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Monica Voicu Denniston is an active duty Air Force spouse and mom to three military brats. She is a first-generation Romanian immigrant who developed a passion for picture books while using them to learn English when she was eight years old. Monica has a law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, where she currently teaches legal writing. She and her family have lived in Sacramento, California; Newport, Rhode Island; and Madrid, Spain. They call the Bay Area, California home. Learn more about Monica at monicavoicudenniston.com.
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Engage yourselves in a tale of adventure and patriotism with Maggie the Military Rat by Monica Voicu Denniston. Illustrated by Elia Velasquez Murray, this delightful children's picture book follows the story of Maggie P. Worthington, a little rat living on a military base. Maggie always wanted to serve in the military and did her part by keeping her quarters clean and practicing marching every day. But when she went to the recruitment office, she was sent back for being too short. Disappointed, Maggie decides to serve in the kitchens, only for the chef to kick her out. She finally tries sending the troops letters, but even the postmaster can't read her small handwriting. Maggie was about to give up when she finally saw an opportunity to serve the troops. Will she take it?
Monica Voicu Denniston tells a heartwarming tale with a gentle message about chasing one's dreams. Maggie the Military Rat is about adventure, friendship, and the willingness to serve one's country in their own way. With some catchy rhyming dialogue, humor, and a spunky protagonist, Denniston delivers an entertaining children's book that kids are bound to love. Maggie is full of life and never lets anything or anyone discourage her from chasing the dream of serving her country. This makes her someone who is very easy to root for. Additionally, Elia Velasquez Murray's colorful illustrations bring the character to life and complement Denniston's writing perfectly. The book is short, concise, and an absolute joy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to children under the age of ten.
