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Penelope Anne Cole enjoys writing children’s stories to be read aloud. “Reading to children is the best way to help them love literature.” Ms. Cole has taught and tutored at every grade level, K to 12, and community college. She also reviews children's books. When not writing or reviewing children’s books, Ms. Cole enjoys dog walking, reading, gardening, church, and choir activities. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a member of the California Writers Club:  Fremont Area Writers, SF Peninsula Writers, and South Bay Writers, and is a Reading Therapist with Read America. Ms. Cole reviews books at

http://pennyreviews-chat.blogspot.com/

See reviews of Ms. Cole's books at

http://reviewsforpenny.blogspot.com/

Her website is www.penelopeannecole.com

Contact Ms. Cole for School Author Visits, locally in-person, or by SKYPE.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Whispering Wally by Kevin Scott Collier, Author/Artist



Whispering Wally,  written and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, is a lovely rhyming book with inspirational messages.  All the sea creatures that meet Wally Whale wonder at his whispering.  His strange behavior makes him hard to get to know.  It also makes others nervous -- they think he doesn’t like them.  They finally confront him and he leaves with deep sadness.

Later the sea creatures find out the reason for Wally’s whispering.  They now understand and are sympathetic.  Wally can finally be accepted in his community.  However, there’s more to the story.  Mother Nature provides an opportunity for Wally to be a hero.  He finds his voice to save the day. 

There are so many lessons here.  How we shouldn’t rush to judgment.  How things aren’t always as they seem.  How people may have good reasons for behavior which seems strange or separates them from others.  How your God-given gifts can be used to help others even if you don’t see it at first.

Kevin’s illustrations put us right there in the sea with all the action.  Each creature’s feelings are clearly shown on its face.  Kids will enjoy the rhyming and the colorful sea creatures.  Parents and teachers will appreciate the lessons this story provides.  Thank you, Kevin, for another fun story book that teaches gently.
Product Details
Available from http://tangerineskyproductions.com and http://4rvpublishingllc.com
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11 comments:

  1. Nicole weaverJune 30, 2012 at 3:59 PM

    Wow , so many lessons to be learned from this book. Thanks for sharing the review. I think a book like the Collier's is what young children need. There is so much wrong messages sent via television and other outlets, we need to have books with a great message readily available for our kids. Thanks again.
    Nicole Weaver
    Trilingual Children's Author
    http://mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Penelope ColeJune 30, 2012 at 5:10 PM

      Thanks, Nicole, for your comments. I do appreciate books like Kevin's which teach kids through fun to see and easy to understand stories.

      Delete
    2. Kristen CollierJuly 4, 2012 at 5:44 AM

      Wow, Nicole, that's great that you're a trilingual author, I checked out your site! I was fluent in French in high school, took 4 yrs, and did 2 of Spanish, but it's been so long, ha ha, forgotten most of it!

      Delete
  2. Donna McDineJune 30, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    Terrific review! Wonderful lessons to be learned by people of all ages. Positive messages are critical. Thanks for sharing!

    All the best,
    Donna

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    Replies
    1. Penelope ColeJune 30, 2012 at 5:12 PM

      Thanks for your supportive comments, Donna. I love your work and messages.

      Delete
  3. Susan HornbachJune 30, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    Great review Penelope! I wish Kevin great success with his wonderful new book.

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    Replies
    1. Penelope ColeJune 30, 2012 at 5:29 PM

      Thanks so much, Susan, for your support and well-wishes!

      Delete
  4. billkirkwritesJuly 1, 2012 at 11:23 PM

    Nice review, Penelope. And cograts to Kevin on the release of another terrific rhyming story.

    Bill Kirk
    http://www.billkirkwrites.com

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    Replies
    1. Penelope ColeJuly 2, 2012 at 9:06 AM

      Thanks, Bill, what the world needs is more rhymers (if that's a real word!) I hope to try some more, too. Keep up the good work!

      Delete
  5. Kristen CollierJuly 4, 2012 at 5:41 AM

    Wow, thanks for all the nice comments everyone, I'll share with Kev! Because Wally's getting to be so popular I made him the host of our new kid's page: http://tangerineskyproductions.com/Products.html
    Kristen

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    Replies
    1. Penelope ColeJuly 4, 2012 at 9:00 AM

      Hi Kristen, thanks for visiting and glad Wally is "moving up" in the wide world! Keep up the good work! Blessings to you both.

      Delete

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