Book excerpt: Sammy the Sea Lion Takes a Bath is a children's bathtime or bedtime storybook designed as a simple way for parents to teach and reinforce new vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Each page features Sammy's story in blue text, and accompanying questions to ask your child. Concepts include direction (up), opposites, daily tasks, emotions, favorite things, rhyming, and new vocabulary words.From the Author: As a child, one of my favorite books series to read was Sammy the Seal by Syd Hoff. I was inspired by his books, as well as by the stories of real-life seals and sea lions dubbed "Sammy" famous for showing up in unexpected places, some bonding with humans. I wanted to write a book to encourage parents and children to make the most out of a bedtime routine. It can be a time to learn, a time to play, a time to love, and a time to pray. I hope my Sammy the Sea Lion inspires you to be intentional in your bedtime and bath time routine with your child. -Rachael Kathleen Hartman