About the Author

Kizzie Jones blends her love of dachshunds and her love of the ocean to create her children's picture books: "How Dachshunds Came to Be: A Tall Tale about a Short Long Dog" and "A Tall Tale About a Dachshund and a Pelican: How a Friendship Came to Be." They are whimsical tall tales to delight readers of all ages. When Kizzie was 18 months old, she met her first dachshund, Dagwood and began a lifelong love affair with the unique short legged, long bodied creatures. Kizzie and her ultimate hero, Thom, with their three dachshunds-Buster, Josie, and Lacey-live happily ever after in a seaside town in Washington State. Scott Ward creates images reflecting the vitality of the human spirit while pushing the limits of the imagination. He has worked in advertising, clothing, graphics, interiors, theater, landscape, and murals. Scott has always loved drawing, painting, and creating.

Reviews

Where would we be without friends to play with and talk to? A Tall Tale about a Dachshund and a Pelican is a warm and loving story about how friendships can develop when diversity is honored and we truly listen to each other. This story will have great appeal for parents and young children as they discuss each creature's unique qualities and characteristics that eventually bind them together in friendship. As a former Early Childhood educator with 30 years in the classroom I can wholeheartedly recommend this delightful tale of friendship between two very different creatures. This tale would be a stimulating introduction to a variety of lessons in elementary science, language arts, social studies, health and art. A Tall Tale about a Dachshund and a Pelican: How a Friendship Came to Be belongs on every young child's bookshelf and in every elementary school library. ---Marianna Stewart, Retired Early Childhood Educator Not only is A Tall Tale About a Dachshund and a Pelican beautifully illustrated by Scott Ward, but its author, Kizzie Jones has found a way to speak to children about a theme so very important in today's world: fear and concern about those who are not like us. Using a charming Dachshund and a stately pelican to illustrate the possibility that we can even be friends with those who are quite different from us, Jones has delivered an important story that parents can then follow up in meaningful conversation with their children. As a family therapist, I appreciate books like this one that entertain and also leave a lasting message. ---Ellin Snow, MSW Clinical Social Worker Congratulations Kizzie! I used this book for the kids in my church during their special sermon time. I had over twenty kids quiet, focused and engaged. And in our discussion time afterwards, it was clear they got it. Great book! ---Catherine Foote, Pastor University Congregational Church UCC, Seattle, WA. Kizzie has once again created a magical tall tale. This time Kizzie introduces Goldie, as a beloved dachshund, in the starring role. It's a lovely story about an unlikely friendship. She draws creative comparisons between a dachshund and a pelican that at first glance seem impossible. Through Scott Ward's illustrations, she brings their similarities and differences to the page and suggests that we need not be alike to be friends, an important message for us humans. ---Paddy Eger, author of a ballet trilogy: 84 Ribbons, When the Music Stops, Letters to Follow A delightful story to read aloud. In lovely language, set by the sea, a marvelous friendship story unfolds. The unique description of the dachshund and pelican similarities had my three Granddaughters ears perk up. Their differences created opportunity for discussion. I thoroughly recommend this book! ---Amazon Reader, November 27, 2016 A delightful story, well told, good illustrations and would be easily understood by the author's target age group. ---The Reader, November 29, 2016 Dachshunds and Pelicans and the Beach, oh my!! This enchanting book combines some of my favorite things to tell a story about friendship. A terrific gift for youngsters of any age. I enjoy reading it to my grandchildren and then listening to them read it to me. I always ask them what the moral is in any story. They have no problem telling me the moral of A Tall Tale About a Dachshund and a Pelican. They even embellish the explanation with examples from Ms. Jones' previous book, How Dachshunds Came to Be: A Tall Tale About a Short Long Dog. We are eagerly awaiting her next book. Bravo Kizzie Jones and Scott Ward! ---Edythe Ann Stromme, Co-founder & President Children's Caucasus Children's Relief Fund (CCRF)