Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure

[Oluwasogo Familusi]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure" by Catherine A. Pepe.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is a children's book by Catherine Anna Pepe that centers around Donny and his 10-year-old sister, Mary Grace, and their adventures in the absence of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller.

The story begins with Donny, a 5-year-old boy having Down Syndrome, and Mary Grace enjoying their summer vacation with their parents in the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. Around a week to Donny and Mary Grace's resumption, Mr. Miller, who is a priest and rector of the St. James Episcopal Church in Kansas, is to go with Mrs. Miller as missionaries to a small village in Kenya for two years. Upon hearing this news, Mr. and Mrs. Miller decide to send Donny and Mary Grace to their grandparents, Papa Steve and Grandma Cathy, in California. On getting to California, the kids start to adapt to their new environment and get used to their new friends. Not long after they have enrolled in the North Elementary School in California, Mary Grace begins to receive letters of threats against her and Donny.

There are a lot of things I like about this book. The first one I'd like to point out is the author's stepwise development and portrayal of each character. The author took a gradual step in explaining the features of each character and indirectly encouraged kids to learn from them. I specifically admire the character of Mary Grace. She has a kind and forgiving heart; though a 10-year-old girl, she showed some levels of maturity in several cases and was always concerned about the well-being of others, especially Donny.

Another thing I'd like to point out is the author's choice of language. The author made use of simple sentences and words that are easy to understand for children. This made the book easy to read and understand for both kids and adults.

I have nothing to dislike about this book. It is a children's book, and the messages communicated through the book are important ones I think every kid should know.

I could only find a single error in the book; this implies that the book was professionally edited. With these positive reasons in mind, I gladly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

I'd recommend this book to lovers of children's stories and readers interested in unraveling mysteries.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure
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[Lulu Efobi]

I liked that author took a cumulative step in clarifying the elements of each identity and indirectly encouraged youngsters to appreciate them. Thank you for your review.

[Ndagire Hassifah1]

I am currently reading this book. And I agree with you on the development of the characters. The author did a great job on their development mostly on Mary Grace. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[Elijah0007]

This is good. Even though it's a book for children, the thought put into the character and story development don't appear to be less than what I usually encounter in other children's books.

[Bunmi27]

I've read this book and I can assure you that the book is awesome. It shouldn't be recommended to Children alone, it contains amazing lessons adults can learn too.

[Jelly_J]

I believe I would like to read this; I would like to know how Donny and Mary Grace fared in the absence of their parents. Your review was also wonderfully presented.

[Ifesi]

I really love your use of words here. I have read this book and I must say, it was well edited. The rating was well given.

[wmeki510]

I am glad the author is conscious of the target audience, children, by making use of simple words and sentences that can easily be read and understood by children. The positive values explored in this book will, no doubt, be of great benefit to children.

[Elendu Clement Ekechukwu]

Who could have sent those threatening letters? This book is something I can't wait to get my hands on. Thanks for the review.