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Animal Companions #2
A Girl and Her Panda
Lihua never could have imagined that the birth of a little brother would end the life she knew. Raised in a poor country village, Lihua prayed her parents would have a son to bring peace and balance to the family. But she did not foresee how living in such poverty would force her parents to face a terrible choice they once made that would now cost Lihua everything. Suddenly told to leave her home, Lihua begins a treacherous journey alone. After being attacked on the road the first day, an unlikely hero comes to her a panda she decides to call Panpan. Bound together for love and survival, Lihua and Panpan travel together through the mountains and forest of western China as Lihua struggles to find her new place in the world. A Girl and her Panda is part the Animal Companion series, but each book is a stand-alone novel with new characters and adventures.
176 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 30, 2018
Lihua is ecstatic to discover she’s to become a big sister; however, when the baby boy arrives, her world is shattered. Lihua is abandoned by the only family she knows, both emotionally and physically, when she is informed she was stolen as a child. Now that the true heir has been born, her worth to her parents has plummeted. Extremely poor, the family has decided they can’t raise two children, so Lihua must go. Distraught, Lihua runs away, into the surrounding forest….
With little more than the clothes on her back and the shoes on her feet, Lihua soon finds herself lost and alone. Frightened, but determined to continue, Lihua unexpectedly meets a female panda, Panpan, who had also recently suffered a loss. The adversities these two face and overcome is… well, you’ll have to read it for yourself.
The prose of Zoey Gong is lyrical, smooth and sweet. The challenges her characters face are daunting, and yet somehow they persevere. The differences in the culture presented in this story vs. the American way of life are startling and heartbreaking. Be prepared for tears and cheers, as this is another amazing tale of a young girl growing, and learning, and creating her own way in the world, by following her own path to happiness and fulfillment.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a voluntary review.
With little more than the clothes on her back and the shoes on her feet, Lihua soon finds herself lost and alone. Frightened, but determined to continue, Lihua unexpectedly meets a female panda, Panpan, who had also recently suffered a loss. The adversities these two face and overcome is… well, you’ll have to read it for yourself.
The prose of Zoey Gong is lyrical, smooth and sweet. The challenges her characters face are daunting, and yet somehow they persevere. The differences in the culture presented in this story vs. the American way of life are startling and heartbreaking. Be prepared for tears and cheers, as this is another amazing tale of a young girl growing, and learning, and creating her own way in the world, by following her own path to happiness and fulfillment.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a voluntary review.
September 11, 2018
I find myself heartbroken yet inspired by this young girl who against all odds is able to find a home again. I think this book sends a very good message to young teens. That while it’s important to be loved, it’s also important to believe in yourself. What a beautiful and magical story. If you have a young reader who enjoys reading about animals and adventure then I highly recommend this book.
A Girl and Her Panda is a standalone novella in the Animal Companions series.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Girl and Her Panda is a standalone novella in the Animal Companions series.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2018
I started this book in the morning and couldn't put it down until it was done, which was by the end of the day. This is an extremely heartbreaking story of a culture that many of us cannot understand. I am a mother of two boys whom I would not trade for the world but if I had a daughter, she would mean no less to me. This also broke some long-standing myths that I've heard about Pandas. So prepare with a box of tissue and time to finish because it will be difficult to put down once you start.
I also was fascinated by the religion of the country and the political views. While extremely different views on both accounts from my own, as well as how I believe all children, including daughters, should be treated, I love the amount of knowledge I gained in all of these areas while being entertained in a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I also was fascinated by the religion of the country and the political views. While extremely different views on both accounts from my own, as well as how I believe all children, including daughters, should be treated, I love the amount of knowledge I gained in all of these areas while being entertained in a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2018
This is another companion animal story. Lihua, the only child and girl of the family prays to the ancestors for her family to have a boy. Little did she know that her heartfelt desire for her family would change everything. Too poor to raise two children she finds herself on her own with her entire world completely upturned. Alone and traveling there are many dangers for A young girl to have and chance encounter with some fearsome men leads her to Panpan and her protection. Together a girl and her panda form a bond that shows love and friendship helps heal despite being different species.
This is a tale to delight young and older readers alike. I look forward to sharing with my daughter to read. Heartfelt and genuine tale of a girl finding her own inner strength, friendship and what it means to finally come home.
This is a tale to delight young and older readers alike. I look forward to sharing with my daughter to read. Heartfelt and genuine tale of a girl finding her own inner strength, friendship and what it means to finally come home.
November 11, 2018
This is the first book in an awesome new YA series. With vividly described locals and full characters this is great for animal lovers of all ages, young to old.
Lihua lives in a small town in China. She has a good life, filled with her family and duty, and a loving grandmother. The only thing that would make her life better is a little brother. This is her only prayer.
When her prayer is answered it changes Lihua’s life in ways she could never imagined. Now she is on a lonely journey to find her own place in life. At fourteen she is ill-prepared for this journey.
On the road, as she sets out toward a distant she has only heard of, she is vulnerable to many dangers. Find out how a mourning panda becomes her companion and protector on this treacherous trip.
Will Lihua reach her destination? Will she find the things missing from her life and have a place in the world at last? Get A Girl and Her Panda; join Lihua on her epic trek across China!
Lihua lives in a small town in China. She has a good life, filled with her family and duty, and a loving grandmother. The only thing that would make her life better is a little brother. This is her only prayer.
When her prayer is answered it changes Lihua’s life in ways she could never imagined. Now she is on a lonely journey to find her own place in life. At fourteen she is ill-prepared for this journey.
On the road, as she sets out toward a distant she has only heard of, she is vulnerable to many dangers. Find out how a mourning panda becomes her companion and protector on this treacherous trip.
Will Lihua reach her destination? Will she find the things missing from her life and have a place in the world at last? Get A Girl and Her Panda; join Lihua on her epic trek across China!
September 13, 2018
FANTASTIC!!!
When Lihua is forced to leave home, my heart just broke for her. It’s a hard life, on her own. She finds a companion in Panpan, a panda.
Oh. My. Goodness. This was SO impressive! WHAT a fantastic book! Such good character development, such an adventure! And moving! There aren’t enough exclamation marks in the world for me to express how I feel about this book!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I received no remuneration for it.
When Lihua is forced to leave home, my heart just broke for her. It’s a hard life, on her own. She finds a companion in Panpan, a panda.
Oh. My. Goodness. This was SO impressive! WHAT a fantastic book! Such good character development, such an adventure! And moving! There aren’t enough exclamation marks in the world for me to express how I feel about this book!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I received no remuneration for it.
August 28, 2018
This is a very cute book...I would recommend to a young adult or preteen. It's an adventure story about a young girl that finds herself searching for her lost family along with a panda she names Panpan. Panpan is her protection and guide along that journey. I think a younger preteen person would like reading this book. TY Red Empress Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.
September 11, 2018
Her life was great even though they were poor and she wished for her parents to have a son. What she did not know what would happen when it happened. She was told to leave as soon as her brother arrived. Now she is all alone and a panda saves her. Follow their adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2019
•audiobook•
Strong main characters in emotionally charged and driven books has been missing in MG books in recent years.
Lihua and Panpan search for their home as they travel through China. The landscape and friendship are equally beautiful and breathtaking.
Madison Parrott was an incredible narrator for this heart string pulling audiobook.
Highly recommended.
This is my voluntary review of an audiobook received for free.
Strong main characters in emotionally charged and driven books has been missing in MG books in recent years.
Lihua and Panpan search for their home as they travel through China. The landscape and friendship are equally beautiful and breathtaking.
Madison Parrott was an incredible narrator for this heart string pulling audiobook.
Highly recommended.
This is my voluntary review of an audiobook received for free.
September 11, 2018
A wonderful story about Lihua and her family. They are extremely poor and she prays her family will have a son. Life isn’t easy. Lihua and her Panda search for her family. A read for everyone
November 9, 2018
The Animal Companions Boxed Set 1 - 3: These are well written stories by a nonnative English speaker; she did an excellent job writing in English. Expect tears as well as joy from each of these stories. The storylines and characters are well thought out and the vivid descriptions introduce the reader to two worlds not common to outsiders. Girls are not valued by these societies and these three stories are wonderful, heartwarming, heartbreaking and show what actually is important in life.
The stories are clean, and the violence and hardships faced are suitable for children. Less violent than The Call of the Wild, which is a good book for children of all ages. I found Ms. Gong's books on Booksprout. Minor editing needed, but nothing distracting, and these books are actually better edited than what passes for edited nowadays. 5 stars.
A Girl and Her Elephant - Interesting, likable characters that have honor and try to do the right thing in the face of adversities. Safi has a wonderful personality. Emotional, smooth flowing and well written filled with suspense and plenty of love and determination. 5*
A Girl and Her Panda - Another heart wrenching story that easily makes the tears flow, but leaves heartwarming feelings. The emotions run the gamut as this story flows through the pages leaving the reader immersed in this heartbreaking story. Again, the characters are interesting and likable, and filled with determination in the face of great adversity. PanPan is an amazing personality. 5*
A Girl and Her Tiger - I found this story a bit unrealistic, main character wise. Her actions are impulsive and emotional, therefore, not thinking of the consequences from her actions, and she does bring destruction in her wake. Her relationship with the tiger is wonderful, but she's dangerous for the tiger also. This story doesn't seem to have the flow of Elephant and Panda, and it was difficult to accept her when she was really out of control.
She does persevere through many ordeals and shows her fighting spirit and determination. The real British influence on her India blows her mind completely after trying to bring a British criminal to justice. She should grow up to be a major force, if she can overcome her emotions and let logic rule. I know India's history and culture and this book rings true on the history. 4*
The stories are clean, and the violence and hardships faced are suitable for children. Less violent than The Call of the Wild, which is a good book for children of all ages. I found Ms. Gong's books on Booksprout. Minor editing needed, but nothing distracting, and these books are actually better edited than what passes for edited nowadays. 5 stars.
A Girl and Her Elephant - Interesting, likable characters that have honor and try to do the right thing in the face of adversities. Safi has a wonderful personality. Emotional, smooth flowing and well written filled with suspense and plenty of love and determination. 5*
A Girl and Her Panda - Another heart wrenching story that easily makes the tears flow, but leaves heartwarming feelings. The emotions run the gamut as this story flows through the pages leaving the reader immersed in this heartbreaking story. Again, the characters are interesting and likable, and filled with determination in the face of great adversity. PanPan is an amazing personality. 5*
A Girl and Her Tiger - I found this story a bit unrealistic, main character wise. Her actions are impulsive and emotional, therefore, not thinking of the consequences from her actions, and she does bring destruction in her wake. Her relationship with the tiger is wonderful, but she's dangerous for the tiger also. This story doesn't seem to have the flow of Elephant and Panda, and it was difficult to accept her when she was really out of control.
She does persevere through many ordeals and shows her fighting spirit and determination. The real British influence on her India blows her mind completely after trying to bring a British criminal to justice. She should grow up to be a major force, if she can overcome her emotions and let logic rule. I know India's history and culture and this book rings true on the history. 4*
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews