About the Book:
Title: Julius & Macy: A Very Brave Night
Author/Illustrator: Annlouise Mahoney
Pub. Date: April 1, 2021
Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for Julius & Macy: A Very Brave Night published by Two Lions/Amazon Publishing. Special thanks to the publisher and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review:
Each night, Julius, a badger and Macy, a mouse love to play together and greatly enjoy performing heroic deeds.
Julius wished to protect the forest from anything harmful while Macy wanted to help any small thing in need. Being a hero takes a lot of energy; therefore, it is important to refuel with snacks. When Julius and Macy go to fetch their cookies and nuts, they discover an empty wagon. Julius asserts that the Night Goblin must have taken them and describes him as the worst kind of scary to Macy.
In order to find their snacks, Julius and Macy must be truly heroic and venture deep into an unknown area of the forest. A noise from inside a cave frightens them. Could it be the Night Goblin?
Armed with a sword and a fairy wand, the two friends bravely enter the hollow to discover the source of the sound. A huge shadow on the wall startles them and they run away but then realize heroes must stay brave even when they are scared.
Mahoney’s concise, melodic text is a joy to read aloud especially the dialogue between the two friends. Her warm illustrations are dreamy and luminous. I love how Julius and Macy collaborate on making stars to hang on the trees to bring the celestial objects closer to them creating a fanciful setting.
As a reading specialist, I appreciate that the story has a simple yet engaging plot to teach young children about story structure. Characters Julius and Macy have a problem, identify steps to solve their problem which ultimately resolves it. In addition, themes of friendship, bravery, and kindness can be explored. I especially appreciate that Mahoney teaches children that bravery can take many forms, for Julius and Macy both display courage in their own ways.
Check out this sweet book trailer!
Take a look at this cute downloadable activity pages:
http://www.woodlandabbey.com/activity-corner
Praise for Julius & Macy!
Watercolor illustrations further the text’s magical qualities by adding important details, such as the solitary nature of Sherwin’s home. Softly glowing with campfire and starlight, this tale is an inviting bedtime story and a gentle ode to kindness.” ―Booklist
About the Author/Illustrator:
Annelouise Mahoney has worked in animation for DreamWorks, DIC Animation, Sony, and Saban Entertainment. She has also worked as a colorist for Marvel and Image Comics on such series as Uncanny X-Men, Generation X, and others. This is her first picture book, and it was inspired by the depths of her daughters’ friendships and the many ways they are brave, especially with someone on their side. She loves to explore the forest, can’t resist a cave, and has a lot of love for all those named Julius in her life. Annelouise lives in Southern California with her family. Learn more about her at www.woodlandabbey.com.
Facebook: Woodland Abbey
Twitter: @WoodlandAbbey
Instagram: Annelouise Mahoney
Two Lions Giveaway Details:
Five lucky winners will each receive three fabulous books celebrating the art of making and keeping friends, including Julius and Macy: A Very Brave Night, courtesy of Two Lions.
Details and entry form can be found here (US addresses).
Winners will be selected at random and notified via email. One entry per person, please. US addresses only. Entries are due by 5/1/21.
Beagles & Books 