icRKphJXQm-ezth8lntKydifkDg The Loose Screw: Children's Book Review~Tom T's Hat Rack

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Children's Book Review~Tom T's Hat Rack



I recently had the pleasure to read and review Tom T's Hat Rack, A Story About Paying it Forward (ISBN: 978-0-9887782-2-1)by Michele Spry. It was written for ages 7-12, with 104 pages and almost 30 full-color illustrations, illustrated by Peggy A. Guest.  There are 17 short chapters, making it a great beginning chapter book.  I think ages younger than seven and older than twelve would also enjoy this heartwarming story.

I read Tom T's Hat Rack aloud to my son over several days.  He was excited to learn that the girl in the book is his same age-ten!  The story is about Shelby, a ten-year-old girl who is cared for after school and on summer vacation by retired neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. T, who love her dearly.  Shelby's parents are busy doctors.  Mr. T had cancer, but is cancer-free now.  Shelby used to go with him to all of his treatments.  When Shelby's summer vacation begins, Mr. T has a special project for he and Shelby to work on.  They work hard all summer, and Shelby doesn't know exactly what they are making until the project is just about finished.  Shelby learns about helping others and giving to her community.

Chad and I both enjoyed Tom T's Hat Rack.  It was a sweet story with good morals.  The day after we finished it, we went to the local children's hospital for my daughters yearly checkup for her bleeding disorder.  The oncology department uses the same waiting room, and we were surprised and delighted to see a hat rack just like in the story!  The hat rack was full of hats for children to take if they needed them.  We were both very excited-the timing was great!  The book got my son thinking about what he could do to help others.

To learn more, go to Michele Spry's Facebook Page or visit her webpage.  Purchase Tom T's Hat Rack in paperback or Kindle at Amazon.

Disclosure: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

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