My Name Is Curly


Children - Animals
42 Pages
Reviewed on 01/23/2019
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

My Name Is Curly by Andi Kryszak is a children’s animal book that would appeal most to an audience of toddlers, young children learning to read, and young school-aged children. Curly had a wonderful life that began when he was born to two loving doggie parents, but a moment of boredom causes Curly to wander off into the woods where he quickly becomes lost. Thankfully, a kind raccoon finds him and tries to help. As Curly tries to find his way home, he learns the value of true friendship and that friends can become family. Will Curly find his way back to the barn or will he find a new forever family?

My Name Is Curly by Andi Kryszak is a wonderfully written children’s book with beautiful age appropriate illustrations that truly make the story come alive on each page. The language of the book was clearly well chosen to be appropriate for young children learning to read, and understandable by children who are read to from this book. The story itself was a very sweet tale of friendship, forever homes, and the value of family. I personally really liked the ending of this book as I thought it was very sweet and it was also realistic about what can happen to lost dogs. I also really liked the fact that the author donates a portion of the proceeds to a program that educates children about rescue animals. Overall, this is simply a very cute children’s book that is a must-read for all youngsters who love animals!

Viga Boland

From Andi Kryszak, a lawyer, children’s author and dog lover comes the delightful tale, My Name is Curly. Curly lives with his six siblings on Farmer Fartsalot’s farm…yes, the farmer grows oats…and like any youngster curious about the world beyond his home, one day Curly goes for a wander. Of course, he gets lost and as night descends he hopes his family will find him. They don’t, but a slow-moving raccoon named Rambo befriends him and offers to help him find his parents. After hitching a ride on a garbage truck, this unlikely pair parts ways, but Curly then finds a fellow stray, Tater Tot, at a garbage dump. They keep each other company until a kindly dog warden finds them, cleans them up, feeds them and eventually locates a forever home for them both with one family. What a lucky pair of dogs!

Youngsters will love hearing about Curly and Rambo’s next adventure as they gaze at all the beautiful illustrations by Grace C. Schlea, an artist and former elementary school teacher. My Name is Curly is written in a sing-song rhyming style that children will enjoy. Kids will also get a kick out of the basic, down-to-earth language e.g. “…the stinky creek that smelled like poo.” At the end of this sweet story, the author shares a hand-painted portrait of Curly and his friend, Luna, and invites young readers to draw a picture of their own pets in a blank frame. Perfect for kids to read with an adult or on their own.

Amanda Rofe

My Name Is Curly by Andi Kryszak is a 42-page illustrated book for children, aimed at kindergarten level 4. It tells the tale of a dog named Curly who was born in a barn on a farm. It explores his life with his parents and siblings, where he sleeps and what he discovers when he leaves the safety of his home to explore the outside world. Unfortunately, when Curly leaves the farm and begins exploring the woods, he becomes lost. This is where he embarks on an exciting adventure which includes befriending a big fat raccoon called Rambo and meeting another dog who is a little bit of a bully.

My Name Is Curly has a lovely rhyming text which is easy to understand and very memorable. The first line begins with: "Curly was born in a barn far away, with his mommy and daddy in a big pile of hay." Rhyme is very important in helping children to read and write, aiding their understanding of language. I really liked the way this book introduced the concept of 'rescued animals' which is important when there are so many dogs, cats and other animals needing forever homes. Curly is a strong main character and based on the author's own rescue dog which makes for a beautiful behind-the-scenes story. This book is also instructive, subtly teaching children concepts such as numbers, colors and animal species. The simple dynamic illustrations were well done and perfectly complemented the story. Andi Kryszak has written a great book and I think children will love it.

Jack Magnus

My Name Is Curly is an animal adventure book for children written by Andi Kryszak and illustrated by G.C. Schlea. Curly and his litter mates lived with their mom and dad on a big farm that had all sorts of animals: horses, goats, chickens and cows. While he had lots of fun on the farm, Curly couldn’t help but wonder what else was out there, past the fences and the familiar woods that bordered the farm. One day, he decided to do some exploring and find out for himself. He knew his parents would be upset, but he just couldn’t resist the temptation to have an adventure. Curly’s sensitive nose twitched at all the lovely and intriguing scents which seemed to emanate from the woods, and soon he was deeply immersed in his discoveries, so much so that he didn’t notice that the day was over. As it grew darker, he realized he was lost, and the strange nighttime noises were pretty scary. When would his parents find him? He just wanted to be back safe at home in the barn with his family.

My Name Is Curly is an entertaining story about a stray dog and the adventures he has until a kind dog warden rescues him and helps him find his forever home. The author, whose own dog just happens to be named Curly, helps kids realize the importance of adopting a rescue dog by making the story of Curly’s early life and wanderings feel real. G.C. Schlea’s illustrations are incredible; the farm, nature and animal images work so well with the story. Each picture is filled with details worth spending time over as kids follow the story of Curly and Tater Tot. My Name is Curly also gives parents and caregivers the perfect opportunity to introduce the subject of adopting a rescue pet to young children. My Name Is Curly is heartwarming and inspirational, and it’s most highly recommended.

Lisa McCombs

When Curly breaks all the rules and ventures out on his own, he is delighted with all the strange and wonderful smells far beyond the maple trees. Although he knows he will probably be grounded, Curly ignores all the warnings and delves further and further into the woods. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that his life has probably changed for the worst. No longer is he safe at home on Farmer Fartsalot’s farm. Instead, under the dark night sky, he is forced to hunker down under a pine tree rather than with his six siblings on a warm bed of straw. As he waits for his parents to find him, he encounters Rambo the Raccoon who vows to help Curly find his family. Instead Curly and Rambo end up on a garbage truck full of delicious food. Eventually Rambo decides that he must return home and leaves Curly at the mercy of a junk yard hound named Tater Tot.

My Name is Curly, written by Andi C. Kryszak and illustrated by Grace C. Schlea, is absolutely delightful. The author’s ability to rhyme is rather unconventional yet perfectly attention worthy. The illustrations are beautiful and relate well to the story behind the words. The sincere theme of rescue pet adoption is strongly emphasized throughout the story and could be used as valuable lesson of compassion and pet responsibility for both children and adults.

Giovanna S.

I am constantly purchasing on amazon but rarely write reviews. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to gush over this awesome story and great teaching tool!!! Curly is so cute and my kids love this story. Great present for baby showers too!

Amazon Customer

This book is both well written and illustrated. The characters are just too cute! This is a great reading book for children. For parents with children not quite of age to read by themselves they will enjoy reading it over and over to their children. It’s especially interesting because the story was inspired by the adoption of a real rescue dog and I like that a portion of the proceeds go to a fund to educate children about rescue dogs. A great feel good story....with a happy ending!

Julz

My kids (4 and 8 years old) recieved this as an early Christmas gift from their aunt. They loved it!!!! I've had to read this to them every single night for a week straight, but I don't mind at all because it's just that cute. The rhyming is soooo perfect and just makes the book. The author has such imagination and is truly gifted. I hope Curly goes on some more adventures so I can read them to the kids. As an person who is all about rescuing animals I love that some of the proceeds goes to animal education for kids.

Kindle Customer

Just love this book!
Curly was found starving and with fleas and mites in a garbage dump in Ohio.
The author and her husband rescued him and brought him to perfect health!
I have had the pleasure of meeting Curly and he is a very lovable dog.
Bought books for my friends grandkids and they all love them.

PA Heimerl

This children's book is full of adventure and "wonder" as seen through the eyes of a curious puppy! The author has Curly on an adventure which leads him to his forever home and helps children understand the importance of adopting/rescuing pets! Great story and message! Nice to see that some of the proceeds from this adorable book are used to continue to educate children about rescue animals!

labsndobes

This book is so special to read your children. They will love Curly's antics and playful spirit. We received this book as a gift. My kids make me read it to them every night. It's the new favorite bedtime story! Beautifully done!

Chad Gamble

Such a cute story! My 9 year old daughter loved it, its full of adventure and cute mischief that leads to something wonderful!
Illustrations are awesome and expressive and the storyline is easy to follow and well written. The ending will just warm your heart. We both loved it! Remember adopt don't shop

Farnaz Berna

Beautifully written and illustrated. Great book for kids. Kind hearted and portion of proceeds go to an education fund.