Online Book Tour, Review & Giveaway - Poppy the Proud by Emlyn Chand

Welcome to my stop on Emlyn Chand's Online Book Tour for Poppy the Proud.  Please make sure to leave a comment or question below for Emlyn to let her know you stopped by.  You can enter her tour wide giveaway by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.

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Poppy the Proud

A Bird Brain Book 

by Emlyn Chand

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

Release Date: August 5, 2012

Length: 44 Pages

Blurb: 

Poppy is the prettiest peacock in the entire garden, but one day his privileged existence is upset when an all-white peacock is born and promptly named the most beautiful by a smitten flock. Intensely jealous, Poppy no longer knows where he fits in and decides to reclaim his title as the fairest bird in all the land, no matter what it takes.

In a desperate attempt to regain the admiration of his peers, Poppy steals items from the humans that visit his park. He wraps himself in a beautiful silk scarf, wears a series of ornate bangles around his neck, and even tries to dye his feathers with colored dust from a festive Holi celebration. Unfortunately, each of these attempts not only fails to improve his appearance, they actually make it worse. What’s a poor bird to do?

In this compelling tale of self-esteem, pride, and learning what makes each of us special, Poppy the peacock discovers that true beauty lies beneath the feathers.


Excerpt:

Everybody knew Poppy was the most beautiful peacock in the entire garden—especially Poppy.  He boasted the longest tail feathers, and his plumage was the brightest shade of blue imaginable.  The curly feathers that graced his head made him look dignified, and his eyes—oh, his eyes sparkled like waves upon the ocean.

Poppy was also accustomed to getting his way. If he wanted berries, he didn't need to go foraging. He simply cocked his head and proclaimed, "My oh my, berries would taste nice," prompting several other flock members to scurry over and drop plump fruits at his feet.

When the heat of the bright Indian sun pounded too heavily on this back, Poppy would say, "What a warm day it is," and a gaggle of peahens would rush to fan him with their dull, brown wings.

Yes, Poppy lived a life of luxury and comfort. Even the people who passed through his park would stop and point. Sometimes, when Poppy was in a giving mood, he would fan out his tail feathers and give them a firm shake. Sunlight would zoom down his shiny feathers and create a spectacular light show to accompany his dance. The people, of course, would ooh and aah and sing his praises.

One afternoon in late spring, Poppy returned from a strut through the park and noticed that a crowd of birds had formed in the back corner of the flock's land. Monkeys, cows, dogs, and other animals stood clustered together—they all stared at a single point.

"Ahh," Poppy said, "you must all be here to behold my beauty. Now, now, one at a time."He spread his tail feathers wide and lifted his beak high in the air, ready to receive their praises, but.... No one paid attention to him.

Poppy cleared his throat and tried again. "Ahem, excuse me. I have returned from my walk through the park. And, my oh my, berries would make the perfect snack."

Still, no one paid him any mind. What is everyone looking at? he wondered.

Poppy pushed his way through the herd of animals and birds, and his eyes popped big as teacups when he discovered an all-white peacock hatchling sitting on a bed of soft grass.

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BIO:

Emlyn Chand emerged from the womb with a fountain pen clutched in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm Novel Publicity. Best known for her Young Adult novels, she is also developing a small, but devoted, following to her children's book series and is beginning to dapple in other genres as well. Emlyn enjoys connecting with readers and is available via almost every social media site in existence. Visit EmlynChand.com for more info. Don't forget to say "hi" to her sun conure Ducky!

ONLINE LINKS:

· Website & Blog: www.emlynchand.com

· Facebook: www.facebook.com/emlynchand

· Twitter: www.twitter.com/emlynchand

· Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/emlynchand

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My Review 

Come join Poppy in his colorful garden as he's given a lesson in dealing with pride and learns about friendship.  A sweet, entertaining  and wonderfully illustrated children's book, Poppy the Proud is also instrumental in teaching children about dealing with pride, learning to be friends and learning to value the others in our lives.  While written for children, I found Poppy the Proud to be equally entertaining for this adult. 

The most colorful peacock in the garden, Poppy has become accustomed to being the center of attention.  Due to his beauty, the other animals have tended to Poppy's needs and desires and he's become accustomed to taking them for granted.  When he's faced with the arrival of a new and unique rival, Poppy is faced with a choice - somehow seize and grab every one's attention or seize the opportunity to become friends with the new arrival and learn to share with the other animals in the garden.

Written to be read to children in the 4-6 year old age group, I found this story entertaining on several levels.  I know my nieces and nephews, ages 8-14, would enjoy both Emlyn Chand's story and Sarah Shaw's wonderful illustrations.  A morality story at heart, this is perfect for teaching children that everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way, that friendship is a wonderful thing to share, and that valuing others is something to strive for.  While perfect one on one with your own child, this would also be great in a kindergarten classroom setting.

My Rating:  5 out of 5 Crowns - And a Recommended Family Read

FTC Disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

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