From Simian Books
A girl finds a lost dinosaur on her way home from school.
A humorous rhyming tale about a pet that you know
you should not keep/
Written & Illustrated by Michael Hale.
ISBN 979-8-9864711-0-5 - Hard Cover
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From Simian Books
Federico the Desert Tortoise refuses to live a slow & boring life.
His bold adventures and many friends make him a legend in
his Sonoran Desert home.
Written & Illustrated by Michael Hale.
ISBN 978-0-578-51572-4 - Hard Cover
ISBN 978-0-578-51573-1 - Soft Cover
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Reviews:
New Legend of the Desert
The Sonoran Desert is home to a vast array of interesting plants and creatures of all shapes and sizes. Some have spines and stickers. Others have stingers or sharp teeth. Some have wings. Some have fangs and venom. Some are slow. Others are quick. All have interesting stories to share.
Now it’s time to read about an amazing and incredibly fun desert dweller. It’s time to meet Federico, a desert tortoise who is ready for something other than a slow, boring lifestyle.
Author/illustrator Michael Hale tells Federico’s astounding tale in his newest picture book, Fast Freddie, The Legend in a Shell. Hale uses witty rhyme and fun, vibrant illustrations to share Freddie’s story from his days as a tiny tortoise hatchling with big dreams, to his status as a living legend of the Southwest. For anyone who loves books about desert animals, this story is a must for your collection. For everyone who enjoys reading a fun story,
Fast Freddie belongs on your bookshelf.
Conrad J. Storad,
Author and Editor
Fast Freddie is a beautifully done, endearing story of the Southwest. The rich illustrations take readers on a journey that serves as a lovely homage to the Sonoran Desert. With a folktale feel, Freddie represents adventure and harmony. Children and adults alike are able to enjoy this story as well as learn something new thanks to the included glossary. Freddie makes his own fun and finds joy with the landscape and creatures while readers learn along with him.
Michelle Scott,
English Teacher
Fast Freddie, The Legend in a Shell by author/illustrator Michael Hale tells the story of Federico (Fast Freddie), a lively desert tortoise whose thirst for adventure sets him apart from the slow and steady lifestyle of a typical tortoise. Set against the backdrop of the beautifully illustrated Sonoran Desert, Freddie's humorous adventures bring him into contact with the many wonders the desert has to offer. Also including an illustrated index with facts and information on desert animals, plants, and wildlife, Fast Freddie is an enjoyable educational tool that young readers and adults alike can appreciate.
Justin Slover,
Educator
2017 SCBWI Spark Honor Winner
The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Spark Award
recognizes excellence in children’s books published
through an independent or non-traditional route.
From Simian Books
On a rainy, rainy day, Mrs. McGoody discovers a small
monkey on her doorstep... and he means business.
Written & Illustrated by Michael Hale.
ISBN 978-0 692-84542-4
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Reviews:
If you like monkeys, buy this book. If you don't like monkeys, this book might make you change your mind. And there's a zoo's worth of other
animals in this book so everyone can find a favorite. The text and illustrations carry each other perfectly in this story. It's great for a read-aloud or for just sitting alone having a quiet perusal of the pictures. I'll keep my eye on this monkey. I think he has a future in picture books.
Dan Downs
As an elementary teacher and parent, I'm always on the lookout for a winning read-aloud. This whimsical story about a monkey on a mission has such a nice rhythm to the prose. With a subtle nod to the Cat in the Hat, young readers will be guessing the whole way through about what this naughty monkey is up to. The illustrations lend such a charm and sweetness to each of the supporting characters, and a real feistiness to the monkey! I can't wait to use it for teaching problem and solution this year to my first graders. I'd recommend this book primarily for ages 4-8. Here's to hoping there's a sequel!
Marie Twist
As a children's librarian and author of books for young children, I found Bad Monkey Business to be a delightful read-aloud! The rhyming text and detailed, whimsical illustrations make this an enjoyable book for all ages. With its message of "things are not always as they seem," Bad Monkey Business encourages discussion about the pitfalls of making assumptions. I highly recommend this book!
Phoebe Fox
Bad Monkey Business is an action-packed read-aloud that is sure to capture imaginations. Michael Hale's delightful illustrations will spark young minds to predict what is really behind this bold monkey's business! Bad or brave? Naughty or nice? Things are not always as they appear. This engaging new gem will fast become a favorite!
K. Schwartz,
Elementary
paraprofessional
and parent
Michael Hale is a talented story writer and illustrator. His second book, Bad Monkey Business, will delight young and old. It is written in rhyming form and therefore rolls off the tongue masterfully engaging the reader. It's impossible to read this book and not pause at every page to look at the hilariously cute animals. A fun way to teach our little ones the importance of taking care of our animals in our ever changing world!
Ileana M. Giordan
Master Early Childhood
Education Teacher
UP UP UP
From First Edition Project Books
There's a birthday Party on the 10th floor and everyone is invited.
The elevator seems to be the best route Up, Up, Up...
Or is it?
Written by Phoebe Fox. Illustrated by Michael Hale.
When you purchase "UP UP UP" , the publisher will
donate a book to a child in need for every copy sold.
ISBN 978-0 692-72770-6
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Reviews:
"The Candy Cane Princess" was so much enjoyed by the youngsters in our family. They found the story absolutely enchanting, the artwork captivated them, and the ending left them with smiles on their faces. They literally read it over and over. We can't wait for the next children's books from this promising new author. Thank you !
Norm Linsky
This is a delightful book which my granddaughters will enjoy. Charmingly written and with great illustrations. A sure winner for this Holiday season.
Mark P.
A well written and illustrated children's book. It was a great gift for our granddaughter. As she grows older, she will be able to appreciate the theme of the story. The book shows how a simple act of kindness can have far reaching benefits.
Gary B.
Reviews:
My 5 year old loved this book! It is a darling story of animal friends heading to a party. He loved that he could recognize and read some of the words and the "Up, up, up" on each page. The illustrations were also on point and beautiful! I would highly recommend this book!!!
Katie K.
This is a very cute book for little ones. The repetitive words are easy to recognize and say. The illustrations are so much fun! There's a lot going on and a lot to discover. Best of all - it has a subtle message that friends don't leave friends behind. By working together they can find a solution to their problem and enjoy the party.
C.Cantrell
This is one of my daughter's new favorites! The illustrations are wonderful, leaving a lot of dialogue between the children and the reader. Nicely chosen words in the text. This one will stay a favorite for quite some time!
Lauren C.
