Tag Archives: author illustrator

Book Review: I AM OTTER – by Sam Garton

I am Otter - by Sam GartonBook: I AM OTTER
Author: Sam Garton
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: picture book, ages 4-8; Preschool – grade 3
Pages: 32
Price: hardcover $16.99 US suggested price, but can be found for less
My Rating: amusing, amazing illustrations to go with a delightful story. Love it!

 

If you have never met Otter or Otter Keeper (Sam Garton) through the blog I am Otter: The Unheard Ramblings of a Modern Day Domestic Otter, then you really must remedy that situation and go there. (But wait! Please read my review first, of course.)

I don’t remember how I was introduced to Otter, but I’m glad I found her and Otter Keeper because I always enjoy reading about what new antics have occurred. The best news yet is this book: I AM OTTER. I had to pre-order and be patient, but when it arrived it was certainly worth the wait.

I AM OTTER by Sam Garton is a gorgeous book! Sam is both the author and the illustrator, and he certainly has found his voice and artistic talent. Otter has attitude and determination which come across in amusing mishaps. The detail worked into each illustrated page is amazing and entertaining.

Otter Keeper is very patient and tolerant. Otter is such a loveable character who is always getting herself into trouble of one kind or another, and Teddy is always getting the blame. For example, on the jacket cover Otter says: I hope you like the story! (And if you don’t it’s probably Teddy’s fault.)

Small spoiler alert … enough to tempt you: Because Otter Keeper, no matter how much Otter tries to prevent it, goes to work every Monday, and Otter and Teddy don’t have jobs, they decided to open a toast restaurant. Unfortunately, they immediately ran into problems. Here’s an excerpt: Next, Teddy hadn’t told anyone how much our toast would cost. As a result, no one brought any spending money, which led to some embarrassing situations. Finally, Teddy got several of the toast orders wrong. Some of the customers complained and had to be asked to leave the restaurant.   The customers are toys from Otter’s toy box, and the illustration is of a few toys having been escorted (tossed) out the window. Too cute!

There are such pleasing and amusing surprises to this story, I laughed out loud. When my grandson was here for a short visit the day my book arrived, he and I enjoyed reading I AM OTTER together. Every page has so much to see, and the situations created are truly funny. I love books like this.

Check out this book trailer and get a taste of I AM OTTER by Sam Garton.

If you are looking for a fun and entertaining picture book for a little someone special, I urge you to consider I AM OTTER by Sam Garton. When I asked my grandson to read my copy with me he didn’t want to then, so I suggested we take turns reading the pages. That was acceptable, but he got so into the story he forgot a couple of times it was my turn and kept reading. 🙂 Now that’s a great recommendation.  😉

You can find I AM OTTER listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!

 

 

 

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Book Review (Part 2): Greet the Dawn:The Lakota Way – by S.D.Nelson

Today I am doing something a little different. I’m posting a second part to one of my reviews – Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way by S. D. Nelson. Please be sure to refer to part one of my review HERE to gain a more complete appreciation of this book.

Greet the Dawn the Lakota WayThe reason I am doing part two is because I want you to get a taste of some of the astounding illustrations created by Mr. Nelson, the author of the book. After sending a request to the Marketing Director of South Dakota Historical Society Press  – where this wonderful picture book was published – I received gracious permission and the illustrations I selected to post on my blog. (Thank you, Martyn Beeny!) Please visit their website HERE.

All the pages in Greet The Dawn: The Lakota Way are fully illustrated, edge to edge, in gorgeous colour.

Here are three for you to admire and … ENJOY!

You can find Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂