Customer Reviews

Christopher Bullfrog Catcher

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This book, written by a young man eager to explore his world and share his findings with others, took me back to days of my own childhood when playing in a cool, clear creek brought a smile to my face.

While the author of this book does have learning challenges, it certainly does not show in this brilliant story of days spent catching bullfrogs. He not only catches bullfrogs, he teaches any one reading the story how to join in him in his endeavor and succeed.

This is a story that is entertaining and heartwarming to readers of all ages and from all walks of life. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to read to children or to take time away from the daily chores to spend a few minutes smiling.

Dianna Doles Petry
Author of "Memories...Real Life Stories of Life in the Mountains."

BOOK REVIEW: "Christopher Bullfrog Catcher, by Christopher Shively Welch


After reading the introduction by Ms. Welch and Christopher, I began to realize what a extraordinary young man Christopher is. I came to appreciate his writing talent, his poetic
artistry, his intelligence and his imagination.
This book tells of a boy's interest in catching bullfrogs, and tells, in detail, how to do it. And you know, I learned something. I didn't know how to catch bullfrogs, until I read this book. I am thinking that young children would love this book and learn a lot from it. This book is
written with a lot of love and a lot of skill.
I would love to reccomend this book to any one who loves to read, whether they be children, or adults. We all can learn from it.

Christopher Bullfrog Catcher told through eyes of one exceptional young man with the aid of his loving mother is a simple story of Hemmingway greatness. The words, though simple, reveal remarkable courage, self discovery, and love of nature. Christopher Shiveley Welch, born with cleft lip and palate and several learning disabilities, discovers the world of nature not only from an educational perspective but from a personal one as well.

Debra, his mother, aids him with the educational focus, while his dad helps him with the physical aspect of catching bullfrogs. Christopher broadens his horizons and reaches out to the world. He opens his heart to an unknown public as he shares his experiences. His love for the protection of bullfrogs shines through as he catches them, nurses them, and sends them back to the wild where they belong.

Christopher Bullfrog Catcher is a metaphor for his very own life. Christopher Shiveley Welch, nursed and protected by his loving parents, is growing up. He is becoming a man, exploring his environment, venturing out of his protective cocoon, learning new skills. Christopher starts the journey of self reliance as he ventures into unchartered territories, all the while realizing deep within himself, that no matter what the challenges life might bring for him, his parents will be there to nurse him back to good health when the need arises.

Christopher Bullfrog Catcher is a story of hope and inspiration for all learning disabled children and adults alike. It reminds us to believe in ourselves, to take on life as it comes to us. Christopher's story reminds us how we must never forget to accept nurturing from our loved ones and to repay that nurturing by administering to others along the road of life. No matter whom we are or what our strengths and weaknesses may be, life is a challenge, a learning experience, a chance to become all that God planned for us to be.

Carol Roach, M.Ed, BA

winterose@videotron.ca

Author of "Picking Up the Pieces" and

"Angels Watching Over Me"

"Christopher Bullfrog Catcher" is, on the surface, a story about bullfrog hunting. Christopher, age 10, decides that he wants to write a story, with his mother's help. The story begins with "Once upon a time..." A fairly standard opening for a young person's book.

Christopher lays out, clearly and succinctly, how he decides to write about catching bullfrogs. With his dad's help, he goes outside, and tries to catch a frog. Finally, after several months have passed, Christopher catches a bullfrog himself. He is then able to write in his book the various steps it takes to catch a bullfrog and how to do it without injuring the frog. If a frog is injured, it is treated. He also returns frogs to their natural habitat.

He also lists the four stages of a frog's growth. He closes the book with the statement that bullfrog hunting is not easy at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is easy.

One of the things that makes this book remarkable is some of the special challenges Christopher faces: ADD, Dysgraphia, Working Memory Deficit and Executive Function Deficit.

On a base level, Christopher should not have been able to write this book, never mind write it as cleanly and clearly as he did. However, he did not let his learning differences hinder him, but rather rose to the challenge and overcame.

He wants to become either a veterinarian or a naturalist.

I like how Christopher puts his instructions in a story. It's easy to understand and follow. I also like how he gives instructions on the proper care of the frogs. It's a very good story and well written.

There are times when a book will capture your heart; it can happen in many ways, but each time it is fresh and new. This is the case as I read this delightful work by 13 year old Christopher Welch as scribed by his mother, Debra Welch. Christopher has learning differences but this has not quench the fire of life within this special young man, nor his desire to share adventures of his life with others. We begin this read with a poem, a simple one, yet one whose words say volumes because they shine forth with the love of one young boy for his lake and the activity that awaits him there.
As we share in the adventure of Christopher, we learn how to catch a Bullfrog and care for it, even if it is injured; and he even shares the four stages of a frog's growth with us.
Along with the story we are treated to some wonderful pictures of Christopher, his frog hunting and his beloved lake. I actually learned some things about frogs that I never knew. Thank you Christopher.
I believe what makes this book is the passion that is within this young man as he writes of his frog hunting experience and his desire to share this information with others. It truly is a joy of his life and even for someone like me, who won't find much pleasure in touching a frog, I had to smile at Christopher's achievement in Bullfrog hunting.
I feel this book is for both young and old and all those in-between. First we certainly see the achievement of a young boy who has something to share and despite difficulties does just that. We have some top-notch information on Bullfrog hunting and great pictures that help bring the story to life; plus a work that is sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Good job Christopher! Thank you for sharing!
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review