A "how to" book which teaches a child how to write a story
"Christopher Bull Frog Catcher" is a fun way to teach your child how to write. The reader is taught how to follow a simple formula in order to create their own special story. Add to that a guide on how to catch bullfrogs and a message regarding the care and respect of these fascinating creatures and you have a book that your child will want to pass on to their own children.
Excerpt
A note from Christopher Welch
I had a lot of fun writing this book. I just used what I know and what I have done in my life.
It was difficult sometimes because I can be distracted, but I focus and work through it.
All kids should follow their dreams and don’t let others tell you that you can’t do it, even if you have learning differences. Focus, work hard, and say to yourself “There’s nothing you can do to stop me.”
Professional Reviews
Well Done Christopher!
There are times when a book will capture your heart; it can happen in many ways, but each time it is fresh and new. This is the case as I read this delightful work by 13 year old Christopher Welch as scribed by his mother, Debra Welch. Christopher has learning differences but this has not quench the fire of life within this special young man, nor his desire to share adventures of his life with others. We begin this read with a poem, a simple one, yet one whose words say volumes because they shine forth with the love of one young boy for his lake and the activity that awaits him there.
As we share in the adventure of Christopher, we learn how to catch a Bullfrog and care for it, even if it is injured; and he even shares the four stages of a frog's growth with us.
Along with the story we are treated to some wonderful pictures of Christopher, his frog hunting and his beloved lake. I actually learned some things about frogs that I never knew. Thank you Christopher.
I believe what makes this book is the passion that is within this young man as he writes of his frog hunting experience and his desire to share this information with others. It truly is a joy of his life and even for someone like me, who won't find much pleasure in touching a frog, I had to smile at Christopher's achievement in Bullfrog hunting.
I feel this book is for both young and old and all those in-between. First we certainly see the achievement of a young boy who has something to share and despite difficulties does just that. We have some top-notch information on Bullfrog hunting and great pictures that help bring the story to life; plus a work that is sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Good job Christopher! Thank you for sharing!
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review
Catching Bullfrogs - Living out Dreams
Christopher Bullfrog Catcher told through eyes of one exceptional young man with the aid of his loving mother is a simple story of Hemmingway greatness. The words, though simple, reveal remarkable courage, self discovery, and love of nature. Christopher Shiveley Welch, born with cleft lip and palate and several learning disabilities, discovers the world of nature not only from an educational perspective but from a personal one as well.
Debra, his mother, aids him with the educational focus, while his dad helps him with the physical aspect of catching bullfrogs. Christopher broadens his horizons and reaches out to the world. He opens his heart to an unknown public as he shares his experiences. His love for the protection of bullfrogs shines through as he catches them, nurses them, and sends them back to the wild where they belong.
Christopher Bullfrog Catcher is a metaphor for his very own life. Christopher Shiveley Welch, nursed and protected by his loving parents, is growing up. He is becoming a man, exploring his environment, venturing out of his protective cocoon, learning new skills. Christopher starts the journey of self reliance as he ventures into unchartered territories, all the while realizing deep within himself, that no matter what the challenges life might bring for him, his parents will be there to nurse him back to good health when the need arises.
Christopher Bullfrog Catcher is a story of hope and inspiration for all learning disabled children and adults alike. It reminds us to believe in ourselves, to take on life as it comes to us. Christopher's story reminds us how we must never forget to accept nurturing from our loved ones and to repay that nurturing by administering to others along the road of life. No matter whom we are or what our strengths and weaknesses may be, life is a challenge, a learning experience, a chance to become all that God planned for us to be.
Carol Roach, M.Ed, BA
winterose@videotron.ca
Author of "Picking Up the Pieces" and
"Angels Watching Over Me"
A Brief Note from the Publisher
Sometimes across the editor’s desk comes a manuscript that has potential, in writing, in style, in storyline or plot. Each book we read has its own unique perspective and is, more often than not, a huge adventure and unexplored territory of originality.
We, at Saga Books, enjoy working with the author to explore their own mindscapes to achieve the best from their own work.
It is however very rare that a book reaches us in such pristine fashion as ‘Christopher Bullfrog Catcher ‘
Kudos goes to you, Christopher for your talent and ingenuity, and thank you for bringing us this simple and expressive tale.
(I now know how to catch a bullfrog)
Busy Body provides a unique way of ministering to Christian youths. It introduces young readers to Christian values and principles and teaches them the significance of these standards and beliefs.
If ever there was a time for a Children's Ministry
