It’s time for a celebration. But can one little birdy convince anybody to join the fun?
Simon has a brilliant idea. Excited about life in his family’s cozy tree house, the young bird wants to share what’s great about his tiny home with his animal friends. So he asks his mom for permission to host a yummy lunch, before flying off to spread his grand invitation.
Soaring through the farm while chirping his news, Simon’s heart breaks as each invited guest can’t attend because they’re too big or too tall. And now he’s upset his good-time bash with goose, cow, and his other barnyard pals will come to nothing…
Can Simon find a place where all his best buddies can eat and play together?
Simon's Tree Party is the lovingly hand-painted first book in the Simon’s Tree House Adventures children’s series. If you or your child like heartwarming characters, gorgeous settings, and wonderful bedtime reads, then you’ll love Stephen G. Bowling’s classic tale.
Stephen G. Bowling is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Much like Peter Pan, Steve never wanted to grow up. Or rather, while he didn’t mind getting older, he never wanted to lose the child-like enchantment of imagination and wonder. Creating colorful worlds and stories for children has allowed Steve to both preserve his own imagination while sharing the joy of learning with children worldwide. He currently has six children’s books published and his books have also won several illustration awards.
Steve has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brandeis University. He is an entrepreneur who has worked on and holds several U.S. Patents. He heads The Prometheum Foundation, a non-profit philosophical organization that helps teach students critical and analytical thinking, freedom of thought, and entrance into the marketplace of ideas.
He is a lifelong weightlifter, an avid student of history and philosophy, and has a fascination with astrophysics.
Update: The author has fixed the word usage error and reworked the line such that both the rhyme and the grammar are proper now. Thanks for taking the feedback so sportingly and implementing the change, Stephen. If only all authors were as receptive to feedback as you are! Kudos and keep writing! 💐
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This is a sweet little story about a little robin named “Simon”. He wants to invite all his farm animal friends to his home. But as can be expected, they are too big to fit in his little house. Simon is depressed until his mother figures a way around the problem.
The story is simple and straightforward, and yet it drives home many important points, two of which are: 👉 Where there is a will there is a way; and 👉 Home is where your heart is. It was also nice to see Simon have a variety of animal friends, rather than being restricted only to birds. It drives home a subtle point of being open to diversity.
The book is written in simple rhythmic verse that flow in pleasant harmony. So this will be a wonderful read-aloud companion for early readers as the rhymes don’t sound jarring.
The illustrations are really cute and vibrant, though in some cases, actual animal proportions aren't maintained accurately. But kids are sure to love the look of the various animals.
One point of grievance. My inner Grammar Grinch wants to point out that it's always "feel bad", not "feel badly". Poetic license is fine but not if it makes children learn wrong word usage.
Regardless, this is a lovely story and early readers are sure to enjoy it. 4.25 stars from me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and these are my honest thoughts about it.
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Simon’s tree party is a children’s book. The story begins with Simon living with Mother bird and inviting all of his friends to come and play at his house. The obliging mother bird offers to cook and bake goodies for Simon’s friends. However, when he begins to invite them, each to their own has a legitimate reason not to be able to come to join him at his house.
This is a beautiful book about accepting people as they are and being accommodating. We should accept diversity in society and be kind to one another. The illustrations were so beautiful. It reminded me of Miss Potter and her gorgeous Peter Rabbit books. The book is short, sweet, and engages your child with thoughtfulness. I truly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to parents who are looking for meaningful books.
The literature consisted of short sentences suitable for grades one, two, and under to read. Simon was likable, and as a bird, he was brave. I look forward to reading more from this author.
PLEASE NOTE: I received a Kindle edition of this title from a GoodReads giveaway. The opinions in this review are my own.
The pictures in this picture book are absolutely stunning! Some of them were so lifelike, it almost took my breath away. The story is as sweet as the pictures and the lilting rhyming will enchant young listeners. I would recommend this book to any one.
We are proud to announce that SIMON'S TREE PARTY by Stephen G. Bowling has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
A charming book that's great for young readers and adults alike. Simon's Tree Party had my kids hooked from the start, and I enjoyed reading it out loud. The rhymes give it a fun, sing-song feel, and the story has so much heart. Definitely a must-have for family storytime!