Andy Allen

In STORMIN NORMAN: THE BARK IN THE PARK, Allen takes on the issue of bullying by telling it through dogs at the dog park. Each of the dogs at the park is expertly created with unique personalities. Their character is perfectly matched to their specific breed and the illustrations will tell the story as much as the words do. All the dogs are having a blast at the park. After a little playtime, it’s time for the dogs to get a drink. Frank, the bully dog, won't let anyone else in for a drink and does some mean things to the other dogs. Norman decides to teach Frank a lesson. You’ll have to read to find out if Frank becomes a friendly dog or continues his bullying ways.
Like Allen’s first book, this one also uses a rhyming scheme. Even though this can make it a bit more challenging to write, it helps those early readers identify words when they know the last word in the sentence is going to rhyme.… (mehr)

I met author, Andy Allen at author event I attended a few weeks ago. We had a great chat and I really love his fabulous children's book.

Andy Allen wrote this book after his experience with his own dog during the Flood of 2008 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The floods were devastating to that city as well as many other towns in Iowa. He has taken this experience with his own dog and made it into a wonderful children's book that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

On the first sunny day after many days of rain, Andy and Norm went out for a walk. Their walk along the trail took them near a stream that was abnormally high after all the rain. Norm spied a stick in the water. Like any normal dog would, Norm went after the stick and ended up in the stream. Will Andy be able to save him?

This story shows the love between an owner and his pet. It shows how a normal day can turn into something quite unexpected. Most of all, it teaches a lesson about the danger of high waters. After reading it with your child, you can have a conversation about how important it is to stay away from flooded water.

Each page is written in rhyming scheme and makes it fun and lyrical. But, what I really love about the book is the illustrations. In my conversation with the author, he shared his pride in the pictures and how they depict the true feelings of Andy and Norm, as well as the beautiful Iowa landscape. Even the fish in the stream have expressions.

I am looking forward to more adventures with Andy and Norm in the future!… (mehr)

A young boy sits down by his dad one sunny day and listens to a tale about a boy named Andy and his dog Norm. Andy and Norm went for a walk after the flood of 2008 in the Hawkeye state. Norm being the happy dog he was couldn't resist exploring near a stream. Norm found a floating stick and nibbled at it. He tugged at it and yanked it. But, to Norms surprise the log is bigger than he thought. Ultimately, Norm is pulled into the water and his adventure begins. Unable to swim, Andy soon jumps in. The high rushing water carries the two down the stream. What will happen to Norm and Andy? Will these adventurers ever make it to dry land? You'll have to read it to find out.

Stormin Norman is a wonderful story for kids. The funny rhyming tale will roll off of a child's tongue and fill his day with joy. Brightly colored illustrations bring to the life the adventure of Norm and Andy. Any pet lover will get a kick out of this very curious pup. What's even better is the story is based off of a true even that took place in Iowa in 2008. Allen shows kids friendship in the face of danger. In the flood many homes were destroyed and lives were changed forever. Parents and teachers can utilize this story to open dialogue about weather, floods and how communities are affected by these drastic changes in climate.… (mehr)