November 2022 – Beagles & Books

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.

A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling Illustrated by Dung Ho

Ren is excited to celebrate Lunar New Year with her family, but when she asks to help with the festivities, she gets the same response “You’re still too little.” When her older brother Charlie arrives home, everything changes for he has the patience to teach Ren to make pineapple cakes.. Soon her aunts see Ren in a different light offering advice and when the pineapples cakes are ready for the oven, her mother acknowledges her ability.

This year, I adopted a kindergarten class for #classroombookaday and A Sweet New Year for Ren is a perfect read aloud to teach them about Lunar New Year especially since this is the first year our district recognizes it as a holiday for students. What I love most about this story is it highlights how Lunar New Year focuses on family and while the food fills the stomach, their togetherness fills the heart. Thanks to Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for sharing a copy. A Sweet New Year for Ren recently released on November 15, 2022.

The Best Gift for Bear by Jennifer A. Bell

Hedgehog bakes gingerbread cookies for all her friends, but she needs a grand present for her dear friend Bear. When her snow covered roof gives her inspiration, Hedgehog is giddy with excitement. Bear’s immense friendship is worthy of the multi-day task and when it is finished, Hedgehog is proud. Bear’s house is far so Hedgehog begins her journey early in the morning. All is fine until the winter wind whips around her and within seconds, her gift is destroyed a few feet away from Bear’s home. After Bear rescues Hedgehog from the snow, a distraught Hedgehog shares her story and Bear confesses baking is not easy.. Hedgehog suggests baking together.

Bell’s sweet story warmed my heart. First, who can resist an adorably drawn hedgehog with earmuffs? I love how both Hedgehog and Bear wanted to make a special gift for each other and realized the best gift is truly spending time together. Included in the front endpapers is a recipe for Hedgehog’s Gingerbread Cookies and Grandma’s Honey Icing. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Two Lions for sharing a copy. The Best Gift for Bear published on September 27, 2022.

Bright Winter Night by Alli Braydon Illustrated by Ashling Lindsay

Forest animals band together to create a sleigh that will take them to see the northern lights. Once Mouse knots the reins, the wolf pack is ready to take the animals to their destination. The snowy terrain causes a slight mishap but once they see a flash of light in the distance, the animals work together to get back on track. .Astute readers will notice how the color palette changes once the northern lights are within their grasp and once they see them, the page spread is glorious with the animals mesmerized by the sky.

Brydon’s rhyming text and Lindsay’s brilliant artwork perfectly complement each other. I love how the animals collaborated on their mode of transportation and problem solved when the sleigh was stifled. The result was the glorious beauty of the northern lights which Lindsay majestically captured. Bright Winter Night makes me want to book a trip to Norway or Iceland to see the nature’s sheer beauty with my own eyes. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Two Lions for sharing a copy. Bright Winter Night publishes soon on December 1, 2022.

Fuzzy Furry Ouch by Cree Lane & Amanda Jane Jones

On the cover, Fuzzy Furry Ouch labels itself as a Do Not Touch Book but don’t despair. This touch and feel book is completely safe teaching littles what they can and cannot touch. Author Lane has fun for while a cactus and stove are items a child may encounter, she also humorously includes a dinosaur and a rocket ship. I love how she exposes children to robust vocabulary such as slick, squishy, and rough to describe the texture of items. Jones’ eye-catching’ illustrations are visually appealing centered on each page and invite a child to explore. Thanks to Little Simon/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for sharing a copy. A companion to Lane’s and Jones’ 2019 collaboration, Yum Yummy Yuck, Fuzzy Furry Ouch celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on November 29, 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.

What’s Up Pup? How Our Furry Friends Communicate and What They Are Saying by Kersten Hamilton Illustrated by Lili Chin

When Bella is not feeling 100%, it would be helpful if she could tell me in words what was wrong. But after reading What’s Up Pup, I realize that she is communicating with me through her body language all the time and it is my job to see her “talk” with my eyes.

With its rhyming text, Hamilton’s nonfiction picture book is as playful as the dogs she describes. She shares how dogs use their eyes, ears, rears, noses, tails, and legs to send signals to humans and other canines about how they are feeling. Hamilton clarifies that a dog’s body language can mean different things depending on whether they are they are in company of humans or another dog. Chin’s vivid artwork is full of energy conveying the doggy dialogue. I appreciate how Chin has a variety of dog breeds in her illustrations including a basset hound. Immediately following the text, backmatter includes an author’s note, definitions of the dog language in the book, additional fascinating facts, and a bibliography. I especially loved learning how dogs can not only smell time but also their human’s emotions. Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)/Macmillan Children’s Publishing for sharing an electronic copy. What’s Up Pup? recently released on November 16, 2022.

Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!

“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.”
Jim Butcher
#IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.

Early Readers, Graphic Novel, It's Monday! What Are You Reading?, Middle Grade Literature, Nonfiction

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/21/22

November 20, 2022November 21, 2022 lauramossa

Oodles of Doodles by Aletheta Kontis Illustrated by Christopher Jacques

This humorous Ready to Read book features two oval shaped creatures and a poodle. When the two creatures meet, the larger one sees artwork on easels and asks the smaller one “Do you doodle?” Not only does the small creature doodle, but also his poodle and they can both doodle oodles of noodles. The larger creature joins in doodling the poodle doodling noodles in exchange for two doodles from the doodling poodle and his owner. Whoa! That’s a lot of oo-dles!

I love how Kantis playfully uses rhyming words (doodle, poodles, oodles, noodles and toodle) and sight words to engage young readers. The repetition will support kids reading the rhyming words in the story and the sight words make the text very accessible. While Jacques’ creatures are simply drawn, they have a wide range of emotions based on their eyes and mouths. I am though partial to the adorable beret and sweater wearing poodle who doodles a caboodle of doodles one after another. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy. Oodles of Doodles released October 11, 2022.

The Greatest in the World (Tater Tales #1) by Ben Clanton

Picture book mutant potato Rot makes his debut in Tater Tales, a graphic novel series. In his first adventure, Rot and his brother Spud argue who is the best. They vie for the title, The Greatest in the World. competing in a potato sack race with their younger sister, Tot, serving as judge. When Tot rules the race a tie, they face off in a rolling game down Hot Potato Hill. Since neither brother was able to catch her, the final competition is a laugh off. Who will be the spud to laugh last and claim victory?

Where do I even starch? With carbo-rific characters, an a-peeling plot, and lots of potato puns, The Greatest in the World is a tuberous tale that is tater-ly hilarious! I love the sibling rivalry between Rot and Snot and how Tot keeps them both in check. Clanton’s cartoon illustrations are full of action and expression. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy. The Greatest in the World published on November 8, 2022.

How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? Wild Facts about Animals and the Scientists Who Study Them by Brooke Barker

Do you know a kid (or adult) who loves learning new and intriguing facts about animals? This nonfiction text is unique because it introduces readers to real scientists and their animal research. Through the lens of a specific scientist, Barker teaches us about meerkats, deep-sea mussels, seaside sparrows, bees, bonobos, Japanese macaques, crows, gars, birds, dogs, lizards, humpback whales, jaguars, roosters, Antarctic midge (my favorite), white-tailed deer, and endangered marsupials.

In the text, Barker explains how the scientists are researching the animals to support their survival or to help us better understand big ideas such as communication, emotions, and preservation. I must be honest that a few of the animals featured were new to me which is fascinating. Barker’s text reminds me of a sketch notebook with engaging artwork and annotations that will keep kids reading until the very last page. I especially loved the animals’ commentary throughout the text which gave me smiles and giggles. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy. How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on November 22, 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.

New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan

Due to her mom’s job as an university professor, Robyn has moved a lot which means she has had plenty of practice being the new kid. Before moving to San Luis Obispo, their sixth city and beginning fifth grade, Robyn makes a list of ten rules for herself to make the transition smooth. The rules are especially important because her mom hopes San Luis Obispo to be their permanent home and Robyn knows that means she only has one chance to make a first impression.

Her mom is big on extracurricular activities so when Robyn sees an agility dog training class, she is willing to jump right in, but her mom brings up their rescue Jack Russell terriers’ physical and emotional needs. Fudge is deaf and vision impaired and Sundae has anxiety. The dog trainer agrees with her mom which angers Robyn. When she discovers one of her classmates, Nestor, is the dog trainer’s grandson, Robyn asks him to teach her dogs agility. Nestor’s initial answer is no, but with the support of fellow classmates Jonathan (Nestor’s cousin) and Alejandra (who is a semi new kid since she skipped fourth grade), Nestor agrees. Robyn’s excitement is quickly deflated when she worries that making their acquaintance may be breaking her rule to lay low and blend in.

New Kids and Underdogs is a story that pulls the reader right in. Although Finnegan wrote in the third person, readers really get to know Robyn as a character and given her past experiences, it’s easy to have empathy or sympathy for her. But after spending time with Nestor, Jonathan and Alejandra, you realize that they are kids with whom you would want to be friends. Robyn learns that the rules don’t allow her or others to ever share their whole story which is important in building relationships. As a dog mom, I especially loved Robyn for being such an advocate for her dogs Sundae and Fudge believing they could succeed. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy. New Kids and Underdogs released October 25, 2022.

Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!

#classroombookaday, Blog Tour, Picture Books

Blog Tour Review: The Great Caper Caper by Josh Funk Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 lauramossa

Beagles & Books is thrilled to be a part of The Great Caper Caper Great Virtual Virtual Tour! Special thanks to author Josh Funk for the invite and for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Title: The Great Caper Caper ((Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast #5)
Author: Josh Funk
Illustrator: Brendan Kearney
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
Pub. Date: November 15, 2022

When Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast awake one morning to near-darkness, they are aghast. Who would steal the fridge light? Could it be the evil Count Caper? (spoiler alert: yes. Yes it is.) Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast put a crew together with all their old friends (Baron von Waffle, Inspector Croissant, Miss Brie, and more) and plan a delicious heist to get the light back and save the fridge once again!

Review:

“Oh my crepes!” utters Lady Pancake when she and Sir French Toast discover the Great Light in the refrigerator has gone missing. Darkness does not sit well with Toast or the other foods who reside in the fridge. Who could be the culprit? Perhaps the light past Pita Plateau will provide the answer.

Upon arrival, the illuminated Welcome to Fabulous Las Veggies sign is hard to miss. When they find out that Count Caper is in charge, Pancake and Toast waste no time and asks about the Great Light. Count Caper adamantly denies stealing but readers know he is not telling the truth. How do they make him confess? Problem solving Pancake whips up a plan to return the Great Light to its rightful place. With the help of other series characters such as Inspector Croissant and Baron von Waffle, can Pancake and Toast succeed?

I adore The Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series! Funk keeps kids (and adults) engaged with his bouncy, rhyming text, novel and lively characters, and intriguing plot. Kearney’s detailed and imaginative illustrations bring both the characters and setting to life. As I read the story, the kids were captivated by the artwork especially the final page spread of the “Berry Manilow” show as well as the “photos” of the food hanging out in Las Veggies.

After reading The Great Caper Caper to my kindergarten #classroombookaday class, I asked students the following questions to unpack the lesson of the story.

“Who did something unhelpful or hurtful in the story?”
Why did Count Caper take the Great Light?
When the Great Light was found, what did Lady Pancake ask Count Caper to do?
How did Count Caper feel when he returned the Great Light?

Collaboratively, we were able to identify one of the lesson is if you tell the truth and return what you take, you feel better and your friends may forgive you. Character motivation was also a big part of the plot and I mentioned why Count Caper stole the Great Light so the kids could better understand him. Friendship is another important theme because Lady Pancake wanted to help Sir French Toast because he was afraid of the dark. Finally, we discussed how all the foods collaborated on Lady Pancake’s plan to get back the Great Light; therefore, another lesson is when a problem arises in the classroom, we must work together as a team to solve it. I love how The Great Caper Caper supports teaching theme to our youngest learners while still providing opportunities to laugh out loud!

If you haven’t feasted on the Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series, the time is now!

Praise for THE GREAT CAPER CAPER!

The Great Caper Caper was recently selected as an Indie Kids’ Next Pick!

“The fifth installment in the Lady Pancake series features a madcap caper that kids will love. Parents can look forward to some humor that is, undoubtedly, aimed at them. Definitely a book the whole family will want to read over and over!”

— Audrey Beatty, River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury, CT

You can see the whole list here: https://www.indiebound.org/kids-indie-next-list.

About the Author:
Like the characters in his books, Josh Funk doesn’t like being told how stories should go―so he writes his own. He is the author of a bunch of picture books, including My Pet Feet, illustrated by Billy Yong; the popular Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, illustrated by Brendan Kearney; How to Code a Sandcastle, illustrated by Sara Palacios; and Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude, illustrated by Stevie Lewis. He lives in New England with his wife and children. Learn more about him at www.joshfunkbooks.com and follow him on social media:

Facebook: Josh Funk Books
Instagram: @joshfunkbooks
Twitter: @joshfunkbooks

Continue to follow the tour by visiting these blogs!

The Great Caper Caper Virtual Tour Image

#Bookexcursion, #classroombookaday, Giveaway, Picture Books

Review & Giveaway: It’s Not The Three Little Pigs by Josh Funk Illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

November 7, 2022November 7, 2022 lauramossa

About the Book:
Title: It’s Not The Three Little Pigs
Author: Josh Funk
Illustrator: Edwardian Taylor
Pub. Date: November 1, 2022

Beagles & Books is thrilled to share a review of It’s Not The Three Little Pigs. Special thanks to Two Lions Publishing and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review:
The amazing duo, Josh Funk and Edwardian Taylor, are back with their fourth installment in the It’s Not a Fairytale series featuring the three (I stand corrected four) little pigs.

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The first pig, Alan, is the only one interested in building. The second pig, Alfred, wants to be an actor and Alvin, the third pig, dreams of being a pumpkin. Readers are introduced to the fourth pig, Alison, who adds her own spin to the classic story resulting in a very frustrated narrator. When the narrator states that Alan will make his house out of straw, Alison interjects that her brother is eco-conscious repurposing plastic drinking straws to build his abode. Not long after, the wolf appears. The narrator feeds Alan his lines, but Alison offers some constructive criticism for the phrase, “Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin.” The pig does make a good point.

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The wolf moves on prompting Alan and Alison to warn the second pig, Alfred. A hot air balloon ride is quicker than walking right? It’s a good thing because Alfred is on a stage, not a house, made out of sticks. It’s up to Alan to plan and construct a house to protect himself and his siblings. But of course, when the big bad wolf walks up, the pigs are not in the house which annoys the narrator. Can’t they follow the original story?

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The pigs take shelter in the house, but when they don’t respond to the wolf, he does not huff and puff and departs. Now, the narrator is nervous imploring the pigs to high tail it to the third pig, Alvin. Alison delivers by producing jetpacks and they arrive at Alvin’s pumpkin (courtesy of Cinderella’s fairy godmother) ahead of the wolf. When the wolf says “Little pig, little pig, let me come in,” his words don’t mean what you think. The narrator is exhausted and a bit hurt with all the changes. Alison offers a collaborative opportunity which reminds us that teamwork does make the dream work. On the last page spread, Alfred is in his glory performing on stage with an audience full of fairy tale characters. Readers see Jack and Giant, Hansel and Gretel, Red and Captain Hook as well as many, many other fairy tale characters which makes me wonder who will star in the next book in the series.

When I read aloud It’s Not The Three Little Pigs to a kindergarten class, they couldn’t stop giggling. They loved the addition of the fourth pig and how the pigs use innovative methods to travel. Who doesn’t love a pig with a jetpack! As a teacher, I love that the dialogue was color-coded matching the hue of the pig’s clothes. This feature makes the story perfect for readers’ theater.

Funk’s clever and comical writing produces constant chuckles and Taylor’s energetic and engaging illustrations literally leap off the page. His detailed blueprints of all the houses are especially fun and require time to truly appreciate so closer looks are warranted.

Praise for It’s Not The Three Little Pigs!

“Those who love to make up their own stories will be inspired, and readers who march to the beats of their own drums will be delighted. Will leave readers as happy as a pig in mud.”
―Kirkus Reviews

Facebook: Josh Funk Books
Instagram: @joshfunkbooks
Twitter: @joshfunkbooks

About the Illustrator:
Edwardian Taylor is the illustrator of multiple children’s books, including Hey, You’re Not Santa!, written by Ethan T. Berlin; Goldibooks and the Wee Bear, written by Troy Wilson; the Toy Academy chapter books, written by Brian Lynch; and the It’s Not a Fairy Tale books, written by Josh Funk, among other titles. He lives in Texas with his partner and their three dogs. Learn more about him at www.edwardiantaylor.com and follow him on Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter @edwardiantaylor

Thanks for visiting Beagles and Books!

Month: November 2022

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/28/22

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/21/22

Blog Tour Review: The Great Caper Caper by Josh Funk Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Review & Giveaway: It’s Not The Three Little Pigs by Josh Funk Illustrated by Edwardian Taylor