Christopher Bullfrog Catcher [Paperback]

This book, written by a young man eager to explore his world and share his findings with others, took me back to days of my own childhood when playing in a cool, clear creek brought a smile to my face.

While the author of this book does have learning challenges, it certainly does not show in this brilliant story of days spent catching bullfrogs. He not only catches bullfrogs, he teaches any one reading the story how to join in him in his endeavor and succeed.

This is a story that is entertaining and heartwarming to readers of all ages and from all walks of life. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to read to children or to take time away from the daily chores to spend a few minutes smiling.

Dianna Doles Petry

Author of "Memories...Real Life Stories of Life in the Mountains."

BOOK REVIEW: "Christopher Bullfrog Catcher, by Christopher Shively Welch

After reading the introduction by Ms. Welch and Christopher, I began to realize what a extraordinary young man Christopher is. I came to appreciate his writing talent, his poetic

artistry, his intelligence and his imagination.

This book tells of a boy's interest in catching bullfrogs, and tells, in detail, how to do it. And you know, I learned something. I didn't know how to catch bullfrogs, until I read this book. I am thinking that young children would love this book and learn a lot from it. This book is

written with a lot of love and a lot of skill.

I would love to reccomend this book to any one who loves to read, whether they be children, or adults. We all can learn from it.

Christopher Bullfrog Catcher told through eyes of one exceptional young man with the aid of his loving mother is a simple story of Hemmingway greatness. The words, though simple, reveal remarkable courage, self discovery, and love of nature. Christopher Shiveley Welch, born with cleft lip and palate and several learning disabilities, discovers the world of nature not only from an educational perspective but from a personal one as well.

Debra, his mother, aids him with the educational focus, while his dad helps him with the physical aspect of catching bullfrogs. Christopher broadens his horizons and reaches out to the world. He opens his heart to an unknown public as he shares his experiences. His love for the protection of bullfrogs shines through as he catches them, nurses them, and sends them back to the wild where they belong.

Christopher Bullfrog Catcher is a metaphor for his very own life. Christopher Shiveley Welch, nursed and protected by his loving parents, is growing up. He is becoming a man, exploring his environment, venturing out of his protective cocoon, learning new skills. Christopher starts the journey of self reliance as he ventures into unchartered territories, all the while realizing deep within himself, that no matter what the challenges life might bring for him, his parents will be there to nurse him back to good health when the need arises.

Christopher Bullfrog Catcher is a story of hope and inspiration for all learning disabled children and adults alike. It reminds us to believe in ourselves, to take on life as it comes to us. Christopher's story reminds us how we must never forget to accept nurturing from our loved ones and to repay that nurturing by administering to others along the road of life. No matter whom we are or what our strengths and weaknesses may be, life is a challenge, a learning experience, a chance to become all that God planned for us to be.

Carol Roach, M.Ed, BA

winterose@videotron.ca

Author of "Picking Up the Pieces" and

"Angels Watching Over Me"