Book Review of The Adventures of Clive & Sydney, the Dancing Armadillos: Nanushka Is Missing!
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The Children’s Book Review

Written by Mallory J. Stevens

Illustrated by Tamara Campeau

Ages 4+ | 36 Pages

Publisher: Missy Cat LLC | ISBN-13: 9798985735505

What to Expect: Dance, friendship, and problem-solving.

Nanushka is Missing is a sweet and uplifting story about the power of friendship and the responsibility of friends to look out for one another.

Clive and Sydney are dancing armadillos who love their friend Nanushka, the cat. Nanushka dances with them, brings them tasty food, and supports them in everything they do. That’s why, when Nanushka is missing at showtime, they panic! One friend tells them she hurt her back and another reports that she “went to see Jack,” a rival from a different dance theatre. The two friends set off across the forest to look for her, getting lost, frightened by snakes, and picked up by owls—all to try and find their friend and bring her home safely. What will they do if they can’t find Nanushka?

Even though they are not always considerate and sometimes doubt each other, Clive, Sydney, and Nanushka care deeply about one another and choose their actions based on that love rather than transient negative feelings. Their story isn’t just a fun adventure but also a great role model for readers in navigating the ups and downs of friendship. Lovely illustrations bring the make-believe forest to life in a manner reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh.

Overall, Nanushka is Missing is fun to read and instructive to discuss—a promising first book in what will hopefully be an engaging series.

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About the Author

Mallory J. Stevens is a multilingual, professional mediator and conflict resolution consultant in private practice in New York City. She has also taught courses in the Sociology of Conflict and Dispute Resolution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY). Mallory holds a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University and is a Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of Hofstra University, with a B.A. in Spanish.

Prior to her career in alternative dispute resolution, she worked in the financial industry, first for many years as an international banker and, later, as SVP and head of corporate communications. Over the years, she’s published several articles, such as in the Federal Bar Association’s alternative dispute resolution publication, The Resolver, and the Huffington Post. Her true interests have always involved the arts, language, and interpersonal relationships.  In her spare time, she enjoys the company of those she holds dear, cultural activities, studying classical piano, and international travel.

The Adventures of Clive & Sydney, the Dancing Armadillos: Nanushka Is Missing! is Mallory’s first book and it is the first in a future series. It was both her love of children and writing that inspired Mallory to write a children’s book. Mallory is also co-founder of the book’s Mallory J. Stevens publisher, Missy Cat LLC (missycat.co), which is dedicated to developing and publishing unique and engaging stories for children.

For more information, visit www.missycat.co.

About the Illustrator

Award-winning Canadian illustrator Tamara Campeau’s illustration journey began at Dawson College where she earned her associates degree in Illustration and Design. Shortly after, she furthered her studies at Sheridan College, where she attained her Illustration Bachelor’s degree with honors.

Tamara works digitally to bring stories to life through her painterly illustrations. Her work has a strong sense of lighting and vibrant color palettes, along with dynamic compositions. She loves creating endearing characters with a strong sense of personality and emotions. Her work is inspired by wildlife, children, and the environments they reside in. She uses this inspiration to add a layer of realism to her illustrations.

When she’s not at her desk, she can be found breaking a sweat at the local gym or exploring nature with her standard poodle, Peanut. Tamara’s illustrations have graced the pages of numerous books and she’s been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions.

For more information, visit www.tamaracampeau.com.

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