e-Book ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-24-5 Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-00-9
MAY 2008 Paperback, 28 pages, $10.95
Ages 4 & Up
Reviewed
by Mayra Calvani
Rattlesnake
Jam is a hilariously funny children’s picture book about an
old couple who share an irresistible affection for rattlesnakes.
There’s only one problem: While Pa would rather have the rattlesnakes
turned into fritters or pie, old Gran prefers them turned into jam…
disgustingly green, sweetened, gooey rattlesnake jam!
So no matter
how cold the weather is, there goes brave Pa hunting after the snakes.
And as he hunts them, he fantasizes about the various ways Gran
could cook them—hot on a plate, fried, sliced on white rice,
hmmm… But no way will his dreams ever become a reality, for
as readers will learn “…snake cooked for Pa was not in
Gran’s plan. She dreamed of them sweetened and made into jam.”
Though Gran swears her special jam can cure colds, gout and wheeze,
not to mention “troublesome knees”, everyone dislikes
the taste of her ghastly creation. Will Gran ever stop? And what
would happen to Pa, if she ever did?
Colliers’s
colorful, wacky illustrations complement Finke’s humorous rhyme
perfectly. Gran is grossly comical with her toothless grin, warts,
bell pepper nose, and tough exterior. The reader will feel sorry
for Pa, who seems completely under Gran’s control. The book
has 28 pages in all, and each story page has an illustration with
a short text at the bottom—a two or four line rhyme, like this
one:
Drop
in chunky slices, stir well with a spoon.
Add mysterious spices! Gran hummed a wild tune.
The way to Gran’s heart was through rattlers galore— Making rattler jam bubble, ‘til it flowed on the floor.
The song-like
cadence will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Snakes are reptiles
that inspire both fear and fascination, especially in children,
and it was clever of the author to use them as victims instead of
villains in this book. This is a fine addition to Finke’s series
of rhyming books about animals. Whimsical and amusing, Rattlesnake
Jam is one of those books young children will beg their parents
to read to them again and again.
“Whoever
heard of rattlesnake jam? Horrid! Disgusting! And how perfect
for the imaginative child with a sense of adventure! This rhymed
and well-metered tale of a grandma set on making rattlesnake jam,
as if it were on everyone’s breakfast menu, will have youngsters
squealing and squirming with delight. They’ll follow the
hapless Pa into the field in search of the critters, and back
into Gran’s kitchen where she cooks up a rattling brew for
folks near and far.
Rattlesnake
Jam? Naturally! Children will ask for second, third and fourth helpings
of this lively story. Enchanting illustrations by Kevin Collier.”
If you liked “How to eat Fried Worms” you’ll love
“Rattlesnake Jam.” This story is gross and funny! Not
the body parts of the jam, it’s the green parts that looks
like slime! Eeew! I like the pictures because they look fun and
they are colorful. Pa is my favorite character. I like the picture
of him, when he’s picking a flower and he has hearts all around
his head and the rattlesnakes are sneaking out of the bag. I also
like the picture of Pa when he is hearing a smell! And I also like
the picture where Pa is smelling the smell instead of hearing it.
I think it’s pretty funny to hear a smell. I think this would
be a good book for boys, but I had fun reading it too!
Kim
Says: (she is Genna's Mom )
In “Rattlesnake Jam,” Margot Finke and Kevin Collier team
up to create a delightfully quirky tale with colorful illustrations.
The rhyming text is smooth: “She’d offer them spoonfuls
of rattlesnake brew/ Too chunky for sipping, and too tough to chew.”
Gran’s obsession with Rattlesnake Jam keeps the pace of this
tale going, while poor Pa struggles to keep up. Very fun!
VISIT -
Kim
Chatel's HomePage Read
more reviews by daughter Genna, and browse through
Kim's books, PLUS the other fun and fascinating things she offers.
What
do you think of that title?! It's another edition of "Tuesday
with the Tots" and this week's feature review is another
book by Guardian Angel Publishing, called Rattlesnake Jam
by Margot Finke. Now, I don't know about you, but I think Rattlesnake
Jam sounds disgusting and repulsive! But, it certainly makes for
a fun little book.....
RattlesnakejamRattlesnake
Jam is a rhyming romp, with crazy old Gran and Pa arguing over
how to cook up the rattlers he catches. Gran wants to boil and
bottle them into her cure-all Rattlesnake Jam, but Pa longs for
a rattlesnake pie. Who do you think will get their own way in
the end? You'll just have to read the book to find out.
Though
my 8-year-old Gracie read this book and called in "pointless",
I happen to be a sucker for a good rhyming book! So, although
the storyline is a little goofy, the rhymes are enjoyable, and
gave me a laugh while reading through the book.
The
author, Margot Finke, is an Aussie who writes mid-grade adventure
fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years, she has lived
in Oregon with her husband and family. She didn't begin serious
writing unti the day her youngest left for college. This late
start drives Margot, and pushes her to write every day. Gardening,
travel, and reading, fill in the cracks between writing. Margot
has a website that you are welcome to visit to learn more about
her and check out some fun information.
The
illustrator of Rattlesnake Jam, Kevin Scott Collier, has recently
become a favorite illustrator of mine, as I've had opportunity
to work with him on some projects for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
(If your kids participated in our Summer Reading Splash program,
you may recognize our mascot, Splish - Kevin illustrated Splish
for us!) Rattlesnake Jam is filled with Kevin's trademark illustrating
talents - a colorful, cartoon style.
If
your child is a realist, like my Gracie, this book might not be
for your family. However, if you've got a child with an adventurous
side or a good sense of humor, then Rattlesnake Jam might be just
the ticket for some fun reading at your house!
**************************
From
Attornery
Legal Blog Reviewed by Donna McDine
Title:
Rattlesnake Jam
Written by: Margot Finke
Illustrated by: Kevin Scott Collier
Ages: 5-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-935137-00-9
Published: May 2008
Hardcover: 27 pages
Price: $10.95
Without
a doubt jam lovers will be shocked to hear of the concoction,
Rattlesnake Jam.
Why
would anyone even attempt such a recipe? Let alone actually
eat it. Old Gran, that’s who. Much to the chagrin of Pa,
he’d reluctantly go rattlesnake hunting to provide old
Gran with her ingredients for her latest scam. Even though he
knew he wouldn’t get his long awaited rattlesnake pie.
Curiosity
fills the kids from the village and they spy on old Gran in
hopes of discovering what she was up to now. Using them as her
testers, she offers them up spoonfuls of rattlesnake brew, until
she finally comes up with her Rattlesnake Jam. To the amazement
of Pa, “Gran sold off her mixture to folks near and far.”
Kevin
Scott Collier’s illustrations bring Rattlesnake Jam to
a life in comical and colorful scenes, which will surely mesmerize
the youngest to the oldest.
Margot
Finke’s beyond your imagination writing will have you chuckling
out loud. Written in rhyme and well-metered verse, this wonderfully
written tale may just convince everyone to stock up on Rattlesnake
Jam.
Margot
Finke is a transplanted Aussie who writes mid-grade adventure
fiction and rhyming picture books. Visit Margot
to learn more about her exciting writing career and Manuscript
Critique Services.
Kevin
Scott Collier is a Christian youth fiction book author and
illustrator. Explore his techno-colored world at:
Donna
is an award winning childrens author, placing 12th in the 77th
Annual Writers Digest Writing Competition in the category Childrens/Young
Adult Fiction. She recently signed her 1st book contract with
Guardian Angel Publishing for her manuscript entitled, The Golden
Pathway. Her additional publishing credits include 25 print
and ezine publications and is a graduate of the Institute of
Childrens Literature and is a member of SCBWI and Musing Our
Children.
New children's book explores 'big changes' in a child's life
Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off
in gloom.
She wouldn’t talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.
Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo’s fat behind!
Thus
begins this humorous rhyming picture book about the effect that
a major change can have in a child’s life and the selfless
love that can bring about healing and joy once again.
Ruthie
isn’t happy—not happy at all. In fact, she feels as big
and ugly as a hippo’s fat behind. That’s because she’s
moved house, and that means leaving her old home and her best friend
behind. It also means fitting in a new school and going through
the stress of making new friends, something Ruthie isn’t willing
to do.
Her
parents try many things to make Ruthie feel better, but nothing
seems to work. One thing is for sure: Ruthie is getting from bad
to worse. She hates her dad’s jokes; she hates her mom; she
refuses to do her chores. She even decides to dress like a crazy
person, with a wild hairdo and socks that don’t match, anything
to show her anger, sadness and frustration. Then one day, while
Ruthie is sitting alone on the porch, she receives a visit from
an unexpected guest and this changes her life forever, transforming
her back into the caring, affectionate child she originally was.
Want to know who that unexpected visitor is? You’ll have to
read the story to find out!
Ruthie
and the Hippo’s Fat Behind will keep young readers giggling
until the end. It is a funny, sweet story of change, one most children
will relate to. Author Margot Finke has a gift for rhyme and it
shows in the smoothness and wittiness of her verses. Oregonian artist
K.C. Snider’s illustrations add their own touch of humor, complementing
the tone and mood of Ruthie’s tale.
A
parent-teacher guide at the end of the book will make discussing
the story and exploring its theme easier. I highly recommend reading
this to a child who has recently experience a ‘big change,’
such as moving house, welcoming a new sibling or step parent into
a home, or going into a new school.
Ruthie and
the Hippo’s Fat Behind
By Margot Finke: http://margotfinke.com
Illustrator: K.C. Snider Guardian
Angel Publishing:
Reviewer
Mayra Calvani: http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/
The Red Room, American Chronicle etc.
Print ISBN
13: 978-1-61633-059-0
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-060-6
Copyright June 2010
For ages 5-12
Super review of
"Ruthie and the Hippo's fat Behind."
Oct 2010
Margot Finke
provides a Parent Teacher Guide in the back of her book which gives
a list of questions that can be used to have a discussion with a
child/children. One of the questions was:
"Did
you like the Hippo? Do you think he stole Ruthie's story."
At first
my response was "yes" because I couldn't "see"
the connection between the title and the story. But then I realized--I'm
no longer a kid! And kids always love pictures of animals! And I
must say that the Hippo is indeed very cute--thanks to the wonderful
work of K. C. Snider who illustrated Margot's book, Ruthie
and The Hippo's Fat Behind!
Ruthie has
moved far away from her home and friends.
And, as
they say, she was not a happy camper!
In fact,
she had become downright rude!
Here's how
it all started: Young
Ruthie's mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom...
Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo's fat behind! (p. 1)
Now you may
not have noticed it so much since I only shared two lines...but
this whole book is told by Margot...in rhyme! And I must say she's
very good at rhyming!
She's also
very good at highlighting possible problems when a child's personality
and normal behaviour has drastically changed, perhaps because of
a family's relocation.
And then
she explores not only one great option to consider, but, as mentioned
earlier, has an entire list of thoughts and suggestions for a parent
or teacher to consider when a child has gone through a big change.
Simple message,
straight forward, but in such a colorful poetic manner! Adults can
use the book to discuss not only Ruthie's change of moving from
home, but as a guide for any change that might be upsetting a child.
Margot writes mid grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books
and was transplanted from Australia, so she knows about drastic
moves... She's got an adventure book for boys set in the Aussie
outback coming out soon...that should be fun. She gives her email
address on the back of her book and says "I love hearing from
kids." So kids can write directly to her after enjoying Ruthie
and the Hippo's Fat Behind!
Well, mates,
I just have to say that I enjoyed this book and believe it is an
excellent read for children 5-12, and provides a fun and easy basis
by which parents can explore "change" that occurs in a
child's life!
in Soft Cover - CD – eBook download.
(Parent-Teacher guide included)
Author:
Margot E. Finke
Illustrations: K.C. Snider
** Snider is a well known fine artist who
regularly shows
her work in galleries, as well as known for her book illustrations.
Print ISBN
13: 978-1-61633-059-0
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-060-6
"Young
Ruthie's mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.
She wouldn't talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.
Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly - like some Hippo's fat behind."
At
the end of my first read through, of “Ruthie and the Hippo’s
Fat Behind,” by Margot Finke, I thought “this is perfect
for so many of my kids!”
When
Ruthie moved, and left all her friends and old home behind her personality
and moods completely changed. She sulked, and became rude to her
parents, argued, and had tantrums. Finally, she drove her parents
crazy and her father said, “Snotty Kid. Be Gone!” Then,
she had a Magic Moment that helped her reconcile with her parents.
It ends on a positive note, and Ruthie feels happier.
Changes
can affect children in many ways, especially a move far away from
friends. Ruthie’s story is like so many children who deal with
changes in every day life, and often parents become frustrated themselves.
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind, by Margot Finke, Illustrated
by K.C. Snider, is a light hearted, realistic look at how children
often express their emotions. The rhyming feels comfortable to read,
and the story has a good pace. It kept my attention throughout.
There is a short teacher/parent guide in the back to help adults
talk to children about their feelings and also other resources for
parents.
Many
children who are angry, going through change or a move of any kind
would benefit from this story. Ruthie captures these feelings on
many levels, including showing anger through arguing and tantrums,
and also sulking and feeling bad about herself. As a child therapist,
I see many children go through lots of changes and reflect behaviors
and emotions like Ruthie. I would recommend this book therapists
and parents alike for any child going through change.
“Ruthie"
is available from G.A.P
Publishing
(Guardian Angel Publishing)
in Soft Cover - CD – eBook download.
(Parent-Teacher guide included)
Author:
Margot E. Finke
Illustrations: K.C. Snider
** Snider is a well known fine artist who
regularly shows
her work in galleries, as well as known for her book illustrations.
Print ISBN
13: 978-1-61633-059-0
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-060-6
Title: Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind
Author: Margot Finke
Illustrator: K. C. Snider
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
ISBN (Print): 13: 978-1-61633-059-0
ISBN (eBook): 13: 978-1-61633-06
Ruthie
and the Hippo's Fat Behind is a delightful children's picture book
that deals with a "big change" in a little girl's life.
And, with the first line the reader is immediately hooked: "Young
Ruthie's mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom."
What a great introduction to a children's story. The stage is set,
Ruthie's "smiles slunk off in gloom." Right there on the
first page, in the first sentence you know Ruthie has a problem
. . . a big problem.
Due to a family move, Ruthie had to leave her school, her neighborhood,
and worst of all, her friends. Everything she was familiar with
was gone. And, like most children, Ruthie was having a very hard
time dealing with the situation . . . the loneliness . . . and the
adjustment to new surroundings.
Then one day, out of the blue, something changes Ruthie's mood:
"A whimper came, and then one more. Frowns melted into smiles.
A Magic Moment, swirling fast, zoomed in and worked its wiles."
This is great writing.
As the title depicts, Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind explores
Ruthie's unhappiness and resulting reactions in a lighthearted and
amusing manner. With rhyme and vivid description, Finke brings the
reader along on Ruthie's plight of loneliness, sadness, and anger
with a twist of silliness: "Her moods grew big and ugly, like
some Hippo's fat behind!"
In addition to a great story, the book is filled with outstanding
full page illustrations that are bold, colorful, and full of life.
This combination will have kids wanting to read it over and over.
Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind is a book that children will absolutely
love, and benefit from.
To
add to the value of the book, Finke includes a PARENT TEACHER GUIDE.
This section offers useful tips and strategies to help children
who are facing a "big change." It also includes three
links to websites that provide additional help and resources.
I am a huge fan of Margot Finke's work, including Ruthie and the
Hippo's Fat Behind. With her expertise in rhyme and story telling,
she has a knack for cleverly conveying what children may be feeling
in a manner that engages, entertains, and is filled with humor.
She also has a knack for magically weaving rhyming content into
wonderful images that take the reader on an amazing journey.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, freelance writer, and reviewer.
She is also the founder and manager of VBT Writers on the Move,
and on the team at DKV Writing 4 U. For information about writing
and marketing, stop by http://karencioffi.com
and sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter - you'll also get 2
FREE e-books about writing and marketing.
**************************
Ruthie
and the Hippo’s Fat Behind!
Reviewer:
Donna Mc Dine
Written
by: Margot Finke
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
Soft cover: 18 pages
Ages: 5-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-059-0
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-60633-060-6
Published:
May 2010
Print Price: $10.95
eBook Price: $5.00
Much
like “the elephant in the room” and in this case the
hippo’s fat behind, no one wants to acknowledge the sudden
change in Ruthie’s behavior and what to do about it. Told
in perfect rhyme, Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind! explores
one child’s woes in moving. Once content and happy, Ruthie
becomes unbearable to live with after her family moves clear across
the state.
Determined
not to accept her new home and surroundings, Ruthie embarks on
a downward spiral of rude behavior towards all who cross her path,
each day worse than the one before. Until the day an unexpected
visitor pays Ruthie a visit. Will Ruthie accept this unconditional
love or will she continue to self destruct? Find out today and
purchase Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind!
Coupled
with a Parent Teacher Guide Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind!
provides the perfect opportunity to get our children and/or student’s
into a lively discussion of what change means to them and how
they’ve handled it and what they can do to make transition
easier in the future.
Author:
Margot E. Finke
offers a Personal Autograph with each hard copy bought from Margot's
website + a bookmark.
Illustrations:
KC Snider
is a well known fine artist who regularly shows her work in galleries,
as well as known for her book illustrations.
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind! is available on Amazon
, Powell's
Books ad other places
Coming
Soon to B&N and Target.
Become
mesmerized by Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind! Cool
Book Trailer
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Posted by Donna M. McDine at 12:01 AM
Labels: Book Review, Guardian Angel Publishing, KC Snider, Margot
Finke
Book description:
Moving far from friends and familiar places made Ruthie act bratty
and miserable. She sassed her parents and disobeyed all the rules.
Their darling girl was gone, replaced by a kid with moods as big
and ugly as a hippo’s fat behind! Then came the magic moment
that brought back their darling girl.
Book review:
Poor Ruthie! She’s moved and left everything familiar behind.
What child cannot relate? What really makes this book unique is
Margot Finke’s clever use of a ‘hippo’s fat behind’
to elicit a chuckle and help readers see the brighter side of
things. Moving isn’t so bad, especially when you make a new
friend. This tale is told in rhyme and is fun to read. I recommend
it.
I think I fell in love with this book the moment I spied the little
boy on the cover with the "deer-in-the-headlights" expression
on his face.
Horatio Humble Beats the Big D by Margot Finke, is a book about
a little boy with a BIG challenge. Horatio is a whiz in school…in
Math and History, that is. But Reading? Not a chance! For Horatio,
words come tumbling out like an "alphabet salad," and
any attempt at reading leaves his classmates sniggling and Horatio
in an embarrassed funk. In fact, he makes such a mess of reading,
he's sure he'll be grounded for life.
But a parent-teacher meeting is eventually scheduled, and that's
when he hears it; a new word, funny-sounding and a little scary!
The word is "dyslexia," and apparently, Horatio has
it!
Now that Horatio's problem has a name, things should be easy-cheesy-Louise-ee,
right? Wrong! Because Horatio discovers that addressing the problem
means going to the special class…and there's no way he's
going there.
Horatio Humble Beats the Big D has it all: It's relevant, it's
age-appropriate, the characters are realistic, and the setting
is only too real. As a former Special Education teacher of over
15 years, I've observed and worked with more "Horatio's"
than I can count: Anxious to excel, afraid to be put on the spot
(when reading), and furious at being assigned to the special education
room.
Finke's knowledge of her subject matter and skill in writing
shines in this book, and I believe Special Education teachers
and Reading Teachers everywhere would do well to have a copy or
two at their disposal. Illustrator Ellen Gurak hits the mark with
Horatio's expressive face, and I love - and pity - his bewildered
eyes as he gazes in fear at the humongous stack of sinister books
that crowd around him, waiting to be read. But I also love the
expression of love and relief on Horatio's mother's face when
she finally learns that her son's problem has a name.
Finke includes tips on how to help your dyslexic child thrive
at the end of the book. She also includes common symptoms to watch
for if you believe your child may be dyslexic, and "definitive"
articles you can read to become more knowledgeable on the subject.
But that's not even the best part of this wonderful little book:
Finke also provides a link that readers can click to hear Finke
herself reading excerpts from the book! How cool is that?
For a wonderful read about a confused but courageous little boy
with a big, BIG problem, pick up a copy of Horatio Humble Beats
the Big D.
Best wishes and happy alphabet salad…I mean, reading!
Horatio
Humble Beats the Big D is the story of a little boy learning
to read and struggling around the letters that don't make any
sense. "The letters all clumped into frightening herds"
and when he tried to read aloud all he heard were the "giggles
and snorts."
Horatio
has Dyslexia. Dyslexia is a problem with the brain’s ability
to translate written images into meaningful language. It is the
most common learning disability in children. When Horatio's parents
and his teacher meet at school and talk about Horatio's struggle
to read he overhears them talking about Dyslexia and that he needs
a special class to help him. And of course, he decides that "special
class is for nitwits" but by the end of the class he
discovers that he can read!
This
book is ideal for all families to read. If your child is having
trouble reading they will learn that others are having trouble
too and that there are ways to make it easier. If they have classmates
who are having trouble your child will learn to empathize with
them and will be more understanding and helpful to them. There
are two pages for parents at the end of the book that explains
what Dyslexia is, common symptoms to watch for and also articles
and websites you can use to get more information.
One
thing I would suggest for parents and teachers to do before reading
this book to their children is to make up a list of "tools"
or ways your child can work with their disability - or help others
that are struggling to learn to read. Encourage your children
to help you make up the list if you'd like but be sure to give
them some ownership and control over what's happening to them
or their friends.
Do
you need tips and activities to work with your dyslexic child/class?
Dyslexia Parents. This site covers symptoms, letters & math
help, activities, what to do with bullying, letters you can use
to explain your child's needs and help if you are an adult with
Dyslexia.
**************************
REVIEWED
for Jen's Blog
by Jennifer Gladden ( author, reviewer, mother)
Author
Intro:
As
a teacher’s aide, I discovered that many children, especially
boys, have dyslexia or other types of learning disabilities. I
wrote this PB with those problems in mind.
Horatio
is a smart boy who can’t read. The thought of special Ed.
freaks him out. “NO WAY!” But go he does, and surprising
results follow .
This
is fun to read. It shows that dyslexic kids CAN learn to read.
It also encourages parents to diagnose early and find help. A
parent/teacher guide offers clues, plus helpful links to more
informative websites.
Review:
Horatio
Humble Beats the Big “D” is a humbling rhyming picture
book about a tough topic. The “Big D” turns out to be
Dyslexia, which is a common learning disability involving reading.
Author
Margot Finke tells the tale with witty rhyme and illuminating
words. In the picture book, Horatio runs into reading problems
such as words clumping “into frightening herds” and
his tongue jumbling “words without success”. This is
just a sample of the wonderful mosaic of words Margot Finke presents
in the story.
As
a reader, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the emotions
with Horatio as he dreaded the looming parent-teacher conference,
learned what Dyslexia is and unwillingly attended “special
class”.
Margot
Finke handled the rhyming well in this smooth reading picture
book. I barely noticed the rhyme as I rooted for Horatio to overcome
the “Big D”. Horatio is a character I won’t soon
forget.
I
fully recommend this book for any child battling the “Big
D”, but also for all children who can identify with reading
problems. In addition to this wonderful story, more information
and resources are listed at the end of the book on Dyslexia. As
a parent and a teacher, I find this book a great addition to the
bookshelf.
Math is
a breeze and history is easy, but when it comes to reading, Horatio
Humble just can’t get it right. All the letters mix together
into one big mess. When Mom and Dad meet with his teacher and
he hears the words “Dyslexia” and “Special Ed”
floating through the air, Horatio is determined not to enjoy reading
books.
Horatio
Humble Beats the Big “D” is another fun rhyming story
from Margot Finke. Published many times over, and focusing on
reluctant readers, this talented author has a way with rhyme that
begs you to pick up one of her books. With her fabulous sense
of humor, Finke has created yet another book that youngsters will
enjoy reading time and again.
Confronting
a disability like dyslexia can be frightening for parents and
kids, but Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” can help
by offering hope that the challenge can be overcome. This book
tackles the issue in a way that is entertaining, not scary.
Award-winning
designer, illustrator and artist Ellen Gurak provided the illustrations
for Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D”. I believe this
is the first time I’ve seen her work. Following with the
comical, rhyming theme of Finke’s text, Gurak created a series
of illustrations that are cartoonish, but also managed to capture
the emotions Horatio experiences throughout the story, whether
that emotion be joy, sorrow, anger or fear.
I believe
Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” would make an excellent
addition to a school library, a language arts classroom, or psychologist’s
office. With two pages of reference material included at the back
of the book, not only is it fun, it is educational. I applaud
Finke’s efforts to help children with dyslexia thrive.
Author: Margot Finke
Illustrator: Ellen Gurak
Paper ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-101-6
eBook ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-102-3
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Horatio Humble
Beats the Big "D" is a children's rhyming picture book
that tackles dyslexia. For those who are unfamiliar with the term,
dyslexia, according to the Mayo Clinic, "is an impairment
in your brain's ability to translate written images received from
your eyes into meaningful language." And, it is the most
common learning disability in children.
Margot Finke,
in her usual insightful and playful way, shows the academic and
emotional affects that dyslexia carries with it. Horatio, like
all children with dyslexia, wants to read like his peers, but
just can't. "He wanted to read and dive into books, to snuggle
in bed, reading stuff about crooks. But something was wonky within
his poor head, so words in his books stayed a mystery instead."
The author captures
the emotional impact a child feels when he can't read like others,
which leads to: the need for special resources, tutoring, low
self-esteem, and even anxiety. "Special class is for nitwits,"
he whined to his Mom. "Every one of my friends will think
that I'm dumb!"
With vivid full
page illustrations Finke brings Horatio through the process of
"special class" and shows the outcome that can be attained
with proper instruction. "Words came unscrambled and flowed
smooth and clear. "Hey, I'm reading books!" He yelled
with a cheer."
I've mentioned
it before, and I'll do so again, I'm a fan of Margot Finke's work.
She has a unique talent for approaching topics that children can
use help with, such as moving away from familiar surroundings
and friends, as in her book Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind,
and now with dyslexia. What's wonderful about Finke's books is
she addresses these issues with lighthearted rhyming fun.
Horatio Humble
Beats the Big "D" is a book every parent of a child
who is struggling to read should get. It's important for children
to know they're not alone in their struggles, and that dyslexia
is a problem that CAN be overcome.
Included at the
end of the story is a resource page that provides information
on dyslexia and also offers links to pertinent articles, along
with book suggestions. Listed in the information is the advice
that encourages parents of children who have or are suspect of
having dyslexia to let their children know it is not a sign of
a lack of intelligence. These children should be told that actors/celebrities
such as Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey and Magic Johnson
overcame dyslexia, as did Bill Gates and Albert Einstein.
According to statistics,
one in five students (around 20% of the population) has a language
based learning disability. And, less than one-third of the children
with reading disabilities receive school services to help with
their disability.
Reading Horatio
Humble Beats the Big "D" with your dyslexic child is
a valuable strategy to help with your child's self-esteem and
motivation.
Author: Margot Finke
Illustrator: Ellen Gurak
Paper ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-101-6
eBook ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-102-3
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
"When
Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher
to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special
Ed. "No way! Kids will think I'm dumb." But he does
go and with amazing results."
I just received a new book by Margot Finke, Illustrated by Ellen
Gurak. Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D," is a book for
children dealing with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a common learning
disability among children where the brain has difficulty processing
written words.
Horatio is an intelligent boy who makes good grades in many school
subjects, except for reading. He just can't make since of all
the words. Horatio and his parents go to meet with his teacher
and he finds out he has dyslexia. Horatio has many thoughts and
emotions about this, and also is worried about what others will
think when he has to attend a special class. To his delight, Horatio
begins learning ways to read books and even begins to write!
I enjoyed reading this book. The rhyming has a comfortable pace,
and the illustrations are colorful and vivid. Margot does a wonderful
job of including the symptoms of dyslexia along with common emotions
and thoughts a child might have when discovering they have this
problem. It also includes a teacher, parent guide in the back
with resources and also signs a child might be experiencing dyslexia.
I would recommend this book for anyone working with children who
have learning disabilities, and plan to use it for my own clients.
Written by: Margot Finke
Illustrated by: Ellen Gurak
Soft cover: 18 pages
Ages: 5-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-101-6
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-102-3
Published: November 2010
Print Price: $10.95
eBook Price: $5.00
Math
equations and history lessons were a snap for Horatio and he flourished
in those classes. Put him in English class and the letters would
swirl through his mind making no sense at all. Frustrated to no
end, Horatio feared being labeled dumb. Until the day his teacher
and parents held a meeting and shared their discoveries. He would
need to be taught life skills to control and overcome his Dyslexia.
Children's
author, Margot Finke brings to the forefront the learning disability
dyslexia in expert rhyme and compassion. For one to discover they
are not alone and the wealth of resources available to them will
surely pave the pathway to success.
Ellen
Gurak's delightful illustrations bring Horatio's story to life
of overcoming adversity.
Horatio
Humble Beats the Big “D”
Author: Margot Finke
Illustrator: Ellen Gurak
Available
in hard copy or eBook
This charming
tale, written in rhyme, is about a young schoolboy named Horatio
Humble who excels in math and history, but finds himself totally
mystified by words and letters. When he tries to read aloud in
class the other children snort and giggle at his efforts to make
sense of the written words, which seem to jump around and “clump
together in frightening herds.” He longs to snuggle in bed
and read exciting stories about crooks, but words continue to
remain a mystery to him. At last his teacher and parents schedule
a conference, and the word ‘dyslexia’ is mentioned.
From then on things rapidly improve for Horatio, who is enrolled
in a Special Class to help him overcome this problem. Soon he
is living his dream of reading!
This delightful book will not only be fun for children and parents
to read, but offers encouragement and hope for overcoming dyslexia.
Author Margot Finke has included practical information to help
students, parents and teachers facing the problem of dyslexia.
There is a section listing ways to help your child combat dyslexia,
common symptoms of dyslexia, and definitive articles on the subject.
Margot Finke’s rhymes are fun to read, and Ellen Gurak’s
colorful illustrations charmingly depict Horatio in his many moods
from initial confusion and embarrassment as he tries to read to
proud delight as his reading dream is realized. This fine book
offers practical advice and insight to anyone dealing with the
problem of dyslexia.
of Writing for Children
