Book Review: Joi the Koi by Devon Anthony

Dominique Book Review, Parenting and Kids Devon Anthony, kids book, Koi

Joi the Koi, Gets a New Home (Joi the Koi, Volume 1) by Devon Anthony is a uplifting story about a Japanese Koi Fish who learns about patience and faith while living in a Pet store awaiting for someone special to purchase her and take her home.

The first book in the new series of books on Joi the Koi this book gives children an inside to what happens within the Ark Land pet store. The story starts off with the author introducing Joi and the other animals in the pet store. The customers who came into the store were busy looking at the different pets in the store and paid little attention to the fish village at the back.

Joi the Koi lived at the Fish Village with her friends Chubby the Guppy, Teta the Betta and Sir Lumpkin the Shubunkin. An unfortunate accident with the glass of the fish tank being broken saw Joi and her friends spill out from the tank onto the floor.

To make the most out of the disaster the shopkeeper announced a flash discount for the fish from the fall and they were eagerly snapped up by the customers except for Joi. Joi was left alone in a new glass while she watched her friends being sold off one by one.

She felt lonely and was losing faith that a customer would come by and take her home. A voice within her told her not to lose her faith. It told her to kiss the glass and someone would come her way. In the end a little girl really came and bought Joi and took her home.

My thoughts

I love the underlying message of faith and hope which is been presented by Joi the fish. It shows that with faith and determination what we desire can come true. I love the realistic graphics illustrated by Gwen Clifford. There is an extensive explanation of fish facts at the back of the book. Joi the Koi comes with an Audio CD which has tracks in both English and Spanish. I find that this is really handy as I can play the CD for my 5 yr old to listen to while he reads the book independently.

Both my 5 and 8 yr old boys loved reading the book and I’m sure that your kids will love the story too.

You can purchase a copy of this book for $20 from Amazon

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Joi the Koi, Gets a New Home (Joi the Koi, Volume 1) for review purposes. Opinions are 100% my own. This post has a Compensation Level of 3. Please visit Dominique’s Disclosure page for more information.

July 17, 2012

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.