Archives

Dolphin Song by Lauren St John

Dec22

The Rescue

Dolphin Song by Lauren St John is a powerful contemporary YA novel. It is the third book in the White Giraffe series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for character progression and development.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as we rejoin eleven-year-old Martine and her classmates as they are going on a sea trip around the African coast to see the sardine’s swarm. It is to be a trip of a lifetime – it will be memorable in more ways than one!

Martine has been given the gift of healing animals. This will prove to be vital. She has also learnt about the healing properties of plants from wise Grace, who practices the old ways.

Friendships will be tested. “Friends made you brave. Friends made things fun.” We all need good friends. Classmates have been cruel until they need help, and then rivalries are put aside for the greater good. Working together is far better than being alone. Together we will accomplish far more.

There is nothing like a near-tragedy to put things into perspective. “I’m not happy because we nearly died last night, I’m happy because we’re alive this morning.” A positive attitude will help in our journey through life.

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A Polar Bear Christmas by Lucy Bozzi

Dec21

Delightful

A Polar Bear Christmas by Lucy Bozzi is a delightful book and just perfect for the under-fives. Whatever your age, this tale will enchant you.

The story surrounds three polar bears who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Bear on Christmas Eve. Lucy Bozzi has perfectly captured the magic of Christmas through the eyes of her characters.

The book is beautifully and simply illustrated by Ilya Tolochka. There is a lot of detail within the pictures which provides a good starting point for discussions with our children.

 A Polar Bear Christmas would be a beautiful addition to any child’s personal library.

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A Tale Of Three Tabbies By Jane Lightbourne

Dec20

A Charming Read

A Tale Of Three Tabbies by Jane Lightbourne is a contemporary novel that I enjoyed.

It is set mainly on a Greek island during the COVID pandemic of 2020. Its focus is a group of homeless cats, with the main light on three tabbies. A family bubble of two sisters and their children visit the island. Their desire is to give a home to the three. As they live I the UK, we see the lengths needed to fly the tabbies abroad.

We ‘hear’ of life through the eyes of both humans and cats.

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Tina: The Dog Who Changed The World by Niall Harbison

Nov19

Inspiring & Heartbreaking

Tina: The Dog Who Changed The World by Niall Harbison is an inspiring and heartbreaking read. I read the children’s version which is suitable for ages ten years and over. Whatever your age, if you are an animal lover, you will enjoy this book.

Niall Harbison is a Brit who lives in Thailand. Here, he has set up Happy Doggo Land which helps and rescues street dogs. He has done this for over twenty years. His mission has always been “to make a hands-on difference to dog’s lives.”

Happy Doggo Land is small, able to house just sixteen dogs but Niall Harbison has big plans to build a hospital just for street dogs. Niall Harbison’s inspiration and guide is rescue dog, Tina. “She was a beacon of hope, kindness and love.” And for dogs, Niall Harbison is also a beacon of hope, kindness and love.

Tina was rescued from the streets. She was bound by a chain. She was a poorly soul who instantly took up residence in Niall Harbison’s heart. In fact, for anyone reading her story, Tina will come and lodge in their heart. Though her life was short, her impact has been huge – and soon there will be a hospital named after her.

Niall Harbison is an inspiration. He rescues the street dogs and also believes that “educating kids about animal welfare is vital.”

The dogs that are rescued are given a bandana to wear. “These bandanas actually gave the street dogs a sense of belonging.” It is also “giving them an identity, as well as some love and affection.” It says: You are seen. You matter. You are loved. There is hope.

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