LadyD Books: Book Review: Astro The Steller Sea Lion

As I mentioned earlier in one of my posts, we had a wonderful 4 generation family reunion in February.
What a fabulous time I had playing outside with the children and then snuggling with a good book to read to my 4 grandchildren. Two delightful munchkins can be seen in the above photos. The other two slipped away to play games on the lawn.

One daughter was visiting from the Bay area. Presently, she is working on a movie, Ernest Hemingway, with Nicole Kidman. The other daughter flew in from Maine and she sells children's books and has taught middle school for several years. It was great to see them again and all be together.

I enjoyed reading Astro to the children. The author, Jeanne Walker Harvey, who is a language arts teacher in Marin County (California), asked me if I would like to review her book, Astro The Steller Sea Lion and of course, I said yes! Thank you, Jeanne for this opportunity.

Now, unlike the sad story about the stranded sardines you may have read about on March 9, 2011 at Redondo Beach's King Harbor, this wonderful children's book is about a special sea lion with a very happy ending!

Experts believe the sardines sought safe harbor from a storm.

Meet Astro, the Celebrity Steller Sea Lion!

My Review:

Jeanne Walker Harvey has written an amazing true story about a special sea lion that was stranded as a pup and later rehabilitated at the Marine Mammal Center. What's so incredible about the story-line of the main character Astro, is that upon his release into the sea, he would keep coming back. Would Astro be able to return to the wild? Indeed, curious minds want to know.

Not only is this a great educational book but a fun one for home schools, animal lovers, and for all ages who care about endangered and threatened species. Once you hear about Astro's story, I guarantee this, you and your family will fall in love with Astro and his "stellar" life.

From all the details of the rehabilitating steps that have begun at Santa Cruz to more information gathered and shared at the Mystic Aquarium regarding how he was moved to Connecticut, you will want to purchase this wonderful picture book. Towards the back of the book, it looks like a Junior National Geographic section on Stellar Sea Lion facts of their life cycle and the difference between a sea lion and a seal.

In addition to the author presenting well-researched information and a passionate heart toward one sea lion's rescue, you'll find the real life illustrations by Shennen Bersani complimenting the text warmly. A real page turner book leading the young reader on to learn more!

Guiding children through education and discovering their environment about nature and marine animals, I believe you will find it here in this wonderful 5* picture book and I highly recommend this one to you. You'll find teaching activities, interactive quizzes available, plus Spanish text and so much more.

Thank you, Jeanne for introducing Astro to our family. We rejoice with many who have learned that this very lucky sea lion is safe and he is home. We LOVE his story and wish you much-continued success!