Author: . Ed Kostro
Publisher: Publish America
ISBN: 1 4137 0122 1

The following review was contributed by: Molly Martin & CLICK TO VIEW  Molly Martin's Reviews

Not a story book per se, Curious Creatures - Wondrous Waifs my life with
animals recounts writer Kostro's life long love affair with critters.
Written in 42 chapters Curious Creatures - Wondrous Waifs my life with
animals opens with 'A Snake, a Rat, and Two Alley Cats', moves on to give
the reader a peek into other animals who have enriched author Kostro's life
and ends with 'Memories Will Have to Do.' In addition to the many critters
Kostro has known he weaves a bit of his own family history into the work as
he outlines his childhood home and the grandparents, parents and others who
peopled his world. We are introduced to Kostro's childhood companion, Tiger,
a brown Shepherd - Collie mix, maybe in Chapter 2. Kostro's obvious love for
the dog and the dogs adoration of his family is clear to the reader. Tiger
is reintroduced in Chapter 8 and we weep with Kostro while reading chapter 9
as we face the loss of this wonderful animal to old age and death. Another
dog, Pepper, death of grandparents, a kamikaze bee, life with Buddy,
marriage, lost love and divorce and the Christmas cat are subjects for other
chapters.

On the pages of Curious Creatures - Wondrous Waifs my life with animals
writer Kostro has crafted a lovely read for all lovers of animals large and
small. Kostro skillfully weaves several threads into the varying accounts of
pets and other critters he has known. Family relationships, death,
dissolution and hope and love reborn, a little boy growing up in simpler
times and today facing a life far different than that he had known as a
child, critters, critters, critters, are all addressed with skill and grace.

Readers will grab for a tissue when reading about Tiger's demise, and will
laugh as Kostro recounts his mischievous childhood adventures. Pepper, a
Schnauzer/Doxie mix is presented as a most wonderful pet.

This is not a story book, but a book of chapters to be read and then re read
in bits and pieces and smidgens and gulps as the mood dictates. Kostro's
command of language is excellent. His writing is straight forward and easily
read. Each chapter follows on another, but each will stand alone for a brief
read as we wait for the train to pass by, or grab a quick break at our desk
for a mini read and cup of coffee.

Curious Creatures - Wondrous Waifs my life with animals is an excellent book
for the home, school and personal library. Junior High Schoolers will enjoy
hearing the chapters read aloud as much as they enjoy reading them for
themselves or to younger siblings and while mentoring middle or primary
grade youngsters. Little folks will enjoy hearing the chapters
paraphrased-read to them. Home schoolers will find the work valuable for
tweaking interest in both boys and girls of middle grades to high school.

Thoroughly enjoyed the read. I do not keep all books I receive for review.
As a pet lover myself, and having truly enjoyed the read; Curious
Creatures - Wondrous Waifs my life with animals IS one book I will be
keeping for my own library. Happy to recommend.