Without a built in thermostat to regulate their heat. Old Frilly has to wing it - and maybe even cheat.He sits out in the morning sun and soaks up every ray,Then stores that cozy feeling to keep night's chill at bay.
"Rainbow Birds"
Some artist on high must have painted each birdWith paints all so bright that it's almost absurd.There's red that's exotic -- a hot looking tinge,And blue that makes sky color falter and cringe.They're rivaled by shades of green, orange, and pink,A showing so brilliant it makes the sun blink!
"Tasmanian Devil Dance"
So, as you might gather, T.D. has no mates.It's easy to end up on his list of hates.This fierce, ugly creature, fears no man or beast.He's only content when he's gobbling a feast.
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REVIEW:
"Never Say BOO to a Frilly" and other rhymes. Published by Writer's Exchange EPublishing - Release: 2005Review in Holiday Crafts 4 Kids Magazine by Nancy Cavanaugh

Author: Margot FinkeIllustrator: Aysin ErogluPublisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing - ISBN: 1 920972 14 5Margot Finke has done it again with her latest e-book, "Never Say "Boo" to a Frilly and Other Rhymes." Finke introduces readers to frill neck lizards, various Australians birds, and Tasmanian devils, with cute rhymes and brilliant illustrations by Aysin Eroglu. As you virtually turn each page, you will learn more about these animals from their habitat to legends about them.

The book also has a list of some of the unusual Australian words used in the book. It gives a brief explanation about them. The e-book software is easy to install and use. The ability to turn the pages makes this a much more real experience for you and your child. To find out more about this e-book and Finke's other works, visit her BOOKS page.

Reviewed January 2006 by Nancy Cavanaugh.
Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!]

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Australia is known as The Land Down-Under, and it

has many fascinating animals that are found only on its shores. If Zebee takes you and his Zoo friends over to my website's "Down-Under Fun" page, you can all learn cool new stuff about the Aussie animals in this book.<><><><><><><><><><><>QLIPPITS Are Way Cool:
Before you leave Down-Under Fun, take a trip to my HomePage:
There you will find QLIPPITS. Clicking on a Qlippit allows you to hear me read one of my stories, while enjoying slides of the illustrations. Go listen and look!

BUY a CD of any book, and I will include a link to me reading the story.

Zebee, thanks for letting me visit with you again. I hope you and your friends have fun learning about the animals in "Never Say BOO to a Frilly."

<><><><><><><><><><><>Visit the Website of Zebee’s Zooprise Party - Fiesta Zoorpresa, for every day fun and entertainment!<><><><><><><><><><><>

Gee thanks Margot. I am heading over to your site to learn all the cool stuff you have there and check out the Qlippit.

This is Zebee signing out until Sunday.

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.

New coloring page is available

Hi everyone, Zebee here. Have you ever really looked at a King Vulture’s head? There are so many colors I have a hard time remembering them all. Vultures of any type aren’t real pretty birds, but the King Vulture can claim being the most colorful one of the bunch.

Today’s coloring page is just that, a King Vulture’s head. Don’t worry, my boss Joy has included a fully colored head for you to copy. Go to z.p.extras to find it. Have fun and leave me comments with a copy of your finished picture please.

See you Thursday.

Book Review: Prairie Dog's Play Day - and Other Rhymes –

Hi all. Zebee here. Today we have Margot Finke back by popular demand.

Thank you Zebee, for inviting me to your Blog page again. This time I bring you “Prairie Dog’s Play Day” - a funfest about three US critters. These 3 rhyming stories are also educational.

Please join me below, for timely information about e-Books, and great reasons for parents to incorporate them into their children’s library of books.
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REVIEW:
Genre: Children'sTitle: Prairie Dog's Play Day - and Other Rhymes –
36 pagesAuthor: Margot FinkeIllustrator: Kathleen Leilani Forrester IlerPublisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing
ISBN: 1 920972 16 1

“Prairie Dog’s Play Day” is available as an autographed CD through my website, OR as a download through Reader’s Eden, and other sources listed on my website’s BOOKS PAGE
You can also see further illustrations and sample verses.
Sunday, January 14, 2007

Children's Writer Margot Finke Has Two New E-Picture Books Available on CD or Download.

This second new e-picture book by Margot Finke teaches children about animals that may be a bit more familiar than the typical "Aussie animals" in her other new book. Yet, it includes facts about each creature that will be new information to most readers. Prairie dogs, Bald Eagles, and Skunks are all subjects for the charming rhymes in her e-book, Prairie Dog's Playday. Detailed illustrations make the books easy to follow.

Do you know what skunks eat for breakfast? Or, how Bald Eagles take care of their young, or how prairie dogs protect themselves from other animals? You will after reading this cute book. Story time truly takes on a magical feel with these two new delightful e-picture books from Margot Finke. (see her review of Don't Eat Platypus Stew on Suzanne Lieurance’s Review Page)
Reviewer: Suzanne Lieurance - VISIT her BOOK REVIEWS pageFreelance Writer - Children's Author - The Working Writer's Coach

PRAIRIE DOG’S PLAY DAY – 3 fun, educational tales.

These rhyming stories introduces children to the fascinating secrets of three US critters.
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A special memo about E-Books on CD or Download.
from Margot Finke

I know Zebee and friends are all computer savvy – like your kids.
E-Books, like “Prairie Dog’s Play Day,” are read on a screen.
They are innovative and different.
Let them earn a special place in your child’s reading library.

Read on a laptop or computer:
*They can stop back seat squabbles during a long car trip
*Take your child’s mind off a dentist or doctor’s visit
*Great for a rainy afternoon in the family room
*Easy to pack and take to Grandma’s house
*Reading fun – a welcome distraction!
*Encourage reluctant readers
*Cool to share with friends
*Fun to learn from

Zebee tells me nothing takes the place of snugglingwith a wonderful bedtime story from a hoof held book. I agree!

But hey, Zebee, Mori, Lito, Elvis and the rest of the gang at the zoo, only go to bed at night.
What about all the other spare hours in their day. . .???????????

YEA! The magic and fun of e-Books comes to life at a daytime Zooprise Party
orWhen your child whines, “Mom, I’m bored!”

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Visit the Website of Zebee’s Zooprise Party - Fiesta Zoorpresaor
Drop in on the Prairie Dogs and their friends – Eagle and Stinker
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Thanks for stopping by Margot. I'm on my way over to Prairie Dogs right now.

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.
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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
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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