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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 16 customer reviews )
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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 WELL, I COULD CERTAINLY RELATE TO THIS LITTLE KID...WONDERFUL WORK AND STORY HERE. Aug 11, 2009
By D. Blankenship
In a nutshell, this is a little story about a small girl named Madison and her dog, Cooper who catch a most odd fish; a walking fish who goes by the name of Wally. On top of everything else, this little fish can also talk! We then have a three way conversation between girl, dog and fish (and with a beaver thrown in for good measure as the story progresses), as they explore the natural world around them.
The first aspect of this little book which caught my attention was the fact that the little girl was talking to a dog and a fish. Now this may seem strange to an adult, but only to those adults who have forgotten their childhood. Who among us did not carry on conversations with their pets, various critters and even imaginary friends when they were wee ones? Now this is a natural and healthy activity for children and one that unfortunately many adults give up when they become older and more "sophisticated." (There are those of us who persist in this activity throughout our lives though, and well into our dotage, and are doing just fine...thank you very much!) The conversation between Madison, Cooper the dog, and Wally the Walking Fish is absolutely charming and completely natural and child like in quality.
The second item that caught my eye (we are still dealing with the text here) was that Gary Lamit, the author, kept his characters true to themselves throughout the entire tale. This was particularly true and important of Cooper the Golden Retriever. I know I have three dogs and talk to them all the time and each has his or her own distinctive personality and voice when he or she answers me or makes general comments. Most people who have pets share this eccentricity of mine.
Third, while the story was warm and charming, it also actually taught useful and interesting information. We have lessons on the life in a beaver pond; learn of Mudskippers (a land-adapted fish), flying fish, wonderful tips on conservation (reference "catch and release"), mushrooms and the pure joy of being in a natural environment with friends, which was probably the most important lesson of all in this book as far as I was concerned.
Fourth, the author has provided small in-set boxes which old information for the adult reader to share with the child while reading the book.
I was quite impressed with the art work and illustrations in this small offering. The pictures are well executed and done is soft, well blended pastels which fit the mood of the story perfectly. The illustrations have a misty enchantment quality about them that is interesting and eye catching, while at the same time being rather soothing. I liked that.
This work is quite suitable for children of pre-school age up to 6 or 7. It is a very nice read-a-long book as well as one that can stand alone as a self reader for the child. The book is well designed and looks as if it could take a pretty good mauling or rough handling from overly enthusiastic little readers, and come through either one with flying colors. All in all, physically it is an attractive and well designed product.
Bottom line: A nice, well told story, good illustrations and the kids actually learn something...what more could you want?
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A smiley, feel-good picture book! Sep 02, 2009
By Betty L. Dravis
"BETTY DRAVIS, author/reviewer"
This is a delightful, fun-filled story about a little girl named Madison who is fishing with her dog Cooper. When she catches a fish and releases it, they're surprised when it walks on land. Cooper grumbles when Madison won't let him eat the fish, but the three soon become friends.
Wally the Walking Fish: Meets Madison and Cooper is also a talking-animal fantasy story, so after introductions are made they learn that the fish's name is Wally. The three swim, walk around the woods, investigate the flora and fauna...in general, they just have an easy, carefree day. Wally also meets their good friend Betty the Beaver.
Author Gary Lamit's story is sweet and simple with an underlying, subtle message about friendship: to appreciate the differences in our friends because diversity of friendship is fun, natural, educational and exciting.
What stirs my imagination and makes this book's characters come to life are the enchanting illustrations done in vivid watercolors; your kids will love them. I also like the slick, shiny cover, but of even greater appeal to me are the true facts that the author scatters throughout the book, setting them aside in bordered boxes that don't interfere with the storyline. The facts he relates about Labradors, catfish, beavers and other things mentioned in the book are fascinating, adding a stronger educational value to this work.
My only complaint: Since the author failed to use quotation marks, it's hard to tell who is speaking in many places. This creates a rather jerky reading experience, making it mandatory that parents read this book to their youngsters...rather than them reading it alone. Because of that and other punctuation errors, I reluctantly deducted one star from what is otherwise a five-star book.
I will definitely read this to Devon and recommend it to your youngsters. Reading it and dawdling over the illustrations made me feel so good, I'm still smiling.
Endnote: I'm very curious about who created the delightful cover and art for this book. No mention is made on the book or in the Amazon description. I assume the author did, but if anyone knows, please let me know.
Reviewed by: Betty Dravis, September 2009
Author of "The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley"
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Will provide pleasant, educational reading experiences to elementary school aged children Aug 21, 2009
By Midwest Book Review
"Wally The Walking Fish Meets Madison and Cooper" is a delightful children's book about a special type of catfish who actually "walks" on land for up to days at a time. Wally meets young Madison and her yellow Labrador, Cooper and many more animal friends in the course of a pleasant summer afternoon at a wilderness cabin. Some of these encounters include Betty the beaver, a mudskipper, Frankie the flying fish, and wild mushrooms, which Madison warns Wally not to eat. Explanatory fact panels add information about species of flora and fauna encountered in the narrative. Author Gary Lamit's pastel paintings provide softly humorous illustrations of the details of the story. "Wally the Walking Fish" will provide pleasant, educational reading experiences to elementary school aged children.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
I Learned Something New Aug 11, 2009
By B. Davis
"crazy about books"
Madison and her dog, a yellow Labrador named Cooper, live by the water. One day while Madison is fishing she catches a walking catfish whose name is Wally. Soon Wally, Madison, and Cooper become friends. Wally introduces them to Betty the Beaver, and tells them about his cousin Frankie, the flying fish, and other interesting nature facts. The three friends continue to explore the water, beach, and forest until it is time for Wally to go home.
There are many fun wildlife facts in this delightful children's book--I even learned a few things myself! This is a well-written, beautiful book that encourages friendships and an appreciation for the natural world. A fun read with very nice illustrations.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Romp Through Nature Aug 10, 2009
By Charles Evans
"Call me Kevin"
"Wally The Walking Fish" is a hard-backed book that will be well received by kids everywhere. "Wally" combines nature, dogs, humor and a walking fish into a silly tale that can help introduce your child to many aspects of nature. As a stand alone story you will get quite a bit of mileage out of Madison, Cooper (The yellow lab), and Wally the Walking fish - however the author Gary Lamit also has sides notes on a variety of things that they encounter. For example, when the gang meets Betty the Beaver, Lamit describes Beavers and where they live and a few other interesting facts.
Other reviewers mentioned an unorthodox syntax - I have seen the updated version and changes have been made. The new version reads like a play. The illustrations are very, very good and make a great stand-alone story.
Final Verdict - Will be enjoyed by kids from ages 2-7 - and would make a nice addition to your child's library.
4 1/2 stars
----Please note that I reviewed a free promotional copy which was provided by the author/publisher--
See all 16 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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