Cindy Hollingsworth

Cindy Hollingsworth has crafted a lively, sweet poem about her two loyal, dependable companions named Watson and Bill. They are her West Highland white terriers and have been her favorite friends for years. She has included ways that faithful canine companions can provide comfort and unconditional love and will always be there for their owners. As Cindy wrote, their “personality, love, and devotion rank at the very top.” Underlying this enchanting rhyming text are gentle reminders of the ways that responsible pet owners provide for and take care of their pets. You’ll see dogs you have known in the charming artwork that enhances Cindy’s tale, and you just might have a good laugh or two.

Westie Tails—Meet Two Little Westies has won the 2016 Maxwell Medallion in the Children’s Books category of the Dog Writers Association of America.

During a seashell hunt on Oak Island in North Carolina, the author of this charming picture book encountered Herman the hermit crab. Herman was the only one in his seaside traveling pack of hermit crabs that didn’t have a shell. Or did he? His was a tiny one at the end of his tail. He had long since outgrown his former home. The rhyming text and peaceful illustrations will put readers in the middle of the beach scene. The author has emotionally described her transition from feelings of mirth to ones of sadness for poor Herman who didn’t have a home. Her decision to help Herman and what happens after that will delight readers and listeners alike. You will be able to hear the gentle lapping of the waves as you enjoy reading and rereading this book with or to a young reader. And I guarantee that you will never look at a seemingly empty shell in the same way that you did before.