Lucy Loves Sherman

Title: Lucy Loves Sherman

Author: Catherine Bailey

Illustrator: Meg Walters

Published: Sky Pony Press, March 2017

Pages: 32

Genre: picture book (ages 3-6)

Obtained: from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Summary: Lucy discovers Sherman in the tank at Flotsam's Fish Market, and instantly loves him.  When she discovers he is being sold to be eaten, she knows she must save him.

Thoughts: Most kids love watching the lobsters move about in the tank at the fish market or grocery store and are surprised and sometimes disturbed when they realize they are being sold to be eaten.  Such is the case for Lucy in this story which "was inspired by true stories of adults and children who saved oversized lobsters from their fate on a plate".  The story, even though discussing life and death of a "friend", is told in a humorous, light way which makes for a feel good story.  The book consists mostly of short, simple sentences.  Most of the words children have heard before, but some less common words such as "antennae", "camouflaged", and "delicacy", are present so that children can learn some new words.
     The illustrator does an excellent job of bringing the story to life and has a talent of expressing emotions through her artwork.  A child could look at the pictures and understand most of the story without being able to read.  This is a great book for children learning about emotions and those that like to look through picture books on their own.
     I love picture books where children can learn a whole assortment of things.  This story teaches kids about taking action, persistence, and that kids can make a difference.  It also teaches that some animals make fine pets, but others do not.  On the last page is information about lobsters with vocabulary words related to this crustacean.  The author and illustrator have some free down loadable activities on their websites that go along with Lucy Loves Sherman.  A cute book!

"If you love something, set it free.  It will come back if it's meant to be."

                                                                 

Company: French Creek Tea Company
325 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730

Phone: 695-673-5383

Email: Anniesemp@gmail.com

Tea: Up and At 'Em

Obtained: sample from company



     The French Creek Tea Company blends tea in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Their tea is not available to order online at this time, but I have included their contact information above.  French Creek tea can be found in shops throughout South Dakota including  Annie's Emporium.
     French Creek tea is packaged in black resealable pouches.  The pouches are good quality and sophisticated looking.  They keep the tea fresh.
     "Up and At 'Em" is a blend of Ceylon and Indian black teas.  The thin, brown and black leaves in my pouch were all lengths.  The scent of the leaves had a fresh hay scent.  I added 2 teaspoons of leaves to my teapot and poured 12 ounces of water that had been boiled over the leaves.  I let this steep for 3 minutes.  The scent was earthy.  The color of the liquid was reddish brown.  There were a few tea leaves on the bottom of the cup.  The taste was full-bodied, robust and bold.  There was a very slight astrigency to the finish.
     Up and At 'Em is a great name for this wonderfully bold tea. I could tell the caffeine content is high.  This is a good tea for those that like milk in their tea and maybe even a little sweetener.  It is also good without.  Definitely a great breakfast tea!

*The first time I brewed this tea, I did so for 4 minutes.  It just tasted overbrewed to me, so I did it over reviewing the 3 minute brew.