April 2024 – 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.

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Sunny Parker Is Here to Stay by Margaret Finnegan

It’s the summer before sixth grade and on the first day of vacation, Sunny is already bored. Sure, she has her chores helping her dad who manages Del Mar, the affordable housing apartment complex where they live, but she can’t deny she is a little jealous of her neighbor Minh who got a scholarship to go to the YMCA day camp.

Sunny keeps busy enjoying walks with her neighbor, Mrs. Garcia. On one walk, Sunny discovers that the housing authority has proposed building more affordable housing on the grounds of a former elementary school. When Sunny excitedly tells her dad, he immediately dismisses it saying it will never happen; the wealthy community will not allow another Del Mar. Sunny is stunned. What’s not to like about Del Mar?

Sunny needs to take action, but her dad wants her to lay low and not draw attention to the Del Mar. Fortunately, with the support of her best friend, Hailey, a petition is circulated in favor of the proposed apartment complex to take to the hearing. Sunny is here to stay but can she convince others that another Del Mar is an asset to the community?

Written from Sunny’s point of view, Finnegan captures both her innocence and passion. While Sunny is aware that she and her dad aren’t rich, she never thought of herself as poor. At the Del Mar, she feels safe and connected to her community which I love. Sensitive topics of race, socio-economic status, and domestic violence are handled delicately but may require discussion depending on the schema of the reader. An author’s note explains how the novel is based on the author’s own experiences. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing an ARC. Sunny Parker Is Here to Stay celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on April 23, 2024.

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The Secret Elephant: Inspired by A True Story of Friendship by Ellan Rankin

This nonfiction narrative tells the true tale of Sheila, a baby Asian elephant who lived at the Belfast Zoo. When World War II broke out, Sheila’s keeper, Denise, could not bear to leave the elephant at the zoo all alone. As a result, Denise covertly brought Sheila home each night and snuck her back to the zoo every morning until…their secret was discovered. Distraught, Denise returned Sheila to the zoo but quickly devised a new plan; she would live in the enclosure with Sheila until the war ended.

From the very first pages, this story tugged my heart. Unlike the other zoo animals who lived communally, Sheila, being the only elephant, was all by herself. Sheila and Denise had already developed a close bond which was why Denise had to swiftly act. Rankin’s tender narrative and expressive artwork show the immense love Denise and Sheila had for one another. I appreciate that Rankin chose Sheila to be the narrator allowing readers to hear her perspective; I also love that Rankin includes some humor in both the text and illustrations with Sheila drinking from a toilet, leaving a “present” in the dining room, and serving as a footstool. Kids will adore learning about Sheila and Denise and be inspired to do some of their own research about them.

Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy. The Secret Elephant celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on April 23, 2024.

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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Jump for Joy by Karen Gray Ruelle Illustrated by Hadley Hooper

A young girl, Joy, desperately wanted a dog. She wasn’t picky; however, she decided she would know her dog when she saw him.

A dog, Jump, desperately wanted a kid. He wasn’t picky; however, he decided he would know his kid when he saw her.

Joy made dogs out of flowers, seashells, sticks, and snow. Jump made kids out of ferns, sand, mud, and snow. Unfortunately, the flowers and ferns wilted, the seashells and sand washed away, the sticks and mud blew and scattered, and the snow melted.

But when both Joy and Jump see tulips and ferns growing, their excitement exudes and a miracle happens.

Jump for Joy lives up to its title. Ruelle’s narrative is concise in words but large in sentiment. I love the repetition as readers meet both Joy and Jump. Readers will be wishing for the happy ending which is only a matter of time. Hooper’s artwork is mostly black and white with just a touch of yellow until the last two page spreads which burst with color and show the sheer happiness of two souls. My heart (and yours) will explode with warmth! Jump for Joy published on January 23, 2024.

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.*

Book Birthday, Graphic Novel, Picture Books

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/15/24

April 14, 2024April 15, 2024 lauramossa

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Look by Gabi Snyder Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

When the world feels overwhelming, Snyder invites readers to calm themselves by stopping and looking closely. The story begins with a boy looking out a window and then transitioning to looking for patterns in his house and on a walk with his mother. At times, he draws his observations in a little notebook. Snyder’s gentle, melodic text encourages active participation by posing questions such as Can you walk in an alternating pattern? and Can you see how the same shapes repeat? Cotterill’s multi-media artwork is absolutely stunning. Her use of cut outs and blurring aid the reader in paying close attention to the small details which is the goal of the story.

Our kindergarten begins a ELA module with the theme, Zoom In, with the essential question, What can I learn if I look closely? and Look pairs perfectly. Can’t wait to share with my teachers and my district. Back matter includes a visual and written glossary on pattern types as well as pattern activity suggestions. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy. Look celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on April 16, 2024.

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Finding Grateful by Diane White Illustrated by Faith Pray

On the first page spread, readers see a broken down car and a mother and daughter walking down a city street. Pray’s illustration of the girl sauntering as her mom looks back smiling as well as White’s first line-Mama says: you don’t need a road map to find grateful set the tone. Rather than dwell on their misfortune, they will focus on the good around them. As they take their stroll, the girl explains that grateful means noticing, paying attention, standing still, feeling the grass under her toes, and having fun with a puppy. When she falls, she is upset but she is grateful for her mother’s hug. As they continue their walk, the girl sees flowers in cracks, tastes a rainbow ice cream, hears a bird singing realizing she is grateful for not just one thing but the compilation of her entire day. The story ends with a tow truck delivering the car back to the house.

I love how Finding Grateful reminds us to shrug off a setback and view it as an opportunity. White’s tender text is full of sensory language making readers feel they are right there in the city. Pray’s artwork is complementary highlighting the small details we may overlook and the girl’s excitement in seeing the beauty around her. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy. Finding Grateful celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on April 15, 2024.

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Penelope’s Balloons by Brooke Bourgeois

Ten red balloons were always tethered to Penelope providing her comfort. Because of their fragility, Penelope has to be protect her balloons causing her to distance herself from her friends. Piper could pop one with her pointy spikes; Allie might prick one with her pointy teeth. And other classmates have piercing horns. Thankful Gerry, a giraffe, has a long neck to reach her during circle time.

But tragedy strikes when a strong storm forces Penelope to let go of her precious balloons. Without her balloons, Penelope is deflated. After Piper kindly escorts her friend home, Penelope is shocked to discover one balloon followed her home. Penelope’s desperation to hold on to her only balloon was its demise. Bourgeois’ full page illustration needed no words to convey Penelope’s despair. But an astute reader will see red balloons through her bedroom window. Once her family opens the front door, they are greeted by nine of Penelope’s friends each with a balloon in hand. As elated as Penelope is to be reunited with her balloons, she realizes that being close to her friends is the best gift ever.

Author/illustrator Bourgeois’ debut is magnificent. Her illustrations are gentle and warm reminiscent of the beloved elephant Babar. I love how everyone accepted Penelope for who she was and she was the one to change. It’s a great mentor text for showing how a character changes from the beginning to end of the story. The endpapers are also worth noting, for the front endpapers show portraits with ten balloons; however, only nine balloons are in the portraits in the back endpapers. A letter written by Bourgeois accompanied the finished copy explaining that her brother was the inspiration for the story. Thanks to Union Square Kids for sharing a copy. Penelope’s Balloons celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on April 15, 2024.

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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The Great Puptective by Alina Tysoe

When a cat named Truffles’ human brings home a pup from the animal shelter, his home goes from peaceful to pandemonium. Part of the problem is Poppy is a Puptective sporting a deerstalker hat and asks way too many questions.

When Poppy sees pawprints, she has a clue for her first case. A broken flowerpot (courtesy of Truffles) and a second set of pawprints are other clues. But when Truffles gets caught by his human, his mission is clear. Poppy has got to go!

Truffles concocts multiple plans to implicate Poppy in mischief but alas, Poppy doesn’t take the bait and Truffles continues to get caught. Truffles resorts to becoming The Blanket Bandit designing traps in hopes of capturing Poppy. The first couple plans fail; however, the third is the charm. But afterwards, Truffles has second thoughts. Can he remedy his mistake and rescue Poppy?

Full of humor, heart, and hijinks, Tysoe’s graphic novel series will be a hit with kids. Poppy is utterly adorable and I love how Truffles transforms from cantankerous to kind. Stay tuned for a second book, Paranormal Activity. Thanks to Simon & Schuster Publishing for sharing a copy. The Great Puptective released on March 19, 2024.

Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!

Nonfiction, Picture Books

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/8/24

April 7, 2024April 8, 2024 lauramossa

Are you ready for the Solar Eclipse? Bella is!

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Grateful to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing copies of the newly published and soon to be released picture books with Beagles & Books. All opinions are my own.

The Storyteller by Lindsay Bonilla Illustrated by Noar Lee Naggan

Bonilla’s passionate text and Naggan’s soulful illustrations gorgeously express how a grandmother nourished her grandson Griffin with stories. As his grandmother shares her tales, Griffin listens attentively, sketches in his notebook, and asks questions Their love for each other is sweetly depicted in Naggan’s warm artwork which hearkens to a time long ago. When his grandmother fell ill, Griffin was distraught; however, he took comfort in remembering all her stories. The tale of Jack and the Beanstalk gave Griffin the strength to say goodbye to his grandmother and he kept her memory alive by sharing her stories with others.

The Storyteller is a tender story about love, loss, and legacy. The Storyteller released on March 5, 2024.

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic by Margaux Meganck

This lyrical picture book chronicles tiny specks on their journey across the ocean. Beginning in the tide pool. they travel via waves and currents searching for a place to stay and grow. Through gorgeous artwork, children will see the specks dwindle in number from thousands to hundreds to only one. Instead of hiding in the deep sea, the speck treks with a school of fish venturing to the surface. Finally, the speck has found its home attaching to a blue whale joining other barnacles. The illustration of the smiling barnacles show the joy of finding your place in the world.

With a melodic, concise text, and vibrant watercolor illustrations, Meganck’s Speck is a reminder that the goal of every living thing is to discover the place to evolve and thrive. Speck published on March 19, 2024.

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Phillip Bunting

Ants are pretty common insects, but did you know that there are 10 quadrillion on our planet? In The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants, Bunting humorously shares facts about what ants love and hate as well as how ants live, work, and communicate. The witty text and amusing illustrations with dialogue from the ants will make readers laugh out loud while they learn about these intriguing insects.

I especially love that Bunting ends with what lessons ants can teach us such as love your family, waste nothing, take power naps (LOL), and always help those around you. The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants published on March 19, 2024.

This Baby. That Baby by Cari Best Illustrated by Rasin Kheiriyeh

In a city, two babies live across across each other on the fifth floor of tall buildings. When the babies see each other through the windows, one waves and one claps. In their home, one baby kisses his cat, and one baby tugs on her pup’s tail. One baby sings about a baby whale. The other baby sings about a baby shark. Both babies are hungry and get to eat but at naptime, both babies do not fall asleep quickly, Waking up, one baby is sad and the other baby is grumpy. Both babies go for a walk and meet up at the park. When they see each other, both babies smile. One baby says “Bay Bay,” The other baby says “Bee Bee.” Together, they play peekaboo.

With Best’s peppy text and Kheiriyeh’s lively illustrations, This Baby. That Baby. is an energetic story that shows how babies with different personalities and interests can be friends. I love how both single parents (and pets) demonstrate patience with their children as they go throughout their day. This Baby. That Baby released on February 27, 2024.

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.

Saving Delicia by Laura Gehl Illustrated by Patricia Metola

A young girl named Kari sits under the last remaining delicia tree with her pup Cookie listening to Old Otis tell stories. Sharing a small piece of the last delicia of the season with Cookie, Kari asks Otis if she can plant the seeds. Through Otis, Kari learns that a plant disease called blight will prevent any new delicias to grow. With Cookie following her, Kari bikes to the library with an idea stirring in her head inspired by one of Otis’ stories. After much research, Kari decides to dry, store, and freeze delicia seeds in Otis’ old shed freezer. If scientists can can find a cure for blight, Kari’s seed bank will be ready.

While Cookie is only a minor character, I love how the pup is Kari’s constant companion. Metola’s artwork shows the sweet relationship between Kari and Cookie as she carries the dog in her arms, shares fruit, and is by her side when both the last delicia tree and Otis are no longer with them. At the end of the story, Kari is an adult sitting under a delicia orchard (spoiler) telling Otis’ stories to children and there is a heartwarming tribute to both Otis and Cookie. And another pup is part of her family.

Like their previous collaboration in Apple and Magnolia, Gehl and Metola tell an uplifting story about the power of planning and patience to make a dream come true. Gehl’s gentle narrative text and Metola’s warm illustrations wrap readers in a hug. In the author’s note, Gehl shares that while delicia trees are not real, seed banks are. In fact, there are more than 1000 seed banks in the world. Saving Delicia celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on April 9, 2024.

Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!