The Stone Soup Book of Animal Stories by Stone Soup

The writing talent of the young authors in this book may surprise readers. As the title implies, they are all animal stories but written with imagination, emotion and skill.

I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of stories. In many cases they demonstrated a greater understanding of animals than many adults in our world.

Very enjoyable light read. 4*

www.pam.id.au

Follow Pamela King on her Facebook page

Pamela King Amazon Author Page

Pamela King Goodreads Author Page

The Dingo Debate: Origins, Behaviour and Conservation by Bradley Smith (Editor)

I initially read The Dingo Debate cover to cover because I am passionately interested in Dingoes and there is very little up to date information available in book form. I was enthralled by the amount and quality of the information.  Every section was informative and covered all aspects of the Dingo. I am currently writing the biography of Berenice Walters, the Dingo Lady (1928-2002) and frequently refer back to this book to check historical facts and differences in our knowledge now compared to her time.

The Dingo is Australia’s most controversial, maligned and misunderstood animal. The history of the dingo has been one of condemnation and cruelty surrounded by myths and lies spread largely by the grazing fraternity.

 


The Dingo Debate sets the record straight with scientific evidence of its important role as an apex predator in keeping the balance of nature and controlling feral pests. Anyone considering reading the book should not be put off by my use of the word “scientific”. It is written in a manner easily understood by the average lay person.

It discusses the origin of the Dingo and their relationship with the indigenous people, how they live in the wild, their contribution to ecology and the impact of attempts to wipe out dingoes. It is well illustrated with photographs and tables and includes comprehensive reference tables at the end of each chapter.

This is not a book simply to read. It is one all dingo advocates, conservationists and ecologists should return to over and over again for information supporting our fight to save the Dingo.

There is a new breed of young scientists studying the dingo. Editor, Bradley Smith is one of them. Their positive findings on the need to preserve not annihilate the dingo needs to be heeded by all governments. I hope the ongoing research by these young researchers continues to be published and made available to the general public.

The Hunt for Elsewhere by Beatrice Vine

Precis

Abandoned by his family and raised by a wise, old crow, Saxton grows up to be no ordinary fox.

Where other foxes are ruthless, Saxton is merciful. Where they are greedy, he is generous. But for all that Saxton believes in honour and love, kindness and courage, other animals deem him no better than the moniker his kind is fated to bear: Lonely Thief.

Meanwhile, Dante, a battle-worn wolf missing an eye and an ear, left his pack for reasons he keeps close to his chest. One too many bad memories has left him cynical, and yet he somehow remains faithful to a fault. His lonely life, plagued by misfortune and dishonour, changes forever the day he meets Saxton.

Thrown together by fate, this unlikely duo travel across the North American continent, chasing trains, fighting hunger, evading man, and confronting their own inner demons— all while searching for redemption, family, and a place to call home.

My review

Hunt for Elsewhere came to my attention when a Facebook friend posted a photo of the cover. It was a birthday present and she seemed very excited to receive a copy, so I checked it out and purchased the Kindle edition.

I wasn’t prepared to be so totally engrossed in the lives and journeys of a fox, a crow, a wolf and many other animals.

Hunt for Elsewhere is a joyous and emotional, serious and light-hearted, pleasant and sombre read. The reader becomes emotionally involved with the characters, grieves for their losses, rejoices in their successes and loves when they find love.

As Saxton and Dante journey to their destination they make friends with, and are helped by, a variety of animals including a rat who teaches them to read, raccoons (one who has rabies), smart town cats, guard dogs, farm animals (some who surprisingly help Saxton), a mother bear bent on killing Saxton and a pack of wolves living in a reserve. However, the main influence on Saxton is Quill, the wise crow.

It is no sweet animal tale, but most of the characters are likeable, some even lovable. I particular loved Dante who has learnt life’s lessons the hard way.

It is well written and well-paced. There is plenty suspense, adventure, fun and some romance.

It is more than just a story. It is filled with lessons and wise words that form both Saxton and Dante’s personalities. The most important lessons are about friendship, acceptance and forgiveness.

The characters have human qualities (eg they can all talk to each other) but each demonstrates traits typical of their species. Although the animals are anthropomorphised their characteristics and struggle for survival are realistic.

The story is complete but open to a sequel with possibly some new adventures – one I would very much like to read.

This is not a cutesy animal story. It is the story of life and survival. As such it would not be suitable for very young readers. However, mature older children and early teens would benefit from the story especially if read with a parent.

I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to share it with my granddaughter when she is old enough.

My rating 5*

www.pam.id.au

Follow Pamela King on her Facebook page

Pamela King Amazon Author Page

Pamela King Goodreads Author Page

Felina (Bitches Book 5) by T. R. Robinson

Felina is the 5th book in the authors Bitches Series. They are fictional stories but based on the author’s life and the people she knew.

There are three main characters in this story. Tara is a key character in all stories and based on the author herself. She is attractive, sensible, caring and hard working.

Felina, who epitomises the theme of the series is a greedy, scheming, selfish social climber while her husband is a kind man dedicated to his family and a hardworking, generous provider.

Tara and Felina had met many years earlier at their respective weddings and meet again when Felina calls into the club where Tara meets.

The story centres around Felina’s greed, social aspirations and uncaring attitude, not only towards her husband, but also her two children.

When her husband becomes seriously ill her attitude oscillates between disinterest and pretended interest in an attempt to get him to sign the house over to her. 

The story alternates POV between all three characters but it is well written without confusing the reader.

Is she trying to poison him? I loved the surprising ending, but you won’t find any spoilers her. 

This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review.

A well written short read. My rating 4*

www.pam.id.au

Follow Pamela King on her Facebook page

Pamela King Amazon Author Page

Pamela King Goodreads Author Page