Saving Samantha: A True Story

Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen and Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen (along with Gijsbert's "Legend of" partner Kathy-Jo Wargin) have entered my picture book authors/illustrators Hall of Fame. With the great "Legend of" and animal adoption books they join such luminaries as Barbara Helen Berger, Tomie de Paola, Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, and, the Grand Master--Dr. Seuss. The continuing quality of the Frankenhuyzen's and Mrs. Wargin's work stands up well against any of the other people currently in the hall. Saving Samantha is the story of Robbyn's rehabilitation of Samantha, a wounded vixen. Told in journal form, the book is about Sam's sojourn with the Frankenhuyzen family and of her return to the wild. I found the book to be moving and informative. As I have increasingly come to expect, Gijsbert's illustrations are excellent. My favorite is the one of Myles sleeping next to the cage. I give Saving Samantha my heartfelt recommendation.

Saving Samantha is one of Sleeping Bear Press's best books to date. Nick and Robbyn have produced a spectacular and heart warming picture book in their latest joint endeavor. Saving Samantha tells their family's journey in nursing a fox kit back to health while the fox slowly reintroduces herself back into the wild. This is a wonderful book to share with your children. It will help show children how wild animals should be treated with care and respect. It is a nature lover's ideal book! This is a book that both adults and children will enjoy. The journalization is so honest (and humorsome at times- poor Igor) while the illustrations help show you how time passes by while Sam heals. It is simply a marvelous, enjoyable book! My personal favorite part was the relationship that Sam, the fox pup, develops with Myles, the family dog. It just goes to show that even though an animal may be of a different breed, that they can all live together and be friends. This is my new must read for all of my bookstore customers!