Free for Kindle Fire 5 days June 12-16 GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN Homeless and Runaway

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - June 12, 2013 - PRLog -- A capsule summary of important reviews:
“ This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. ” TheWhistler  
“ The great thing about this book is the guide at the end to help children of all ages critically think about the message of the story and how it relates to life. ” Genevieve
“ My seven year old really enjoyed it. ” KT  


5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely story, February 5, 2013
By
Genevieve (Castro Valley & San Francisco, CA)

The great thing about this book is the guide at the end to help children of all ages critically think about the message of the story and how it relates to life. Sample questions at the end are a great way to start a discussion, and can easily be adapted for most age groups. The illustrations are terrific, and lend a sense of motion to the book. Adults would benefit from reading the guide at the end first, and then sharing with children.


5.0 out of 5 stars Great Informational Fiction, January 1, 2013
By
Bernadette Simpson
Having grown up in the New Orleans area, I couldn't resist this title! And I wasn't disappointed. Beautiful illustrations, good writing, and an important life lesson message. The informational tidbits about N.O. in the back of the book pushed this to a 5-star rating. This is the best children's book for Kindle that I have read so far and I look forward to exploring other titles in this series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, November 20, 2012
By
Janet
This children's book contains a well-written story and endearing illustrations that are detailed and rich in texture. The pages are set up in an interesting manner, and the wording is appropriate for children. They will have no difficulty following the story line. Gumbo the dog accidentally runs away from home. He has great adventures and meets interesting new friends, but eventually he realizes he misses his owner and his home. Will he find his way back? I just can't tell you that. You'll have to read the book to find out!

5.0 out of 5 stars Gumbo, February 11, 2013
By
DrJalapena (United States
As a psychologist who works with children and families, I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever contemplated running away from home or has lost appreciation for `how good he has it` at home.


5.0 out of 5 stars Highly illustrated!, December 28, 2012
By
Highly recommend it for young kids to read! I love the colors and the ease of reading the stories to my daughter!


5.0 out of 5 stars Really wonderful, November 28, 2012
By
Wendy
What I thought of the book was really wonderful because he finds friends and explores and has an adventure. And at the end he finds his way home.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Children's Story, April 9, 2012
By
K Jordan (Florida, USA)

My children enjoyed this story and we discussed different reasons Gumbo leaves to go Downtown. It was a great way to talk to young kids about running away.

4.0 out of 5 stars Gumbo Goes Downtown, March 12, 2012
By
Philip Munson
I read this book with my six year old and she seemed to enjoy the story. I thought it had a good message and am happy we gave it a read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely artwork and a good children's book, April 13, 2013
By
Becky
I liked the positive message conveyed in this book. Even if the grass looks greener on the other side: "There's no place like home." Lovely detailed art work.



5.0 out of 5 stars Gumbo leaves home, but returns from the real world, March 13, 2013
By
Gramma Rocks
Gumbo the dog runs away when the opportunity arises, explores New Orleans as he meets other dogs, and returns home to his caring owner and neighbors. Detailed picture book with lovely illustrations, when we read it at bedtime it's the only book needed. My little guy loves it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Home is where the heart is!, March 9, 2013
By
Peggy Hale "Edtech" (Mauriceville, Texas USA
Great story and guide to use for questions, map, can bring in rich vocabulary and history, culture. Love how it's written in the voice of the dog. All kids love dogs and will identify.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gumbo, February 19, 2013
By
Amanda
My husband is from New Orleans and this book is a great way for our kids to connect with that heritage. The pictures are wonderful.



   


GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN

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Fully Illustrated Version

Picture Book for reading with the younger child - ages 3-6

This version of GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN includes all the luminous illustrations just waiting to enchant children of any age, and especially the read-to set.

If the text-only version is better for your needs, then please click on GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN in the Text-Only Version for the serious young reader - ages 6-9.

Happy reading in either Version.

SELF ESTEEM - DISCOVERING HAPPINESS WHERE YOU ARE

Running away from home! Who doesn't sometimes dream of it? To go someplace else, to be somebody else!

Here is the story of a loveable mutt named Gumbo, who-longing to be SOMEBODY-abandons his watchdog duties and follows the streetcar tracks downtown to the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. There he discovers a world of new experiences and meets a colorful cast of canine characters, including a dancing poodle and self-appointed tour guide named Pompon, the blue-ribboned Champion Stella de Chateau Blanc, the fearsome Catahoula Hound and, finally, a nameless, homeless dog who visits Gumbo on the moonlit levee like a sad dream.

On his journey, Gumbo learns that the identity he seeks is not to be found in new places, however exciting, or in new acquaintances, however distinguished. For Gumbo, the road to self-esteem leads right back home, where he loves and is loved and where he is, after all, somebody very important.

Author Carol Talley, a former resident of New Orleans, returned to this picturesque city, tracing Gumbo's journey down St. Charles Avenue and through the French Quarter to Jackson Square and the riverfront.

From Gumbo's own shotgun house with its rose-bedecked chain-link fence to the sun-drenched Mississipi with its mighty ships and paddle wheelers, Illustrator Itoko Maeno has captured the kaleidoscopic magic of New Orleans for this classic tale of running away and returning.

Gumbo thinks he leads a pretty dull life. Maybe that's why he decides one day to run away from home, to leave his watchdog duties and go Downtown. Children will delight in following Gumbo as he finds adventure aplenty in the historic French Quarter and meets a delightful cast of canine characters. And they will learn-as Gumbo does-that wherever he goes and whomever he meets, everyone seems to be looking for the very thing he has left behind-a place called home.

Also available through www.childrensebooksbyjoan.com