This is a very wholesome book about a dog who runs a rescue shelter for dogs and cats. It has lovely illustrations and it touches on the trauma that abandoned animals experience, without going too deep. (Eryn McConnell, Book Tour Reviewer)
Yet another engaging tale by author and illustrator Christine Skippins, who volunteers at an animal rescue centre. In ‘The Magic of Misty Nook – To the Rescue’, the Animal Brother and Sisterhood, led by the indomitable Chief Elder, Woody, help 20 lucky cats and 10 fortunate dogs find their forever homes on Friendly Island by airlifting them via helicopter and matching them up with their fabulous forever homes. Children will be delighted by the different animal characters and charmed by the accompanying whimsical illustrations. Crucially, they will also be taught an important lifelong lesson – that animals deserve to be loved and treated with kindness and respect. (Jane Clack, Book Tour Reviewer)
Christines’ story is set in Misty Nook, a magical animal sanctuary for cats and dogs who have fallen on hard times and need a safe place to stay. A Brotherhood and Sisterhood of animals run the home, providing love and care to all. When Woody sees an ad in The Friendly Island Times for puppies and kittens needed for good homes, he has the brilliant idea that some of their little puppy and kitten friends could find their forever homes there. He enlists the help of the rest of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood to select the perfect puppies and kittens to fulfil the needs of the Friendly Island residents while giving them a loving home and a new purpose. The Magic of Misty Nook To The Rescue is a great story for children to learn that everyone deserves to be happy and cared for. Through the voices of the cats and dogs, Skippins encourages children to seek friendships wherever they can be found, but more importantly, to understand that each child is special, and deserves to be encouraged to live their best life, whatever that may be. This is a well-edited book full of loveable characters who tug at the heartstrings. Each puppy or kitten is true to the characteristics of their breed and enriches the story with their diversity. The dialogue is sparse, but relevant, and the story is evenly paced. For me, though, it’s the illustrations that make it. Skippins has captured the personalities of all the animals and their facial expressions are all adorable. (Phoebe Wilby, Book Tour Reviewer)
This is a cute, charming story about a sanctuary for cats and dogs, run by cats and dogs. In this particular book, the rescued animals of Misty Nook have the chance to come to Friendly Island to find their forever home. The creativity of the possibilities in which the rescued animals can be loved, and be useful too was interesting. There is a diverse cast of characters with unique quirks and histories. Because the cast is so big, it is hard to focus and root for just one character. The lack of dialogue means the story unfolds more through telling than through showing; which is a bit of a shame, as the characters would stand out even more if there were distinctive passages or lines. All in all, all the characters are easy to love, and one cheers them on as they push forward with populating Friendly Island. The book moves at a decent pace, though a lot is heavy on the prep at the beginning, and the ending goes by quickly considering the set-up. This is a calming read which inspires positivity and fosters the urge to help others in need. (Sophie Jupillat Posey, Book Tour Reviewer)
Part of a series, this book brings back some older characters and some new ones. The elves of Misty Nook love to share their home with their beloved animal friends, and this is a day of celebration for them all. The magical Misty Nook Festival has carefully thought out activities and treats for everyone. With a steady pace, this imaginative and engaging tale (or should that be ‘tail’?) shows us a glimpse into the life of the animals of Misty Nook. Each character is vividly realistic and brought to life with great illustrations and dialogue. (Yvonne Marrs, Book Tour Reviewer)
We award 4.5 stars
