The Ballad of Blue Eagle [Hardcover]

Steven E. Jones (Author), Steven E. Jones Jr. (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2004 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The Ballad of Blue Eagle is a brilliantly illustrated children'ss book that provides valuable lessons. Through delightful characters such as Sammy the Squirrel, Arny Armadillo, Pete Rabbit, and Blue Eagle, Jones's rhythm and rhyme guide the reader. As Clugar the Cougar imposes upon the serenity of Peaceful Valley, the animal community goes into a frenzy until Blue Eagle restores harmony.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Mom's Choice Award winner, sponsored by Just For Mom Foundation and Twila C. Liggett, Ph.D., Creator/Executive Producer, PBS’ Reading Rainbow

From the Inside Flap

Blue Eagle is a strong and brave protector of all of the animals in Peaceful Valley. Clugar, a wayward and carnivorous cougar, plans to find a meal or two and cause trouble in the valley. However, the clever and resourceful animals think quickly and have a great surprise in store for the mischievous cougar.

The Ballad of Blue Eagle is the first of a series of Blue Eagle books. Written in a fun-to-read-aloud rhythm, children of all ages will enjoy the suspenseful action of this story and receive a positive message.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Synergy Books (October 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974764442
• ISBN-13: 978-0974764443
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,186,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars (RAWKidz Rating: 4.5) - Blue Eagle's Cautious Eye, August 30, 2005

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ballad of Blue Eagle (Hardcover)

The land of Pleasant Valley is full of all kinds of animals that live together in relative harmony. The animals feel safe because they know if problems arise, Blue Eagle with his watchful eye will save the day. Blue Eagle is strong and quick and doesn't hesitate to send ill-intending creatures packing. In the book THE BALLAD OF BLUE EAGLE, an array of animals have gotten together for a game of "Sneak and Peek" (their version of hide and seek) when Clugar the Carnivorous Cougar comes prowling. The animals must scurry to save themselves and hope Blue Eagle will come to save the day.

THE BALLAD OF BLUE EAGLE is an exciting tale about a lively group of animal characters. Written in rhyme, the book has a fun cadence that will keep even the youngest of readers listening intently. The story's style is characteristic of a fable, with moral messages about friendship, accepting differences, and avoiding violence wrapped into an engaging tale about a typical day in Pleasant Valley. The author introduces elements of humor which include witty character names such as Grady the Gopher, Mortimer Mole, and best of all Toby the Turple (a purple turtle). While the length of the book may be a bit much for young readers to absorb in one sitting, the author has included chapter breaks, providing logical points to stop and resume the story later. In addition, the story's suspense will leave youngsters eager to return to this book. With vivacious illustrations and a well-written story that is just plain enjoyable, THE BALLAD OF BLUE EAGLE is a sure winner, and I hope to see these wonderful characters again in future works.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars BLUE EAGLE TO THE RESCUE..., December 20, 2005

By 

Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Ballad of Blue Eagle (Hardcover)

This illustrated children's book was the recipient of the 2005 Mom's Choice Award. Written and illustrated by a father and son team, the story is based upon bedtime stories the author's father told him as a child.

Charmingly and colorfully illustrated, this book tells the story of Peaceful Valley, where all the animals live in harmony until a cougar named Clugar decides to cause problems. Then, it is up to Blue Eagle to right what went wrong.

Written in rhyme, with a fondness for alliteration when it comes to the names of the animals, the book has a strong moral compass, clearly delineating right from wrong and providing a worthwhile life lesson. The book makes for a quick and easy bedtime story for parents to read to their young children.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful story, fantastic illustrations, April 18, 2005

By 

Dawn Matheson "Award-Winning Children's Autho... - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ballad of Blue Eagle (Hardcover)

There's something special about a picture book that was written and illustrated by a father-son team. This is a tale that had been handed down for generations, until Steven E. Jones decided to set it in print. In Ballad, young readers will be transported to Peaceful Valley, with its purple mountains, deep-blue river, forested hills, and some of the cutest critters in children's literature. This peaceful place is presided over by the watchful eye of Blue Eagle, and is "ruled" by the Golden Rule. When danger threatens its inhabitants, the animals band together - and discover new strengths in the process. The book contains wonderful messages for young people: the value of friends, cooperation, and looking out for others. The book also extols the importance of not rushing around: "Slow it down, take your time, see the wonders that be." The illustrations are so rich and detailed, the landscape so lovely, one cannot hurry through this book.

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