We are thrilled to announce that Destiny’s Purpose has been chosen by the CDA Membership and Awards Committee to receive this year’s Public Education Award. The Committee described the book as “…a very unique educational tool for children … beautifully written and illustrated.”

We are honoured to receive such an award!!

Destiny's Purpose Professional Reviews

“Destiny’s Purpose is a picture book that admirably uses the story of an outsider animal to educate readers about alpacas and an auto-immune condition in order to elicit their empathy for those who are different… Cassidy-Rouleau has skillfully used her teaching background and knowledge of educational texts for children to create this book… Overall, Destiny’s Purpose is an old-fashioned sort of picture book with commendable illustrations that will educate adults and children alike.” 5/5 Stars - Foreword Clarion Review

“Reading Destiny’s Purpose is like reading a comforting novel.  The words are almost poetic, the pace leisurely. The book takes readers on a journey they’re sure to enjoy… Author Shannon Cassidy-Rouleau has created a wonderful story, which gently deals with alopecia, a little-known disease where people lose their hair. Yet the story is not “about” alopecia, it is about Destiny and how being himself, he discovers his purpose. Any child who has ever felt like an outcast will relate to Destiny’s story and will be surprised how things can change when one does what comes naturally. “ 4/5 Stars -
Sacramento Book Review

“In a palpably affectionate narrative, Cassidy-Rouleau introduces a young alpaca who's the darling of Peter and Nora's herd…The author, who raises alpacas in Ontario, can't resist a couple of plugs for alpaca fleece ("I've heard it's softer than wool and many times warmer," says one of Nora's customers), but the theme of acceptance is delivered gently… Auth's delicately outlined full-bleed watercolors are nicely suited to the bucolic setting, and readers will identify both with Destiny's upset over being cast out from the herd and his growing confidence. Back matter includes details about alpacas and alopecia, as well as a glossary, making this an intriguing insider's look at the animals and a reminder that some talents require looking below the surface.” Publishers Weekly Select

“What everyone else has picked for you may not be your ultimate destiny.”Destiny's Purpose" tells the tale of an alpaca called Destiny, who is slated by his owners to be a major figure in the show ring. But something else seems to be in the future for Destiny, in this book designed to help readers learn that they are the masters of their own destiny. "Destiny's Purpose" has unique art from Dennis Auth, making for a fine pick for grades 2 and 3 readers, or parents looking for read-aloud books.” Midwest Book Review

The lovely illustrations, rendered in soft, muted colors, are well-suited to the story and ably support the writing… The story will bring comfort to those who have had to either struggle with a disability or support someone in their effort to overcome an obstacle… A lushly illustrated and well-written story with a big heart and a noble purpose. Kirkus Discovery Reviews

It is no wonder why parents and educators are raving about Destiny’s Purpose as the book uniquely combines an interesting look at alpacas with an overcoming adversity message and insightful information about alopecia. There is a free teacher’s guide online and I think the book would blend well with most language/literacy and or animal science programs. The story is presented with wonderful, descriptive detail and clear dialogue throughout. The illustrations are exceptional works of art. I read the book to my children aged five and seven and they both enjoyed it. They showed sadness and compassion for Destiny when he was shunned by the herd and happiness when his purpose is revealed. The glossary was a nice touch to help with understanding “alpaca lingo.” I highly recommend Destiny’s Purpose for at home reading and for classroom study for 5-10 year olds.” Reader’s Choice Book Reviews

Destiny's Reviews

Grade 3/4 Teacher
Kathryn (Ontario) 9/14/2010 9:36 PM
My students thoroughly enjoyed this book. They felt compassion for Destiny and rejoiced when he found his purpose. They then made connections to their own lives and found many ways they could show compassion to others. I had the characters in the story write letters to my class asking for advice. My students gave very compelling and well thought out advice. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for ways to integrate character education and rich literature in their classroom.

Alpaca Ranch Owner

Hanne Quigley (Ompah, Ontario (Canada)) 8/8/2010 8:19 AM
This book is a keeper. A beautiful and encouraging story, I couldn't put it down and have read it two more times since receiving it. The alpaca facts are right on and I really value the Glossary. Shannon Cassidy-Rouleau has managed to capture not only the alpaca's amazing and varied personalities but was able to gift us with a wonderful story about overcoming adversity.

Special Education Teacher

Leesa (Ontario) 7/17/2010 5:13 PM
Destiny's Purpose is a heartwarming tale for all age groups. As an educator, I have successfully used this book and the accompanying teacher resources for enriching my Character Education program. Destiny's Purpose is beautifully written and illustrated and has the strong messages of overcoming obstacles, acceptance and finding our true purpose in life.

Destiny's Purpose Review

Staci Rushton (Ottawa, Ontario) 6/28/2010 12:16 PM
I have used this book in my primary classroom as a read-aloud. As there are so many topics to explore within the text, the read aloud lessons were broken up into several lessons that took place over a period of several weeks. The students responded both verbally and in written format to many questions about a variety of topics, especially with regards to character education and the feeling of belonging. Students also learned about the needs and characteristcs of living things, and this was a nice link between science and language arts. The teacher support guide was very useful in helping to form grade appropriate read aloud and reading response questions. On a more personal note, I read this book to my own child, and she absolutely loved it. Her responses as we read ranged from excitement and happiness to sadness and fear over what would become of Destiny. This is a must have for any classroom teacher!

Pipsqueak Publishing

Tina Wuehr (Cobden, Ontario) 6/25/2010 5:26 PM
Wow! What a fantastic book. The story is wonderful, the illustrations are beautiful and the quality of the book is outstanding.

Superintendent of Education

Dennis Jenkins (Renfrew County District School Board ) 6/25/2010 5:24 PM
We were very impressed with this book and the degree of planning to ensure classroom resources were available for teachers. In addition to the book fit with our literacy strategies, it is an excellent resource for our equity and character development programs.

Grade 2 teacher

Juanita (Ontario, Canada) 6/9/2010 3:44 PM
Wow!!! What a fantastic resource to blend with our language program (read alouds with a focus on inferring) as well as our science program on animals. There is a lot of info in this picture book, and for our Grade 2 class it was necessary to read and ponder it in chunks. We used this book over a four week period. Then, as part of our culminating activity, we travelled to an alpaca farm!! What a great learning experience. Grade 2 will be using this resource again next year!

Principal

Jodie (Ontario) 6/8/2010 1:38 PM
Destiny's Purpose is a story which shows us how our true purpose may only be realized through events beyond our understanding. This book supports literacy programs in schools and has a curricular support package for teachers through the author's website. Students of all ages love to learn about the world of alpacas.
 

 
Review Destiny's Purpose online
 
Contact the author directly to share your thoughts or your experiences using Destiny's Purpose in your classroom. We love to get copies of student writing and artwork based on Destiny's Purpose! We may even feature it on our site!

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