Review of Why Did Chicken Cross the Road?

Feathered Quill Book Reviews says: Another hilarious adventure that children will love…

Chicken and Egg are at it again - this time as they try to solve the age-old question of why did the chicken, or in this case Chicken with a capital "C," cross the road?

As the story opens, best-buddies Chicken and Egg are walking along the sidewalk, deep in discussion. They have just come from the pharmacy where Chicken had to pick up some medicine. The two friends can't seem to agree on how to pronounce "antibiotics."

"It's pronounced an-TIE-biotics," said Chicken
..."No, no, NO!" argued Egg. "It is most certainly pronounced an-Tee-biotics!"

Chicken and Egg continue to argue as they cross the road. Once on the other side, Egg asks his friend why he crossed the road. Hmmmm.... Chicken didn't know. "I'm sure I had a reason," he declares. But what was the reason?

Why did Chicken cross the road? The two friends think, and think, and think...and as the author notes, "this went on for a ridiculously long time" (a statement that is repeated often throughout the story, much to the delight of the reader). Egg eventually comes up with an excellent solution - to retrace their steps. Surely if they follow their earlier path, they'll likely discover why they crossed the road. Chicken agrees and off they go.

Chicken and Egg first go to the doctor's office and ask the receptionist for help. She makes some suggestions of what they might have forgotten - a hat, a jacket, a prescription. Nope, nope, nope. None of her suggestions help Chicken remember why he crossed the road. Next, they head to the hardware store. Surely they'll find a clue to why Chicken crossed the road there. Unfortunately, all they find is an annoyed clerk when the two friends make a mess. Will Chicken and Egg ever discover why Chicken crossed the road?

Author Deborah Stevenson has written a treasure-trove of children's books with memorable characters and fantastic illustrations. With her newest series, Chicken and Egg, she has taken the well-known "why did the chicken cross the road" question and created an entire, delightful world for Chicken, Egg, and all their friends. In this, book 2 in the series, Chicken and Egg go on another hilarious adventure that children will love. And in case you're wondering, yes, they do discover why Chicken crossed the road and kids are going to get a giggle when they discover the reason.

Quill says: The Chicken and Egg series is such a fun series - it's funny, clever, and offers up loads of giggles. If you haven't added these books to your child's reading list, don't delay! They will absolutely love Chicken and Egg!

Reviews of Pugs Wearing Parkas

A pair of pugs in parkas parades through the seasons in this picture book.

“It’s the first day of spring! / Flowers stretch toward the sun / as a couple of pugs venture out for a run.” In this jaunty rhyming tale from Stevenson and Spicer—whose picture book collaborations include Oy, Elephants! (2019) and An Armadillo on My Pillow (2020)—two irrepressible pugs proudly set out through the seasons to show off their matching, hooded parkas. A flouncy dachshund and a “studious hound” question whether spring is an appropriate time to be wearing parkas. The pugs meet similar disapproval in the summer from sea gulls and a little girl at the beach; in the autumn, a bunny and a raccoon are unimpressed. But in the winter, the pugs’ new friends, a boy with brown skin and the now-appreciative girl with light skin from the beach, compliment the canines for their choice of cold-weather attire. Children will enjoy hearing Stevenson’s bouncy rhymes and picking out verbs and nouns in each verse that are enlarged in the text and set in different colors for emphasis. Spicer’s full-color depictions of the seasons provide attractive settings for the amusing pugs and the other expressive animal and human characters. A fun touch: The penultimate page switches from the book’s horizontal format, requiring children to turn the work for a dynamic vertical image of the pugs and their friends sledding downhill.

An introduction to the seasons, with well-paced rhyming text, gentle humor, and visual charm.

~Kirkus Reviews

Quill says: Pugs Wearing Parkas is a delightful book about silly, adorable pugs that will keep your child engaged and laughing until the very last page.

Children’s author Deborah Stevenson has written several wonderful books to delight children and I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing some of them. Each title has been a joy to read and I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite - now I must add Pugs Wearing Parkas to that list of favorites.

Meet two adorable pugs who are proudly strutting around on the first day of spring. They are wearing parkas and they know they “look pretty good.” These pugs are out for a run and are quite happy to show off their parkas to anybody they might encounter.

“We are pugs wearing parkas!” they proudly announce to a dachshund who struts with a hint of a flounce.
“Wearing parkas?” she asks, with a puzzled expression. “On a balmy spring day? Not the best first impression.”

Undaunted by the dachshund’s reaction, they next encounter a hound and again, meet with an unenthusiastic reaction. But soon it is summer and the pugs wear their parkas to the beach. It’s hot and the parkas are probably not the best things to be wearing to the beach but that doesn’t stop the pugs. Maybe those seagulls will be impressed...

One inquires, “What’s a parka?”
His friend gives a shrug. “Never mind about parkas. Explain-what’s a pug?”

Onward the pugs go, through fall and into the winter season. Will the pugs ever get the response they want from those they encounter? Will the parkas ever be the correct outerwear for the season?

Pugs Wearing Parkas is an absolutely flawless children’s book that gave me giggles and had me re-reading the book several times. I even read the book out-loud to my husband to test the rhyme and it got him laughing (he’s not one to typically laugh at a children’s book). The story is funny, the rhyming flows seamlessly, the illustrations are adorable and the ending is perfect. In short, I can’t say enough positive things about this book. Add it to your child’s collection!

~Holly Connors for Feathered Quill Book Reviews

Reviews of An Armadillo on My Pillow

A young girl encounters assorted wild animals in the house in this rhyming picture-book adventure.

Brown-skinned, poofy-haired Miranda wakes up in a menagerie, discovering an armadillo, capybara, and more invading her bedroom. A speedy mongoose wearing Miranda’s sneakers streaks across the room while a hippo tries on the child’s new scouting vest and a sloth reads in the underwear drawer. The creatures don’t stop with the bedroom: There are lemurs performing a synchronized swim in the pool, chinchillas cavorting in the sink, and a platypus lounging in the tub. When Miranda’s mother calls, the child wakes to discover only the family dog and her own stuffed animals in the room. But that doesn’t keep her from protesting morning tasks: Mom “adds, ‘brush your teeth. Don’t forget.’ / ‘Okay Mom, but chinchillas are gonna get wet!’ ” In this imaginative tale, Stevenson’s silly rhymes scan beautifully, and unfamiliar animals and words will be easy for independent readers to guess and sound out from the context. Lap readers are likely to linger over Spicer’s hilarious animal illustrations. Miranda’s range of expressions and reactions makes for an appealing protagonist; the gray-haired mother shows a wider parent-child age differential than is common; and the Disney-worthy animal images are sure to grab and hold young readers’ attentions.

With amusing, delightful rhymes and entertaining illustrations, this morning story should be a hit.

~Kirkus Reviews

Young readers are about to go on a delightful, and very funny, adventure as they join a young girl who discovers an armadillo on her pillow.

It's time for Miranda to wake up for school but as soon as she opens her eyes, the young girl knows it is going to be a very unusual day. A quick peek and she sees:

"Asleep by my head is a snug armadillo! His shadowy form softly snores on my pillow."

What is going on? Miranda stays under the blankets as she peers cautiously around the room and sees more unusual animals including a capybara. As the room fills up with still more animals, Miranda pops out from under her blankets to watch the commotion.

"Now a mongoose in sneakers goes barreling past.
Though one sneaker falls off, she is still lightning fast!
She's hot on the trail of a copperhead snake.
The reptile seems worried -
he's started to shake."

But the action isn't over yet. More and more animals come to Miranda's room, and these are not your typical soft, furry pets but rather critters such as a spectacled owl, a hippo and even a sloth. Could this all be real? Is it a dream? Whatever is going on, I think Miranda is going to be late for school.

An Armadillo On My Pillow is a very funny book that will keep readers wondering what is happening. I've read/reviewed a few other of Deborah Stevenson's book and have enjoyed all of them. This one, however, takes it a step further with the silliness of the story, the giggles that it will elicit, and I suspect children will want to read it again and again. Of particular note, the story, told in rhyme, does not use easy animal names to rhyme, but instead names such as chinchillas, a platypus, and my favorite, a wallaroo wearing a tutu. Morgan Spicer, the illustrator, has worked with the author on her other books and the two definitely have beautifully merged their skills to tell a perfect story. Well done!

Quill says: I loved An Armadillo On My Pillow and I'm sure your youngster will too.

~Holly Connors, Feathered Quill Book Reviews

Reviews of Who’s First: Chicken and Egg Book 1

Two overly polite pals can’t decide who should go first in this picture book.

On a scorchingly hot day, Chicken and Egg both agree that a banana split would be a perfect way to cool down. But when they get to the ice cream shop, they can’t even get through the door because each friend insists “After you.” To decide who should cross the threshold first, they try playing rock paper scissors, flipping a coin, and running a race. For various reasons, no method breaks the deadlock; by the time they finally agree on drawing straws, the shop is closed. Maybe a grilled cheese sandwich—if they can agree who gets to decide where to go. In this series opener, Stevenson creates a humorously ludicrous dilemma that children, who are so often on the receiving end of etiquette instructions, can especially appreciate. The plot offers the repetition kids like, as seen in the refrain “This went on for a ridiculously long time”—perfect for reading aloud expressively. The nicely varied and dynamic digital images by debut illustrator Stedmond contribute to the fun, including the image capturing the pals’ comically grim determination to win the race.

An enjoyably absurd friendship tale sure to cause giggles. ~Kirkus Reviews

…

“Children's book author Deborah Stevenson offers readers a "laugh-out-loud" funny book with her latest offering, Who's First?: Chicken and Egg Book 1.

Who's First? Chicken and Egg Book 1 is a very clever story that children will absolutely love. We've all wondered whether it was the chicken or the egg that came first, and via a funny tale, Stevenson takes a new look at this question. The friends try several different things to resolve their dilemma, from flipping a coin to having a race. But each time they run into some sort of issue, and they argue, or talk, or try to figure out how to proceed. And each time it goes on "for a ridiculously long time." I believe this is the first time that the author has teamed up with illustrator David Stedmond, and I have to say that the pairing is definitely a good match. Egg and Chicken are adorable, and Stedmond manages to convey their emotions perfectly. Combine that with a unique storyline, and you have a great combination for a fun story that kids will love. And since this is book 1 in a planned series, I can't wait to see what Egg and Chicken will be up to next!” ~ Ellen Feld for Feathered Quill Book Reviews

…

Deborah Stevenson has created a simple and easy to read story sure to capture the attention of young readers in her book, Who’s First? Chicken and Egg Book 1. This book follows a day in the life of a chicken and an egg as they enjoy life in the barnyard and surrounding town. The dialogue is engaging as the characters go back and forth about the weather and have an argument over who should enter an ice cream shop first to cool off. The problem they face over their simple argument is one that presents them with a variety of options for a solution. As they struggle, competition comes into play as they figure out who should be allowed to enter the shop first.

This delightful story by Deborah Stevenson is sure to keep any young child’s attention as they anticipate what these characters will do to solve their problem. Each of the characters is relatable for young readers as they often try to decide who will go first in everyday situations. The solutions the author brings to solving their problem, such as flipping a coin, racing, and drawing straws, are all experiences many readers have engaged in. These touches bring the characters to life and help children feel like they are part of the story. Every detail of the story is well thought out and will make the young reader smile when it is completed. The illustrations make the story so much fun. Who’s First? is a great story to help teach character development and social skills to young children. All kids can use practical tips that will make them successful at solving problems with friends. This is a story I strongly recommend for the home or classroom setting to create conversations on how to solve problems in a positive way.

~Laura Sumpter, Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

Review of The Last Rhino

Reviewed by: Holly Connors, Feathered Quill Book Reviews
Review Date: October 2018

Ayubu (pronounced ah-YOO-boo) is a baby rhino living on the African savanna. Under his mother's careful watch, he romps along the open grasslands and plays with friends at the local watering hole. Life is good for Ayubu, but that is all about to change...
While Ayubu plays in the water, it's not just his mother that keeps an eye on him, but also Imari, a cattle egret who removes the insects and ticks from the rhinos' backs. In exchange, the egret alerts the rhinos to danger that he can spot while flying high above the savannah. Ayubu notices that his mother and Imari are always on the lookout for danger, and he quickly learns that they fear not just lions and other carnivores, but also human poachers.
One evening, while listening to a story about his father and sister (who had been lost to poachers), Ayubu is startled when a herd of springboks come flying by them. "Poachers," screams Imari and they are all instantly on their feet and running for the safety of the brush. A narrow escape from the humans teaches Ayubu to always be on guard but unfortunately, it isn't long before his mother falls victim to the humans' appetite for rhino horns.
The bulk of The Last Rhino follows Ayubu as he grows up without his mother by his side, and shares exploits with his new best friend Raziya, a baby elephant. They go on fun adventures, meet a pair of very goofy monkeys, and even stumble upon a pride of lions. Of course, the presence of poachers is always of concern, and as Ayubu matures, and his horn grows, the danger becomes more pressing. A final showdown, where Ayubu will risk everything to help his dear friend Raziya, brings the story to a final, satisfying ending, and will have children clutching the pages to see what happens...
The Last Rhino is an early-reader chapter book that quickly engages the reader with a fun story. The writing is crisp, the dialogue believable (as long as you are willing to believe that animals talk and play "I Spy"), and the important message about conservation isn't thrust upon the reader but gently becomes a part of the story. The death of Ayubu's mother is handled perfectly, with her falling into a poacher's pit and that is the last we see of her. There are lovely drawings throughout, and on the pages between chapters where there is no text, the publisher has covered the page with a pretty African pattern. Finally, at the back of the book are several informational pages, including a page with proper pronunciation of the African names in the story, fun facts about rhinos, about symbiosis with birds, and what the reader can do to help rhinos. This book is the "total package" for young readers to learn about, and learn to care about, rhinos.
Quill says: The Last Rhino is an excellent book for young readers who will discover a fun story that also teaches a very important lesson about conservation. After reading this book, they will be inspired to help and armed with the information at the back of the book, they'll know how to get started on their quest to save the rhinos.

Reviews of Oy, Elephants!

"Unforgettable!" -- Thanks Amy Lignor of Feathered Quill for this wonderful review! ...

As most kids will agree, visiting grandparents is absolutely awesome! Think about it…you’re talking home cooking, extra treats (that Mom always says ‘no’ to), and so much more. Joel is one of those lucky buggers who is spending his school break with Grandma Gussie and Grandpa Morris at their home in Florida. A place called Delray Retirement Village. Now…there are a few downsides to the visit, like always getting your cheeks pinched; and life can get a little boring when everyone goes to bed so early, but Joel is hoping beyond hope that he will have an adventure.

As soon as Joel arrives, his wonderful grandparents are right there to greet him (and, yes, pinch those cheeks of his). But once the pinching is over with, Joel smiles as they drive to the retirement community to begin their visit. The home cooked meal is awesome, as expected, but just as a bit of boredom is about to arrive, a moving van bigger than any Joel has ever seen pulls up on the cul-de-sac and parks. Out comes two extremely large elephants, moving into one of the houses across the street. There is a massive ‘buzz’ all about the retirement community in regards to the new residents, but Morris and Gussie go right over to introduce themselves and welcome their new neighbors.

The elephants are the Helfand family; Martha and Lou. It turns out that they are retiring here in Florida now that their circus days have come to an end. From water aerobics in the pool to lazing around on the sunny beach, both families spend time together. Other residents of the village are not as nice, like Mrs. Fox and Mr. and Mrs. Bell. They are more than a little annoyed when Mr. Helfand jumps into the pool and causes them to become soaking wet. But when a frightening event occurs and Mr. Helfand’s large trunk is needed, those negative opinions soon change. Although furniture gets broken, and many other humorous things occur, Joel ends up having the adventure of a lifetime.

This fantastic author/illustrator team, who also put together the award-winning title Soaring Soren, have a true gift. The fun plot addresses exactly where elephants go to retire and is based on the fact that circuses were banned from using the incredible animals in shows to improve the elephants’ health and welfare. The illustrations are vibrant, beautifully done, and will inspire ALL artists out there to chase their future dreams. This recipe of great story and brilliant drawings come together to make this book unforgettable. So unforgettable that your own grandchild may just see it and beg you to read it 24/7…at least, that’s what happened in my house. (Oy!)

Quill Says: An incredible read that’s entertaining, exciting, and downright awesome!

"Inventive, engaging and just plain fun to read!" --Thanks Rick Felty, author of the award-winning Tabitha Fink children's book series for this thoughtful review! ...

Oy, Elephants! is a Trunk Full of Fun!

What a wonderful and creative story this is! Oy, Elephants! by Deborah Stevenson is inventive, engaging and just plain fun to read. It tells the story of Joel, a young man going to Florida for his school break. He’s going to be staying with his grandparents and although he loves them dearly, nothing EVER happens at their retirement village! EVER! Little does he know that on THIS trip, a LOT is going to happen and yes, it involves elephants! After a first very uneventful day, some new neighbors move in across the street and the events that unfold set the entire community into a raucous tizzy!

The book is full of energetic, colorful and yet lovely/sensitive illustrations that help take the reader on this wild journey with Joel and his grandparents. I felt the artwork here fit the story perfectly!

The grownups in Oy, Elephants! learn a lot about having fun and being more carefree as they interact with the new neighbors. I also love how Joel comes to a deeper appreciation of his grandparents after their “adventure.” In many ways, at its core this book is about family.

In addition I want to tip my hat to the author for such a clever story idea. I myself have been aware of the fight to protect elephants from often cruel lives in circuses as well as the recent agreement by some circuses to stop using the animals. This story is a kind of “what if” resulting from the real world liberation of elephants. And while not a story about the plight of circus elephants, it still shines a light on that real life story. I love that about this book.

You and your kids will love Oy, Elephants! and I highly recommend it.

Reviews of Soaring Soren

Based on a beloved dog’s true story, this debut picture book celebrates hard work and determination. ... A canine tale offers an exuberant reminder that winners come in all shapes and sizes (and should never listen to naysayers). --Kirkus Reviews

Expressive cartoon color illustrations bring Soren the French Bulldog's amazing and inspiring story to life, bringing joy and inspiration to young readers everywhere. --Midwest Book Review

Soren is an adorable French Bulldog who is on a mission - to prove that dreams can come true, especially if you work hard to obtain them. And he wants to take your child along with him on his adventure. ... Soaring Soren helps teach children that with a little hard work, if they can dream it, they can achieve it. A wonderful message and a delightful book. --Feathered Quill Book Review

FULL REVIEWS

KIRKUS REVIEW 5/5/2017 OF SOARING SOREN

Based on a beloved dog’s true story, this debut picture book celebrates hard work and determination.

Originally from Denmark, Soren the French bulldog is adopted by a kind American woman named Deb. Soren dreams about becoming a show dog; unfortunately, he grows too large to compete in his category. Then one day, Deb notices he jumps quite high, so she thinks he can enter agility contests instead. To begin training, Deb takes Soren to a special park with planks, tunnels, jumps, and weave poles. After months of practice, Soren and Deb attend agility trials, where a couple of rude folks scoff that a Frenchie can never prevail because of his large head and short legs. Undeterred by these judgmental individuals, Soren continues to prepare, even running through tricky weave poles, which is the most difficult maneuver for him. With much effort and an indomitable spirit, Soren eventually becomes the first French bulldog to ever win a Master Agility Championship. Told from Soren’s point of view, the story features kindly Deb with “wild, curly hair” as the main human character and effectively emphasizes Soren’s devotion to her. Playful and often humorous, Soren’s voice should appeal to a wide array of primary school kids (Stevenson’s work is aimed at ages 5 to 8). In one amusing part, the bulldog’s excitement wreaks havoc with his tummy: “Deb’s eyes got wide and she blurted out, ‘Uh oh. Soren, noooo!’ But before I could stop it…blarrgh! I threw up—right on Deb!” Spicer’s (Sashi and the Puppy Mill Girl, 2016, etc.) bold color illustrations are eye-catching and complement the exultant message; for example, gleeful Soren flies in the volume’s margins with winged pigs because critics said a Frenchie would claim victory “when pigs fly.” (The small human cast, however, lacks diversity.) Reminiscent of a cute Disney character, Soren has huge adorable, expressive eyes, lending a classic feel. A compelling close-up of bug-eyed Soren as he makes the triumphant jump takes up two pages—requiring the book to be turned for optimal viewing—and adds vivid excitement to a jubilant climax.

A canine tale offers an exuberant reminder that winners come in all shapes and sizes (and should never listen to naysayers).

--Kirkus Reviews

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW 3/17/2017 OF SOARING SOREN

Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly
Deborah Stevenson, author
Morgan Spicer, [illustrator]
Aperture Press LLC
201 Washington Street, Suite #533, Reading, PA 19601
9780997302059 $14.95 www.aperturepress.net

"Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly" is the unlikely but inspiring story of the author's French bulldog, Soren, and his dauntless quest to become an agility champion despite his breed and handicaps. Symbolic of the determination and inspiration of Soren, little flying pigs carrying green ribbon banners decorate and frame initial and intermittent page illustrations. Written from the dog's viewpoint, "Soaring Soren" tells the amazing story of a French Bulldog born in Denmark who flies to the United States to be adopted by his American owner, Deb, a kind lady with lots of curly hair. Soren was born and bred to be a show dog, so he expected the training that would be an integral part of that. However, Soren also grew and grew, until he had grown bigger than a French Bulldog for showing was allowed to be. This was a sad disappointment to Soren, but there was nothing he could do about his growing, so he accepted it. Deb noticed that Soren could run fast and jump high, so she wondered if Soren could make a great agility dog, not something French Bulldogs are bred or built for. Soren tried extra hard to show Deb that he could be a great agility dog, even if his fast running and high jumping ended up making him sick to his tummy. With Soren's enthusiastic acceptance, Deb began Soren's agility training, using agility field obstacles such as the A-Frame, jumps, weave poles, the teeter, and the tunnel, Soren's favorite. Soren worked hard with his owner as a team, receiving cheese treats for rewards when he did well on the agility obstacle course. then Soren attended his first agility trial course and did very well. Deb began to think that Soren could become an agility champion, even though no French Bulldog had ever achieved such a thing. With their big heads, short legs, and heavy bodies, French Bulldogs just weren't built for agility achievement, people thought. But Soren thought differently. He knew he could be a champion one day. Soren practiced hard with Deb, hoping to win an agility championship to give her. What an exciting event day! Soren concentrated and worked very hard, making no mistakes on all the obstacles. Soren won a purple ribbon! Plus his owner gave him a new collar with little flying pigs on it! At a fabulous party afterwards for all participating show dogs and owners, Soren was so happy. He loved his agility training work, but he loved his owner, Deb even more. Finally, Soren knew that "if you work hard and believe in yourself and your dreams, you can do just about anything. And if you have someone you love who believes in you too, that's even better." Expressive cartoon color illustrations bring Soren the French Bulldog's amazing and inspiring story to life, bringing joy and inspiration to young readers everywhere.

Feathered Quill Review August 2017 of Soaring Soren

Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: August 2017

Soaring Soren is based on the true story of Soren, a little French Bulldog who traveled all the way from Denmark to the United States to become a top-notch show dog for his owner Deborah Stevenson. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for Soren because as he grew, he grew a little too much. He was too tall for the strict showing standards required of French Bulldogs. What would Soren do? There was no doubt that Deb truly loved and adored him so maybe Soren was destined to simply become a lap dog.

One day while Deb was outside watching her beloved dog play, she noticed that Soren loved to run fast and jump quite high. Hmmm....maybe Soren would make a good agility dog. But everybody knows that French Bulldogs are too slow, too heavy, their legs are too short, and, well, they just can't do agility. But they didn't know Soren. He adored Deb and would do anything for her. He also loved the fast-paced training required for agility, and soon he loved participating in agility trials too. Soren was about to change the minds of those who doubted him but would he be good enough to earn an agility championship? Dreams do come true if you work hard and never give up...

Soaring Soren is a totally delightful story of one dog's efforts to make his, and his owner's, dream come true. With a positive message of working hard, and never giving up, children will be inspired to reach for their dreams too. The illustrations are quite nice, and fit well with the happy mood set by the story. In addition, with Soren's happy face and big, brown eyes appearing in almost every drawing, the artwork really brings out the personality of Soren. At 37 pages, there's a bit more text than restless 4 or 5 year olds may sit through, so for the youngest readers, you may need to break the story up into 2 or 3 bedtime readings.

Quill says: Soaring Soren helps teach children that with a little hard work, if they can dream it, they can achieve it. A wonderful message and a delightful book.

Readers' Favorite Book Review, January 2017

Reviewed by Jack Magnus

Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly is a children's animal book, based on a true story, written by Deborah Stevenson and illustrated by Morgan Spicer. Deb was there at the airport waiting for the small French Bulldog puppy who had traveled all the way to her from Denmark. She greeted him with hugs and french fries, and he instantly fell in love with her. Deb explained that he was going to train to be a show dog, and she helped him learn the correct posture and behavior that would be expected. All too soon, however, Deb realized that her pup was just too big to be a show dog. Watching him jump, play and cavort outdoors had her thinking what many thought was improbable -- her French Bulldog could become an Agility Champion. The two of them worked hard to get Soren to master the jumps, A-Frames and weave poles that were used in agility trials. Soren and Deb heard others at the first trial say that French Bulldogs just couldn't do agility, no less be a champ, but they knew better. Soren had what it takes to win.

Deborah Stevenson's children's animal book, Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly, is an inspirational and exciting true life story that shows how even seemingly insurmountable odds can be overcome, if you believe in yourself. What a marvelous way to teach children to have confidence in their abilities! Soren's story is beautifully told, from that first plane trip through to the celebration after Soren wins the honor of being the first ever French Bulldog AKC Master Agility Champion. Morgan Spicer's illustrations are masterful and bring this remarkable story to life. Each panel is colorful and shows Soren as he soars over jump bars and successfully navigates the dreaded weave poles. Stevenson also provides a link to Soren's site, which has photographs and a video showing Soren in action. I loved this book! Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly is most highly recommended for children and animal lovers of all ages.