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.
Doe’s Dandelions by Laura Renauld Illustrated by Jennie Poh
Doe is excited to showcase her daffodils in the Spring Petal Parade, but she fears the dandelions threaten her precious flowers. After weeding every dandelion, she warns her forest friends. Instead of agreeing with Doe, each animal shares a benefit of dandelions. Porcupine consider dandelions nourishment, not a nuisance. Squirrel feels dandelions brighten, not bother her snowdrops. Bear believes dandelions are wishes, not weeds. Will Doe’s friend change her opinion?
The fourth book in Renauld’s Woodland Friends series, Doe’s Dandelions teaches young children a powerful lesson on perspective.. Doe doesn’t”t see any value in dandelions yet all her friends view the flower positively. I love that Renauld chose to have Doe listen to all her friends before coming to her own conclusion. Poh’s warm and expressive illustrations complement the text and message. An added bonus are steps for kids to plan their own petal parade
Thanks to the author and publisher for sharing a copy. Doe’s Dandelions celebrates its book birthday on March 7, 2023.
A Bucket of Questions by Tim Fite
Looking for a fun way to introduce questioning to young kids? Fite’s whimsical black and white artwork will immediately pull in kids. The questions are appealing such as Why do seals clap? and What is at the bottom of the ocean? Following the questions, silly not plausible answers are shared provoking smiles and giggles. Fife’s playful text speaks directly to readers keeping kids engaged and anxiously waiting for the next comical Q & A. While Fite’s main goal is entertaining readers, I love how he ends the book with the question “When is it time to stop asking a bucket of questions?” with the only true answer- never.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing a copy. A Bucket of Questions celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on March 7, 2023.
A Good Deed Can Grow by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman Illustrated by Holly Hatam
Bertman’s concise, lyrical text and Hatam’s vivid and lively illustrations teach how a small, kind action can make a big impact. What I love most is kids see examples of simple things they can do in their community such as plant flowers, help a neighbor, open a door, clean up a beach, help an animal or decorate a sidewalk. Throughout the story, a good deed is made visible by Hatam with yellow heart flower petals which appear on every page showing how the actions are connected.
Thanks to the author for sharing a copy. A Good Deed Can Grow published on February 7, 2023.
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.
Wonder Dogs by Linda Ashman Illustrated by Karen Obuhanych
While walking with its human, a little black and white dog sees its canine exhibiting strength, skill, and bravery. The pup contemplates-what wonders can I do? After some reflection, the dog realizes it has talents such as making its owner laugh, keeping her warm, comforting her during a storm, and most importantly, giving her unconditional love.
Ashman’s rhyming text coupled with Obuhanych’s bright illustrations Celebrates all canines for their contributions. The narrating pup reminds me of my Bella who doesn’t know any tricks or commands yet makes every day immensely better.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing a copy. Wonder Dogs recently released on February 28, 2023.
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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