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"I just read the cutest children’s book: it’s called Crash!
Written by Mayra Calvani, Crash! tells the story of a young boy who receives a Golden Retriever puppy for his 5th birthday. After living with the puppy for several days, the little boy still can’t figure out what to name his new best friend. He eventually figures it out after observing the puppy’s antics and silly behavior…
Crash! is a great read and a fun children’s book for any kid who loves dogs and puppies. It’s worth adding to the children’s book collection!"
*****
Most parents are all too familiar with the wailing sobs and endless begging that children can muster when they have their heart set on a pet. And many remember shamelessly doing the same thing when they were young. Mayra Calvani has captured the bond between children and animals with an easy to read narrative that touches the heart and tickles the funny bone. Ann Pylypchuk’s illustrations compliment the dialogue and bring the characters, as well as, the emotion of each page to life.
The story is about a young boy named Marcelo, who receives a golden retriever puppy for his fifth birthday. He takes excellent care of the puppy; feeding, bathing, brushing and walking him, but he can’t decide on a name for his furry four-legged friend. Mom and Dad offer a few suggestions, however, Marcelo doesn’t like any of them. So he waited and watched, enjoying time with his puppy and then it happened…he would call the puppy….
Oh, you have to read the story - I wouldn’t dare ruin it for you!
This is a wonderful children’s book that would be a welcomed addition to the bedside table, preschool library or the sitter’s bag of goodies. Also, if your child wants a pet this is a good book to share with your pet-parent-to-be. Crash! is a soft cover children’s book that’s fun to read, with adorable pictures that hold your attention and move the story a long. And with 50% of the writer’s royalties being donated to the non-profit organization, Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, you get a good book and help a good cause!
Happy Reading!
--RJ, 3Rs Reading Den
Latest News!
It's official! I'm happy to announce that I'll be donating 50% of my royalties from CRASH!, my 2nd picture book, to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.
This non-profit organization accepts senior or 'special needs' Goldens from shelters, owner give-ups, and other rescues. It is a refuge for those Golden Retrievers who otherwise may be labeled "hard to adopt" or "unadoptable" by ordinary standards. Some of their goldens stay there until they become well enough to be adopted, or until that "special" home is found. Others will receive love and care at the Sanctuary for the rest of their lives. No Golden Retriever is ever turned away from Almost Heaven because of age or health (from their mission statement).
To read the Sanctuary's full mission statement, click here. As the proud owner of a golden retriever myself, I'm thrilled at the opportunity to help these gentle, sensitive, amazingly intelligent creatures.
Help goldens in need. Get your copy of CRASH! now. The money will be used to purchase food, medication, bedding, and other necessities for the goldens.
Meet the Author
Multi-genre author, reviewer, dog lover and animal advocate Mayra Calvani hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She's a regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine and American Chronicle. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, playing the violin, interviewing other authors for her blogs and newsletters and watching too many reruns of Gilmore Girls. She’s the author of the picture book, The Magic Violin, also published by Guardian Angel Publishing.
Visit Mayra at:
http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/
http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/
http://www.violinandbooks.wordpress.com/
http://www.thefountainpennewsletter.blogspot.com/
About the Illustrator
Anna Pylypchuk, 16, is a native Ukrainian. Born in Moscow in the family of a serviceman, she moved to Ukraine at the age of 2. Currently Anna is studying at an international school. Drawing became her first love since early childhood. Anna’s other hobbies include playing piano, writing, reading novels by Jane Austen, listening to classical music and being with her friends.
Living in the heart of Europe, she also enjoys traveling with her parents. London and Oxford are her favorite places to visit.
Reviews
"This very sweet book about Marcelo and his first puppy had me smiling all the way through. (And wishing I had a puppy of my own!)... Mayra touches on the responsibilities of owning a puppy while keeping it simple so even a very young child can understand both the love and work surrounding having a puppy... I definitely recommend this book for children – especially those who have a love of dogs. This short and sweet book will be the perfect present."
*****
"CRASH will capture the attention of young puppy lovers who will read the story of Marcelo and his special puppy over and over, or have their parents read it to them. Watch out, Mom and Dad, because your child will be asking for a puppy just like Marcelo’s. The accompanying artwork adds to the story with priceless expressions on the characters’ faces, setting the mood and tone of the story. Give this book to all your little readers and pick up a copy for yourself. You’ll be glad you did."
--Beverly McClure, Never Too Old
*****
“CRASH! is geared towards children between the ages of 2 and 6, a perfect age to begin learning about pet ownership... Anyone who has owned a golden retriever, or even a lab will appreciate this book... Children love stories about pets, and this one will teach them the value of owning a dog."
--Lindsay Stordahl, ThatMutt.com
*****
"Author Mayra Calvani carefully chose every word in this book. It just flows perfect, and I really enjoyed the care Marcelo put into giving his puppy just the right name. I was astonished that the colorful, kid-friendly perfect illustrations by Anna Pylypchuk are the work of a sixteen-year-old girl! She is a native Ukrainian and I found her very detailed illustrations just as charming as Mayra's text."
--Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Assistant Editor, Stories for Children Magazine
*****
"The illustrations in the book are colorful, bright, and sure to catch the attention of any young child. Drawn in a rather whimsical manner, the pictures absolutely bring the story to life. Instead of children just imagining Marcelo taking the puppy for a walk, it’s right there for the kids to enjoy. The colors are bright and bold, but still not overdone. The pictures also help lend to the fact that Marcelo and the puppy are such good friends. Through the pictures, you can see just how inseparable the pair really is... Though I would not say this book has a strong message to speak of, I do think it is a nice tale of friendship. Sometimes that’s all you need out of a book, especially one for a younger audience. And, as I have pointed out, the friendship shows through loud and clear."--A. E. Jaskiewicz, Front Street Reviews
*****
"Anyone who is a parent with a child that has begged, hollered, and begged some more for a pet will enjoy Crash and Marcelo, the little boy who gets his wish. The glee and joy in his cute little face is described vividly by author Mayra Calvani.Reading “Crash”, a child and a parent discover the responsibilities that come with owning a pet. Marcelo also discovers that naming his new family member is not as easy as he thought. Many ideas come to his head, none really fitting in with the cute Golden Retriever.The name he finally picks surprises his parents. But as you read, you realize this is the PERFECT name... This is a great book to buy for your child, you know, the one who is begging and hollering and begging some more for a pet. It will teach and prepare them for the responsibilities surely to come when a pet finally comes gift-wrapped."
--Lea Schizas, Muse Book Reviews
*****
"The book will delight the hearts of children and pet lovers alike."
--Swamy Reviews, http://swamyreviews.blogspot.com/
*****
"A delightful tale about a little boy who has his dearest wish granted... Anyone who ever wanted a special pet as a child will enjoy and relate to this happy story."
--Anne K. Edwards, author of Jeremy and the Dragon
*****
"Crash! is a charming story about a boy and his dog and the special relationship that develops between a child and his pet. Author Mayra Calvani shows off her storytelling talents once again, as she did with The Magic Violin. Calvani has a way of getting right to the heart of children with her touching stories."
--Cheryl Malandrinos, The Book Connection Read more
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