Emma finally has a face.

It's only a draft front cover at the moment, but after several long years in the dark, thanks to Dianna Budd, (my wonderful Illustrator and friend) Emma the Eager Emu finally has a face she can show the world. :)

Emma is an Emu eager to learn to fly just like all her other bird friends at Flying School. but no matter how hard she tries or what strategies she employs, Emma does not fit it. Along her journey Emma enlists the help of her friends, (other Australian birds) Rosie Rosella, Patsy the Pink Galah, Cathy Cockatoo and Kelly the Kookaburra who all suggest strategies to help Emma learn to fly. Emma embarks on a quest of self discovery where she must learn to accept that even though she is a bird just like her friends, they all have differences and can celebrate their uniqueness and individualism. It is a subtle lesson but nonetheless one worth teaching to all young children of pre-school and early school age.

I wrote Emma a few years ago and entered her into a children's story writing contest as "Emma the Emo Emu." At the time I not only won the competition but received rave reviews and many responses requesting to see her in picture book form.

After collaborating with Dianna we decided to slightly change her name even though she is still a very sad and emotional emu, we thought perhaps young children might struggle with the concept of "emo." As Emma is eager to learn to fly and be the same as all the other birds at flying school, eager is a more suitable way to represent her feelings.

The wait is nearly over, "Emma the Eager Emu" is coming soon as a beautiful new children's picture book. For further updates on her release follow me here on my blog or on Facebook.

A Purrfect Tale of Love and Differences.

"Learn to love your differences because they are a part of who you are. They make you purrfect!"

Sherlock Cat

"Sherlock, the Cat Who Couldn't Meow" is the latest children's book released by Vickianne Caswell, cover art design by Anastasia Drogaitseva. Where Vickianne's book series to date have been picture books for pre-schoolers and perhaps the beginning school years,  (please see my previous reviews  http://sandrabennettauthor.com/2013/12/03/another-two-furry-cute-tales-in-time-for-christmas/,  http://sandrabennettauthor.com/2013/06/11/hop-on-into-two-furry-cute-reads/ ) this is her first venture into short chapter books  for 6-10 year olds.

Vickianne has written another winner. She has written characters to not only fall in love with but who have a message to share with their readers.  Sherlock is a hardworking cat by day that studies to further his education and qualifications at night, but he is somewhat shy and a little ashamed because hard as he may try, he cannot meow. Imaginae a cat that can't meow! He is laughed at and teased by bullies he has known since his school days. He doesn't know how to make friends with the new cat in town, he's so frightened that she'll laugh too when she finds out his horrible secret. How he confronts his issues of self doubt and lack of confidence is cleverly portrayed through everyday situations that children can relate to and understand, with a little help from a bit of magic thrown in to develop the imagination and increase the adventure along the way.

However, there is so much more to this book than just the story. Vickianne has included at the end of the book three quotes from Sherlock which clearly demonstrate the moral to the story, just in case you don't get it upon reading, but I have no doubt that you will.

There is also a glossary of unfamiliar words for the targeted age group. This is a marvelous idea, no need to go racing for a dictonary, the words are already there at your finger tips.

Included is also extra reading material with a few fun animal facts as well as the words to the song sung during the story by CJ, the English Lop Bunny who owns the bakery where Sherlock works.

As the story is all about cats and other adorable pets, Vickianne has also included her thoughts on considerations before buying a pet for yourself or adopting one from an animal shelter. Some very wise food for thought indeed.

If you are looking for an early, easy reader that the whole family will enjoy together, then you can't go past "Sherlock the Cat Who Couldn't Meow." It is sensitive, poignant and inspirational along with raising some great issues for parental or classroom discussion. I highly recommend Vickianne Caswell's latest edition to her repotoire of clever and delightful children's tales.

Available through Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Couldnt-Remarkable-Series-Volume/dp/1494882914