On this page you will find Reviews for many of our titles.

Killing Earl

A Poetry Break

Reviewed by Greg Langley, Books Editor, The Advocate Daily Newspaper, Baton Rouge, LA

Poet Kay Day also employs iambic pentameter, and she even writes in the sonnet form.  Day has a good sense of humor as well as a poet's way of painting with words. ...Day turns her attention to such diverse subjects as a cat jousting with mockingbirds in a suburban yard, reading lessons, the cost of poverty, jelly making, Mary Magdalen, the book Fahrenheit 451, a porch swing, Sunday School lessons and much more.  She's not afraid to tackle any subject and not above taking a jab at herself, as in "Practicing Poetics."

Reviewed by Florida Monthly/February, 2004

Composing the Italian sonnet form masterfully, Day's poetry is a pleasant read.  Refreshingly fresh and smoothly written, Day has found her place in the literary circle.

Reviewed by David Taub, columnist, Poetry Now

In this collection of poems, Kay Day demonstrates her versatility as a poet–from free verse to classical-style sonnets. It is refreshing to find her writing to be accessible on many levels, whilst not sacrificing standards in prosody and style.

Reviewed by David Cazden, editor, Miller's Pond (print edition)

Located firmly in the observed and felt world, Kay Day’s poetry is a delight to read. Written in a mature, compassionate voice, each poem is both measured and effortless, with a remarkable ability to deepen the reader’s heart. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by D.H. Eaton, author  The Osceola Community Club, Cumberland House

Kay Day's poems address a wide range of human experience - from a child's first stumbling prayers to a mysterious Deity who is still a mystery when that child is forty, to teenage insecurities, to marriage and its complexities, even wrapping up the collection with 'After Probate', having covered the gamut. Kay Day's poems examine our lives and our innermost reactions to them. That the final poem in the collection ends with the word 'prayers' is appropriate, for Kay Day's poetic offerings literally are 'prayers'.

Reviewed by Steve Kowit, author of In the Palm of Your Hand

Lots of fine poems.  I liked a great many—the sonnets at the book's start, like "The Reading Lesson," and the other poems afterwards, all of them well made, well crafted.  "Dear G.", which was I believe the first I read and that remains on a second and third reading particularly fine...."Genealogy" and " At Fifteen,"...just a few that struck me.  Day tells her stories well, vividly, always coherently—and there is a lovely sanity and goodheartedness that emerges in poem after poem.

John and William Bartram:  Travelers in Early America

“Sandy Sammons' book fills a real need, a book to interest young readers in the lives of John and William Bartram"

Joel T. Fry, Curator

Historic Bartram Gardens

“I enjoyed reading John and William Bartram: Travelers in Early America.  It captures William's blithe spirit."

Edward J. Cashin, Director

Center for the Study of Georgia History

“Well don! Excellent for classrooms and living rooms.”

Joseph Vetter, Teacher

Whales With Fur

Off The Shelf-Compiled by Dr. Gray Stafford / Reviewed by Billy Hurley, Dolphin Quest

"Now here is a book that lives by the rule "what you see is what you get". And that's how the author lives his life. No dancing around the topic, just getting down to the real deal. Whales With Fur is a book that anyone interested in training his or her pet "Fido", "Morris", or "Mr. Ed", should have. Pete Davey approaches the training of one's pet by drawing from his experience of training marine mammals. For those of you that have been in the exotic animal training business for years, you most likely will find nothing new. It's not the content of the information that had me glued to the pages; it's the style with which Pete writes. It's downright funny. Readers should be able to relax while learning from Pete's book, because he conveys his thoughts as if you were sitting in his kitchen watching him prepare dinner (wait a minute, Pete doesn't make dinner, but Jody does, and you'll see her throughout the book). Maybe a better analogy would be debating with Pete over beers at an IMATA conference; that's more realistic. But the bottom line is you need this book. It's a great teaching tool for novice trainers as he doesn't bore you with laborious multi-syllabic terms coined every year at conferences. But he draws great comparisons that attempt to make the reader's mind "click" when struggling through training. As you peruse his written dialogue, Pete takes the reader through history (nice pictures...however I noticed that Pete seemed to get older each page I turned), reasons animals should be trained, and then on to foundational terminology. He then shifts gears into what one should consider before confusing the heck out of the "about to be trained" individual (lucky them). Finally the training process begins, and the reader/apprentice trainer is taken on a journey of "how to's" and "why not's" that many of us wish we had heard, oh those many years ago. The best part is how Pete encourages the reader to train the examples he lists, and more importantly how to troubleshoot what may be occurring...and all the while he makes you laugh. As one heads through the "home stretch" of the book, Pete covers the issues of non-desirable behavior and forethought about those things that can be sensitizing to the standard pet. All in all, it's good stuff. As stated, the author, Pete Davey, has done a great job of breaking down the lingo, the desires, the problems, and the successes of training in an easy to read format. He pairs a reinforcer (laughing) with what may seem to be a border line punisher (reading text) to achieve the desired outcome (making Pete a lot of money)...I mean (teaching caregivers how to not confuse their prized companions through clear communication). It's a book well worth reading. And just like Ramirez's book on training, you only need to jump on Amazon.com...happy training! "

Reviewed by Kay Day author of A Poetry Break, Poetry for Your Pleasure

"As a dog lover, I am proud of what my beagle hound Shadow can do. He can do regular dog things like roll over, say hello, and stay. It was not easy teaching him these skills, and I have failed in a number of other efforts.

For instance, if I throw a tennis ball, he will pursue it, but he will not yield it up, preferring instead to slurp it, chew it, and toss it in the air for himself. As a hound, he is a prisoner of his nose. So efforts to convince him to refrain from smelling our guests, with emphasis on certain sensitive areas of their bodies, have been equally unsuccessful. As a result, when visitors come, he must be leashed. Although he sits agreeably by me during visits, it is a little embarrassing that I can not let him loose. He sometimes barks when gullible people are eating, because he enjoys people food. He will steal it if we turn our backs on him.

Had I been able to read Whales with Fur prior to teaching Shadow some manners, I would have had an easier time of it. This book is written by an expert on animals, but it is written in an easy-to-understand manner. For instance, on the matter of fetching, I immediately saw the error of my ways.

Like many other owners, I always threw the ball and when my dog ran towards me, I would offer him a bit of doggie biscuit. Of course, as soon as Shadow saw the biscuit, he dropped the ball, ran to gobble the treat, almost choking himself with enthusiasm, and then ran back to pick up the ball and take off for parts unknown.

Author Pete Davey sheds a great deal of light on this matter by explaining that instead of teaching the dog to run after the ball, an owner must first teach the dog to release the ball in a backward training approach. Davey uses terms like "bridge" for the stimulus that communicates to the dog what you want him to do so that he will get the "reinforcer" or reward. Davey explains that you actually begin the training with the goal. He writes, "Think of training the behavior backwards. The last thing in the sequence of events you want Laddie to do is hand you the Frisbee. Right? So put the Frisbee in Laddie's mouth. Then, at the same time your hand is holding the Frisbee and Laddie holds the Frisbee in his mouth, bridge (whistle) and reinforce (hot dog piece)."(pg. 49)

That advice makes so much sense to me now, but until I read this book, it never occurred to me. Whales with Fur is full of such advice. It is more than a book, it's a complete system for teaching an animal good behavior. The foreword is by Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, and also host of TV's "Animal Adventures." Author Pete Davey, Director of Training for Marineland of Florida, has been involved in advanced animal training and care for 16 years. He's worked with whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, tigers, birds, and many other species.

If you want your horse to jump higher, or your dog to quit falling apart as soon as he sees the vet, this book's for you. Davey covers cats that scratch, dogs that dig, and teaching animals how to perceive that "good" means the behavior is what you want them to do.

Davey's writing style is peppered with humor, and that's a nice touch that makes solid information more user-friendly. Consider this passage about taking your pooch to the vet: "Most people will claim Skipper KNOWS when he is going to the vet. In reality it is far more likely that he knows the car ride is going to end in something negative. It is very unlikely that Skipper's brain comes up with, "Wow, that lady is getting her purse, putting the children in the car, and now is coming towards me...my goodness, we must be embarking to the veterinary office, where I might be stuck upon the rump with a sharp needle. I know...I'll run away!"(pg. 127)

The photographs and illustrations in the book enhance the reader's experience. There's one photo of a large marine animal with a human foot protruding from the animal's mouth. Apparently, the trainer hadn't read Whales with Fur.

In our home, we'll be trying Davey's techniques on our beagle hound. Maybe one day, we?ll be able to leave a turkey sandwich unguarded. I'll definitely be buying some copies for my family and friends, with several unruly pets in mind. Hopefully, loved ones will learn to get the dog or cat to do what the humans want instead of being held hostage by their pets."

Zachary Cooks Up Some Fun

Reviewed by Susan D. Brandenburg, River City News Correspondent, The Florida Times Union

"Three-year-old Zoe Bevan of the Westside is one lucky little girl.  Her "Grandy" is Jan Atchley Bevan, the smiling face behind the desk in the Art Connections area of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens."

"An accomplished writer, composer, pianist and poet, Bevan is passionate about keeping the arts alive for future generations.  As the Cummer's author in residence, she has recently completed her second book, Zachary Cooks Up Some Fun, which is being published by Ocean Publishing of Flagler Beach.  Her first was Corky, the Bathtub Who Couldn't Swallow."

"In Zachary Cooks Up Some Fun, she weaves a tale of a Texas prairie dog who saves his town through courage, ingenuity and a special family recipe."

Bevan draws upon people in her life for the personalities in her books..."Corky was my late husband's name, and Zachary the prairie dos was inspired by a special great-nephew."  Noting that prairie dogs naturally protect and care for one another, Bevan says her Zachary series of books will teach many life lessons.

Reviewed by Brandy Holboldt Allport, Times-Union Children's Book Reviewer

Jan Atchley Bevan's latest book, Zachary Cooks Up Some Fun takes place in Dog Town, USA, smack dab in the middle of Texas.  The adventure book is for children ages 4 to 8...  Dana Kleiman Garfinkel, artist and teacher at LaVilla School of the Arts, created the illustrations.

Reviewed by Kay Day author of A Poetry Break, Poetry for Your Pleasure

"Books read by many of us as children in post World War II America carried a common theme of instruction. Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verse, fairy tales by various authors, and A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh offered common messages. Fairy tales taught a child caution. Other books taught tolerance and kindness, all the while capturing the innocence of childhood. Zachary Cooks up Some Fun falls within this realm.

The physical qualities of the book are exceptional. Done in hardcover with a top quality book jacket, the book's glossy text stock shows off the illustrations very well. The story line reflects a lesson in caring for others and in resolving differences in a peaceful manner. This is the sort of book a child can return to either individually, or with a parent for a journey into the world of a quirky prairie dog who puts brains over brawn and saves his community in the process. A bonus involves a recipe for the mincemeat pie that plays a pivotal role in the tale, thereby rounding out a full and rich learning experience.

Zachary Cooks up Some Fun offers an enriching experience for the young reader. That this book is published by a small press and done so with such finesse speaks well of Ocean Publishing. This text would make an excellent keepsake addition to any young reader's shelf."

(Reviewer's note: Ocean Publishing publishes my own books, and that of many other authors, but this review was not solicited by the publisher or the author of Zachary.)

Windrusher

Reviewed by Betty White, Actress and animal welfare advocate
 

"I literally couldn't put it down-it is so beautifully written. What a wonderful read, I can't wait for Windrusher's next adventure."
 

Reviewed by Linda Stewart, Author of the Sam the Cat Mystery series
 

"Touching, mystical, completely engrossing. Put this on your bookshelf next to Call of the Wild and Black Beauty. Windrusher's great adventure belongs with the animal classics."
 

Reviewed by Pamela Bauer Mueller, Author of Eight Paws to Georgia and The Kiska Trilogy
 

"What a sensory kaleidoscope! DiGenti pierces the mysterious veil of a cat's secret life in this magical epic."
 

Reviewed by Barbara Florio Graham, Author of Musings/Mewsings
 

"A magical tale, full of wonder and suspense. The authentic geographic setting, realistic behavior of the cats and genuine dangers help readers make the leap into the supposition that there may be communication between cats and their ancient ancestors. I was fascinated from beginning to end."
 

Reviewed by Nancy Marano, Award-winning author of animal articles
 

"Prepare yourself to be swept up in the breathtaking adventures of Windrusher, a.k.a. Tony. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It's a guaranteed good read that will make you look at your cats a little differently."
 

Reviewed by William Kerr, Author of Death's Bright Angel
 

"Beautifully written, the characterizations, whether human or animal, are so well done that I could visualize each and every character."
 

Reviewed by Alex Matthews, Author of the Cassidy McCabe mystery series
 

"Cat people will love this riveting fantasy."
 

Reviewed by Darlene Arden, Author of The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness
 

"More than just an adventure and more than a fantasy, Windrusher works on several levels. Victor DiGenti has realistically captured the plight of homeless cats. His story goes right to the heart of the matter. And right to the heart of the reader."
 

Reviewed by Blether, The book review site
 

"A delightful tale for lovers of adventure and cat lovers; poignant with moments of great humor. Tony/Windrusher is an endearing hero for this new series."
 

Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth

Midwest Book Review

"(The author's) knowledge and compassion for felines offers a superb background for the page-turning and often sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat adventures experienced through the eyes of a cat named Windrusher. He is a masterful wordsmith and has written a tightly plotted storyline with believable characters and a cat both heroic and vulnerable."

Reviewed by Lee Killough, Science Fiction and Fantasy Author

"Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth has a compelling, well-written plot with plenty of nail-biting suspense."

Reviewed by Marilyn Parrish, author of Song of Surrender and The Presence

“Superbly written, Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth is thrilling, touching and unforgettable. With vividly drawn characters and a unique and distinctive voice, DiGenti grabs you from the first page with this exciting, fast-paced adventure. The touching denouement brought tears to my eyes. The enchantment of Windrusher belongs on the silver screen.”

Reviewed by Christine Church, author of Indoor Cats, Your Outta Control Cat

“What a truly fantastic book. Anyone who loves cats and a good tale will cherish Windrusher. Purrs and five paws up.”

Reviewed by Nancy Marano, award-winning author of animal articles

“DiGenti hits a home run in Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth, the second installment of his Windrusher series.  Live through catnapping, earthquake, and murder with Wind and three other famous cats. The book is beautifully written.  I simply couldn't put it down.  Wind's growing fan club can only wait with anticipation for the next adventure.”

Reviewed by Pamela Bauer Mueller, author of The Kiska Trilogy, Hello, Goodbye, I Love You, and Neptune's Honor

"Diverting, clever and compelling!  Now I know where my cats journey during their deep sleep!  DiGenti has outdone himself with this thrilling sequel!"

Reviewed by T. J. Banks, Author of Souleiado

"Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth is cat fantasy in the honored tradition of Tad Williams' Tailchaser's Song and Gabriel King's The Wild Road series. It's fast-paced action with strong mystical echoes and a thoroughly likable and resourceful feline hero."

Reviewed by Darlene Arden, author of Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can’t Get Unless You’re a Dog

“Windrusher’s welcome return takes us on another mystical adventure. It’s a page-turner that leaves the reader wanting more.”

Reviewed by Sandy Robins, Contributing Editor, Cat Fancy Magazine and contributor, Pet Section, MSNBC

“Windrusher's latest adventure is a fast-paced tale that will keep your curiosity piqued to the end. DiGenti has woven elements of surprise, danger and incredible feline intuition into a well-written story. A very satisfying read.”

Reviewed by Elaura Niles, author of Some Writers Deserve to Starve: 27 Brutal Truths About the Publishing Industry

“The mystical world of felines is further revealed in this exciting sequel. Windrusher & the Cave of Tho-hoth is an incredible journey of a cat with a higher calling.”

Reviewed by Gerald J. Schiffhorst, Ph.D., author of Writing with Cats

"In his entertaining sequel to Windrusher, Victor DiGenti takes us into the secret inner world of cats, which is every bit as intriguing as the lively adventures of his feline hero.”

Frank’s Whales

Reviewed by H. Steven Robertson, Author of Ranch Boy and Acorns of Love and Wisdom

Of the really amazing creatures that still inhabit the earth, whales are at the top of the list. Frank Gromling has written and published a delightful saga, Frank’s Whales, of one man’s discovery of the North Atlantic right whale. Ironically, this was in his back yard, which happened to be the Atlantic Ocean. It chronicles his efforts as he got involved with an organization that was founded to save the species from extinction. Whether you are a fisherman, nature enthusiast, biologist, inhabitant of the coast or just the average person living anywhere, you will enjoy this interesting and informative story. This book has also been created with the purest of intentions: to make the reader aware of how the average person can contribute his or her time and, in addition, enjoy an exciting adventure for a noble cause.

October 16 2003

Reviewed by Beverly Fleming click here

Selected testimonials for Frank's Whales

“Frank Gromling, in a refreshing narrative, convincingly answers the questions so many people ask: ‘How can I make a difference?’   And ‘What can I do to help?’ Become involved with a volunteer program, learn more about the plight of the North Atlantic right whale – or Nature’s other creatures – enjoy meeting like-minded people and have fun. A good read.”

Hans Neuhauser, Editor, Right Whale News

 “This is an exciting inside look at a volunteer-based research program that is aiding the most endangered large whale in the world.”

Jim Egan, Executive Director

Marine Resources Council, Rockledge, FL

“Congratulations on your fantastic accomplishment and volunteer efforts. Keep up the good work, and once again hooray for Frank!”

Betti Tobiasz, Seekonk, MA

 “With only about 325 North Atlantic Right Whales left, this book is an important contribution to their understanding and survival. What a superb job you have done!”

Dr. Maia McGuire, University of Florida

Sea Grant Extension Agent

 “Very interesting subject, one that everyone takes an interest in, but for a few dedicated people like you, not many participate actively.”

David Craveiro, Bristol, RI

 “I read through Mr. Gromling's creatively witty and informative book in one sitting. This educational work about our endangered sea mammals should be required reading and on all environmentalists’ and conservationists' bookshelves.”

Harry Waranch, LMT, Palm Coast, FL

 “Frank Gromling has written and published a delightful saga of one man’s discovery of the North Atlantic right whales. Ironically, this was in his back yard, which happened to be the Atlantic Ocean. It chronicles his efforts as he got involved with an organization that was founded to save the species from extinction. Whether you are a fisherman, nature enthusiast, biologist, inhabitant of the coast or just an average person living anywhere, you will enjoy this interesting and informative story. This book has also been created with the purest intentions: to make the reader aware of how anyone can contribute his or her time and, in addition, enjoy an exciting adventure for a noble cause.”

H. Steven Robertson, author of Ranch Boy

"The numbers of a species approach the edge of extinction. Just as with Loggerhead Sea Turtles, American Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons, the Right Whale has a better chance of survival because individuals not only cared about its well-being, but took action to assist.

Few people may know, until Frank's Whales lands in their lap, that Northeast Florida is a critical birthing ground for the Right Whale, the rarest large whale in the Atlantic Ocean. Frank Gromling's book explores this majestic creature's natural history and the protection programs that hope to safeguard this whale's numbers, beginning with the whalers who, in prior centuries, reduced populations to a critical level, and moving forward to modern times, when ship strikes pose a serious threat.

The author relates his own experiences as part of a volunteer group that records observations and data to assist government agencies in formulating plans for the Right Whale's protection.

This book is perfect for many purposes. For the environmentally conscious, it's a lovely example of those who do more than protest: they give their time to help on behalf of a cause they hold dear.

For any student doing a life sciences report or project, this book will also be an invaluable resource, because it offers original research from first hand accounts, something not readily available for many projects.

The book is also interesting to a casual reader, because Frank Gromling tells a good story in an unpretentious, direct manner that puts the reader on the observation deck with him.

A bonus in this book involves exceptional black and white photographs of these whales and other ocean species, and related charts and maps.

I would highly recommend this book to any reader."

Reviewed by Kay Day author of A Poetry Break, Poetry for Your Pleasure