Donald Nelsen

This simple story had a very clear message. We are all different, we live in different places, eat different foods, look different etc. but there is beauty in everyone/everything. We need to look for it and accept the differences. Sam the dog was kind and wanted to know about others. Emma was proud and somewhat rigid and unaccepting. Sam needs to convince her to be more kind and considerate and accept other's differences. She is willing to try, but wants to be accepted for what she is as well. A simple plot with very simple illustrations that convey the message of the book clearly. A great book to have in school libraries and classrooms. Definitely the opportunity to discuss these issues is often needed in school environments.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (más)

Sam, a dog, and Emma, a cat, live at a nice house and have nice, fancy things. One day they decide to go exploring, and along the way encounter other animals. Emma dislikes them all, though Sam is friendly and tries to find the best in everyone they meet.

This is obviously supposed to a tale of moral example, yet I think it falls short, because in my opinion Emma didn’t really learn any lessons and is just as “catty” (see what I did there??) at the end of the story as she is at the beginning.

The text is mostly in verse, yet sometimes it seems like there is no rhyme or reason (again? I’m on a roll today) to some of the verses. The rhythm is not clear enough to make this easy to read with the “sing-songy” voice one normally uses when reading children’s books aloud.

As for the illustrations, they are rather cute. I especially love how Emma the cat is wearing a necklace, and the beavers appear to be wearing swimming trunks.

I would not go out of my way to recommend this book, but I would not dissuade anyone from reading it, either.

This ebook was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.… (más)