Kitty Fantastic in Monroe's Art Adventure - Book Review
By Lillian Brummet

Kitty Fantastic in Monroe’s Art Adventure is a 40-page children’s book written by the accomplished and award-winning illustrator Pamela Key. Her intent in writing this book is clear in this passage from the book: "If a kid does any kind of art at least three hours a day, three days a week, for a year he or she is four times more likely to win an award for writing or be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be elected to class office or win an award for school attendance."

There is no doubt that this is an excellent book and could easily be one of the best I have seen.
The art is amazing - especially the backgrounds, which are full of colorful textures and blends.
Another noticeable feature was the bright, almost realistic eyes of Pamela’s characters.

Monroe, a curious little boy filled with questions, has a conversation with his artistically inclined mother about the many various forms of art. Everything from writing, music, pottery and painting are covered in their discussion. A lovable egomaniac cat is Monroe’s best friend and he appears on each scene with cunning comments. Fun activity sheets (four in total) mentally stimulate children and help develop the ability to focus on details.

The way the book is illustrated and written allows for plenty of dialogue between the reader and children. They can seek out images together and discuss what is happening. Also every-other page has a small box with extra historical facts. Such as: science-fiction author Jules Verne writing about air and water travel 100 years before it was possible; and the adventure of Dolly Madison who risked her life to safe important national treasures.

Kitty Fantastic in Monroe’s Art is a fun and stimulating book for learning historical lessons and as an introduction to art – and as such, the book would be ideal for
groups of children at schools, libraries and even daycare centers. Children are not the only people that can be enlightened by this book - my husband and myself were both educated about "surrealism" and more. I was also particularly partial to the author making sure it is understood that each person has their own art and express thoughts and emotions through it in their own unique way.

I heartily recommend this book!

ISBN#: 0-9771971-1-5
Authored and Illustrated by: Pamela Key
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher
 
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It’s Only Ink!
Art adventure

Monroe loves his cat, Kitty Fantastic. Monroe loves to ask questions. With assistance from his mom, and an inquisitive mind, young Monroe learns that there are several different types of art, including paintings, drawings, and oils. He also learns that writing and music are forms of art as well. As Monroe discovers the many genres of writing, and music, he and Kitty Fantastic go on an imagination adventure. They drive with dolphins, ride a rocket ship through space, and travel around the world. The pages of "Kitty Fantastic in Monroe's Art Adventure" are full of vivid illustrations, comedic situations featuring saucy Kitty, as well as interesting tidbits such as the reason Van Goghbegan his famous painting style; Dr. Seuss' struggle with getting his first book published, and how John Lennon learned to play the guitar. Key's book is a wonderful story sure to spark the imagination of every young child's mind. It teaches children how to have fun with art. Her book would work well in the classroom, especially art class. It is easy-to-read, inspiring, and educational. As with most A Better Be Write Publisher books, children will find puzzles and games in the back. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed "Kitty Fantastic in Monroe's Art Adventure" by Pamela Key

Kitty Fantastic in Monroe's Art Adventure by
Pamela Key
Published by: A Better Be Write Publisher
ISBN: 0-9771971-1-5
Price: $17.95
Reviewed by: Jennifer LB Leese
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Plight Of Queen Bee - Review
By Lillian Brummet
This is a children’s book that will keep readers glued to the pages right to the end. The Plight of Queen Bee by Simone Fairchild entails forty pages of gorgeous, bright fun illustrations with vivid detail and glorious lilac flowers in full bloom. Illustrator Pamela Marie Key masterfully creates real-life illusions right down to the bark on the lilac tree. I loved the bee’s wings in particular, which reminded me of a treasured sea shell from my childhood that had pearl-like iridescent quality to it.
Multiple award winning author Simone Fairchild spins a fascinating detective story, complete with a Sherloch Holmes-like character – Detective Brown who is called in to solve the baffling mystery of who is stealing Queen Bee’s nectar. Detective Brown must endure awful pressure from Queen Bee and find out who is telling the truth. He accidentally discovers a culprit red-handed that completely surprises readers and heroically disarms the robber with swift swordplay. Simone Fairchild certainly reveals her talent for this genre and a love for her readers, which flows throughout this excellent book.
Four wonderful games will stimulate the minds of your children while the images and details will keep them amused for long periods of time. It’s a sure bet that The Plight of Queen Bee will be read many, many times by your family.
ISBN#: 0976773236
Author: Simone Fairchild
Illustrations: Pamela Marie Key
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher
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THE PLIGHT OF QUEEN BEE
SIMONE FAIRCHILD, ILLUSTRATED BY PAMELA MARIE KEY,
A Better Be Write
Publisher, Millville, NJ, $17.95, paperback, (40p)
ISBN: 0-9767732-3-6
“Off with your head!” cries the Queen Bee, echoing the sentiments of the Queen of Hearts from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Someone has stolen the Queen's nectar and she is bees-in-her-bonnet mad aboutit. Detective Brown is called in to find the culprit.Detective Brown sets off to solve the mystery of the missing nectar butnot before the Queen not-so-gently reminds him that she’ll have hermissing nectar or his head. Clues are few and far between, andDetective Brown loses hope. More out of luck than gumshoe aptitude, hehappens upon a bee disguised as a fly.Hector, the bee in disguise, spins a sob story about trying to solvethe crime on his own and offers to help Detective Brown find the realculprit. The two spread out but a tiny voice in the back of DetectiveBrown’s mind tells him not to trust Hector, and when he investigatesfurther he finds the naughty bee back to his thieving ways.This colorful caper—appropriate for ages 4 to 8—teaches more than one
lesson. Hector learns that crime does not pay, and Detective Brownlearns to trust his instincts. The vocabulary is sufficientlychallenging for young readers and the vivid illustrations carry theplotline forward. A lack of consistent rhyming patterns makes this booka challenge for adults reading aloud as well as young readersbuilding independent reading skills through predictable rhyme.The brightest point of this book is its colorful illustrations. The artwork is interesting and the metallic treatment of the bees' jeweledeyes and wings metallic elements is unique. The Queen Bee and her comrades will be a hit with children who are fascinated by insects.The end of the book features a fun section of illustrated games,including object matching, hidden pictures, and image-search puzzles.
BookWire Review
October 5, 2005

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The Plight of Queen Bee
Simone Fairchild
A Better Be Write Publisher (2005)
ISBN 0-9767732-3-6
Reviewed by Kim Peterson for Reader Views (5/06)
When someone plunders Queen Bee’s lilacs and steals her nectar, the maid calls in Detective Brown to help the distraught ruler stop the culprit. The upset queen feels so disgruntled that she threatens to have Detective Brown’s head if he doesn’t solve the mystery quickly. But the case proves most baffling with an old tennis shoe as the only clue. Several days later, when the queen calls Brown in for a report she threatens him about his head again. With his life on the line, Brown feels motivated to solve the crime. He stays up all night to crack the case. Before he captures the thief he is deceived, almost bested in a swordfight, and nearly outwitted by the crafty crook. But  his successful efforts are amply rewarded by a delighted Queen Bee.The rhyming prose and lyrical feel to this picture book should appeal to young children and the adults who read to them. The bright, jewel- colored illustrations serve up a visual treat for young eyes. Illustrator Pamela Marie Key created enchanting pictures rich with vivid detail. I enjoyed the pictures even more than the well-written who-dunnit about the queen’s stolen nectar. The four activity pages of at the end of the book form an appealing addition to a fun little mystery.

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Rain, Rain, What a Pain! by Sheila Sauvageau-Smestad
illustrations - strongest asset, April 5, 2006
Rain, Rain, What a Pain! is illustrated by the highly accomplished and award-winning artist, Pamela Key. I just could not say enough good things about her work and certainly, the illustrations are the strongest asset of this children's book. This is work you'd expect to see in an art gallery. Bright detailed textures and backgrounds - some with what looks like real rain drops on the page which gives a feeling of the here and now, or possibly a mystic feeling that the book was created for just that moment. Obviously, I was impressed. However, I felt that the activity pages at the end of the book were not age-appropriate as the simplistic story line appeals more to a very young audience. Rain, Rain, What a Pain! is the second children's book written by Sheila Sauvageau-Smestad. The author attempts to bring some understanding to the necessity of rain, and what happens when there is too little or too much of it.

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Kitty Fantastic in Monroe’s Art Adventure
Pamela Key
A Better Be Write Publisher (2006)
ISBN 9780977197118
Reviewed by Kim Peterson for Reader Views (6/06)
When Monroe asks, “Mom, how do you get to do art?” he begins an art adventure. Soon he learns about Abstract art, Expressionism, Surrealism, Classic Realism and illustration. Monroe also discovers that art takes many forms including writing both fiction and nonfiction. He suggests ideas for science fiction and historical stories. He considers drama. He explores some nonfiction ideas including biography. Monroe even considers writing music, yet another art form. An all-animal jazz band appeals to him.By the time he finishes talking with his mom about art, Monroe and the reader learn a lot about an important topic. Cleverly woven throughout the parent-child conversation, Kitty Fantastic delivers a self-focused monologue in which he stars in each painting, book or song. He focuses quite often on typical cat desires like eating mice, fish and birds followed by lounging and naps.Key deftly combines education and entertainment through her writing and illustration. Her art brings each of Monroe and Kitty Fantastic’s potential adventures to life for the young reader. The additional trivia boxes will appeal to parents and teachers.  They’ll be drawn to the solid story and the colorful and inviting illustrations.