BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Stella: The Shark Who Loves Treasure by Sarah Cullen & Carmen Ellis

TITLE: Stella: The Shark Who Loves Treasure

AUTHOR: Sarah Cullen & Carmen Ellis

ILLUSTRATOR: Zuzana Svobodova

PUBLISHER: KDP Publishing, 2022

SYNOPSIS: Stella the shark loves to collect trinkets and treasures. One day she enlists the help of an orca and an octopus to help her find the ‘Rose of the Sea’. When they find the jewels in an old shipwreck, will she keep them all for herself or will she discover the joy in sharing?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I have a lifelong fascination with the ocean and every creature that lives in it. At first I was excited when I came across this book. The cover was captivating and the illustrator, Zuzana Svobodova, has created a stunning backdrop to the authors’ story. Unfortunately, that story would have been stronger if it had been written in prose. While I understand why authors Cullen and Ellis chose to write their book in rhyme, there are too many forced poetic lines and broken meter to keep me fully engaged. I truly believe there is an audience for every book ever written and surely this one will find it’s own audience niche with the proper marketing.

RATING: *** 3 Stars ***

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but could elements have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

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Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. One day boy and monster both decide they no longer want to fear what hides in the dark. Both have a plan, but will be surprised by what they discover after A BUMP IN THE NIGHT.

***Coming in August from STORY CATCHER PUBLISHING in both ebook and paperback editions!***

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Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.