Reviews for Children's Books by Joan M. Hellquist
Beyond the Stars: The Other Side, Through a Child's Eyes
Beyond the Stars: The Other Side, Through a Child's Eyes
Beyond the Stars: The Other Side, Through a Child's Eyes
"A child’s journey, through death and grief….This is a beautiful and comforting book for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. It presents scenarios for the many questions that arise. The pictures and narrative speak to the fears and mysteries that surround death. The author skillfully offers reassuring concepts about the after
"A child’s journey, through death and grief….This is a beautiful and comforting book for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. It presents scenarios for the many questions that arise. The pictures and narrative speak to the fears and mysteries that surround death. The author skillfully offers reassuring concepts about the afterlife of the lost one as well as the impact of death on the grievers. The soothing, sensitive tone and enchanting animals offer a gentle narrative about a very sensitive topic. It is a warm and charming story and highly recommended for grievers."
Dr. Joanne Jozefowski, author, The Phoenix Phenomenon, Rising from the Ashes of Grief.
Piki Goes Flying
Beyond the Stars: The Other Side, Through a Child's Eyes
Beyond the Stars: The Other Side, Through a Child's Eyes
"Narrated through the voice of Piki herself, the story highlights Piki’s questions and opinions, inviting readers to think about disability and service animal rules and regulations from a fresh new perspective. Piki is an engaging character brought to life through expressive, colorful illustrations. Readers will not only learn more about
"Narrated through the voice of Piki herself, the story highlights Piki’s questions and opinions, inviting readers to think about disability and service animal rules and regulations from a fresh new perspective. Piki is an engaging character brought to life through expressive, colorful illustrations. Readers will not only learn more about service animals and the rules that apply to them but will also see the world from an animal’s unique perspective."
Dr. Jen Harrison, The Children’s Book Review
Piki Goes to College
Beyond the Stars: The Other Side, Through a Child's Eyes
Piki Goes to College
"Piki Goes to College is both an endearing story and an important learning resource for children and adults alike.
It’s not always easy being a well-behaved dog. When there are other dogs to play with, crumbs under tables to investigate, and wide-open spaces to romp in, doing as you are told can feel very boring. Piki must learn this impo
"Piki Goes to College is both an endearing story and an important learning resource for children and adults alike.
It’s not always easy being a well-behaved dog. When there are other dogs to play with, crumbs under tables to investigate, and wide-open spaces to romp in, doing as you are told can feel very boring. Piki must learn this important skill, however, if she wants to earn her service vest. Together with her owner, Joan, Piki learns what it means to be a service dog and how to keep her boisterous nature under control when she is doing her job. She becomes an important support as well as a loveable scamp—all thanks to her special dog college!
Packed with information about service dogs, training, disability regulations, and animal behavior, Piki Goes to College can help readers understand that service dogs are much, much more than well-trained pets. Through the narrative and the resource-filled appendices, readers will learn how a service dog is trained and also how to behave around a service dog to help her do her job well. Beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations burst with movement and help bring Piki to life on the page.
Overall, Piki Goes to College is both enjoyable and instructive."
Dr. Jen Harrison, Midwest Book Review