Sapphire

A Life That Almost Wasn't

Children - Animals
22 Pages
Reviewed on 04/22/2019
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Sapphire: A Life That Almost Wasn't by Lorrie Blitch tells us the story of two tiny newborn kittens, tossed in a taped-up cardboard box in a dumpster on a freezing night. Found by the Magellan Academy janitor, both kittens are given a home by the school nurse. Named Stewart and Sapphire, the kittens soon grow and Stewart finds a new home. But no-one seems to want Sapphire so she stays where she is, providing happiness, laughter, and joy to her human parents, despite the secret that they would soon discover.

Sapphire: A Life That Almost Wasn’t by Lorrie Blitch is a sweet story of two rescued kittens that teaches children a few things. It’s a really well-written story with some great illustrations that bring the story to life on the pages. The language is simple to understand and it’s an easy read for kids and for their parents to read to them. It’s a story that touches deeply on so many levels with lots of different lessons to learn. The secret that Sapphire hides is something that she learns to live with quite happily. I think the message here is that it doesn’t matter what people see as a disability; it only becomes one if you let it. It also teaches children compassion and kindness and that cruelty to animals is wrong. Kids will love this story. I did too as it struck a chord with me, having rescued and brought up a tiny newborn kitten of my own.

Rey Castillo

What a blessing to have people like this author in the world. I did a search on the author on the internet and am impressed with her accomplishments. This author must have a kind gentle soul with a tremendous love for animals. This book was so well written. It really teaches children a value of animals and life in general. I love all animals too and they are the sweetest souls. The author has a great interview that is on You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtTe0lHjnpk

This book is great!

Kaitlynn Jesters

Bought this book for my son who is an animal lover. He sleeps with this book. Beautiful true story about the value of life. Can't think of another book that comes close to this book and how we need to care, love and nurture all animals.

Shannon Englebrecht

Just a beautiful story with a principle that all life has value. Can't believe that someone would throw 2 little kittens away like their lives didn't matter. Love this book. My children love this book too.

Daniel Conover

My wife bought this book from Barnes and Noble. What a nice book about animals. We have 6 animals in our family and they are just like family. Animals teach children kindness and care of amother. Glad she found hones for them.

V. Madsen

What a sweet story about these two kittens that were intentionally abandoned during a cold night. Seems like they wouldn't have made it through the night if they were not found and quickly intervened by these kind humans. I had my daughter's teacher read this book to her class and the teacher purchased this book for the class.

Animals/pets are the kindest gentlest souls and they thrive on human love and kindness. God placed animals for all humans to care and respect and not throw away and treat disrespectfully. Cruelty and neglect is the worst thing that could happen to animal. The ending is great!

CAT LADY

OMG, I LOVE THIS LITTLE BOOK. SHOCKING THAT SOMEONE WOULD DO THIS TO ANIMALS, BUT I GUESS I AM NOT SURPRISED. I LOVE MY 5 CATS AND TREAT THEM WELL. THIS BOOK IS A GREAT READ FOR ALL AGES THE WAY I SEE IT.

Brimfield Elementary School Teacher

I'm a 2nd grade teacher and would like to vote that this children's book is a little gem. I read this book to my 2nd grade students and it made an impact. I could see it in their eyes as I read each page and showed them the pictures. Shared this with the parents of my students and they appreciated that I am teaching children to love all animals. I nice story that is factual. I looked the author up online for other books, but it seems that this is her only book. Hope she writes more books like this.

Review from a veterinarian

My husband and I are both vets and we like this little children's book. I heard the interview on the radio of this author when driving home and ordered it from Thrift Books since it was sold out on Amazon for days. In my practice in Oxnard, CA, we see animals that are neglected and abused at times and it is never easy to see the look on their faces. The human intervention to help and nurture these animals back to become trusting again takes time, but not impossible. I hope people read this book and think about what abuse and neglect does to these animals.

Caitlynn

Excellent read for all ages.

Book Review-Reviewed by Peyton Wallace

I review books for inclusion into the library of our elementary school. This story is about a kitten that was rescued by human parents from a dumpster and taken care of by her human parents being the owner of the school and a school nurse. This kitten endured a lot of ups and downs only to find out she was blind. She doesn't let this slow her down. She is resilient and seems to go about her daily life very content. Animals teach humans a lot and to abuse, neglect, or to toss away a life seems unimaginable to me. This story not only touches the heart of children, but people of all ages.

Purrrfect

PURRRFECTLY SWEET BOOK. THUMBS UP BY ALL CATS.

Book Review

Lots of morals to the story:

1) Care of those that are vulnerable
2) Valuing all life
3) Commitment
4) Disabilities are only limitations if we let them
5) We STILL have kind caring souls in this world like this author
6) Nurture and caring have a profound positive impact
7) As long as we have great people in this world like this author, I still have hope

Thank you for writing this book. It reinstalls faith in the human race.

Sapphire

Sapphire: A Life That Almost Wasn't is the third book I have found and reviewed on Readers' Favorite. A delightful book with nice pictures. These kittens lives were destined for a poor outcome until they were rescued from a large trash receptacle.

This book will elicit lots of emotions for I believe any reader. Language is easy to read and book flows well from page to page. Teaches us that a disability is not a limitation, but how it must be overcome. I give this book 5 stars because it teaches us so much about life.

WHAT A LITTLE GEM OF A BOOK

This book is so sweet. It is a little gem and won't disappoint. Took too long to get on Amazon, but I got it from Thrift Books. A definite read.

Sapphire: A LifeThat .... Book Review

Story of two tiny kittens found by a janitor in the nick of time before they succumbed to the cold. Raised and cared for by a human. One kitten was adopted and the other kitten was blind and a home could not be found for her. No one seemed to want the kitten except for the principal of the school.

In the end, Sapphire lives a happy fun-filled life with another cat in the house who seems to be slightly jealous and annoyed that another cat has invaded his home. He grows to care for her and she becomes his best little friend. Delightful book that will make anyone smile!

Calista

I heard this author on a interview on IHEART radio and decided to get the book just to see what was the content of the story and if it followed what was in the interview. I was very impressed with this children's book. It is well-written and seems to go from page to page and makes sense. Being an animal lover myself, of course I like all books animals, but one that saves a life of 2 kittens. Now that is special!! Recommend this book highly.

Beautiful Story

What a beautiful story with a happy ending. Gives me hope in human kind if there are people like this janitor, school nurse and owner of this school in the world. Wish more animals could have a happy life like this cat, but sadly not all do.

Reviewed by Jane Godby

Sapphire: A Life That Almost Wasn't. The author, Lorrie Blitch, has written a lovely story that is sure to appeal to cat lovers everywhere, and is ideal for the early-age children. The reader is carried along into Sapphire's world, feeling her anxieties and delights, and empathizing with her as she struggles to adjust to her limitation. Sapphire is a believable and likeable character who appeals to the reader. A steady pace and a lovely and consistent story that will transport the cat devotee to a world surely every young cat enthusiast will crave.

I love, love, love this book

I heart this children's book. I like cats and my boyfriend likes dogs. Truth be told, we love all of our animals. I hope that everyone reads this book and understands the importance of animals and the impact they make on our lives. My father had a lengthy illness that eventually took his life, but his dog, a mixed breed, provided him great comfort in his last days. Even when my father was in pain, his dog seem to take that all away.

I now have my father's dog and I value him and the comfort he was to my father. Thank you for this book!

Morris The Cat

Excellent book and well-written. Heard the author's interview and it was straight from the heart. This author is a remarkable person that has a big heart to take on a cat that was blind. I recommend this book to anyone. It teaches the value of life.

Beautiful True Story

A straight from the heart book written by a kind soul. Beautiful story of two rescued kittens that were abandoned in a trash container. How horrible and incredibly inhumane. They seem to get along in life despite the difficulties in the beginning. Just because something has a difficult start does not mean that that it will be this way forever. With proper love, nurturing and care, these kittens were given a second chance and what a chance it was. They flourished and are doing well.
This author is an angel from heaven. :)

Makes me smile :)

This book made me smile and still does. Sweet and delightful book with a surprise at the end. My heart is so saddened by the cruelty to animals. Thank you for rescuing these little babies and giving them a loving safe place. I saw on the news someone tied their dog to a tree during a hurricane and a passerby saw this and freed the animal and took it home with them. A couple hours later the area was flooded where the dog was tied.

People who are neglectful and abuse animals deserve prison time. Won;t stop it, but definitely will greatly lessen it. A nice book with cute pictures. Really enjoyed reading this book to my children.

Delightful Children's Book

I really enjoyed this book about this blind cat. Beautiful story that everyone should read. Both children and adults should read. Animals are the most innocent of souls and they teach us so much. Thank you for this book.

Oscar

Wonderful sweet book. I purchased from ebay and it has been a great addition to my children's library. A little tougher read for a younger child, but definitely great for an older child who can read. Thank you for writing this delightful book. I highly recommend this book.

10 STARS, BUT ONLY 5 STARS ALLOWED

Cute book with nice pictures. I give this book 10 stars, but they only allow 5 stars.

Book Review by Adam

This is one of my top reads for the month. I completely enjoyed this book with the right mix of emotions and wasn't too sappy. I like dogs a lot and have two dogs that I prefer over children. Something about this book stirred something in me that made me realize that there are angels among us. This author is an angel. I looked her up on the internet and what an angel she is. I recommend this book for those who love cats and animals in general. You won't be disappointed if you buy this book.

Touching True Story

Sensible true story about the rescue of two kittens. I am an animal lover and glad this book was written. It makes you stop and think about how people can be so unkind to animals is beyond comprehension. I recommend this book for all to read.

Enjoyable Book

Outstanding book. When I read the first page I knew it was a good one. A really good book that will make you think about animal life. Such a wonderful true story.

Animals and kids. What is not to love!

You will love this children's book. Sweet, sad at first, then a good ending. Amazing this kitten lived, but the owner is a gift from God. This book gently speaks about life value. Beautiful. This book is wonderful.

McKenna Weiss

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME GETTING THIS BOOK ON AMAZON. IT TOOK TOO LONG, BUT I GOT IT THROUGH BARNES AND NOBLE. I READ IT TO MY GRAND CHILDREN AND MY GRAND DAUGHTER LOVED THIS LITTLE CAT. NOW SHE WANTS A BLIND CAT :) I AM GLAD SHE UNDERSTANDS THAT JUST BECAUSE THIS CAT IS BLIND, DOESN'T MEAN IT IS FLAWED.

CHARMING BOOK WITH A GOOD MORAL TO THE STORY. BOOK IS FOR A LITTLE MORE ADVANCED READER, BUT STILL A GOOD BOOK FOR CHILDREN.

Sweet Book

Sweet story that is inspirational at the same time. I enjoyed each page.

Value of Animals

A NICE ANIMAL book that speaks about the value of animals in our life. Wonderful book about animals and how humans are so vital in their lives and how we are better because of them.

Life Has Value

I just heard the interview of this author on This Week in America. I ordered this book and was a nice story for really anyone, even though it is a book for children, it is a beautiful story for everyone. If you value life and animals, this book will strike a chord with you. I know it did me. Can't believe that someone would do this to these kittens. How awful, but a great outcome for these kittens thanks to this author.

Beautiful story.

Book Review of Sapphire

Children love animals and bugs. So much of early childhood is about animals. Most curricula in early childhood has animals and bugs. This book is about the rescue of 2 kittens from a trash bin that would not have made it had it not been for a janitor who found them in the nick of time. Raised by a school nurse and the school principal resulted in their lives taking a different turn. Several twists and turns of the book helps kids to understand the world these kitten lived in. The recurring theme about he value of life.

Charming Book

A charming little book about kittens and their rescue by loving caring humans. Delightful.

Sapphire teaches us lessons about life

Well, if book doesn't stop and make you think about how inhumane people can be to defenseless people and animals. This book is not educational, but you learn valuable lessons along the way. It definitely teaches us lessons in a gentle way.

I heard an interview on the radio from the author. What a remarkable person with tremendous tenacity. Her life is amazing. We need people like this author.

A favorite for all animals

My children, dog and 2 cats all liked this book. My son now sleeps with this book. I guess it means 5 stars!

Sweet story

A sweet book that touched my heart.

Review by Alexandra

I am pleased to give my review on this book. It is a story about 2 rescued cats from a large trash container. I add that these cats seemed to be just born. The author brings out the challenges faced with these kittens. The book is for children, but seems to be a little geared to older children at the 5 and above age group. Not large print for younger children, but larger paragraphs that would be more appropriate for older children.

A great ending that surprised me that teaches the value of life and how each and every life is precious. This is one of my favorites and saved it in my favorites. I recommend this book after a review.

A Special Book about Abandoned Kittens

After Sapphire and another kitten are rescued, this book carries you into the world of Sapphire. Her rescue and her blindness. Sapphire exceeds the expectations of her owner and becomes an incredible pet that doesn't let her blindness stop her. Wonderful, sweet and easy to read book.

Lizbeth Review

I am excited and honored to review this children's book: Sapphire: A Life That Almost Wasn't by Lorrie Blitch. This is a sweet story that is the perfect treat parents can share with their children and makes for an ideal bedtime story. Time is one very lucky cat. She was found in an outside trash dumpster in a sealed box. This is a sweet book about a cat rescued, almost didn't make it, and to add another concern, she is blind. her life adventures are just starting.

The illustrations are sweet and playful and are paired with nice colors. The writing has a a moral that parents will enjoy reading to their children. It is a cozy story that is warm and inviting, which makes it perfect for bedtime. The other obstacle Sapphire has to overcome is the other cat in the house is jealous of her, but eventually accepts her. The story ends on a sweet note. Sapphire finds a place in her new home and has fun with her new furry friend. She is safe and happy for the rest of her life. Such a sweet story that’s charming and sweet with lovely illustrations and a cute cat. That is a winning combination.

Perfect Animal Book

This book is simply adorable with a cute sweet story that captures anyone who loves and adores animals. Pictures are nice. A little more advanced reading for a very young child, but they would appreciate the pictures. This book is a must read.

Totally Sweet Book

Sweet book for children with a moral and that is to care for all life. These kittens were so lucky and even luckier to have such a loving soul to care for them. Book is sweet with great illustrations.

Review from a Vet Tech

I am happy to review this book as my third book at Readers' Favorite. It was a pleasure to read this book and what a delight it was to read. Reading this book makes me realize that kind people still exist that really love and care for animals. We had a dog that was brought in that someone set fire to him. Over 70% of his body was burned and he didn't make it. We made him comfortable and gave him pain medication to ease his pain.

Reading this book could have had a tragic ending, but it was such a wonderful story of two little kittens sealed in a box on a cold night. Teaches us a lot about the cruelty to animals and disregard for life, but ultimately these cats make it are quite happy and content. I enjoyed this book and hope there is a sequel.

Lovely Book

I have never rated a book before, but this little book is absolutely lovely. It warmed my heart. What a terrible terrible thing to do to a living creature, but a wonderful beautiful person, like this author, to care for these little vulnerable ones.

Delightful and charming. What a nice ending. Write another one please...…...

This author is an angel

This book is so wonderful and sweet. It captures the essence of how all life should be allowed to live and be given a chance. Who knows the wonders it will lead to. The book flows from page to page giving the reader glimpse of what occurred with this cat at each and every moment after she was rescued.

I know that angels live among us and this author is a divine angel. You are given a glimpse onto the heart of this author as the adventures that the author experiences with this cat. Thoughtfully written with illustrations that flow with each page. Beautiful.

A Glimpse in the Soul of Animal Abusers

This book made me think about the soul of someone who would abandon kittens in a dumpster and to even seal a box shows great intent. I subscribe to Pureflix and watched a movie called Susie's Law. It was such a beautiful movie of a dog that was set on fire, but found a loving home and flourished under care, nurture and love. Eventually a law was passed to punish animal abusers with stiffer penalties.

My heart is warmed by people who take in neglected and abused animals. What a wonderful beautiful story for children and adults too.

You will Cry and Smile at the Same Time

I read this book to my daughter and it brought tears to my eyes that how a callous human(s) would do such a horrific thing to these two tiny little kittens. It brought a smile to my face and happiness when they were given a beautiful home by caring souls. I try to instill in my daughter the value of life, both animals and humans, but sometimes I feel like I am in an uphill battle against those who are always trying to devalue life. I appreciate this author taking up the torch and running with it. I am sure it can't be easy for her, but it is a beautiful book for everyone to read.

Pawfect Book for Children

A pawfectly nice book for children. It keeps their attention page after page. Great story with nice illustrations. In the sequel, hopefully this author will provide a real photo of Sapphire. A great way to make it real for the readers.

Life is precious. Sweet book

This book hit a nerve with me. I rescued a dog that was abused for several years. Left in the cold and heat with minimal shelter, food and water. He was kicked and pushed and yelled out. His spirit was broken. I took him in and showed him love and a happy home. The transition is amazing. He wags his tail and is so delightful. This book will make you realize how cruel people can be, but there people like the one who wrote this book to inspire and uplift life. What a beautiful ending. This book is a must read.

Amimal Rescuer

I rescue all kinds of animals, mostly dogs, but cats too. One cat I rescued was abused and was paralyzed in the back legs. He was a nice cat who is wonderful and full of life. This book makes me think of these beautiful creatures. This isca good book that almost everyone can relate to.

The Greatness of a Nation......

This says it all. The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged how its animals are treated. I read this in this little children's book and it sums this book up well. These sweet little kittens were saved from a horrible end, but are not happy and healthy. This book points out the value of life. This is a a nice book. I highly recommend this book

A GREAT READ

IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A BOOK WITH A HAPPY ENDING AND REALLY GOOD MORAL TO THE STORY FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN-THIS IS THE BOOK. BEAUTIFUL STORY. THANK YOU FOR WORITNG AND GIVING US GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF THESE PRECIOUS KITTENS.

A Glimpse Into the Life of These Kittens

If you love animals, you will enjoy Lorrie Blitch's book, "Sapphire: A Life That Almost Wasn't." This inspiring book is a true story about two cats rescued and given a loving home. She obviously has a great love for all animals and it shows with each page. She carefully and wonderfully gives a glimpse into their life during the "raising phase" of these kittens. Will there be another sequel..... Let's hope!

Cry and Smile at the Same Time

This book will make you cry and smile at the same time. This is a book that touches your soul and will make you think about life and how it impacts those around us. How someone could do this to helpfulness vulnerable kittens is heartbreaking.

This beautiful book written for children to help them understand how important life is is very refreshing. I have worked as a volunteer in the Humane Society and how people drop their animals off after they no longer want them. If they only see how these animals sit in their cages depressed that they have been discarded by the very people who were to love and care for them for the rest of their life.

This book is highly recommended for all parents to read to their children. I enjoyed this book and I know you and your children will too.

Beautiful Story

This is a beautiful and touching story. These little innocent souls were so helpless and needed human intervention. This is what they found in their owner. I hope the author writes another book and tells us about Sapphire's life now.

Sarah Hawksworth-My First Review

This my first review on this site. I review children's book and was assigned this book to review. This site doesn't allow emojis. but I will use these :) :) :) :) :). What a sweet book. The book starts out with the rescuing of two kittens from a trash bin. The kittens are given wonderful homes after the school nurse and administrator raise these kittens. They are given forever homes to live out their lives.

What I take away from this book is that animals are vulnerable and must be protected. This books puts this into terms for children. Very nice story! I highly recommend this book.

BOOK REVIEW

I am very happy to review this book for the Readers' Favorite. I thought this book was a little more advanced for a 3,4,5 year old, but reading the book to them achieves the goal. So, the book for reading purposes is tilted near an older child maybe 8 years old and older.

This book is a perfect book for children since they like animals anyway. It captures their attention and holds it and leaves them wondering what will happen in the next page. This is the best book for children. I reviewed and this book was a featured book on Readers Favorite. I now know why. Beautiful story.

Shanaya Acharya

A lovely and delightful book. I found it be more focused towards older children, but a fine book for younger children when read to them by an adult. I hope that the author comes out with another book about this little black cat.

A Little Treasure

What a sweet little book. Of course, I am partial because I love cats, but seriously, this book is really a hidden treasure. My daughter picked it up from her pediatrician's office lobby and wouldn't put it down. I purchased the book for her just so she would give the book back to the doctors office. Book is a little advanced for her to read, but it is wonderfully written. I recommend this book to anyone with a kind caring soul.

Lovely Book

A wonderful children's book full of lessons on the value of life. If you like cats, you will like this book.

Kelsi Jacobson

I came across this book at Walmart and after thumbing through the pages it seemed to be for a little more geared towards older children. Nonetheless, it is a good book with illustrations of this little cat who is blind manages to find her way to overcome her disability. She does it very well too. I am sharing this book with my neighbors because something about this book just made me think.

Dani Williston

I read this book to my nephew, and he loved this book. I liked this book too. I am an animal lover and instill this value into my nieces and nephews to live and nurture all animals. I like this ending that the school administrator kept the cat and give it a forever home.

This book is a must purchase and a must read.