by m.t.becker
Review by Carole Mertz
Lessons Learned from a Doggie Adventure
I loved Zinger in the Woods for the way it helps children understand the concept of trust. Nestled into this lesson (written for tweens or a younger age group) is an adventure in which one dog rescues another and then finds a new home for himself. Quite a number of delightful surprises present themselves in the language m.t. becker used: “their hooves are harder than jawbreakers,” “it was a pawtastic time,” “her eyes were like shiny gold coins,” and the use of scientific terms (for rabbits and squirrels).
A few other concepts the book teaches, some overtly, some subtly, include the use of traction, the effects of gravity, and the purposes of natural remedies. After her rescue, Ginger really wants to play with Zen, but she turns homeward knowing her family is looking for her, an example of deferred gratification.
Kids reading this book witness a child’s concern for her pet, parental consolation, the idea of being on a mission, the meaning of such terms as “ordeal,” and “mesmerized.”
A few elements not fully explained include: why is Zinger used in the title? and where did Zen get the rope for the rescue he performs? But let’s not concern ourselves with such minor things in doggie-land, as defined by Mark and Tie Becker. (Note—m.t. becker represents a husband-wife team.)
June 9th @ Carole Writes
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June 10th @ Reading Girl Reviews
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June 11th @ Chapters Through Life
Visit Danielle’s blog today to see her spotlight and review of the book Zinger in The Woods by M. T. Becker.
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June 12th @ Lisa’s Reading
Visit Lisa’s blog today to see her spotlight and giveaway of Zinger in The Woods and a guest post on Growing Food by authors M. T. Becker.
June 13th @ Teatime and Books
Visit Janet’s blog today to read her review of Zinger in The Woods and a guest post on Education by authors M. T. Becker.
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Carole thanks for the well thought out review!. The title is a play on words. Zinger In The Woods stands for Zen and Ginger in the woods. Also, Zen’s tug toy was the rope he used to recuse Ginger.
Thank you for your clarifications and best of luck for your sharing of Zinger in the Woods.
You are welcome, and thanks again for your insightful review.