Customer Reviews

The Ballad of Blue Eagle

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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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The Ballad of Blue Eagle is one of the best books I have ever found for teachers and parents. This book is not only exciting and enjoyable for children, but it teaches morals and can be an educational tool. It is written in rhyme and the story line is very good and useful for the valuable fundamental lessons of life. I rate this book very highly and recommend it for every home and school library. Blue Eagle silently watches over my students and often leaves blue feathers on a special student's desk!

I highly recommend The Ballad of Blue Eagle, it is an outstanding book. I truly enjoyed reading it. The characters are wonderful, and the colorful pictures vividly bring the characters to life. The book has an excellent story line, and the song at the back of the book is fun to sing along with children. Children of fall ages will love this book.

Some of my most precious childhood memories come from hours spent listening to my daddy tell us stories as we drove across the country in our motorhome on various family road trips. In these days before mobile DVD players and satellite radio, Daddy could spin a tale that would keep us swept up for hours and begging for more. While I don't have my father's storytelling creativity, I love to share wonderful books with my own children.

One of my new favorites is The Ballad of Blue Eagle (Synergy Books, October 2004, hardcover, 48 pages). This first in a planned series is a father-son team project created by Steven E. Jones and his son, illustrator Steven E. Jones, Jr. A lifelong Texan, Jones grew up listening to his father tell tales of Blue Eagle and his life safeguarding the various creatures of Peaceful Valley. After his father's death, Steven wisely wrote these stories down for posterity. The Ballad of Blue Eagle is a beautiful collaboration between Jones and his son Steven Jr., who has artfully illustrated this classic children's hardcover. Steven Jones Jr. brings the characters of Peaceful Valley to life with his bold and sweeping watercolor scenes. The themes present in The Ballad of Blue Eagle emphasize virtues you will want to share with your own children: peaceful coexistence, community, friendship and not judging others. To read an interview with this author visit www.lisahendey.com.

The Ballad of Blue Eagle is a charming book that tells the story of a blue eagle that protects the animal friends who live in Peaceful Valley. It is a rhyming book that pulls the reader into the story and teaches children the fun of learning how to rhyme words and tell a story.

The book is beautifully illustrated throughout and allows the reader to see the friendship between the animals and helps them become involved in the story. It shows community, friendship, and how to work together to help each other when danger is near.

The Ballad of Blue Eagle is a winner of the prestigious 'Mom's Choice Award' from "The Just For Mom's Foundation." This is a story that was passed from a father to his son. Then his son, in turn, illustrated the tale.

Steven E. Jones has graciously shared a favorite family story with children that will be a keeper on many shelves to be read and shared often through the years.

Sometimes we don't always see the clear reason for our

actions right way. Steven Jones had listened to many a tale

from his Father. He put this one into poetic form after his

Father's passing. But then it sat and patiently waited for the

next generation to play it's part. And when Steven Jr. asked to

illustrate the story it had come full circle.

This is not so very different from what happens in this

tale. Days pass easily in Peaceful Valley, but then an event

occurs that shakes up the residents and new respect is

given to two average members of the group. Meanwhile,

flying over head, having shown up just when he was needed

was Blue Eagle, the spiritual version of Jones's Father.

With a catchy tune to finish things up and wonderfully colorful

illustrations capturing all the expressions the members of

Peaceful Valley go thru during this story we should all be ready,

when we finish reading, for a romp in the nearest meadow.

Even if that meadow's only in our dreams!

I read this book to my 4 year old grandson (going on 6!)and his little 3 year old friend. I honestly believe I had as much enjoyment reading it to them as they did by listening and following along page by page. Here they are sitting on the edge of their little chairs, studying the pictures, occasionally pointing to the beautifully illustrated critters and repeating their names. They listened intently and got very excited when an incident occurred in the Peaceful Valley which the author uses to teach a powerful lesson! Excellent book not only for the classroom but in the home as well.

Filled with characters with names like Arny Armadillo, Rio Raccoon, Toby Turple, and Petula Porcupine, Jones weaves a story around Peaceful Valley. The rhyming, metered verse, make this an enjoyable story for reading aloud. This inspirational story crosses generational lines and will be loved by young and old as Blue Eagle soars in the sky providing safety from evil forces, lurching in the shadows, waiting to invade Peaceful Valley.

As the animals of Peaceful Valley are playing "sneak and peek", Clugar, the carnivorous cougar, comes out of hiding. He begins to chase Sammy Squirrel. Pete Rabbit runs "like a bullet" to find Blue Eagle for help. Toby Turple talked to a cricket before taunting Clugar trying to distract him from chasing Sammy.

Blue Eagle comes to the rescue. Blue Eagle grasps Clugar with his strong talons and carries him away. Peace is restored to Peaceful Valley and its animal friends. Toby then tells the secret of "Cricket" another hero of the rescue.

Beautifully illustrated, by Steven E. Jones, Jr., the animals come to life as children identify their favorite animal friends, and enjoy the grandeur of Peaceful Valley.

I watched my grandchildren, ages 4 through 11 as their grandmother read them the story. All five grandchildren took in every word. Every eye was glued to the pictures as each page was turned. I found myself reminiscing back to my own childhood and the stories my father often told as he tucked us into the safety of our beds at night.

This Award Winning book is for the family, the classroom, and the school library. Steven E. Jones, Sr. opens the imagination of the reader through his words as Steven E. Jones, Jr. also stirs the imagination through his illustrations. The book is beautifully done and makes an ideal gift.