Linda Ashman
Children's Book Author


HONORS
& REVIEWS


A FLORIDA READING ASSOCIATION Honor Book, 2003-2004


"Wagmore Gently is the spotted, long-tailed pet of the Gently family in this original tall tale from Ashman. Bendall-Brunello's exuberant watercolor illustrations bring Wagmore to life, creatively showing Wagmore's wacky tail in action." Kirkus Reviews

"Wagmore the dog has one huge problem -- a tail so long and fluffy that it has a life of its own. Wagmore doesn't mean to wreck things, but his happy, wagging tail can clear a checkerboard, crack a wall, level a pot of zinnias, and sound like an earthquake when it thumps on the floor. Mr. Gently is losing patience, and he warns the dog that he had better control his tail or else. A particularly good choice for children who know a happy dog like Wagmore." Booklist

A FEW GREAT RESOURCES, KIDS' BOOK BLOGS, ETC.

SCBWI (aspiring writers, start here!)
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Read.Imagine.Talk.
The Miss Rumphius Effect
Wild Rose Reader
Poetry for Children
Just One More Book!
Chicken Spaghetti
Three Silly Chicks
Bees Knees Reads
The Purple Crayon
Children's Literature Network
Children's Book Council
Author's Guild


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THE TALE OF WAGMORE GENTLY

From THE TALE OF WAGMORE GENTLY. Illustrations c2002 by John Bendall-Brunello. With permission of Dutton Children's Books.

Author's Note


Meet Wagmore, a happy dog with a powerful tail. Which sometimes makes his family very unhappy.

One wag can wake the deepest sleeper. A mere twitch can wreck a game of checkers. And a few blissful thumps can spoil a fine musical performance.


The story of Wagmore was inspired by our oldest dog, a high-spirited Black Lab/Australian Shepherd mix. Nicky is forever whacking people, knocking over toys, and clearing coffee tables with her exuberant tail-wagging. Before Jackson became the family alarm clock, she used to wake us up every morning with the joyful thumping of her tail.

One early morning, as I listened groggily to her tail drumming the hardwood floor beside the bed, I thought of Wagmore, a lovable pooch whose joyful nature -- and powerful tail -- frequently got him into trouble.


TEACHERS AND PARENTS:
Click on the BOOKS tab above for themes and teaching ideas. Click on the titles below for reviews, awards, and other info.

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WHEN I WAS KING
"This one's a keeper." School Library Journal
M IS FOR MISCHIEF
"Ashman's poetic portraits are packed with lots of tasty assonance and alliteration." Starred Review, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
STELLA, UNLEASHED: Notes from the Doghouse
"A hilarious look at the world through the sharp eyes and nose of a dog." SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS
Other Books
BABIES ON THE GO
"A 10 on the "aw"-inspiring scale." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
CASTLES, CAVES & HONEYCOMBS
"Beautifully crafted and satisfying." Starred Review, BOOKLIST
TO THE BEACH!
"A family outing gone hilariously awry." BOOKLIST
STARRY SAFARI
"A rip-roaring, exciting excursion." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
RUB-A-DUB SUB
An "enchanting ride." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN THIS?
"Youngsters will find nothing but comfort in these pages." KIRKUS
MAMA'S DAY
A "lovely reverie on the joys of being alive and being loved." Starred Review, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
CAN YOU MAKE A PIGGY GIGGLE?
"Vibrant, playful text . . . excellent for storytimes." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
DESMOND & THE NAUGHTYBUGS
"A lighthearted look at bad behavior." KIRKUS
THE ESSENTIAL WORLDWIDE MONSTER GUIDE
"As pithy and clever as Ogden Nash at his best." Starred Review, KIRKUS
MAXWELL'S MAGIC MIX-UP
"A riotous adventure." HORN BOOK MAGAZINE
JUST ANOTHER MORNING
"Ashman captures the non-stop action in rollicking rhyme." KIRKUS
HOW TO MAKE A NIGHT
A "captivating collaboration." Starred Review, KIRKUS
SAILING OFF TO SLEEP
"A splendid bedtime fantasy." KIRKUS
THE TALE OF WAGMORE GENTLY
Wagmore is "a charming, gentle hero." KIRKUS REVIEWS