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.
Scare School Diaries: Forest Frights by Jarrett Lerner
Bash is back with another stint in Scare School! Unlike before, he is anxiously awaiting his return to see his friends especially his roommate Itsy to continue collaborating on their comic. When Headmaster Dave shares the main focus is a group project, Bash is elated. His enthusiasm is quickly deflated when group members are randomly assigned. Working with Wes, a werewolf and fellow artist is great but not the twins, Vlad and Vicky. To quote Bash, “It’s going to a long eleven days.”
Reluctantly, Bash’s group chooses to research the Forest. Wes is willing to do the work but the twins are always unavailable. Both Bash and Wes are non-confrontational yet they rise to the occasion to hold Vlad and Vicky accountable. While Bash isn’t keen on going into the forest at night, he is willing to admit his fear to Vlad which proves beneficial to the group. What a great lesson to share with kids!
At only 133 pages with a large font and artwork on almost every page, this illustrated chapter book (and series) is highly accessible to developing readers of all ages. Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing a copy. Scare School Diaries: Forest Frights celebrated its book birthday on November 5, 2024.
Rocket Puppies by William “Whoosh!” Joyce
Once the world got stuck being sad. Why? Well, Snarly McBummerpants liked huffing and puffing Mopey Smoke out of his volcano all day. But hope arrived in the form of Rocket Puppies! With one look, all sadness went away. Hugs were their fuel and once charged, their PUPPY-RAY- VISION brought smiles and joy to everyone including zombies, clowns, and sea serpents.
Snarly McBummerpsnts was not mesmerized by the Rocket Puppiss and continued to send Mopey Smoke clouds to encourage sadness. Thankfully, the Rocket Puppies had a counter-an adorable tiny dog. When Tiny Brad and Snarly meet, who will prevail?
Rocket Puppies is a new narrative with a nostalgic feel introducing readers to an antagonist, Snarly McBummerpants, and the Rocket Puppies, the protagonists. Joyce’s vintage artwork will appeal to both kids and their parents. What I love most about Rocket Puppies is the message that a dog’s love can melt the heart of the coldest soul. Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing a copy. Rocket Puppies celebrated its book birthday on November 5, 2024.
#IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.
Beagles & Books 