HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW
Book: Little Skiff’s Moving Adventures
Author and Illustrator: Dany Pierard-Deviche
Publisher: Five Star Publications Inc., 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1-58985-116-0
ISBN-10: 1-58985-116-1
Related websites: www.LittleSkiffBooks.com (series), www.FiveStarPublications.com (publisher)
Language level: 1 (nothing objectionable)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Rating: 5 stars (EXCELLENT)
Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker
For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com
Pierard-Deviche, Dany. Little Skiff’s Moving Adventures (published in 2010 by Five Star Publications Inc., P. O. Box 6698, Chandler, AZ 85246). How would you feel if you had lived all your life in cold Alaska and then suddenly had to move to hot Arizona? Little Skiff is a Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, whose ancestors were trained generations ago to herd sheep. Little Skiff’s grandparents worked in the cool Shetland Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Scotland, but when they retired they moved to Alaska where they and their descendants enjoyed the snowy winters. However, the family that owns Little Skiff is moving to Arizona. The year-old dog is sad at having to leave his friends like Kerrie the caribou and Denali the husky sled dog. Will Little Skiff be able to adjust to the climate change? And will he ever see his friends again?
Author Dany Pierard-Deviche, who is originally from Belgium, owns a real Sheltie and after living at Fairbanks in Alaska for eleven years moved to Phoenix in Arizona, just like Little Skiff. Her text, told in the first person as if narrated by Little Skiff, and colorful pastel pictures tell a charming story that will appeal to children of all ages. It would be especially useful in situations where youngsters are having to move from a familiar home to a new location. With the additional benefit of containing information on living conditions and wildlife in both Alaska and Arizona, Little Skiff’s Moving Adventures is the perfect blend of fiction that teaches and nonfiction that entertains. Even though he is just a dog, Little Skiff can serve as a great role model for kids in how to cope with life’s trials and tribulations.
Wayne