Title: Finding Fuzzy: A “You-Decide Tale” of a Lost Friend (Sweet T Tales) | Author: Cat Michaels | Illustrator: Irene A. Jahns | Publication Date: March 26, 2014 | Publisher: 2101 Ink | Pages: 44 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10 | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother) Summary: Illustrated chapter book for early readers (Gr. K-3)
Blue sky …
Warm sea …
Sugar-sand beach …
The perfect family vacation on the Carolina coast …
Except the trip takes a nosedive when Jenna loses Fuzzy, her plush blue rabbit pal. Jenna learns to carry on without him. But when she stumbles across a secret, she faces the toughest decision of her young life. And YOU, the reader, will help her make that choice and come up with the ending of this You-Decide tale. Don’t worry. Cat shows you how in her book and on her website.
So, slip on your flip-flops and join Jenna at the shore. It’s time to decide YOUR ending for Finding Fuzzy. Caution: Irene A. Jahn’s ocean-themed watercolors have been known to cause beach fever.
“Finding Fuzzy” placed second in the Purple Dragonfly Writing contest, a national contest for children’s book authors, in the category of chapter books.
“Finding Fuzzy is an early chapter book featuring the opportunity for children to create their own ending to a sweet, summertime story. The main character, Jenna, has a decision to make when she discovers that her beloved stuffed bunny she had lost is now being used to protect a litter of kittens. After weighing out all of the possible outcomes, it is up to the reader to decide what happens next in the story. I thought this was a unique concept that will interest children, especially ones who are interested in writing their own stories (like my daughter!). I recommend this book to parents, homeschoolers, and teachers with children between the ages of 5 and 10.” ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
“The story is sweet, and suitable for all children. The book is set up to get kids to think and discuss what they would do in a certain situation–in this case, giving up a precious friend (the stuffed bunny.) I could see using this in either a classroom setting or as a bedtime story. The watercolor illustrations really capture a beachy mood and create a great visual for kids as well.. ” ~ 5 Star Review, Nikki B., Goodreads
“Cat Michaels has put young readers in a position to solve the dilemma. Readers must brainstorm and utilize their critical thinking skills to write the ending to Jenna’s story. This quick to read chapter book has small colorful illustrations that help readers imagine the beach. Readers will also find that the author has created a world where they use all five senses. The back of the book has tips for parents and teachers to help their readers.. ” ~ 5 Star Review, Kristi B., Goodreads
“This is a book with a difference. The space where the ending should be is blank, leaving readers with the opportunity to take a far more pro-active role in the unfolding of the story. It’s time to get creative. It’s time to give the story your own ending! There’s room for a picture as well, so the budding author can test out their illustration skills too!” ~ 5 Star Review, Peachy Emma, Amazon
“The genius here is that Cat has picked the perfect storyline to make your would be writers put themselves into Jenna’s shoes and truly understand how she feels.It’s the stuffed animal, every child has one and every child is very attached to it. This is a great book for it’s educational value as far as letting the kids use their imagination to come up with their own conclusion. —-5 stars for this one!” ~ Bookroom Reviews, Amazon
About the Author: Cat Michaels
CAT MICHAELS started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since. After earning an M.S. degree in special education from the University of Kansas, she spent two decades helping students from kindergarten to college reach their potential.
She also managed communication and resource development programs for an international high-tech company that included writing press releases and articles for trade journals. After recession and downsizings, she returned to her education roots, serving at a community college as a writing coach and learning specialist for students with Asperger’s syndrome and learning disabilities.
Cat spins tales of everyday life, with a twist of magic or twinge of mystery, that open young minds to new ways of thinking and looking at the world. Illustrations by watercolor artist Irene A. Jahns help bring that world to life. Cat and her family live in North Carolina where she designs playful gardens, dabbles in all things digital, and writes.
Subscribe by email to Cat’s Connections to receive updates, special offers, and to be among the first to hear about new releases by Cat Michaels. PLUS, when you sign up, you will receive a short story penned just for adults, Driving Down to Dillon: A Very-Short Story of Love and New Beginnings by Cat Michaels. Click on the cover below to subscribe to Cat’s Connections.
PLUS… email subscribers to Cat’s Connections will also receive 5 extra in the giveaway below.
* Giveaway *
Prize: One winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize Contest ends: September 19, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
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Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. One winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Cat Michaels and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
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