Book Review of The Adventures of Clive & Sydney, the Dancing Armadillos: Wet, Slimy, and Green!
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The Children’s Book Review
The Adventures of Clive & Sydney, the Dancing Armadillos: Wet, Slimy, and Green!
Written by Mallory J. Stevens
Illustrated by Lauera VanderHeart and Jesús García
Ages: 4-7 | 42 Pages
Publisher: Missy Cat LLC (2025) | ISBN: 979-8-9857355-2-9
What to Expect: Difference, inclusion, friendship, kindness, courage.
In this second book of the The Adventures of Clive & Sydney, the Dancing Armadillos series, readers will once again follow along as the two friends learn important lessons about friendship, empathy, and acceptance of others.
When Freddy the Frog comes to visit, Clive is annoyed and Sydney is scared because frogs are nothing like Armadillos—they’re green, slimy, and wet. However, Nanushka the Cat knows that Freddy is a lovely person and a good friend, and she’s determined to make Clive and Sydney see past their prejudices. However, she has no idea how much trouble they’ll get into when she sends them to the river on an errand!
Sydney falls into the river, and it’s only Freddy’s quick thinking and sticky tongue that save him from being drowned. Freddy is a hero, and the two Armadillos learn that being different is not such a bad thing after all. Their journey from fear to acceptance is a powerful lesson for all readers.
Both Clive and Sydney are essentially kind at heart, and readers are sure to relate to their initial prejudices and their willingness to admit they were wrong. The story is exciting and instructive, with plenty of action to keep young readers turning the pages. The vivid artwork and visual text effects not only make the book visually appealing but also help young readers build literacy skills as they read.
Funny, uplifting, and engaging, The Adventures of Clive & Sydney, the Dancing Armadillos: Wet, Slimy, and Green! is a fantastic tool for SEL education, ensuring that children not only learn important lessons but also enjoy the journey.
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About the Author
In addition to authoring children’s picture books, Mallory J. Stevens is a multilingual, professional mediator and conflict resolution consultant in private practice in New York City. She holds a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University and is a Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of Hofstra University. Her articles have appeared in the Federal Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution publication, The Resolver, and the Huffington Post, among others.
A love of children and a passion for the art of expression have led her to write books for children. She can’t wait to share Clive and Sydney’s next adventures!
For more information, please visit missycat.co.
About the Illustrator
Lauera VanderHeart is a children’s book illustrator with a BFA from Ringling College of Art & Design. She enjoys creating and bring to life fun and colorful characters in a variety of styles and mediums. Her digital illustrations are created in Adobe Creative Coud, using a Wacom tablet.
About the Illustrator
Born in Bayamo, Cuba, Jesús García is a freelance graphic designer and concept artist in NYC. He’s the concept artist, cover and graphic designer, and art director of The Adventures of Clive & Sydney, the Dancing Armadillos children’s’ picture book series. He is also co-illustrator of the series’ Book Two, Wet, Slimy, and Green! . Jesús is co-founder of publisher Missy Cat LLC. His work has been exhibited at NY ComicCon’s Artists’ Alley and the MoCCA Arts Fest. His background also includes an extensive career in art direction for the advertising industry. Classically trained in fine art, Illustration, graphic design, and advertising at Pratt Institute, Jesús relishes in an unequivocal passion for fantasy illustration.
The characters of two armadillos and Nanushka were born out of his fertile imagination and self-avowed pride in keeping his inner child alive and happy.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of The Adventures of Clive & Sydney, the Dancing Armadillos: Wet, Slimy, and Green!. Learn more about getting a book review …
