Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves written by Leslie Kerstein and illustrated by Nate Wragg which published on May 1, 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 Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves!
It’s summertime, and you’re invited for a rollicking day at the pool with Charlie and his pet dragon (and best friend!), Rosie. But be careful—swimming with a dragon can be, um, challenging. As Rosie and Charlie blow bubbles (don’t forget your umbrella!), practice flutter kicks (watch out for tidal waves!), and offer shoulder rides (hang on tight!), Rosie proves that dragons make the most fun pets ever. Now if only Charlie can keep Rosie’s attention focused on the rules at the pool and NOT on her gummy snacks (you know, the ones that cause stinky dragon breath!)…Grab your towels and sunscreen and join Rosie and Charlie for a fun-filled summer adventure!
Searching for a fun summer read? Look no further than Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves! Written by debut author Lauren Kerstein, this lively picture book provides a splash of entertainment after a hot day at the beach, pool or park.
When Charlie goes to the shelter to adopt a pet, he did not plan to come home with a dragon. Rosie does fit his criteria, for she is silly, active, and playful. Rosie and Charlie quickly bond enjoying outdoor activities such as flying kites, playing soccer or skateboarding. Being a responsible pet owner, Charlie wants to ensure an enjoyable and safe pool outing which means a lot of preparation (swim gear, sunblock and snacks), rules (no drinking, no running, no diving or belly flops) and close supervision of Rosie (no eating of gummy skunks until after swimming).
A good teacher, Charlie provides lessons on blowing bubbles and practicing flutter kicks but teaching these skills to a dragon can be problematic especially when other swimmers are in the pool. Ever patient, Charlie is encouraging as Rosie embarks on her first solo swim. When Rosie shows trepidation and concern, Charlie is right there by Rosie’s side to be her support.
Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves is an amusing laugh out loud picture book with a lot of heart. Amid the giggles, it is a story about the genuine love between a boy and his pet. Charlie is caring and responsible and Rosie is determined to make her boy happy and shows remorse when she makes mistakes (gummy skunks are just so tempting). The colorful, eye catching artwork will appeal to young readers and adorably illustrates Charlie and Rosie’s sweet relationship.
As a reading specialist, it warmed my heart when I saw Charlie reading to Rosie and his friends at the end. Now that Rosie has conquered swimming (well, sort of), perhaps, Rosie’s next adventure is learning to read? When you have a best friend who believes in you, anything is possible (even if your best friend is a dragon)!
Get a sneak peek at Rosie and Charlie by viewing the book trailer!
About the Author and Illustrator:
Lauren H. Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is a Jersey girl at heart who, as a child, loved underwater handstands and slurping cherry Italian ice at the pool. Lauren currently lives in Colorado with her husband, Josh; their dragons…er, daughters, Sarah and Danielle; and Hudson, the dog. Learn more about the author at www.LaurenKerstein.net. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenKerstein and Instagram @laurenkerstein
Nate Wragg works as a production designer and illustrator for animation and book projects. His animation projects include Ratatouille, Toy Story 3, and Captain Underpants. He is the illustrator of a number of popular picture books, including At the Old Haunted House, written by Helen Ketteman. He lives in Southern California with his family. Learn more at natewragg.tumblr.com.
Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves, courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. addresses). Enter the giveaway by retweeting my blog post tweet on Twitter and/or by making a comment on this blog post. Giveaway ends Tuesday, June 4, 2019.
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