Page 1 of 3

Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 21 Jul 2020, 02:06
by Guda Lydia
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mandys Pet Shop" by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Mandy’s Pet Shop by Zack Shada and D.C. Cody is a colorful and engaging children’s book that teaches about uniqueness and being open-minded. Mandy is a confident little girl who runs an eccentric pet shop. As opposed to the norm, the pets in the shop are unusual and intriguing. Examples include a cat with nine eyes, a frog with three heads, and bear with two hats, among others of every shape, size, and color.

This proves to be an overwhelming experience for Decker, who goes to the shop in search of a pet that befits him. Accompanied by his mother, the boy begins looking around and interacting with the peculiar creatures as Mandy guides him. Initially, he finds the pets to be too different and even fears and dismisses them. However, as he goes on and Mandy persuades him, he starts to have a change in perspective. Decker soon finds his perfect monster pet that is both unique and friendly.

The book is lively, happy, and warm. The illustrations are vivid, fun, and colorful, each showing the distinct attributes of the characters. It is easy to get why the monsters have their specific names. For example, the Lippers have plump lips. The boy and Mandy are also very relatable and realistically depicted; Mandy even has a missing tooth, which is characteristic of a child in the age range of five to seven. The authors also use rhymes and clever repetition of words, making the read more engaging and memorable.

The aspect I love most is how the authors highlight critical words and phrases. For instance, as the book begins and Mandy explains what her shop offers, the phrase ‘and then a few more’ is in a distinct color and texture. This tells of a more intriguing set of pets, creating further interest. The monster’s names and features are equally in different colors, textures, and sizes. There is nothing to dislike about the read; it is pleasant and teaches essential life lessons. The most critical lesson the book teaches is accepting everyone as they are and seeing beyond the differences and the perceived normal or strangeness. However, I find it confusing to learn of Decker's name at the very conclusion of the book.

The book is professionally edited, and I found no errors. Additionally, the language used is simple, and the sentences are short and direct. The book is an amazing read for a child, and the learning opportunities are numerous, like learning about numbers, colors, sizes, and even primary human emotions. Mandy, Decker, and his mother’s state of emotions are easy to identify and see as the story unfolds. I, therefore, rightfully give the book a 4 out of 4 stars rating. I recommend Mandy’s Pet Shop to parents and guardians who want to instill lessons of diversity in their young ones. It is okay to be different.

******
Mandys Pet Shop
View: on Bookshelves

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 00:10
by Rodel Barnachea
I like that one of the central themes of the book is being open-minded. I believe that all children are blank slates, meaning that everything they know as an adult are taught to them when they were young. If they are taught to be open-minded at a young age, then this means they won't easily close their minds and turn away from ideas that are uncomfortable and goes against their current ideaology.

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 02:19
by Priyanka2304
Children will definitely have fun reading this. Thanks for the amazing review.

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 02:40
by AnxiousSocks
This book sounds delightful! It seems like the authors have structured the book well and understand kids and their needs. I love that it's all about being open-minded and seeing uniqueness! Absolutely adorable.
I would be so happy to read this one.

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 03:02
by Harty Muli
I like the innovation that Mandy has on her pets. I think the book teaches kid on being creative. Thanks for the wonderful review.

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 03:42
by Dabalos2000
Nice book that is suitable for children who are just starting to read.

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 04:16
by Guda Lydia
aaurba wrote: 22 Jul 2020, 00:10 I like that one of the central themes of the book is being open-minded. I believe that all children are blank slates, meaning that everything they know as an adult are taught to them when they were young. If they are taught to be open-minded at a young age, then this means they won't easily close their minds and turn away from ideas that are uncomfortable and goes against their current ideaology.
I agree, it is important to mold them as early as possible.

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 04:18
by Guda Lydia
Priyanka2304 wrote: 22 Jul 2020, 02:19 Children will definitely have fun reading this. Thanks for the amazing review.
Welcome! It is indeed a fun book

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 04:19
by Guda Lydia
AnxiousSocks wrote: 22 Jul 2020, 02:40 This book sounds delightful! It seems like the authors have structured the book well and understand kids and their needs. I love that it's all about being open-minded and seeing uniqueness! Absolutely adorable.
I would be so happy to read this one.
It is a worthwhile read, with an important message. You would enjoy it!

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 04:21
by Guda Lydia
Slater678 wrote: 22 Jul 2020, 03:02 I like the innovation that Mandy has on her pets. I think the book teaches kid on being creative. Thanks for the wonderful review.
Thank you! Yes, being creative is also another lesson to learn. The book is full of lessons.

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 04:22
by Guda Lydia
Dabalos2000 wrote: 22 Jul 2020, 03:42 Nice book that is suitable for children who are just starting to read.
I agree! It is simple and easy for a young mind to grasp

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 08:50
by Dominik_G
It's so uplifting to see that this book's main message is about being open-minded, and appreciating every creature for their own unique features. Thank you for your amazing review!

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 10:20
by Elvis Best
I love how this book encourages childen to be unique and open-minded. Thanks for the lovely review. Good job!

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 14:27
by Kirsi Cultrera
What a cute book and important topic. Accepting differences is such an important thing to learn. I can easily imagine reading this together with my kids, they both love animals ;) we just arranged a funeral to a dead (to my opinion very ugly) grey butterfly, because my daughter was heartbroken after finding the dead creature...

Re: Official Review: Mandys Pet Shop by D.C. Cody - Zack Shada

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 15:40
by Guda Lydia
Dominik_G wrote: 22 Jul 2020, 08:50 It's so uplifting to see that this book's main message is about being open-minded, and appreciating every creature for their own unique features. Thank you for your amazing review!
The book is truly uplifting and adorable too