Book Review: Cha Cha and the Picnic Basket

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From the cover:

Harry and James are so excited about taking their brand new puppy, Cha Cha, to the park for the very first time…until Cha Cha suddenly disappears! Where has he gone? Doesn’t he know that you should not leave your friends and run off and hide? Have the boys lost their beautiful golden Labrador forever or is Cha Cha just doing what Labs love to do?

My review:

Cha Cha and the Picnic Basket is a fun rhyming story for children. It would be great for story time or bedtime. The story teaches a sweet lesson about owning a pet in terms kids will understand. The pastel-colored illustrations add to the story without distracting small minds. It is the first in a series of eight books featuring Cha Cha. I can’t wait to share this story with the children in my life! Until then, I’ll have to settle for reading it to Yaz.

Recommended for:

Teachers and parents of toddlers to early school-age children.

About the Author:

Lisa Stephens is a children’s author, retired teacher, animal lover and community contributor. Most importantly, she is a full-time wife and mother to sons Harry and James (plus two dogs and a cat!). She spent many years teaching 5- to 12-year olds both in physical education and the classroom, retiring permanently when her two sons entered upper primary school. Her book series following her beloved family pet-a golden Labrador Retriever named Cha Cha-is enhanced by her many experiences both teaching and raising young children. Stephens also supports Guide Dogs Australia, donating a portion of her book proceeds to the charitable organization.

About the Illustrator:

Declan Smith is a young dog lover from Australia. At the age of 17, Declan graduated from Marist College Ashgrove and recently began his studies in the Visual Arts at the Queensland University of Technology. Declan lives in Brisbane with his family and their much-loved Golden Retriever, Timmy.

Title: Cha Cha and the Picnic Basket (as told by James Stephens, age 4)

Author: Lisa Stephens

Illustrator: Declan Smith

Publisher: Xlibris

Softcover: 35 pages

ISBN: 978-1-4797-8410-3

Rating: 4 paws