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The Fruitful Orchard Children's Book Series by Wendy Hilberman

The Fussy Finch by Wendy Hilberman
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Owen and the Dropsies Cover

Meet the animals of The Fruitful Orchard Children's Book Series: Francine the Fussy Finch, Owen the Owl, Calvin the Coyote, and more. Stories about animals, friendship, family, adventures, emotions, overcoming fears, and building self-esteem. Yodeling Coyote Publishing, LLC.

A little bit about me

Wendy

Wendy is an Oregon native and a proud alumnus of the University of Oregon. Go Ducks! Wendy’s stories are inspired by the vibrant life of her family’s working orchard, including the many animals that call their Northern California orchard home. Wendy weaves characters that tell stories of personal struggles, building self-esteem, friendships, and adventures. She treasures her time with her husband, two adult children, and a brood of fur kids.

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                          Reader's Favorite Review-5 Star 

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It’s okay to be fussy. In Wendy Hilberman’s The Fussy Finch, Francine is a fussy finch who loves to bathe, eat choice treats from the feeder, enjoy feather-soft bedding in her nest, sing the brightest, and fly to put on a show. Her mother tries to teach Francine that being the best at everything isn’t really necessary. But Francine knows it’s best for her. Being fussy about little things defines who Francine is and she’s not ashamed. She realizes, as we all should, that we are unique individuals and we need to accept each other for our unique qualities, like being fussy.

Wendy Hilberman’s picture book, The Fussy Finch, is sweet and endearing. The language is simple to help young readers follow along and improve their reading skills. The author also includes many adjectives to describe each fussy notion, like scratchy or soft and cozy, when describing her nest preferences, or flashy words to describe her flying prowess, like “dips, twists, and dives.” The plot follows Francine as she goes through her many rituals and then the author ties things up at the end, summarizing all her fussy qualities. The illustrations are bright, bold, colorful, and full of life and energy. Overall, a beautiful story that will warm the hearts of young readers and help them learn to be accepting, not just of themselves, but of those around them, too. After all, Francine is a prime example of what it means to show individuality.

Amazon Customer, Texas

I bought this book for my 11 and 6 year old boys. My 11 year olds feedback was that it “Teaches you that it’s ok to be the person that you are and to not try to be someone else. Be unique!” My 6 year old said the fussy finch reminds him of someone… himself :) We loved the storyline and the beautiful illustrations. We can’t wait for the next book in the series!!

Barnes & Noble Customer, CA

This book was a hit in my classroom with both students and adults alike! It sparked a great conversation about valuing our own uniqueness and stretching for a flexible brain. Beautiful illustrations! Can't wait for the next book in the author's series.
 

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Amazon Customer, US

Loved the book! It is a gentle story about being OK with yourself! The illustrations are beautiful. I'm excited to read the next story in the series.!

Amazon Customer, US

What a beautiful story to help kids ( and their parents) embrace every part of themselves as just right. Francine the Finch owns her “fussiness” and can help kids build confidence in speaking their truth about what they need in order to feel safe, comfortable and happy. Ms. Hilberman reminds us that we don’t all have to be the same or act the same. The illustrations are whimsical and will keep kids engaged in the story. I can’t wait to share this sweet book with all of the “fussy finches” I know!

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
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