In Jessica the Furry Baroo, brothers Jeremy, 7, and JD, 4, live on a horse farm with Mom and their dog Jessica. Jeremy calls Jessica “The Furry Baroo” because whenever she meets someone new she says, "Baroo, baroo who are you?" The story is told by Jessica: Jeremy, JD, and Jessica help Mom with the chores on the farm, taking care of the horses. But when they think Sunshine, one of their horses, and her new colt Half Moon are lost in the woods, they go searching for them, encountering “wild” animals such as a skunk and a gray fox along their way. The behavior of the animals is explained in a simple and entertaining way with each encounter as the animals help them in their search. Understanding and respecting rather than fearing the animals leads children to empathize with and care about these wild creatures.

We fear the things we don’t understand. In order to dispel the fears and myths about animals that share our world and help it function, children need to understand the behavior of the animals as well as how their behavior might affect them. In Jessica the Furry Baroo, the behavior of the children toward the animals and each other is polite and respectful, reflecting the values of gratitude, kindness, consideration and compassion. Jeremy is very much the big brother, responsible and focused, while JD is full of fun and always getting into trouble. When he climbs up the haystack where a Red Rat Snake is hiding, Jessica talks with the snake to make sure that JD is safe. The snake is just looking for some “nice fat rats” for his breakfast, the kind that eat the horse’s food, and he assures Jessica he won’t bite anyone as long as he isn’t bothered. It’s always Jessica’s job to help everyone with their jobs as well as to direct the understanding of the animals. There is a story here beyond the dissemination of natural history, however – the mystery of the lost horses is happily solved, and carefree childhood pleasures are revealed through the playful interaction between the animals and the children on the farm.

In the continuing series, the second book finds Jeremy, JD and Jessica at the farm next door where their friend’s dog Molly has had puppies. Jessica and Luke, her dog friend, hear noises in the barn and think the puppies might not be safe, so they investigate the dark nooks and crannies to find wild animals such as raccoons and bats that hide there during the day. They learn that none of these animals are scary after all. The third book has all their friends and animals going to the State Fair. Jessica runs into Simon the cat, who is on the prowl looking for missing things – bright and shiny things – that are disappearing. Jessica joins up with her dog and cat friends to solve the mystery and encounter some unusual wild animal suspects – a pack rat, pocket gopher, a gray squirrel, and finally catch up with the real culprit, George the Crow.

$14.95
Paperback, 8.5x11
ISBN: 978-159858-364-9
44 pages

$24.95
Hardcover, 8.5x11
ISBN: 978-159858-398-4

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