Walter and his friends go on an exciting adventure across many places that kept my son eagerly turning the pages. My son loved this book and is looking forward to more! It has fun illustrations and great characters.

I truly enjoyed this kids book. I read it to my 7 year old son, and 9 year old daughter. They were excited , and couldn’t predict what came next. The concept was fascinating, and the plot unfolding was packed with thrills. This book kept myself and my 1st and 3rd grader engaged, and on the edge of their seats through the magic, fun, and adventure. This is a great story to spark interest in sci fi for the little ones .

This book was read with my two boys, aged 9 and 11. They loved the story of Walter the Woogobee especially when it came to Bayon making drawings that allowed the characters to a solve the problems they were having with the Windmaster causing difficulties for the people of the land.

My boys enjoyed the story and at the end of the book they were discussing what adventure Bayon and Walter would be going on next.

The only thing that prevented 5 stars was that some of the words were made up and it was frustrating for my boys to try to read on their own, so it was a book that I had to read to them or provide assist with words on numerous pages. However, both boys said in the end that they enjoyed the story and would love to read another Walter the Woogobee book.

Although I rarely venture into the sci-fi realm, the premise of this book intrigued me. Well, that and the cover. An alien has landed and, hmm, it looks a lot like a dog. Maybe the aliens have us dog crazy humans figured out? In any case, it's Walter and he's a Woogobee. He's space/time traveled through a vortex, pressing the wrong button on a device given to him by his father. He winds up on planet Earth where he encounters a human boy named Bayon out riding his horse. Needless to say, both are a bit surprised (Did anyone ask the horse?) but rather than assuming the other is the enemy, take time to talk (book explains how Walter manages this human task) and become friends. Walter tells Bayon his home village is being destroyed. Bayon decides to help Walter. And...that's when the adventure begins.

I'm not going to detail their adventures and all the quirky and occasionally strange characters they encounter. Walter has other abilities that help though I'll leave those for the reader to discover. The illustrations are fun, colorful, and add to the story. Make sure you spend some time checking out the many things to be found on most pages, not to mention the fun names given to some of the creatures they encounter. The text seems relatively short and easy to read and, as noted, the illustrations help any child struggling with the text to better grasp what is happening. The book's focus is on friendship and helping others, even when it isn't easy, and solving problems together rather than only relying upon oneself. All good messages to young readers.

Bottom line, a fun, adventurous story that most children will enjoy. Thanks #IndigoRiverPress and #NetGalley for sharing this fun story with me early. I may have to wave aside my usual lack of interest in sci-fi for any future adventures of Walter. Walter can travel through time, after all. Grin.

Walter the Woogobee: The Vortex to Vidza by Brenda Beckelman is a whimsical, imaginative blend of science fiction and classic fairytale charm. Following a shapeshifting alien pup who speaks every language, the story shines with vibrant world-building where elephants fly and the wind speaks.

Its greatest strength is its moral core, teaching young readers (ages 6–9) that listening and peaceful problem-solving are the best ways to resolve conflict. While the illustrations are stunning, the review loses a star because the dialogue can occasionally be confusing to track during multi-character scenes, and some readers may crave more backstory on the "Woogobee" species itself.

Final Verdict: A heartwarming, creative choice for bedtime reading that makes science feel as magical as any fantasy.

Beautiful children’s illustrated book with a unique story. The concept of drawing inspiration through art so that Walter can transform himself reminded me of a show I used to watch as a kid. While some of their antics may be a little more quirky than I imagined, I can’t wait to see where their next journey will be and I also feel like this is a perfect book for kids who love a bit of adventure.

The pictures are very colorful and should keep little eyes turning the pages. I love how the author incorporates learning features into the story

I definitely think this is a unique take and great storyline. The illustrations are beautiful and Walter is so stinking cute. The world they live in is stunning but I definitely think there is a lot of writing that maybe littles might not stay focus but I think it just depends on the ages that is being read to. I really do like this story and would recommend.