Blog Tour Review: Miss L'eau

 

Title:  Miss L'eau

Author:  T. Katz

Review Copy Provided by: Pump Up Your Book Promotions

About the Book:  James and David had always known there was something unusual about their elementary school teacher, Miss L'eau, but they could never quite put their finger on it. David discovered their first clue, was in her eyes-- Miss L'eau had the most unusual pair of eyes! She wore glasses when she taught, but when she had to deal with just you--she would lean over your desk, move her glasses down to the end of her nose . . . and there they were! Miss L'eau's eyes were as blue-green as the sea, and if you could get up the courage to stare right into them, you'd swear you could see angel fish, sea plants, coral beds and even sea anemones! It was the most wonderful, yet frightening, experience when she would talk to you face-to-face. The boys lived their whole lives near the ocean, but never thought about how import it was or how vulnerable it might be. Through Miss L'eau, and her unexpected relationship to the sea, they develop a love and understanding of the ocean and become involved with the nearby aquarium and organize an annual clean-up.

About the Author:  T. Katz, a resident of Southern California has been involved in the children's entertainment industry since the early 80's working on hundreds of episodes of animated television and as a music instructor to hundreds of very animated children. She is also the honorary conductor of a four-part harmony household, consisting of her two children (three if you count the spouse on a bad day) and Alice the cat. The people that surround her help her to continue seeing the world with all its magic, beauty and potential. She lives by the motto "a good book, a cup of tea and somehow all is right with the world." Her adventures in life are adding welcome lines of character to her face and scattered optimistic silver linings all over her head. You can visit her website at www.tkatz.com. 

My Review:  This is a quick read, small book, with a powerful message!  I wish school age kids could read this as part of an ocean unit.  It would so enhance their learning.  No, this book does not teach about the ocean, per se, but it does teach about how to take care of it and keep it around for the generations that come after us.

I don't want to say too much about this one, as I don't want to give the whole story away.  The main character is a boy, in 5th grade, so I'm sure that will appeal to boy readers.  This book, I think, would also appeal to reluctant readers because it is not overwhelming in length, but strong in story!  I will definitely share it with some of the boys in my school this year.  The main character and his best friend are strong, determined characters, who put aside what others might think, to help out someone they love, their teacher.  They swear to keep her secret, even though it is hard for them to let her go.  I loved the premise behind this story!  Teach kids to take care of the ocean, by bringing a part of the ocean to them.

4 out of 5 stars for T. Katz and Miss L'eau. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour.