It’s been almost a month since we had to say goodbye to Bella. Grateful for the love and support from family, friends, and the #kidlit community. Your kind words are a tremendous source of comfort.
With her beagle nose, Bella loved exploring the garden. Over the years, we added a few statues honoring our canine companions. With warm weather and bulbs blooming, the garden hounds will help me share Beagles and Books’ latest reads. Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing these new picture books all released in March 2025.
Meet the Mini-Mammals: A Night at the Natural History Museum by Melissa Stewart Illustrated by Brian Lies
Welcome to the Mini-Mammals exhibit which highlights pint-sized mammals from largest to smallest. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is the heaviest weighing the size of an Asian pear. As small as it is, it can travel the length of eight buses with one hop. Author Stewart’s informative text includes fascinating facts about each animal, a text feature called Tiny Tidbits and a question with alliteration which sets the stage for the next mini-mammal. Finally, Kirt’s hog-nosed bat, the teeniest mammal weighing a little less than four mini marshmallows, takes the prize. At the end of the book, not only do kids see a map showing where all the mini-mammals live but also some spectacular statistics.
When it comes to teaching kids about science, look further than Stewart. Her ability to share knowledge that is easily accessible to kids (and adults) is unmatched. With his realistic illustrations depicting each animal’s actual size as well as in its natural habitat, Lies brings the mini-mammals to life. Given Stewart shares their weight in food, readers can also easily compare animals.
Are We There Yet? The First Trip Across the USA by Stacy McAnulty Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddely
Did you know in 1903, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson accepted a bet of fifty dollars that he could drive a horseless carriage (now known as a car) from California to New York in three months? To make his dream a reality, Jackson hired bicycle racer Sewell Crocker as his mechanic and travel buddy and bought a used Winton Touring Car.
On May 23rd. their journey began and lots of mishaps befell on the duo. Blown tires, replacement car parts, and lack of food didn’t deter them and adopting a dog named Bud only fueled their enthusiasm. When other teams joined in the race, Jackson remained confident. Even when Bud went missing a couple of times, Jackson stayed composed and the trio always left together. Finally, on July 26, 1903, Jackson, Crocker, and Bud arrived in New York City sixty three days, twelve hours, and thirty minutes after they began. His fifty dollar bet cost him eight thousand dollars but who cares? Jackson, Crocker, and Bud claimed victory as the first to drive across the county.
Author McAnulty’s lively and informative text and illustrator Baddeley’s nostalgic artwork perfectly complement each other. I especially love that Bud was not only part of this historic event but also happily lived the rest of his life with Jackson and his family. Back matter includes a map of their itinerary, a timeline of their trip, a list of lost items, fun facts, and sources.
Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyer
After many waterdrops seep through a cave and pick up minerals, two nubs emerge. Over millions of years, Stalactite and Stalagmite see life come and go in their cave-a trilobite, an Ichthyostega, a triceratops, a giant ground sloth, a bat, and eventually humans. Gradually Stalactite and Stalagmite grow closer in distance and friendship. When they are within inches of each other, both express their fear. What will they be when they meet? In the end, they both realize there is strength in uniting as one
As someone who has visited caverns as a child and an adult, author/illustrator Beckmeyer successfully taught me the origin of these fascinating rock formations. I love how Beckmeyer chose Stalactite and Stalagmite to tell their story through a conversation. Their exchange includes humor, history, and heart. The artwork is phenomenal with their eyes and mouth charmingly expressing their emotions as they evolved. And don’t skip the endpapers, for the front is integral to the story and the back provides content support and if you look closely, a little chuckle.
Monty and the Mushrooms by Dev Petty Illustrated by Jared Chapman
Let me clear up some misconceptions. Worms live underground, birds have wings, and trees drop pinecones and acorns because mushrooms are LOUD. They gossip, argue, tell stories and jokes, and sing.
Marmots who live in the same habitat are not a fan of noise. So when loud mushrooms attempt to bond with a marmot named Monty, it’s not the beginning of a beautiful friendship. And the mushrooms singing their EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE song does not help. Monty’s most logical solution is to eat the mushrooms but sadly they are poisonous. And since they can’t stay quiet, Monty only has one last option-relocate. New neighbors, banana slugs, move in quickly and surprisingly, they not only can’t hear but also can eat poisonous mushrooms. What are the odds?
Petty’s comical characters and hilarious plot coupled with Chapman’s whimsical illustrations make Monty and the Mushrooms a pure delight. Astute readers will see the banana slugs in the periphery early in the illustrations waiting for their opportunity. Check out the front and back endpapers to see the plot development. I wonder if there is another story for Monty. Only hope he found his place of zen.
So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner
Tortoise and Mouse are best friends and burrowmates. When their burrow is flooded, Tortoise digs them a new home. Upon completion, Tortoise is ready to play with Mouse: however, she is nowhere to be found. Worried Mouse may not come back, Tortoise digs burrows for other animals who pass by and are need of a home. After Tortoise dug his eleventh burrow, all the animals have disappeared and still no Mouse. Readers will happy to know Mouse does return but by that time, Tortoise’s emotions are a mix of sadness and anger. As best friends should, Mouse apologizes and reveals she was fetching Tortoise’s his favorite treat. All is forgiven.
Adorably drawn with a variety of facial expressions, Tortoise really tugged at my heart. Digging is his jam but the fact that he willingly built burrows for every animal who asked shows his genuine kindness. It’s no wonder why he was upset. I love how author/illustrator Kastner shows that while conflict is a part of friendship, both characters modeled appropriate behavior. Tortoise uses his words to share his feelings and Mouse not only acknowledges Tortoise but also apologizes. In the author’s note, Kastner explains the inspiration for the story and how it’s a pourquoi tale. Since our first graders write their own WHY stories in our ELA curriculum, I can’t wait to share So Tortoise Dug with teachers and kids.
Beagles & Books is dedicated to Etta & Bella, my original book beagles. Blessed they are part of my story.
Beagles & Books 