Kathleen Fales Oetzel

Coco, Meet Kellie! Kathleen Fales Oetzel

This is an excellent read-aloud chapter book for elementary aged children, even precocious ones as young as four years old. It is also well suited for independent readers through the intermediate grades (4, 5, 6). Each chapter is seven to ten pages, and includes full page illustrations that introduce or highlight an event to look for as the new chapter is read. The story begins with a cocker spaniel pup living with her mother at a puppy mill. Even such a heady subject as puppy mills, when presented with age appropriate sensitivity, can be included in a children's book. The story continues to follow this little black dog along her life path; one that includes unusual trials, as well as hard earned triumphs. And so it goes, until chapter nine, where Coco enters. He's s little stuffed ape named Baby George, who thinks of himself as a great ape named Coco. The story unfolds as Coco is carried from a toy store and sees the outside world for the first time. The fresh interpretations of his surroundings, through his eyes only, provide unique insight into human behavior that children (and adults) relate to and find humorous. This story line is based on truth, because there is a real Baby George; however, only Coco knows what he actually saw. The author believes that reading is a skill and a passion. Her books are written to be read and shared, just like a song - out loud!