REVIEWS OF PANSY & COMPANY
Lessons all children should learn...
In this book, Pansy narrates the story. She is a little brown poodle who lived in an animal shelter and feared she would never be adopted. But then that all changed when Avery came to the shelter. Avery took this wonderful little puppy home to the luxurious Palace Hotel in Beverly Hills and from there adventure abounds.
The character creation is so fabulous that we actually can see through the eyes of this puppy, Mr. Bijoux, Monsieur DuMal and of course Desiree the mean nature'd cat. What happens in this story I won't divulge but your children will absolutely fall in love with the little puppy and the antics of what happens in the hotel and the mystery that this young pup solves.
Children will also get to see that it doesn't matter how big or small you are, you can still make a huge difference in the lives of others. I feel that this is a lesson that ALL children should learn.
The graphics in the book are fabulous and will catch the eye of even the youngest reader. I highly recommend this book not only for the lesson but also the imagery.
I also must say that I applaud this author for bringing awareness to the Humane Society and local shelters. And I recommend that anyone searching for a pet please do visit them to get your next kitty or puppy, because there are many animals looking for that forever family just like Pansy.
Christina Condy, Recent Reads
This is a very sweet story that children will enjoy. Pansy and Avery are easy characters to fall in love with and cheer on. The illustrations are soft and charming and complement the story well. The storyline is not scary, but is still exciting so it is suitable for children of all ages. My children really enjoyed Pansy’s hotel mystery and have asked to read it several times. This is a cute book for the keeper shelf.
For Every Season
Pansy the poodle is the narrator of the book, and she begins her life humbly enough at an animal shelter. She is thankfully rescued by a little girl who takes her to the Beverly Hills Palace Hotel to live with her human family. Pansy enjoys the high life until she experiences an unfortunate run in with a bossy jealous cat named Desirée. Next, some jewels go missing and the search for the real thief begins (or thieves – no spoilers here!).
The book is written in the “Madeline”-type of vein with classic illustrations, water colored people seen on tall pages (the book is nicely over-sized) and brightly clothed characters who are the epitome of high class. Boys and girls will enjoy the mystery aspect of the book because it is written for children of any age to enjoy. Pansy is a modest dog with courage, ethics and high moral character (not a frilly, spoiled diva-type of a pet). Children will remember her tenacity, and it will no doubt become a retold children’s favorite for years and years to come.
Rating: ★★★★★
Poppy Johnson, Luxury Reading
RATING: 5
April, Book Addictions
The pen & ink and watercolor illustrations by Kim Weissenborn are outstanding. This is a large hard cover book at about 12 ¼” long and 9 ¼” wide. The detailed illustrations fill the page beautifully and the colors are bright and appealing.
I highly recommend this book and I think it would make a perfect gift book.
Linda, Book Visions
I enjoyed this read. the author immediately captured your attention with the hopeful animals that were awaiting love and a home at the Shelter. The story brings to light the love between hman and animals, and the devotion animals give to their owners. Although just a story, I believe it also brings home the point that our animals are aware of our emotions and situations that upset us. The fact that Pansy saved the day was perfect. Perhaps not too far fetched, as I myself have read many stories where animals have indeed 'saved the day.' The illustrations were wonderful, big, bold, bright and colorful. They definitely brought to life the story. I truly enjoyed looking at each one, gazing upon the faces of the people and the activities going on. Great job. The construction of the book is outstanding, well made and should endure many page turnings from the little one. All in all a wonderful book that I am pleased to recommend.
RATING: 5
Shirley Johnson
RATING: 5
Dawn
RATING: 5
Patricia Reid, BEST SELLERS WORLD.COM
RATING: 5
Lovely Reader
Athena L. Nagel
Pansy, who narrates the story, is a little brown poodle who lives in an animal shelter and fears she never will be adopted until the day that little Avery and her mother stop by and an instant rapport is developed between Avery and Pansy and they are off to their home. `Home' happens to be the luxurious Palace Hotel in Beverly Hills and Pansy is awed by the reception she receives form the waiters in the Tea Room, by Mr. Bijoux in the jewelry Boutique, by the rooms, the breakfast on the roof, the shopping, and even by the rather strange Monsieur DuMal and his hissing cat Desiree. But an incident strikes when it is discovered that the jewels of all the people who live in the Palace have been stolen. Pansy is curious and literally follows her nose to discover the perpetrator of the thefts. The thief and accomplice are revealed and Pansy is the little hero of the Palace.
Bardes writes very well, offering some wonderful subtleties in her language that are often mirrored in the excellent drawing and art of Weissenborn. The pages are large and on the finest of coated paper which enhances the color of the drawing and the highlights of the story. There is just enough of a hint of Kay Thompson's `Eloise' stories that will make the adult readers smile in fond memories of when they first discovered fine children's books. This one is a success! Let's hope there are more.
Grady Harp,
When jewelry is stolen from several guests, Pansy quickly picks up the trail of the thief. It’s up to this canine detective to locate the thief and save the hotel’s reputation.
Author Cynthia Bardes has created a delightful story with an irresistible canine protagonist in PANSY AT THE PALACE. This is an entertaining tale of friendship and mystery. The story moves quickly and will capture youngsters’ imagination. In addition, the story highlights the importance of adopting pets from humane societies and animal shelters.
This charming story is brought to life through the vivid and beautiful illustrations by Kim Weissenborn. The bold and colorful illustrations will mesmerize young readers as they join Pansy on the search for the missing jewelry. The glossy pages are high quality and durable for many hours of enjoyment at the hands of youngsters.
PANSY AT THE PALACE would make a delightful addition to any child’s library and a perfect gift for the holiday season.
Mason Canyon, Thoughts In Progress
The mystery is simple and easily solved; but hey, this is a book for young children. My granddaughters love it and ask to hear read over and over again. After reading the story, we got out a stuffed dog and cat and did a role play of the story. That was a lot of fun for them and spurred their imaginations to create variations of the plot.
I was both surprised and delighted with the superior quality of the book itself. The pages are extra thick, so reading it over and over again, as little ones like to do, will not wear it out.
High praise is due to illustrator Kim Weissenborn. The pictures enhance the story and imagination. Every page contains loads of detail to discuss with preschoolers as you read them the story. The animals are cute, the characters are engaging, and the colors are beautiful.
I love that Pansy is adopted from an animal shelter.
I have to disagree with reviewers who criticize the author for setting the story in a luxury hotel. Most Americans enjoy watching wealthy people and viewing luxury locations on TV. What’s wrong with portraying this side of society? It does exist, and it’s fun to make-believe. I find that children have no problem with this at all. The author herself lived in this hotel, and there is a photo of her with the actual Pansy on the dust cover.
Overall, this is a delightful children’s story, visually rich, that actually has a plot, resolution, and a good message about valuing pets.
Carolyn Warren, Book Pleasures
I enjoyed this read, the author immediately captured your attention with the hopeful animals that were awaiting love and a home at the Shelter. The story brings to light the love between human and animals, and the devotion animals give to their owners. Although just a story, I believe it also brings home the point that our animals are aware of our emotions and situations that upset us. The fact that Pansy saved the day was perfect. Perhaps not too far fetched, as I myself have read many stories where animals have indeed 'saved the day.' The illustrations were wonderful, big, bold, bright and colorful. They definitely brought to life the story. I truly enjoyed looking at each one, gazing up the faces of the people and the activities going on. Great job. The construction of the book is outstanding, well made and should endure many page turnings from the little one. All in all a wonderful book that I am pleased to recommend.
Shirley Priscilla Johnson, Midwest Book Review
Amanda Robinson, Mother
Cheyenne absolutely loved following along to find the clues. It was really easy for her to help figure out the mystery herself this way. She pulls out this book about every other day to read it since we received it in the mail. The artwork in this book is bright and delightful as well. I won't reveal the answer to the mystery to you, so be sure to check out Pansy in Paris: A Mystery at the Museum for yourself!"
Farrah, A Fulfilled Mommy Column
Pansy gets a letter from Paris asking for her help since she solved a jewelry heist in America, they want her to come to Paris, France and help find a thief who stole a very valuable painting. So, off they go on a grand adventure.
Do you remember when books and cartoons were so delightful and innocent? I sure do. I never really had to worry much about the hero or heroine because they were never in any real danger. It was so all make believe and we all knew it. But not in today's world! Which is why I love seeing books return to that innocent time. Children should remain children as long as possible.
I sometimes wish we didn't have iPhones and Tablets because it takes away from the beautifully written Children's books that are still fun to read if you get the right ones. If your child still enjoys reading delightful books where dogs can talk and help solve mysteries, then this is one that you will want to get for them to read! It brings back the magic of books, which is very rare indeed!"
Mary Bearden, Mary's Cup of Tea
The book itself is made to stand up to tis young fans. The sturdy hardcover features a full color drawing of Pansy herself, the Eiffel Tower looming in the background. There’s a removable book cover, adding an extra bit of protection from wear and tear, and the pages themselves are made of a nice, thick paper that should stand up well to young ones who like to “help” turn the pages.
Pansy in Paris is a cute little story about a tiny little dog with a great big heart. Pansy doesn’t let her small size or sad beginnings hold her back, and her determination to solve the crime gives kids a nice bit of confidence that they too can do anything they set their minds to. Colorful puppy-filled illustrations appeal to kids, and sturdy construction ensures it’s a book they can enjoy for years to come.
Game Fiends
In Paris, Inspector Claude takes the pair to the museum so they can see just what is going on. Between the Henri Muttese and Leonardo DogVinci paintings is an empty wall; a spot where there once hung a valuable painting. The only clue, explains Claude, is a bacon-flavored dog biscuit. Will Pansy and Avery be able to solve the mystery of the missing painting?
Pansy in Paris is a sweet story of not just a mystery, but of the love between a young girl and her beloved dog. They work together to solve a fun mystery, one that will engage children as they watch, and try to help, Pansy put the clues together. To add to the fun, as the duo go about solving the crime, there are a few pages of the lovely sights around the City of Lights. The story has a happy ending, one where love is stressed above all else. The illustrations are bright and cheerful, a perfect fit for the story. In short, Pansy in Paris is a winner!
Quill says: Will Pansy save the day? Readers will want to help the adorable little dog as she sniffs out clues to the great Paris museum mystery.
A Feathered Quill Book Reviews
Riki Frahmann, Mystic Living Today
Idea #1: BOOKS
First off, just out this month is Cynthia Bardes latest children’s book, Pansy in Paris: A Mystery at the Museum
My kids (boy 3, girl 6) thoroughly enjoyed this book and asked me to read it again when it was over. It really is a cute story with delightful artwork. This is definitely one children’s book worth checking out. There are more books in the “Pansy” series as well that we can’t wait to read. Visit www.cynthiabardes.com or click here to read more about the author and her dog Pansy (a real-life poodle!).
Sarah Jean, The Fashionable Housewife
A new addition to her series is Cynthia Bardes’ Pansy in Paris: A Mystery at the Museum ($18.95, Octobre Press), illustrated by Virginia Best. Her previous book was “Pansy at the Palace: A Beverly Hills Mystery.” In this one Pansy, a poodle and Avery, a little girl who adopted her, solve who is stealing paintings with a story that will surely entertain those to whom it is read or old enough to read it for themselves. It is told from Pansy’s point of view and this large format book with full page artwork is just delightful.
Alan Caruba, Alan Caruba Reviews
Pansy and Avery even have the time to take in the sights in Paris, while solving the mystery. My daughter loves dogs, and we have a shelter dog of our own. Pansy is intelligent and quick-witted. My daughter loves animals and it was great seeing her react to the pictures and listening to the story. There is conflict, an adorable dog, and tourist sights in the book, but there’s also a museum full of doggie portraits and famous doggie artists. Pansy in Paris: A Mystery in the Museum by Cynthia Bardes, illustrated by Virginia Best, is adorable and fun, but there’s a little too much text for my little reader, but it does make a good book to read together.
Serena, Savvy Verse & Wit
Well, Paris of course!
Since Pansy and Avery were able to solve the mystery at the Palace Hotel, Inspector Claude writes to the dynamic duo, asking them to come to Paris to solve the mystery of the missing paintings!
Will Pansy and Avery find the thief? Will they solve the mystery? Will they help Inspector Claude? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out! But here’s what you should know – Pansy in Paris is a delightful tale of friendship, fun, and teamwork. The positive message will be an asset to the education of any child who is lucky enough to get their hands on a copy, and the vibrant illustrations are sure to spark every readers imagination!
I was thrilled when the publishers of this title gifted The Write Teacher(s) with a copy of this literary treasure, and so, we’re spreading the love.
Megan, The Write Teacher(s)
Leslie McGuirk, world-renowned children's book author
Anne Perry, NYT bestselling mystery author