Tuesday, May 12, 2015


Little Lonnie Long Ears

By Mary Jean Kelso

Illustrated by K.C. Snider



“Little Lonnie Long Ears,” by Mary Jean Kelso, illustrated K.C. Snider, is one of those books that you should have in your home and school library—just in case. If you have or know a child who is different, and is treated badly for those differences, then this story might help. It’s about dealing with differences and disadvantages—how they can even become advantages.



Lonnie has super long ears—so long that they drag on the ground and keep him from walking, running, and playing with the other bunnies. He’s rejected and teased so much that he wants to be some other kind of animal. Of course, he can only be himself. In the end, he’s helped by his friend Chrisinda. Her solution is elegant and allows him to be included in the bunnies’ playing and even be envied by them.



K.C. Snider’s expressive illustrations are perfectly matched to this sweet story. Each scene is beautifully drawn and adds to the visual and emotional appeal of this story. You just want to grab up this sad little bunny, cuddle him, and “make it all better.”



Mary Jean Kelso’s story is a good one for parents, teachers, and librarians to share with kids who feel rejected or are teased. They may have an obvious physical difference, a personality difference, or a disability. Kids can be cruel and insensitive if they don’t understand the situation or if they don’t know how to deal with others’ differences. We can show them that differences and disabilities can be understood, managed, and even celebrated. Highly recommended for children ages 6 -8.



“Little Lonnie Long Ears” is published by www.guardianangelpublishing.com/



Information on author Mary Jean Kelso is at www.maryjeankelsoauthor.wix/mjkel/



Information on artist K.C. Snider is at www.kcsniderart.com/


Tags:
Mary Jean Kelso, K.C. Snider, Little Lonnie Long Ears, children's books, story book, differences, teasing, disadvantages, learning, growing, sharing, playing.


7 comments:

  1. Great review, Penny. Sounds like a sweet book:) Congratulations, Mary Jean and K.C.

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    1. Hi Karin, thanks for your supportive comments. This is a special book with a great message for kids. Wishing Mary Jean and K.C. much success.

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  3. Penny, I love your review of Little Lonnie Long Ears. Mary Jean Kelso's story is a wonderful tool to introduce readers to important life lessons: empathy, self-acceptance, and problem solving.

    Readers will empathize with Lonnie's frustration as she struggles to overcome her obstacles. They will also learn about initiative, leadership and problem-solving as they discover how Chrisinda outsmarts their cruel peers.

    K.C. Snider's compelling illustrations will draw readers into Lonnie's world and keep them entertained. Parents, teachers, and librarians need to include this book in their collections. Kids should be encouraged to think about and discuss their real life connections to the story.

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    1. Hi Deb, yes, it's a cute story but one with an important message, too. Thanks for your supportive comments. I agree, it should be added to school and classroom libraries, as well as in homes. Wishing Mary Jean and K.C. much success.

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  4. Very nice review, Penny. A good message from a cute book, and I know the illustrations are wonderful too!

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    1. Hi Connie, thanks for your supportive comments. Yes, this is something that many kids need support with handling differences. Thanks much.

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