Books by Patty Sheehan
Kylie's Song
Everyone knows koalas shouldn’t sing!
Everyone, but Kylie, that is! Born with a song in her heart, she is deaf to the scorn of her fellow creatures. Then, one day, she learns to her great surprise that being different is not only hard, it can be dangerous as well.
But conformity does not bring contentment, so finally with the blessing of her mother, Kylie decides to pursue her dream. She receives guidance and encouragement from a dancing wallaby and a platypus who likes to drum. And, finally, studying with Willie Wagtail, she becomes the best singer she can be and earns the respect of those with whom she shares her forest.
Kylie’s Song demonstrates some beautiful truths: We are all unique, it is our differences that make us special and, when we develop our individual capacities, everyone comes out ahead.
Itoko Maeno provides the striking illustrations of the Australian flora and fauna that are themselves unique and unforgettable.
By Patty Sheehan and illustrated by Itoko Maeno
Kylie's Song, Advocacy Press 1988
Kylie's Concert
In Kylie's Song, a young koala with a dream discovered that "you can do most anything if you try." Kylie learned to sing, and her music brought joy to all her forest friends.
Now, in Kylie's Concert, it is time for Kylie to say goodbye to those friends – even her very best friend, Willy Wagtail. She must leave the security of her eucalyptus tree to follow the forest path and a new dream. On her journey, Kylie will meet some of the most unusual creatures of the Australian wilderness – among them the echidna, the tree kangaroo, and the tawny frogmouth. She will see the forest’s treasures and learn its secrets. And she will be warned of a terrible danger threatening the forest world.
In this new Kylie book, author Patty Sheehan and illustrator Itoko Maeno have once again created a world of magic and meaning. As children travel with Kylie through the enchanting Australian wilderness, they will learn about the importance of taking care of our natural world. And they will discover with Kylie that by nurturing their own dreams, they may make their greatest contributions to others.
By Patty Sheehan and illustrated by Itoko Maeno
Kylie's Concert, Marshe Media 1993
Shadow and the Ready Time
In this delightful myth, children learn from wolves, and wolf pack behavior, that there is a ready time for all life’s important events . . . especially becoming a parent. This beautifully illustrated story, set in Montana’s spectacular Glacier National Park, also sets aright generations of prejudice and superstition about the habits of wolves.
Children immediately identify with Shadow, an orphaned wolf pup, rescued by a park ranger and raised in captivity. Old Nanna Wolf teaches her to catch mice and live independently, however Shadow is lonely, misses her family, and dreams of having her own pups to play with. Released back into the wild, Shadow tries to join a wolf pack. The pack, however, will not accept her until she proves she can assume her pack responsibilities of caring for its pups and hunting for food. Most importantly, Shadow learns that it will not be the ready time to start her own family until she can provide and care for it.
Maureen L. Greeley, Executive Director, Wolf Haven International, said, “What better gift can we give our own children than this simple lesson of community, responsibility and respect.”
Jean Omelchuck, Education and Training Institute Director, InterMountain Planned Parenthood said, “It is truly a pleasure to see the awesome responsibility of being a parent presented in such a tasteful way.”
By Patty Sheehan and illustrated by Itoko Maeno
Shadow and the Ready Time, Advocacy Press 1994
Gwendolyn's Gifts
Queen Gwendolyn devises a plan to go into the town to learn the skills of the local artisans. When she returns to the castle, even the king is prompted to pursue his own interests.
Gwendolyn’s Gifts encourages young children to pursue their own special interests and talents. It helps to overcome stereotypes of all kinds and urges individual expression, regardless of race or sex. The story stresses the importance of finding personal fulfillment through the development of one’s unique blend of interests and abilities.
By Patty Sheehan and Illustrated by Claudia Bumgarner-Kirby
Gwendolyn's Gifts, Pelican Publishing Company 1991