As the world's largest living birds, ostriches stand out with their long necks and long legs. Are they born this way? Some inquisitive minds may wonder. Let's find that out in A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs! And enter to win a copy signed by its author Scott Sollers, along with a $25 Amazon gift card!
My Review:
A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs is an amusing and thought-provoking picture book with important implications for equity, freedom, inclusion and social justice. The tale revolves around two neighboring communities divided by a mountain ridge. The No-Haves struggle for survival due to severe shortage of natural resources, while the Have-Alls live in comfort and abundance. Enraged by the disparity, the No-Haves decide to steal all of Have-Alls' precious pets called Squatz, who are obedient, diligent and versatile. Guess what their sneaky plan does to the future of everyone, including the Squatz and the two communities!
With no reference to natural science or evolution, the story provides a wildly funny explanation for how ostriches got their long necks and long legs. What really sticks in the reader's mind however, is the disturbing contrast between the two communities.
Readers in different age groups are likely to differ in their major takeaways of this tale. It helps the little ones realize the importance of sharing. For more advanced young readers, it warns about the problems that may arise from an inequitable distribution of resources and alludes to the linkage between poverty and crime. The ending suggests how conflicts could be resolved through inclusion and cooperation. Meanwhile, the accidental transformation of Squatz to ostriches may inspire youngsters to challenge the status quo, to persist in their pursuit of freedom, and to seize opportunities for positive change.
The book's simple and succinct text is well complemented by its colorful and comical illustrations, which bring to life the wacky villagers and the silly-looking but cute Squatz. What adds to the fun of reading is trying to spot the sluggish leopard hidden in the background on select pages.
Hilarious and engaging, A Tall Tale is a book that not only entertains young readers but also encourages them to think about what they could do for those who are less fortunate.
About the Book:
Ages 4+ | 38 Pages
Publisher: Stephanie’s Stories (2024) ISBN-13: 9781637557730
This is the story of two rival communities living in valleys separated by a ridge. The Have-Alls live in a fertile, beautiful valley with their leader, Chief Somebody, and their prized pets, the Squatz. In the other valley, one more desolate and barren, live the No-Haves and their leader, Chief Nobody.
The No-Haves, always jealous of the Have-Alls’ pets, decide to gather the Squatz for themselves. What results is a fierce tug-of-war that changes the two communities—and the Squatz—forever!
“A Tall Tale is a humorous and energetic fable, sure to appeal to family audiences and curious questioners.”—The Children’s Book Review
Purchase links: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes and Noble
About the Author:
Having worked as an investment banker in the municipal securities industry for decades, Scott Sollers created this and other nighttime stories for his daughter, Stephanie, when she was a youngster. Originally, he handwrote and illustrated these stories and finally had the inspiration to get them published. Scott still works, is an avid golfer, and leads a not-for-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children. He currently resides in San Mateo, California, with his cat, Charlie.
For more information, visit scottsollersauthor.com. Follow Scott on Instagram.
One lucky reader will win a signed copy of A Tall Tale: How Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Giveaway ends 9/6. Open to US only. Please enter below. Good luck!
A Tall Tale: Book GiveawayDisclosure: This post is sponsored by Expound Publicity. All views and opinions expressed are my own. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
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