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New book combines learning with high-action storytelling
Published: Saturday, December 05, 2015 By Jeri Packer, Staff Writer (Blue Water Voice: Voicenews.com) "The story takes place in the Blue Water Area. Elvis the Pug is from St. Clair, ends up lost in Sarnia (Canada) and travels through Port Huron and Marine City to get back home. "As they travel, Elvis is in an outdoor classroom, learning math, science and geography, the metric system and moral values. For example, he learns photosynthesis, hibernation, pollination, converting carbohydrates to energy, the environment, the importance of family, etc. Ten percent of the profits go to Macomb County Care House for abused children." Book Brings Canadian Adventure to Life Published: December 8, 2015 By Kristyen E. Demske and Eric Czarnik (CandGnews.com) When Elvis discovers that he has landed in Sarnia (Canada), he begins a journey home, meeting animal friends and learning about life and nature along the way.The book also contains illustrations by Elles' niece, Danica Smith....a St. Clair Shores 9-year-old, said she started drawing animals, dragons and dinosaurs when she was just 6 years old. "I started doing freehand at my house and with charcoal and, also, I mostly use regular pencil," said Smith, a fourth-grader at Violet Elementary. When he came into my nana's house, he (asked) if I could help illustrate the book, and I'm like, are you kidding? I just agreed and I said yes," Smith said. Smith's teacher at Violet Elementary, Kathy Deckert, is reading the book to her class, so Smith's friends get to hear her uncle's story and see the pictures she has drawn. Elles already has plans for a new Elvis story, "The next book is going to be about bullying,...Elvis is going to get in there and show kids it's not good to be a bully." As an Amazon Hall of Fame Reviewer (in California) and international adviser to various universities and colleges wrote on December 1st: " This debut novel project is not only a fine story beautifully presented but it also is a stimulus for other youngsters to enter the field of writing and learn the joys of collaboration…(there) is the splendid assortment of illustrations by youngsters, the use of lessons in geography, the metric system, the landscape and terrain of Canada, mathematics and more all explained by the various animal friends This is an excellent book on every level and an inspiration to adults to share the joys of reading ad communicating and creating with youngsters." While another Top Reviewer (a Texas teacher and librarian) posted on December 20: "This book is clearly a family affair, with illustrations by talented 4th grader Danica and editing (better than in some self-published novels I have seen!) by 5th grader Dominic. The story follows Elvis the Pug, a likable pup who is carried 50 kilometers (how much is that in miles?) from home and must find his way back. Along the way he learns metric conversion rates, geography (name the Great Lakes) and definitions (hibernation, nectar, passport) from the friendly animals who help him find his way back." In one word: EXCELLENT!!! I was turned on to this book from my neighbor who has two kids that read the book. So...I read it first - in about an hour - before passing it on to my 7 year old. He loved it and asked me to find out when the next book is coming out. FIVE STARS!!! |
And a top author (in Georgia) said on December 29: "The book is filled with lots of information because little puppies have a lot to learn. Children reading this book will learn about these animals and about the wonderful land of Canada where Elvis meets them. Even adults will be able to learn some of these things, but kids do seem to have an advantage because learning through a story like this is lots of fun. This story is more than imaginative. It’s dreamy! The text of the book is age appropriate for third through fifth graders. It is engaging enough to have them looking forward to more installments so they can have more adventures with Elvis. I’m sure they will come. Aren’t you?"
This former teacher says "Two Thumbs Up!":
"As a retired school administrator and former teacher, I can safely say this is simply a terrific book..
It's so hard, nowadays, to get kids to read. However, this author has found an excellent way to encourage children not only to read, but to learn math, science, geography,zoology, etc. And its all done through the adventures of a Pug Puppy! If I were still teaching, this book would be a must for every elementary student.
My Grandkids have a new favorite dog: ELVIS!:
A really well written story about a Pug who gets lost and in Canada.Elvis befriends a goose and squirrel who help him get home safely. Along the way, they come across several animals and Elvis learns all sorts of invaluable information and life lessons. I like how the author educates through the eyes of this Pug puppy and reinforces family values+
KEEP YOUR KIDS ATTENTION WITH THIS BOOK!
I have five kids (all boys and no girls) so...trying to keep their attention is a task, in itself.
My third grader's class was reading the book and he was so excited, about Elvis, that I had to buy it and read it myself.
Not only was I impressed with the knowledge that my third grader gained, but my fourth and sixth grader grabbed the book too!
The author does a wonderful job to grasp the attention of youngsters and manages to educate pre-teens as well.
For example, for words that my youngest doesn't know yet, there is even a glossary in the Appendix.
It's obvious that Family Values are significant in the author's intentions, but there are things (i.e. photosynthesis, pollination, hibernation, migration, etc.) that would make any environmentalists happy. There's even metrics to!
I now have my kids on the website - with all sorts of learning games from easy math to more difficult Sudoku games - to keep them interested and off the more violent internet games
Great job and hats off to this new author. I just hope the new book comes out sooner than later.
TARS!!!
This former teacher says "Two Thumbs Up!":
"As a retired school administrator and former teacher, I can safely say this is simply a terrific book..
It's so hard, nowadays, to get kids to read. However, this author has found an excellent way to encourage children not only to read, but to learn math, science, geography,zoology, etc. And its all done through the adventures of a Pug Puppy! If I were still teaching, this book would be a must for every elementary student.
My Grandkids have a new favorite dog: ELVIS!:
A really well written story about a Pug who gets lost and in Canada.Elvis befriends a goose and squirrel who help him get home safely. Along the way, they come across several animals and Elvis learns all sorts of invaluable information and life lessons. I like how the author educates through the eyes of this Pug puppy and reinforces family values+
KEEP YOUR KIDS ATTENTION WITH THIS BOOK!
I have five kids (all boys and no girls) so...trying to keep their attention is a task, in itself.
My third grader's class was reading the book and he was so excited, about Elvis, that I had to buy it and read it myself.
Not only was I impressed with the knowledge that my third grader gained, but my fourth and sixth grader grabbed the book too!
The author does a wonderful job to grasp the attention of youngsters and manages to educate pre-teens as well.
For example, for words that my youngest doesn't know yet, there is even a glossary in the Appendix.
It's obvious that Family Values are significant in the author's intentions, but there are things (i.e. photosynthesis, pollination, hibernation, migration, etc.) that would make any environmentalists happy. There's even metrics to!
I now have my kids on the website - with all sorts of learning games from easy math to more difficult Sudoku games - to keep them interested and off the more violent internet games
Great job and hats off to this new author. I just hope the new book comes out sooner than later.
TARS!!!