It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 10/14/19

Beagles and Books is excited to share 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:

Weird Little Robots by Carolyn Crimi Illustrated by Corinna Luyken

Shy Penny Rose has just moved to a new neighborhood and her only companions are the little robots she creates out of found objects. Encouraged by her parents, she befriends Lark, a quirky girl who lives across the street and makes unique bird houses. The two girls quickly bond over their love of tinkering building a metropolis for Penny Rose’s robots. Not long after, the robots magically come to life to the astonishment of the girls.

With a best friend and magic robots, Penny Rose’s life is better than she could ever have imagined. But her perfect life hits a snag when she receives an invitation from the Secret Science Society. In order to become a member, she needs to pass tests which includes taking pictures of something “science-y: she created. But sharing photos of her robots violates the pact that she and Lark made. Will Penny Rose risk her one and only true friendship to join this secret club?

Weird Little Robots has a lot of kid appeal, for what young reader can resist robots that come alive, a secret club, and a crisis?  A blend of realistic fiction and fantasy, Crimi has also seamlessly weaved in themes of friendship, fitting in, and forgiveness into her first novel.  Not only is the plot engaging but also the format. Novels can be overwhelming for some kids but Weird Little Robots is highly accessible written in 234 pages with short chapters.  Within each chapter, Luyken’s expressive, full page illustrations provide additional support to readers.  Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Candlewick Press for sharing an ARC of Weird Little Robots. It recently published on October 1, 2019. 

Operation Photobomb by Tara Luebbe & Betty Cattie Illustrated by Matthew Rivera

When Monkey finds a Polaroid camera in an unattended backpack and begins taking pictures of birds and animals with fur, Chameleon feels left out. He solves his problem by photobombing all of the pictures which angers Monkey.  Monkey enlists the help of the other animals to stop Chameleon but sneaky Chameleon changes colors to blend in. Will the animals find a way to convince Chameleon to stop? 

I love the collaboration between sisters Tara Luebbe & Betty Cattie! Operation Photobomb is an amusing story that will guarantee giggles! Matthew Rivera’s playful illustrations are eye catching and humorously reveal the jungle animals’ feelings.  I especially love Chameleon for his facial expressions are adorable!  Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Albert Whitman & Company for sharing a copy of Operation Photobomb.  It recently published on September 1, 2019. 

Pippa’s Night Parade by Lisa Robinson Illustrated by Lucy Fleming

Pippa’s Night Parade is an enchanting story about conquering one’s fears with persistence and imagination.  Robinson’s lively and engaging text and Fleming’s detailed and action packed illustrations will keep children’s attention from beginning to end.  To read full review and enter a giveaway, click here.

Etta’s 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.

Mr. Scruff by Simon James

In this touching story, all the dogs bear a resemblance to their owners and have a name that rhymes. For example, Polly belongs to Molly, Lawrence belongs to Florence, etc. But old Mr. Scruff is still at the shelter waiting for his furever home. So when young Jim walks in and bonds with Mr. Scruff, his parents don’t think it’s a good match saying “He’s so big and you’re so small!” Jim stands firm and Mr. Scruff gets a home of his very own.

You would think that is the end of the story but then Mr. Gruff walks into the shelter and sees a small pup who is perfect for him. And guess the puppy’s name? Tim! I love any story that advocates dog adoption but author/illustrator James deserves accolades for such an original narrative. With engaging and cheerful illustrations and mostly rhyming text, Mr. Scruff is a heartwarming story about how opposites attract.

Etta, Bella & I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Happy Reading!