Month: November 2023

Biography, Board Books, Picture Books

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Winter Book Edition 11/27/23

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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.          

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing copies of the following in exchange for honest reviews.  All opinions are my own.                           

Elves Are the Worst by Alex Willan 

When one thinks of Christmas, elves own the holiday.  Well, Gilbert is on a campaign to change people’s minds announcing that goblins are just as hardworking as elves.   After citing all the tasks he can perform, Gilbert exposes that elves aren’t that conscientious.  While kids will easily get the reference to sitting on a shelf, adult readers will love his nostalgic nods of elves baking cookies in a tree and pouring cereal into a bowl.  Perhaps Gilbert needs to prove himself with a trip to the North Pole. Will he able to show off his skill set or learn a valuable lesson?  

Like all the books in the Worst series, Elves Are the Worst is full of humor and heart. And while Gilbert makes some good points in the beginning, his visit to the North Pole opens his eyes and mind.  Amid the laughter, kids learn the value of teamwork, an essential life skill.  



I’m Going to Build a Snowman by Jashar Awan

When a boy wakes up to snow, he can’t contain his excitement to build the best snowman ever!  The warmly dressed boy ventures outside clearly outlining his snowman making steps. Once complete, the snowman comes to life singing, dancing, and flying.  Or does it?  Kids discover the boy was visualizing this perfect snowman and while he follows the same steps in real life, his creation does not match his expectations.  How can the boy make his snowman the best ever? 

While there are many picture books about making a snowman, I love how author-illustrator Awan chose to tell his story.  First, the boy narrates speaking directly to readers with a concise text filled with sensory language.  The full page landscape illustrations are full of action and emotion. Having the boy grapple with his vision and his reality promotes a rich discussion with kids, and a life lesson that perfection is in the eye of the beholder.  


The Snow Man by Jonah Winter Illustrated by Jeanette Winter

This picture book biography reminds of the importance of observation.  With its lyrical text and warm illustrations, the Winter mother-son team beautifully tell the story of a young man who moved to an abandoned shack in the Rocky Mountains.  To pass the time, he decides to measure the falling snow, the snowpack, and first snowfall each winter logging his data on paper.  He also recorded dates in the spring such as the first wildflower blossom, when animals ended hibernation, and when hummingbirds returned. 

Over the years, all of his filled notebooks reveal some surprising conclusions about climate change and its effects on living things.  His data proved vital to scientists all over the world. In the author’s note, The Snow Man is revealed to be billy barr (no caps).  Readers learn more about the man who never pursued fame; however, his informal work offered incredible insight to the world.  


Red & Green by Lois Ehlert

Kids  and adults will immediately be drawn to this fun twist on the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.  Ehlert’s signature graphic style engages young children as the rhyming text tells the story.  The tall rectangular picture book also lends itself to little hands for holding.  As each page is turned, kids’ senses are awakened due to Ehlert’s bold colors and tactile die-cuts.  What I love is Ehlert’s art is full of basic shapes making her it easy for children to replicate.    

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.


Bundle Up, Little Pup by Deri Elys Illustrated by Elena Comte

As winter approaches, this rhyming board book is perfect to read to young children.  The kids are not the only ones excited to play in the snow; their pups also can’t wait.  Both Elys’ bouncy text and Comte’s warm illustrations show the importance of proper clothing for both children and pets.  The last page spread is my favorite seeing all the children and the dogs enjoying the winter wonderland and if one looks closely, other animals can be spotted above and underground. 

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.
#Bookexcursion, Biography, Nonfiction, Picture Books

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/20/23

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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.          

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing copies of the following picture books in exchange for honest reviews.  All opinions are my own.                           

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Ethan and the Strays by John Sullivan illustrated by Hateem Aly

After seeing stray cats on the way to school, Ethan is smitten. He wants one of his own but his older Sam reminds him that his dad said no pets. As the weather gets colder, Ethan worries about the cats. Sam takes Ethan to the library to do research; however, the best support is the animal clinic. The brothers learn about trap, neuter, and return. Once the cats are released back, Sam gets outdoor cat shelters from the clinic to keep them warm in the winter. All the cats except for one leave and Ethan wonders could this be his pet?

Ethan and the Strays is a story that tugs at your heart. I love how Sullivan included in his heart warming story how Ethan and Sam use their resources to help the stray cats. Aly’s warm and expressive illustrations showed the genuine concern Ethan had for the cats. Back matter includes information on trap-neuter-return as well as resources. Ethan and the Strays published on October 3, 2023. 

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Beulah Has a Hunch: Inside the Colorful Mind of Master Inventor Beulah Louise Henry by Katie Mazeika

Invention ideas come easily to Beulah; however, drawing them was another story.  Unbeknownst to her, Beulah, she has hyperphantasia giving her the ability to picture things in extreme detail. Unfortunately, her parents did not approve of her interests calling her a daydreamer.  While she was instructed in the arts and etiquette, Beulah continued to practice sketching solutions to problems. 

One day, the ever observant Beulah noticed that women could benefit from a compartment in their parasols to hold things.  Not only did Beulah create a parasol with a “pocket” but also a collapsible handle to make it easy to carry.  Another innovation emerged.  What if women could change the color of parasol’s fabric making it more versatile? Professional drawings from a local draftsman helped Beulah secure the patent to produce her unique parasols.  After being rejected for being a female inventor, Beulah made her own prototype which ultimately convinced someone to manufacture them.  As a result of her profitable invention, Beulah opened her own factory to not only produce parasols but also other products.  At 40 years old, Beulah held more patents than any other women in history earning her the title of Lady Edison.  

As an adult, I had never heard of Beulah Louise Henry until I read this picture book.  Grateful to author-illustrator Katie Mazeika for introducing me (and readers) to this inventor who proved yet again how women positively impact industry. Back matter includes a comprehensive biography.   Belulah Has a Hunch published on October 17, 2023. 

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The Welcome Home by Amy June Bates

Living in a big house, Mr. & Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle decide something is missing.  Wanting something soft and waggy, they get a snail.  Wait a minute! A snail is soft, but not waggy.  Next, they welcome an elephant with a waggy trunk.  The husband and wife continue to expand their family with various animals who could roll over but none could play fetch until the octopus and giraffe.  More animals join them and their house seems full.  But then one day, they hear scratching at their door.  Could this be the animal that makes their family complete? 

Full of humor and heart, The Welcome Home is a story both kids and adults will enjoy.  Based on the text and the illustration of the Mr. & Mrs. Gargleston-Bittle on their balcony, readers think they know the pet the couple will first welcome but are surprised over and over again.  I am a big fan of endpapers and I love how the author-illustrator Bates’ front endpapers show a big, empty house and the back endpapers show the house full of life (and animals).  Just like her picture book The Big Umbrella, the theme of The Welcome Home, which published September 19, 2023, is there is always room for one more. 

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My Brother is an Avocado by Tracy Darnton Illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail

My Brother is an Avocado is perfect book for any child awaiting a new sibling.  To help his impatient daughter understand the different growth stages during pregnancy, a dad compares the unborn baby to food.  Beginning with a poppy seed, the girl can visualize how tiny her brother is. As her brother grows, more comparisons are made.  I love that author Darnton chose the girl as the narrator.  Each time a new food is presented to her, she shares her honest thoughts.  For example, when he is the size of a brussel sprout, she admits her brother may smell funny or make rude noises. 

Illustrator Ismail humorously humanizes the food with a face and motion bringing them to life.  I also adore that the girl’s dog is always nearby in each page spread including the one after the baby is born.  And to her surprise, the baby isn’t at all what her dad told her.  Read to find out the sweet surprise ending!  My Brother is an Avocado published on October 17, 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.

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Noodles Conquers Comfy Mountain by Jonathan Graziano Illustrated by Dan Tavis

While Noodles loves a no bones day, he just can’t get settled today. His bed, his blanket, and even the kitchen didn’t feel right.  Noodles is on a mission to find a comfortable spot and as soon as he spies a mound of warmth on the couch, he christens it Comfy Mountain. But his little legs make it difficult to conquer Comfy Mountain. What’s a pug to do? 

Noodles recalls his human Jonathan always helps him in times of need so without hesitation, Noodles squawks to get Jonathan’s attention. It is not immediate but Noodles finally conveys his message.  After Jonathan lifts him onto Comfy Mountain, Noodles is in pure contentment. 

In the first book, Noodles and the No Bones Day, Graziano taught us about enjoying quiet moments with our loved ones. Noodles Conquers Comfy Mountain teaches readers it’s ok to ask for help when we have a problem.  Tavis’ illustrations show Noodles’ range of emotions as he searches for his comfy spot.  I love the page spread when as Jonathan lifts up a grinning Noodles, a beam of light leads him to the pillows at the peak of Comfy Mountain.  Noodles Conquers Comfy Mountain recently released on November 7, 2023. 

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.
Blog Tour, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade Literature, Mystery

Blog Tour for The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg

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About the Book:
Title: The Night Raven (The Moonwind Mysteries)
Author: Johan Rundberg
Translator: A.A. Prime
Pub. Date: November 1, 2023

 

Beagles and Books is thrilled to be part of the blog tour for the upper middle grade novel The Night Raven published by Amazon Crossing Kids which aims to increase the diversity of children’s books in translation and encourage young reading from a range of cultural perspectives. Special thanks to the publisher and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review:

It’s 1880 in Stockholm, Sweden. As long as she can remember, 12 year old Mika has lived at the Public Children’s House. Her days follow a consistent pattern until she answers the orphanage door in the middle of the night to find a young, boy hand her a newborn baby. His final words to Mika still ring in my ear-“The Dark Angel knows I’m the one who took her.”
 
Observant Mika gives a statement to the police with such detail that it attracts the attention of Detective Valdemar Hoff. After verifying her statement, Hoff brings Mika on a call to see if it connected to her late night visitor. Continually impressed with her perceptiveness, Hoff enlists Mika to help him investigate a murder that occurred on the same night the baby arrived.

With a dynamic main character and an intriguing plot, The Night Raven is an upper middle grade novel that is hard to put down. At only 181 pages, the fast-paced mystery goes quickly. From the moment I met Mika, I was rooting for her.  She is astute, compassionate, and resilient. While written in third person, Rundberg’s writing and Prime’s translation allow readers to really get to know Mika as a character. 
 
What I most admire about Mika is she acknowledges her good fortune considering what has happened to other orphans. This realization compels Mika to take action and convince Hoff to trust her. Having someone not only trust her but also thank her is a new concept to Mika making her confident about her future. While some plot events are tied up, there are still questions left unanswered. I eagerly await the translated The Queen of Thieves, the next book in the Moonwind Mystery series publishing in March 2024. 
 
 

Praise for The Night Raven!

★“This gripping, fast-paced mystery comes together well, with Mika’s deductions based firmly in logic and connections based in her own clear observations…A thrilling and thoughtful period murder mystery.”-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★“This English translation of Rundberg’s lively historical mystery…is something to celebrate…Joyous, funny, suspenseful, and serious—an unusual and winning combination for middle-grade readers. Let’s hope its three sequels appear in [A. A.] Prime’s English translation, too.” —The Horn Book (starred review)

“It’s a testament to the authors that none of the solutions comes easily — in any good mystery story, truth is a messy and painful business.”  
 —The New York Times Book Review
 

About the Author:

Johan Rundberg is an award-winning author of children’s books who lives in Stockholm. He has written picture books, early readers, and middle grade, including Kärlekspizzan, Knockad Romeo, and the series Häxknuten. In 2021, he was awarded Sweden’s most prestigious literary prize, the August Prize, in the children’s and YA category for Nattkorpen, the original edition of The Night Raven, which was first written in Swedish. Nattkorpen was also the winner of a Swedish Crimetime Award in the children’s and YA category. There are now four books in this series published in Sweden.

About the Translator:

A. A. Prime (Annie Prime) is an award-winning translator of Swedish literature. She was born in London and traveled the world studying a number of languages before settling in the English coastal town of Hastings. She now works full-time as a translator, specializing in the weird, witty, and wonderful world of children’s and young adult fiction. She holds an MA in translation from University College London and has published more than twenty books in the UK and US. In her free time, she can be found belly dancing, folk singing, horse riding, and sea swimming.

Blog Tour, Giveaway, Picture Books

Blog Tour & Giveaway for The ChimpanSNEEZE by Aaron Zenz

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Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for The ChimpanSNEEZE publishing on November 14, 2023 by Two Lions.  Special thanks to the publisher and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review:

Buttercups are beautiful, but to a chimpanzee, the flowers caused her to sneeze so hard that her friend, a kinkajou, flew into the sky.  Zenz’s bright illustrations show how quickly the scene changed from calm to chaotic.  Kids will be able to identify kinkajou’s range of emotions through his facial expressions. Zenz introduces his first play on words-CHIMPANSNEEZE.

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Having no control over his destination, the kinkajou tries to alert an elephant painting a gate. Unfortunately, his warning is not in time.  Kids see the effects of the sneeze in this dynamic illustration and we read Zenz’s next play on words-ELEFENCE.

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Of course, the story can’t end there.  A bread carrying buffalo trips on the elephant’s trunk, a hippo with mustard in hand rolls on the many BUFFALOAF on the ground causing him to become a HIPPOPOTAMUSTARD, a pink poodle slips on the mustard dropping her hair product resulting in SHAMPOODLE suds.  On every page spread, the kinkajou is spotted in the illustration calling CHIMPY? Where is the Chimpanzee or should I say Chimpansneeze?

Don’t worry! The kinkajou does not have to wait long to find his friend.  It seems bubbles have the same effect on the kinkajou as buttercups do on the chimpanzee. With one enormous sneeze, the friends are reunited thanks to a KINKACHOO!

With a bouncy, rhyming text, an action packed plot, and word play, The ChimpanSNEEZE is a hilarious read aloud.  On the last page spread, the  illustration of the elephant, buffalo, hippo, and poodle all dirty and disheveled and glaring at the duo will make kids laugh out loud.  Adults will understand and appreciate the  humor when they read the final text.  Readers of all ages will giggle at the Cast Bios of each character.  As a reading specialist, I love that after reading aloud, The ChimpanSNEEZE can be used to teach or reinforce skills such as plot as in a circle story and cause and effect.

About the Author-Illustrator:

Aaron Zenz used up forty-nine colored pencils and broke eighty-one pencil tips during the making of The Chimpansneeze. He is the author and illustrator of more than forty-five children’s books. He wrote and illustrated the Amazon bestseller The Hiccupotamus, as well as Chuckling Ducklings, Monsters Go Night-Night, and Little Iffy Learns to Fly. He has also illustrated books written by other authors, including The Spaghetti-Slurping Sewer Serpent by Laura Ripes and Orangutangled by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. He lives with his large family in a small town in West Michigan. Learn more about him at http://www.aaronzenz.com, and follow him on Instagram @AaronZenz.

Two-Book Giveaway!

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One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Chimpansneeze along with its companion The Hiccupotamus, courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. and Canada addresses).  Follow and repost my post on Twitter (X).