Leo Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart & illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery [Review & Giveaway]

Hardcover ~ $12.95

ISBN: 978-1-56145-964-3

Age Range: 7 – 10

My thoughts: Young readers need to learn about the history of this world and its peoples. It helps that this learning is facilitated by cleverly composed fictional tales that include historical information that can be relied upon for accuracy. In the "Dog Chronicles" published by Peachtree this opportunity for educational entertainment is carried to another level - that of engaging the heroics of dogs in the tales and telling the story from a dog's perspective.

Well, of course, we don't know what a dog's perspective is, but just for the fun of the story, let's pretend we do as we learn about a sea-going adventure set in the exploration period of 1519-1521. The reason Leo was on board was to keep vermin, particularly rats, at bay. Dogs are hunters by nature and so to eat they will pursue and eat small creatures. Leo was not a pet in the sense that he was loved and petted. He was simply a tool and a laborer on board.

Since the story is told from his perspective, he experiences the journey completely - hunger, hardships, and storms at sea. He is wary of people but does engage in friendly encounters and friendship.

I love the writing style of Alison Hart as she vividly weaves words that completely enthrall the reader. This is a style and vividness that will appeal to the young reader and grab their attention to the point that they won't want to lay the book aside. Exciting!

The illustrations are well done black on white line drawings that engage the interest of the young reader. Typically the early chapter books for ages 7 to 10 include illustrations that are helpful. That is the case in Leo Dog of the Sea and the illustrations are simply enjoyable no matter the age of the person who picks up this book. 

Peachtree Publishing is a great source for Teacher's Guides to accompany books. The Teacher's Guide for Leo Dog of the Sea (click here for link) includes quotes and discussion questions, a vocabulary match, and a list of research and writing assignment ideas. The informational pages at the end of the book tell of the history behind the story and other valuable points. 

This is a sure winner for classroom libraries as well as school and public libraries everywhere. I highly recommend.

Read an Excerpt

About the book: An action-packed and heartwarming story of a hardened old sea dog on Magellan's journey to Spice Island Leo is a hardened old sea dog. After four ocean voyages, he knows not to trust anyone but himself. But when he sets sail with Magellan on a journey to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, he develops new friendships with Magellan's scribe, Pigafetta, and Marco, his page. Together, the three of them experience hunger and thirst, storms and doldrums, and mutinies and hostile, violent encounters. Will they ever find safe passage? In the fourth book of their Dog Chronicles series, Alison Hart and Michael Montgomery bring readers an exciting tale of friendship and loyalty.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 1

Ends June 22 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Peachtree Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

DEEP SHADOWS (The Remnant Series - book One) by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780736966535
Harvest House Publishers
$14.95 Paperback
A dystopian novel

My thoughts: Vannetta Chapman has again honed her skill as an author and brought forth another engaging read for her avid followers. She has deviated from her tried and true Amish novels into an altogether different contemporary story embracing the frightening possibility of a world gone amok amidst the aftermath and continued horrors of a massive solar flare that wreaks havoc on all things electric.

In Deep Shadows you meet an array of interesting people of all ages and temperaments. And each of them is impacted by this perilous situation. Seniors in the senior home are dying. Banks and gas pumps don't work. Cars don't work. Medicine is in short supply and the possibility of acquiring more virtually non-existent. Food? Can you imagine.

The small town has an emergency plan and immediately begins to implement it. Long term? They must plant "victory gardens" just as was done during WWII. Water? They have at hand a wonderful spring bubbling up from the ground. Many towns don't have that.

Faith is stretched and tested as are folks' nerves and tolerance. And as I read I began to think about "what if" this really should occur. Or what if something akin to this should occur. Are we, am I prepared? 

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and the storyline flowed well. The plausibility of the town's survival plans implementation and how to exist in a world without technology was well worked out and believable. 

About the book: All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe—until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology. 

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority—to keep Shelby and her son safe—could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 19

Ends August 9 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only
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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review on behalf of the author and publisher. Opinions are my own & I was not compensated.