The illustrations in this short book are incredibly beautiful! They will keep the attention of even the youngest of your children as you read to them about the adventure of going on a hike. The words capture the feeling and the beauty of the region. Of course the dog usually spots the unusual in this seemingly desolate place--and Grandma explains everything to the two youngsters.
This is a book that your children will want you to re read many times over. When they learn to read on their own--you may find them reading it for themselves and daydreaming about going on a hike in the Grand Mesa!
Join Coover, Conrad and their mighty dog, Clementine, as they explore one of the most unique landscapes in southern Colorado--the Grand Mesa! Their grandma takes them to the Dobies, a series of steep hills made from adobe clay that formed as the nearby volcanoes, now extinct, eroded. At first, Coover feels a little sad and lonely, but as he is introduced to the rich wildlife--from woodpeckers to toads, cattails and sunflowers--he feels stronger and more confident. As both boys tramp through their imaginative journey, the vivid history and beautiful scenery awaken them to a new world full of possibility and friendship. By the end of the day, everyone is happily exhausted and ready for the next adventure!
"Barbara Torke's ebullient paintings set a joyful mood as two adventurous boys and their valiant dog explore the ecology of the Colorado Dobies, an emotional landscape that at first seems barren and solitary, but, as the boys learn, is full of life. The story is about how imagination and companionship defeat loneliness, and the beautiful illustrations provide the rich texture of a vibrant journey of friends learning how to thrive."
--Sarah Treschl, Kurt Johnson award winning writer
"A fun and insightful adventure with vivid visual descriptions and language that engages and challenges readers--both young and old. The paintings leap off the pages and into your imagination. A poetic and visual treat!"
--Marisa Donnelly, author of Somewhere On A Highway
"Hiking the Grand Mesa comes to life in every sentence--brilliant images, constant movement and supportive interactions as the characters explore nature, enjoy each other's friendship and build upon shared imaginations. What a wonderful reading experience! You can share the adventure with everyone in your family, young and old!"
--Steve Staley, professor, author and grandfather
Be sure to check out the first in the series -- Ice Breaking: The Adventures of Clementine the Rescue Dog
From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com
Available to buy from...
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| Page from Hiking the Grand Mesa: A Clementine the Rescue Dog Story by Kyle Torke and Barbara Torke |
ALSO AVAILABLE
Ice Breaking: The Adventures of Clementine the Rescue Dog
Join Clementine on a Winter Adventure in the Great Outdoors!
Clementine and her two boys set out for adventure on a snowy morning, mittens and imaginations in tow, and discover, among the many wonders revealed during a day outside, the miracles of cascading ice falls, a warren of rabbits, and golden fish in a frozen pond. When they return home, their imaginations are warm as a fireside!
"Ice Breaking brims with lively, engaging illustrations. I love a children's book with real art. Many modern children's books take shortcuts, but Icebreaking is a book to keep on the coffee table to enjoy again and again."
-- Markee Travis, Delta County librarian and artist
"Clementine the Rescue Dog steals the show from the humans during their fun romp, and she shows them how to climb the snowy banks of their imaginations. They delight, and you will enjoy their marvelous adventure!""
-- Steve Rabey, author of Star Struck and other books
"I love the softness portrayed in the illustrations. Clementine is incredibly expressive. The simple escapades of the children are enchanting and full of joy. What a pleasure to immerse ourselves in their play!"
-- Carol McDermott, poet, teacher and school board member
"I am delighted to see Barbara Torke's humorous and expressive illustrations enhance the story of Clementine and her boys. The furry friends come alive in Barbara's creative hands: winter becomes welcoming and bright!"
-- Maryellen Miller, artist, gallery owner and writer
From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com
Available to buy from...
About the Authors
KYLE TORKE: An adventure with children returns the adults in their company to a state of innocent wonder, and the transformative power of an alien landscape that forces us to look, really look at what is around us is a great joy. Grand Mesa is just such an adventure. As a writer, Kyle Torke hopes the best detail, the clear image, and the precise sentence will keep our eyes open as we read and then as we wander outside to see the world again-fresh now. He has published in every major genre (most recently a book of nonfiction, Tanning Season, as well as the first Clementine Adventure: Icebreaking!) and has taught at colleges and universities for nearly twenty-five years. He lives in Colorado with his family (wife Sarah and college-age sons Conrad, Coover, and Hunter and two canine friends, Nut and Bean). We encourage everyone to adopt from a rescue shelter and spay-neuter all pets! Take lots of walks and explore the world with children and dogs, our best guides.
You can also follow the author here...
BARBARA TORKE: A painting is a new lens on the world, a vitalized way of seeing the truth of flowers or people. We find our true emotions in the bursts of color and images that surface from our dreams and our daily interactions. Barbara Torke has been painting since she was a child on a farm on Colorado's Front Range, the great prairies. She studied art and education in college and has a BA and an MA. She taught art at the elementary school level for many years and now is a master teacher of other artists. Barbara lives on the Western Slope of Colorado, at the foot of Grand Mesa with her partner, Dale, and a bushel of cats. She has four children and five grandchildren, along with a multitude of dog friends and grandpets. She loves animals, camping, reading, swimming, and writing. Barbara is best known for her whimsical watercolors and pastels of dogs and pickup trucks. Learn more about Barbara's art at www.BarbaraTorkeArt.com.
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12 comments :
I use a walker these days, so no hiking for me. Still, I'd love to see it. It sounds like an amazing spot.
I wish I could but I have a bad left knee. :(
Wouldn't be my cup of tea to hike it, but I'll look at it! :)
kdraebellamy(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to hike there but I would need a walking stick.
YES! I'd love it.
mia2009(at)comcast(dot)net
I have hiked it in the past. My sister lives close to there.
Thanks for the contest.
I think that I would really like hiking it.
I would love to hike it. I love exploring.
copied the wrong tweet today. should be: https://twitter.com/slehan/status/1264420503986401280
I would love to hike it!! My family loves to keep active!
I don't think I would like it.
I think it would be fun.
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