Squirrel And The Yellow Balalaika

Written by Ira Alice

Illustrated by Elena Teplova

Chanterelle is a squirrel who lives in the park. She possesses an unusual passion for music. Chanterelle longs to hear musicians play each summer.

One day she hears music in the distance. Chanterelle is hesitant to leave her surroundings, but the sweet sounds lure her on. A raven gives her some advice. He encourages her not to be afraid. Chanterelle timidly ventures forth into the city.

Chanterelle meets Nina and her handicapped father. Nina plays a balalaika, the source of that sweet sound. But Chanterelle will also encounter bandits, bullies, and other dangers. Will she succeed in returning to the forest?
Can this plucky squirrel achieve her musical dreams?

I consider this book a beginning chapter or middle-grade tale that inspires young readers to stand up for their rights, maintain their dreams, and oppose bullies. Recommended for readers ages seven through twelve.

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HEARTWOOD

Written by Polyanna Darling

Illustrated by Kirsty Chalmers

Heartwood is a heartwarming story that takes places in The Linney, which is a magical forest filled with trees that are hundreds of years old. Four trees are featured characters: Seth, The Tully Tree, Kelsey, and Tuleah. Each of these trees is inhabited by a different type of creature. A family of thirteen squirrels live in the Seth tree. Magpies sip the nectar in the flowers of the Tully tree. Tiny fairies live in the Kelsey tree, while a single raven named Bella makes her home in Tuleah. All of these creatures had lived in their homes for many years, but sadly none of them spoke to each other.

One day the peace of the forest is broken by a horrible noise. The creatures recognize it as a machine that knocks down trees. They call the bulldozer a “Smashbuster.” Forest inhabitants are in a panic about what to do, until Bella calls them together and warns them to stop quarreling if they intend to save their home from destruction. Bella berates them for their indifference and selfishness. She develops an ingenious plan to save the forest, but they must all agree to cooperate and work side by side.

The author skillfully reveals the clever plan step by step. Both the forest creatures and the humans who operate the machines have a lot to learn. This book of approximately fifty-five pages is a perfect chapter book for readers in the seven to ten age group. That is not to say that older readers and even adults will enjoy it. The charming and delicate illustrations done by Chalmers add much to the character and mood of the book. They are really exquisite. I cannot find anything not to like in this offering. Story-line flows nicely, the characters are believable, the lessons carefully crafted , and the artistic touches so well executed.

Pick up a kindle or paperback copy and enjoy!

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Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Happy Howlidays

Written by C.L. Murphy

I just love this addition to the Lovable Lobo series. Children of all ages will enjoy the bright, bold computer images that display fantastic emotion in the facial expressions and beautiful background scenery. The story is modern, clever and innovative.

Our friend Lobo is excited to receive a special delivery letter from Snowy Owl. He notices at once that the sack dropped from the sky is moving and is astonished to find that inside the sack an arctic mouse named Arty has a letter from Santa requesting his help! Lobo sets off to the North Pole with his friend Roxy Raven and Arty as his guide. They trudge through the snows and past the Northern Lights. An arctic fox provides shelter, while a polar bear and arctic hare point the way to the North Pole. Finally they reach Santa’s Village, where Santa puts them up in his special guest house. The mystery continues to deepen; why did Santa summon Lobo?

I won’t spoil the surprise, but I will say that sometimes the best of modern technology does not work the way we expect. Santa has an ingenious plan that involves Lobo in an attempt to save Christmas this year. Children of all ages will love the book, while adults will chuckle at how modern man sometimes needs to return to basics to solve a thorny problem. I highly recommend this book be added to your holiday classics.

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