ashleys-unforgettable-summer.jpgSummary from the back of the book: Ashley was not prepared for the turmoil and disasters her baby chimpanzee would create. At times, she wished she had left baby Tina, at her home in Africa.

Rylee, Ashley’s best friend did her best to help.

However, this baby chimpanzee always seemed to be one step ahead of them.

There was no slowing down with Tina.

Would they ever be able to control her? Just how far would she go?

My review: I enjoyed this book, but I took it in to school and read it to my 7 and 8 year old students. They LOVED it! Most children are animal lovers and they fell in love with Tina the baby chimpanzee. The children could relate to all of the trouble Tina got into. They said things like, “Tina reminds me of my brother, whenever he is quiet for a long time he is usually into something – just like Tina.” “The monkey reminds me of my little sister when she is sleeping – I love to watch her sleep.” “Ashley reminds me of myself – I like to dress up my dog like she likes to dress up Tina.” The children loved the book, they thought it was funny. They became interested in knowing more about Africa (where Tina came from). We loved the illustrations. Charr Floyd did a fabulous job capturing the silly monkey, Tina in all of her antics.

Each time I brought the book out to read to the children, they became excited. They were engaged throughout and had questions and comments. This is a great book for 9-12 year old children to read independently, but I would also highly recommend it as a read aloud to younger children – even as young as five or six years old.

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24 Responses to “Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer by Grace Reddick”

  1. Cheryl Malandrinos Says:

    It’s great to hear how a book relates to its target market. Thanks for the great review!

    Cheryl

  2. Pump Up Your Book Promotion June Author on Tour - Day 4 « Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours Says:

    [...] author of the children’s book, Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer, will be stopping off at The Friendly Book Nook. Ashley was beginning to question herself. Had she made the right decision by bringing this [...]

  3. Mayra Calvani Says:

    Kids are the best reviewers! Congrats on the great review, Grace!

  4. Kim Sheffield Says:

    Mrs. Reddick,
    Thank you so much for sharing your story with the students of Marlow Elementary! The students love to meet an author, and your book became quite popular! Thanks again!
    Sincerely,
    Kim Sheffield
    Media Specialist

  5. Sara Brown Says:

    I am a third grade teacher and purchased Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer for my 2 young gilrs. When I saw the book and how many words were actually in it, I didn’t think my children would be as interested since they’re younger, 4 and 5. I wanted to let you know those kids sat there and listened to every word, I read it to them in 2 days. I could not believe it and I’m looking forward to getting another one of your books.
    Thanks Grace, please continue with your writing.

  6. Book Review « Gracereddick’s Weblog Says:

    [...] Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer by Grace Reddick [...]

  7. Book Review « Grace4books’s Blog Says:

    [...] The Friendly Book Nook http://thefriendlybooknook.com/2008/06/05/ashleys-unforgettable-summer-by-grace-reddick/ [...]

  8. The Friendly Book Nook Review « Grace4books’s Blog Says:

    [...] http://thefriendlybooknook.com/2008/06/05/ashleys-unforgettable-summer-by-grace-reddick/ [...]

  9. Helen Ann Keppel Says:

    Thank you Mrs. Reddick for your visit to Lanier Primary School. The children had a great time as you interacted with them during the two day’s of your visit.
    Continued success.
    Helen Ann Keppel
    Media Specialist

  10. paul Weinberger Says:

    Ms. Reddick,
    Your visit to the Pembroke Library was very much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to speak to the children about your book.
    Paul Weinberger
    Manager

  11. Shirley Reyes Says:

    My girls just love your book Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer. I was also impressed with the length of story allowing me the opportunity to read to my younger daughter nightly. The story is action packed, to say the least and keeps you wondering what will happen next. We are looking forward to your next book. Keep up the great work.

    Best wishes.
    Shirley R.

  12. Ross Blair Says:

    A classic book for young people and those young at heart. Reddick’s writing style fuses beautifully with Charr Floyd’s illustrations to bring to life the wild adventures of Ashley and her little pal Tina.
    Sure to be a mainstay for bedtime storytellers everywhere.
    Ross Blair:
    Reporter: Bryan County News

  13. Edith Anderson Says:

    Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer by Grace Reddick is an excellent children’sbook. Ashley, the main character, captures your attention with her unpredictable chimpanzee, Tina. The colorful illustrations blend in well with the story that is being told.

    Precocious Ashley and her chimpanzee are faced with one intriguing dilemma after another. These “little” dilemmas become even more amusing as the story reaches its apex.The book is well written, as it shifts from chapter to chapter.

    The author is to be commended, and I strongly recommend it for readers of all ages. It is an excellent book for school libraries.

    Dr. Edith W. Anderson
    Freelance Writer
    Bryan County Now, Savannah Morning News
    Hinesville Coastal Courier

  14. Hayley Says:

    hi my name is hayley i live in smyma DE. i am 10 years old. i really loved your book youre next one sounds awsome it is about Logan right.youre so inspring your web sight is cool i love you
    hayley

  15. Kathy B Says:

    I have always wanted to write a book. I enjoyed the excerpt. It reallykeeps moving. I like that. Some childrens books I’ve read you wonder how they gotpublished. It kind of reminds me of an “Eloise” book.
    Kathy B.
    Richmond Hill, Ga

  16. Shelia L Says:

    Hi Grace , love the site and want to let you know how excited about your success. Just read the Dasiy Belle’s article, picture and article were great God is really blessing your life keep up the great work.God Bless Your friend Shelia

  17. Cindy Bland Says:

    My grandchildren just adored your book. They were so excited. I also enjoyed it. It was so funny. You did an excellent job of putting it all together. I can’t wait to read your next book.
    I pray that God will continue to bless you.
    Cindy

  18. Mrs Nespy Says:

    I found your site when I was checking out blogs by others in Savannah. Congrats on the book and the great reviews you have shared on your site. God bless!
    (Mrs Nespy

  19. Katie Says:

    I enjoyed your book, Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer, as much as my children. It was witty, colorful, and kept us on the edge of our seats, wondering what Tina would be doing next.
    We will be watching for your next book.
    Best of luck in all youi do.
    Katie & children.
    Katie

  20. Marjorie Says:

    My children loved your book. They could hardly wait for me to read the next chapter. My girls loved Ashley and Rylee as they tried to keep Tina under control. My boys loved the crazy things Tina did.
    I’m looking forward to you next book.
    Keep up the good work.
    Marjorie

  21. Evelyn Says:

    I was very pleased with your book, Ashley’s Unforgettable Summer. My son was very excited as I turned each page to see what Tina the Chimpanzee was getting into next. He also liked the full page pictures. Everything about the book is delightful. It is truly a keepsake.
    We’re waiting for your next book.
    Best wishes.
    Evelyn

  22. The Slippery Book Review Says:

    theslipperybookreview Says:

    This looks like such a cute book for little girls. Good luck with your tour, Grace! I love books about the special bond between children and pets.

  23. Mayra Calvani Says:

    Great interview, Grace! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

    By: Mayra Calvani

  24. Dorothy Thompson Says:

    Wow, you appeared on television stations as the first thing you did for promotion, Grace? A lot of authors would love to say that!

    To Your Success,

    Dorothy

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