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From H S Toshack, now living and writing full time in the Algarve, three delightful adventure stories set in Africa and featuring Sheena the Cat. Illustrated brilliantly by Mary Ann Nelson McAlister, these charming stories are reminiscent of Kipling's Jungle Books - sometimes allegorical but always entertaining and beautifully packaged. Another place, and another culture, but young children will delight in having these stories read to them, and older children will find them a perfect read. Available from Amazon, all three paperbacks are excellent value for money, and the Meerkat adventure in particular will appeal to people. In addition to being wonderful and exciting stories, they are also designed to assist children to read, and full set of teaching resources is available to download for each title from Litworks.com - just click on the Children's Books link and you'll find it. Teaching resources: A set of free, downloadable teaching resources (structured in line with the UK National Literacy Strategies but designed to help all 7-12 year old readers explore the text fully, and deepen their enjoyment of it) is available in the Paka Mdogo section of the LitWorks.com website. The resources are designed to be used on a page-by-page basis, and are wholly flexible, so that they can be employed in a variety of ways and settings: Students reading the book independently can be directed to the study tasks most appropriate to their level of language skill, as a way of supplementing what they have taken from the reading process itself. Teachers will be able to use the study tasks to focus attention on reading and comprehension, language awareness, thinking skills, individual writing (both creative and expository), open discussion, dramatic presentation, and simple literary judgement. Parents who wish to assist their children with reading and language development will find much in the resources to help them do that.
H S TOSHACK: PAKA MDOGO [Paka Mdogo Press PB] A clever and cheeky little black and white cat who sneaks off on an African safari with the Allen family... Her journey into the heart of Baragandiri in search of the Allens, after she has become separated from them... Terrifying encounters (mainly involving teeth) with the wild animals there... Nyanya, an old but ferocious lioness, who plans to attack Thomas and Amy, the Allen children, while they are asleep in their tent... Only Sheena can save the children. But first she must find them. H S TOSHACK: THE MEERKAT WARS [Paka Mdogo Press PB] It's all very well helping a young meerkat who's been poisoned by a scorpion. But when you've made friends with the whole Duwara tribe of meerkats, and you discover that they're at war with the Utongo, you may find yourself involved in that too, even if you're only a little black-and-white cat. And when you realise that the two tribes are fighting because each one believes it lives under The One True Sun, then you may have to undertake a very dangerous journey to help them see things differently. You may have to go through The Gorge. H S TOSHACK: THE GRADUAL ELEPHANT [Paka Mdogo Press PB] Mpole is a 12 year old African elephant who has been forced to leave the Herd. He must now prove himself by passing The Seven Tests (Mitihani Saba) so that he can become Accepted as a young male. Mpole's problem, however is that he does things gradually...and that includes thinking. How can he possibly succeed? With the help of Sheena, perhaps - the clever (and cheeky) little black and white cat who has sneaked back to Baragandiri National Park with the Allen family on their second safari there. But a test much bigger the Mitihani Saba awaits them... |
Comments From Employer: This is the second time I have worked with Mary Ann, and the reason why is that she is excellent to work with. Her artistic skills are top-notch and they are equalled by her "people skills." Imagine trying to collaborate with an artist who doesn't listen or has a hard time communicating? That won't happen with Mary Ann. She's awesome!
8-Sep-2010 Feedback from Employer Mary Ann's skills, professionalism, and flexibility help greatly in making this project a success. She's great, and pleasure to work with! -May-2010 Comments From Employer: I returned to Mary Ann for additional services - that shows my satisfaction with her ability, talent and professionalism. 16-Oct-2009 Comments From Employer: It has been a pleasure working with Mary Ann, she was able to capture my idea and bring it to life - very exciting. “Mary Ann is a rare talent, she has the ability to translate a description into a masterpiece, be it a logo, t-shirt design, or a book cover. I have been working with artist for the past 25 years and have never been more excited about the end results or watching the creative process evolve into something I am proud to represent my company. I not only recommend Mary Ann....I applaud her brilliance. She is a professional with personality, a total joy to work with!” January 13, 2011
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative Carolyn Battle-Cochrane, http://videoproduction.battlecatt.com/ hired Mary Ann as a Artist in 2009, and hired Mary Ann more than once “Mary Ann is a fantastic artist, from portraits to murals to glass carving. Even Illustrations for children’s books. She's worked with all kinds of medium. Will positively keep her in mind on future projects.” January 13, 2011 Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative BRYAN TYLER NELSON, http://www.nelsonwood.com/ hired Mary Ann as a Art / Designer in 2008, and hired Mary Ann more than once “Mary Ann McAlister does excellent work! The details in her artwork really captured the heart and soul of my book. Not only can she produce creative and amazing masterpieces, but she is the nicest person to work with. If you are looking for an artist, look no further. Mary Ann is truly a master at what she does!” January 12, 2011 Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative 1st V. K. Dorner, hired Mary Ann as a Graphic/Web Designer in 2010 “Have known Mary Ann for several years and am a big fan of her artistic talents. Recently hired her to do a logo for me and I was delighted with the results. Excellent work at a reasonable cost. Was very impressed with her professionalism from concept to final output. Would highly recommend Mary Ann's artist services to anyone. She has also done many private commissioned murals, portraits and illustrations, including children's books, as well as artwork for commercial advertising for newspapers.” January 12, 2011 Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative 1st Tony Brigmon, http://www.funtasticmeetings.com/ hired Mary Ann as a Graphic/Web Designer in 2010 “Mary Ann's artistic eye is superior to many of her contemporaries. She is very innovative and diligently works to satisfy customer requirements. Maintaining positive proactive business relationships, is Mary Ann's strength. Lastly, she is a very reputable business woman regarded for her ethical business acumen.” January 12, 2011 Claire Misquez, PM, Lockheed Martin was with another company when working with Mary Ann at Nelson McAlister Artworks “Mary Ann has illustrated two of my picture books for children. I found her to be extremely competent, creative, and easy to work with. You can count on her doing what she said she would, and she doesn't quit until she gets it right. I highly recommend her.” January 19, 2011 Top qualities: Good Value, High Integrity, Creative Robert Young, http://realwriting.us/home/ hired Mary Ann as a artist in 2008, and hired Mary Ann more than once |
