Book Review

The Friendly Book Nook

Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer by Grace Reddick

Thursday, June 5th, 2008

Summary from the back of the book: Ashley was not prepared for the turmoil and disasters her baby chimpanzee would create. At times, she wished she had left baby Tina, at her home in Africa.

Rylee, Ashley’s best friend did her best to help.

However, this baby chimpanzee always seemed to be one step ahead of them.

There was no slowing down with Tina.

Would they ever be able to control her? Just how far would she go?

My review: I enjoyed this book, but I took it in to school and read it to my 7 and 8 year old students. They LOVED it! Most children are animal lovers and they fell in love with Tina the baby chimpanzee. The children could relate to all of the trouble Tina got into. They said things like, “Tina reminds me of my brother, whenever he is quiet for a long time he is usually into something – just like Tina.” “The monkey reminds me of my little sister when she is sleeping – I love to watch her sleep.” “Ashley reminds me of myself – I like to dress up my dog like she likes to dress up Tina.” The children loved the book, they thought it was funny. They became interested in knowing more about Africa (where Tina came from). We loved the illustrations. Charr Floyd did a fabulous job capturing the silly monkey, Tina in all of her antics.

Each time I brought the book out to read to the children, they became excited. They were engaged throughout and had questions and comments. This is a great book for 9-12 year old children to read independently, but I would also highly recommend it as a read aloud to younger children – even as young as five or six years old.

 

Comments:

Cheryl Malandrinos Says:
June 5th, 2008 at 9:49 am

It’s great to hear how a book relates to its target market. Thanks for the great review!

Cheryl

Mayra Calvani Says:
June 5th, 2008 at 1:04 pm

Kids are the best reviewers! Congrats on the great review, Grace!

Mayra’s Secret Bookcase; children’s books… articles, interviews, reviews…

http://thefriendlybooknook.com/2008/06/05/ashleys-unforgettable-summer-by-grace-reddick/

To purchase Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer…

http://www.amazon.com      http://www.borders.com

http://www.barnesnadnoble.com    http://www.xlibris.com

INSB # 978-1-4257-4770-1

Author Interview

25 Jun 2008 08:42 PM

Author Interview – Grace Reddick

by Tristi Pinkston

Last week, I had the opportunity to review a darling children’s picture book, “Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer.” Today I am joined by the author of that book, Grace Reddick. Grace, thank you for stopping by!

You mention that you used to write poetry before turning your attention to fiction. What kind of poetry did you write, and where was it published?

Aside from journaling, poetry was another way for me to express from my heart. I wrote many poems for those who had lost a loved one, a child, and always spiritual. It truly had to come from within my heart. My poetry was published in a weekly local paper in Pembroke, Ga. I also had a three published in different poetry books. I don’t even remember the book names, and because I didn’t feel as though they were my best, I did not keep the books.

You also wrote articles. What were your favorite topics?

I once wrote an article that was published in the editorial section of a larger newspaper protesting a foreign corporation to come to Savannah, Ga. to build and employ their people. I also wrote patriotic articles and tributes.

You recently released “Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer.” Is this your first fiction release?

Yes, it is. I’m really looking forward to my second book that I am currently writing, also for children.

What perked your interest in writing for the children’s market?

You know, it was actually quite by accident. I submitted an essay to a children’s book company, and received great reviews. I knew then that I could write a complete story. I wrote two children’s stories and fifteen chapters of a novel, and set it all aside until two years ago.

Did you locate your own illustrator?

I am very fortunate in this area, because of S.C.A.D.S. (Savannah College of Arts And Design) I contacted them, gave a description of what I was looking for, and the responses were overwhelming.

What was it like, working with an illustrator? Did she replicate the pictures you had in your head when you wrote the story, or did it come out different from what you had thought/hoped?

Here again I was very fortunate. The person I chose graduated a couple of years ago. I told him what I wanted plus the details of each. There were some illustrations that I wanted specified colors. He was very easy to work with and sent sketches for me to look over first. I am well pleased; in fact I decided to use him exclusively for all my future books.

And the book did indeed turn out well!

Thanks for being here, Grace, and for spending time with us.

If you would like to learn more about Grace, click here.

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