American Chronicles

Reviewed by Rhonda Fischer

WP News

Sacramento Children´s Book Reviewer

Rowdy Raccoon and the Turtle Who

Wanted to Fly

This is a lovely story about Rowdy Raccoon, Savannah Squirrel and Tommy Turtle who lost the big red balloon to the sky. They wished that they were born with wings so they could swoop up and get it. When suddenly a beautiful bird named Scissor flying by explains why she can fly and they can´t. Scissor sparked an idea in Rowdy´s mind that it would be nice if he could fly, so Rowdy and Tommy gathered the largest vines and biggest leaves to use to make wings so they both could fly just like Scissor- Tailed Flycatcher. They got busy with the greatest adventure they have ever had. So cute little Tommy Turtle has all his leaves and vines tied onto his body and Rowdy decides that Tommy should be first. Rowdy gives Tommy a hearty push over the cliff. Tommy is scared and can´t get his heavy body to sore in the air. Tommy is a lead weight to the sky. Tommy flapped his homemade wings furiously. This was a disaster. What do you think happened in this adventure of animal friends? The Animals come up with a big surprise to help Tommy Turtle as he grips for his life. Will they be too late for cute Tommy Turtle? Rowdy, Savannah Squirrel and Tommy have their own unique gifts to offer in the time of an emergency, along with some other animal friends. In the end the message is simple; every creature has its own value and importance, just like people. Never try to be who you aren´t. Proudly be who you were truly meant to be. This is a charming book that can bring to life any child´s imagination.

Illustrations were brilliant and vibrant in color, it reminded me of the Disney characters art. Easily read font and an 8.5 X 8.5 size book makes this great for the tiniest of hands. The illustrations were fun and light and gave just enough excitement to enhance the story."

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Product review by: Tammy Walker

The Adventures of Rowdy Raccoon

"Our family listens to many books on CD, so we are always interested when we find a new good story, especially when Christian character is emphasized. Donna Braymer has created the mischievous character of Rowdy Raccoon whose sin she uses to enlighten her young readers. Rowdy lives at Harrison Hollow State Park with his friends Savannah Squirrel, Tommy Turtle, Billy Beaver, and the Blue Jay family. Somehow, he always seems to find himself in trouble. This edition features two different stories: “Rowdy Learns to Share” and “Rowdy Learns to Laugh.”

In “Rowdy Learns to Share,” our hero finds himself tempted to steal a loaf of bread from campsite #52 where he resides. Rather than trusting in the Creator to provide for him, he finds himself true to the thief-like look his raccoon stripes and mask portray. Not only does he steal the bread against the warnings of Mrs. Blue Jay, he is not willing to share it with his friends. Stuffing half the loaf quickly into his mouth, he soon finds himself too full to even run from the small boy staying at the campsite, and his friends must come to his rescue. He is even too full to partake of the wonderful food the campers decide to leave for the forest animals later that day. If only he had waited for God to provide . . . He apologizes to his friends, telling them he has learned that it is never good to take something that is not yours and that it is always better to share.

In “Rowdy Learns to Laugh,” the raccoon is having a rather difficult day as he continues to find himself in situations where he looks foolish. His day begins as he falls out of his tree while taking out the trash for his mother. With trash falling upon his head, his humorous sight makes his friends laugh like crazy. A bit angry at their perceived cruelty, he finds his opportunity to laugh at Tommy Turtle by thrusting him onto his back and then spinning him so that Tommy cannot get up. The group is upset with him and tries to show him the difference between being a bully and having fun. Two more incidents allow further laughter at his expense until he is brought to tears. His helpful friends try to further explain how God says that laughter is like good medicine and that he should learn to laugh at himself from time to time, then he will be laughing WITH others. Rowdy realizes in the end that he takes himself too seriously, that the events of the day really were funny, and he and his friends are reconciled.

This delightful, high quality coloring and storybook is artfully sketched. Children can follow along as mother reads, or can listen to the sweet storytelling of the young narrator. Black and white illustrations accompany nearly every page turn so that little ones can color as they listen. The storytelling on CD is a very nice quality with chirping birds and forest sounds in the background. The stories are well written, the values within very worthwhile. We have listened to and enjoyed this story many times. My three and four year olds, especially, find delight in the pictures and tales. What a nice gift this would be for younger nieces, nephews, or grandchildren on their birthdays. Most children love coloring books. All children love stories. A half an hour with this quality little book would be time well spent."