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Thanks to two unexpected visitors, Wally learns the value of empathy, friendship, & staying true to oneself. A wonderful story for kids 4-8.
A Tail Tale - a children's picture book for ages 4-8
Will Wally be able to make friends in his new school?
When Wally’s new classmates aren’t so nice, he thinks maybe he doesn’t want to fit in with them after all. One day after school, he meets the Tailor, a magical figure who creates tails for the animals. As Wally tries on different tails, he also meets the Snake (who is all tail and gets bullied too). The Snake gives Wally a new perspective on friendship.
This whimsical story shows us that everyone has something to offer—and that often, empathy is the best cure for unkindness.
Do you find it hard to make friends? Have you ever found it challenging to "fit in"? Has anyone excluded you from a party, game, etc., which made you sad? Have you seen others being treated poorly and regretted not stepping in? Or you did, and that created a new friendship or made the other person's day a little brighter. However you answered those questions, Wally's story will hit home for many readers.
All Wally wanted was a friend, to feel like they belonged. He was pushed around on the playground and never picked to play on a soccer team. No one wanted to sit next to him on the school bus either. He didn't like school and wondered if he ever would. Alone, under a tree, Wally longed to be different. Then poof, like magic, a stranger appears wearing a funny hat and an oversized coat adorned with furs and feathers. His outfit was odd but cute! The mysterious, magical man was the Tailor, who specialized in making tails for animals and offered to make a tail for Wally. Just as quickly as the Tailor appeared, Snake slithered on the scene, hissing to Wally that he should not take Tailor up on his offer. It was Tailor's fault that he was all tail. As the story progresses, Tailor explains why Snake looks the way he does. We also watch as Wally is fitted with THREE tails and discover which tail is off the market.
Wally and Snake's paths cross because each is unhappy with their appearance; they believe nobody likes them and are sad. Snake didn't want people running away from him. He didn't want them to try to hurt him anymore. He wanted a friend like Wally, and that's what he got! And thanks to Snake, Wally soon made friends at school, too!
A Tail Tale is a children's picture book for ages 4-8 that serves as a gentle reminder to be kind to one another, show empathy, never purposely exclude anyone from playtime, never laugh at someone who looks different than you, and never change who you are or how you look to fit in. Be true to yourself. Love yourself!
There were two pages with fuzzy-looking script. It appeared identical words were stacked on each other, giving an out-of-focus presentation. I wasn't a fan of the snake's bulbous head; however, I was amazed that the artist packed so much emotion into the reptile's face. If you've never seen a snake smile, cry, or brush a tear away with their forked tongue, you will soon enough!
I recommend adding A Tail Tale to your family or school's reading list!
(Special note: "Snake" and "Tailor" were capitalized to stay true to their presentation in the story.)
Reviewed by
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Synopsis
A Tail Tale - a children's picture book for ages 4-8
Will Wally be able to make friends in his new school?
When Wally’s new classmates aren’t so nice, he thinks maybe he doesn’t want to fit in with them after all. One day after school, he meets the Tailor, a magical figure who creates tails for the animals. As Wally tries on different tails, he also meets the Snake (who is all tail and gets bullied too). The Snake gives Wally a new perspective on friendship.
This whimsical story shows us that everyone has something to offer—and that often, empathy is the best cure for unkindness.
About the author
Christine Kessides first imagined "A Tail Tale" when she was a student, but didn’t publish it until her first grandson arrived—who, coincidentally, looks like Wally. Christine has also published "Magda, Standing", an award-winning Young Adult historical novel. She lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland. view profile
Published on January 07, 2025
Published by Atmosphere Press
0-1000 words
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
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