The first reviews on Book 2 are in.

Hi Smokey,

 Rachel really sailed thru those two books and really enjoyed them.  In a few years Lisa will be able to enjoy them also.  I quickly read them so I knew what Rachel was talking about, and also enjoyed them.  Here are her comments.

In This World Do I See, Book 1

"Dear Aunt Smokey,

I love the first book.  I can't wait to read the second book.  My favorite part of your first book was when Eliza went on a horse ride to the cave and found pottery.  I also like when
she said Yum-o and when Eliza went on stage with Joseph and Mama and Aunt Angie when they did the friendship dance."

In This World Do I See, Book 2

"Dear Aunt Smokey,

I loved reading this book.  My favorite parts in this book are when Eliza gets Beau the dog and when Eliza finds out that Aunt Angie and Uncle Jim are adopting a baby from China."

                                           Rachel, age 8


Joe the Welder says: I read the book to my 8 year old granddaughter. We both loved it. The picture of the Sky Walker is a former business partner. It touched home. Thanks for all the background on steel workers.

Joe the Welder, New Canaan

An Author writes:  The cover is fascinating!  It really draws you in.  I liked the imagery you create with very few words.  You have a knack for making word pictures.  I also liked your frequent references to environmental responsibility, especial when they were subtle, such as the "some kids are born green" remark.  The letter format is great!  Creative art work, too.  

The book was great! I loved it! It really helped me understand some of my problems in life. Thank you for the book, i really enjoyed it!

sincerely, Johnashia

Sheronne's daughter(the mom that works at the pinehurst spa)

 

 

The first reviews on "This World Do I See - Book 1- An Adventure In New Mexico" are in:

I enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting learning about all the different foods and culture. I liked the name of the diary. I found the arrowheads interesting.

Caitlin Tracey
London, England

A one of a kind book, filled with rich detailed words on every page.  I am honored to have read the book and  meet the author.  So I know that it will be a success.  Also, for everyone of any age.

Jonathan W. Age 10 ,  New York

Even though I am a “Mema”, I enjoyed reading Eliza’s story, and look forward to reading this entertaining and educational adventure to my grandchildren!

Christine J.  New York

 My opinion is that this book is really good.  I liked the part when Eliza said “Yum O!”  It made me smile.

I also liked the great use of vocabulary.

Christopher  Mc.. Age 10,   North Carolina

 As a Great Grandmother I found the story very interesting with a little humor.  Most of all I found it to be a learning  lesson.    I like the fact that the meanings of the unfamiliar words could be found at the beginning of the book.

 Helen, New Jersey

 I really enjoyed this book.  It is on a child's level and explains everything.

Jennifer,  North Carolina

The author has  confirmed one is never to old to stop learning.  Clever, witty, stimulating and fun reading. 
Bravo, Mary Ann.  I look forward to all future writings.
 
Sarah M. Ct.

I liked the pictures that were in the book. I had a lot of laughs in this book as I was reading it. It was very easy to read and understand. I can't wait to see where Eliza goes next. Thank you for giving me your book to read. I really enjoyed it.  

Johnashia (my mom works at The Spa @ Pinehurst, NC)

How fun to read all three books. I especially liked Book 1 of your series. What a great way for kids to experience other places and cultures. Good luck with the others.  

Jan B. Wyoming

Love the script in the diary, Book 1.....and its' great the author gives such detail as far as definitions of words and an insight to the American Indian culture. A must read for children and parents.  

Sarah M. Ct.

The first reviews on Holly are in:

This book is amazing.  It is cute and kids will love it!

Katie:  Student at Pinecrest High School, NC

  Holly is a story that should be made into a movie, it has the Christmas Spirit.  And that is what it's all about.

Mary:  72 yrs. young, NC

Holly gives us hope that our children will also find their beacon that leads them to their family and friends.

"T", a mother of an 8 yr. old, NC

Very nice Mary Ann, you are very talented

Dave B, Retired NC

My great-granddaughter, Kathryn and I read this story together.  We both loved Holly's story and Kathryn wanted to look for Holly's light.

Marie and Kathryn, North Carolina

Holly

WOW! what a fantastic story for kids. Gives a lesson on how being different is very special and how gifted the author is to be different than her peers .......for you and only you have these special qualities. Hooray, Mary Ann, it's nice to hear Holly has made it, just as an important reindeer as her fellow brothers.

Sarah M. Ct.

In Holly's Christmas, a lonely reindeer gets the chance to learn who her real friends are. Over the course of the story, Holly blooms from a shy little reindeer into the star of the show.

Jania P. Science teacher, Alaska

Holly’s Christmas was a wonderful story. I really enjoyed reading it with my two-year old daughter, Ayling, during the holidays. My daughter enjoyed the book so much, we read it almost every day before going to bed!!! Even though she is only two, she remembers parts of the story and tries to pretend to be reading it!!! I am definitely looking forward to reading more wonderful stories from Mary Ann.

Dayling & Ayling, Connecticut


The reviews on Natasha are in:

Smokey read Natasha and the Squirrel at the Yerwood Day Care Center in Stamford, Ct. Nov. 19
The children interacted with the story and told some of their own tall tails. Children ranged in ages 3- 5.
We also played some fun games, sang, tumbled and did a bit of yoga. Guess what.....

I've been invited back!

What a cool story.  It really does look like Natasha and the Squirrel are talking to each other.  The pictures are so clear.

Zara, age 11, Vt.

Natasha And The Squirrel is an excellent illustration of the interaction between animals that children see everyday.  It is understandable and entertaining for children of all ages.
My granddaughters are 6 and 3 and are always asking me to read the book.  I recommend the book highly for its content and enjoyment.

Myrna Spencer, Social Worker and Grandmother, North Carolina

Natasha and the Squirrel

For this little squirrel seeing Natasha though the window makes her day. In Natasha and the Squirrel a dog and a squirrel find an unlikely friendship. A great story for kids and adults.

Jania P. Science teacher, Alaska


Letters and photos
 

  Mary Ann reading "Natasha and the Squirrel" to first grade class at the American British International School in New York City.

 

Kaitlyn autographing "In This World Do I See" Book 1  

 

   Reading "Natasha and the Squirrel" and "Holly's Christmas" in Placitas, New Mexico
 

Emma reading "In This World Do I See" Book 1 at the Washington Depot Library.  

 

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MA Urda
Smokey's Books
5 Friar Tuck Lane
Stamford, Ct. 06907