PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS:

I found Iggy the Iguana a wondrous piece of work, reminding me of Charlotte's Web. Like the latter, I can imagine reading this book many times over the years and it promises to be the favorite of many children, both boys and girls. Ms. Williams writes in a fresh style that has you hearing her words as you read, forgetting that the characters are animals and not real-life girls and boys. They face the same fears and triumphs that can be found in any elementary class room.

Not only will reading this book, and the rest in the series, allow kids to feel Melissa Williams understands them, reading it will take adults back to those early years--and just maybe help them understand their young children a little more. Melissa has a gift that enables her to reach out and touch children with her words. She hugs them from a distance through her story and lets them know someone understands and cares. I would enthusiastically endorse this author for Mentor of the Year for anyone who truly wants to connect with young readers in their writing!

Children will be able to relate to the story, and learn from those lessons through a fun, easy, and humorous read. Melissa M. Williams presents everyday issues, along with simple solutions in an interesting story, with adorable characters. This book will encourage children to be considerate and caring, with a positive attitude. The author includes the true value of family and friendship, which is an essential stepping-stone from childhood to adult. There are serious moments, funny moments, and touching moments. This fun and easy read is recommended for any child who is preparing to enter elementary school, and for children in this age group who are changing schools, after moving to a new location. How does Iggy adapt from an All Lizard School to a public All Animal School? The characters come to life as Iggy and his friends experience their first school year together, issues get resolved, and emotions become heartfelt in this educational, children's adventure. "IGGY THE IGUANA" is as thrilling as Walt Disney's LADY AND THE TRAMP, and as funny as CHICKEN LITTLE.

~ Author-Reviewer, Geri Ahearn

Let me start this by telling you what my son said:  "No, no mommy.  This book stays here with me.  Leave it here because I like it."  For those of us with kids, you know how difficult it is to get them focused on one thing and having them like it enough to want to hold on to it.  Especially a book. So because of this I give the book high ratings.

As a parent, I liked this book because every child goes through the same things Iggy went through (being the new one in school and dealing with bullies and a crush.) If there is a way to make talking to your children about this fun, I am all for it.  No child likes to sit and listen to a parent tell them "Everything will be all right".  An iguana saying it?  Oh yeah, they will listen.  I think Melissa Williams did a really nice job with this book.

Something else I liked about the book, which many people take for granted is the font.  It was big.  The perfect size for kids.  It seems like lately, unless it's a baby book, the font has been getting smaller and smaller to fit more into the book.  Melissa decided to go the other route.  Instead of quantity she went for quality.  Very well done.  This book is getting added to my "kid party" gift bag list.

Introverted, clumsy and a tail that is too long ... sounds like the typical "boy next door," or at least the lizard next door! That's Iggy, the introverted 9 year old lizard in 4^th grade. It must be tough to start a new school for a shy kid who knows so little about the world. We can feel his worry and fear, his anxiety and joy, and know that others have nerve-wracking experiences similar to our own.  Through a focus on the emotions of the character, the author captures her reader.

Ultimately, Iggy is like the rest of us. He has a need to belong, to have friends, to have fun, and have the loving security of his family. He could choose to manipulate but doesn't; to gossip but turns the conversation towards a positive direction instead; to make fun of others but instead adapts his own style to their own. He could be scheming of how to sneak out of the house to play with new friends but, instead, he asks his mother (and she delays a decision until dinner when the family is together). Iggy may not know it, but he has a habit of making good choices.

In some ways, it is reminiscent of the old television show, Leave it to Beaver. But this story has very modern themes of a surfer-dude turtle, a not-so-nice Kat (with a K), a family suffering the loss of their mother, and a first crush. And in stark contrast of recent books that focus on the meanness and weakness of their characters, our "underdog" lizard is full of optimism and Hope that naturally comes out of a loving family and a school with good authority figures.

We highly recommend this set for average 9-11 year old readers,  knowing it can be enjoyed by any child who simply enjoys a good book!  Face it, if your child has been bringing home books demonstrating a negative outlook or manipulative behavior of unpopular kids, they've already been introduced to meanness and skirt-chasing. Steer them towards this book series instead! We recommend teachers add this to their reading list to provide concerned parents with a wider range of alternatives.

TEACHER BOOK REVIEWS:

I am reading this book to my fourth grade class, and they are hanging onto every word! Iggy, the main character, is a lovable character that all students can relate to. Iggy must deal with going to a brand new school, having his first crush, and staying away from the class bully. The supporting characters Snap Shell, Kit Kat, and Molly are also great for laughs. Ms. Williams sharp dialogue throughout the book gives each character its unique voice. My class always looks forward to the end of the day when it's time to read Iggy the Iguana.

~ Ying-Tsun Lin, 4th grade Teacher, School at St. George's Place, Houston, TX

If you ever remember being the "new kid in school" and trying to fit in a new environment, you will love this book! Iggy the Iguana can be related to all types of children going through the wonderful journey of Elementary School. Williams teaches the value of family, friendship, and the importance of diversity throughout her book.

Her book is a real page turner! I have been reading Iggy the Iguana to my 4th grade students, and they always beg for me to read more! Iggy the Iguana is beautifully written with just the right amount of humor coupled with the relationship of Iggy and his smart sassy younger sister, Molly, everything fits perfectly. There are plenty of sweet heart touching moments when Iggy gets to know all of his new friends.

If you are a teacher, this is a great book to read aloud to your class. And if you are a parent, this is a wonderful book for your child to read! I promise, your kids will not be able to get enough of Iggy and Co.!

~ August Wyatt, 4th grade teacher, School at St. George's Place, Houston, TX

Iggy's adventures and misadventures are both entertaining and instructional. Our students can relate to his experiences and really enjoy the characters and the story. They have all known people of the types that Ms. Williams has turned into animal characters and they find the descriptions very amusing. I would highly recommend this book for elementary students as either a read-aloud book or as independent reading. I found it very entertaining and the kids loved it!

~ Cindi Payne, Elementary Librarian, Houston