Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Book Review for If Only...by Katie Hallett

If Only...

If Only… by Katie Hallett, and illustrated by Darren Cranford
Hummingbird Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-0984480104
32 pages     Ages 4-8    
Children’s Picture Book   


If Only… is a fantastic story which contents the heart of one owns self worth.
Timmy is a mouse who admired his friends at the zoo. People came from far and wide to visit them. As Timmy woke up to begin the day he found himself unhappy with some of his qualities. He was short, and had a long tail and whiskers, which got caught in things frequently. It was very upsetting for Timmy and each and every time something happened, like for example, tripping over and falling down the stairs because of his long tail, a family member would tell him that it was because he was a mouse.


Well, not wanting to be a mouse any more, Timmy made his way to the zoo to visit his friends. He was envious of them because they could do all the things that he couldn’t do. Timmy will soon learn that every animal has its share of problems. Like the elephant. Timmy would love to be large and in charge. However, even though the elephant loves being so big, there are things he can't do. Like move around quietly, and fit in small spaces. His friend the fish does not have a perfect life either. A fish can’t breathe in fresh air or walk on land. As Timmy visits each of his friends will he realize that being a mouse isn’t so terrible at all?


This is a very cute story which focuses on a common problem. Sometimes we look at ourselves and wish we were somebody else, but the truth is that we should be thankful for the gifts we have been given. By the end of the story Timmy begins to comprehend how special he is, as children should realize how wonderful, unique and special they are.  It's common to think that the grass is greener on the other side, but if we dig deep enough we will soon understand that the sun light makes it shine so bright but it's what's underneath the grass that makes it lush. It’s what we are on the inside that counts, not what we are not.  


The smooth rhyme fits nicely with the story and children from the ages of 4-8 will love the beautifully detailed illustrations and learn along with Timmy, that there is no other person they would rather be, than themselves.



9 comments:

  1. Greetings from the Blog Hop.
    The Disconnected Writer: http://thedisconnectedwriter.blogspot.com

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  2. Hi! I’m following your blog. Please stop by and say hi when you get a chance. If you’re ever interested in a blog makeover please let me know. Take a look at my portfolio and packages. Hope you are having a Sweet Week.

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  3. Blog hopping from Haute Mom. I'm going to keep you around. We're always looking for good books for the tot! :)

    And I'm not Abby. I'm Abby's mom Elisa. Your blog doesn't have a name/url option to comment and my email is linked to Abby's blog. Sorry for confusion.

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  4. 'm blog hopping and found yours! Cute book!! :) I'm now following and would love for you to check out my blog and follow back!

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  5. so glad i found your blog! i have a 2 year old! looking forward to reading more!

    i'm your newest follower on GFC! following from the thursday hop! Would love a follow back and say hello!
    http://www.bragallaboutit.com

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  6. Followed you from the Thirsty Thursday Blog Hop. I have a 6.5 yr old daughter; finding this blog is great, because even though I'm a book lover myself, I found out I'm totally clueless when it comes to which children's books are good.

    Thanks for sharing the useful info. I'd be ecstatic if you would follow me back:
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  7. New Follower ~ from Smart and Trendy Moms ~ Love your blog ~ so creative and I love children's books ~ Happy Weekend ^_^

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  8. Glad I found your blog. Now connected with you. Nina
    www.ninalazina.info

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  9. Hi! I am your newest follower! I would love it if you stopped by check it out and become my newest follower! Have a great 4th!

    Kirsten ;)
    www.mushkiloves.blogspot.com

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