This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Born and raised on a farm in West Central Illinois, Jannifer Powelson's interest in conservation and the natural world was sparked at an early age, and she always enjoyed writing stories. Powelson's education in nature continued at college, and she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and a Master's Degree in Biology from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. She conducted thesis research in Northern Illinois, where she also practiced identifying and photographing prairie plants. Many of these plant photos are featured in the first book in the Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk Series, "Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie". The main characters, Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk, were derived from Powelson's wildlife research on raccoons, when she also experienced a few interesting and stinky incidents with skunks.
"Rachel and Sammy Visit the Forest - A Guide to Spring Woodland Wildflowers" is the second book, and "Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees" is the third book in the series. The fourth of these fun and educational books, "Rachel and Sammy Learn to Conserve" was released in the spring of 2013.
Jannifer is employed as a conservationist and resides in Princeton, Illinois with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys reading, writing, photography, nature, and travel. In 2012, she co-founded Progressive Rising Phoenix Press, and they are busy publishing and promoting a wide variety of children's and young adult books.
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
"Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees" is not only an adorable story, but it is educational as well! Written by Jannifer Powelson, the story is geared for young children and she also includes photographs to go along with what the characters learn about the trees. The illustrations included in this book are by Kalpart and there is a nice mix of "cartoonish" illustrations and actual photographs. Rachel and Sammy go on a field trip with their teacher, Mrs. Doe, and the other animals in their class. The animals begin walking on the Nature Trail and quickly begin learning fascinating facts about the trees that they see and also various types of leaves and bark. As the field trip continues the animals learn about various purposes of trees and the ways wood can be used.
This is one of the best children's books I have seen which is both enjoyable educational! The illustrations will appeal to the children as they are so vibrant. The photographs included are excellent so that children will be able to use them as a guide to what they see in their own neighborhoods. Young readers will join this class of animals on their field trip to the forest and they will be learning so much right along with the animals. While there are a lot of words on the pages and a lot of information, the layout ensures that it is not overwhelming for children. The photographs are well-labeled so that children can learn to identify and recognize the various types in their environments as well. A very well-done book by both the author and the illustrator!
