It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/4/22

Bella and I are excited to share our latest 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.

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Our Recent Reads:

This Book Will Get You to Sleep by Jory John Illustrated by Oliver Tallec

A kangaroo with a megaphone, monster trucks, electric guitars, car alarms, barking dogs, and meowing cats will put you to sleep, right?  In this hilarious bedtime story, the marsupial narrator breaks the fourth wall firmly believing that his tactics will induce a peaceful slumber.  When his strategies do not produce effective results, the kangaroo resorts to counting sheep, but wait….the sheep are being chased by a fire breathing dragon.   The narrator is both perplexed and annoyed as to why sleep has not occurred.  

Contrary to the kangaroo’s mission, kids will stay wide awake to listen to this fun bedtime read aloud and ask for repeated readings because John’s text is so enjoyable and witty.  Tallec’s lively illustrations have immense kid appeal and will not support shut-eye.  In a nutshell, This Book Will Get You to Sleep will not deliver its promise, but it will provide delight and laughter which is much more important. 

Thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing for sharing a copy with Beagles and Books.  This Book Will Put You to Sleep publishes tomorrow on April 5, 2022. 

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Hat Cat by Troy Wilson Illustrated by Eve Coy

Hat Cat is a charming story about the relationship between an old man and a rescue cat.  While the cat is curious about the outside, he is loyal because he loves the man who gives him shelter, food, and love.  Wilson’s gentle, melodic text and Coy’s warm, expressive illustrations give this quiet story so much life.  The soft cadence of the text makes the story is a joy to read aloud and kids quickly picked up on some of the repetitive phrases.   Coy’s artwork shows the depth of their relationship, for the man’s face lights up in all his interactions with Hat and Hat reveals his emotions ranging from joyful and content to scared and worried.  To read my full review, click here. 

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Pruett and Soo by Nancy Viau Illustrated by Jorge Lacera

Pruett and Soo is an uplifting story about friendship and finding your voice. I appreciate how Viau shows Pruett’s conflict between following the rules and doing what was right in his heart.  Both Pruett and Soo are characters that kids will cheer for because they both have big feelings they can relate to. Lacera’s energetic and vibrant illustrations will captivate kids and truly bring Pruett and Soo to life.   What I love most about the story is the message to be true to yourself.  Pruett’s friendship with Soo gave him the courage to speak up and take action. To read my full review, click here.

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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 character.

Doggo and Pupper Save the World by Katherine Applegate illustrated by Charlie Adler

In the second book in the series, Pupper wishes he could be like flying Wonder Dog on TV, but heroes aren’t scared of things like giant squirrels.  And heroes need someone to save. Doggo and Cat don’t need saving so being a hero is not going to be easy.  When Doggo and Pupper go to the park to listen to a band, Pupper hears a sound in a bush.  It could be a giant squirrel, but Pupper is brave and discovers a baby bird who is not yet learned to fly.  Perhaps, Pupper can be a hero after all.

I just adore Doggo, Pupper, and Cat too.  Applegate’s easily accessible text coupled with Adler’s bold and humorous illustrations not only appeals to young readers but also supports them in transitioning to chapter book reading.  I love how Doggo’s and Pupper’s relationship has deepened and how Doggo dotes on the young pup.  Excited to hear a third book, Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy, will release in March 2023.

Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!