A Kid's Review of Topsy Turvy Land

For a book report, Darrion chose to write about Topsy Turvy Land. His mother sent me a copy of his report and granted me permission to post it. Isn't this a glowing review? I love it! Thanks, Darrion!!

Connie Arnold Highlights "Where is Salami?"

Today Connie Arnold is featuring "Where is Salami?" illustrated by Jack Foster (Guardian Angel Publishing).

Connie Arnold , Children's Author: Where is Salami?: "My friend, Donna Shepherd, is the author of many delightful picture books. A new one has recently been published by Guardian Angel Publishin..."

Latest Review for Sully's Topsy Tale - Star Search in the Jungle!

New Review for Sully's Topsy Tale!

What’s worse than a giraffe with a sore neck? A singing snake with a sore throat! Meet Sully, the sensational star of Donna Shepherd’s new Topsy Tale. You name it, Sully sings it--solos, arias, and even scats. But what happens when the bane of all serious singers, a sore throat, silences Sully’s beautiful music? Lemon tea, honey…Sully’s well-meaning (and familiar) friends, Chizzy and Dotty, offer up home remedies. Sully’s sure the rest cure will work, but wait! The show must go on, so it’s Star Search in the jungle. Who can stand in for Sully? Will he ever sing again?

There’s a nice message on patience tucked away in this story, and also true friendship. Need to brush up on your musical terms? See the glossary on the back cover, along with a recommendation from a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. Seems Sully can help children say their ‘s’ sounds! If you’re looking for a warm, bright book that kids will love, Sully’s waiting patiently for a new home.

-- Stephanie Reed, author of The Light Across the River

Sully's Topsy Tale - Reviews

Charmed by a Snake!, June 14, 2010

Donna Shepherd has created another delightful character! Sully the snake is full of personality -- and musical talent! Unfortunately, he must give up singing when he develops a sore throat. It's a good thing he had lots of cute animal friends to help him through his difficulties. By the time he's ready to sing again, he's learned a wonderful lesson about friendship.

Children will love this charming character and relate to his rhyming story. The colorful and lively illustrations add to the fun. They even include hidden hearts for kids to search out! - Diana R. Jenkins, children's author

Sore Throat Silences Snake!, June 10, 2010

Sully's Topsy Tale is a wonderful rhyming story about a solo singing snake with laryngitis. Children will be thrilled as Sully's friends all try to help him with his problem. In the end Sully recovers and discovers in the process that it is good to have friends as they make beautiful music together.

Donna J. Shepherd's rhymes are delightful and have a wonderful message about friendship. Kevin Collier's illustrations are colorful and humorous, and will definitely make children giggle. Donna and Kevin are a winning partnership. I received the book free for review, but it doesn't affect my opinion of the book. I don't recommend books that I don't like.

The back cover includes definitions of musical terms used in the book. I always love a book with an educational element. - Shari Lyle-Soffe, children's author

Shari Lyle-Soffe - Children's Books and More: Review - Sully's Topsy Tale

Shari Lyle-Soffe - Children's Books and More: Review - Sully's Topsy Tale

Reviews for Donna's Newest Book - Poodle & Doodle

It's almost time for the book to come out, and excitement is building! Reviewers are looking at it. It's a very short picture book, so it takes very little time to read, but I know it takes a while to formulate a well-worded review. Jack Foster did the sweetest illustrations. The reason it's so simple is that it's also being released as an app for iKids Play, so Angel (poodle) and Sadie (Doodle - 'Scruffy' in the book) will not only be book and blog stars, but star on iTunes! Each page has 4 lines of text with a very simple illustration. It also has hidden bones in some of the illustrations.

The publisher has a page for Poodle and Doodle with a sneak peek inside! Click HERE.

What readers are saying...

"This charming children’s story in delightful rhyme will amuse every reader as it shows there IS room for more than one dog." - Nancy Carty Lepri, author of Tiny Angel

"Poodle and Doodle is adorable! Donna Shepherd's books are perfect for kids (and moms!) of all ages!" - Jill Hart, co-author of So You Want to Be a Work-At-Home Mom: A Christian's Guide to Starting a Home-Based Business,CWAHM.com

"Can a poodle with a diva attitude and a Labradoodle without a pedigree really get along? Poodle and Doodle by Donna Shepherd is a perfectly blended tale mixed with just the right touch of humor. The poodle’s discovery that she does not always have to be “top dog” and that being a friend is important, make this book not only a delightful read, but also teaches children valuable life lessons.

This lovely book, adorned with charming illustrations by Jack Foster, is “pawsitively wonderful” and is sure to be enjoyed by both young and old alike." - Dayna Hilton, (Firefighter Dayna) author of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog (saddle stitched)

"With its delightful language and charming illustrations, Poodle and Doodle is a picture book that can be read and enjoyed again and again. The story of how Angel, the "perfect" poodle, adjusts to the intrusion of Scruffy, the Labradoodle, will make both children and adults laugh. Donna Shepherd's clever rhymes bring Angel's personality to life, and Jack Foster's artwork adds to the humor. Hidden bones in many of the illustrations keep things fun for multiple readings. The story entertains while teaching good lessons about friendship and change. Great for both home and school libraries!" - Diana R. Jenkins, author of Stepping Stones: The Comic Collection (Diana's blog: DJ's Thoughts)

"In this heartwarming story from a dog’s point of view, children learn it may be hard to accept a newcomer who’s different—but opposites can become best friends. A delightful read-aloud for any kid who loves dogs." - Liz Ball, author/illustrator of Friends Hidden Treasures: Hidden Picture Puzzles

"Poodle and Doodle by Donna J Shepherd is an adorable picture book about a tiny poodle who is upset when her humans bring home a gigantic labradoodle named Scruffy. At first the dainty little dog is upset by the new dog's clumsiness and lack of manners, but eventually she realizes living with Scruffy has advantages.

The book is told in rhyme that's comfortable and not artificially forced, unlike some rhyming picture books I've seen. The colorful illustrations by Jack Foster are perfect portrayals of the cute and amusing story. Poodle and Doodle would appeal to most young kids but it would be especially appropriate for those who love dogs and children coping with sibling rivalry." - Janet Ann Collins, author of Secret Service Saint

"When Scruffy- part Poodle, part Labrador Retriever joins the family, he is snubbed by the family’s dog, a full breed Poodle. Everything Scruffy does is “rude and rough” from eating his food, to eating a sandwich off the kitchen counter. But, the pretty little Poodle soon discovers that having Scruffy around can come in handy, AND that he is actually a good friend. Well written rhyme and colorful illustrations show the dichotomy between these two silly dogs and encourage children to never judge a book a by its cover!" - Jennifer Reed, children’s author

"Donna Shepherd knows that being different from one another can be oodles of fun! Poodle and Doodle's antics will leave you begging for more, and I love the illustrations, too!" - Stephanie Reed, author of The Light Across the River

“Poodle and Doodle will charm most any little guy or girl, with the antics of pets sharing space. Donna’s rocking rhymes tell a believable story with plenty of ‘cute’. The art is especially appealing with simple, bright lines. What a sweet example of how changes in families call for an attitude adjustment. That slightly jealous poodle shows us how she came around to understanding the new Doodle arrival, and accepting what he had to offer! The story is a wonderful character lesson, in doggy disguise.” - April Boyer, author and editor of Seeds in Season Writing Resources

"When prissy meets mangy, a story of friendship and acceptance unfolds. Poodle and Doodle will snuggle their way into your hearts, just like they did with each other. A fun, lyrical story of two very different dogs who share a special friendship. Young children will love Poodle and Doodle."- Cheryl Malandrinos, The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

"Poodle and Doodle is a fun, cute story that will delight children of all ages, especially those who love dogs. The artwork, done in the computer in bright, happy colors, complements the book perfectly. It has an important underlying message: nobody's perfect and one must always look at the positive side of people--or dogs! My 12-year old daughter also read it and loved it, and although she’s old now for this type of book, she said: “If I were 5 I would ask you to read it to me every night.” Coming from a child, I think that says a lot." - Mayra Calvani, Mayra's Secret Bookcase

"The balance of friendship can be a difficult one to understand. At times one may feel they are overshadowed by a friend and become frustrated. Poodle and Doodle by Donna J. Shepherd explores an unexpected friendship in this delightful rhyming story of two distinctly different dogs.

What comes forth through the eyes of one fancy poodle pup, Angel, is her own insecurities of having another dog around. When Scruffy, a cross between Poodle and Labrador is brought home by their owner, Leah, havoc ensues wherever Scruffy goes. His less than stellar manners appall Angel until the “ah-ha” moment that Scruffy is not so bad and is actually fun to have around.

Shepherd wonderfully brings to life real life issues all humans contend with in finding their place with friends. Most of all, we are all individuals whether canine or human and should appreciate the positives in all we meet. \

Illustrator, Jack Foster brings the canine characters to life with their young owner, Leah, making it an adventure to read over and over again." - Donna M. McDine, Children's Author - http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/