My Friend Gideon

by Heather Lonczak, Dusica D Dimitrovska (Illustrator)

Overview

In 'My Friend Gideon,' a little girl named 'Becky' dreams of having a pet of her very own. When visiting a beautiful park, Becky decides to adopt a lively little frog. She names the frog 'Gideon' and tries to create the perfect habitat for him. As she considers what Gideon really needs to flourish, Becky learns many valuable lessons about empathy and respect for wildlife. In this poetic and brilliantly illustrated book, children will be both touched and entertained as they join Becky in discovering the true meaning of friendship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780578515496
Publisher:	Heather S Lonczak
Publication date:	08/01/2019
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	44
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	Up to 6 Years

About the Author

Heather S. Lonczak, Ph.D., is an Educational Psychologist, writer and poet who has published a number of scholarly articles primarily aimed at promoting positive youth development. She also has published several works of fiction designed to empower and entertain young readers while promoting childhood literacy. Given her love of nature, Dr. Lonczak also has completed various creative works aimed at increasing empathy toward wildlife. She lives in Seattle with her beloved husband, children, and critters.

Heather S. Lonczak, Ph.D., is an Educational Psychologist, writer and poet who has published a number of scholarly articles primarily aimed at positive youth development and the reduction of health disparities. She also has published several works of fiction designed to empower and entertain children while promoting literacy. Dr. Lonczak has also completed various creative works aimed at increasing empathy toward wildlife. She lives in Seattle with her family.

Editorial Reviews

2020-11-23
A girl realizes her new pet frog belongs in a pond in this picture book.

Six-year-old Becky is thrilled when her parents finally allow her to get a pet. On a family trip to the mountains, Becky enjoys visiting a pond where she sees and hears various critters (“Bzzzzzzzzz; Ribbit; Quack, Quack!”). Becky decides to bring a frog home. She thinks: “He’ll be such a cool pet…better than a dog!” Becky names him Gideon and keeps him in a box. But Gideon doesn’t acclimate and becomes listless and sad. Becky is perplexed until her dad explains that the frog is an amphibian and “should be in his pond, free to leap high and swim!” Though disappointed, Becky realizes Gideon probably misses his home. She returns him to the pond and watches as he is embraced by fellow frogs. Becky will miss Gideon, but she knows she did the right thing. With her relatable protagonist, Lonczak delivers an essential lesson, emphasizing the importance of leaving animals in their natural habitats where they can thrive. The author also includes a note about “Frog Endangerment.” Dimitrovska’s illustrations are colorful with a hand-drawn quality, offering shadows and textures. The light-skinned Becky is shown in a variety of circumstances, including spending time outside and with Gideon. The images of nature are serene and detailed, and the depictions of critters, mainly frogs, are friendly. Some pages feature a pattern of greenery, bubbles, tadpoles, and frogs.

A thoughtful, educational lesson for animal lovers.

Kirkus Reviews

"Heather Lonczak's poetic writing on environmental issues brings a much needed voice to efforts to protect amphibians and other threatened species. In My Friend Gideon, Heather takes the lessons learned from her own childhood experience with frogs and creates an inspiring story for the youth of today." - Dr. Kerry Kriger - SAVE THE FROGS! Founder, Executive Director & Ecologist

"My Friend Gideon is an educational picture book that suggests ways to take care of animals and the natural environment...an educational picture book that suggests ways to take care of animals and the natural environment." - Foreword Reviews

"The book successfully delivers a sometimes difficult-to-accept message to young children who mean well, but whose pet choices might not always be practical. Inspiring appreciation for wildlife in its natural environment, My Friend Gideon is a sweet and memorable child's tale." - BlueInk Review

"A thoughtful, educational lesson for animal lovers." - Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher