My Books
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Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale
(review published in the Lake City Silver World, September 4, 2020)
When a new puppy named Joy joins the family she struggles to be accepted by the older dog, Spring. Why is Spring so reluctant to acknowledge Joy? Is it the right move to bring a puppy into Spring’s world after her beloved friend dies? What adventures await these two delightful dogs?
Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale is a charming story of life and death, as seen through the eyes of two beautiful shelties. This children’s book written by local resident, photographer and author Julie Stephens, is a wonderful read aloud to your children, as a family or to a class of students. Parents and teachers alike will enjoy the life lessons woven throughout the story, including tolerance, death, sadness, joy, helping others, the excitement of learning and the always relevant qualities of kindness and diversity.
Both charming and honest, the author describes the pain of loss Spring feels when her canine companion dies and how Spring feels as a new puppy is brought into the home. Eloquently, the author describes in both words and photography, how puppy Joy ultimately wins reluctant Spring’s friendship.
The photography in Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale skillfully captures the dog’s expressions. The whimsical and colorful photos make this story set in the mountains, even more believable, as you truly see Spring’s pain and sadness; as well as Joy’s confusion and enthusiasm in making Spring her new friend.
While identified as a children’s picture book, Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale is so much more. The book connects with readers of any age: as a picture book, for people welcoming a new puppy, helping to comfort someone who has had a dog die, as well as collectors of anything dog.
Stephens is an accomplished author and photographer. She writes an award-winning column called, Life from My View, for the Lake City Silver World Newspaper. Julie has also has an informative and inspirational blog entitled, Living in the Mountains, which can be found at https://notes.julie-stephens.com. Check out her website at https://julie-stephens.com where Stephens other books and information can be found.
Review by Erin Cavit.
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Or visit locally at Slumgullion Gift Gallery
Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale on Barns & Noble
Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale on Amazon
Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale on Goodreads
The Mountain Mutt's Teacher's Guide - free download
Spanish Classroom highlighting Mountain Mutts
Julie engaged with kids, discussing Mountain Mutts at the summer reading program.
New fans of Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale
Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale Book Trailer
Having a pet brings immeasurable joy, offering
companionship through life’s highs and lows. Losing that beloved
friend, however, is a heartbreak unlike any other. Julie A. R.
Stephens captures the pain of such a loss and the beauty of healing
in her touching story, Mountain Mutts: Joy’s Tale / El cuento de
Joy. The tale follows two canine best friends, Winter and
Spring. Wherever Winter went, Spring followed, mimicking her every
move. But when Winter passed away, Spring and her family were left
in sorrow. Time brought a new chapter: the adoption of a lively
puppy named Joy. At first, Spring kept her distance, unwilling to
embrace this energetic newcomer. Slowly, though, she softened, and
the two began to bond, forging a new and heartwarming friendship.
This story is an emotional rollercoaster, sad,
tender, and uplifting. Through Spring’s journey, readers witness the
rawness of grief and the gradual embrace of change. The way Spring
transitions into a mentor and friend for Joy is a poignant reminder
of resilience and growth. The writing, simple and expressive, is
tailored perfectly for children, touching on themes of love, loss,
and moving forward in a way they can understand. The bilingual
format of the book adds another layer of richness. Stories like
these offer children an early introduction to new languages and
perspectives.
One element that stands out is the photography.
Each image brings the characters to life, drawing readers into their
world. From playful moments to quiet scenes at home, the photos
create an intimate connection with the story.
Mountain Mutts: Joy’s Tale / El Cuento De
Joy is an undeniably moving picture book. Its lessons on empathy
for animals and the depth of their emotional lives resonate deeply.
The book’s message of healing and love shines through. It’s a story
worth reading, especially for families seeking a gentle way to
discuss loss and new beginnings.
Rating: 5
Thank you,
Thomas Anderson
Editor In Chief
Literary Titan
Mountain Devotional ...He went up apart to pray. From Amazon.
Reviews of Mountain Devotional
“I got chills reading this devotional. Candy and Julie have reminded me why I live here, and that the good book provides the answers to questions we may have.” – Bernadette Hagendorf, Lake City, Colorado resident and current St. James Episcopal Church representative for the Lake City, Youth Council
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Mountain Devotional on Barns & Noble
Tea and Talk with Friends From Amazon.
Tea & Talk is the sharing of love, friendship, simple joys, and everyday pleasures. It is the sharing of what is important to us. All we really have in life besides this moment in time are our relationships and our memories. May we always have someone to love, someone with whom to share life’s joys and sorrows and may you enjoy sharing ~
Tea & Talk with Friends ~
Tea & Talk is well written, interesting, a delightful to read with beautiful photographs. Bob Hines, Retired Creative Art Director and Artist
I think it is beautiful!! I like the way you two have tied together the threads of your poetry, prose and photos. I think Tea and Talk will have a wide audience. Phyllis Kayne, Poet and Artist
Special friends are rare and this book will be a treasure for them. I love the way you put pictures in reader’s minds as you tell the story. Your photographs are great, poetry and idea will touch hearts. A heartwarming story and I believe needed at times like the world is having now. We need to hold on to the special people in our lives and your book will be a constant reminder of this. Karen Hurd, Author and Artist
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Reflections In The San Juan Mountains From Amazon.
I don't think it's an overstatement to
say that anyone who knows
David McHam, Instructional
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A short video about Reflections