COCO, MEET KELLIE!
Kathleen Oetzel
language
(Kathleen Fales Oetzel, Nov. 19, 2014)
This is an excellent read-aloud 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 in length and contains an illustration that introduces or highlights an event to look for as the new chapter is read.The story begins with a cocker spaniel puppy who lives with her mom and siblings 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 follows this little black dog along her life path; one that includes unusual trials, as well as earned triumphs. And so it goes until chapter nine, where Coco enters. He's a small 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 on Market Street in San Francisco and sees the outside world for the first time. His fresh interpretations of his surroundings, through his eyes only, provide unique insight into human behavior that children (and adults) relate to and find humorous.The 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 as skill and a passion. Her books are written to be read and shared, just like a song--out loud!
