The Story Catcher

by Donna L. Martin

Addie comes from a long line of readers, or "story catchers," as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own, though, the words play tricks on her. Addie tries everything she can think of to corral those wiggly letters, but it will take a little faith to become the next STORY CATCHER.

34 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2015

Reviews

[Donna Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beguiling concept of being able to catch a story is given wing in Donna Martin’s picture book, The Story Catcher. Addie’s family all have the gift – they can catch stories whenever they choose to do so but however hard Addie tries she can’t work out how to catch a story by herself.
Addie is reminiscent of a fairy tale heroine with her wonderful tumbling cascades of hair. Her world is weird and wonderful and full of semi-magical experiences. But Addie is no fairy tale princess. She is not rescued by a handsome prince. She has to listen and learn and solve the difficulties she faces in her own way. She has to persevere and learn to believe in herself.
The metaphor of story catching works well on several levels and is rich in possibilities. I’m not entirely sure the solution satisfies but it does have a simplicity that is pleasing and upbeat.
Alyson Peterson’s delightfully detailed illustrations capture the whimsy and wit of this charming story to perfection.
[I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]

[Kristi Veitenheimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story Catcher is a sweet story of a young girl, Addie, who wants to "catch a story" like those in her life that read aloud to her. Whimsical illustrations add to the book's story line. Mom tells Addie that faith is necessary to read. Although struggling readers often need more than faith to succeed, confidence is definitely an important ingredient in the complex process of reading and comprehending text. This charming story will help those struggling to read to know that there is hope for them.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

[Maria Bostian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story Catcher by Donna L. Martin is a sweet book about a young, emerging reader who is struggling to "catch a story" like her family and friends. It is the perfect story for a child who is learning to read, learning another language, or learning any new skill.

"Words are like faith... You've got to believe before you can catch them." Isn't that beautiful?

*** This story would also be a terrific gift for an inspiring author or writer. Before one can write, one must also believe in their voice!

* I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kathryn Svendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addie is a little girl with difficulty reading who comes from a family of readers or “story catchers”.

I think this is a great story for children who are having difficulties reading. It may help them persevere and keep working at it. It will happen for them as it did for Addie.

I really liked the pictures in this story. They are colourful and imaginative. The pictures can give parents and children lots to talk about to create their own stories. For example, who might Mimi be and what might she do for a living (based on her clothing). I think this will be one of those books that are great for parents to read together with their children and for children to read on their own.

I thought Story Catchers was a unique and worthy book for children. I rated it 4 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: Addie loves when her family members read to her. They are experts at catching stories! But for Addie, it has always been hard to catch her own story! The words always wriggle out of reach, squish out of sight, nettle out of the net! Will Addie ever become a story catcher?

What I Liked: First of all, I love that illustrations of the grandma has her in a type of aviator outfit – that is a great detail! The illustrations are gorgeous and really draw one in. They have a rather whimsical feel that makes you keep reading. Ms. Martin has written a wonderful story about learning to read, or “catch” stories, while just writing a good story. I like how Addie learns that with a little faith, you can do anything! Its amazing message is a really inspiring one. Ms. Martin’s debut picture book is extremely well written and fun.
*NOTE I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Zeneefa Zaneer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story Catcher is a wonderful concept following with beautiful illustration. Addie, loves when someone else from the family reads to her. And each time she is eager to catch those stories. With her childish imaginations she attempts to catch words. A butterfly net, a blanket or her lunch box won't help her fulfill her desire. So she tries to trust herself, like faith she believes one day she will be a story catcher.
Attractive narration, the simple word use and repetitive words will help readers who are like Addie trying to catch a story. This book is not just a book to entertain but it sends a powerful message to the parents and children alike. Every child is different and has his own pace in reading. Thoroughly enjoyed and wishing Ms. Martin the very best. Hoping to see more books coming from this author!
Thanks for the publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review"

[Maria Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to a family of readers, what will it take for Addie to finally wrangle control of the slippery letters and successfully learn to read, thus "catching a story"? Donna Martin expertly, with gentle humor and a catchy refrain, portrays the feelings of inadequacy and frustration that many dyslectics experience concerning the movement, non cooperation, of letters on a page. As well as the family's unwavering belief in Addie's ability to learn to read. In combination with cast of lively and remarkable characters, Alyson Peterson ingeniously captures the movement of letters throughout her illustrations. A wonderful read-together book to encourage even the most reluctant reader to not give up, have faith, and keep trying.
*Note I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlotte Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this picture book to my daughter, who does struggle with reading and she really liked it. We both liked the illustrations and as in her words "not babyish" like in some other picture books we have read recently. Flying books is a fantastic concept as children love it when objects can come to life, it was quite magical really and does capture the imagination. I do recommend to early readers and those who want an uplifting and well told story. Just to add, I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[D.B. McNicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this story and then browsing back through it a second time, just enjoying it. The illustrations are beautifully done and very creative. The story is fun and yet believable. I received a copy in exchange for my honest review, but now I plan to buy a copy for my newest granddaughter. Thank you for a wonderful book!

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Schueler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story Catcher explores the frustrations of learning how to read and imparts the very important message: you have got to have faith. The illustrations are beautiful with letters of the alphabet snuck into many of the pages. The Story Catcher is a wonderful tale to read to any child, but especially to a child who is struggling with reading.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addie wants to be a "story catcher." Everyone reads to her. She tries to catch the words with a butterfly net, a blanket, and her lunchbox. Until she learns to believe and have faith to catch the words.

[Melinda Dozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loves this book. He always asks for me to reread it to him. In my book, that deserves a 5!

[Carolyn Scardino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous Illustration. A very sweet story that new and young readers will absolutely enjoy......

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.”

[Christy Condoleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story Catcher written by Donna L. Martin and illustrated by Alyson Peterson.

It is nice when others read to us, but sometimes we just want to catch our own story. Addie is no different. However, for her, the stories seem to be ever so elusive! Butterfly nets, lunchboxes, and even blankets are not very helpful when you wish to catch a story. Being told, ‘You will one day’, only adds to her frustration. A bit of advice from her mom soon helps her find the solution though.

Words are indeed very tricky creatures. For some, they jump all around the pages and sometimes completely disappear. This story gives inspiration to those that find ‘catching stories’ or ‘catching boring homework paragraphs’ difficult. Have faith in yourself and you will accomplish.

Incredible and fun illustrations by Alyson Peterson accompany this little gem. The fine detail in her artwork makes you want to go back for a second look!

“I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.”

[Karen Roos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

THE STORY CATCHER, by Donna L. Martin takes us on a whimsical journey of learning to read. She captures beautifully the longing, the frustration and finally the magic of being able to decode the written word and adventure into other worlds. Addie is a lovable character to whom so many children learning to read will relate.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book parents with struggling readers shoould read with their children. Everyone learns at a different pace, but with confidence as Donna shows, everyone can be successful "story catchers."