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Reviews of "I Sea Horses" children's collectible plush
seahorse toys
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I Sea Horses: Bowker's Recommended List
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TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Girls Plush
by Kristin Abraham
The hottest toys of previous seasons have successfully combined interaction and cuddliness and created rage sensations among tots and parents alike. According to Michelle McLaughlin, director of retail development for Nickelodeon Consumer Products, interactive plush is on the rise. This year, these toys are tackling some difficult tasks including singing, walking, dancing, and even potty training.
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TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Girls Plush
by Kristin Abraham
The hottest toys of previous seasons have successfully combined interaction and cuddliness and created rage sensations among tots and parents alike. According to Michelle McLaughlin, director of retail development for Nickelodeon Consumer Products, interactive plush is on the rise. This year, these toys are tackling some difficult tasks including singing, walking, dancing, and even potty training.
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Reviews of "I Sea Horses - From Sky to Sea" children's book
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Bradford and the Journey to the
Desert of Lop
Author: Dawn Van Zant
ISBN: 0-9761768-2-3The
following review was contributed by:
Kathryn
Atwood:
Click
Here To View More Of Kathryn's Reviews
Bradford, the title character in Dawn Van Zant's "Bradford and the
Journey to
the Desert of Lop," is a boy who watches "Zorro," who owns a shirt
declaring the
word "warrior" and who wears a necklace that holds "cancer beads,"
one for every
significant battle in his deadly struggle with the disease..
One night, the "Sandman" comes and takes him on a journey into the
desert of Lop
to meet a group of endangered Bactrian camels. Bradford, always
ready for a
challenge, joins them and begins his adventure. He's just not sure
what that
adventure is.
The reader is generally in the dark as well but for the most part
that doesn't
seem to matter. The publisher, Wild Heart Ranch, seeks to combine
the dual
themes of child empowerment with a knowledge of endangered animals,
so the
denoument of "Bradford" isn't as important as the journey itself
(via an
endangered camel species) and the self-esteem acquired during that
journey by
the brave but very sick Bradford. And when you read dreamy
descriptions like
this one: "A blanket of stars filled a sky that was endless, like
the desert in
front of him. The moon silhouetted the image of a small boy riding a
camel
through the desert night" it doesn't seem to matter that Bradford's
destiny or
destination isn't completely clear.
The book exhibits an occasional grammatical awkwardness such as this
misplaced
comma: "Maybe these camels, knew the secrets of life." "Bradford"
also
occasionally contains a repetitiveness linked to "telling" rather
than "showing:
"Brad was seeing the desert as a magical place . . . " Why not just
show us
that magic?
Van Zant has created such a dreamy landscape in "Bradford and the
Journey to the
Desert of Lop," however, that these minor imperfections will be
swept away by
the magical desert sands of Lop as young readers make their way
through their
own adventures on the back of an endangered Bactrian camel named
Judy.
Click here for the source of the review
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I SEA HORSES: From Sea to Sky by Dawn VanZant;
Illustrated by Callan VanZant
Wild Heart Ranch, June 2004
28 Pages, Paperback, $7.99
ISBN: 0976176807
Genre: Children’s Fiction (Ages: 4-8)
BUY IT -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976176807/rawreviewers
RAWKidz Rating: 5
Fact and Fantasy Converge
In I SEA HORSES, author Dawn VanZant has created a warm and inviting
tale that is written in fairy tale style. The story centers around
how sea horses came to be. Life on land was changing and the mere
ability of the horses to run free was threatened. A herd of wild
horses are led on a journey by a stallion with dreams of living in
the depths of the sea. The journey to life underwater was not
without fear -- the members of the herd express concerns ranging
from worries about what other horses will think to the change that
will inevitably occur as a result of their move from land to sea. In
spite of the fears, the herd bravely venture into a new life; one
that comes with dramatic transformation.
I really enjoyed this story, I found that it had a good balance of
fantasy and fact. Children will come away from this story not only
having learned a bit about sea horses, but also having their
imaginations sparked. The book also includes some useful references
to other websites where children can read more about real sea
horses, and learn in greater detail, about sea horse conservation
movements.
Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
Publisher’s Website:
http://www.wildheartranch.com
-----------------------------------------------
BRADFORD AND THE JOURNEY TO THE DESERT OF LOP by Dawn Van Zant;
Illustrated by Alexander Levita
Wild Heart Ranch, October 2005
40 Pages, Hardcover, $19.95
ISBN: 0976176823
Genre: Children’s Fiction (Ages: 4-8)
BUY IT -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976176823/rawreviewers
RAWKidz Rating: 4.5
Amazon Rating: 4
A Brave Journey
What does a young boy with cancer have to do with camels in the
Desert of Lop? Author Dawn Van Zant answers this question and many
more in a story only she could tell. Bradford is a young boy who has
spent a good portion of his life bravely fighting cancer. On one
special night as he is laying in bed attempting to fall asleep, he
feels a presence in the room. It turns out that the sandman, has
been searching for thousands of years to find "the one," and it is
Bradford. The Sandman takes Bradford on a journey through time and
space that eventually leads them to the Gobi where he is greeted by
wild camels who will guide him to the Desert of Lop. Along the way,
Bradford learns about the camels, the land, and his illness while
proving to himself that he too can be a brave hero. The book
concludes with information about real life Wild Bactrian Camels and
their status as a critically endangered species. The author also
notes, how scientists are particularly interested in studying the
animal's immune system, especially in light of all the species has
overcome to survive over the years, and feel that it will lead to
promising discoveries that could help with many human illnesses.
Once again Dawn Van Zant has written a book that clearly shows man's
connection with nature. The way that she parallels Bradford's
journey in the desert to his real-life battle with cancer, is
heartfelt and inspiring. However, I think the book is better suited
for children in the 9-12 age range rather than younger readers.
BRADFORD AND THE JOURNEY TO THE DESERT OF LOP is a touching story
that teaches lessons about courage and the importance of a positive
attitude, while encouraging readers to learn more about nature.
Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
Publisher’s Website:
http://www.wildheartranch.com
--------------------------------------------
NO MORE NIGHT MARES: A Dream of Freedom by Dawn VanZant; Illustrated
by Kim McElroy
Wild Heart Ranch, June 2004
32 of Pages, Paperback, $9.99
ISBN: 0976176815
Genre: Children’s Fiction (Ages: 4-8)
BUY IT -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976176815/rawreviewers
Amazon Rating: 4
RAWKidz Rating: 4.5
Not All Nightmares are Bad...
In NO MORE NIGHT MARES readers are taken on a journey led by a noble
stallion by the name of Eclipse. Eclipse is said to have been born
at the moment of a lunar eclipse with the moon itself shining in his
eyes. In his younger days, he and other members of his herd were
captured by men who wanted to make them tame. Eclipse manages to
escape, and eventually becomes the strong leader of a herd of his
own. Yet the threat of humans was relentless, and eventually he and
some of his herd were cornered. That is until the forces of nature
unite and make a stand for freedom.
Dawn Van Zant has a unique voice that is reminiscent of the fairy
tales we all heard as children. She has a gift for integrating fact
with fantasy, and man with nature. In NO MORE NIGHT MARES, she has
taken the abstract concept of freedom, and brought it to life
through the stories of the wild horses. In addition, she uses the
horses to teach messages of hope, perseverance, and courage. She
also demonstrates the impact of man on nature and how not all change
is good. The simple illustrations compliment the story well, while
leaving room for the imagination of the reader. The author includes
a collection of Internet resources so that readers can learn more
about wild horse preservation efforts. NO MORE NIGHT MARES will be
most enjoyed by those already familiar with horses, but it will
likely ignite a passion in anyone who reads it. And while the book
isn't explicitly political, this heartwarming story is sure to spark
an interest in this cause with a new generation of readers.
Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
Publisher’s Website:
http://www.wildheartranch.com
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Fact and Fantasy Converge, December
30, 2005
Reviewer:
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com) -
See all my
reviews
In I SEA HORSES, author Dawn Van Zant has created a warm and inviting
tale that is written in fairy tale style. The story centers around
how sea horses came to be. Life on land was changing and the mere
ability of the horses to run free was threatened. A herd of wild
horses are led on a journey by a stallion with dreams of living in
the depths of the sea. The journey to life underwater was not
without fear - the members of the herd express concerns ranging
from worries about what other horses will think to the change that
will inevitably occur as a result of their move from land to sea. In
spite of the fears, the herd bravely venture into a new life; one
that comes with dramatic transformation.
I really enjoyed this story, I found that it had a good balance of
fantasy and fact. Children will come away from this story not only
having learned a bit about sea horses, but also having their
imaginations sparked. The book also includes some useful references
to other websites where children can read more about real sea
horses, and learn in greater detail, about sea horse conservation
movements.
Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers |
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I Sea Horses, Splash into
Our Undersea Magical Adventure! by:
Wild Heart Ranch
Price: $9.99
Age: 3 to 100
I Want One [53
clicks since October 11, 2005]
The brightly colored seahorses have bendable tails that wrap around
anything. Squeeze their belly and the magical starfish will light up
your imagination. Each seahorse comes with a comb for their long,
colorful hair. (10/12/2005)
http://www.playzak.com/buyersguide/category.asp?id=74
Bradford and the Journey
to the Desert of Lop by:
Wild Heart Ranch
Age: 8 to 100
I Want One [6
clicks since October 24, 2005]
Meet "Judy", a plush, wild Bactrian camel from the story "Bradford
and the Desert of Lop". Branded with a gold moon and star, this
soft, cuddly nighttime companion will send children on a magical,
sleepy journey with the Sandman. (10/24/2005)
http://www.playzak.com/buyersguide/category.asp?id=74
Lucky Stars Collection:
Because Everyone Needs a Lucky Star… by:
Wild Heart Ranch
Price: $9.99
Age: 8 to 100
I Want One [10
clicks since October 24, 2005]
What do little girls dream of?... Horses of course! Magical mini
plush horses that light up with celestial windows of the moon &
stars! The 12 mini horses come in realistic colors, with long manes
and tails to comb. Each horse comes with a nametag & poem based on
the original story of mystical wild horses – ‘No More Night Mares… A
Dream of Freedom.’ (10/24/2005)
http://www.playzak.com/buyersguide/category.asp?id=74
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I Sea Horses
by Dawn Van Zant
I Sea Horses is an imaginative story of a pack of wild horses who decide to
take up residence in the sea. At first, most of the horses are wary of
moving to such a different environment, "A rust colored mare declared in a
shrill/ 'Oh my goodness some day I might have to grow gills!/ What will
happen to my coat and my mane in the sea?/ I'll be all tangled and weedy,
it's too messy for me!" However, after everyone gives voice to their fears,
they agree to follow their leader, and subsequently, become colorful sea
horses.
While the premise of the story is cute and makes for a great children's
book, the execution does not live up the unique and fun story line. Told in
rhymed couplets, a difficult and often dangerous format for authors, the
rhymes are often highly contrived and forced. "Could it be that they wished
for a new home to be free?/ Could it be they could see the future of wild
horses to be?"
The illustrations, done by the author's teenage daughter, are great and lend
a fabulous representation of the characters to the text. It proves that
young people can be successful, and I was happy to see that her artwork was
quite good. She uses great colors and contrast, however, her wonderful
illustrations have been cropped to fit into small circles (bubbles) that
only grace every few pages. There are several spreads with no artwork at
all, other than a bubbly blue and gray background. The bubbly background was
a cute idea, but it doesn't complement the text and will probably not hold
the interest of the small children whom this text is created for.
Overall, the coolest feature of this book is the back cover. It contains
photos of the plush sea horse toys that correspond to each sea horse
character from the book. There is also information about real sea horses and
how to protect them.
I feel that this story has great potential that could be more fully realized
by allowing Callan Van Zant's art work to hold a more prominent position in
the book to make this a true picture book. The story is fantastic and takes
everyone on a fun journey into the imagination. There is also an underlying
message that even though it can be scary to try to new things, if you have
courage, you may just find that new things can be fun.
The Book: Wild Heart Ranch Books 2004
Paperback 0-9761768-0-7
Fantasy picture book
More at Publisher's Web Site:
www.wildheartranch.com
The Reviewer - Sarah Lomas
Reviewed 2005 © 2005
MyShelf.com
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Betsie's Literary Page
I Sea Horses
Author: Dawn Van Zant
Illustrated by Callan Van Zant
Publisher: Wild Heart Ranch Books (2004)
ISBN: 0976176807
Paperback: 28pp
$7.99
Rating: Highly Recommended
Spellbindingly Creative!
June 26, 2005
Ever wonder how seahorses came to be?
In contemporary lyrics, children's imaginations will soar as Pegasus plunges
into the ocean in search of a new home!
I Sea Horses is a sea-faring adventure sure to bewitch young and old minds
alike.
The book also includes descriptions of 6 collectible plush seahorse
characters with nametag & poem based on the storybook, available through the
publisher's website. Other information included on Project Seahorse.
Reviewed by Betsie
http://betsie.tripod.com/literary/id257.html
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I Sea Horses from Sky to Sea book review from All Books Reviews by
Haley Hodge
By: Dawn Van Zant
Illustrated by: Callan Van Zant
I Sea Horses is the legend of a herd of wild earth horses led by Pegasus
into the sea where they become seahorses.
Pegasus is the leader and wanted a new life under the sea. Some of the
horses in the herd were afraid and some were curious. In the herd were
Meadow, Sunflower, Splash, Sandy and Bubbles. Finally, they made their way
into the blue dark sea.
This book is written in poems. I liked this book because it is a fictional
legend and because it was about my favorite animals, horses. It was very
interesting and I would not change it at all.
The pictures were really well drawn and it looks like they were done in
pastels, which makes them very attractive. This book is just the right
length.
The purpose of the this book is to raise awareness of seahorses, marine
environments and the management of seashores. You can learn more at:
www.projectseahorse.org.
I give this book 3 out of 5 lollipops.
Reviewer: Haley Hodge, age 12.
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I Sea Horses, From Sea To Sky by
Wild Heart Ranch
Written by Dawn Van Zant and illustrated by Callan Van Zant, this is a story
of magical marine adventure. A herd of wild horses transforms into seahorses
to keep the life of freedom and adventure that is disappearing from the open
plains. This story of stars and magic will delight families and be passed on
for generations to come. The characters come to life in plush seahorses,
sold separately. This title is just one of several being shown at Toy Fair
2005. - Aire Norell 1/27/05
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Bookideas.com
by Heather Froeschl
For everyone who ever looked at a seahorse and wondered how they came to be, a myth is born. I Sea Horses is a delightful fantasy of how wild horses take refuge in the sea, giving Mother Nature a wonderful new species to show off.
The brave Pegasus gives thought to the way the world is changing and convinces his herd to look to the wild open seas. The darkness is frightening to some of the horses and so the first star-fish, Marina, offers her celestial light to them. With that the horses begin their new lives, and are filled with light and color.
The text is written in verse, which is light and fanciful but may be a bit hard to follow the first read through. Children will surely want to read the book over and over again though, so they will be sure to get the story eventually. The illustrations on alternate pages are rich and bold and full of the artist's love for horses.
I Sea Horses is a delightful myth that captures the magic of seahorses and sets free smiles to readers young and old.
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BookReviewCafe.com
By LISA
A truly wonderful present to give to a child would be I Sea Horses along with a plush sea horse that lights up. The book is beautifully illustrated by the author's daughter, telling of how this herd of horses became sea horses and what their life is like under the sea.
Join Pegasus, Sunflower, Meadow, Bubbles, Splash, and Sandy and find a beautiful story hidden within the sea.
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I Sea Horses - From Sky to Sea
Published by Wild Heart Ranch Books
Ages 6 - 10, Paperback
Wee Ones Magazine
If you love horses, this story is for you! A mother-daughter team created this charming rhyming story about how a herd of horses became sea horses. Their leader takes them to a dark place but with the help of a star fish to light the way, they enter a magical place! It's a book for young children that will capture the imagination. The illustrations are dreamy and colorful. In our ever changing world it's good to know that great things can happen when you follow your heart!
Visit the
website for information about sea horses. This is a fun site that children will love to go back to.
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