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.
Our Recent Reads:
Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence by Sonja Thomas
12 year old science-loving Mira Williams must face facts. Her summer sucks (although her grandmother chides her for her inappropriate language). Well, you be the judge. Her best friend, Thomas, has moved far away, her father is laid off, her science fair rival, Tamika, has moved into Thomas’ old house, and her cat, Sir Fig Newton, was just diagnosed with diabetes. And the worst part is treatment is so expensive, her parents think the only solution is finding a new home for Sir Fig. No offense Gran, but I think Mia’s word choice is spot on.
Mira cannot let go of Sir Fig without a fight. She convinces her parents to give her a month to make the money for Sir Fig’s care. Babysitting and selling lemonade are good starting points, but $2000 is a lot of money to earn. Inspired by Tamika’s mother’s activism, Mia discovers a way to raise money, but now another worry has emerged. Will Sir Fig respond to his treatments? Mira who typically only believes in facts must also have faith for as Gran says, “Faith allows for possibilities.”
Written from Mira’s point of view, debut author Thomas beautifully captures the voice of smart, authentic, and determined young girl who readers will relate to and root for. As I was reading, my heart hurt for Mira as she worried about both Sir Fig, her dad, and her friendships, but I appreciated how Thomas did not allow Mia to wallow in her sorrows. Mia’s determination was invigorating and I especially loved how Thomas showed how Mia’s experiences, good and bad, changed her, for the better. Mira learned that with patience, curiosity, observation, and persistence, she had not only survived the worst summer of her life but also emerged stronger. Thanks to the author for sharing with my #bookexcursion group. Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence recently published on March 22, 2022.
Donut: The Unicorn Who Wanted to Fly by Laura Gehl Illustrated by Andrea Zuill
After seeing a bird flying in the air, a unicorn sweetly named Donut has one wish-to fly! But wanting and doing are entirely two different things. Donut makes multiple attempts to achieve her goal but none are successful. Witnessing her struggle and desire, her animal friends lend their support to help make Donut’s dream come true.
I absolutely adore Donut! On each page spread, Gehl’s text only consists of two words. For example, Donut jumps! is followed by Donut thumps! Gehl’s concise rhymes allow kids to join in the reading which is a read. Zuill’s illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. What I love most is Zuill’s attention to detail, for readers can see Donut’s not only determination and frustration but her forest friends’ reactions and responses. With themes of persistence, friendship, and collaboration, Donut is another great picture book for teaching and/or reinforcing social skills. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Random House Kids for sharing a copy. Donut celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on April 12, 2022.
Really Bird Stories by Harriet Ziefert Illustrated by Travis Foster
When you are a bird with really big feelings or wants, the best name is well, Really. In I Really Want to be First, Really is tired of always being last so his friends, a dog and a cat, give him the chance to be the leader. Really leads his friends to a tree to climb. But when Pup and Cat get scared, can Really who can fly, take charge and lead his wingless friends back to the ground? In I Really Want a Bigger Piece, sharing a blueberry pie is not equal. Really gets the smallest piece, Cat’s piece is messy, and Dog’s piece is perfect. How can these three friends solve their problems so everyone is happy?
Fans of Elephant and Piggie and Pigeon and Duck will REALLY love Ziefert’s and Foster’s new early comic series. Appearing in speech bubbles, Ziefert’s lively text is all dialogue making the story easy for kids to access. Foster’s bright and energetic illustrations fill the pages and will captivate kids. As a reading specialist, I love that the stories teach and reinforce positive virtues such as friendship, teamwork, sharing, and kindness. In addition, a Think About/Talk About section follows the story where kids can make connections to each story. More adventures are coming! A third book, I Really Want to Fly to the Moon, releases in September 2022.
Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Red Comet Press Books for sharing copies of the series. I Really Want to Be First and I Really Want a Bigger Piece celebrate their book birthday tomorrow on April 12, 2022.
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.
Being A Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness by Maria Gianferrari Illustrated by Pete Oswald
If you are looking for a picture book to support social emotional learning, I highly recommend Being a Dog. Children not only get to learn mindful strategies, but also are exposed to vivid verbs (munch, romp, ruffle, wade, whirl) which enhances their oral and written vocabulary. The back matter includes directions on how to take a mindful nature walk with a canine friend in all four seasons as well as instructions on a mindful breathing exercise.
With rhythmic, concise text, and warm, expressive artwork, Being a Dog is a tale that gives children the “oppawtunity” to learn how to mindful of their feelings in order to reach their full “pet-tential.” To read my full review, click here.
Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!
Jim Butcher
#IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.
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