An Octopus Named Mom by Kathleen Flaherty

Dominique Book Review, Parenting and Kids kids book

A Octopus Named Mom is one fun read for children ages 3 to 8 years old.

Written by Kathleen Flaherty and Illustrated by Jennifer Caulfield Donehey this book is written from a child’s perspective on how great his life would be if all his needs were met without him having to wait.

Kathleen brings the reader through a little boys fantasy of how great it would be if his mother turns into an octopus. She would be able to keep up with her daily task and keep her children happy all at once. She would be a great multi-tasker as she would have “enough hands” to do all the tasks that she needs to do within the day.

The little boy wouldn’t need to wait for his mom to be free to attend to him and get what he needs instantly. He felt that it was great at first however after thinking through about his wish found that it would be less then ideal.

He would not have the mother which he has now. She would look totally different and he would not receive the hugs and kisses which he has been getting. The little boy realized that if he could help out his mom more at home she would have more time for him.

My thoughts

I like the message of being patient which is emphasized to the reader. The book is easy to read and entertaining to listen to with beautiful graphic illustrations. I certainly recommend this book if you have young readers at home.

You can purchase a copy from Amazon A portion of proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards benefiting Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer

Disclaimer: I received a copy of A Octopus Named Mom for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.
This post has a Compensation Level of 3. Please visit Dominique’s Disclosure page for more information.

July 15, 2012

Hurricane Wills by Sally Grindley

Dominique Book Review

Hurricane Wills

Hurricane Wills by Sally Grindley is one book that I managed to read all 256 pages from start to finish in a single sitting. The book is about how Chris and his parents deal with his elder brother Will who suffers from ADD.

The two brothers, Chris and Will, have a love hate relationship as Chris strives for some normalcy in his life and Will tries his best to fit in without getting into too much trouble on a daily basis.

Target to reader age 9 and up, the 2 chapters in the book brings the reader into the family through the eyes of Chris, the long suffering younger brother of Will who has to put up with all his antics. Will is liken to a hurricane as one never knows when he will blow up or act silly. One minute he is like any other thirteen year old while the next minute he could be throwing a tantrum like a 2 yr old when he doesn’t get what he wants.

His disorder causes a lot of tension within the family and as a result his parents split so they can have some space and time away from Will. Chris too tries to find time and space away from his elder brother by holing up in the library to do his homework after school instead of going home. He manages to find some solace by confiding with Penny the librarian.

Things start to change when Will got into a brush with the law when he befriends some delinquents who have been going on a stealing spree.

My thoughts
I like how Sally gives the reader a realistic view into a family where a child is diagnosed with ADD. The family manages to stick together and overcome the crisis which they had to face. It shows that even children with disabilities are able to lead semi-normal lives with their family and capable of showing love and affection.

You can purchase a copy of this book from Amazon

Disclaimer: I recieved a copy of Hurricane Wills by Sally Grindley for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.
This post has a Compensation Level of 3. Please visit Dominique’s Disclosure page for more information.