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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Candice Estes

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neyah is a young girl living in Africa, which means that she misses school a lot due to having to walk many miles a day to fetch water for her family to use for food, bathing, washing, crops and livestock. When her school starts a pen pal project with a group of middle school students in Minnesota, Neyah gets to know an American teenager named Abby. Abby is surprised by how different things are, such as a lack of running water, or that Neyah is the one that has to miss school and not her four brothers. Throughout the book, we see many problems that Neyah faces in her daily life, such as diseases caused by lack of clean water, her dad’s lack of willingness to change how things have always been done, the dangers of her climb to and from the different water sources in her area of Africa, bandits, and the possibility that her father will sell her as a second wife for cattle. Neyah at first thinks that Abby’s life is “perfect”, but quickly we learn that Abby has issues of her own. Her parents are struggling after issues of their own, and then Abby ends up with a brain tumor. The girls start working together to get access to water in Neyah’s village, by raising money and awareness of the situation that Neyah lives every day. This is a great book for reminding people that everyone has their issues, we are not that much different than other people our age in other places around the world. This is a great book for adults and teenagers, alike.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Shelly Kittell

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a book that grips your heartstrings with the story of two girls living two different lives with two separate challenges but they are both so strong and brave. Neyah has a very tough life and yet she perseveres and continues to write of her adventures to Abby. We get an idea of what is going on. There are moments of joy and moments of heart break. For Abby, life is different. She may have more but she is facing her own battle. We learn about her adventures in her letters to Neyah. I felt like I was on the emotional roller coaster with this book. It was a good thing because this story reminds you that you are alive and blessed. The author does a very good job of making this story feel realistic. The writing and the characters just keep you wanting to find out what’s coming next. This story is a definite tearjerker so I’d keep tissues handy. It’s one of the best YA stories I’ve read this year.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl
Genre – YA, Family
Page Count – 298
Cover Designer – Ashley Literski
Two girls living a continent part become pen pals. Quiet and shy Neyah lives in a rural African village and longs for more time in school, but spends most days fetching water for her family to survive. Bold and boisterous Abby lives comfortably in a modern city and spends much of her time planning her social calendar. Despite their differences, an unlikely friendship forms and they discover they have one thing very much in common. Their lives are tragically threatened by something they can’t control. Or maybe they can.         

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer of Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl

Mary Bleckwehl believes words matter. As a children’s writer she uses them to challenge readers to not just imagine a better world but to take action to make it so. Passionate about promoting literacy, Bleckwehl has presented to nearly 100,000 school children as an author.

Bleckwehl grew up in an Iowa farm home with few books but a trove of experiences that are the foundation of her writing. As a writer, she draws on youth experiences as well as her imagination and years of parenting and teaching. She craves variety and, thus, writes non-fiction and fiction for many age groups. Her newest book for middle-grade through adult readers is Fetching Dreams-reviewed by Kirkus as “an engaging tale about finding one’s voice and making faraway connections.” Bleckwehl’s latest picture book, Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! joins her award-winning picture books, Henry you’re late AGAIN! Henry you’re hungry AGAIN?and Claire’s Hair. Other published work: The Birthday Cookbook (2021) a fun and easy recipe book for kids; her debut middle grade novel, The Worry Knot (January 2022); and four nonfiction books in the Awesome Disgusting Careers series (September 2022). She has three more books due out in 2024.

Bleckwehl graduated from Wartburg College and received her M.S. in Educational Management from Lesley University in Boston. She lives in Northfield, Minnesota where she taught school. Together with her husband, she raised three children, a few unruly pets, and plenty of garden weeds. When she’s not dreaming up a new book idea, Bleckwehl can be found presenting to book lovers in schools, libraries and conferences or enjoying a peaceful pontoon ride with family.

Author Interview with Mary Bleckwehl

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Kasandra Nunez

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this little book was so cute. It was extremely colorful and had amazing illustrations. The main character Half-Pint Porky, like the rest of us, really hates to wait. I think that kids would really enjoy this book, as will adults. When I was little we always played pirates, so I’m sure after reading this, a kid will play along with being a pirate too.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Ashley Westerman

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My kids loved this. I don’t have a very good pirate voice, which made reading this to my kids tons of fun. My kids definitely need to learn some patience and maybe this helped them understand some of it. Only time will tell. They enjoyed every minute of reading this, and I think there was lessons to be learned. Highly recommend!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Faith Jackson

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl

My two sons enjoyed this reading. I couldn’t tell which son loved it more. As I read the voice of the piggy, my baby son would crack up the oldest would follow. Both enjoyed learning about patience through the pig and the story. Plus the illustrations made my son mimic him. My youngest son reminds me of this little piggy in the story. So, we all learned something especially him. Thanks for the read and the story with the lessons.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Wendy Wary

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This relatable story is about a little piggy pirate who can’t wait to go to big pirate school with her siblings. When the day finally arrives, all that anticipation becomes anxiety about change. A few puns that might get lost on younger kids, and a few silly things that are likely to make them chuckle. Illustrations are colorful and fun.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Shannen Kern

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a cute children’s book about a piggy that does NOT like to wait. I have two kiddos of my own that aren’t a big fan of patience, so we read this one together. We all loved the illustrations, and they said they understood what piggy feels like because they also don’t want to wait most of the time. We laughed and played alongside pretending to be pirates. Overall, this is a very enjoyable book and would highly recommend to families teaching their young ones that good things come to those who wait!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Cindy Rushin

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute children’s book. It grasped the concept of how kids react to waiting to go to school. They are so excited waiting to go but once the time is actually there they are scared. This story is is a must read for any child getting ready to start school as it shows that they don’t have to be scared as they will meet new people and make friends. I recommend this book to any parent with children ready to start school.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One day an impatient piggy asks when she can go to big pirate school, but every time, she is told that she has to wait, it is the same everyday when she asks if she can stop doing something when she gets the chance to sail away there.

This little piggy is wishing her life away, that is until the day comes when she no longer has to wait, but what happens then, will she get cold hooves and decide she doesn’t mind waiting after all, or will she find that the treasure is beckoning and the call is too much to resist?

This is a charming story with an important message, which is brightly illustrated and fun for all the family to enjoy.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Gillian Fawell

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Half-Pint Porky made me laugh as she reminded me of my 4 year old daughter who also hates to wait! The character names are fabulous and the animal/pirate settings help to make an everyday occurrence come alive! This story is one children can identify with as they develop that all important skill called patience! One for anyone to read with the children in their lives!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Rachel Moss

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really cute read! The I loved the illustrations in this book and the story itself. It was entertaining, colorful and had a really good meaning as well I thought. I enjoyed this immensely and can’t wait to read it to my daughter one day. I highly recommend!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Amy Dean

An impatient little piggy cannot wait to go to pirate school like her big siblings. She eventually learns that good things come to those who wait. My 7 year old enjoyed reading this book out loud in her best pirate voice and was exposed to different words she does not encounter much to test out her skills of sounding things out.

Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Wendy Rennewanz

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! Is a cute book! I can’t wait to read to my niece! I definitely recommend reading this with a child that maybe getting ready to start school or something new. Half-Pint Porky was so excited to go to Pirate School, but once she was old enough she was nervous. Also the illustrations are AMAZING!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Nina Maes

Great book on patience. I love the characters and illustrations. Fun children’s book with lots of adventure. It also has lessons in patience and how you think you want more than you have. I recommend this book to all care givers and preschoolers.
Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great book on patience. I love the characters and illustrations. Fun children’s book with lots of adventure. It also has lessons in patience and how you think you want more than you have. I recommend this book to all care givers and preschoolers.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Heather Hoke

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t think I stopped giggleling the entire book! The way these pirate piggies talk is so funny! And the names of them all bahahahahahaha I just couldn’t stop laughing! The illustrations are beautiful! And I love the pattern of how the book is written!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Felicia Bates

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My six year old daughter and I read this book together and she seemed to enjoy it. She really found the illustrations to be fun and silly. I am used to children’s books that rhyme and flow off the tip of your tongue and don’t speak like a pirate very often… so the jargon was a little tough for me but tons of fun.
Overall, this was a good children’s story with a solid message. My daughter and I look forward to reading this author again!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by La Toya Lewis

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arrrgh! Me Hate to Wait by Mary Bleckwehl is such a fun and cute story for children. Half-Pint Porky is an impatient piggy that is excited to start school but when the time comes she is nervous to start. This is such an engaging story for small children. The writing is cute and funny to small children and the illustrations are beautiful. My boys loved reading this story and it got cute a few giggles out of them. This is a book that the whole family can enjoy together.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a cute little story about a pirate pig and the adventures her frustration about waiting. The graphics are done well and add to the plot. I love the idea of this book about hating to wait. It’s a good teaching moment for kids about patience. My grandson loves the graphics and say to listen to the whole book. Recommended for little ones!
Review by @bilberrysweet

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Piggy pirates and wanting to grow up fast are the main themes in this book. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. The story is cute. I think this would be a good book to read to kids under 6. Worth the purchase just for the amazing illustrations alone.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Gabrielle

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A cute story for the little ones. It is about a young piglet who can’t wait to get to big kid school and the surprises that await her. This is a quick story that little ones will enjoy especially those in preschool. The little piglet has interactions with family and friends learning how to wait and being curious about what will happen at her new school. Little ones can relate to the piglet and it is written in a way that entertains and explains easily to them, making this a fun and entertaining read for preschoolers.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by LaliLovely

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute story !! We loved the pirate theme & the adorable pig characters . We are going through a bit of the same thing, so my kids related very much to Half-Pint. Beautiful illustrations as well ! Really just a great little book.

Review by @lalilovely

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl Review by Darian Vester

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the book and thought it was a very cute story. The illustrations are bright and eye catching, I loved the pirate names and know kids will have no problem paying attention to the story. It’s a great book to read before your little one starts school for the first time or even moving onto a new class. I know many kids are so excited to start school and nervous once they’re there, being able to relate to Half-Pint and seeing that she’s fine in the end will help them.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My 6-year-old absolutely loved this book. We laughed and giggled so hard at many points in the book. Half-Pint can’t wait to go to school and is impatient, but when the time actually comes to go to school, Half-Pint is skeptical and unsure. This book was precious and will be a staple for my kids bookshelf!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Paula R Sayers

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Half-Pint is impatient when it comes to waiting to leave the Poop Deck for Pirate school. But, once it is finally time to head to Pirate school, Half-Pint begins to have doubts. This is a cute book that children will enjoy.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Alison Risher

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author addresses young children who are eagerly awaiting their chance to be finished with babyhood. Vivid illustrations accompany each scenario proposed by the main character concerning her future preschool. Readers learn what they might be able to look forward to, at least when it comes to leaving babyhood behind. The main character learns that even though she looks forward to something new and exciting, it is normal to have some anxiety to sort through. The author and the illustrator have done a truly amazing job with their precocious preschool pirate!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Crystal Brehant

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cute story and fun to read. I read it to my 6yo son. He thought it was funny and enjoyed it. I love the message put into the book. I think it’s always great when morals are snuck into children’s books.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Tausha Treadway

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl. This is such a fun book. I bought it for my 4 year old soon to be 5 nephew and even his 9 year old brother enjoyed it. Its the story of a Pirate Pig who is called Half Pint Porky. She can not wait to attend Pearl of Pork Pirate School. Her older siblings are all there and she just thinks its really unfair that she can’t go yet. When it does become time for her to go she is re thinking this whole thing. Its a bit scary. When she finally goes and makes friends she realizes its not so scary after all. We all loved this story. We laughed several times and the pictures were great. This book would make a great gift for the preschooler in your life and their older siblings might just like it too!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Angela Plate, February 2023

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute little story about how it is to transition from one stage to another. It made it a little easier to understand that everyone gets a little scared of unknown situations. Easy to read and interesting characters.

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Sandra (Crandom)

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We are a family of four so I picked this book up for the kiddos. One is in elementary school, the other starts next year. Neither of them really care very much for being patient or waiting for things so I figured this could be a cute relatable story for them. I picked it out based on the title and the cover, but it was so much better than I was expecting.

The illustrations were very well drawn and very cute. My oldest giggled really hard at the pig booty a few pages in. My youngest loved that there was a place called poop deck. They loved it and asked questions about a few things in the story, as well as pointing out things in the illustrations on the page.

What I loved the most about it was that it showed the excitement for starting school, but in the end also showed that it’s also okay to be scared to start school. I love that it continued past that fear and showed that it was completely okay to feel that way. She went to school, found friends, and realized that it wasn’t as bad as she thought it was going to be. My youngest really liked that part. I highly recommend this book to parents of young children.

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