Pennydale Zoo and the Great Talent Contest A fun visit to the Pennydale Zoo brings even more excitement when Juniper Mouse discovers the Zoo's very own Great Talent Contest. Anyone can enter and that means Juniper too. But what will happen? Is there enough time to practice? From Gerald the giraffe trying to make a rabbit disappear to a quartet of singing camels and a nut-juggling turtle, the story has hilarious consequences under the guidance of head judge, Big Paws Galore, a fearsome lion with a terrifying roar. The creative store for children ages 4-8 shows that one CAN succeed with determination and practice. Even the underdog (or mouse!) can rise to the top. Written entirely in verse with delicate, detailed illustrations, Gelos Publishing delivers creative books for preschool and early elementary school students, with a valuable life lesson for children and their families. Strong endorsements from educators, elementary school teachers and school librarians. All books in the series include activity pages following the story to extend the learning for the home or classroom. In this charming picture book, a timid mouse wins the day by using determination and hard work to overcome his fear of performing in public. The lesson, about the value of working toward a desired goal, has a clear subtext of healthy empowerment. The author nicely realizes the humorous mishaps and ebullient finale with colorful, fine-lined illustrations. A gentle, comic treat with a subtle lesson about building character. Kirkus Reviews "My young students would become so frustrated when they could not master a task the first time. This darling story teaches the importance of practice. The quote 'I practiced and practiced and practiced again' would be a terrific class motto!" Peggy Albertine
, Kindergarten teacher 30] years Portland, Oregon