Cougar Cub Tales: I’m Just Like You
by Jean Cramer
Kindle Edition, 40 pages
Published December 2010
by B & F Publishing
ASIN: B004HD5TV6
Book Source: Bought
4 stars
Book Overview: Mom’s Choice Award winner COUGAR CUB TALES: I’m Just Like You (eBook) is about the continuing adventures of the cougar cubs as they encounter a creature very different from themselves. It deals with non-acceptance for physical difference or disability and the watercolors are a feast for the eyes as the text again communicates to the child in a lovely sing-song rhyme.
Mary’s Review: Brother and sister cougar stumble across a creature who is different from them but claims to be a cougar just like them. They continue to point out his differences only for him to give them a reason why he is still a cougar like them but only different. They point out he has no tail, but he does. It is smaller. His ears too big-he can hear better; his fur spotted; his eyes just not right. Because he is different, he is not one of them.
Brother and sister cougar quickly learn through their new and different friend that just because someone looks, acts, speaks, or has a disability doesn’t mean they aren’t one of them.
The colorful illustrations in this book are wonderful and delightful.
I recommend this book for ages 4-8
About The Author: Sharon Jean Cramer was born in Jamestown, New York in 1960. Sharon’s education includes a Master’s in Anesthesia Education from Gonzaga, with her minor area of study in fine arts at the University of Houston. She pulls heavily from her experiences in healthcare to consider subject material for her children’s books.
She also pulls from very personal experience for The Sneezy Wheezy Day. Her twin sister struggled with childhood illness for many years. Sharon observed that the treatments, though helpful and therapeutic were not what was ultimately most significant. What mattered most to Vonnie was the family and friends around her, who supported and loved her.
Sharon is surrounded by her own cubs. Her three sons all live in Spokane, and though grown, have opinions about the cougar cubs. Lost and Alone was actually written for her youngest son, Chase, when he was born. It is about his two older brothers, who were eight and ten years old at the time! Cole and Shad tangled on occasion so it was easy for Sharon to write about sibling rivalry and conflict resolution!
Sage is Sharon’s granddaughter, loves the Cougar Cub Tales, and is a tough critic! She pits the cubs against Dora, Spongebob and of course the Disney princesses, but so far, the Cougar Cubs hold their own (and dad doesn’t bore so quickly over reading them over, and over, and over!)
Sharon’s husband, Daryl, is a nurse anesthetist, and ‘personal organizer’ for Sharon. He is also chef, karaoke partner, best friend, and inspiration to the author. He is a good voice of reason, sometimes editor, and unlikely audience during studio recordings. (More than one take has occurred due to his enthusiastic presence!). If you see Sharon at a big event, say hello to Daryl as well. He is usually close by.