This book is an inspiration!
“When first reading Toko of Coco Oko by Andrew J. Shoup, I felt I needed
to share this story with my Pre-school class. Other teachers borrowed it and
now we have worked it into our curriculum. It can be read during our community
helpers week because Toko finds a "job" that helps him contribute
to his people - or - during manners and feelings week because of the way the
other Islanders made Toko feel when he had yet another failure.
I then took this book to my art classes for the elementary students to see the beautiful art work on each page that was also created by the author. The children loved the hand drawn, colorfully saturated pages. The pages were an inspiration to create a book of our own in class! It was alot of work, and it took most of the school year, but the children and parents were thrilled with the final product - all due to Toko of Coco Oko. I can't wait to see what Andrew J. Shoup comes out with next!”
—LaGarie L. Woodward, Pembroke Pines, Florida
"Toko of Coco Oko is a picture book adventure deftly written and
enhanced with full color artwork by Andrew J. Shoup, and presents the story
of Toko, a young man on a faraway island, who has trouble finding his place
in his island world and fitting into the life of his village. Wondering if
greater powers have an unknown plan in store for him, Toko must search inside
out in order to find his proper destiny. Toko Of Coco Oko is recommended as
a philosophically timeless, entertainingly enjoyable, and emotionally moving
story.
—Midwest Book
Review
Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence“On the tiny island of
Coco Oko each inhabitant persues the work they love the most. But one resident,Toko,
doesn't know what he does best. So he goes to the god called The Great Coconut,
to ask to be the best fisherman in all the village. But instead of accolades,
Toko only gains laughter at his efforts.The same thing happens when he tries
to build a boat or gather bananas. All the while, Toko writes about his experiences
in his journal.
The journey to discover one's self, whether young or old, comes alive with
Andrew Shoup's TOKO OF COCO OKO. A remarkable tale in its simplicity, this
illustrated book contains a vital lesson perfect for all ages. My youngest
audience, age two, thought Toko very silly and asks for the story again and
again. My oldest audience, thirty-something, likewise enjoyed the story even
as they appreciated the message of finding the one thing that brings joy and
doing it well. With terrific illustrations and a wonderful story all audiences
will love, TOKO OF COCO OKO earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.”
—Cindy Penn
Senior Editor, http://www.wordweaving.com
Amazon top 50 Reviewer
eBook Specialist, Midwest Book Review
"Where do I fit in, wonders Toko in this delightful and thought
provoking book, Toko of Coco Oko. It's a question many children ask. Toko
has found the answer! Beautiful illustrations make this book a treasure to
behold. One of the most beautiful books we have ever read not only because
of the bright and fun illustrations but because of the message it sends as
well!"
—Jennifer Reed, Wee
Ones
“Toko lives on the island of Coco Oko where he strives to find
his place in the community. This is an entertaining story for any elementary
age child struggling to find his or her strengths. After many visits to the
temple of the “Great Coconut”, Toko learns the hard way how to
listen to his heart to find that thing that makes him special.
The illustrations are vivid and entertaining. Andrew Shoup appears to portray
the characters in the pictures as caricatures to emphasize their laughter
at Toko’s attempts to be the best at something.”
—Kathy Brummond, BookReview.com
