Prince Joey Clamchops was the smallest sea otter pup in the kingdom of Kelpdom. He was exceptionally gifted and smart, but his classmates treated him differently. Thinking he was incapable simply because of his size, they never got to know who he really was.
This delightful tale invites the reader to a magical land to experience Joey's journey of growth and development as he learns not to limit his dreams because he is different than the other sea otter pups.
Sharing the message that you are capable of whatever you set your mind to achieve, readers can see the transformation as the main character learns the value of self-confidence and being grateful for who he is - exactly the way he is.
This story communicates the importance of self-acceptance, with an underlying theme of how sometimes we unknowingly judge others by what we think we know about them, rather than who they truly are on the inside.
Using a more challenging vocabulary and sentence structure, this early reader is a pleasant introduction to a chapter book for a 2nd- 4th grade child having perhaps a slightly advanced reading level. Also, it is an entertaining narrative for adult directed reading with junior audiences.
Russ, J. K.: - "Born and raised in Northern California surrounded by livestock and agriculture, Janice enjoyed small town living. Growing up, stories about animals captivated her. She remembers fondly sitting in a rocking chair reading with her mom and brother "The Tale of Tom Kitten" by Beatrix Potter. (She admits to this day, neither she nor her brother can remain still while sitting. "That reassuring rocking motion while reading those first books was to influence our behavior forever more," she fondly recalls.) As a young adult she grew passionate in her belief that children should always have confidence in their own self-worth. She penned "How Joey Became King," her first book, to remind readers that what makes them different from others need not limit their dreams, but may help them achieve their dreams. And if her book also reveals to her readers why it is unwise to "judge a book by its cover" - well, that would be an added bonus."
Tuber, Tiny: - "Known by her artist's pseudonym, Tiny, this Austrian-born illustrator grew up in the countryside with her parents and younger sister. From those early years, the wonders of nature inspired her creativity and made her happy. How Joey Became King is her first children's book. She was attracted to the project because of its theme - "you can't judge a book, or a person, by appearances." And she knows firsthand that being different can also have its advantages. Her soft, friendly illustrations bring the magical world of Kelpdom and its gentle creatures into sharp focus for kids of all ages. Developing her artistic skills as a child helped her to overcome her own challenges. At age 10 she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and continues to speak and educate others today about living creatively and productively with this condition."
