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Reviews of

"Hildegarde and the Great Green Shirt Factory"

 

When I presented Ravay Snow’s new book, “Hildegarde and the Great Green Shirt Factory,” to my four year old son, he took one look at the joyfully vibrant cover and exclaimed, “Wow, Daddy! This book is fancy!”

And so began our introduction to an unforgettable hero – Hildegarde the designing ewe. Hildegarde won our hearts with her irrepressible spirit, creative energy, and courage.

Ravay Snow’s lush watercolors pull you into Hildegarde’s world at the Great Green Shirt Factory. The paintings are more than mere illustrations. It’s Hildegarde’s acting that wins you over. When Hildegarde discovers her talent for designing clothes, her smile is infectious. When her by-the-book boss orders her to stick to the rules, Hildegarde’s sad eyes will break your heart. And when Hildegarde makes her courageous stand, you’ll want to stand up yourself and cheer. Ravay Snow has created a heroine that leaps off the page and into your life. You’re not reading a book, you’re meeting a friend.

You’ll want to take Hildegarde’s journey of individual creativity and personal courage again and again.

“Wow, Daddy! This book is fancy!”
-- Booker Johnson, age 4

—Tim Johnson, a director of animated films at DreamWorks Feature Animation in Hollywood, California. His films include “Antz” and “Sinbad.” Tim is currently directing “Over the Hedge.” He is the proud father of two boys, ages 4 and 2.

 

...When Arno is away, the sheep have a fashion show, and as they take the runway, their personalities become as bright as their costumes. Hildegarde is a wonderful, spirited ewe and a role model for all children.

Dear Reader Newsletter, Oxford, MS, March/April 2006

Written and illustrated by Ravay Snow, Hildegarde And The Great Green Shirt Factory is an amazing and mind-bending picture book about an extraordinarily creative sheep. Hildegarde works at the Great Green Shirt Factory, where every shirt is supposed to be exactly the same; but she longs to create something unique and individual. Hildegarde's dilemma is brought to life with striking, vividly colored artwork in this enjoyable parody of daily life's struggles against the doldrums.

The Midwest Book Review, April 2004

 

With determination, creativity and a little help from her friends, the little ewe triumphs in picture-book splendor.

—Jeannine Schaub, in the Boone County News-Republican, May 25, 2004

 

This lovely book full of vivid drawings and barnyard double entendre is accessible to young readers. Hildegarde uses the best in herself to realize her potential and carves a unique place in the world. "I'm not a ewe," she claims. "I'm a me."

Writer's Notes Magazine, Spring 2004

Sheep needn't just be sheep is the message of this amiably wacky and subversive book about the independent-minded Hildegarde. ... Illustrations full of color and verve suit the story very well.

Netsurfer Books, April 2004

Click here for the complete Netsurfer review!

 

Every kid could learn from Hildegarde

I recently had the opportunity to read a really great book...Hildegarde and the Great Green Shirt Factory by Ravay Snow is a spirited tale about a sheep who wants to be more than a number -- a stand out, spunky sort of sheep. It is a book to please both kids, their parents and aunts like me...

The book has left my cubicle and has found its way to my niece Tyra's bookshelf. I thought I'd ask Tyra for her take on the book... "I just really loved that book, Jessi," she said.

There we have it. Kid tested, aunt approved.

—Jessica Foster, The Forest Lake Times, March 24, 2004

 

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this book. It is a delightful tale that shows kids how individuality is the key to anything. This is a great book...I look forward to selling copies here at our store.

—Kristen, bookseller at Safe Harbor Books

 

In some ways, the book could be an introduction to the worker-bee ethic and the factory-line mentality. For this reason, even though it’s a picture book, older kids could certainly get more out of the story theme-wise, than traditional picture book readers might...For her first picture book Ravay Snow has created a cute and colorful story about individuality shining through conformity. The book is nicely made with colorful boards and end papers and is a credit to Snowbound Press.

—Shaun Moffit, on womenwriters.net, Summer, 2004

Click here to find the entire review at womenwriters.net!

 

Yesterday my daughter said that her teacher read Hildegarde to her class. I asked her if the other kids liked the book...She said "they all clapped and cheered and said "Thank you Kira! We loved that book!" So there you have it. Hildegarde received full approval from 21 second grade students + 2 teachers in Winston-Salem, NC!

Sharon Nelson, Bookseller, Borders

 

Hildegarde and the Great Green Shirt Factory is a great educational tool for parents, teachers and counselors to use when teaching students about perseverance, self-discipline and bullying.

—Browsing the Books with Sydney, The Chattooga Press, April 14, 2004

 

I just loved this book and that's without my granddaughter's opinion. I think it was just a great way to teach children to be themselves and not worry about what other people say, think, or do. The illustrations were wonderful and fit in very well with the story...The colors helped you focus on the page and the different designs of Hildegarde, not only embellished the story but also give children something interesting to look at and talk about. Most children will not understand the levity of the back of the dustcover but I did like the reviews given by Dolly, Laddie, and Professor Lamb.

—Paul Pessalano, Bookseller, Borders

My 3-3/4 year old daughter wanted me to read it as soon as I opened the envelope. I read it to her one time, and she insisted that I read it to her again immediately! And it's become one of her favorite books to be read to before bed! She really loves the book (and so do I!) It's a great story, and I love the fact that it celebrates creativity and individuality--and it is perfect for my very creative preschooler! I think that's one of the reasons why she loves it so much too! The artwork is fun and cute, and the story is well written--with a nice rhythm to the words. All in all, a great book!

—Christina Liu

 

Great picture book for "character" and individuality, being unique. I think great for 1st and 2nd grade teachers and parents.

—Darlene Clayton, Bookseller, Borders

The story is funny, with lots of small details that adults will appreciate as they read it out loud to their child... And the illustrations are colorful and bold, sure to appeal to the child in all of us... I recommend this book, both for its message of diversity and creativity and also just because it’s a fun read.

—Jessica Powers, on NewPages.Com

Click here to see the complete review at NewPages!

 

When Hildegarde jumps out of the box by creating some unique designs of her own, she causes quite a ruckus at the old shirt factory but ends up finding even more than a flair for fashion in herself.

—Deann McBride, in The Clear Creek Courant, February, 2004

Littleton author-illustrator Ravay Snow sets up a classic conflict between right and left-brained types, in a story that will encourage children to take a chance on creativity.

—Sonia Ellingboe, in The Littleton Independent, December, 2003

Don't be Sheepish, Buy this book!

I picked up a copy of this book by chance when I was in Denver. The attractive illustrations were the biggest reason, but the text more than equals the illustrations. Some childrens' books insult the intelligence of both child and adult, but this isn't on of them. Hildegarde is packed with jokes (like the counting sheep thing) that will appeal to both adults (at least those with a sense of humor) and children. Hildegarde is a great character for a child, and a good role model for adults too. I'd say she's plucky, but she's a sheep, not a chicken. Anyway, rather than stay in a dead-end job, Hildegarde dares to follow her dreams. I'd recommend this to everyone from 4 to 40!

—Jason Pierce, Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Amazon.com

As a second grade teacher I am constantly looking for books to read to the children that are fun, interesting, and even teach a lesson. Hildegarde and the Great Green Shirt Factory is one of these books. I especially like the theme of the book that shows you can do anything you want if you try...I highly recommend it for elementary children of all ages.

—Martha Fleming, teacher, Broomfield, Colorado

Very Fun! - Go Hildegarde!
Our son is 16 months old and we weren't sure whether the book would be too old for him. However, he was very engaged by the wonderful illustrations and when he's a bit older the message of the book will be perfect. It's a great story for kids of all ages.

—David from Denver, Colorado, on Amazon.com

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated children's books I've ever read. Bright and vibrant are two words I'd use to describe the book, in addition to the wonderful homage to creativity and individualism.

—Deborah S. Bachler, on Amazon.com

I love Hildegarde so much! The pictures and story are fabulous, the colors are great, the characters are fun, the outfits are beautiful -- it's just the best! It brought me back to my childhood of designing clothes for dolls and animals.

—Karen Burnett, writer, Lawton, Massachusetts

The kids absolutely love the book ... Emily is learning each word of each page and has told me that Toola is her favorite sheep! Hildegarde... has found a place in my heart and home forever! The message she gives is such a good one and so important to remember, not only as a growing child, but many adults can heed her advice as well!

—Melissa Farquhar, Denver, Colorado

The book is a treasure.

—Phyllis McGee, Sacramento, California

 


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