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Day Care for Shifters Shorts #1-3
First Comes Love Complete Collection: An illustrated anthology
Navigating on-line dating is hard enough for a single mom and first shift baker, but Chloe has a whole new set of problems when Ryan, her little boy, suddenly changes into a bossy baby penguin and polar bear shifter Clay comes charging to her rescue.A swoony (and slightly sizzling!) trilogy set in the world of Instinct, this anthology collects the three previously published short stories, First Shift, First Day, and First Date, with two bonus stories from Ryan's point of view, First Friend and First Christmas—plus eight illustrations! Full of hold-your-side humor and big heart, discover a world of enchantment and love with Chloe and a day care for shifters! * * * Chloe crouched, groping blindly for her phone, and Ryan—or what had been Ryan—squirreled out of his clothing and rolled from her arms, landing on the floor with a determined plop that turned into a comical waddle towards the bathroom, making happy little squeaks with every step.
Chloe found her phone without once looking at it and scrambled after the fuzzy little bird that had been her son. “Ryan?” she said plaintively. “Honey?”
Ryan got to the edge of the bathtub and flapped his stubby little wings as he tried to hop up into it. “Meep! Beep!”
A penguin, Chloe realized in shock. Ryan was a baby penguin.
He looked like a stuffed animal, with dense downy feathers all over his gray body. His face already showed distinct markings, with a black hood over round white eye patches. His dark, beady little eyes blinked rapidly.
Chloe still clutched her phone and Ryan’s abandoned clothes.
Should she…call someone? Was there a helpline for this? Has your child has turned into an Antarctic bird? Call our hotline for harried mothers!
Chloe found her phone without once looking at it and scrambled after the fuzzy little bird that had been her son. “Ryan?” she said plaintively. “Honey?”
Ryan got to the edge of the bathtub and flapped his stubby little wings as he tried to hop up into it. “Meep! Beep!”
A penguin, Chloe realized in shock. Ryan was a baby penguin.
He looked like a stuffed animal, with dense downy feathers all over his gray body. His face already showed distinct markings, with a black hood over round white eye patches. His dark, beady little eyes blinked rapidly.
Chloe still clutched her phone and Ryan’s abandoned clothes.
Should she…call someone? Was there a helpline for this? Has your child has turned into an Antarctic bird? Call our hotline for harried mothers!
174 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2024
136 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Elva Birch
103 books276 followersElva Birch is an author of the impossible and irresistible. She is a fire dragon Gemini living in Alaska who belly dances outside at twenty below in the winter and loves to find tiny fairy moss worlds in the summer with her camera.
Elva also writes SHIFTING SANDS RESORT, GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS, and FAE SHIFTER KNIGHTS as Zoe Chant.
Join her Reader's Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elvab... for sneak previews or join her mailing list and get a free novella at: http://www.elvabirch.com/join-the-mai...
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz at her site to find your perfect book! https://www.elvabirch.com/find-a-book/
Elva also writes SHIFTING SANDS RESORT, GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS, and FAE SHIFTER KNIGHTS as Zoe Chant.
Join her Reader's Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elvab... for sneak previews or join her mailing list and get a free novella at: http://www.elvabirch.com/join-the-mai...
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz at her site to find your perfect book! https://www.elvabirch.com/find-a-book/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 20, 2024
What a gift!
Elva Birch writes million-dollar cozy shifter stories with priceless kid antics and golden romantic moments. The addition of her hand drawn story pictures makes this tale a true treasure to read.
Elva Birch writes million-dollar cozy shifter stories with priceless kid antics and golden romantic moments. The addition of her hand drawn story pictures makes this tale a true treasure to read.
February 17, 2024
Sweet, funny, 3 great characters to love
I loved the humor and realism of Clay and Chloe's "not-dates," as well as being privy to their thoughts and hopes while watching their behavior and conversations.
Their love of little Ryan is endearing, regardless that the 18-month-old tyke is a slippery, quick-moving, sometimes shifting handful. Ryan's speech, behavior, and delight in life ring true. He is an energetic toddler and baby penguin, well aware of his desires and goals. Especially interesting are chapters focused on Ryan's perceptions of his world. "Nice-bear-man" and "one of my names" are quite funny.
These three are perfect for each other. Their happily-ever-after was satisfying and heart-warming. It put a big smile on my face.
Completely enjoyable.
I loved the humor and realism of Clay and Chloe's "not-dates," as well as being privy to their thoughts and hopes while watching their behavior and conversations.
Their love of little Ryan is endearing, regardless that the 18-month-old tyke is a slippery, quick-moving, sometimes shifting handful. Ryan's speech, behavior, and delight in life ring true. He is an energetic toddler and baby penguin, well aware of his desires and goals. Especially interesting are chapters focused on Ryan's perceptions of his world. "Nice-bear-man" and "one of my names" are quite funny.
These three are perfect for each other. Their happily-ever-after was satisfying and heart-warming. It put a big smile on my face.
Completely enjoyable.
March 20, 2025
Cute short stories featuring Chloe, her toddler son Ryan and Clay, a polar bear shifter as part of the Day Care for Shifters series. Though part of the series, these are standalones but read better as part of the bigger series.
1.5 - First Shift
Cute and sweet light read. Not really romance orientated but enjoyable.
Poor Chloe gets the surprise of her life when her son turns into a penguin chick.
Loved how Clay is protective, supportive and helpful.
1.6 - First Day
Loved this sweet story and the day care centre.
1.7 - First Date
Can Chloe and Ryan finally actually get a real date when a mischievous toddler penguin chick has other ideas. Read to find out.
1.5 - First Shift
Cute and sweet light read. Not really romance orientated but enjoyable.
Poor Chloe gets the surprise of her life when her son turns into a penguin chick.
Loved how Clay is protective, supportive and helpful.
1.6 - First Day
Loved this sweet story and the day care centre.
1.7 - First Date
Can Chloe and Ryan finally actually get a real date when a mischievous toddler penguin chick has other ideas. Read to find out.
May 4, 2024
What to do when your baby shifts to a penguin
Chloe's life isn't easy being a single mom but it gets even more complicated when her baby boy suddenly shifts into a sweet but crazy baby penguin. Thankfully her not date, Clay had a strange feeling she needed him and understands her predicament since he is a polar bear shifter. There first not date meeting quickly turns into more in this sweet read.
Chloe's life isn't easy being a single mom but it gets even more complicated when her baby boy suddenly shifts into a sweet but crazy baby penguin. Thankfully her not date, Clay had a strange feeling she needed him and understands her predicament since he is a polar bear shifter. There first not date meeting quickly turns into more in this sweet read.
September 4, 2025
Amazing
This is collection of three previous released short stories involving Chloe, Clay and Chloe's adorable son Ryan. Ryan suddenly shifts into a penguin much to his mother's surprise, luckily Clay is there to help them navigate this new reality. These are great stories full if laughs and romance. Even if you've already rad these stories this is a must read. It has a new short story and beautiful drawings.
This is collection of three previous released short stories involving Chloe, Clay and Chloe's adorable son Ryan. Ryan suddenly shifts into a penguin much to his mother's surprise, luckily Clay is there to help them navigate this new reality. These are great stories full if laughs and romance. Even if you've already rad these stories this is a must read. It has a new short story and beautiful drawings.
February 16, 2024
An amazing collection of short and sweet stories. I'm usually not a fan of a child being one of the main characters in my romance reads. But Ryan is just so adorable you'll immediately fall in love with him. I don't think the stories would be what they are without him. The addition of the illustrations was a bonus.
February 25, 2024
A good story with great illustrations
I love the illustrations in this book. The one of Ryan and Amy is my favorite followed by the one with clay playing with the day care kids. The not a date dates between Chloe and Clay are fun times. Enjoy the humor and fun times with baby shifter penguin!
I love the illustrations in this book. The one of Ryan and Amy is my favorite followed by the one with clay playing with the day care kids. The not a date dates between Chloe and Clay are fun times. Enjoy the humor and fun times with baby shifter penguin!
March 24, 2024
Delightful! 🤷🐧👵
A beautiful story about a toddler shifter and his single, human mother who is totally unaware that little boys can become little penguins. Fortunately, there is an adult polar bear shifter very interested in helping them adjust to their new reality. Delightful, humorous slices of life stories.
A beautiful story about a toddler shifter and his single, human mother who is totally unaware that little boys can become little penguins. Fortunately, there is an adult polar bear shifter very interested in helping them adjust to their new reality. Delightful, humorous slices of life stories.
July 17, 2024
Penguin shifter Hilarity !
Totally adorable ! I like bed this story being about a shifter child, a penguin no less. Ryan’s mother has no idea what to do when he shifts into a penguin for the very first time right before her “not a date “. We also at the end get the story from toddler Ryan’s point of view. Just adorable ! 5✨’s !
Totally adorable ! I like bed this story being about a shifter child, a penguin no less. Ryan’s mother has no idea what to do when he shifts into a penguin for the very first time right before her “not a date “. We also at the end get the story from toddler Ryan’s point of view. Just adorable ! 5✨’s !
April 20, 2025
Clay and Chloe ‘Not Dating’ Love Tryst! 4.20*****/5 Spoiler Alert
Polar bear shifter/ family ran lodge co- owner, Clay, met his mate, human Chloe, by instinct as he assisted her with her uncontrollable son, Ryan, shifted into a penguin. They went quickly from 'not dating' friends to marriage as Ryan experienced his first Christmas and the joys of TinyPawsDaycare. A Fair Read.
04/15/25-04/18/25 COVID-19 GoodFriday2025
Polar bear shifter/ family ran lodge co- owner, Clay, met his mate, human Chloe, by instinct as he assisted her with her uncontrollable son, Ryan, shifted into a penguin. They went quickly from 'not dating' friends to marriage as Ryan experienced his first Christmas and the joys of TinyPawsDaycare. A Fair Read.
04/15/25-04/18/25 COVID-19 GoodFriday2025
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
First Comes Love Complete Collection:An Illustrated anthology of five stories(A Day Care for Shifter
Clay and Chole (and Ryan's) story is a great addition to the series. The reader will enjoy learning more about the series. This could have been a great stand alone story unique on its own. Being part of this series makes them all extra special. Enjoy!
Clay and Chole (and Ryan's) story is a great addition to the series. The reader will enjoy learning more about the series. This could have been a great stand alone story unique on its own. Being part of this series makes them all extra special. Enjoy!
December 8, 2025
The idea was there, a cute story.
I struggled to get through this book. There's no character building, or actual emotion, it's just bland with typos. Even the insta love was boring.
The author took the time to write it out and get it published and it could have been a great story. So, 3 stars for that.
I struggled to get through this book. There's no character building, or actual emotion, it's just bland with typos. Even the insta love was boring.
The author took the time to write it out and get it published and it could have been a great story. So, 3 stars for that.
July 1, 2024
A baby penguin
This is a fun story. Ryan is a handful of a toddler before he shifts into a penguin one night.
The love that builds between Chloe and Clay is sweet. Clay is so supportive. They don't ever managed a regular date.
This is a fun story. Ryan is a handful of a toddler before he shifts into a penguin one night.
The love that builds between Chloe and Clay is sweet. Clay is so supportive. They don't ever managed a regular date.
July 5, 2024
Throughly Enjoyable
This is a collection of short stories about Ryan, an eighteen month old penguin shifter. Some of them are from the perspective of the toddler, others from the perspective of the adults in his life. They are all well told and often funny.
This is a collection of short stories about Ryan, an eighteen month old penguin shifter. Some of them are from the perspective of the toddler, others from the perspective of the adults in his life. They are all well told and often funny.
December 6, 2025
Loved these stories!
I have all your book series except the Birch ones, and have loved them all! I agree with your other readers that Ryan stole the show! And the illustrations are wonderful! Thank you for creating these!
I have all your book series except the Birch ones, and have loved them all! I agree with your other readers that Ryan stole the show! And the illustrations are wonderful! Thank you for creating these!
December 8, 2025
Fun and different
Love love love this series.. A brilliantly written story of survival with shifter babies that are cute and more trouble than you can imagine but spoil much f ( as long as you are not the one having to deal with it
Love love love this series.. A brilliantly written story of survival with shifter babies that are cute and more trouble than you can imagine but spoil much f ( as long as you are not the one having to deal with it
December 9, 2025
The ending was a little rushed Here we go through all the trials of adjustment missed the ring giving had Christmas tree fall save & now we are at the end of story??? Where’s the wedding? I was was disappointed in how it ended
I did love the pictures
I did love the pictures
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
Delightful!
This was my first Elva Birch book, and I'm definitely coming back for more! Little Ryan made me remember having a wild child of my own, which made the jokes even funnier. Highly recommended!
This was my first Elva Birch book, and I'm definitely coming back for more! Little Ryan made me remember having a wild child of my own, which made the jokes even funnier. Highly recommended!
January 9, 2026
A perfectly enjoyable experience!
Loved the whole concept, short very descriptive chapters, adorable drawings, hilarious moments, a bit of spice, and amazingly written inner dialogues all done right. Loved Chloe and Clay but Ryan absolutely stole the show.
Loved the whole concept, short very descriptive chapters, adorable drawings, hilarious moments, a bit of spice, and amazingly written inner dialogues all done right. Loved Chloe and Clay but Ryan absolutely stole the show.
February 19, 2024
nice
A very nice story with different types of shifter animals. I loved the flow of it and the happiness of the storyline.
A very nice story with different types of shifter animals. I loved the flow of it and the happiness of the storyline.
March 7, 2024
Awesome books
Omg i loved the drawings they are just like I imagined them the first time through love all of your books
Omg i loved the drawings they are just like I imagined them the first time through love all of your books
March 8, 2024
Penguin babies are fun
Clay knows that Chloe is his mate, and Ryan will be his family. Polar bear meets penguin and they all win.
Clay knows that Chloe is his mate, and Ryan will be his family. Polar bear meets penguin and they all win.
May 1, 2024
awesome and loved them all
This is an awesome collection of stories and loved them all! Such a great series. Definitely recommend reading them all.
This is an awesome collection of stories and loved them all! Such a great series. Definitely recommend reading them all.
July 31, 2024
💜😁😁😁💜
This is a fun and cute story ... filled with the hyjinks of a newly shifted baby penguin! The sketches added by the author definitely add to the story.
This is a fun and cute story ... filled with the hyjinks of a newly shifted baby penguin! The sketches added by the author definitely add to the story.
January 25, 2025
I'm a sucker for polar bear shifters. This was adorable. It's a few short stories bundled together and I have to say it is my favorite in this series so far.
March 5, 2025
the illustrations were a perfect touch for the story.
March 19, 2025
Graphics
The graphics were amazing and they perfectly matched the content for each chapter. I can't wait for the next book.
The graphics were amazing and they perfectly matched the content for each chapter. I can't wait for the next book.
May 23, 2025
Fun
Nice and short fun read. I love the illustrations, they help bring it to life. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Nice and short fun read. I love the illustrations, they help bring it to life. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
June 22, 2025
Solid read cute fluffy and the images were great!!
July 4, 2025
another fun read
This is such a nice easy series. I’ve enjoyed reading all of them. It’s a very sweet love story with an energetic toddler in the mix.
This is such a nice easy series. I’ve enjoyed reading all of them. It’s a very sweet love story with an energetic toddler in the mix.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews