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Michael Simonsen is a former police
officer for the Los Angeles Police Department. In 1977, as a means to teach children safety Michael Simonsen, developed an
entertaining visual presentation through the use of a Macaw. The bird, known
as Officer Byrd, No. 007, was the genesis of the book The Adventures of Officer Byrd – Get Help!
According to the book description
of The Adventures of Officer Byrd – Get
Help!, it “is based on a true-story. It's about a real police bird who helps children and adults. The story
is about Officer Byrd helping young people not to keep bad secrets and to get help. The children's book is for ages five to
12 plus. Your contribution to buy this book goes to help abused children. We are a nonprofit organization trying to help children
all over the world.”
One reader of The Adventures of Officer
Byrd – Get Help! said, “How can a macaw (parrot) from the rainforest of South America become
a police officer in Los Angeles? You'll enjoy reading this exciting, helpful book about Officer Byrd to discover how and
why. Office Byrd's mission and passion is to help kids. Oh, yes, he also has super powers! Like a true super hero, he
uses his powers for good to catch the bad guys, especially those who harm children.
Author Mike Simonsen, Officer Mike in the book, has the same passion as his pet
macaw. His goal is to stop abusers of children. As a result, he has written this first in a planned series of books about
Officer Mike and Officer Byrd in the L.A.P.D. In real life, they present programs to schoolchildren through their Officer
Byrd Non-profit organization.
Accompanying the Mike's suspenseful text are detailed, action-oriented illustrations
created by Stephanus Dharma. The pictures are fun and informative, adding much to the text. Readers will enjoy seeing the
computer generated illustrations from photos. You feel like you are not only right in the rain forest and Los Angeles, but
that you know the main characters as friends and protectors.
This is a much-needed and highly important
book for children of any school age from pre-school through upper grades. As well parents, grandparents, teacher, caregivers,
counselors, and authorities in law and law enforcement, indeed anyone connected with children, will be well informed by this
book. Units in the class and discussions with children can be based on it. Kudos to Michael Simonsen and Stephanus Dharma
for helping our children through this book and their presentations! Extra applause to the real Officer Byrd!”
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