Book Birthday, Picture Books

Happy Book Birthday to Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry & Charles Santoso

đŸ„šGia is “egg-cited” to wish a Happy Book Birthday to Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry & Charles Santoso! Thanks to Macmillan for sharing a copy.

đŸ„šAfter checking her pumpkins, potions, and hair, Evelyn Witch realizes something is missing in her life. On her way to the Blustery Broom, she sees the pet shop and it all makes sense.  Sniveling snails! Evelyn’s ten coins can only buy her the mystery pet. Once opened, Evelyn discovers a plain white egg. And when that egg doesn’t hatch, Evelyn heads to the library for help. But spells on a snow mountain, in the ocean, and in a cave are not successful in hatching a unicorn, narwhal or porcupine of which Evelyn learns none come from an egg. 

đŸ„šSniveling snails! Then Evelyn had an epiphany. Good things do take time like her pumpkins to ripen, her potions to brew, and her beautiful messy hair to grow reminding her to have patience and let the egg hatch when it is ready. And when it did finally crack open, Evelyn knew her pet was the worth the wait. 

đŸ„šI just love Evelyn. Ferry has created a character to whom kids will immediately be drawn. Her awareness that something is lacking and her initiative to solve her problem is laudable. But like all humans, waiting is truly the hardest part. Patience is a bitter pill which Evelyn only learns after reflection on other aspects of her life. Santoso’s expressive and playful illustrations makes the story fun and relatable.  His use of vignettes, panels, half page, and full page spreads moves the plot along as well as shows how Evelyn has changed from the beginning to end of the story. I adore that Evelyn finds a companion to not only love but also eat all those sniveling snails! 

Board Books, Dogs, Picture Books

Welcome Gia to Beagles and Books!

There is a new reviewer on staff. Meet Gia, a seven month old rescue pup originally from North Carolina. While she may or may not have any beagle in her, Gia has the energy to keep up with all the latest reads. Getting photos isn’t as easy so grateful for this moment of rest.


The Great Puppy Invasion by Alastair Heim Illustrated by Kim Smith

Available in hardcover, paperback, and board book.

In Strictville, fun is forbidden, play is prohibited, and cuteness is downright criminal.   So when hundreds of puppies show up, the town is in turmoil.  How can they get rid of all these adorable animals?  When their solutions fail, all the townspeople run and lock themselves safely in the houses except for little Teddy.   Teddy wonders “How could these cute puppies be scary?”  With one simple gesture, Teddy teaches the townspeople that fun, play, and cuteness make Strictville a happier place to live.

Being a proud dog mom, I loved turning each page to see piles and piles of puppies. I am amazed that each puppy is unique in its own way!  Kim Smith has included so many details in every illustration; therefore, rereading is required! No doubt children will fall in love with this picture book and want it to be read aloud over and over.  Adults need not worry for Alastair Heim has included plenty of humor to keep all ages entertained!

Side note: The Great Puppy Invasion is one of the texts included in our first module in Grade 2.