Today, I'm diving into the first book in a new series. It centers around a cat and dog pair, and their adventures in the lively Shady Pines' Story Town. I thought the pair was adorable and looks like they will be up to all sorts of fun...and maybe some trouble, too? If I understood everything correctly, this series also concentrates on presenting life lessons as well as improving reading skills. In other words, it is for beginning readers, who are sure of their words but need more practice before diving with both feet into the middle grade realm.
I'm going to settle back and see what this cute pair is up to.
SCAVENGER HUNT
Shady Pines Story Town
Boomer and Halley
by Mary Jane McKittrick
Illustrated by Bob Ostrom
Tuxedo Cat Productions
Early Reader
55 pages
ages 6 to 9
What do you do with a couple of bored kids on a rainy day? You find a way to let them learn through play! In this National Award Winning book, Boomer and Halley’s Scavenger Hunt: Discover Rewards by Working with Others, an energetic Australian Shepherd dog, Boomerang, and a silver streak of a cat, Halley's Comet are moping around. Their "parents" Harold and Edna Sanders, stage a scavenger hunt throughout their home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane.
As sibling rivals often do, Boomer and Halley approach the task as a race against one another, each trying to find the hidden toys and treats first. They soon discover that some items are hidden too high for Boomer or they're too heavy for Halley. Maybe they should work together?
The book includes four life lessons: Teamwork, Manners, Sportsmanship and Cleaning Up embedded in the story and highlighted on the page with a PAW print. A bookmark and prompting questions allow 'stop and talk' moments to discuss.
Come join in the fun as Boomer and Halley take us on a wonderful and wacky adventure!
As sibling rivals often do, Boomer and Halley approach the task as a race against one another, each trying to find the hidden toys and treats first. They soon discover that some items are hidden too high for Boomer or they're too heavy for Halley. Maybe they should work together?
The book includes four life lessons: Teamwork, Manners, Sportsmanship and Cleaning Up embedded in the story and highlighted on the page with a PAW print. A bookmark and prompting questions allow 'stop and talk' moments to discuss.
Come join in the fun as Boomer and Halley take us on a wonderful and wacky adventure!
MY TIDBITS
Daily life meets some unexpected situations as this cat and dog hit one adventure after the other.
Halley's Comet, the cat, and Boomerang, the dog, are 'siblings' and live with a kind couple. Thanks to the weather, they are also a little bored. When they discover that their 'parents' have put together a scavenger hunt, it should be a lot of fun. But their desire to outshine each other might cause some difficulties.
This is a wholesome read with two adorable main characters. Halley and Boomer get along well but that doesn't mean they always are perfect. The situations remind of ones they experience every day, and while those with siblings will easily understand the issues, these slide into friendship relationships as well. The family warmth is ever-present even when things don't roll along as they should. This also means humor is never far away to keep a light atmosphere...but then, this is a very lively pair.
The text fits nicely to those readers who are very sure of their words but aren't quite ready to slide up into longer reads. The illustrations bring the moments to life and let the humor and emotions flow. The messaging in this series is evident the entire way through as the lessons are clearly marked and paw prints help highlight each one. There are also questions included on the side of the story, which ask readers to think about different behaviors and actions...such as asking when the pair shows sportsmanship. This makes it a very directed read on that front as well.
This is a lovely, gentle series with tons of wholesome goodness for those wanting to dive into reads, which focus on these types of lessons. It works great for homeschoolers, single settings, and even for small group reading sessions.
And here she is...
Before becoming an author, Mary Jane had a successful career in television entertainment (working for a TV production company; Co-Host of PM Magazine) and broadcast news, serving as an anchor, reporter, and producer at three, network affiliate television stations.
More about Shady Pines...
The human and animals characters of all ages and backgrounds who live in Shady Pines use gentle humor to deal with the many challenges facing young kids these days. Our neighbors in this tight knit community demonstrate problem solving by working together with conversation, not confrontation.
Come on in and stay a spell. We think you'll be glad you did!
Come on in and stay a spell. We think you'll be glad you did!
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