Beagles and Books is thrilled to share reviews of picture books celebrating their book birthdays today!
So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang Illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Being an only child with fur and feather allergies makes So-Hee feel lonesome. Then at the pet store, she meets Lowy, a python she can hug and love. Weyant’s humorous artwork shows that while her neighbors, their pets and even the pigeons don’t share their instant enthusiasm, Soo-Hee and Lowy have formed an unbreakable bond playing doctor, sunbathing, riding the merry-go-round, and biking.
When Lowy disappears from her tank, a distraught So-Hee searches everywhere for her best friend. Turns out Lowy wasn’t far away- just in another apartment in the building enjoying the warmth of a larger heating lamp. Finding Lowy also brought Soo-Hee the good fortune of meeting new friends expanding her social circle.
Kang’s sweet narrative and Weyant’s expressive illustrations make Soo-Hee and Lowy slither right into your heart. I love how this husband-wife team continually finds new ways to teach kids about friendship. What is most touching is how Soo-Hee’s friendship with Lowy gives her the confidence to be herself cultivating more connections with others.
Thanks to Olivia Haase of MB Communications for sharing a copy.
Maybe Just Ask Me! by Katie Mazeika
Carefully choosing her head scarf and eye patch, Mazie felt prepared for her first day at school. That all changed when she saw the looks on the other kids’ faces and overheard what they were saying to each other. Did her hair get burned off by a fire breather in the circus? Does she wear an eye patch because her family was attacked by pirates on a cruise.
Her parents told her she must be patient; however after lunch, Mazie knew she what she had to do. Bravely, she confronted her class saying if they wonder about her story, “maybe just ask me.” Once Mazie shared the truth, her classmates learned to ask rather than assume.
Inspired by her own childhood experience as a result of cancer, Mazeika’s picture book debut as both author and illustrator teaches us all how to kindly ask questions when curious. I love that Mazeika’s narrative portrayed her classmates as humorously misinformed rather than malicious. Back matter includes the story behind Mazie’s story and tips for how to politely ask questions.
Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for Media for sharing a copy.
Here is A Book by Elisha Cooper
How you ever wondered how a book is made? Author-illustrator Cooper chronicles the steps from the creation of art to holding the actual book in your hands.
Inspiration is key with an artist sketching ideas on paper outside and then continuing to create in a studio. The art makes its way to a publisher with a team of people collaborating on editing and designing. Once ready, a printer receives the layouts turning them to books. Those books are loaded into trucks that travel all over until a box is delivered to a school library where books are unpacked and placed on a shelf. A student chooses the book, takes it home, and reads for pleasure igniting her own imagination for a story.
With poetic language, the narrative begs to be read aloud. I love how Cooper includes places like the artist’s kitchen which feeds her and her family which warms her as part of her creative process. Full page spread illustrations provide the big picture and smaller spot art gives a glimpse into tiny details that support the book being made such as the artist’s cat being a source of comfort and companionship. Here is a Book is a perfect text to help kids better understand the entire publishing process-stories come alive with ideas, people, machines, materials, vehicles, and love.
Thanks to Abrams for sharing a copy.
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