It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 10/3/22

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.

Our Recent Reads:

The Hunger Heroes: Snack Cabinet Sabotage by Jarrett Lerner

In the first book of the series, the Hunger Heroes saved a hungry kid about to take a math test.  Now, the quartet (Mr. Toots, Chip, Tammy and Leonard) have a new assignment.  A young girl, Gabby, is babysitting at the Richardson’s house and with no snacks to be found, she is getting hangry.   Chip is skeptical, for this is not typical Richardson family behavior and when the Hovercraft’s crash lands and they find dog treats on the Richardson’s lawn, his suspicion grows. Is someone trying to sabotage the Hunger Heroes?  If the Hungry Heroes can’t get to Gabby on time, she could hit guac (I mean rock) bottom.  Wait a minute.  The other day, Ava the avocado was not acting “allripe.”  Could she be responsible for this “pitiful” situation? 

Ever since his first novel, Enginerds, I anxiously await any story that Jarrett Lerner writes and illustrates. I love how his novels engage and entertain readers but also educate in a non preachy way.  While Ava was responsible for the hangry alert, she apologizes admitting her jealousy.  Her honesty reminds the Hunger Heroes that “there’s always more to someone’s story than meets the eye.”  Always love a story that is full of both humor and heart!  Thanks to Simon and Schuster for sharing a copy with me.  The Hunger Heroes: Snack Cabinet Sabotage celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on October 4, 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.

Is This Your Class Pet? by Troy Cummings

Arfy is back with another adventure.  On the third book of the series, Arfy is working at the local elementary school as a library helper dog listening to kids read.  When Arfy returns home with his human, he discovers a stowaway in his vest pocket.  It’s a small turtle. Without hesitation, Arfy sends an email to the school principal in hopes of returning the turtle to its home.  When Arfy gets an away from my desk auto reply, he writes a note to the lunchroom cooks who respond that the turtle (now named Hidey) does not belong in the cafeteria.  Determined to locate Hidey’s home, Arfy writes to the gym coach, the art teacher, and lastly, video chats with Mrs. Tortuga’s class who have been missing their pet.  Mystery solved right?  Well, yes, until another animal hides in Arfy’s vest pocket!

Arfy is a favorite character with my primary students.  I love how he exhibits positive values such as kindness and persistence with his actions.  As a reading specialist, I appreciate that kids can learn about letter writing in many formats.  Prior to 2020, I would have never expected to see students on a video call, but now, it is just another way to communicate.  And while Mrs. Tortuga’s class may have had a turtle as a pet, a note from Arfy’s human explains why turtles are not good pets for people and advocates adopting a dog or cat.   Is This Your Class Pet? published in June 2022. 

Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!