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Awards:
1) Winner in the 2010 Benjamin Franklin Awards in the category of The Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book (Children's/Young Adult).
2) Winner of the The US Review of Books: The Eric Hoffer Award for 2010 in the Children’s Book category!
3) Bronze medalist in the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards for Children's Picture Book (7 and under)
4) Gold Recipient in the Mom's Choice Awards®
5) iParenting Media Award Winner
6) Three Young Voices Foundation Awards - Gold in the Nature Category, Silver in Picture Books & Silver in Animals/Pets
7) Winner of the Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, Children’s Category
8) Winner of the NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Fall 2010
9) Winner in Learning® Magazine 2011 Teachers’ ChoiceSM for Children’s Books Award
10) Winner of the Readers Favorite Self-Published Book Awards, Children’s Category
11) Bronze Medalist in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Best First Book
12) Finalist in Best Books 2010 Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction category
13) First Place in Purple Dragonfly Book Award in Animal Pets
14) Award-Winning Finalist in the 2011 International Book Awards - Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction
15) Winner of the Parent to Parent Life Buzz Award
Also named to the 2010-2011 Keystone to Reading Book Award List for primary grades
Reviews:
"...Kathy M. Miller has authored and photographed a sequel to her first book about Chippy Chipmunk which garnered 15 national book awards. The new title is filled with more than 80 photos of the first days of chipmunks out of the burrow. Children 4 and older will enjoy this story of four chipmunks as they encounter birds, butterflies, rabbits, and even the resident cat!"
Alan Caruba, Bookviews
"...Chippy is back and now he's a father! Watch Chippy and his babies as they explore the garden and learn about their world. With characteristically beautiful photos, Kathy Miller's new book is sure to captivate young and older readers alike. "
Amy Barseghian, From One Mommy to Another
"...The pictures along with the story really capture the chipmunks and there curiosity in there new world. You see them explore the garden like never before. I had lots of favorite pics, but one of my favorite's is when Roosevelt makes friends with a fake rabbit
– Robin Malo, everydayproductsandmore.blogspot.com
"...Her second book -- Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden -- was inspired by the birth in her yard of four chipmunk babies to Lily and Chippy, the star of the previous book. Kathy's phenomenal photographs grace the lovely picture book, and help to tell the story of how the babies grow up
Teri Flatley, BoomThis!C
"...I cannot tell you how much I love this book. It is beyond cute. My kids love it too, but I love it more. This book offers the rare glimpse into the real lives of baby chipmunks during the first days out of the burrow. There are over 80 photographs in this short book, and there isn't a person who love this. Best of all, you will learn a few things...Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden is a must-get book for any age. Easy enough to read for my 7 year old, and the pictures are engaging enough to keep the attention of my 4 year old."
Lisa Martin, LisaReviews.com
"...The story itself is educational and so humorous as readers continue the adventures of Chippy, the resident chipmunk. This time readers meet his four (super stinkin' cute) baby chipmunks as they explore and learn about the world around them. Their delight and wonder over butterflies, rabbits, and even their fellow neighbor cat is so fun to see in the photographs. Mr. C and Princess A laugh every time they read this book!"
Amy Barseghian, From One Mommy to Another
"...Beautiful photographs through out the book. Rated 5 of 5."
Kimberly B. (Mom) and Madaline (Child), Mommy Review Board, Fredericksburg Paren
"...Kathy M. Miller has written a informative and humorous story about Chippy the chipmunk who lives in her garden...I recommend this book to all nature loving readers. It will captivate your young naturalist."
Chris, dadofdivas.blogspot.co
"...Kathy Miller's delightful sequel features spectacular photographs capturing the behavior of backyard animals. Her charming story of Chippy Chipmunk and his babies is a wonderful way to show children (and adults!) that they don't have to travel far to enjoy the many wonders of nature."
Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick, authors of children book classic Stranger in the Woods and many others
"...Here I'm celebrating some recently published books that strike out into unexplored (relatively) territory...Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden is a rollicking, nature story that amuses and entertains while it teaches children about the adorable Eastern Chipmunk. The photographs capture expressions and actions that would not be possible to see in casual observation. When I saw the photo of Chippy washing behind his ears, I laughed out loud.
Fran Hawk, The Post and Courier. Charleston, SC
"...This charming book invites readers into the daily life of a feisty chipmunk and the busy world of the backyard garden he calls home.... The antics of this little chipmunk and the beautiful nature photography will appeal to readers of all ages. Highly recommended."
Lyda Whiting, Awareness Magazine
"Although chipmunks in the garden are sometimes exasperating, they're undeniably cute. An award-winning children's book, Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden, features darling photos of a chipmunk in action.
Author Kathy M. Miller spent two years studying and photographing Chippy in her garden, capturing images that demonstrate Chippy's boundless energy and glossy eyes."
Jan Riggenbach, syndicated garden column
"...Ever been to a peanut party? Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden brings all that fun to readers...Not only is this book suitable for classroom use, it is a wonderful book for family sharing."
Dee Ann Ray - Books are My Bag column, Weatherford (OK) Daily News, Weekender and Elk City Daily News
"...Author Kathy M. Miller spent two years studying and photographing Chippy in her garden, capturing images that demonstrate Chippy's boundless energy and glossy eyes."
Jan Riggenbach - syndicated garden column
"...Chipmunks are SO cute. The author has put together these very clear and detailed photographs with text that matches. It's a fun way to see how chipmunks live but also introduces some great vocabulary words such as vibration, bounded, drainage, foraging, scrumptious, vigorously and more. The inside of the back cover contains some point form chipmunk trivia. Great picture book for ages 4-8."
SMS Book Reviews
"This has to be one of the cutest books I've ever seen. Since the chipmunk is an animal they see in Illinois all the time, the kids are pretty familiar with it. However, they never got to go on an adventure with one before. They loved the story and actually asked if he goes on more adventures! Cute story, awesome pictures. . .What more could you want? Definitely check out Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden. You won't be disappointed."
Rita Hoots, Sacramento Book Review
"Using 86 full colored photos of these chipper, cheeky, creatures, she knits together a natural story of how Chippy chipmunk behaves and interacts with plants and animals in her backyard....The pictures are amazing and highlight the descriptions of how a chipmunk interacts with its surroundings. To complete this wonderful photographic sojourn with the familiar chipmunk, the book adds factual details....The photos and descriptions create a delightful narrative and introduction to nature study."
Lisa Martin, LisaReviews.com
"Chippy Chipmunk: Parties in the Garden is a sweet book by Kathy Miller for grades K-6. The photography is just amazing....She spent two years photographing Chippy in her garden. So this book is a nature lesson and a fun read as well."
Jacque Hillman, editor for JacksonTN.MomsLikeMe.com and The Jackson Sun
"The book has won six awards and is one of 12 books named to the
2010-2011 state Keystone to Reading Book Award List for primary
grades.
In the book, Miller illustrates in intimate detail the daily
activities of an Eastern chipmunk from gathering leaves for a nest to
storing seeds in his cheek pouches. He even has encounters with other
wildlife, including a squirrel, a turtle and a flicker....
Parkland Library youth librarian Karen Maurer says the book is both
visually stunning and educational.
'Kathy's book is filled with crisp, beautiful photos that give
children and parents insight into the creatures that live in our
backyards,' she says. 'She is full of information about the animals in
her book.'
Miller also hopes that her book will entice children to get outside
and explore nature...."
Kathy Lauer-Williams, The Morning Call, Allentown, PA
"Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden by Kathy M. Miller is a delightful book based on photographs taken by the author as a Chipmunk went about her own garden. Bluebirds, cardinals, a cottontail rabbit, a squirrel, a couple of turtles become participants in the little drama that takes place before the author's camera. Your child will follow with curiosity the events in the life of this intrepid chipmunk whether it is looking for food or staying alert for signs of predators. She will identify with its fears and anxieties and enjoy seeing how it solves the little problems of its life successfully. The author captures originally the wonderment of the natural realm and the photographs are both intriguing and remarkable in their ability to follow the chipmunk through his ordeal."
Patricia Wersinger, Metro Mama, Metro Baby
"The Mom's Choice Awards® has named Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden by Kathy Miller among the best in family-friendly media, products and services. It received the Gold Award for Children's Picture Books."
MomsChoiceAwards.com
"He may not be Alvin, Simon or Theodore, but kids are likely to get a kick out Chippy Chipmunk's escapades.
The adorable rodent is the feature of Nepean native Kathy Miller's first children's book, Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden....Miller is a teacher and plans to use her book as a way to teach nature workshop to eager minds -young and old alike."
Jennifer McIntosh, YourOttawaRegion.com
"When Kathy Miller first noticed the camera-loving chipmunk that frequented her backyard garden, she couldn't help but go nuts over his antics.
Hundreds of photos later, Chippy the chipmunk is the starring character in the Ottawa native's first children's book, Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden.
The picture book -which is the winner of three U.S. national book awards, including a 2010 Benjamin Franklin Award for Best First Book -details a day in the life of Chippy, with an easy-to-read storyline and 86 beautiful colour photos by Miller...."
Jennifer Pagliaro, The Ottawa Citizen
"...is a fabulous photo-essay about a little Eastern Chipmunk named Chippy who lives in the author's garden. Written to appeal to children age 4 and up and "the young at heart", Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden is both informative and entertaining."
The Midwest Book Review
"Wildlife photographer and author Kathy M. Miller spent two years photographing chipmunks in her garden. Using 86 full colored photos of these chipper, cheeky, creatures, she knits together a natural story of how Chippy chipmunk behaves and interacts with plants and animals in her backyard. There are bluebirds and cardinals along with a dandelion-snacking cottontail rabbit in the trees and bushes that Chippy scampers amongst. Flowers, rocks, and all sorts of plants invite this chipmunk to search for nuts, seeds or berries to fill its mouth and swell its cheek pouches. Always watchful for predators, Chippy spies a box turtle and joins a chickadee, woodpecker, nuthatch, and blue jay in a peanut party at the bird feeder. Suddenly, a red-tailed hawk spots our Chippy, who runs and escapes. Chippy stacks his bounty in his burrow and is now ready to party. The pictures are amazing and highlight the descriptions of how a chipmunk interacts with its surroundings. To complete this wonderful photographic sojourn with the familiar chipmunk, the book adds factual details. Did you know that a chipmunk's cheek pouch can hold 6 acorns or over 30 sunflower seeds and that they love to dig? The photos and descriptions create a delightful narrative and introduction to nature study."
Rita Hoots, Sacramento Book Review
"For two years Kathy M. Miller photographed her garden companion, Chippy Chipmunk, recording all of his antics....she demonstrates that if you set your lens properly, you can capture some delightful images. Youngsters 4 and up will really enjoy this special book."
Clark Isaacs, The Kingman Daily Miner, AZ
"Kathy's garden with her feathered friends and all its critters is a garden of many delights. It is why so many of us treasure our own gardens and woodlots. Children will be amused and charmed by the antics of this curious little chipmunk."
Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick, authors of children's classic Stranger in the Woods
"Photos by Kathy M. Miller, plus text, comprise Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden. It will delight any child age four and up...Frequent backyard visitors, a whole new appreciation for these frisky creatures will be acquired and the 86 photos are a treat. "
Alan Caruba, Bookviews
"Chipmunks have a dual reputation. Some people find them adorable in their scampering ways, while others consider chipmunks a nuisance as they raid bird feeders and dig in gardens. In this photographical following of an eastern chipmunk known as Chippy, all these traits and more are exhibited.
Author Miller photographed Chippy for over two years in her own backyard -- with the results being amazingly delightful and captivating images of the animal sniffing flowers, munching on peanuts and drinking from a birdbath. More than just a photo album of Chippy, the book's text offers fun scientific facts about nature, plants and other little creatures that wander around.
Miller's book is a popular addition to elementary school classrooms, and she hopes the vividly photographed tale inspires children to spend time outdoors exploring nature. This chipmunk is certainly one of the cutest real animals photographed for a children's book."
Lee Littlewood
"One of only 12 books named to the 2010-2011 Keystone to Reading Book Award List for Primary Grades, this book will be read by students in Grades K-6 across the state of Pennsylvania during the 2010-2011 school year."
"This is a delightful book of nature photographs and text that will please all ages -- and is a perfect gift for children. Kathy is a superb nature photographer with a good eye, and the patience to sit for hours with a camera in her hand, waiting for the perfect moment! She has captured the life of a little chipmunk who inhabits her garden, and the other creatures that wander by. The story teaches and delights."
Penny Rhodes, posted at amazon.com
"The photos are wonderful. The text gives interesting tidbits of info in a fun way. After getting this book for my granddaughter, I ordered another copy for another child in our extended family."
Mary L. Coombs, posted at amazon.com
"I got this book because my grandson watches the chipmunk that comes to the bird feeder every morning. The book is very good and he loves it. He is a 3 year old. I recommend this book to all."
luvs books country, Upstate, NY, posted at amazon.com
"This is a great book. We have a chipmunk that lives outside of our house and our son named it Chippy (before we saw the book). He was so excited to see it."
Chris P. Thompson, posted at amazon.com
"This story is based on the delightful antics of the author's resident chipmunk in her garden. It gives the reader a close-up view of the chipmunk, birds and other wildlife and provides interesting expressions not available to the naked eye. Reading level is age 6-10 but the amazing photography appeals to all ages."
BirdsInMyYard.com
"Does your kid like chipmunks? Like seeing them doing adorable things like stuffing their little cheeks and washing their faces? Then he or she will get a real kick out of the picture book Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden. Kathy M. Miller, the book's author and a professional photographer, spent two years taking pictures of a chipmunk who visited her yard. Her dedication paid off in some Cute Overload-worthy photographs....Chippy sniffs flowers, drinks from a birdbath, and munches on a peanut. Recommended for four to eight-year-olds, especially the animal-loving crowd."
ChickenSpaghetti.typepad.com
"This story is based on delightful photographs of a chip-munk's antics as he explores a garden. Few can resist Chippy's impish charm."
jjcardinal.com
"Kathy Miller's enthusiasm was contagious as she captivated my students. The integration of Visual Arts, Language Arts, Science and Geography solidified her presentation as one of the best that Bethel Elementary has experienced."
Melissa Buchanan
Media Specialist, Bethel Elementary School, Midland, NC
"My students talked about Chippy Chipmunk for days after Kathy Miller's program. It was like an indoor field trip!"
Missy Sarra
Librarian, Corpus Christi School, Wilmington, DE
"Chippy chipmunk is a beautiful book for nature
lovers
of all ages!
It offers a fun, real-life glimpse of a common forest animal."
Laurie Goodrich
Senior Monitoring Biologist, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
"With humor and a bit of real-life danger, wildlife photographer Kathy Miller shows a day in the life of a chipmunk. This is a charming introduction to a common species for even the youngest of readers and includes interesting scientific facts on the end pages. A must-have for libraries and nature classrooms, a fine addition to a child's home bookshelf, and a primer for wildlife photographers of all ages."
Lanny Parks
The Compleat Bookseller
"Kathy Miller's Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden, richly illustrated with 86 photographs will delight readers of all ages as it depicts the frantic lifestyle of one of America's favorite backyard critters."
Scott Shalaway, Ph.D.
Wildlife biologist and syndicated nature columnist
