Month: April 2019
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/29/19
Beagles and Books is excited to share some of our current reads in 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:
Extraordinary Birds by Sandy Stark-McGinnis
Obsessed with birds, 11 year old foster child December is used to flying from nest to nest & wants a place to call home. In order to cope with a traumatic incident with her mother, December believes that her wings will emerge from the scar on her back and she will one day become a bird and take flight.
Amid the heartache, Extraordinary Birds is December’s story of healing & hope. Helping December on her journey is case worker Adrian, foster mother, Eleanor, and friend, Cheryllyn. Eleanor, a taxidermist and wildlife rescuer is a gentle soul accepting December as she is. Eleanor helps December emotionally mend through working to rehabilitate an injured hawk. Cheryllyn, a transgender girl, befriends December on her very first day of school and gradually together, they form a friendship supporting each other from the mean girls at school.
While December’s story will remain with me long after I read Extraordinary Birds, what also struck me is Stark-McGinnis’s honest and heartfelt letter to readers sharing the inspirations for this powerful story. December teachers readers that while it’s hard to let go of the past, it doesn’t have to define you. You can survive with the support and love of others.
Special thanks to Sandy Stark-McGinnis and Bloomsbury Kids for sharing an ARC with #bookexcursion. Extraordinary Birds celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on April 30, 2019. Looking forward to getting my own copy to share with students and teachers.
Flubby Is Not a Good Pet! by J. E. Morris
When compared to other pets, Flubby is well, kind of lazy. He doesn’t sing, catch or jump or even run. While Flubby may not be full of energy, he truly is a good pet when it matters most providing comfort to his owner during a thunderstorm.
Flubby is a new fun series perfect for children just learning to read, which makes this reading specialist’s heart happy! Written with early readers in mind, Morris includes sight words and decodable text. The eye catching, adorable illustrations support the reader making the text even more accessible. And I especially love that Morris dedicated Flubby to a cat shelter.
Special thanks to Penguin Kids for sharing a copy with my #bookexcursion group. Flubby Is Not a Pet and a second book, Flubby Will Not Play with That! both published recently on April 23, 2019.
Etta and 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.
Felipe and Claudette by Mark Teague
Mrs. Barrett’s shelter has a good track record for getting pets adopted quickly but for some reason a cat named Felipe and dog named Claudette have been at the shelter longer than any other animals. Grouchy Felipe blames Claudette’s unruly behavior which includes snoring and rolling in garbage. After each adoption day, Mrs. Barrett wonders “What will I do with you two?”
When Claudette finally gets adopted, Felipe is shocked and sad. And it turns out that Claudette isn’t the same boisterous pup at her new home. Readers quickly realize that Felipe and Claudette are at their best together at Mrs. Barrett’s house. Felipe and Claudette is a sweet story about an unlikely friendship between a cat and dog.
Thank you for visiting Beagles and Books! Happy reading!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/22/19
Beagles and Books is excited to share some of our current reads in 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:
Up for Air by Laurie Morrison
Rising eighth grader Annabelle lacks confidence in school but excels in the pool. When she is asked to join the high school swim team. Annabelle is elated especially since her friend Mia who she always feels in competition with wasn’t invited.
Wanting to be accepted by her high school teammates, Annabelle finds herself in uncharted waters having to make choices such as meet her tutor or hang out with the team. Making things even more confusing is the attention Annabelle gets from cute high school sophomore Connor. Is he just flirty or does he really like her? Added to her summer drama is a letter from her estranged father and the worry that she will never live up to mom’s and stepfather’s expectations.
Up for Air is a story that I would have devoured when I was in middle school. It is definitely a solid book for readers not quite ready for YA. Annabelle is a good kid but is struggling to really figure out who she is and where she fits in. Morrison’s voice for Annabelle is spot on capturing both her vulnerability and new-found boldness to go with the crowd. As I read, it was clear that Annabelle knows what she should do but having your first crush means you aren’t always thinking clearly. Haven’t we all been there? What I love most about Up for Air is that readers see Annabelle learn from her mistakes which helps her grow and decide who she wants to be. Special thanks to the author and Amulet/Abrams Books for sending an ARC to my #bookexcursion group. Up for Air releases soon on May 7, 2019.
Snazzy Cat Capers: The Fast and the Furriest by Deanna Kent Illustrated by Neil Hooson
In this “meow-nificent” follow-up to Snazzy Cat Capers, classy and classic cat burglar Ophelia Von Hairball’s Vegas vacation is cut short when an encrypted map is stolen from the Furry Feline Burglary Institute’s (FFBI) secure vault. If the map is deciphered, the three pieces of the Scarlet Claw, a powerful laser pointer will be found, which could threaten the lives of all cats.
Still “purr-furring” to work alone, Ophelia sets off to Cairo to locate the first piece of the Scarlet Claw. But time is of essence especially when Ophelia’s unclassy and sloppy cousin Pierre, bitter about his second class ranking, schemes to thwart her successful mission, and the Central Canine Intelligence Agency (CCIA) is also on her tail. This forces Ophelia to reconsider having her inventor Oscar Fishgerald Gold as her “paw-rtner.” for his disguises and gadgets are “fin-tastic” Will Ophelia and Oscar be victorious in the FFBI’s most important mission to date?
Sequels can be tough but The Fast and the Furriest is “purr-fection.” While the fast paced plot is action packed, I especially love how Ophelia’s and Oscar’s “paw-rtnership” is evolving in the second book along with the addition of P.U.G., the robot dog created by Oscar. A blend of graphic novel and illustrated chapter book, the unique format is cleverly drawn and appeals to both striving and thriving readers regardless of age. Special thanks to Deanna Kent, Neil Hooson, and Imprint Books for sending an ARC for my #bookexcursion group for read and review. The Fast and the Furriest releases in September 2019. And be on alert! Book 3 Meow or Never is due out in 2020.
Sadiq and the Desert Star by Siman Nuurali Illustrated by Anjan Sarkar
Written by debut #ownvoices author Siman Nuurali, Sadiq is new transitional chapter book series. Before the story begins, readers get to know third grader Sadiq who is of Somalian descent and lives in Minnesota with his family. To build schema for the story, Nuurali shares facts about Somalia as well as defines vocabulary. In Sadiq and the Desert Star, Sadiq is excited about an upcoming field trip to an observatory but worried about missing his father who is leaving for a business trip. His father, Baba, shares a story of the Desert Star, the brightest star in Berbera, Somalia. Hearing about the Desert Star and visiting the observatory ignites Sadiq to form a space club with his friends working together to raise money to buy their own telescope.
Themes of family, friendship, collaboration, and resourcefulness abound in this first book of the series. Sadiq is an inquisitive character who perseveres with the help of family and friends when problems arise. Back matter includes a glossary, questions, writing prompts as well as directions for building a home telescope. I am so excited that all four books in the series will be released in August 2019 before the start of the school year so that students can meet Sadiq. Special thanks to Capstone Publishing for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group.
Little Juniper Makes it BIG by Aidan Cassie
At home, Juniper does not appreciate her size. No matter what creative inventions she makes, she was still too little. School is better, for compared to her classmates, Juniper doesn’t feel as small. New student Clove is tinier than her and never lets her diminutive size stand in her way. After a sleepover at Clove’s much smaller house, Juniper gains perspective realizing that while her house isn’t perfect, it is just the right size for her.
Beautifully drawn and written, young readers will relate to Juniper’s struggle to appreciate herself. Cassie’s illustrations warmly convey Juniper’s journey to self-acceptance. Special thanks to the author and publisher for sending an advanced reader’s edition to my #bookexcursion group. Little Juniper Makes It BIG! publishes in July 2019.
Etta and 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.
Wake Up, Color Pup by Taia Morley
A small yellow bird brings color into Pup’s world as they take an adventure outside. Concisely written with vivid verbs, the once white pup gradually becomes vibrant with all the colors of the rainbow. The observant reader sees a storm brewing in the distance which washes away all of Pup’s beautiful colors. Once the storm ends and the sun peeks out, Pup is determined to regain his colorful self. What I love most about this gorgeously drawn book is with a hearty shake, Pup’s color spreads to his surroundings awaking the world around him.
Wake Up Color Pup is a picture book with great depth, for while it can be read to very young children to introduce and reinforce colors, themes of overcoming fears and how a bright outlook can positively affect the world can be also discussed. Special thanks to Random House Children’s Books and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending a copy to Beagles and Books to review. Wake Up, Color Pup recently published in March 2019.
Thank you for visiting Beagles and Books! Happy reading!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/15/19
Beagles and Books is back to share some of our current reads in 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:
Junior Monster Scouts: The Monster Squad by Joe McGee Illustrated by Ethan Long
Junior Monster Scouts is a new early chapter book series featuring the children of “classic” monsters. In the first book of the series, The Monster Squad, Wolfy, Vampyra, and Franky work together to dispel the belief that monsters are dangerous, which has been spread by cranky Baron Von Grump who did not like noise or monsters. When Peter, the piper of the village loses his cat, the trio have only one mission-to help find Shadow. After all, the Junior Monster Scouts’ oath includes the promise to be nice, not scary and to help, not harm.
The Monster Squad is fun and entertaining and will definitely appeal to children transitioning into chapter book reading. I love that at times, McGee allows the narrator to directly speak to the reader, which makes the story more engaging. Ethan Long’s adorable illustrations of the monsters make them so endearing. The Junior Monster Scouts also are great role models demonstrating the virtues of kindness, collaboration, and helpfulness. Special thanks to Joe McGee for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group. The Monster Squad and its follow up Crash! Bang! Boo! will be released in September 2019.
Llama Destroys the World by Jonathan Stutzman Illustrated by Heather Fox
Llama’s gluttonous appetite for cake sets off a chain reaction that almost leads to a disaster of planetary proportions. Because he ate so much cake, Llama’s pants are too tight. When he dances, his pants rip so loudly that it causes a black hole to open. Rather than warn others, oblivious Llama carries on with his life and at the end of week, the world ends with the black hole swallowing everything. Fortunately, for Llama, on the other side of the black hole, the universe survives intact and unharmed. What a lucky llama! But has Llama learned his lesson when he stumbles upon a lot of pie?
Strutzman’s witty text and Fox’s charmingly whimsical illustrations will make both kids and adults laugh out loud. Special thanks to the author, for I was one of the lucky winners of a recent Twitter giveaway. Llama Destroys the World releases on May 7, 2019.
Vacation for Dexter by Lindsay Ward
Breaking the fourth wall, Dexter speaking directly to readers sharing his excitement and anxiety about traveling. In Vacation for Dexter, Dexter accompanies his best buddy Jack on a trip to FLOR-I-DA, but planes are not this T-Rex’s preferred mode of transportation. In true Dexter fashion, he begins his larger than life melt down, but one look at Jack’s anxious face makes Dexter stop worrying about himself and switch gears to comforting his boy. Vacation for Dexter is a hilarious and heartwarming story reminding young children that it’s easier to be brave with a buddy. To read my full review, click and enter a DINO-mite giveaway courtesy of Two Lions Publishing, click here.
Etta and 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.
My Furry Foster Family: Truman the Dog by Debbi Michiko Florence Illustrated by Melanie Demmer
Being a huge fan of Florence’s Jasmine Toguchi series, I was so excited to find out she has a new early chapter book series. What makes my heart truly happy is the series features a family fostering animals from a local shelter.
Narrated by eight year old Kaita Takano, Truman the Dog, the first book in the series introduces the reader to her family who begins to foster animals from Happy Paws Rescue, the shelter where they adopted their dachusund Ollie. Their first foster is Truman, an older yet energetic black lab mix . As first time fosters, Kaita and her parents learn lessons daily such as never leave Truman in a room unattended because he finds “trouble.”
What I love about this story is Truman is never blamed for his behavior; rather, the family makes adjustments such as making sure items are out of Truman’s reach. While it is bittersweet when Truman finds his furever home, Kaita realizes that Truman’s adoption allows her family to help another animal in need. Demmer’s charming illustrations pop off the page and provide support to young readers who are transitioning to chapter books. I was especially tickled seeing Kaita wearing a flamingo shirt like Jasmine Toguchi!
After the story ends, readers are introduced to real life Kaita who inspired the series and learn how she and the book character are similar and different. This bonus feature teaches young readers the difference between fiction and nonfiction and could also spark children to write their own fictional stories based on their own lives. Special thanks to Capstone Publishing for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group. The entire four book series will be released in August 2019.
Etta, Bella, and I thank you for stopping by Beagles and Books. Happy reading!
Blog Tour & Giveaway for VACATION FOR DEXTER! by Lindsay Ward
Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for Vacation for Dexter by Lindsay Ward which publishes on April 16, 2019. Special thanks to Two Lions Publishing and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Praise for Vacation for Dexter!
“The illustrations are just as laugh-out-loud funny as ever, with the toy’s expressions stealing every scene…Jack and Dexter have become a beloved duo, and the dino’s behavior-modeling sure goes down easily.” —Kirkus Reviews
Review:
In the latest Dexter T. Rexter book, Dexter joins Jack on vacation to an exotic place called FLOR-I-DA. In the first few page spreads, Ward’s illustrations clearly shows both Jack and Dexter’s excitement for their trip as they sing together.
But when Dexter finds out their mode of transportation is a plane, his anxiety begins to emerge and it’s difficult for him to remain cool and confident. Just as in other books, Dexter speaks directly to the reader sharing his symptoms such as stiff spikes, back pain, and leg cramps which is sure to make children laugh out loud.
One look at Jack’s anxious face makes Dexter stop worrying about himself, for he realizes his best buddy needs his support. Using the dangling headphone cord, Dexter shimmies up into Jack’s lap reminding him that he and Jack can be brave together singing as the plane lifts off into the sky. And once you have a movie to watch, a comfy blanket and cookies to eat, flying isn’t nearly as scary.
I have enjoyed all the Dexter books, but I really loved Vacation for Dexter because it tenderly shows the genuine love that Dexter has for Jack. While Dexter is drawn large when he is addressing readers, he is always drawn small when he is with Jack, which conveys how a little stuffed animal can provide so much comfort to a child.
Check out the fun coloring sheet here!
About Lindsay:
Lindsay Ward is the creator of the Dexter T. Rexter series. Although she isn’t afraid of flying, she always looks forward to cookies during her flights. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians, Henry Finds His Word, and When Blue Met Egg. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play.
Most days you can find Lindsay with her family, writing and sketching at her home in Peninsula, Ohio. Learn more about her online at www.LindsayMWard.com or on Twitter: @lindsaymward.
Enter A Dino-Mite Giveaway!
If If you haven’t read any of the previous Dexter books or want your own copies, this giveaway is for you! One lucky winner will receive a set of all three books–Don’t Forget Dexter! , It’s Show and Tell, Dexter!, and Vacation for Dexter! courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. addresses).
Blog Tour & Giveaway: Wonder Walk by Ilham Alam
Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the Wonder Walk blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours.
Title: WONDER WALK
Author: Ilham Alam
Illustrator: Kerry Bell
Pub. Date: April 16, 2019
Publisher: Iguana Books
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Pages: 20
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD
Publisher’s Summary:
Get out there with curious Johnny and his patient Mommy, in this colourful, rhyming book, celebrating all the wonders of the everyday world. What do they see? What do they hear? What do they talk about?
Review:
Wonder Walk explores the simple pleasures of a walk between a boy and his mom. Johnny is very observant first noticing the pretty sunflowers. As he and his mom continue their walk, he sees something that he perceives as scary. Calmly, his mom explains that it is a cuddle bug and will cause him no harm. In fact, it wants to wish him goodnight. 
Since the sun is still out and the sky is blue, inquisitive Johnny questions his mother’s response. Quick thinking mom distracts Johnny by pointing a mother bird and her baby. Soon Johnny tires from his curiosity and falls asleep sweetly dreaming about his walk of wonder.
With big. bold illustrations and concise, rhyming text, Wonder Walk is a story that young children will enjoy and may prompt families to take their own walk together to observe nature and ask questions.
Disclaimer: I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
About Ilham:
My name is ILHAM which is pronounced the way its spelled. As a kid, I hated my name and did get teased for being a “ham”. But now that I’m an adult, I love the uniqueness and the strength that my name conveys. I definitely have not met another Ilham for sure. It means inspiration in Arabic, by the way.
I live with my 2 sons & my husband and my 20 lb kitty, Beauty, within a house that’s booby-trapped with Legos. My crazy family are my inspiration for story writing and story-telling. I love to travel with them as well as earning new memories through adventures abroad, some of which I have documented in this blog.
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
Giveaway:
3 lucky winners will win WONDER WALK Swag Packs, US Only. Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2912/?
Tour Schedule:
Check out the rest of the stops of this tour for more giveaway chances and to read more about Ilham and WONDER WALK.
Week One:
4/8/2019- Lone Tree Reviews– Review
4/9/2019- Beagles & Books– Review
4/10/2019- Character Madness and Musings– Excerpt
4/11/2019- BookHounds YA– Review/Interview
4/12/2019- Do You Dog-ear?– Review
Week Two:
4/15/2019- Mama Panda Bear– Review
4/16/2019- Almost a Reader– Review
4/17/2019- Kelly P’s Blog– Spotlight
4/18/2019- Novel Novice– Excerpt
4/19/2019- Two Chicks on Books– Interview
Week Three:
4/22/2019- D. Books and Reviews– Review
4/23/2019- She Dreams in Fiction– Review
4/24/2019- ❧Defining Ways❧– Review
4/25/2019- Twirling Book Princess– Excerpt
4/26/2019- Two points of interest– Review
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/1/19
Beagles and Books is back to share some of our current reads in 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.
Thanks so much for your prayers and well wishes for Etta. Her surgery went well and Bella was a good sister staying by her side while she recovered. This weekend, Etta was was back to her normal self showing excitement for the Chewy delivery, enjoying a walk on a beautiful day, and willingly posing for pictures.
All of Me by Chris Baron
Written in verse from the point of view of 13 year old Ari, All of Me chronicles his journey towards self-acceptance. Ari has been at battle with his weight for his whole life. New struggles include his move to San Franscisco from Brooklyn, preparing for his belated bar mitzvah, and coming to terms with the end of his parents’ marriage.
From the moment I began reading, my heart really hurt for Ari, for he endures teasing and bullying leaving him feeling utterly helpless. Baron’s words are honest and raw allowing readers to witness not only Ari’s physical struggles but also his emotional struggles as Ari admits, “My life doesn’t feel good enough and I don’t know how to change.”
Summer becomes a turning point for Ari, for he embarks on a diet to lose weight, deepens friendships, experiences his first crush, and takes initiative for his bar mitzah. As he begins to notice physical changes in himself, Ari triumphs and falters learning that his journey is not just about losing weight; it is about gaining an inner strength realizing that he has the power to decide who he is. A great lesson for us all.
All of Me is an incredible story of heartache and more importantly, hope. Special thanks to Chris Baron and Macmillan Kids for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group. All of Me publishes on June 2019.
Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman
When a field mouse asks Carl the worm why he digs and tunnels turning dirt into soil, Carl does not know the answer. Immediately Carl halts his work and begins a quest to find out his purpose asking each animal he meets for help. While the animals do not offer Carl any answers, readers begin to learn Carl’s purpose through the text and illustrations. When the ground beetle shouts “I can’t find any grubs,” Carl understands the meaning of his life and gets back to his work. What I especially loved is that Carl reminds us that even the smallest tasks are important in life because they are connected to something even greater. With his curiosity, determination, and adorable smile, Carl will win the hearts of readers of all ages. Special thanks to Penguin Kids for sharing a review copy with my #bookexcursion group.
I Used to Be Famous by Tara Luebbe & Becky Cattie Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.
Capturing our attention and hearts in I Am Famous, Kiely returns in I Used to Be Famous. While Kiely still enjoys star treatment such as a personal shopper, it seems that her fan club is not following her as closely as in the past. Who is the new fresh face getting all the publicity? To Kiely’s dismay, her baby sister is now center stage which is ridiculous because little Abby is not multi-talented like her. Will Kiely allow herself to be upstaged or will she learn to share the spotlight? To read my full review and enter a giveaway for your own copy, click here.
Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter written by Wendi Silvano Illustrated by Lee Harper
Before I began even reading the story, I began to giggle seeing headband wearing animals exercising in the park with Sheep doing yoga, Pig checking his run time on his watch, and Cow stretching his leg. The animals are not too health conscious though to enjoy an Easter egg hunt but how can they partake in the kids only hunt? Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter is not only humorous but also reinforces positive virtures. Click here to read my full review and enter a giveaway for your own copy!
Etta and 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.
Love is My Favorite Thing by Emma Chicester Clark
Plummie is blessed to be loved by her family but no dog can be perfectly behaved all the time. When she makes mistakes, she wonders “Will they still love me?” Plummie’s misbehavior does have consequences, but she learns that her family’s love is strong enough to accept her lapses in judgement. Inspired by her own beloved dog, Clark has written and illustrated a charming story about unconditional love. Her illustrations of Plummie are precious, for they adorably show the range of emotions that Plummie feels. What I love most is the illustrations where Plummie shows her remorse because I have personally seen those sad puppy eyes which are so easy to forgive.
Etta, Bella, and I thank you for stopping by Beagles and Books. Happy reading!
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