Mia and Nattie: One Great Team!
by
Marlene M. Bell
Genre: Children’s Picture Book (K-3rd Grade) / Farm Animals
Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing
Date of Publication: October 4, 2020
Number of Pages: 34 pages
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Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn.
But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.
On a visit to her grandma’s farm, eight-year-old Mia discovers a newborn, orphaned lamb outside in the cold and takes her to the laundry room, naming her Nattie. As she tries to nurse the lamb back to health, Mia discovers that Nattie is different from the other lambs and struggles to fit in with them like Mia does with other kids her age.
When her grandmother says she will sell Nattie to a neighbor, Mia must come up with a plan to keep her friend around — one that will show the family just how special Nattie truly is.
Based on the true story of a lamb that captured the author’s heart, this book is an incredibly heartwarming, sweet, and gentle story about commitment and the power of love!
Nattie doesn’t quite look like all the other lambs on Mia’s Grandma’s farm. Born with a crooked horn, short legs, and the smallest of the sheep, Nattie has a lot to overcome if she’s going to make it on the farm. Despite Nattie’s differences, Mia loves this small lamb unconditionally and works hard to prove to others how invaluable Nattie is to the farm. And it is through this endearing bond that their friendship shines!
The story vividly demonstrates how children can have a voice, and through perseverance, they can make things happen. Mia is a testament to the idea that where there is a will, there is always a way!
The illustrations are realistically portrayed, but have a very whimsical touch that certainly adds charming visual representation for all the heartfelt emotion expressed throughout the story. Many pages feature full-spread illustrations that showcase just how mighty this little lamb becomes. These precious illustrations are inviting to young readers and have a nostalgic style that adults will enjoy as well. I really appreciated that the animals are not anthropomorphic, so as to celebrate the real-life relationship that develops between animals and humans.
The quality of the book’s construction is amazing, especially given that it will more than likely become a huge hit with your child and receive lots of handling. This hardcover is extremely sturdy with thick pages that are well bound, so it’s going to take a lot for this book to fall apart! And the end pages of the book are absolutely gorgeous!
Overall, this is an adorable and absolutely delightful picture book that will resonate with readers of all ages!
MARLENE M. BELL is an award-winning writer, artist, and crazy sheep lady who resides in beautiful East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines where she also writes newsy articles about raising sheep from her hands-on experience. Based on true events from the Bell’s ranch, Marlene offers the first of her children’s picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! It’s a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Marlene is also the author of the award-winning Annalisse international mystery series, with the third book, Calico Raven to be released in 2021. Marlene shares her life with her husband and dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The cats believe they rule the household—and do.
THREE WINNERS!
GRAND PRIZE (US only):
Signed copy of Mia and Nattie, Nattie Plush, Nattie Mousepad, and a Nattie pendant
2ND PRIZE (US only): Signed copy of Mia and Nattie
3RD PRIZE (US only): Signed copy of Mia and Nattie
Giveaway ends at midnight, CST, 11/25/2020
BEST OF LUCK!
Many thanks to the author and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book. It was an absolute pleasure reading, reviewing, and hosting. This is my honest and thoughtful opinion. And be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more opinions and author extras!
CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE
FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY,
or visit the blogs directly:
| 11/16/2020 | Review | That’s What She’s Reading |
| 11/16/2020 | Character Spotlight | Book Fidelity |
| 11/16/2020 | Review | Jennifer Silverwood |
| 11/16/2020 | BONUS Promo | Hall Ways Blog |
| 11/17/2020 | Review | Forgotten Winds |
| 11/17/2020 | Sneak Peek | The Clueless Gent |
| 11/17/2020 | Review | Momma on the Rocks |
| 11/18/2020 | Review | Story Schmoozing Book Reviews |
| 11/18/2020 | Top 5 List | All the Ups and Downs |
| 11/18/2020 | Review | Missus Gonzo |
| 11/19/2020 | Review | Book Bustle |
| 11/19/2020 | Excerpt | Max Knight |
| 11/19/2020 | Review | StoreyBook Reviews |
| 11/20/2020 | Review | Chapter Break Book Blog |
| 11/20/2020 | Character Interview | Sybrina’s Book Blog |
| 11/20/2020 | Review | The Adventures of a Travelers Wife |
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That's What She's Reading 
Fabulous review, and your #bookstagram is adorable! This sounds like the kind of children's book we need right now. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks so much for the lovely review and precious photo included. I appreciate your time and thank you for joining the tour for Mia and Nattie: One Great Team!
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