Prince and Popper

★★★★★Recommend picture book. My three year old was attentive to this alternate retelling of the classic Prince and the Pauper story. It is a pleasant story that examines curiosity in a positive way. Gratitude is also expressed in this picture book. Easy rhyme text and sweet illustrations have made it an often requested read.

I received this book from the author to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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Anton and Cecil Cats at Sea

by Lisa Martin & Valerie Martin

Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Published by Algonquin Young Readers, A division of Workman Publishing

“A swashbuckling story of two very different cat brothers and their adventures at sea.”

Algonquin Young Readers is a new imprint that features books for readers seven to seventeen. From short illustrated novels for the youngest independent readers to timely and topical crossover young adult fiction, what ties our books together are unforgettable characters, absorbing stories, and superior writing.

A captivating read for either middle school boys or girls (ages 8-12). Told from the alternating views of Anton and Cecil (cats), each chapter is illustrated with a black and white line drawing. Artistic talent done by Kelly Murphy. It was the cover artwork that piqued my interest in the book. Nicely done throughout.

“Winning author Valerie Martin’s and Lisa Martin’s colorful cast of characters, rich historical detail, and lyrical storytelling will delight fans of such classic animal adventures as The Wind in the Willows, Stuart Little, and Poppy.” I love Stuart Little and also The Cricket In Times Square and in my opinion Anton and Cecil is a good story but doesn’t come close to a “classic” adventure. I rate the storytelling as fair but without flair. 

SITES OF NOTE:

Lisa Martin

Valerie Martin

Algonquin Young Readers

Kelly Murphy

A copy was provided by Algonquin Young Readers at the request of Lisa Martin. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

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The Local Bookstore

The famous quote ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ was first stated by author George Elliot in 1860. This phrase was used by Elliot in the book The Mill on the Floss and became a popular saying in the early 1920’s. (source)

I took this pic at my local used-book bookstore where I treasure hunt for nothing in particular.

What do you think is cool?

 

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I have my friends

“One can’t complain. I have my friends. Someone spoke to me only yesterday.” – Eeyore

 

 

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Plain Brown Tabby Toys and Treats

Plain Brown Tabby is an online shopping store for cats; a unique site that cat owners will appreciate. Cuatro wanted to review for them. He thinks these products are wonderful!

Eco-Pouncer mini

Eco-Friendly • All-natural

$2.00 of every purchase helps eliminate
POVERTY and protect the SNOW LEOPARDS
in Mongolia

Eco-Friendly sheep’s wool with an all-natural
lanolin aroma.

Proudly handmade by rural Mongolian women
supporting their impoverished families.

A natural wool toy
that will entertain your cat and
help save the big cats in Mongolia!

All new materials:
Outer layer: 100% natural sheep’s wool
Inner stuffing: 100% natural sheep’s wool scraps
Tail and Wiskers: Natural yak hair

Assorted colors – Natural vegetable dyes
Machine washable and dryable.
Made in Mongolia.
Packaged by disabled adults in Green Bay, WI

Cuatro’s Eco-Pouncer is blue!

Visit the Snow Leopard Trust.

The Snow Leopard Trust is helping families earn a living through their traditional wool-working skills. In exchange, herders are protecting snow leopards. Your purchase supports snow leopard conservation and provides support for impoverished families who share the cats’ habitat.

Honeysuckle Mouse by Kitty Kottage. The “un-catnip” cat toy that some cats prefer! If your kitty does not respond to catnip, it may adore honeysuckle. Each mouse contains a honeysuckle disk. For maximum aroma, just moisten before giving to your cat.

I don’t smell honeysuckle but maybe Cuatro does.

Cuatro loved the Whole Life Pure Meat Cod Treats.

This one I can smell.

I would suggest storing it in a container (somewhere far away). It’s free from chemicals, preservatives, and additives; he loves it.

Take A Look At This 

Enter coupon code “notesfromdawn” at checkout

& recieve 6% off your order.

I would like to thank Pat and the tabby assistants from Plain Brown Tabby Toys and Treats for allowing Cuatro the opportunity to review their great products. I received the mentioned products in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.

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