Alley Loo (by C. E. Walz)

"A typical swamp is full of plants, wildlife, and water and Walz has captured this dark and lonely place in a fun, rhyming story that provides a wonderful introduction to the creatures that lurk in the swamp. The story shows the love a mother has for her baby and the lengths she'll go to protect her. Wedel's illustrations compliment the text with mysterious and spooky watercolors of scary creatures you may encounter if you enter at your own risk." ~ Lori Calabrese, National Children's Books Examiner and author of The Bug that Plagued the Entire Third Grade (08/2009)

"Billed as a spooky swamp story and written in verse, Alley Loo takes readers on a suspenseful journey through a cypress swamp at night. As you meet the animals who dwell there, each spouts a warning: "Don't go messin' with Alley Loo!" Who exactly is Alley Loo? Take this nail-biting journey and find out for yourself. But be careful -- just when you think the coast is clear, something more frightening may be lurking nearby. Although this is definitely a chilling tale, it is told with children in mind and is not the kind of story nightmares are made of. If your child likes to be scared in a silly and fun manner, then this delightfully spooky book will quickly become a favorite to read over and over again. First-time author C. E. Walz won the 2008 DFP Awards Children's Picture Book Contest with this lyrical swamp fable which resulted in its publication. The superbly swampy illustrations by Pamela Wedel are mired in vibrant colors. From the frightened frown of a wide-eyed owl to the terrifically terrified bullfrogs, Wedel's artwork complements the text as though both artists were of one mind. Never mind the warnings about Alley Loo - get hold of a copy and immerse yourself in the swamp where the black waters flow...." ~ Niki Masse Schoenfeld for Curled Up Kids [July 2009] FIVE STARS

"Subtitled 'A Spooky Swamp Tale,' illustrator Pamela Wedel uses screaming black cats, bellowing bullfrogs, and a polecat to emphasize spooky cypress trees with cypress knees. Cautioned to 'Enter at Yur Own Risk!' the reader knows what to watch out for: a mean black bear, a vicious snake, and an owl
with gigantic eyes. Even the crane and the skunk dare not enter. But what is so scary? Is Alley Loo stinky? big? hairy? What a surprise! Alley Loo is sweet and darling but she is protected by her mama, Betty Jo. So the warning is 'Don't mess with Alley Loo.' Both the author and the illustrator are educators and obviously they know how to attract young picture book readers." ~ JoAn Martin for The Baytown Sun (Baytown, Texas) [May 2009]

"ALLEY LOO is a wonderful, delightfully suspense-filled swamp critter mystery, packed with understanding and respect for all of nature. I rate it 100% SWAMPWISE!!" ~ Okefenokee Joe [May 2009]

"In the fun tradition of spooky tales for young children, Walz and Wedel lead a jaunt through a vibrant cypress swamp teeming with possums, polecats, and raccoons, but always wary of Alley Loo. The rhyming text flows over the page following the contours of the swamp and its inhabitants as text and color-saturated illustrations merge into vivid scenes. Animal by animal, the curiosity builds: 'Now you might ask: What’s so scary? Is Alley Loo stinky or big and hairy?' The answer is perfect, for those who love to be scared, just a bit.” ~ Linda Kern, Head Research Librarian at Brenau University [April 2009]

"I love this book! With the heart and spirit of John Muir and a dash of Dr. Seuss, C.E. Walz's clever and surprising words combined with Pam Wedel's beautiful illustrations create a classic full of critters.. Prepare to hear 'One more time!' and 'again....puh-leeze!' from your kids when you pull out Alley Loo to read at bedtime!" ~ Hunter Bell, Obie Award-winning writer and author of 137th edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Bellobration! [April 2009]

“What a delightful story about the protective love of a mother. The rhythmic story telling, along with great illustrations, keeps the young reader anticipating the turning of each page.” ~ Ben Mikaelsen, author of Touching Spirit Bear [April 2009]

"What’s going on in the black water swamp? Bellowing bullfrogs, big-eyed owls, and even hungry bears echo the same warning: 'Better watch out for Alley Loo!' But who--or what--is the mysterious Alley Loo? Children will delight in this picture book’s rollicking rhymes and colorful wildlife illustrations. They’ll also learn about the diversity of life in our swamplands as the fun and tantalizing secret is revealed page by page. Can you guess Alley Loo’s identity? Bet you’ll be surprised!" ~ Lynn Coulter, author of Mustard Seeds and contributor to magazines including Ranger Rick, Jack and Jill, and Pockets [April 2009] FIVE STARS

"I was excited to get the opportunity to illustrate Alley Loo. The wonderful story C.E. Walz created was so delightful and imaginative the characters practically painted themselves!" ~ Pamela Wedel, illustrator for Alley Loo: A Spooky Swamp Tale and the EPPIE 2008 Best Children's Book Grizzelda Gorilla [April 2009]