Beagles & Books

Gia and I are giddy with excitement to be part of the blog tour for Rain and the Reading Horse written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Hannah Sayler which celebrated its book birthday on October 7, 2025. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

As nervous as Rain is to read to a horse named Snow, she knows it will be less stressful than reading in front of her classmates. Gianferrari’s poetic text and Sayler’s emotional artwork share Rain’s sentiment.

His ears twitching and tail swishing, Snow quietly listens to Rain with no judgment. When the words do not flow easily, mucking Snow’s stall calms her. On her second visit, just being in Snow’s presence settles Rain’s heart and breath allowing her to read a little more.

Growth is not always linear so when Rain stumbles, she finds solace in feeding and grooming Snow. These simple tasks give her the strength to return to reading aloud to Snow. Her visits include riding Snow and just like her reading, Rain starts slow and gains her stride. Her assurance is captured not only in the melodic text but also in the uplifting artwork. Soon Rain’s reading and riding have the same rhythm giving her unbridled confidence.

As a reading specialist, my heart initially hurt for Rain. For the students I work with, reading is challenging and repeated practice in a safe environment is a game changer. I love that Gianferrari chose to highlight a Giddy-Up and Read program which strengthen Rain’s skills. The collaboration between Gianferrari’s lyrical text and Sayler’s stirring illustrations is pure magic. As a reader, I could hear, see, and feel Rain’s demeanor gradually change from discouraged to delighted.

Reminiscent of Gianferrari’s Hello Goodbye Dog, Rain and the Reading Horse is a heartfelt story capturing the profound impact an animal can have on a child. Back matter includes notes from the author and illustrator as well as reading horse therapy program websites.

About the Author:

As a shy, animal-loving kid, Maria Gianferrari wishes she could have read to a horse like Snow. As a shy animal-loving adult, she now gets to write about all kinds of creatures and the bonds they share with humans in books like Be a Tree! You and the Bowerbird, and To Dogs, With Love. Maria lives in Massachusetts with her family and dreams of reading Rain and the Reading Horse to a horse!

About the Illustrator:

Hannah Salyer has always been a friend to horses. After years spent riding, caring for, admiring, and drawing them as a kid, she was ecstatic to illustrate this book. In starred reviews of her other books, Packs and Ancestory, her work has been called “capitivating,” “breathtaking.” and “visually stunning.” Hannah is also the recipient of the Maurice Sendak Fellowship. She currently lives in Brooklyn but makes it a point to get out and volunteer at the closest therapeutic riding stable between working on projects in her studio.

Happy Book Birthday to Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry & Charles Santoso

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 lauramossa

🥚Gia is “egg-cited” to wish a Happy Book Birthday to Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry & Charles Santoso! Thanks to Macmillan for sharing a copy.

🥚After checking her pumpkins, potions, and hair, Evelyn Witch realizes something is missing in her life. On her way to the Blustery Broom, she sees the pet shop and it all makes sense. Sniveling snails! Evelyn’s ten coins can only buy her the mystery pet. Once opened, Evelyn discovers a plain white egg. And when that egg doesn’t hatch, Evelyn heads to the library for help. But spells on a snow mountain, in the ocean, and in a cave are not successful in hatching a unicorn, narwhal or porcupine of which Evelyn learns none come from an egg.

🥚Sniveling snails! Then Evelyn had an epiphany. Good things do take time like her pumpkins to ripen, her potions to brew, and her beautiful messy hair to grow reminding her to have patience and let the egg hatch when it is ready. And when it did finally crack open, Evelyn knew her pet was the worth the wait.

🥚I just love Evelyn. Ferry has created a character to whom kids will immediately be drawn. Her awareness that something is lacking and her initiative to solve her problem is laudable. But like all humans, waiting is truly the hardest part. Patience is a bitter pill which Evelyn only learns after reflection on other aspects of her life. Santoso’s expressive and playful illustrations makes the story fun and relatable. His use of vignettes, panels, half page, and full page spreads moves the plot along as well as shows how Evelyn has changed from the beginning to end of the story. I adore that Evelyn finds a companion to not only love but also eat all those sniveling snails!

Board Books, Dogs, Picture Books

Welcome Gia to Beagles and Books!

July 2, 2025July 2, 2025 lauramossa

There is a new reviewer on staff. Meet Gia, a seven month old rescue pup originally from North Carolina. While she may or may not have any beagle in her, Gia has the energy to keep up with all the latest reads. Getting photos isn’t as easy so grateful for this moment of rest.

The Great Puppy Invasion by Alastair Heim Illustrated by Kim Smith

Available in hardcover, paperback, and board book.

In Strictville, fun is forbidden, play is prohibited, and cuteness is downright criminal. So when hundreds of puppies show up, the town is in turmoil. How can they get rid of all these adorable animals? When their solutions fail, all the townspeople run and lock themselves safely in the houses except for little Teddy. Teddy wonders “How could these cute puppies be scary?” With one simple gesture, Teddy teaches the townspeople that fun, play, and cuteness make Strictville a happier place to live.

Being a proud dog mom, I loved turning each page to see piles and piles of puppies. I am amazed that each puppy is unique in its own way! Kim Smith has included so many details in every illustration; therefore, rereading is required! No doubt children will fall in love with this picture book and want it to be read aloud over and over. Adults need not worry for Alastair Heim has included plenty of humor to keep all ages entertained!

Side note: The Great Puppy Invasion is one of the texts included in our first module in Grade 2.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?, Middle Grade Literature, Picture Books

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 5/12/25

May 12, 2025 lauramossa

#IMWAYR is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers and Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts decided to give it a #kidlit focus and encourage everyone who participates to visit at least 3 of the other #kidlit book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Grateful to Feedspot for recognizing Beagles & Books as one of the Top 100 Children’s Book Blogs.

Spelling it Out by Margaret Finnegan

When sixth grader Ben Bellini places twelfth in the Southern California Regional Spelling Bee, he shouldn’t be upset. He won his class and school competition easily without studying so why would he have done anything differently? Ben was convinced his competitive spelling days were behind him until his.grandmother Nan offered him a unique opportunity-spend the summer in San Francisco with her and be coached by a former Scripps National Spelling Bee winner.

Convincing his parents took time; however, with the surprisingly help of his sister, Ben got his wish with conditions like don’t go anywhere without Nan, listen to her, and do what she asks. So when Nan sends Ben to the local deli, he goes alone keeping 2/3 of his promise. After waiting for Nan, Ben has to ride the bus alone to the bookshop where the owner Roger Nott will train him. His tardiness did not make a good first impression. Seeking hydration, Ben visits the public library where he meets Asha Krishnakumar who has not spelled competitively yet has already proclaimed herself as the next Scripps winner.

I love the way Finnegan chose to have Ben navigate both relationships-one with a peer and one with an adult. He learns to persist from Asha and to walk away from Roger. While the signs were there from the beginning, Ben finally realizes that Nan is suffering from dementia and bravely reaches out to his mom for help.

Set in 1985 and written as a memoir from Ben’s perspective as an adult, Spelling It Out is a story that will resonate with readers as they witness Ben personally grow over that summer in San Francisco. At first, perfecting his spelling was his main goal. Once Ben understood that Nan was in trouble, he took charge of the situation getting her the support she needed. Ben learned that while persistence is important, believing in yourself, and having others believe in you is crucial. Take special note of the chapter titles and the afterword. And grateful to Finnegan for adding new words to my repertoire like clodpoll, perambulate, and cacodemonomania.

Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing an early copy. Spelling It Out celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on May 13, 2025.

Kitty Camp by Drew Brockington

An ecstatic young girl wearing a cat t-shirt boards the bus to summer camp and quickly realizes she is headed to the wrong camp. Instead of being upset, the heart eyed girl is elated to be going to Kitty Camp. While there was a lot of yarn at Arts and Crafts, it was used for play not projects. The feline campers would rather nap than hike, have no guilt stealing a tuna sandwich during lunch, and express no interest in the pool.

Kitty Camp is not as fun as one would think until the girl spies cats popping off their own little boxes prompting her to build a superfort of many boxes which the cats quickly gravitate towards. As a result, the cats trust the girl hanging out to read, fish or sing by the campfire. On the bus ride home, five cats are sleeping and purring near or on the girl. On the next day, the girl gets on the bus with a new camper (from Puppy Bus) thinking she is going back to Kitty Camp; however, they did not pay attention to the name-Sloth Bus! A new adventure awaits!

Brockington’s follow up to Puppy Bus is paw-somely perfect. I love how the main character experiences some struggles and then realizes she has to appeal to the cats’ comforts. While her t-shirt and backpack show her love of cats, Brockington’s illustration of the girl’s bedroom solidifies her admiration. Given the ending, I am hopeful that another bus adventure is in the future.

Thanks to Abrams for sharing a copy. Kitty Bus recently published on April 29, 2025.

Odder: An Otter’s Story by Katherine Applegate Illustrated by Charles Santoso.

Adapted from her acclaimed middle grade novel, Applegate collaborates with illustrator Santoso in a picture book format to tell the story of Odder named for her energy and curiosity.. After waves unravel the kelp wrapper that her mother lovingly looped around her, Odder lands on the beach where she is rescued by humans. At the aquarium, they feed and teach her and when Odder is ready, she is released back to the ocean.

Odder joins a romp of otters who school her in finding mussels and floating together as well as dub her the Queen of Play. Her new family also warns her to stay safe but Odder dismisses them. As a result of her carefree nature, she suffers a wound courtesy of a shark. Luckily, Odder is rescued again and survives; however, the aquarium is now her permanent home. Once healed, Odder learns she has a new purpose-teaching other rescued otter pups all she knows especially the power of play.

Applegate’s melodic text and Santoso’s gorgeous artwork will warm both your heart and soul. The beautiful imagery in Applegate’s words are perfectly complemented by Santoso’s illustrations full of emotion and energy. I love how Odder teaches us we all have talents to share. In the book blurb, readers learn Applegate drew inspiration from two otters cared for by Monterey Bay Aquarium. Included in my review copy was their website where readers can view otters on their live cam.

Thanks to Macmillan for sharing a copy. Odder recently released on April 29, 2025.

People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.”
-Jim Butcher
Beagles & Books is dedicated to Etta & Bella, my original book beagles.
Blessed they are part of my story.

Book Birthday, Dogs, Picture Books

Happy Book Birthday to Don’t Lose Mr. Cuddles: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog by Dev Petty Illustrated by Mike Boldt

May 6, 2025 lauramossa

Every dog needs a forever friend and for Chip, his ride or die is Mr. Cuddles, a purple bunny stuffed toy. So what if he loses a ball, a bone, his dog tag or another stuffie? Chip always keeps extra balls, bone fairies bring more, and no dog tag means a new name like Fernando.

But when Mr. Cuddles is not on top of his dog bed, Chip goes into panic mode. Sure, Mr. Cuddles has been gone before for mending and washing, but Chip knew of his best friend’s whereabouts. This time though he feels responsible and for a moment, Chip doubts his intelligence. Luckily, his investigative skills are strong finding cat treat crumbs, cat hair, and toilet paper. All these clues point to one culprit-Mittens. When Chip sees Mittens snuggling with Mr. Cuddles, his anger quickly fades and decides to join the snooze fest, much to Mittens’ dismay,

A round of a-paws for author Petty and illustrator Boldt for their canine-tastic collaboration on the third book in the Chip the Dog series. Petty knows how a dog’s mind works calling a washing machine “the orb of suffering” and human stuff like homework, dentures, and keys serving no purpose unlike Mr. Cuddles. Boldt’s artwork humorously shows Chip’s range of emotions from when he first laid eyes on Mr. Cuddles, their travels together, his disappearance, the clues leading to his recovery, and of course, nuzzling his best mate as well as his nemesis Mittens. While Chip and Mittens have never been chummy, perhaps Mr. Cuddles can bring them closer.

Thanks to the author and Penguin Random House for sharing a digital copy..

Book Birthday, Early Readers

Happy Book Birthday to The Beach Day (Bat, Cat & Rat Book 3) by Ame Dyckman Illustrated by Mark Teague

April 29, 2025 lauramossa

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy.

Following their 2024 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague take three friends on another adventure.

How do Bat, Cat, and Rat cool off? In the first chapter, after Bat and Rat use all the ice, the trio pack, walk, and board a bus to get to the beach. In the second chapter, Bat shares his snacks with seagulls much to his dismay. Thank goodness for Cat’s intervention. In the second and a half chapter (4 pages long) Rat is distraught because he can’t find his kite. In the third chapter, Bat comforts Rat by offering himself as a flying machine.

The Bat, Cat & Rat series warms my reading specialist heart. With concise text, high frequency words, and repetition, Dyckman makes the story accessible for young kids to read independently without sacrificing character development or plot. I love the subtle humor which is a great discussion starter and how Bat, Cat, and Rat support each other as friends. Dyckman’s short text allows Teague’s energetic and expressive artwork to fill up the page supporting readers in their understanding.

Book Birthday, Picture Books

Happy Birthday to New Picture Books!

April 22, 2025 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is thrilled to share reviews of picture books celebrating their book birthdays today!

So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang Illustrated by Christopher Weyant

Being an only child with fur and feather allergies makes So-Hee feel lonesome. Then at the pet store, she meets Lowy, a python she can hug and love. Weyant’s humorous artwork shows that while her neighbors, their pets and even the pigeons don’t share their instant enthusiasm, Soo-Hee and Lowy have formed an unbreakable bond playing doctor, sunbathing, riding the merry-go-round, and biking.

When Lowy disappears from her tank, a distraught So-Hee searches everywhere for her best friend. Turns out Lowy wasn’t far away- just in another apartment in the building enjoying the warmth of a larger heating lamp. Finding Lowy also brought Soo-Hee the good fortune of meeting new friends expanding her social circle.

Kang’s sweet narrative and Weyant’s expressive illustrations make Soo-Hee and Lowy slither right into your heart. I love how this husband-wife team continually finds new ways to teach kids about friendship. What is most touching is how Soo-Hee’s friendship with Lowy gives her the confidence to be herself cultivating more connections with others.

Thanks to Olivia Haase of MB Communications for sharing a copy.

Maybe Just Ask Me! by Katie Mazeika

Carefully choosing her head scarf and eye patch, Mazie felt prepared for her first day at school. That all changed when she saw the looks on the other kids’ faces and overheard what they were saying to each other. Did her hair get burned off by a fire breather in the circus? Does she wear an eye patch because her family was attacked by pirates on a cruise.

Her parents told her she must be patient; however after lunch, Mazie knew she what she had to do. Bravely, she confronted her class saying if they wonder about her story, “maybe just ask me.” Once Mazie shared the truth, her classmates learned to ask rather than assume.

Inspired by her own childhood experience as a result of cancer, Mazeika’s picture book debut as both author and illustrator teaches us all how to kindly ask questions when curious. I love that Mazeika’s narrative portrayed her classmates as humorously misinformed rather than malicious. Back matter includes the story behind Mazie’s story and tips for how to politely ask questions.

Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for Media for sharing a copy.

Here is A Book by Elisha Cooper

How you ever wondered how a book is made? Author-illustrator Cooper chronicles the steps from the creation of art to holding the actual book in your hands.

Inspiration is key with an artist sketching ideas on paper outside and then continuing to create in a studio. The art makes its way to a publisher with a team of people collaborating on editing and designing. Once ready, a printer receives the layouts turning them to books. Those books are loaded into trucks that travel all over until a box is delivered to a school library where books are unpacked and placed on a shelf. A student chooses the book, takes it home, and reads for pleasure igniting her own imagination for a story.

With poetic language, the narrative begs to be read aloud. I love how Cooper includes places like the artist’s kitchen which feeds her and her family which warms her as part of her creative process. Full page spread illustrations provide the big picture and smaller spot art gives a glimpse into tiny details that support the book being made such as the artist’s cat being a source of comfort and companionship. Here is a Book is a perfect text to help kids better understand the entire publishing process-stories come alive with ideas, people, machines, materials, vehicles, and love.

Thanks to Abrams for sharing a copy.

Book Birthday, Middle Grade Literature

Happy Book Birthday to Survive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards

April 8, 2025April 8, 2025 lauramossa

Happy Book Birthday to Survive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards published by Penguin Random House! Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When 12 year old Lucy is invited to participate in the Wildlands Safari Escape Challenge, she is both nervous and excited. If she does well, she has another opportunity to be part of the Wildlands Ambassadors, a group of student animal experts. Lucy’s first try out still haunts her because she had a panic attack on the observation platform. With the encouragement of her older sister Alex, a Wildlands intern, Lucy puts on a brave face joining Jemma, Harrison, and Trey as their teammate.

As the team competes against the Ambassadors, the kids must collaborate solving puzzles to gain points. Just as the team finds their groove, odd things begin happening which worries Lucy especially when she suspects a baby elephant is in danger. Her love of animals supersedes her anxiety and the team works together to not only solve riddles but also save the animals.

This middle grade novel blends lots of genres-realistic fiction, adventure, and mystery while teaching kids facts about animals in both the text and footnotes. Richards does a great job of developing Lucy’s relationship with Jemma to show how anxiety can manifest differently depending on the person. I also love that Richards invites readers to solve the puzzles along with the characters. With an intriguing plot, animal trivia, and codes to crack, Survive This Safari will keep kids engaged and entertained.

Blog Tour, Picture Books

Blog Tour for Hedgehogs Don’t Wear Underwear by Marissa Valdez

April 4, 2025 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for Hedgehogs Don’t Wear Underwear by Marissa Valdez which recently published on April 1, 2024. Special thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Carrying a briefcase labeled My Secret, a hedgehog named Jacques is ready to reveal what no one has seen…his undies!

So how did this happen-an underwearing hedgehog? Well, the universe sent him a pair via balloon down his burrow. And while Jacques loves his underwear, he is very concerned with how the other hedgehogs will react. Will they call him names, send him into exile, throw garbage or laugh at him? And while all those outcomes are awful, Jacques can no longer live a lie.

The truth is wearing his underwear makes Jacques feels on point, sharp, and spike-tacular. There is only one thing left to do-unveil his undies! At a party, Jacques confesses to his prickly peers explaining “Without them, I don’t feel like…moi.” His honesty spurs a chain reaction with fellow hedgehogs admitting love for their own favorite frocks-cowboy boots, feather boas, or bell bottom jeans. Jacques empowers all to embrace their true self.

I’m hedging my bets that kids will love Jacques adorably drawn with geometric shapes. I love how author/illustrator Valdez chose to have Jacques share his secret to readers first. His confession shows his struggle with being honest with not only his friends but also himself. Valdez’s sprinkling of French words playfully exposes to the language. Be sure to pay attention to the endpapers which reveal Jacques’ journey to self-acceptance and are just hilarious.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?, Nonfiction, Picture Books

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/31/25

March 31, 2025March 31, 2025 lauramossa

It’s been almost a month since we had to say goodbye to Bella. Grateful for the love and support from family, friends, and the #kidlit community. Your kind words are a tremendous source of comfort.

With her beagle nose, Bella loved exploring the garden. Over the years, we added a few statues honoring our canine companions. With warm weather and bulbs blooming, the garden hounds will help me share Beagles and Books’ latest reads. Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing these new picture books all released in March 2025.

Meet the Mini-Mammals: A Night at the Natural History Museum by Melissa Stewart Illustrated by Brian Lies

Welcome to the Mini-Mammals exhibit which highlights pint-sized mammals from largest to smallest. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is the heaviest weighing the size of an Asian pear. As small as it is, it can travel the length of eight buses with one hop. Author Stewart’s informative text includes fascinating facts about each animal, a text feature called Tiny Tidbits and a question with alliteration which sets the stage for the next mini-mammal. Finally, Kirt’s hog-nosed bat, the teeniest mammal weighing a little less than four mini marshmallows, takes the prize. At the end of the book, not only do kids see a map showing where all the mini-mammals live but also some spectacular statistics.

When it comes to teaching kids about science, look further than Stewart. Her ability to share knowledge that is easily accessible to kids (and adults) is unmatched. With his realistic illustrations depicting each animal’s actual size as well as in its natural habitat, Lies brings the mini-mammals to life. Given Stewart shares their weight in food, readers can also easily compare animals.

Are We There Yet? The First Trip Across the USA by Stacy McAnulty Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddely

Did you know in 1903, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson accepted a bet of fifty dollars that he could drive a horseless carriage (now known as a car) from California to New York in three months? To make his dream a reality, Jackson hired bicycle racer Sewell Crocker as his mechanic and travel buddy and bought a used Winton Touring Car.

On May 23rd. their journey began and lots of mishaps befell on the duo. Blown tires, replacement car parts, and lack of food didn’t deter them and adopting a dog named Bud only fueled their enthusiasm. When other teams joined in the race, Jackson remained confident. Even when Bud went missing a couple of times, Jackson stayed composed and the trio always left together. Finally, on July 26, 1903, Jackson, Crocker, and Bud arrived in New York City sixty three days, twelve hours, and thirty minutes after they began. His fifty dollar bet cost him eight thousand dollars but who cares? Jackson, Crocker, and Bud claimed victory as the first to drive across the county.

Author McAnulty’s lively and informative text and illustrator Baddeley’s nostalgic artwork perfectly complement each other. I especially love that Bud was not only part of this historic event but also happily lived the rest of his life with Jackson and his family. Back matter includes a map of their itinerary, a timeline of their trip, a list of lost items, fun facts, and sources.

Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyer

After many waterdrops seep through a cave and pick up minerals, two nubs emerge. Over millions of years, Stalactite and Stalagmite see life come and go in their cave-a trilobite, an Ichthyostega, a triceratops, a giant ground sloth, a bat, and eventually humans. Gradually Stalactite and Stalagmite grow closer in distance and friendship. When they are within inches of each other, both express their fear. What will they be when they meet? In the end, they both realize there is strength in uniting as one

As someone who has visited caverns as a child and an adult, author/illustrator Beckmeyer successfully taught me the origin of these fascinating rock formations. I love how Beckmeyer chose Stalactite and Stalagmite to tell their story through a conversation. Their exchange includes humor, history, and heart. The artwork is phenomenal with their eyes and mouth charmingly expressing their emotions as they evolved. And don’t skip the endpapers, for the front is integral to the story and the back provides content support and if you look closely, a little chuckle.

Monty and the Mushrooms by Dev Petty Illustrated by Jared Chapman

Let me clear up some misconceptions. Worms live underground, birds have wings, and trees drop pinecones and acorns because mushrooms are LOUD. They gossip, argue, tell stories and jokes, and sing.

Marmots who live in the same habitat are not a fan of noise. So when loud mushrooms attempt to bond with a marmot named Monty, it’s not the beginning of a beautiful friendship. And the mushrooms singing their EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE song does not help. Monty’s most logical solution is to eat the mushrooms but sadly they are poisonous. And since they can’t stay quiet, Monty only has one last option-relocate. New neighbors, banana slugs, move in quickly and surprisingly, they not only can’t hear but also can eat poisonous mushrooms. What are the odds?

Petty’s comical characters and hilarious plot coupled with Chapman’s whimsical illustrations make Monty and the Mushrooms a pure delight. Astute readers will see the banana slugs in the periphery early in the illustrations waiting for their opportunity. Check out the front and back endpapers to see the plot development. I wonder if there is another story for Monty. Only hope he found his place of zen.

So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner

Tortoise and Mouse are best friends and burrowmates. When their burrow is flooded, Tortoise digs them a new home. Upon completion, Tortoise is ready to play with Mouse: however, she is nowhere to be found. Worried Mouse may not come back, Tortoise digs burrows for other animals who pass by and are need of a home. After Tortoise dug his eleventh burrow, all the animals have disappeared and still no Mouse. Readers will happy to know Mouse does return but by that time, Tortoise’s emotions are a mix of sadness and anger. As best friends should, Mouse apologizes and reveals she was fetching Tortoise’s his favorite treat. All is forgiven.

Adorably drawn with a variety of facial expressions, Tortoise really tugged at my heart. Digging is his jam but the fact that he willingly built burrows for every animal who asked shows his genuine kindness. It’s no wonder why he was upset. I love how author/illustrator Kastner shows that while conflict is a part of friendship, both characters modeled appropriate behavior. Tortoise uses his words to share his feelings and Mouse not only acknowledges Tortoise but also apologizes. In the author’s note, Kastner explains the inspiration for the story and how it’s a pourquoi tale. Since our first graders write their own WHY stories in our ELA curriculum, I can’t wait to share So Tortoise Dug with teachers and kids.