I love finding new books to share with my children. As avid readers and book lovers, we read at least a few books each as well as a few books together almost every day. My kids are especially fond of books that feature animals, especially dogs. When recently offered the chance to review a copy of Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard written by Felicia Di John and illustrated by Terence Gaylor in exchange for my honest opinion, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to add a new title to my home library.
Author/Illustrator
Currently residing in the Southwest with her family and her own little Cutie, author Felicia Di John created the Cutie’s Big Adventures series based on her own rescue Chihuahua who has brought so much love and joy into her home. She has long been an animal lover and is passionate in her support for dog rescue, hoping that her books will help educate young readers about life lessons and will instill a love for animals.
Working in London and New York as a professional illustrator for the past thirty years, Terence Gaylor began working on storyboards and cartoon illustration before joining Eastwest Creative in New York. He then moved back to London, learned 3-D, and began working for Ash Gaming. He usually begins with pencil sketches and then uses Cheetah 3D, Cinema 4D, and Maya.
Synopsis
Recommended for readers between the ages of 3 and 8 in preschool through third grade, Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard is the first book in the new Cutie’s Big Adventures series. The book offers a creative glimpse in the day of the life of an adventurous Chihuahua with big ears and an even bigger heart. Cutie lives in a house in the desert with her adopted “mom,” a six-year-old named Ava Rose. Sweet, curious, and adventurous, Cutie is never happy when her mom leaves for school in the morning and decides one day to go outside by herself. She explores the desert around her, meets a new lizard friend, and discovers that some animals eat very strange things. She ends up having so much fun that she almost forgets to get back home before Ava Rose does! The fun story contains an underlying message of gratitude and a life lesson of being grateful for what you have. The full-color paperback book currently costs $9.95 on Amazon.
Evaluation
My family includes three dogs and two cats, four of which are rescues. I therefore have a soft spot in my heart for stories featuring other rescue animals. Both of my kids also love reading books about animals, so Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard was an immediate hit. My first grader, who has been reading on her own for almost two years now, could easily get through the text. My toddler also sits still and looks at the pictures when I am reading the story aloud to him. The actual storyline is also sweet, offering an underlying and never imposing message of gratitude. The illustrations are bright and colorful and really bring the story to life for young readers.
Final Verdict
If your young readers are a fan of dogs, definitely check out Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard written by Felicia Di John and illustrated by Terence Gaylor. The book offers a glimpse in the day of the life of an adventurous Chihuahua is never happy when her mom leaves for school in the morning and decides one day to go outside by herself. She ends up exploring the desert and making a new friend along the way. Both my kids enjoys the story, and the colorful illustrations bring the tale to life. We are looking forward to the next title in the Cutie’s Big Adventures series.
Purchase Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard on Amazon via my affiliate link. Learn more about upcoming titles through the Cutie’s Big Adventures website. Follow Cutie on Facebook and Instagram.
Image Credits
‘Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard’ Book Review © 2017 Heather Johnson
Cover of ‘Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard’ © 2017 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard’ 1 © 2017 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard’ 2 © 2017 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard’ 3 © 2017 Heather Johnson
