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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Deborah Joseph

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not sure how to feel about this book. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is nice. Its about a girl who stands her ground when it comes to a bully and does her best to push forward, even when the odds are stacked against you. It also teaches you to be nice to a bully.
Now- for the part that makes me iffy…. And this may be because of where I live… but the thought of a bunch of kids chasing around a piglet just irks me. It also talks about the injuries the kids get from chasing the kids, and even has an illustration of the little girl with a black eye from the piglet.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Down by the River is an engaging, beautifully illustrated children’s book that offers a in depth look into our rivers, all the things you see in them, and what all is around them. I liked how the story flowed smoothly, rhymed, and how it brought up things for my kids to question, research, and test. This author writes books that myself and my family enjoy reading and Down by the River was no exception.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Jess Engel

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a generally cute story about a pig scramble. The illustrations are beautiful. The story covers themes of determination, showing kindness, mild bullying, and forgiveness. The story jumps right in with the pig scramble which made me wonder if I had missed something, so I admit I read the book twice in a row to make sure I really got the whole story. I really appreciated it so much more the second time. This would be a great book for older elementary aged kiddos.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Cindy Rushin

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute little story about a group of kids trying to catch a pig. I think it showed how anything can be accomplished if you don’t give up. It also shows how a child can use a situation where someone is trying to intimidate them to their advantage by motivating them to succeed. I think many kids would enjoy this book and recommend it for them.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Paula R Sayers

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Angela wants to catch and win a pig but Bruce is determined to win for himself. Bruce is a bully and is mean to Angela. Angela persists and ends up winning. Cute book.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Ayla Phipps

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Tricia Gardella’s books, yes all of them. They are always so beautifully illustrated and amazing for young readers. This one is about rivers, life inside them, above them, over them, and around them. Easy to read and beautiful illustrations gave me classic Disney feels of Winnie the Pooh.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Crystal Brehant

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cute story about what goes on in and around rivers and lakes. It is a good book to get kids interested in nature. The illustrations are beautiful. I have read quite a few books by this author with my 7 year old son. We always enjoy them.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Alicia Furlan

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Angela and the other kids are all trying win the pig wrestling contest. Angela stands back unsure of how to proceed. After being taunted by her bully, Bruce, she makes her move. Through determination she battles and catches the pig!

A wonderful story about perseverance and determination. Angela finds her strength to not only catch the pig but to stand up to her bully.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Melissa Saxton

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Join Angela in her towns pig wrestling competition. She has her eyes on winning the pig but the Town bully is standing in her way. Can she outwit him and persevere to win the competition?
This was an adorable story with many good themes. My six year old read it to me with a little help from mom.she loved the story anf I enjoyed the many great lessons such as perseverance, standing up for yourself. Competing fairly and many others. The illustration was also adorable. Well done!

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Shannen Kern

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My kiddos and I have read several books by this author and for good reason! They always craft such creative and engaging storytelling with each new adventure. This one in particular has become one of our favorites with the absolutely gorgeous illustrations that blew us away. The rhythm of all the rhyming words had us bopping along as we learned everything about the river. The author entertains us as they educate about the animals near the river and how people enjoy it for recreation as well as depend on it for various reasons. I can’t recommend this highly enough, it will make a great addition to your library!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Down by the River is an adorable book that teaches kids a little bit about rivers and what is in and around them. You get to explore this river as you read the book. You will see animals above, fish below, and people all around. The illustrations are wonderful and fit the story so well. This book shows how the river is used in different way by both animals and humans. Great way to get kids interested in wildlife and nature. This book can open up other conversations about nature and caring for it as well. I would defiantly recommend this book to younger readers. Great for first libraries and bedtime stories.

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@jaimie0459

Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Britney Humphreys

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The imagery in this book is gorgeous. My two girls are 9 and 7 and we read the book before bedtime. They said they love the pictures and that they have more things to look up and study. They said it helped them really see that many different animals make their homes around a stream. They’re now asking if the author wrote about deserts, mountains, oceans, and jungles in the same way.
All three of us gave this book 5 stars!

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Emily H

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Down by the River is a beautiful children’s book filled with animals, insects, and activities that are unique to the rivers. The illustrations are stunning. I think children will enjoy this one and take delight in looking at the specific items written on each page. Great book for kids.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Carrie Reed

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The artwork in this book is absolutely beautiful, the details really had me lost in a new world. I really like that the wording changes throughout the book starting with down by the river, down in the river and so on ending with along the river, showcasing the different life and movement surrounding or in the river. The otter and seals at the end were so sweet.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Shelly Kittell

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful story! The best part is that the rhyming story has some themes that it’s teachin you read this to your child or as they read it. It’s got a wonderful rhythm to it. The nature scenes are beautiful. It teaches of environmental awareness and a couple other items. It’s a very well done story that helps bring science to children. A beautifully done book.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Angela Hayes

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Where does a river begin? What animals and plants call it home? Who uses the river, and for what? Where does the river’s journey end?
Every twist and turn of the river offers new surprises, making each reading an adventure. With vibrant illustrations and engaging text, this interactive book encourages young readers to learn about geography, wildlife, and the many ways both nature and people use rivers.

Down By the River by Tricia Gardella is a wonderful little story that fires the imagination- sparking curiosity about nature- with lovely illustrations are very cute, colourful, and engaging- which made this little adventure come to life.
The story encourages children to learn as they explore nature, rivers, and streams- while delivering environmental messages, wildlife & nature facts, explaining geography, and encouraging young explorers to be curious.
A great little read!
Highly recommended.
Looking forward to whatever Tricia Gardella brings us next.
Happy Reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Jenni Bishop

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Down By The River” is a delightful story that promotes learning and appreciation for nature and wildlife in a river setting. The charming illustrations are vibrant and truly bring the story to life, igniting young imaginations.
Embark on this exciting adventure, discovering and learning about the wonders found along the way. “Down By The River” is thoroughly enjoyable and captivating. My grandsons adored it, and now we’re planning an outing to explore a nearby river.
This wonderful picture book would be a fantastic addition to any library, home, school, or as a thoughtful gift.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Megan Rea

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this kids story. The cadence and rhythm of the words is so soothing and calming and the book is also educational. In this book we follow the river and get to see all of the animals that call the river home, as well as how a river can help people and the environment. But I think my favorite thing about this book is the illustrations. They are breathtakingly beautiful, realistic, and cozy. This is definitely one you’ll want to add to your bookshelf.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Jennifer Crain

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Down By The River” by Tricia Gardella is a delightful addition to children’s literature that invites young explorers to partake in a whimsical journey through the wonders of rivers and streams. With each turn of the page, children are greeted by vibrant illustrations that leap to life and engaging text that makes learning feel like an exciting adventure.

The book effectively addresses essential questions that pique the curiosity of young minds: Where does a river begin? What flora and fauna inhabit its banks? Who relies on this natural resource, and how? These thought-provoking prompts guide readers through understanding not only the cyclical journey of a river but also the intricate ecosystem it fosters.

Gardella’s ability to blend wildlife exploration, geographical education, and environmental awareness is commendable. Children will encounter playful otters and darting fish, helping to instill a connection to the natural world while nurturing an understanding of the ecological significance of waterways. The interactive nature of the book encourages thoughtful questions, making it an ideal resource for classrooms and bedtime stories alike.

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@bookworm1909

A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Brandy Vaughn

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderfully illustrated children’s book. Each child trying to catch a piglet on the run is entertaining and fun. I would recommend the reading to a child that has moderate to advanced reading skills.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella

🌼 .•°*°•.🌼 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🌼 .•°*°•.🌼
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Kids
Page Count – 36
Cover Designer – Praise Saflor
Illustrator – Kristen Abbot

Goodreads – Down By The River by Tricia Gardella


Down by, down in, above, beside, over, across…there’s always something exciting going on along a river. Follow the prepositions and you will see.
Where does a river come from? Where is it going? Who uses a river? Where does a river end? Every river can be an amazing and different adventure.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer forDown By The River by Tricia Gardella

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Down By The River by Tricia Gardella

Tricia Gardella is an award-winning author whose picture book ideas are inspired by family, friends, traditions, and travel. Her diverse hobbies include canning, cooking, knitting, rug-making, and gardening, but writing remains her true passion. After a twenty-year hiatus, Tricia is thrilled to return to the literary world. In the 1990s, she published several books traditionally, before pausing her writing career to open an ice cream parlor. Tricia holds a BA in Ancient History and Classical Archaeology. She lives in Central California with her two self-centered cats and draws inspiration from her three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Author Interview with Tricia Gardella

FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAMPINTEREST ~

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pig and a Poke is a children’s book, that while we’ll written, I didn’t like the topic. I chose to read it because my son and i have enjoyed other picture books by this author. I didn’t even know what was going on, and had to google it. Apparently its pig wrestling or pig scramble- was well described in the story. Angela and other children are chasing a pig around a pen, trying to catch it. If they can hold on long enough, they “win” the pig. The author did a good job portraying how the children may feel, tired, defeated, and finally, victorious. But, since I think this activity is pretty mean for the animal, I wouldn’t recommend this book to others. Read others by this author instead.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Julie Johnson

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you’ve ever grown up in the country, you’ve probably tried to catch a greased pig or two! Angela has a great strategy to win the greased pig. Bruce the bully has other plans though and thinks he can beat Angela at her own game. I love the pictures of the race. They are very colorful and make you want to jump in the pen with them!

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Shannon Fowler

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute kid’s story with fun at the fair, a bully, a determined little girl and a cute little pig. Angela and Bruce are not friends but they both have entered the greasy pig wrestling contest. Whoever can hold on the slippery little guy wins! Angela is determined to beat Bruce the Bully.

This story is easy to read. It has adorable pictures with an engaging story.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Caralee Loonat

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and AA Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I like being able to recommend good children’s books to people and this is another great one. I just wish my kids were little enough for them. I found that the author was able to really grab the reader into the story and make it fun. I like how the author is able to make the subject matter really easy and fun to read and has a really creative writing style. I like how the book is engaging and helps to teach younger kids. It has great illustrations and delightful characters. This is a great way for kids to get into a good reading habit and help them to learn in a creative and engaging way. I would highly recommend to any parent of younger kids to get and help their kids to learn some of life’s lessons and gain a good sense of competition and good citizenship.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Crystal Brehant

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very unique children’s story. I don’t think I have read anything like it. It was really cute. There are a few different morals included in this story. One about standing up to your bullies. Another about never giving up. I think kids will get a kick out of Angela’s mission.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Tausha Treadway

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella. This is such a cute book for all kids. Its the story of Angela who wants to win a pig. Angela is determined to win this pig and will do whatever it takes. When a bully starts to make fun of her she actually takes the high road and helps him up. Angela knows that when she catches that pig she has to hang on for dear life and she does. This book has the cutest illustrations and teaches all kinds of good things, kindness, hard work and determination. Setting your mind to something and working hard at it you will eventually reach your goal. Such a great set of values and life lessons. This would make a great addition for the little one in your life’s library!

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Kerry Baker

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was an instant hit in our household when we read it. The kids loved the idea of a pig wrestling competition, and the book spawned a whole conversation about what they would each do to catch a pig. They thought the whole thing was so entertaining and they were cheering for Angela the whole way through it.
The book does a great job at teaching perseverance and how to stand up for yourself. It shows kids that it isn’t always those who shout the loudest who become the victor. I loved the messaging throughout this book and that, combined with how much my kids loved the book in general, made this one of my favourite reads so far this year. This is a book I would highly recommend.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Lisa Helmick

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I grabbed this because the title and the cute cover images drew my interest. Sadly upon opening I felt we were already mid story and I was unsure what was going on. I flipped back and forth thinking I missed the beginning but nope. So I was not a fan of that. The story being told is about being picked on and the aggression towards someone else and seems okay as well.

On the other hand, the images are adorable all throughout. The expressions on the characters faces are a nice addition. That portion was well done.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Cindy Mayberry

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Angela wants the pig, but so do other children. Including Bruce, he is a bully and is mean to Angela. However Angela is determined to get and win that little piggy. Will she catch the pig that has slipped through others hands? Or will Bruce scare her away and take the pig from her? This is such a cute story! The author enjoys writing children’s books and this is just an example of her talent. The story is easy to follow and the pictures do a great job as well. I recommend this story for all children and parents.

Review@cinful

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