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
STUDENT BOOK REVIEWS:
Eden White 3rd Grade:
“I loved the book! I couldn't put it down. I got the book on Thursday afternoon, and I finished it on Saturday morning. My favorite character is Snap Shell because he has a "diggin" personality like me. He made me laugh out loud, and I really like the way he talks. I also like him because he is the catcher for his baseball team, and I am the catcher on my softball team. I can’t wait to read the next book. I also liked the book because I moved to a new school in 2nd grade, and I know how it feels to be the new kid in school. Snap Shell also reminds me of my dad because he says "DUDE" all the time. My older sister’s friends make fun of him for talking like Snap Shell.”
Deysy Bonilla 4th Grade:
“I love your book! It’s incredible!! It was cool how you created animals into characters … you did so good. I also loved how you used things that I go through and made me feel them. My favorite chapter was the last one because it was so romantic and funny! I also liked that you added that moment of suspense in the chapter about Iggy’s dad’s race when Iggy, Molly, and Iggy’s mom thought Iggy’s dad got hurt. I almost got scared! And I liked how you added Bud into the story for Iggy’s competition for Liz. I hope this story is endless! I am definitely looking forward to your next book!”
Mario Alvarado 4th Grade:
“I just loved that book. I read 4 or 5 chapters a day. Snap was funny, and so was Molly. I loved how Molly created a berry bomb, that was HILARIOUS! I still thought it was funny when Kit Kat thought the picture was a picture of aliens! I had a wonderful time reading the Iggy the Iguana book, which is now my favorite book.”
Maiya Archie 4th grade:
“If you are the new kid in school who wants to fit in, then you should read Iggy the Iguana. This book will give you laughter and smiles. My favorite character is Liz because when Iggy pitched the ball to Liz, Liz thought she can do better and that’s how I feel. Come and join the fun with Iggy the Iguana!”
Tristen Ashworth 4th grade:
“Iggy the Iguana is a wonderful book for all ages! I liked every part of the book, and it was exciting. I loved it. I really related to it because I’m in 4th grade too. I’m most like Kit Kat. My class always said, ‘Aww!’ when we had to stop reading.
Lily Schiff 4th grade
"This book was awesome and I can't wait until there is another one! I learned a lot of things from this book, but the one I think is the most important would be to always be yourself. I got this from Iggy's first day of school he was his self and right away he met Lizzie Beth!"
Lindsey Kinane, age 11
"Iggy the Iguana is a really good book for kids my age should read. My favorite part is when Iggy goes to a new school and meets Lizibeth and he blushes because she likes him. I like Molly, his little sister, a lot too. I can't wait for the next book to come out. I would love to have this book in my school."
Andy Heineman, age 9
"Iggy the Iguana was one of the best books I have read. I am really glad that I read this book. My favorite character was Iggy's cousin Dragon D because he was really cool. I am glad that another book is coming this summer. I think alot of kids will like this book. I learned that you shouldn't try to act cool - because it totally backfires!"
AUTHOR AND PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS:
The hero in this delightful children's story is Iggy, who is a loveable nine year old, and the new kid on the block. It's hard enough that Iggy has to deal with his smart, sassy younger sister, but there are other issues that he must also challenge. As Iggy prepares to enter a public school for the first time in his life, not knowing anyone, he realizes that he needs to make lots of friends. Along with trying to prove himself
worthy, he is forced to deal with bullies, and his first childhood crush. Snap Shell, Kit Kat, and Molly all have unique personalities, and are extremely funny. Dragon D tries to act very cool, but does this type
of personality fade away, after everyone really gets to know you? Does Iggy have a tough time trying to fit in, and who makes him feel comfortable? How does Iggy feel about Lizbeth? Does Iggy survive the trials and
tribulations of his age group on his journey through elementary school? I highly recommend this wonderful children's book that will touch the hearts of readers of all ages. 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
Iggy The Iguana is a wonderful children's story, written by an even more wonderful author. The story deals with the hero, Iggy (the iguana) who is going to a public school (as opposed to an all iguana school) for the first time and is dealing with issues, scenarios and simple truths about growing up like our own children. He is befriended by a range of different "characters" (no pun intended) and even the mixed and crazy emotions of dealing with a new school, bullies and even his first childhood crush. Each character takes on a life of their own and I am sure your child will find one character to identify with sometime throughout the course of this wonderful story.
I would highly recommend the read for the sheer beauty of depth each character brings to every page. By far...five stars and a big thumbs up!!!
~Bobby Ozuna, author Proud Souls and host of The Indie Author Show
Iggy the Iguana brings us into a world that we, as adults, may have forgotten. Remembering the trials and tribulations of being nine years old is brought out beautifully, emotionally, and eloquently in Melissa William's book. I love how she took the love of an unusual childhood pet, and brought out all the feelings she had as a young child. It seems children can relate easily and emphatically with animals, and in turn use those lessons in their own lives. What a wonderful way to teach kids, as Melissa does with Iggy. This is a must read for every child to help shape and mold them into caring individuals, which in turn will positively affect our world.
~Barbara Techel, Author of Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
TESTIMONIALS:
Our students really enjoyed Melissa’s photographs and engaging tales of growing up with Iggy, her pet iguana. Her presentation included a section where the students were encouraged to use their imagination to create and develop a new book character. Everyone’s hands went up. Melissa made the writing process seem very easy and familiar. The children were very excited and eager to write their own stories after Melissa’s visit. They had a new confidence in their own ability to become an author and write exciting stories.
~ Stephanie Eda, Love Elementary Librarian
Ms. Williams developed an immediate rapport with our 4th graders which led to a very positive reception of her presentation. She gave them a specific writing tool. She encouraged them to ask and answer questions when developing characters for their own stories. Some questions she asked were: What is the character's most embarrassing moment? What does he/she like to eat? Where does he/she live? Has he/she always lived there? Students were able to form an idea of the kinds of problems this character could have, and how the character would most likely solve the problem. One of our teachers said, "Ms. William's presentation was right in line with my writing lessons about character development." The students still remember the character, Bailey, who was created with Ms. Williams during her visit to our school. I have only received positive comments from both students and teachers."
~ Beverly Wiley, High Country Elementary Librarian
Thank you so much for everything!!! My son really enjoyed your camp. To see him get excited about reading-writing is great!!! Now drawing has always been a love of his! But, I think after this class----he has non-stop talked even about adding more characters to his story he wrote. He has really has struggled at reading over the years -- so to see him excited about writing thrills us all and brings tears to my eyes. Thank you!!!!!”
~M.Rodd,Parent
I wanted to give you an update on John reading your books. He didn't dive right into Iggy as he was into another series when I first brought them home. I kind of kept out of his way. Then, Friday, he started reading Iggy the Iguana with gusto. He finished Friday night. Saturday evening, he started Summer League. Sunday morning, he got up early to finish it. He woke me up to ask, "Where is the next Iggy book?" He was crestfallen when I told him that it wasn't out yet. He LOVED them. I heard him laughing out loud at some of the pages.
~ P. Campbell, Parent
Just wanted to let you know that my daughter thoroughly enjoyed the camp today.I'm impressed with how organized the Writing Workshop is as I didn't really know what to expect. You are an inspiration to my daughter and she can't wait until tomorrow. Thank you for providing a fun, educational and creative opportunity for our kids.
~ B. Krummer, Parent
This is going to be one of the top camps of my daughter’s summer. She loved you guys, the program and participating in the whole creative process. You are awesome educators, keep on sharing your precious gift.”
~ Brea, Parent
