December 2018 – Beagles & Books

#Bookexcursion, Author Interview, Early Chapter Books, Giveaway

Interview with Hillary Homzie, Author of Ellie May on Presidents’ Day & Ellie May on April Fools’ Day & Giveaway!

December 18, 2018 lauramossa

Beagles and Books wishes Hillary Homzie’s Ellie May a very Happy Book Birthday! The first two books, Ellie May on Presidents’ Day and Ellie May on April Fools’ Day publish today. Hillary was kind enough to join me to answer questions about her new chapter book series about an enthusiastic and curious second grader. To read my full reviews on both books, please visit my blog post here.

BB: Congratulations on your new chapter book series! I am so excited for readers to meet Ellie May! Can you share with how you came to create her as a character? Any influences or inspirations?

HH: Ellie May announced herself to me. I didn’t pre-plan her. In fact, I had to keep typing to figure out what she would do or say next. She constantly surprised me with her enthusiasm and well-intentioned but misguided attempts at securing attention. She’s absolutely nothing like me. Okay, I’m sure there’s something of me in her somewhere. But she’s certainly nothing like the second grade me. I was much more lost in my own world, nose in a book or drawing. If anything, I’m closer to Lizzy, Ellie May’s best friend who’s artistic and not particularly athletic. However, Lizzy also like rules, and I can’t say I’m particularly bound by them.

So now, you really have me wondering, Laura. Where did Ellie May come from? I think I drew some inspiration from my middle son, who’s impulsive, energetic and who tries his best to get into the center of things, which means sometimes he steps on a few toes. Hmm, it seems like it’s no coincidence that Ellie May is a middle child. In terms of influences, I’d have to cite the crisp characterization and humor in Beverly Clearly’s Ramona books and in Judy Blume’s Fudge Books.

BB: I love that Ellie’s lists, notes, and letters are included in the chapters. Was this an idea from your first drafts or did this come later?

It came about organically. Ellie May just seemed to want to me to dictate her notes. My editor Julie Bliven really liked them, so she asked me to do more, which means they are now consistently interspersed through the books. I have to admit that I got a little carried away with Ellie May’s creative spelling, and Julie had to pull me back, but she let me keep in quite a bit of it. Ellie May’s still working on her spelling. Hey, I just realized something. I’m not so hot at spelling myself. I’m constantly having to look things up, and I’m a firm believer that spellcheck is one of the world’s greatest inventions.

BB: Tell us your impressions when you saw the first sketches of Ellie May by Jeffrey Ebbeler.

HH: I was just thrilled! Jeffrey is extremely talented, and I feel so lucky that he’s working on the Ellie May books. He’s particularly adept at creating all kinds of humorous details that match the tone of the story. Plus, he truly individualizes the kids and perfectly showcases their personalities and expressions.

BB: The first two in the series are based on Presidents’ Day and April Fool’s Day. Why did you choose those holidays to begin the series?

HH: With my kids, it was a really big deal who got to be flag leader during the Pledge of Allegiance, so I decided to use that as a scenario. I thought it would up the stakes if Ellie May wanted to be flag leader right before Presidents’ Day. Plus, studying and learning about Presidents’ Day can be a big part of the primary school curriculum during the month of February. It was an opportunity to have Ellie May consider what it meant to be a good leader, and the importance of honesty in leadership emerged as a theme. This is an issue that kids are especially hearing about right now in the news, and it will be a timeless issue.

Tackling April Fools’ Day next just seemed the thing to do. After all, it comes only a couple of months after Presidents’ Day, and, well, it’s all about being funny. While Ellie May isn’t a joker, she’s a humorous character because of her mishaps, and so I thought having Ellie May decide to be the funniest kid in her classroom during April Fools’ Day would provide lots of opportunities for mayhem and mirth. In particular, I enjoyed weaving in a bit of the history of April Fools’ Day and other international holidays celebrating merriment. Plus, when I was in my twenties, I performed and wrote sketch comedy in New York, so I’m always up for a holiday that’s about making people laugh.

BB: Any plans for additional Ellie May books in the series?

HH: Well, I have written the first half of a Halloween book, which was so much fun because it involves Ellie May’s attempts at scaring people! Of course, there are so many other holidays I’d love to tackle—like Ground Hog’s Day. I mean, think about Ellie May in search of a ground hog. It just makes me smile thinking about it.

I know that sometimes I take myself way too seriously and Ellie May reminds me to get back to my inner child, risk-taking and fun–someone who is not being afraid to fail and seeks new experiences with enthusiasm and an open heart.

BB: I couldn’t agree more! Ellie May is a good role model for young readers and can teach us all a lesson about the power of curiosity, taking chances, and admitting and growing from your mistakes. I look forward to reading more Ellie May adventures and learning facts about holidays! Thanks so much Hillary for taking the time to stop by Beagles and Books.

Hillary Homzie.jpg

Meet Hillary:
To learn more about Hillary, visit her at www.hillaryhomzie.com or follow her on Twitter @hillaryhomzie

Giveaway Details:
To celebrate Ellie May’s book birthday, Beagles and Books is giving away paperback copies of Presidents’ Day and April Fools’ Day. Contest begins today and will end on December 26, 2018 at 12:00 a.m. Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/46a61dc011/?

#Bookexcursion, Early Chapter Books, It's Monday! What Are You Reading?, Picture Books

It’s Monday! What are You Reading? 12/17/18

December 17, 2018December 18, 2018 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to share another edition of It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #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.

Our Recent Reads:

Ellie May on Presidents’ Day & Ellie May on April’s Fools’ Day by Hillary Homzie Illustrated by Jeffery Ebbeler

As a reading specialist, I am always excited to discover a new illustrated series to recommend to my young readers transitioning to chapter books. Written from her point of view, Ellie May is an exuberant second grader who will capture your heart with her curiosity and tenacity.

In Ellie May on Presidents’ Day, second grader Ellie May has not yet been chosen to be flag leader and she desperately wants a turn before Presidents’ Day. To make matters worst, Ellie May has less than a week to convince her teacher Ms. Silva that she deserves the honor. Readers quickly learn that it’s difficult for Ellie May to contain her enthusiasm at school which leads her to get in trouble. Ellie May attempts to win her teacher over by acting like former presidents displaying honesty like George Washington and an interest in taking apart gadgets like Abraham Lincoln. Her plan though backfires because her honesty hurts another classmate’s feelings and tinkering with the pencil sharpener doesn’t please Ms. Silva. Deflated, Ellie May begins to lose hope in becoming a flag leader but discovers that displaying true honesty is the key to her goal.

In Ellie May on April Fools’ Day, Ellie May is determined to be funnier than her classmate Mo and what better day to show her class than April Fool’s Day! While her first prank works on her family, Ellie can’t seem to execute the joke at school. After researching birds, she discovers that scrub jays trick spying animals by burying stones instead of acorns. This new found fact gives Ellie May the idea for an even better prank but unfortunately her joke does not get the reaction she hoped for. Feeling frustrated, Ellie May resorts to a trick that gets her in trouble with Ms. Silva who not only reminds the class the difference between laughing with someone and at them but also shows them with her own April Fools’ prank!

Young readers will enjoy Ellie May because they will be easily able to relate to her. She has the best intentions but at times, her enthusiasm and eagerness can get the best of her. What I love most about Ellie May is she always admits her mistakes and shows remorse for her actions which makes her a great role model for students. Ebbeler’s black and white illustrations beautifully complement the plot and demonstrate Ellie May’s excitement and energy for learning. Another reason I enjoyed this series is because author Hillary Homzie included Ellie May’s handwritten notes and letters which gave me the opportunity to feel as if Ellie May is really telling the story. An added bonus is back matter which shares a brief history of Presidents’ Day and April Fools’ Day.

Special thanks to Hillary Homzie for sending Ellie May to my #bookexcursion group. Both Ellie May books will be released tomorrow on December 18, 2018. Visit Beagles & Books tomorrow for an exclusive interview with Hillary about creating the Ellie May series.

Tough Cookie by Edward Hemingway

Fans of The Gingerbread Man will adore this holiday retelling with a sweet message. When Sugar Cookie Man is too slow to outrun Fox, readers think Cookie is a goner. Unlike the original Gingerbread Man, Cookie is miraculously saved from being devoured. Much to Cookie’s chagrin, instead of tasting sweet and delicious, Cookie learns from Fox that he tastes terrible and tough. Feeling sad and without purpose, Fox attempts to help Cookie sweeten up. But no amount of eggnog, powdered sugar, and Christmas carols can get the job done. Plan B is Cookie should improve his speed rather than his sweetness so Fox enters him in the Sweet Treat Christmas Race. Cookie experiences yet another setback, for he crosses the finish line last. Cookie doesn’t feel sweet or tough now. Will he ever find his true calling?

Tough Cookie is a heartwarming story about self-acceptance. Cookie assumed he was sweet and speedy and when he realizes the truth, he is heartbroken. Hemingway adorably conveys Cookie’s emotions and feelings through the illustrations as well as the text with phrases such as “And that’s when Cookie crumbled” and “Everything I do is half-baked.” While at first his adversary, Fox becomes a good friend to Cookie in his efforts to help him solve his dilemma reminding him to “hang in there.” Much to Cookie’s surprise, he realizes he is not to be eaten but rather to adorn the town’s Christmas tree as a decoration. So that’s why he has a hole in his head! With this discovery, Cookie’s confidence returns, for he finally accepts himself for who he is.

With its powerful message, charming illustrations, and a fast paced engaging plot, I highly recommend teachers and parents to add Tough Cookie as a Christmas read aloud. I look forward to reading with my students within the next two weeks before winter break. At the end of the book, an added bonus is Tough Cookie recipes-one for sugar cookies and one for ornaments.

Special thanks to Henry Holt Books for Young Readers and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins by Sue Fliess Illustrated by Mark Chambers

What happens when it’s Christmas Eve morning and Santa wakes up feeling sick? Have no fear! Mrs. Claus is here to take the reins of his sleigh. And with no time to waste, Mrs. Claus quickly gathers the elves to help her prepare for her round trip journey to deliver presents.

Written in rhyme, the text is fun and cheery; it begs to be read aloud! The bold and colorful illustrations are eye catching especially Mrs. Claus herself with her red curly hair, cat eye glasses, plaid skirt, and red stockings. Readers also spy contemporary references in the illustrations such as Mrs. Claus using a tablet for planning and navigation as well as holding a Starbucks-like cup of coffee as she embarks on her adventure.

I love finding new holiday books to share with students and recommend to teachers. Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins is a delightful and entertaining adventure that readers will thoroughly enjoy. Author Sue Fliess has created a dynamic character in Mrs. Claus for she demonstrates many positive traits. She shows initiative and confidence taking over for Santa, orderliness in preparation for her journey, enthusiasm for delivering the presents, courage when facing bad weather, and calmness and resourcefulness when problems arise. Illustrator Mark Chambers’ artwork is detailed and expressive, for he vividly conveys Santa’s and Mrs. Claus’ feelings and emotions as well as the elves, reindeer, and other animals.

Special thanks to Two Lions Publishing and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending a copy to Beagles and Books to read in exchange for a honest review.

Etta & Bella’s Dog Pick of the Week:

Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine main character.

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky Illustrated by Ed Koehler

One of Santa’s dogs, Lance accompanies him every Christmas Eve on his yearly sleigh ride. But one year when it is particularly windy, Lance falls out of the sleigh. Luckily, an animal shelter takes in Lance and while Santa is concerned, he knows he must continue his journey. Santa returns for Lance on Christmas Day but the shelter is closed and Santa doesn’t feel right going in without permission.

A family whose army dad is headed overseas visits the shelter to find a dog to help them through the transition. The soldier sees Lance and is certain he is the one. Still missing Santa, Lance provided comfort to his new family throughout the year. On the following Christmas Eve, Lance was reunited with Santa but realized that he had a big decision to make. Does he stay or go?

Written in rhyme, Santa’s Dog is a sweet and tender holiday story that warmed my heart. As a rescue dog mom, I am always championing books that feature animal adoption. Lance is loved by all, but after some contemplation. he realizes that his true purpose is to remain with his devoted family. Koehler’s vibrant and expressive illustrations catch the readers’ eye. Another reason this book tugs at my heart is that a portion of the proceeds go to support animal rescue causes. To learn more, visit the website http://www.dogsandbooks.com

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Have a great week!

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

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 12/10/18

December 10, 2018December 18, 2018 lauramossa

Our Reads This Week:

New Kid by Jerry Craft

There is no question that navigating middle school is challenging for all kids. Now add in transferring to a new upscale middle school where you are one of the few kids of color in your grade. New Kid is a compelling and candid account of Jordan Banks’ first hand experience as a seventh grader at Riverdale Academy Day School. This graphic novel tackles tough issues with honesty and humor which makes it a must read for students, teachers, and parents. To read my full review, click here.

Where is My Balloon? by Ariel Bernstein Illustrated by Scott Magoon

Owl has a red balloon and Monkey has his sock with a star. Owl asks Monkey to hold his balloon, but unfortunately, it pops. When Owl returns to retrieve his precious belonging, Monkey is not truthful and tries to substitute other red items such as a chair, fire truck, and a parachute for the balloon. Finally, Monkey admits that he popped Owl’s balloon, which devastates Owl so much that he rips up Monkey’s sock. Once Owl calms down, he forgives Monkey. Appreciative of Owl’s gesture, Monkey offers to share his sock not realizing it has been destroyed. Now the shoe is on the other foot and it is Owl’s turn to find a replacement.

A follow-up to I Have a Balloon, Where is My Balloon? is a fun story which teaches young readers about honesty, forgiveness, and sharing. Younger readers will enjoy the banter between Owl and Monkey as well as the bold and expressive illustrations of the duo. Special thanks to Simon Kids for sending a F & G to my #bookexcursion group to read and review. Where is My Balloon? publishes in January 2019.

No Boring Stories! by Julie Falakto Illustrations by Charles Santoso

A star nosed mole, a giraffe necked weevil, a babisrusa, and a yeti crab collaborate to write stories. When they discover Bunny eavesdropping on their planning sessions, they are suspicious of her. Turns out that she is a writer herself and needs their help. Tired of boring stories, Bunny desperately wants to join their group because she likes to write weird stories about talking furniture or flying pizza. Empathetic to her frustration, the animals allow her to listen into their work session and she observes their struggle agreeing to a resolution to their story. Can Bunny help them with an ending?

Julie Falatko has written a sweet story about perseverance, acceptance, and collaboration. Bunny demonstrates persistence in wanting to be part of the writer’s group, the other animals finally accept her presence, and finally, the animals realize that their beginning needed Bunny’s ending and her ending needed their beginning. Santoso’s illustrations are adorable but they also vividly convey Bunny’s creative frustration and her need to feel welcomed. Special thanks to Penguin Kids for sending No More Boring Stories to my #bookexcursion group, It recently published in November 2018.

Etta & Bella’s Dog Pick of the Week:

Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine main character.

Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer Illustrations by Tiphanie Beeke

Latke, the Lucky Dog is a heartwarming story about a dog that a family adopted from a shelter. After he is adopted, Latke struggles with learning the rules of the house as they family celebrates Hanukkah. Latke eats all sufganiyot and laktes, unwraps the Hanukkah presents, and chews a dreidel and candles. What I love about this picture book is that it not only shares Hanukkah traditions but also a family’s understanding of Latke’s transition from shelter life to their home. Latke realizes that he is a lucky dog because of his family’s patience and love.

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Have a great week!

#Bookexcursion, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Literature

New Kid by Jerry Craft

December 8, 2018December 8, 2018 lauramossa

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Because it is a graphic novel, readers have the advantage of both the dialogue and the illustrations. Craft’s frank dialogue coupled with his detailed and insightful illustrations allow readers to truly know Jordan’s thoughts and feelings as he, other classmates, and even teachers handle racism and microaggression from not only their peers but also teachers.

Jordan is a talented artist and Craft blends drawings from Jordan’s own sketchbook to give readers more of a window into his personal thoughts and feelings. Some of his sketches are humorous like “My Dad’s Tip for Being a Man! Shaking Hands” while others such as “Jordan’s Tips for Taking the Bus” share his honest realities of navigating his bus ride to school every day.

Craft doesn’t just share Jordan’s journey. While New Kid is written from Jordan’s point of view, readers learn the challenges other students face through Jordan’s eyes. And through his first year, Jordan learns a lot about himself, others, and that he doesn’t have to choose between things to be happy.

New Kid tackles tough issues with honesty and humor which makes it a must read for students, teachers, and parents. A very special thanks to Jerry Craft for sending an ARC to my #bookexcursion group. Pre-order now so you have New Kid in your hands when it publishes in February 2019.