Gavriel and Giselle
Anilange
by
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There is something in the dark. There is something in the wind. There is something in the mist. What a distraction while I am trying to take a test! Of all days to have another storm, thought Azzan. Even the cats were acting peculiar! Azzan, the Classroom Pet Patrol Officer, sensed their unusual conduct. Being trained in ‘anilange,’ which is animal language, he could interpret animal thoughts and speech. Gavriel is the male feline who is strong and wise. His helpfulness and cheerful attitude counters his sister Giselle’s disruptive behavior. Her conduct often yields weird antics. However, eventually, her funny and bizarre behaviors are helpful in that they always predict an unexpected event. She and her brother are definite assets to the safety and security of the class. “Azzan, you need to concentrate on the completion of your examine and focus your eyes only in the direction of your smart space,” said Ms. Mauwynn sternly. “Yes, Ms. Mauwynn, ” Azzan replied respectfully. In his fifth grade classroom, he shared a digital table with three other classmates. Students are assigned a side, which is called their ‘smart space’. OUUWHEEE! With excitement Gavriel pawed Azzan’s leg.
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About the Book
While watching the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma, tornado on live television, I shivered at what the town was facing—a natural disaster of monumental destruction. As those dark and ominous clouds reached the school buildings, I asked myself, a former kindergarten teacher, the following two questions: Could I stay calm? Could I keep my students calm? The answer was a definite “yes,” but only with God’s help.
For days, my heart wanted to do something to comfort the whole community as they worked through their grief and emotions; yet, during that time, nothing extraordinary came to mind. While on a road trip a few weeks later, God revealed a story to me in a colorful movie format. After each vivid scene, I dictated the various events on my iPhone. When I arrived home, I transcribed the imaginative text and described the intriguing illustrations. Gavriel and Giselle came alive on the computer screen!
May this story give comfort to children, parents, teachers, and communities, and to any survivor who has experienced a horrific event. If, after you read the book, you can smile and count your blessings, then my goal is achieved.
God bless all the survivors!
About the Author
D. G. Voss holds an EdD in Educational Psychology, with an emphasis in early childhood plus instructional technology. She has been an educator for decades, ranging from kindergarten to college. She is a Professor of Education at a private university in Texas. This is her first children’s book. Illustrated by Ben Voss, B.F.A., Design Communication.