This book is fantastic
I just love this book, keep writing. Children need more stories like this one.
—Rosie from California as posted on amazon.com

“Cody loved this book, “ said Kathy Lee Gifford, Actress and entertainer.

“My grandson, 5 years old, wants us to read him his Maggie book,” says Jeanette.

“Children will love the text and pictures in Angel Wings."
“Pam Van Scoyoc discovers the joy of putting her imagination into words. She uses children's loving natures and honest emotions to turn dreams into joy. Illustrated by Susenne Telage in bright colors with beautifully blended pastel background, this picture book is for all young children and their parents. What better ending than Maggie's Angel Song set to music.”
-Review by JoAn W. Martin, Baytown, TX:
A Barnes & Noble Online reviewer, a 25-year old mother of two. . . "Wonderful story. This is one of the best stories ever written for children. There should be more out there like it. It is definitely worth the wait. I recommend it to any one with children of all ages."

A Barnes &Noble Online reviewer. . . an inspired story for young and old. It's worth waiting for this (it ships from the publisher) but I haven't seen a more beautifully illustrated book and sweeter story. This addresses the fears that kids and adults have and shows how one little angel overcomes hers. There's a big message in this little book!

. . .The message about belief in self and encouragement from others comes through loud and clear, and the repetative text reads nicely in both English and the competent Spanish translation. Illustrated in fresh, kinetic watercolors, this is a book to share.
School Library Journal


The Ballerina with Webbed Feet
The cover illustration is delightful; Pattie is immensely appealing, and the colors and composition of the illustrations and lettering all work together well.  The interior illustrations are as lovely, boldly colored and expertly rendered; the expressions on the animals’ faces are priceless; everything adds to and compliments the story nicely.  The story is wonderfully told; having Pattie want to dance but be bad at it makes her instantly appealing to kid readers (who’ve all experienced something similar).  There’s a lovely poignancy in Pattie’s attempts to dance (especially when she buys the tutu, tiara, and shoes), but there’s a gentle humor, too.  The language and imagery are lovely (“the meadow where wildflowers bloomed and soft grass grew;” “she sat wiggling her feet and admiring the pink satin ribbons;” “then they danced some more, just like best friends”).  Having the story in both in English and Spanish is a nice touch.  Pattie’s persistence should provide a subtle lesson for kid readers, as should her willingness to share the different parts of her “ballerina wardrobe,” and her friends’ attempts to cheer her up.  This is a lovely, beautifully written, magical book, sure to appeal to kid readers and adults, too!
Writer’s Digest Reviewer

Ms. Van Scoyoc ,

Thank you so much for giving of yourself and your time to come out to Ashbel Smith Elementary! Mere words can not express how much your visit meant to our kids! For days after your visit, our students were talking about webbed feet and coming up with new words for how big whales could be! Their imaginations soared and your words stuck with them! Two students, who are in a pull-out session for reading, were reading a guided reader about whales. Though their teacher never saw your presentation, it is clear the students remember it and were comparing their recollections with the book they were reading! Sometimes it takes months to help our students make those kinds of connections! As if that is not all, one of my students opened her textbook, looked at it, and said, "Ms. GIllis , look! This is stitched, just like that author said some books are bound!" I did a double-take, because this student hardly ever looks at details like that, but she was right. We chatted a bit more about the publishing process and she said that someday she would like to write a book, just like you. How inspirational your visit was to all of us who had the pleasure to participate! And since it was just before TAKS Reading, who knows how many students you may have inadvertently helped! Your dedication to the education of young children and your love of writing and reading shines through, loud and clear! Thank you so much for sharing your gifts with us!

Sincerely,
Ellen Gillis 4th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Ashbel Smith Elementary School
403 E. James St.
Baytown , TX 77520


When author Pam Van Scoyoc read The Ballerina With Webbed Feet to children at Van Alstyne, Texas, their laughter showed how much they liked this wonderful, whimsical book.  The book is a perfect match of author and illustrator.  You will love the story and you will love the illustrations.  We cannot wait for another story about Pattie Patty and her friends. 

And about her program:
The children at Van Alstyne Public Library were delighted by Pam Van Scoyoc's presentation of The Ballerina With Webbed Feet.  After Pam detailed the creative process, the selection of an illustrator, and the steps involved in publication of a book, she brought out the special ballet shoes. There was a rush to get in line for a chance to try them out.  Children pirouetted, glided, and slid as they learned what it's like to dance with webbed feet. It was a successful part of our summer reading program, thoroughly enjoyed by both children and parents. 
Juanita Hazelton, Director, Van Alstyne Public Library

Your presentation is awesome!
Carolyn Carter, Juvenile Librarian, Port Arthur, Texas

Readers will fall over laughing with Van Scoyoc's little webbed ballerina
Baytown Sun, Book Looks by JoAn Martin
Van Scoyoc, Pam. “The Ballerina With Webbed Feet,
La Bailarina Palmipeda .”
Translated by Diane E. Teichman.
Illustrated by R. J. Lewis.
In Spanish and English, Pam Van Scoyoc offers a beautiful picture book that emphasizes friendship and self-acceptance.

Pattie Patty, a small duck has a large ambition: she wants to become a gorgeous ballerina. She is willing to practice, practice, practice to attain her goal. But she has problems with her twirling and whirling. When she falls everyone laughs and her fellow ducks are embarrassed. Pattie decides the answer is a tutu. But she even fell down in her new pink satin tutu. Maybe a sparkling tiara would do the trick.
When she views her reflection in the pond, she sees a “more perfect” ballerina. Even “absolutely perfect” ballet shoes do not solve her problem.
Pattie continues to fall into the worst of places. Who wouldn't cry? She hides behind a tree, but is so loud that her friends feel sorry for her. When she shares her tutu, her tiara, her ballet shoes, everyone has fun dancing with her. Pattie ecognizes that true friendship means accepting less than perfect friends.
Pam Van Scoyoc, whose first book, Angel Wings, was Published in 1998, says, “Children's picture books are magical and I love having a part in producing them.”
Translator, Diane Teichman's passion is removing language barriers so that children's stories flow across borders.
Illustrator R. J. Lewis is an award-winning cover designer.
Although this is his first picture book, the art and the text compliment each other perfectly. From the whimsical tutu clad duck, with outsized ballet shoes, to the swirling, whirling action of the animal characters, young readers will find comical figures to laugh with and love as best friends.

Ms. Van Scoyoc ,

Thank you so much for giving of yourself and your time to come out to Ashbel Smith Elementary! Mere words can not express how much your visit meant to our kids! For days after your visit, our students were talking about webbed feet and coming up with new words for how big whales could be! Their imaginations soared and your words stuck with them! Two students, who are in a pull-out session for reading, were reading a guided reader about whales. Though their teacher never saw your presentation, it is clear the students remember it and were comparing their recollections with the book they were reading! Sometimes it takes months to help our students make those kinds of connections! As if that is not all, one of my students opened her textbook, looked at it, and said, "Ms. GIllis , look! This is stitched, just like that author said some books are bound!" I did a double-take, because this student hardly ever looks at details like that, but she was right. We chatted a bit more about the publishing process and she said that someday she would like to write a book, just like you. How inspirational your visit was to all of us who had the pleasure to participate! And since it was just before TAKS Reading, who knows how many students you may have inadvertently helped! Your dedication to the education of young children and your love of writing and reading shines through, loud and clear! Thank you so much for sharing your gifts with us!


Sincerely,

Ellen Gillis 4th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Ashbel Smith Elementary School
403 E. James St.
Baytown , TX 77520 

"This book is a must for dog lovers. Great pictures and it might even persuade children to take a bath!" former First Lady, Barbara Bush

If your life includes kids, Corgis and horses, or any combination thereof, you'llget a kick out of this gem of a children's book. Fun to look at, fun to read and fun to listen to.
Juli S. Thorson
Horse & Rider magazine

"Cowpie Corgi is a delight for the senses.
Margaret Hardie, Principle
The Fay School
Houston, Texas