This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
The talent show is approaching and Sammy the Seahorse is very sad because he doesn’t think he has any talent. In Susan Montgomery’s The Strumming Seahorse, Sammy discovers an abandoned ukulele at the bottom of the ocean. His friend Daniel the Wise Dolphin teaches Sammy how to tune the instrument and play it. Then he sends Sammy out to entertain all the sea creatures. As he points out, “Music can bring people together.” So true and Sammy enjoys performing for everyone who will listen. Now Sammy has something to share at the talent show. As Daniel says to Sammy, “Your real talent is that you believed in yourself.”
Susan Montgomery’s picture book, The Strumming Seahorse: A Ukulele Adventure, is the first book in the Strumming Seahorse series. The plot follows Sammy the Seahorse as he searches for a talent he can share. The story is very uplifting and encouraging as Sammy learns how to play the ukulele and entertain others with his growing talent. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills. The illustrations by the author are bright, bold, and colorful and help move the story forward. At the end of the book, Sammy’s Ukulele guide provides pointers on the instrument as well as a few tips including how to tune the instrument. As well as sharing the power of music in this delightful gem of a story, the author encourages young readers to believe in themselves and to work hard to achieve their dreams. I always love a good story about music – well done!
