This is what reviewers say about ANTics:
5 out of 5 star rating by Melanie/Kissablysweetone
Have You Heard My Book Review http://tinyurl.com/7aep2fl
Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com http://viewBook.at/ANTics
"A wonderful children's story that teaches many lessons with such fun characters. My children and I enjoyed this book and it's terrific play on 'ant' words. It's written in a style children will enjoy
and yet parents won't feel like they just can't read again.
"I highly recommend this book. The lessons of team work, how to deal with bullies, and accepting people for who they are make this book a fantastic one for all children."
5 star by Author Anna del C. Dye
Readers Favorite http://readersfavorite.com/review/6922
Goodreads.com http://bit.ly/Xv5rpq
"This is a really cool story about a kingdom of ants whose inhabitANTS have the most creative names I have ever seen. This intriguing and fun story is quite refreshing, and a cute concept for the children’s market.
"ANTics" is a well-done tale that will enchant boys and girls in elementary school and some older kids too. "ANTics" is a great written work that will teach love, friendship and unity to our kids. These are values that many children don’t have these days when parents don’t have the time to teach them."
5 star by Lynn Worton
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk http://viewBook.at/ANTics
"This is a fabulous book for children from the ages 7+. The story is absorbing and grabbed my interest quite quickly. There are no pictures, but Dakota Douglas' descriptions are very vivid and I could see the story unfold in my mind quite effortlessly.
"This would be a fantastic bedtime story. I think that children will enjoy the adventures of the three little ants; it's
educational but fun."
4 star by Mary Crocco
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
"ANTics is a subtle and fun way to teach children life's lessons. The story is clever and well written. Pictures accompanying such a character rich story would be an enhancement.
"Young readers will be entertained when they choose, ANTics by Dakota Douglas."
5 star by TwinReaders
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
"This book is clever and witty. Lots of word play and fun moments, as well as adventure and excitement. This book is very hard to put down, and it took lots of effort to have my daughter put it down long enough to sleep.
"Later-elementary aged kids of both genders will really like this, the language and concepts are accessible without
insulting the reader's intelligence. Enjoyable enough for a parent's quick read as well. Nicely written, looking forward to their ants' next grand adventure."
5 star by Pro Purr1
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
"ANTics was fun, I liked how the characters acted and seemed real. I think this is a good book for kids in grades 3 and up.
The story is interesting and you can't put the book down. I cannot wait for the next one! My 9 year old daughter read it
all in one sitting and raved about it."
4 star by Julie Powell
Goodreads http://bit.ly/Xv5rpq
Amazon.co.uk http://www.amazon.co.uk/ANTics-ebook/dp/B008EKVXB8
"It is a delightful, fun story with many inlaid lessons for children (and maybe adults too). I would think that 7+
would enjoy the 'antics' within the tale, which was well written with good characters."
5 star by Maureen
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
"What a delightful story! Just perfect to read to a young child, as well as a great story when you have learnt to read!
There were some very clever use of the English language which kept me interested as an ex-English teacher.
"The story involving the ants is interesting and enjoyable. There is plenty of situations that the ants have to
resolve, and I found it very easy to picture the scenes. Loved it!"
4 star by Grampy/Lee Ashford
Goodreads http://bit.ly/Xv5rpq
Readers Favourite: http://readersfavorite.com/review/6922
"It surprised me to learn that I could actually feel concern for ants, and harbor resentment toward a spider! The author really accomplished quite a remarkable feat, developing insect characters that the reader would actually care about!
"Another innovative thing Dakota did was to end the story in an interactive way, inviting the young readers for whom this story is written to suggest a new, more appropriate name for HesitANT, and/or to write a short "news report" of the final results of the day’s events. This story is well worth reading, either by kids, to kids, or even for the enjoyment of an adult. I
recommend getting this first episode of an ant’s life in Badger’s Hollow. Then just curl up on the couch, and enjoy the story."
4 star by Maureen
Goodreads http://bit.ly/Xv5rpq
"What a delightful story for youngsters. The play on words is clever, and there is enough adventure to keep you interested. Having just written a book about ants, I find it amazing how authors can look at the same subject from such different perspectives."
4 star by Debra Benson
Smashwords http://bit.ly/V4rLqU
"The ANTics is a an outstanding story with adventures of three ants, living in a garden with other crawly insects. They
not only interact with insects of the garden but people (two legs) they call them. Insects threaten them in the garden. Two legs threaten them crossing the patio the "Forbidden QuadrAnt." The story is fun to read. The story has a lot of energy, I found my self oohing and awing at times because of the excitement unfolding. The book is written very descriptive, if
pictures were added it would add to the effect."
4 star by Carolyn Kurr
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
Smashwords http://bit.ly/V4rLqU
Ever wonder what it would be like to be an ant? What kind of adventures would you have? How would life be the same? How would the world be different?
Dakota Douglas has answered these questions with a charming tale of near misses, adventurous strategies and heroic outcomes.
"ANTics" offers a wonderful opportunity for parent and child to bond. Through the adventures of insect characters, a space can open where discussions of pertinent subjects such as - bullying, appreciating the varied talents of others, kindness to others and finding courage - can occur. Happily, these perilous experiences can all be safely explored through the ANTics of ExuberANT, BrilliANT & HesitANT.
5 star by Karen Perkins for Lionheart Galleries
Lionheart Galleries http://bit.ly/WGsuNm
Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com http://viewBook.at/ANTics
ANTics is a clever and well-written book with a lovely pace and rhythm. Our world has been creatively and delightfully imagined from the ants' point of view, with a humorous play on language throughout. The ants themselves are charming characters who embark on an exciting series of adventures building to a dramatic conclusion, with a refreshing look at the insect world – I certainly know a lot more about spiders and ants having read this. Kids will love it and will not be able to put it down.
4 star by Debra Forch-Benson
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
Smashwords http://bit.ly/V4rLqU
The ANTics is a an outstanding story with adventures of three ants, living in a garden with other crawly insects. They not only interact with insects of the garden but people (two legs) they call them. Insects threaten them in the garden. Two legs threaten them crossing the patio the "Forbidden QuadrAnt." The story is fun to read. The story has a lot of energy, I found my self oohing and awing at times because of the excitement unfolding. The book is written very descriptive, if pictures were added it would add to the effect.
5 star by Tammy Dewhirst (Avid Reader)
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
Douglas introduces us to a world called InhabitANT where the three ant heroes meet up with an evil spider. Douglas' writing style is easy and entertaining for young readers and yet suitable for older children. My 11-year-old found the story cute and entertaining. Douglas has a vivid style of writing the carries well for kids advancing from the picture book stage. The characters are mostly fully explored and Douglas even gave the spider a background to make him more a sympathetic baddie. Readers are carried with the ants through their adventures with daily dangers and the more evil magical spider. Loved this cute, quick, read. Give it a shot with your 6+ youngster.
5 star by Tammy Dewhirst
Smashwords http://bit.ly/V4rLqU
Amazon.co.uk http://www.amazon.co.uk/ANTics-ebook/dp/B008EKVXB8
Eleven-year-old, Alex, wrote this review with some grammar edits from Tammy.
When my mom first talked about reviewing this book I didn’t think I’d like it. It sounded very “little-kid” to me. At the start of the story, Zube crosses the Forbidden QuadrANT and risks being crushed by “Two Legs” and I was hooked. The Ant characters are fun!
The bad guy is named RepugnANT and he’s a spider. I hate spiders. They freak me out. The Ants hate spiders too but that’s because the spider wants to kill all of them. He had a really bad childhood but that’s no excuse for wanting to kill ants!
The way that the author writes is fun and the action was very fun. The Ants have adventures together that are risky. Sometimes life gets busy so Mom and me couldn't read it in one sitting but I didn't want to stop reading!
This book doesn’t have any pictures but it’s a lot of fun. Children in Grade 1 or 2 who are just learning to read would love it for book reports at school or just to read for fun.
5 star by LadyReads Too Much
Goodreads http://bit.ly/Xv5rpq
I always find it very hard to write for kids. Their little heads are open to suggestions, and one has to be careful.
Dakota, however, did excellent job once more. I would most certainly purchase this book filled with imagination triggers, and make some kid very happy.
3 star by Fiona
Goodreads http://bit.ly/DakotaDouglasPK5wiO
Aptly named, ANTics is the story of a boisterous trio of ANTs led by the ExuberANT, ‘Zube’ and his two sidekicks: the BrilliANT ‘Brill’ and the unlikely paragon of bravery, HesitANT. Together they embark on escapades, dangerous and
bold. It’s a great read to share secrets of the world of ants with children — at least those who don’t like spiders!
5 star by Lilian Gafni
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
This review is from: ANTics (Kindle Edition) ANTics is a delightful tale for children 7+, of a colony of ANTs in the forest that kept me reading to learn of the fate of three small ANTs. The colony of ANTs lived in InhabitANT lane under a tree, with the trio of friends, Zube, short for ExuberANT, his smart friend called Brill from BrilliANT and the little cadet named HesitANT. On his way to meet his friend Brill, Zube has to cross in a hurry the Forbidden QuadrANT where the Fairweather family, called Two Legs, lives in a Cottage. Many ANTS had been killed in the forbidden QuadrANT by Two Legged creatures,
squashing them as the little ANTs tried to cross a gravel path.
When Zube finally finds his friend Brill, the small cadet HesitANT follows the two. Zube at first objects having HesitANT tag along. HesitANT has been known to be scared of his own shadow and not adventurous as Zube and Brill, but the little
fellow keeps trying to emulate his grown-up friends. Convinced by Brill that HesitANT needs the experience of the older friends, Zube relents.
The trio of friends then embarks on a trek to find a berry and bring it back to feed the colony, and the three friends walk to the nearby forest to forage for food. The reward is great, for one berry can feed hundreds of ANTs. The only problem
with this escapade for the three friends is that the forest was full of dangers where creepy crawlers and monsters can snare them at any moment. The most serious and present danger looms from a detestable spider called RepugnANT or Puggy for short. This is one of the most vicious spiders with a vendetta to catch the trio and make ANT soup out of them.
From that time on, it's a frightening roller coaster ride throughout he rest of the story for the three friends, relying on their wits to run away from Puggy in hot pursuit of defenseless and small ANTs. The author has written a highly creative story in
the style of "Watership Down" where small animals are at the mercy of humans and bigger creatures than themselves. I can see this story of courage made into a wonderful movie. This book is highly recommended for parents and children and
merits much more than five stars!
I was given a copy of this book by the author for review.
5 star by Dean Giles
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
As the author of The Snow Birthday, I can relate to children's books. Dakota Douglas has hit a home run with ANTics. The story line is great, and includes lots of quirky ants, who have names made from English words with ANT in them. These words also describe a major characteristic of the ant who carries the name. It is comical to see how the ant personalities weave into the tale itself. This one is a must read.
5 star by Karen Szillat
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
Smashwords http://bit.ly/V4rLqU
ANTics is a fun read for kids looking for an adventure story that takes place in the land of ants. Part of the fun is the names of the characters that describes the personalities of the ants, butterflies, and other characters in the story. The descriptive words make it easy to visualize the action. The main characters weave in and out of trouble as they travel through nature's plants and waterways interspersed with the land of the Two Legs.
5 star by Amble-Annie
Amazon.com http://www.amazon.co.uk/ANTics-ebook/dp/B008EKVXB8
My grandson read this book and I heard him laughing and talking to himself as he read. He said it was exciting and fun. I therefore read it myself and thought it quite brilliant as I understand this is the author's first book. The play on words such as the names of the ants was very original. I found many of the stories had quite an educational element and would help young
children understand such things as team work and bullying. We look forward to reading more books from this author
5 star by Valcine Brown
Examiner.com http://exm.nr/10YHoDf
Smashwords http://bit.ly/V4rLqU
I loved reading ANTics! As an adult, I found it quick paced and full of adrenal rushing moments.
As a secondary teacher of English Literature, I think this book will be a perfect fit for children grades 3 - 5, especially adventurous boys. All too often, and quite unfortunately, children matriculate into middle schools and they are reading below grade level. There are many reasons that this happens, but there is one specific reason which I feel Douglas' book will help alleviate. Often young readers do not read because they are not offered books which grab and hold their interest. The attention span of young minds is hard to gain and even harder to hold. Douglas' book will capture and hold the attention of young minds.
Additionally, young minds will be exposed to some of the inner-workings of the ant kingdom in a manner which
doesn't slow down or detract from the story that is being told.
I highly recommend ANTics!
This is what reviewers say about WOOF:
author Morgan K Wyatt
8 rating Novelspot http://bit.ly/ZEtySm
4 out of 5 star rating Goodreads http://bit.ly/XbNn6O
Woof is an endearing children’s tale by Author, Dakota Douglas. Just when you think you recognize the tale of a stray dog and a socially awkward boy, it takes an unusual turn. It is definitely an unexpected turn.
Jeremy is a shy lad who doesn’t fit in well at school. His shyness is mistaken as arrogance. He finds himself watching the other children play. Home isn’t much better with his two career minded parents gone long hours leaving their only child in the hands of a curmudgeonly housekeeper.
Rufus is a dog without a home or an owner. He sees in Jeremy a kindred spirit. If only he could get Jeremy to see the world from his eyes.
Woof includes two tales. The first is the initial meeting between Rufus and Jeremy. The second deals with the house robbers. This book should be easy for children 6-9 to read on their own or with some help.
Woof is a darling tale that shows the importance of a pet in the family. The characterization of Jeremy’s mother made me smile. Rufus gets no breaks with his muddy paws and tendency to break wind. The wording occasionally throws me with unfamiliar expressions, but should be an excellent way to introduce children to different ways of speaking and thinking.
Wolf is a fun book for young and old alike. It will bring back memories of your first pet. There’s a good chance that time was magical.
5 star by MP Harris
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
WOOF is actually two stories for the price of one! Both stories are about a shy lonely boy, Jeremy and his dog Rufus.
This story really appealed to me when I read the description, as I was also very shy as a child, and I considered dogs and cats to be my best friends. (Yeah still do.)
I am happy to report that I was not disappointed. This is a wonderful story that gives beautiful details of what it's like to be a shy child and what a happy-go-lucky dog friend can do to help.
A quick and enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!
5 star by LadyReads TooMuch
Goodreads http://bit.ly/XbNn6O
This was a fun read. If you are looking for a good book to give to your kid, this is the one
4 star by Fiona
Goodreads http://bit.ly/XbNn6O
Jeremy—the new kid at school—and his new best friend, Rufus, find themselves caught up in spritely adventures in this fun-filled fantasy frolic of a read. Entertaining and charming!
5 star by Lee Ashford
Readers' Favorite http://bit.ly/ZxhEM3
“Woof” by Dakota Douglas is a delightful book to spark a child’s imagination and introduce him to the wonderful world of reading.....
"Dakota Douglas has a truly magnificent imagination, as these two tales show to her great acclaim. The various reactions from the different people with whom Jeremy/Rufus interact are quite amusing, as when “Jeremy” walks on all fours and
eats his food after using only his teeth to place his bowl on the floor! When he drinks out of the toilet bowl, his mother and her housekeeper both, quite naturally, go hysterical. It was almost challenging to keep track of who was whom while reading these two stories, and it must have given Dakota a few headaches as she wrote them! Her gifted imagination came through, however, resulting in two very droll tales of a boy and his dog; but these are nothing like any “boy and his dog” story you have ever read before! “Woof” is a volume to be enjoyed by young and old alike. You will want this one on your bookshelf."
5 star by Shirley Ford
Smashwords http://bit.ly/YU3osO
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk http://viewBook.at/WOOF
"Woof is two stories in one about a rather lonely young boy and a large stray dog with an unusual red nose and strange eyes. Jeremy, the young boy has just started a new school where the other children won’t let him join in their games. His very busy parents never have time for him, so when Rufus the dog comes along, Jeremy sees him as a good friend. Strange things begin to happen when Rufus suddenly puts his paws on Jeremy’s shoulders and stares into his eyes. I won’t give the plot away by telling you what happens, but children will love it.
"The book is aimed at children of seven and above and my nine-year-old grandson really enjoyed it. Both stories are easy to read and make great bedtime stories. I think the author has hit on a great idea and maybe there will be more books about Jeremy and Rufus."
5 star by Dean Giles
Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7azb8v9
"What would it be like to switch places with your favorite pet. A magical story that brings insight into the world of a young and shy boy, and the experiences that changed him by letting him be a dog for a while. Wonderful, imaginative story. As the author of The Snow Birthday, I can relate to children's books. This one had my imagination running."
