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Tales of the Friendship Bog #2
The Story Shell: A Tale of Friendship Bog
**Are you looking for another easy chapter book? A Question of Yams tells how young Kuri tangles with the witchdoctors in his village.
**Do you need a mystery for your middle grade child to enjoy? The Secret of the Golden Cowrie and Trouble at Silver Pines Inn happen in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and The Mystery of the Indian Carvings takes place on a Canadian island.
**Does your child like to read about dogs? Airplanes? The three-part series, Adventures of an Arctic Missionary, stars a beautiful husky named Mik-shrok and a missionary pilot.
**Do you need a mystery for your middle grade child to enjoy? The Secret of the Golden Cowrie and Trouble at Silver Pines Inn happen in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and The Mystery of the Indian Carvings takes place on a Canadian island.
**Does your child like to read about dogs? Airplanes? The three-part series, Adventures of an Arctic Missionary, stars a beautiful husky named Mik-shrok and a missionary pilot.
Audible Audio
First published March 16, 2011
41 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Repp
47 books57 followersBedtime? Story time! Gloria Repp’s earliest memories center on the stories her father told at bedtime. “What kind of story would you like tonight?” he’d ask, taking her onto his lap.
She always had an answer, different every time: “About a princess. And a lion. And maybe a horse—a brave, kind horse.”
After she learned to read, Gloria found stories on her own, but the ones she told herself seemed the most satisfying. Her mother died, her father remarried, she was sent away to school, and on many nights she treated herself to another imaginary adventure.
She became an omnivorous reader as the years passed, and finally she recognized what she’d always wanted to do: write down her stories for children to read.
She studied the craft of writing juvenile fiction and then began. Her three children seemed to like her stories, so she took the long road to publication and found that others liked them too. Since then, she has taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written more books—for children, teens, and adults.
Many of Gloria’s books reflect her love for wilderness, and she says that the oceans, mountains, and forests of her childhood in Hawaii and Canada provide an inspiration she has never outgrown.
Recently, she has been exploring the New Jersey Pine Barrens, an incomparable wilderness of woods and rivers, bogs and ruins. One memorable spring evening, she listened to its frogs and found them irresistible. Before long, the hours of tramping through abandoned cranberry bogs bore fruit, and she began to dream of stories about a tiny Pine Barrens Treefrog named Pibbin.
Pibbin’s adventures have taken shape, young readers enjoy them, and each year she goes back to the Pine Barrens for more. The Tales of Friendship Bog continue.
She always had an answer, different every time: “About a princess. And a lion. And maybe a horse—a brave, kind horse.”
After she learned to read, Gloria found stories on her own, but the ones she told herself seemed the most satisfying. Her mother died, her father remarried, she was sent away to school, and on many nights she treated herself to another imaginary adventure.
She became an omnivorous reader as the years passed, and finally she recognized what she’d always wanted to do: write down her stories for children to read.
She studied the craft of writing juvenile fiction and then began. Her three children seemed to like her stories, so she took the long road to publication and found that others liked them too. Since then, she has taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written more books—for children, teens, and adults.
Many of Gloria’s books reflect her love for wilderness, and she says that the oceans, mountains, and forests of her childhood in Hawaii and Canada provide an inspiration she has never outgrown.
Recently, she has been exploring the New Jersey Pine Barrens, an incomparable wilderness of woods and rivers, bogs and ruins. One memorable spring evening, she listened to its frogs and found them irresistible. Before long, the hours of tramping through abandoned cranberry bogs bore fruit, and she began to dream of stories about a tiny Pine Barrens Treefrog named Pibbin.
Pibbin’s adventures have taken shape, young readers enjoy them, and each year she goes back to the Pine Barrens for more. The Tales of Friendship Bog continue.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 13, 2022
I enjoyed this little story as Pibbin tries to find his friend's missing "story shell," even though he doesn't believe he's big enough for the task. The message of tenacity and bravery was well portrayed, and the story took some unexpected turns without seeming totally chaotic. I also enjoyed the theme of friendship, and the misconceptions the other animals had about the shell were pretty funny. :)
3.5 stars
Content--mentions of animals being injured and trapped; mentions of animals being scared of other animals' sharp teeth, claws, etc.; mentions of theft
3.5 stars
Content--mentions of animals being injured and trapped; mentions of animals being scared of other animals' sharp teeth, claws, etc.; mentions of theft
June 15, 2012
Courage isn’t limited by size.
Have you ever seen a tree frog in real life? The tiny creatures climb on our windows in Texas, and I'm always amazed at how small they are--barely two inches from top to toe. In Puerto Rico the red-eyed tree frog is considered a national treasure and photographed often. I believe Pibbin should be declared a treasure to his community of Friendship Bog.
Although Pibbin is tiny, he's got a big heart and lots of courage. Gaffer's birthday party is on the verge of ruin because his special "story shell" goes missing, but Pibbin takes it upon himself to investigate. He's afraid to go alone but he overcomes fear to accomplish a monumental feat. I believe Pibbin is the first tree frog private detective! He follows a crazy trail and risks his life to recover the shell. The story imparts life lessons that young children should understand, friendship, loyalty, and getting a job finished.
I read the paperback version of this book before I sent it to my granddaughter. The color drawings on the cover are delightful. Order this book today, read it yourself, and then send it to your favorite child. I'm sure they'll read it over and over again. After all, kids love to know that courage can come in a small package.
Have you ever seen a tree frog in real life? The tiny creatures climb on our windows in Texas, and I'm always amazed at how small they are--barely two inches from top to toe. In Puerto Rico the red-eyed tree frog is considered a national treasure and photographed often. I believe Pibbin should be declared a treasure to his community of Friendship Bog.
Although Pibbin is tiny, he's got a big heart and lots of courage. Gaffer's birthday party is on the verge of ruin because his special "story shell" goes missing, but Pibbin takes it upon himself to investigate. He's afraid to go alone but he overcomes fear to accomplish a monumental feat. I believe Pibbin is the first tree frog private detective! He follows a crazy trail and risks his life to recover the shell. The story imparts life lessons that young children should understand, friendship, loyalty, and getting a job finished.
I read the paperback version of this book before I sent it to my granddaughter. The color drawings on the cover are delightful. Order this book today, read it yourself, and then send it to your favorite child. I'm sure they'll read it over and over again. After all, kids love to know that courage can come in a small package.
June 19, 2012
We are back for Pibbin's new adventure in book two of The Tales of Friendship Bog.
There is a birthday party being planned and all of Friendship Bog are anticipating stories the old treefrog Gaffer will share with his friends at the party. But as they are cleaning and preparing things at Gaffer's home Skitter the lizard puts the story shell out on Gaffer's deck only to be stolen. Pibbin is determined to find the thief and bring the story shell back before the party begins. Pibbin still fears he is too small to be of any help in the search of the thief. How will Gaffer tell his stories without the story shell? So he searches for clues.
Pibbin tried to find his pal Leeper to go with him but there is no time to spare he must go searching for the shell without his pal. Pibbin follows the clues he finds and on the way ask other friends of the bog if they have seen anyone with Gaffer's shell. He befriends a new resident of the bog that claims he can take him to the location of the suspected thief. Pibbin is not sure he can trust his new friend. If only his Leeper were with him.
Will he find the story shell in time for Gaffer's birthday party? The author has not disappointed me in Pibbin's second adventure. She captures his fears, bravery and determination. Even though there are amazing illustrations in the book the author provides plenty to stir the imagination to the descriptions of the characters and their surroundings.
The illustrations, especially the front and back cover images, of The Story Shell will peak your imagination feeding the need to read yet another tale of the brave little treefrog Pibbin and the Friendship Bog.
I highly recommend this book.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
January 5, 2015
I bought a copy of this book to support a fellow member of the internet support group I belong to [Rave Reviews by Nonnie Jules [http://tinyurl.com/mqo65sj ]
Being a Book Reviewer affords the opportunity to choose to read/review books from practically every genre imaginable which is why I decided to go from reading my first real erotic romance to a children’s book with wonderful full color illustrations.
While on the surface the story seems to be about a community of animal friends who live in an area known as Friendship Bog, where Gaffer is busy preparing for his own birthday discovers the shell he ALWAYS keeps next to him when he tells his famous stories is missing. When Pibbin finds out it’s missing, small that he is, sets on own his own to find this item, which he succeeds in locating and is able to retrieve it with the help of someone he never would have expected come to his aid.
Returning home he finds a friend, Leeper, who has gone missing for a long time. And even though he’s being held by a much larger animal, a beaver, as a personal toy, Pibbin’s size didn’t stop him from a successful rescue.
The wonderful aspect of the book is the way the author wrote this story; as its young readers are enjoying the story, they’re subliminally learning about such important life lessons as: friendship, courage, size and determination. The humanistic qualities Ms. Repp gives her characters and the perfectly matched illustrations for each chapter by Michael Swaim aids in the visualizations of the story in its young reader’s mind.
Although my OH and I have no children, I allowed my inner child to come to the surface to help me as I read this book and I’m therefore happy to give this book 5 STARS.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled “I Kissed a Ghost” as well as the author of “Micro Fiction – An Anthology.”
Being a Book Reviewer affords the opportunity to choose to read/review books from practically every genre imaginable which is why I decided to go from reading my first real erotic romance to a children’s book with wonderful full color illustrations.
While on the surface the story seems to be about a community of animal friends who live in an area known as Friendship Bog, where Gaffer is busy preparing for his own birthday discovers the shell he ALWAYS keeps next to him when he tells his famous stories is missing. When Pibbin finds out it’s missing, small that he is, sets on own his own to find this item, which he succeeds in locating and is able to retrieve it with the help of someone he never would have expected come to his aid.
Returning home he finds a friend, Leeper, who has gone missing for a long time. And even though he’s being held by a much larger animal, a beaver, as a personal toy, Pibbin’s size didn’t stop him from a successful rescue.
The wonderful aspect of the book is the way the author wrote this story; as its young readers are enjoying the story, they’re subliminally learning about such important life lessons as: friendship, courage, size and determination. The humanistic qualities Ms. Repp gives her characters and the perfectly matched illustrations for each chapter by Michael Swaim aids in the visualizations of the story in its young reader’s mind.
Although my OH and I have no children, I allowed my inner child to come to the surface to help me as I read this book and I’m therefore happy to give this book 5 STARS.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled “I Kissed a Ghost” as well as the author of “Micro Fiction – An Anthology.”
June 29, 2018
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
March 4, 2014
The Story Shell by Gloria Repp is the second book in the Pibbin series and is just as delightful a story as the first book. As the book opens, Gaffer is preparing for his birthday party to be held that night and unlike most birthday parties, the birthday person gives gifts to all his/her friends. However, there is a big problem, Gaffer’s story shell is missing. He always has the shell beside him when he is telling a story. Pibbin comes to visit Gaffer and learns that the shell is missing. When he looks at the porch, he sees very large prints on the floor and begins to wonder what animal made the prints. Pibbin begins his search to find the shell and the story is about all the adventures he has trying to locate the lost shell. He faces danger in several places but there is always a friend ready to help him out of danger and also to help in the search. With help from an unexpected source, Pibbin is finally able to retrieve the lost shell. Not only is Pibbin searching for the lost shell, he is also trying to find his good friend Leeper who has been missing for quite some time. Leeper is found and rescued from a young beaver who was keeping Leeper for a toy. With Leeper and the shell both back where they belong, Gaffer has a wonderful birthday and delights everyone with the story he tells with the shell on the floor right next to his chair.
Gloria does it again in this second book about Pibbin. The personality of each animal was very skillfully developed and they almost took on human traits, the baby animals acted pretty much like baby humans and the old animals sometimes acted like grumpy old men or women. The wide range of ages in the animals added to my enjoyment of the book. At one point Pibbin said he “felt so small that he could hardly move or even think.” But this did not stop him from continuing to search for the story shell and for his friend Leeper. The dialogue of the animals was so realistic that I could almost forget that I was reading about animals. Gloria has the knack for making the little frogs and other animals come to life. This book also contained colorful, fun illustrations and in my opinion this added greatly to the story and I am sure that any young child would really enjoy the pictures. Since everyone was preparing for the birthday party, there was lot of cooking being done. My favorites were red bug cookies, dried beetle bars, and sweet and sour slugs. The slugs were Gaffer’s favorite.
I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. It was written for young children but as a seventy-five year old, I enjoyed it very much and I don’t even like frogs.
Thanks to the author, Gloria Repp for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Gloria does it again in this second book about Pibbin. The personality of each animal was very skillfully developed and they almost took on human traits, the baby animals acted pretty much like baby humans and the old animals sometimes acted like grumpy old men or women. The wide range of ages in the animals added to my enjoyment of the book. At one point Pibbin said he “felt so small that he could hardly move or even think.” But this did not stop him from continuing to search for the story shell and for his friend Leeper. The dialogue of the animals was so realistic that I could almost forget that I was reading about animals. Gloria has the knack for making the little frogs and other animals come to life. This book also contained colorful, fun illustrations and in my opinion this added greatly to the story and I am sure that any young child would really enjoy the pictures. Since everyone was preparing for the birthday party, there was lot of cooking being done. My favorites were red bug cookies, dried beetle bars, and sweet and sour slugs. The slugs were Gaffer’s favorite.
I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. It was written for young children but as a seventy-five year old, I enjoyed it very much and I don’t even like frogs.
Thanks to the author, Gloria Repp for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 10, 2013
I was given the privileged to review The Friendship Bog Series, by Gloria Repp. Pibbin the Small, The Story Shell and Trapped are the first three books in the series, and my daughter I hope they won’t be the last. Each of the books have beautiful illustrations, heart-warming characters, and a sweet message of hope and encouragement The author does a wonderful job of creating characters that grab will grab both you and your child’s heart.
In The Story Shell, Gaffer’s wonderful story shell has disappeared. Is there a thief in Friendship Bog? It’s up to Pibbin to follow the tracks, find the shell, and solve the mystery . . . alone! Without Leeper around, Pibbin, who is always feeling too small, or not smart enough, must have courage to help out his friend. One of my daughter’s favorite lines in the book is, “But Miss Green was smiling at him, and just for a minute, he felt as bold as a bullfrog.” Great story and a great message for your children.
In The Story Shell, Gaffer’s wonderful story shell has disappeared. Is there a thief in Friendship Bog? It’s up to Pibbin to follow the tracks, find the shell, and solve the mystery . . . alone! Without Leeper around, Pibbin, who is always feeling too small, or not smart enough, must have courage to help out his friend. One of my daughter’s favorite lines in the book is, “But Miss Green was smiling at him, and just for a minute, he felt as bold as a bullfrog.” Great story and a great message for your children.
April 7, 2016
Gaffer's story shell has disappeared. It's Gaffer's birthday and it just won't be the same without his story shell. So little Pibbin needs to find the shell and save the birthday. But complications keep making his mission more difficult.
Children will love this story. The cute little characters, simple drawings and smooth flowing story will keep them entertained and engaged. The website on the back of the book allows for more interaction from the readers. My children are almost 4 and 6 years old. Both children, as well as myself, enjoyed the story. My eldest enjoyed looking at the website and learning more about the frogs. As a parent, I enjoyed the message of the story. You can be brave and accomplish big things even if you are small.
I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Children will love this story. The cute little characters, simple drawings and smooth flowing story will keep them entertained and engaged. The website on the back of the book allows for more interaction from the readers. My children are almost 4 and 6 years old. Both children, as well as myself, enjoyed the story. My eldest enjoyed looking at the website and learning more about the frogs. As a parent, I enjoyed the message of the story. You can be brave and accomplish big things even if you are small.
I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for my honest review.
July 12, 2013
It's a children's book! As an adult trying to judge if it would interest my children, I'll rate it two. The main animal characters may have also contributed to my low rating. Frogs are among my least favorite.
It's Gaffer's birthday party and on such occasions, friends gather to hear stories from the best storyteller there is in Friendship Bog--Gaffer. But his story shell is missing and so Pibbin sets out to find it in time for the party. His search led him to scary places and circumstances. With the help of the other creatures in the bog, Pibbin 's adventure is successful. Gaffer is thankful to Pibbin but tells him the story shell is not the secret to his good stories. He is still grateful to have it back because it is like an old friend who helps him tell a good story.
It's Gaffer's birthday party and on such occasions, friends gather to hear stories from the best storyteller there is in Friendship Bog--Gaffer. But his story shell is missing and so Pibbin sets out to find it in time for the party. His search led him to scary places and circumstances. With the help of the other creatures in the bog, Pibbin 's adventure is successful. Gaffer is thankful to Pibbin but tells him the story shell is not the secret to his good stories. He is still grateful to have it back because it is like an old friend who helps him tell a good story.
May 1, 2013
Review of "The Story Shell" by Gloria Repp
This second book in a series is about the adventures of Pibbin the Small, a tree frog, who lives near Friendship Bog. This story is about Gaffer's missing story shell. It is Gaffer's birthday. A party has been planned, and as is the tradition, Gaffer is planning to tell a special story using his story shell. The problem is, somehow the shell went missing.
What will it take to retrieve the shell, once it is determined who took it and what happened to it? Pibbin enlists the help of his many friends in the Friendship bog to solve this mystery.
An exciting story for ages 6 and up.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
This second book in a series is about the adventures of Pibbin the Small, a tree frog, who lives near Friendship Bog. This story is about Gaffer's missing story shell. It is Gaffer's birthday. A party has been planned, and as is the tradition, Gaffer is planning to tell a special story using his story shell. The problem is, somehow the shell went missing.
What will it take to retrieve the shell, once it is determined who took it and what happened to it? Pibbin enlists the help of his many friends in the Friendship bog to solve this mystery.
An exciting story for ages 6 and up.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
February 23, 2013
This book is a great bedtime story and chapter book for children. Pibbin yet again proves he may be a little frog but he can do big things. He sets out to find his friend Gaffer's story shell. All the while being captured by a beaver, hiding from a dog, and even having to leaving his injured friend Leeper behind. This book teaches kids they can do big things when they set there mind to it. It's a book any age would enjoy. We all gathered around at night just to see what new challenge Pibbin was doing.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2013
The story Shell is the second story of the friendship bog series. I think the story line is a little to predicable, like how pibblin is always the one saving people and saving the day, i think the stories should change a little so other people in the story would be the main person who saves the day. It Is a great story though all in all. I would recommened this story for younger kids who are just beginning to read.
I was not made to write a good review only to voive my opinion on the book, i recieved this book form the author for review.
I was not made to write a good review only to voive my opinion on the book, i recieved this book form the author for review.
March 29, 2013
Very cute book! Pippin is excited about the big birthday party night especially about story time. Story time is at night and there is a big shell everyone sits around. The others think the stories come out of the shell. But pippin goes to Gaffer's he is the one who has the shell and tells the stories. Come to find out the shell is missing. Where could it have gone? I'm gonna let you get the book and find the answer to this question. Has a lot of adventure.
May 28, 2013
This is the second book in the Friendship Bog series.
Pibbin's friend, Gaffer, has his story shell disappear. Was it stolen? Pibbin sets out to follow the clues to solve the mystery.
This is an enjoyable story that kids will love.
I received a copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Pibbin's friend, Gaffer, has his story shell disappear. Was it stolen? Pibbin sets out to follow the clues to solve the mystery.
This is an enjoyable story that kids will love.
I received a copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2013
I got this book because I liked the cover and wanted to see the illustrations inside. The illustrations did not disappoint me. Since I downloaded the book to my Kindle, I also read the story and found it delightful for young children. I enjoyed reading to my own children when they were young and this time read this book for the child in me.
March 16, 2013
Great children's story book. Quick chapters that will hold a child's interest, with the story being long enough to read over a few days. Having the actual pictures of the frogs helps to visualize the story.
July 25, 2012
Great kids book. It shows how even a small animal can be brave and deal with life's big challenges. The illustrations are beautiful too.
September 8, 2012
I read this one with my daughter. We both loved it!
November 26, 2013
Fabulous Illustrations. Kids will probably enjoy this story. As an adult I found it to be so so, but the illustrations are amazing.
March 26, 2014
Cute story of friendship and perseverance.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews