Snuggles' Japanese Alps Adventures

If your child loves baby animals, he might enjoy the photographs of Tim Ostermeyer’s baby Japanese Snow Monkey in his book Snuggles’ Japanese Alps Adventures. The story follows Snuggles as he grows up, plays with friends, hides from danger, and takes a journey across the mountain to reach the warm waters of the hot springs. Each page features close, intimate photographs of Snuggles and his family and friends. The images will tug the heartstrings of any animal lover! Most pages hold only a paragraph of text, although midway through the story Ostermeyer lists several facts about Japanese Snow Monkeys. Throughout the story, Ostermeyer highlights a variety of Scripture. For example, Ostermeyer pairs Snuggles’ alarm at seeing a big bear with a verse from Isaiah: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” At the end of the story, Snuggles asks his mom if man evolved from moneys. His mother says no and gives details on six different theories of evolution shown to be false.

What I Like: The photographs are amazing—crisp and vibrant. Even if your child isn’t mature enough for the story or if the story is too simple for him, he would still enjoy looking at the pictures. I appreciate Ostermeyer’s use of Scripture in the story too. Overall, it’s a sweet story without much tension, accentuated by beauty.

What I Dislike: For me, the story didn’t always flow smoothly. In some places, the sidebar information Ostermeyer included made the story more complicated. However, I suspect that is a minor issue for most readers.

Overall Rating: Good for the story, Excellent for the pictures, so overall rating of VERY GOOD

Age Appeal: No age group is listed. While the story itself is geared toward primary grades, the sidebar information is at a higher level of sophistication, and the pictures would appeal to... well... everybody. You're guess is as good as mine!

Publisher Info: Wildlife Adventure Books, 2011; ISBN:978-0979422874; Hardcover, 45 pgs., $18.95

This book is not available at Christianbook.com.
Buy it at Amazon.com for $18.95.

Special Info: You can buy other books in Ostermeyer's baby animal series. See Adventures of Rusty & Ginger Fox, Titus & Tiana (Lesson for Baby Tiger), Snowball's Antarctic Adventures, and Frosty & Snowy Arctic Adventures.