Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey

Published on by macjam47
Words by Janice Spina
Pictures by John Spina

 

Sebastian Meets Marvin the MonkeySynopsis

When a little boy, Sebastian, goes to the zoo he meets Marvin the monkey. Sebastian loves monkeys and likes to watch them climb the trees. Something amazing happens when Sebastian’s toy phone suddenly plays music.

My Review

Janice Spina writes wonderful children’s books which are illustrated by her husband, John Spina.  I’ve recently read Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey, written in verse.  Marvin the Monkey, lives at the zoo and acts like a clown for the visitors who have come to see him.  He is not very entertaining.  Then one day, Sebastion, a kind-hearted boy who loves animals, waits patiently for Marvin to do something.  When the music from his toy phone begins to play, Sebastian dances.  Marvin likes the music and starts to dance, too. The other monkeys start to dance, as well, and soon all the animals at the zoo are doing their own dance. Everyone is watching the animals dance.  When it is time to leave, Sebastion promises to come back and visit all his new friends.

This is a darling story about a little boy who loves animals and is sure to delight all young readers.  The story was inspired by the author’s young grandson Sebastian, a lover of animals. The author’s hope is that children come away with the love and respect Sebastian shows the animals and treat the animals they meet with the same respect and caring.

As with all the author’s books I have read, I highly recommend this book. It is perfect for bedtime or anytime reading and is filled with beautiful illustrations that every child will enjoy.

About the AuthorJanice Spina

Janice Spina is an award-winning author of nine children’s books, Louey the Lazy Elephant, Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon, Jerry the Crabby Crayfish, Lamby the Lonely Lamb, Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear, Broose the Moose on the Loose, Davey & Derek Junior Detectives, Book 1 and 2, Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey, copy editor and writer of novels and poetry. Hunting Mariah is her first novel to be published under J.E. Spina. She published her second novel, a paranormal/mystery/romance, How Far Is Heaven, July 2016. Book 3 of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives was published in August 2016.

Janice has received a Silver Medal from MOM’S Choice Awards for Lamby the Lonely Lamb and the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 1, The Case of the Missing Cell Phone.

She is working on two more children’s books, book 4 of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series, editing a YA fantasy, finishing up a mystery/romance, and a historical novel, and wants to begin a mystery series for PT girls. All of these books, over the next two years, hopefully, will be published.

Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages! Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Come soar with Jemsbooks! Happy reading!

Janice’s hobbies besides writing are crocheting, exercising to keep in shape, loves going to the movies with her husband or out to lunch or dinner, reading, book reviewing, blogging and spending time with her five grandchildren who are her writing inspiration.

(Author Bio is from Amazon.com)

Janice can be followed:

Blog Jemsbooks

Website: Jemsbooks

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Janice’s books can be purchased:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon Canada

Amazon Australia

Barnes and Noble

 

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

5.0 out of 5 starsLife lesson of Sebastian and Marvin

By Gisela H. Sedlmayer, author of the Talon book series on June 3, 2015

What a lovely story and life lesson about Sebastian and Marvin.

One day Sebastian went to the zoo. And here he met Marvin the monkey, seeing him bored sitting on a branch, since he has nothing to do. As Sebastian watched the monkey his toy phone went off and music was heard. Sebastian started to dance.
Marvin loved the music and did his own way of dancing. All the other monkeys watch him.
And suddenly all the other animals in the zoo start to dance in their own way.
Everyone had fun.

A great story for all to learn, that there is more to life than just sitting around. A little music can lift you up and be joyful and let you forget the sad part of your life.

Great and colourful drawings of all the animals in the zoo.

5.0 out of 5 starsIts amazing what fun music can bring into ones life

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Its a dance party! This book makes me want to turn on the music and dance around! Even without words, the illustrations in this book tell a story in themselves! Its amazing what fun music can bring into ones life 🙂 Thank you Janice for another fun book!

5.0 out of 5 starsAdorable

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Another Gem by JemsBooks. “Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey” is an fun tale written by award-winning children’s author Janice Spina and illustrated by her talented husband, John Spina, that entertains children and teaches them the value of respect for others, including animals. Go along with Sebastian to the zoo and learn how his love and consideration for the monkeys spread happiness all around. Highly recommended.

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5.0 out of 5 starsMonkey business in the zoo

By Werner Stejskal, bestselling author of the Oliver and Jumpy series on June 4, 2015

Do you want to know how a mobile phone ring will affect zoo animals? I am not giving it away! You will be amazed when you read this book. Let me suffice to say that your little person will be introduced to many different zoo animals. That in itself will be fun enough. But what are those animals doing? Guess! Nice monkey business, Janice!5.0 out of 5 starsFun for you and everyone at the zoo!

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By Deanie Humphrys-Dunne on June 3, 2015

Janice Spina created another marvelous picture book. This time little Sebastian goes to the zoo where he meets a monkey named Marvin. Marvin is a serious monkey. He never seems to have fun. He stares at the visitors and they look back at him. But when Sebastian’s toy radio starts playing music, something surprising happens. Soon the zoo is a very happy place. This is another marvelous, rhyming book by Janice Spina. Preschoolers will love it.
review by children’s author, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

 

59 thoughts on “Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey”

  4. Reading your review put a smile on my face. It sounds great, maybe I’m missing out by not reviewing this type of book, where’s the toy phone music when I need it!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. As well as more colourful and exciting. I want adventures! I could certainly review a cuple of those a day were they on my list. Perhaps another trip to the bookshops is on the cards…

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Well, have fun scouting them out. Children’s books are so much fun to read. Have you ever read the Polar Express? It’s a Christmas story that I have read since it first came out when my children were young. I have read it every year since and still get teary-eyed.

          Liked by 1 person

  8. This really sounds like a delightful book, Michelle, and you wrote such a wonderful review. Congratulations to Janice and I’ll have to tell my sister about Janice’s books for her grandchildren. She is the only grandparent who encourages reading; the other side encourages ipads. 😦 Big hugs, my friend…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much, Lauren. Yes, your sister will enjoy reading Janice’s books with her grandchildren.
      I love your new photo. Hugs back to you, dear friend.

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