The Calling of the Protectors, the Legend of Chief, by Louis Paul DeGrado, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Not every cat has the calling.  It’s a high honor and a unique privilege that Chief is a Protector.  It’s his job to safeguard humans from rats and other undesirables.  Word of Chief’s prowess is known far and wide.  So, when his owner, Sam, gets a promotion and the two move to a fancy high rise, the upscale neighborhood is abuzz with the news.  Chief hits it off with a lovely cat in the penthouse and before long they are blessed with a litter of little Chiefs.  Only able to keep one kitten, they agree to raise the littlest one, a girl which they name Mouse.  Chief is determined to train Mouse to one day follow in his footsteps.  Being the runt of the litter poses its own share of problems for Mouse.  But what she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in spunk.

The Calling of the Protectors, the Legend of Chief, by Louis Paul DeGrado, is an excellent book that will hold great appeal with youth audiences.  With a message of hope and courage against all odds, young readers are sure to love this book.   Wrapped up tidily with a feel-good ending and the assurance that with hard work and determination, even the under-dog (or in this case the under-cat) can rise above the most daunting of situations, DeGrado hits a home-run with this empowering read.  Recommended for home and school libraries, The Calling of the Protectors, the Legend of Chief earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems book series, by Anthony Pardoe, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems book series by Anthony Pardoe chronicles the adventures of a young girl who is drawn into a relationship with a sea pebble. Star’s father has recently been reported missing while on a prospecting trip. Sad and lonely, she rebels against her mother. When Star finds a pebble in her garden, the pebble, named Jasper, pleads with her to help him get home.  Star and Jasper go on an exciting adventure as they try to reunite Jasper with his friends.  Her new friend is very supportive and encouraging. Whenever Star is at the end of her strength Jasper cheers her up and spurs her on.  The interaction between Star and Jasper demonstrates the importance of friendship and the need to support one another.   Thanks to the positivity of her good friend, Star discovers her inner strength and courage.  Poor Jasper is so lovable, but he is always getting lost and needing rescue. Star is a loyal and devoted friend who is frequently surprised with how much she is able to accomplish. The interaction between the two is a great example for children to learn how everyone can contribute a little to accomplish a lot.

This is a charming series about a young girl in a fantasy-land inhabited by inanimate objects that come to life and are able to communicate. The conversations are frequently ambiguous and Star must search for deeper meanings. This book series is entertaining and educational while introducing youngsters to some really terrific values.  Each part of the story introduces problems which Star and Jasper work together to resolve. Each solution then leads to another challenge.  The humorous bantering of the delightful characters brings a lovely dimension to this tale.  The author has a very real talent in developing his characters through dialog and detailed descriptions as he brings crystals and gems to life with individual personalities.  This is the perfect book for elementary school readers. The characters are well developed and each personality is unique and genuine.  This delightful series offers excitement, adventure, and heart-warming interactions.  In addition to being an entertaining story, readers are also presented with information so subtly that children will learn all about gems and minerals without any effort.  The Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems book series is a true joy to read.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org