Book Tour, Review + Giveaway

 
Join us for this tour from Mar 15 to Apr 9, 2021!

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Zippy’s Special Gift by Therese Van Ryne illustrated by Walter Policelli
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Mar, 2021
Format available: hardback
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

 

Book Description

Zippy the Zebra doesn’t like her stripes. She doesn’t want to stand out! Follow Zippy as she embarks upon a thrilling adventure with her animal friends that helps her realize everyone is perfect just the way they are. Profits from the sales of Zippy’s Special Gift will be donated to one of Zebra Technologies strategic charitable partners, Bernies Book Bank, a non-profit organization that changes the story for under-served children and helps them read their way to a better life! Learn more at www.berniesbookbank.org.

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Mascot Books
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My Thoughts

Zippy has the same problem we see in many picture books. And if you think about it even for a few seconds, you will realize that many children and adults share her problem too. What is that problem? She isn’t happy with something about herself. In this case Zippy is concerned about her stripes.

None of her jungle friends have stripes and she’s not so sure why she has to have the silly things. When Zippy shares with her mother that her stripes are making her sad, she is told:

“Your stripes are a special gift that never ever ends!”

Well that may work for some Zebras, but it didn’t do too much to put a happy face on Zippy. Her mother then adds that Zippy’s other friends have special gifts too. She tells Zippy to go ask her friends what their gifts are.
 
Zippy finds some interesting answers. Duck has webbed feet. Owl can hoot, and Frog can leap but not walk. As Zippy’s journey continues she begins to understand that maybe having a unique quality is okay.
 

My Concerns

This is not a unique topic and feels a bit overused.

My Conclusion

Though this topic is not original, the illustrations and short, uncomplicated story make it a good choice. It’s perfect for classrooms, and public and home libraries because the age-old concern is relevant. The eye-catching, vivid colors of the art work will make this a book kids reach for often. And the sturdy construction of the book will appeal to adults.
 
My thanks to iRead Book Tours and the author for this book and the ability to review it and freely post my opinion.
 

Rating

 
Very Good!
 
 
 
 

 

Meet the Author and Interview

 

Zippy’s Special Gift is Van Ryne’s debut children’s book. She currently serves as the Global Director of PR, Thought Leadership and Advocacy for Zebra Technologies. One of PR News’ 2019 Top Women in PR, Van Ryne also has experience as a journalist, editor and producer, reporting nightly from Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Interview

How long have you been an author?

“Zippy’s Special Gift” is my first children’s book, but I have been writing since I was a young girl. I always enjoyed creative writing in school, and I studied journalism when I attended Marquette University. Earlier in my career, I had the pleasure to work as a reporter and producer for a cable news network on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Today, I lead Public Relations and Philanthropy for Zebra Technologies, and I continue to enjoy writing and editing as part of my role today.

What is the key takeaway of “Zippy’s Special Gift”?

The key takeaway from “Zippy’s Special Gift” is that we all have unique characteristics that make us different, and I believe we should consider these our special gifts! We have an opportunity to celebrate our differences every day and encourage young people to do the same. After all, this will help them in developing self-confidence as they discover what makes them unique and special. I hope that those who read the book also gain a sense of belonging to the community around them.

What inspired you to donate profits from the sales of “Zippy’s Special Gift” to Bernie’s Book Bank?

Philanthropy is an important part of the workplace culture at Zebra Technologies, and one of our key strategic charitable partners is Bernie’s Book Bank. Our shared vision of promoting literacy for children of all ages and backgrounds helps make our world a better place. By connecting books with those who need them, Bernie’s Book Bank provides children the ability to learn about life through the characters.

What have you learned through the experience of publishing this book?

I have learned that there is an amazing network of writers, illustrators, publishers, promoters, reviewers, and bloggers who come together to celebrate books! They truly understand and encourage others to appreciate the value reading brings to the world as a tool to educate, entertain and even escape. I have an incredible amount of respect for those who work in this field and am excited to now be a part of it!

What advice would you give to those who are interested in writing but have not yet taken the plunge?

My advice is to incorporate writing into every phase of your life. If you’re a student, take advantage of your writing classes and work with your teachers to perfect your skill. Consider writing for your school newspaper or yearbook too! If writing is part of your job, continue to develop your skill and get feedback from others on how to improve it. If writing isn’t part of your work, make it a hobby by starting a blog or publishing on LinkedIn, for example. You can quickly see the reactions to your posts. The more you write, the better writer you will become and you can expand the opportunity to share your joy with others!

You mentioned your work for Zebra Technologies. What does Zebra Technologies do?

Zebra Technologies is a global company based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and the company brings a performance edge to the front line of business in retail/eCommerce, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and the public sector. Zebra’s solutions elevate the shopping experience, track and manage inventory as well as improve supply chain efficiency and patient care. This year marks Zebra’s fifth year on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers, and you can check us out at www.zebra.com.

connect with the author: instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

 

Mar 15 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Mar 15 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 16 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 16 – Character Madness and Musings – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Mar 16 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Mar 17 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 19 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Mar 19 – Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 22 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 23 – The Bespectacled Mother – book review
Mar 24 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Mar 25 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 26 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 29 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Mar 30 – The Book Review Crew – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 31 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Mar 31 – michellemengsbookblog – book review / author interview / giveaway
Apr 1 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Apr 2 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / guest post / giveaway
Apr 5 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Apr 5 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Apr 6 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
Apr 7 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
Arp 8 – Laura’s Interests – book review / giveaway
Apr 8 – My Journey Back the Journey Back – book review / giveaway
Apr 9 –  I’m Into Books – book review / giveaway
Apr 9 – Books for Books – book review

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1 Comment

  1. Sounds like a good story! I will see if my library has it 🙂

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