Review: LOOSELY SPEAKING.....
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 6, 2013
This short story is a Christian allegory. The animals who live and play together in the farm community of Loosely display the best and worst of their human counterparts.At the outset we meet a group of pig friends who are coping with a hot day by wallowing in the mud. Charlie suddenly informs his friend Wally that the sheriff wants to see him. So Wally reluctantly treks to town where he discovers that the dog and donkey who are in charge did not summon him at all. Wally realizes that Charlie lied to him to get a better spot in the mud pit. At first he is tempted to be angry, but he remembers that we all have weaknesses. As a Christian he will forgive Wally.The entire town is getting ready for their annual picnic. Members of Loosely will be collecting money, food and clothing for the needy. They cooperate with each other; male and female animals are all doing their part, building, baking and preparing for the event. The children will do all their homework early so they can be responsible and ready. Children are encouraged to work hard to use their talents and parents are expected to encourage them. The animals talk about the blessings God has bestowed upon their community, and they are excited that the priest will be attending this year.We also observe the animals discussing undesirable traits like gossiping, their family relationships, marriage and divorce. All the animals await the remarks of the mayor who thanks them for working together to make Loosely such a great town and putting their own interest aside for the sake of their children and grandchildren.This book is filled with moral lessons with a strong Christian focus. Parents who object to a religious slant should be aware of this fact.  Two other things are worth noting. There are only a few pictures, and those included are small and stylized. They will not appeal to a young child. Also there are issues in grammar and word usage that need to be addressed.