Books with author Mary Hahn Ward

Short but powerful story for older middle-grade readers about a service dog and her handler by educator and coiner of the term “faction” (fiction based on fact) Ward (Letters Home, 2004).On her second birthday, yellow Labrador retriever Maddie was awarded to Tom Ward, a Marine Corps veteran with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Trained as a service dog since she was 5 weeks old, Maddie spent an additional two weeks training with Tom before they traveled to his home in North Carolina. The story details the ways Maddie assists Tom—opening the kitchen drawers and refrigerator, picking up things he has dropped, sensing when he is tired or cold, etc.—while also providing guidelines for young children on how to behave around a service dog. Through photographs and text (sometimes told from Maddie’s point of view), the reader learns that a service dog should never be approached or touched when working with a handler unless the handler gives permission. Some information on the progression of ALS also emerges in the story. As fitting for a children’s book, the story not only shows how Maddie helps Tom, but provides a glimpse into their life together—going to the beach, dining out, playing ball, and having a late afternoon snack. The author—Tom’s spouse—also provides information on the service organization that provided them with Maddie as well as other useful links. While the text is well-written and provides important, heartfelt information, the photographs elevate this work. More than words possibly could, they convey the close relationship shared by Tom and Maddie. In addition, seeing Maddie in action clarifies how she provides various services to Tom.Affecting, insightful, and informative account of a lovely service dog and her handler. ~ Kirkus Review Faction (fiction based on fact), Creative Non-fiction, ages 10+

Life isn’t easy for the animals who live at the rescue shelter. But Sally, a yellow canary, manages to make life better for everyone she touches. This is a story of loss and of the power of love, friendship—and music to heal. Some reviews:My overall impression was that it's great. It has almost exactly the same format as The Little Prince - short vignettes that make up the complete story. And, like The Little Prince, I cried about 9 times, and borderline sobbed at the end. Every animal has a lot of heart, and it makes sense that the protagonist has the most heart of all and has the best ending of all. – D.N. Pretty awesome! It is a lovely book. Just a delight. Congratulations. Really, it's wonderful. It's very much in the style of Charlotte's Web and not like most books out for kids in this age group right now - which is so nice. And Ellie LOVED it. When we first read the description of Lily, Ellie said "This girl is me! Is she based on me?!" She was just enthralled with the whole thing. And at the very end, she was able to see that Sally lived a meaningful, loving life and that's kind of the point of everyone's life. It is just great. GREAT! I just know kids are going to love it. – J.W.

The Weird and Wacky Animals A to Z kindle edition book was written by Mary Ward and is a must for your Kindle children’s library. This exciting book has plenty to offer to your child, featuring an animal from each letter of the alphabet, along with interesting facts and details as well as photos about the animals. Having an animal from each letter of the alphabet is an extra special treat for your child, leaving plenty for the child to learn each and every time they want to read the book. It is perfect for a read-along or for beginning learners to read on their own. The best thing about this book is that you find more than the average animals here – take a look at the aye-aye, the Fairy Penguin, the hag Fish, Poison dart Frog, the Roadrunner (all children really love the R in this wacky book,) zebra and many other animals perhaps unknown to kids. The book is easy to read and a perfect selection for kids between the ages of 3 to 7. You can take it with you wherever you go for an inviting, interesting and of course learning book for your child.

Troll Prince Eelin is commanded by his father to kill the human girl who has entered his subterranean world. But how can he kill the girl whose hair is the color of the sunset he will never see?Eelin, Prince of the trolls, is commanded to kill Annah, the girl he has pulled into his subterranean world. But he cannot kill the human whose hair is the color of the sunset he will never see as long as his domineering father, Rud, possesses the crystal that opens the last Way to the human world above ground.Eelin is a misfit in his world. At the risk of losing his life, he disobeys his father and vows to get Annah to the safety of distant Iteria.Annah is at first terrified of Eelin and unhappy in the bleak prison of endless tunnels. But in time she grows to trust him.In the vein of Lord of the Rings, this epic, magical story is both romantic and suspenseful. For ages nine and up.

Critical introductions to a range of literary topics and genres. The Literature of Love is designed to introduce students to one of the central themes in literature. Focusing first on different types and aspects of love - physical, emotional, spiritual - it then offers a chronological coverage, aiming to illustrate ways in which attitudes to the representation of love in literature have evolved from Chaucer to the present time. Other sections of the book examine particular genres such as the love sonnet, the love letter and 'romantic' fiction; and the differing reception of this literature over time is also considered. The book includes extracts from a range of authors.

Sophie and her brother, Cole, are going to their Nana's for a visit. There is always so much to explore at Nana's. Especially the enchanted gardens! They could hardly wait to see all their friends who lived there. Enchanted gardens were more fun than average gardens. Magical characters patiently await a visit from children who believe! But Sophie and Cole's visit will bring more adventure than they might be prepared for and they may need help. Can you help them?