Author: lauramossa

I am an elementary reading specialist in Baltimore County. My goal is to build a community of readers at my school with both teachers and students. I am also privileged to be a member of #bookexcursion, a group of 12 educators from all across the country who read, share, review, and promote new #kidlit releases. Beagles and Books was created because in addition to books, I love my sweet beagles. Etta, a rescue from North Carolina joined our family in July 2010 and crossed the Rainbow Bridge in February 2020. Bella, a rescue from South Carolina became part of the family in October 2017.

Did you ever wonder how Band-Aids were invented? If so, you are in luck. Author Barry Wittenstein humorously tells the story of Earle Dickson and how Band-Aids came to be.

It seems Earle’s wife, Josephine was accident prone especially in the kitchen. When preparing meals, it was common for Josephine to cut or burn herself. To make matters worst, bandaging herself with bulky towels caused her to injure herself even more. Earle took pity on his young wife fearing her cuts would become infected. Fortunately, for Josephine, Earle was not only the son of a doctor but also worked for a hospital supply company. Ever hear of Johnson & Johnson?

After some thoughtful pondering, Earle designed the first “band aid” which consisted of adhesive tape, sterile gauze, and crinoline. Josephine’s boo boos were now covered, and they lived happily ever after, right? But..wait! Earle realized that Josephine was not the only person who could benefit from his invention. He shared his bandage with his boss, James Johnson, who agreed to produce and sell them as Band-Aids.

To the readers’ surprise, Band-Aids were not an overnight success. It was not until they were mass produced by a machine and given away to the Boy Scouts and the army during World War II that Band-Aids became a hit not just in the United States but all over the world!

Told in a playful narrative, Wittenstein’s account of Earle’s invention is highly engaging and entertaining. In my district, our third graders just finished a unit, Inventions and Innovations so I cannot wait to share this book with students. In the author’s note, Wittenstein admits he invented Earle and Josephine’s dialogue and shares additional information about Earle. Chris Hsu’s illustrations transport the reader back to that time period and make the story come alive. Also included at the end of the book is a timeline, a list of other medical inventions from the 1920s and 1930s, and websites for further research. The next time I use a Band-Aid, I will think fondly of Earle and thank him for his ingenuity.

Special thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for providing our #bookexcursion group with a copy of The Boo Boos That Changed the World. Look for its release soon in February 2018.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 2/5/18

February 5, 2018 lauramossa

Etta, Bella, and I are eager to share our latest reads for 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.

Our Reads This Week:

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras

Wee lass Drest and her family are attacked by knights from Faintree Castle. Drest desperately wants to join her father, Mad Wolf of the North and her five brothers in this battle, but Mad Wolf orders her to hide. She witnesses her family bound, captured, and sailing away from her. Her only hope of finding her family is a young knight named Emerick who Drest witnessed being attacked by one of his own men. She strikes a deal with Emerick to take him to Faintree Castle and in return, he will release one of her brothers, although Drest plans to rescue her entire family.

Throughout their journey, Drest hears tales of her family’s brutality from Emerick, which she does not believe to be true. In addition, a bandit by the name of Jupp shares his own story of her father’s cruelty. Drest begins to realizes that words are strong weapons because not only is she beginning to doubt her family but also she is struggling to figure out her own identity. Can a warrior be brave and kind?

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter is an adventure that has action and heart. With each chapter, Diane Magras kept me on the edge both excited and afraid to read on. I absolutely love Drest who learns that you can’t always control our own legend, and sometimes words not swords can save lives.

A very special thanks to Diane Magras for providing our #bookexcursion group with an ARC of The Mad Wolf’s Daughter. Pre-order NOW so you have it in your hands on March 6, 2018.

Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls by Beth McMullen

Abby Hunter is a student at Smith School for Children. But it turns out that the boarding school is not what it appears to be. The school is actually a cover for an elite spy ring named the Center. And Abby’s mother, Jennifer, is the Center’s most talented agent. At first, Abby cannot believe her mother hid her occupation from her, but as Abby looks back on her childhood, she begins to connect the dots.

For the past decade, Jennifer has been chasing the Ghost, a threatening criminal. Mrs. Smith informs Abby that her mother is missing; therefore, they need Abby’s help in finding her. During Spy Training 101, Abby does find a friend in Toby, a fellow student who is a whiz with technology. His iPhone apps are amazing! But frenemy Veronica is less than enthused with teaching Abby. After a failed attempt to locate her mom, Abby decides to take matters in her own hands and show everyone that she is indeed her mother’s daughter.

Beth McMullan’s new series is definitely one I will recommend to students. In fact, after reading the synopsis, I have a student waiting for me to bring this book to school tomorrow. Taking place in present day, young readers will be able to relate to the characters even though the setting and plot is far different from their own lives. Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls published in July 2017 but readers only have to wait until July 2018 for the second installment-Power Play. Can’t wait to read and share on Beagles and Books!

Featured Dog Selection of the Week

Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine main character.

The Pillow Keeps Moving by Laura Gehl Illustrated by Christopher Weyant

A dog and cat are shivering outside of a pillow store. While the cat stands guard, the dog enters the pillow store, curls up in the warmth, and is bought by a man. When the man complains that his “pillow” is broken, the salesman asks him a series of questions which are all answered in the affirmative. The story continues with the dog posing as a footstool and coat. Finally, the man who lives alone realizes that the dog has other talents, as all dogs do!

Told with relatively few words, The Pillow Keeps Moving is a story that begs to be read again and again. Readers must pay close attention to the illustrations because they are crucial to the plot.

The Pillow Keeps Moving was released in January 2018. I can’t wait to read it as a pick for #classroombookaday with students.

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Have a great week! Happy Reading!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/29/18

January 29, 2018February 7, 2018 lauramossa

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Our Reads This Week:

11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic

Megan is going through a lot of adjustments. Her mom recently passed away and her family has moved from Colorado to Arizona. Moving means leaving her best friend Hannah and starting over at a new middle school.

On her very first day, Megan gets zapped, which is a ritual for new students. She must do a dare by the end of the day. Her assignment-do something exciting by 3 p.m. If that isn’t enough on her plate, Megan becomes stuck in the middle of the battle for Spirit Week Captain between fellow seventh graders, Rhena and Ally. Megan’s luck changes when in her history class, she sees a cat clock identical to one her grandmother had in her kitchen. She recalls a rhyme that her grandmother said “Pop. Click. Seconds tick. Wish at eleven-eleven, and watch it stick.” It can’t hurt to wish for something exciting like snow, right? After her wish does comes true, Megan slowly realizes that this newly acquired magical power comes with some adverse consequences.

11:11 Wish is an enchanting story not only trying to fit in but also finding yourself. Readers will be sympathetic of Megan’s dilemma. She wants to have a fresh start at her new school and becomes caught up in Rhena and Ally’s rivalry as soon as she arrives. As the drama unfolds at school, Megan needs to decide whether she wants to keep using magic to get friends or show her true self.

Special thanks to Kim Tomsic for providing our #bookexcursion group with an ARC of 11:11 Wish. Look for its release soon on February 13, 2018.

Walter & Dragon: 100 Friends by Ariel Bernstein

Warren and his family are moving, which means he will need to make new friends. But unlike his twin sister, Ellie, making friends does not come easy to Warren. Besides, Warren already has a best friend, Dragon. To everyone else, Dragon may be a stuffed animal, but to Warren, Dragon is real and he is the only one who sees Dragon in that way.

Making friends is a challenge, but losing a contest to Ellie is worse; therefore, Warren declares that he will make 100 new friends. Accepting Dragon’s advice that friends like compliments, Warren attempts to make friends in school. Warren’s compliments though are not always taken well. By the end of the first day of school, Warren hasn’t made any new friends, and Dragon goes missing! Can Warren find his one and only friend? Will Warren ever make a real friend?

Warren & Dragon is a fun new transitional chapter book series that is sure to be a hit with young readers. Author Ariel Bernstein has created a relatable character in Warren, for he encounters typical kid problems such as sibling rivalry and making friends. Warren’s relationship with Dragon show his imagination, for what child hasn’t pretended his/her favorite animal was alive?

Special thanks to author Ariel Bernstein for providing our #bookexcursion group with an ARC of Walter & Dragon: 100 Friends. Look for its release along with Book 2 Warren & Dragon: Weekends with Chewy in August 2018.

The Boo-Boos That Changed the World: A True Story About An Accidental Invention (Really!) by Barry Wittenstein Illustrated by Chris Hsu

Did you ever wonder how Band-Aids were invented? If so, you are in luck. Author Barry Wittenstein humorously tells the story of Earle Dickson and how Band-Aids came to be.

After some thoughtful pondering, Earle designed the first “band aid” which consisted of adhesive tape, sterile gauze, and crinoline. Josephine’s boo boos were now covered, and they lives happily ever after, right? But..wait! Earle realized that Josephine was not the only person who could benefit from his invention. He shared his bandage with his boss, James Johnson, who agreed to produce and sell them as Band-Aids.

Special thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for providing our #bookexcursion group with a copy of The Boo Boos That Changed the World. Look for its release soon in February 2018.

Love, Mama by Jeanette Bradley

Kipling’s mama is off on a trip and he misses her. Although he tries to soothe himself with replacements such as Pillow Mama and Picture Mama, they do not comfort him. When the doorbell rings, Kipling discovers a sad, soggy box outside his home. It’s from Mama! Contained in the package was a paper heart with a special message from Mama who reminds Kipling how immense she loves him. Kipling returns the favor by creating and mailing his own box which professes his mutual love for her. To Kipling’s surprise, Mama returns home with his care package in hand!

Love, Mama is a heartwarming story that affirms love when distance separates us from family. Jeanette Bradley’s illustrations are adorable and tenderly show Kipling’s longing for his mother, his happiness when he receives his Mama’s special delivery, and his excitement when she returns home. In fact, reading Love, Mama takes me back to a time when receiving a card or a package in the mail from a loved one was the best present ever.

Special thanks to author Jeanette Bradley for providing our #bookexcursion group with a copy of Love, Mama. Love, Mama recently published in January 2018.

Featured Dog Selection of the Week

Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine main character.

Back to Forth and Upside Down by Claire Alexander

It’s Principal Slippers’ birthday! Young pup Stan and his class are making him birthday cards. Stan loves to draw but his teacher Miss Catnip reminds the class that cards include writing too. Uh oh! As Stan begins to copy Happy Birthday from the board, he notices his letters are back to front and upside down. Frustrated Stan is even more discouraged when all his other classmates seems to be writing with ease.

At recess, depressed Stan honestly confides to his classmate Jack that he can’t write. Jack is supportive and tells Stan to ask Miss Catnip for help reminding him we all have to ask for help sometimes. The story ends with Stan bravely asking for help and realizing he is not the only student who struggles with writing letters.

Working with kindergarten and first grade students, I love the message of this book. All students learn at a different pace so Back to Front and Upside Down reinforces that practice is the best way to improve a skill and it’s ok to ask for help. Author illustrator Clare Alexander’s soft and cute drawings of the animal students will appeal to young readers. I especially love the illustrations of Stan’s tongue out while writing, This behavior is quite common when I observe young students putting forth their best effort.

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Have a great week! Happy Reading!

#ReadYourWorld, Multicultural Children's Book Day

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks by Anne Broyles Illustrated by Anna Alter

January 27, 2018January 27, 2018 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to participate in Multicultural Children’s Book Day this year! Special thanks to author Ann Broyles for sending me Priscilla and the Hollyhocks to review. All opinions are my own.

Born into slavery, Priscilla’s mother was sold when she was very young. Her only remembrance of her mother are the hollyhocks that her mother planted by the cow pond. Old Sylvia showed Priscilla how to make hollyhocks dolls and float them in the water just like her mother.

It was long before Priscilla began working in the Big House for her master. Her only escape was on Sundays to watch her hollyhock dollies float and dance across the pond. One day Priscilla met a man named Mason Basil Silkwood, who happened to be strolling around the property. He told Priscilla she was bright and should be in school. After their conversation, Priscilla stood taller.

After her master died, Priscilla is sold to a Cherokee family; she still scattered hollyhock seeds near their house to keep her mother’s memory alive. When her new masters were forced to move, Priscilla hid hollyhock seeds in her pocket and became part of the Trail of Tears march. During her march through town, Priscilla recognized Mr. Silkwood and spoke to him. That chance meeting changed Priscilla’s life, for that evening Mr. Silkwood finds Priscilla to buy her freedom. As Priscilla spreads hollyhock seeds at her new home, she states that she is slave no longer and daughter once more.

Anne Broyles honestly yet tenderly shares Priscilla’s journey from slavery to freedom and to me, the story evoked the positive message of hope. To Priscilla, her mother’s hollyhocks were a symbol of hope and eventually safety and freedom. Anna Alter’s beautiful illustrations capture Priscilla’s changing emotions throughout her journey. Not being aware that Native American families owned slaves, I appreciated the author note’s explaining Priscilla’s story in greater detail.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/18) is in its 5^th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.

Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.

2018 MCBD Medallion Sponsors

HONORARY: Children’s Book Council, Junior Library Guild

PLATINUM:Scholastic Book Clubs

GOLD:Audrey Press, Candlewick Press, Loving Lion Books, Second Story Press, Star Bright Books, Worldwide Buddies

SILVER:Capstone Publishing, Author Charlotte Riggle, Child’s Play USA, KidLit TV, Pack-n-Go Girls, Plum Street Press

BRONZE: Barefoot Books, Carole P. Roman, Charlesbridge Publishing, Dr. Crystal Bowe, Gokul! World, Green Kids Club, Gwen Jackson, Jacqueline Woodson, Juan J. Guerra, Language Lizard, Lee & Low Books, RhymeTime Storybooks, Sanya Whittaker Gragg, TimTimTom Books, WaterBrook & Multnomah, Wisdom Tales Press

2018 Author Sponsors

Honorary Author Sponsors: Author/Illustrator Aram Kim and Author/Illustrator Juana Medina

Author Janet Balletta, Author Susan Bernardo, Author Carmen Bernier-Grand, Author Tasheba Berry-McLaren and Space2Launch, Bollywood Groove Books, Author Anne Broyles, Author Kathleen Burkinshaw, Author Eugenia Chu, Author Lesa Cline-Ransome, Author Medeia Cohan and Shade 7 Publishing, Desi Babies, Author Dani Dixon and Tumble Creek Press, Author Judy Dodge Cummings, Author D.G. Driver, Author Nicole Fenner and Sister Girl Publishing, Debbi Michiko Florence, Author Josh Funk, Author Maria Gianferrari, Author Daphnie Glenn, Globe Smart Kids, Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle, Author Quentin Holmes, Author Esther Iverem, Jennifer Joseph: Alphabet Oddities, Author Kizzie Jones, Author Faith L Justice , Author P.J. LaRue and MysticPrincesses.com, Author Karen Leggett Abouraya, Author Sylvia Liu, Author Sherri Maret, Author Melissa Martin Ph.D., Author Lesli Mitchell, Pinky Mukhi and We Are One, Author Miranda Paul, Author Carlotta Penn, Real Dads Read, Greg Ransom, Author Sandra L. Richards, RealMVPKids Author Andrea Scott, Alva Sachs and Three Wishes Publishing, Shelly Bean the Sports Queen, Author Sarah Stevenson, Author Gayle H. Swift Author Elsa Takaoka, Author Christine Taylor-Butler, Nicholette Thomas and MFL Publishing Author Andrea Y. Wang, Author Jane Whittingham Author Natasha Yim

We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.

Join the conversation and win one of 12-5 book bundles and one Grand Prize Book Bundle (12 books) that will be given away at the party! http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/twitter-party-great-conversations-fun-prizes-chance-readyourworld-1-27-18/

Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: http://bit.ly/1kGZrta

Free Empathy Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/teacher-classroom-empathy-kit/

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.

#ReadYourWorld, Multicultural Children's Book Day

Shelly Bean the Sports Queen Scores a Goal by Shelly Boyum-Breen Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen

January 27, 2018January 27, 2018 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to participate in Multicultural Children’s Book Day this year! Special thanks to author Shelly Boyum-Breen for sending me Shelly Bean the Sports Queen Scores a Soccer Goal to review. All opinions are my own.

Shelly Bean the Sports Queen is a series about a confident young girl who loves to try new sports. In this book, Shelly Bean and her brothers, best friend, and dogs, are playing outside a stadium where the U.S. women’s soccer team is playing Brazil. After a soccer ball flies over the fence, the gang decides to play a game themselves.

Soccer is a new sport for Shelly Bean so playing does not come easy. She misses kicking the ball and falls down more than once. The gang gives her tips and encouragement to keep trying. After the U.S. team wins the game, the gang attempts to give the soccer ball to the players. They are invited to watch the U.S. team’s game tomorrow where Shelly Bean observes the players falling and getting back up, just like her!. Perhaps, Shelly Bean can be a great soccer player after all!

As a reading specialist, the Shelly Bean series would be great to share with students for read alouds or independent reading. Shelly Bean is a good role model for students because she displays a positive growth mindset and encourages girls to participate in sports. In addition, the gang is supportive of each other, which demonstrates collaboration and teamwork. At the end of the book, the author has included tips for learning how to kick a ball as well as a glossary of soccer vocabulary.

Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.

2018 MCBD Medallion Sponsors

HONORARY: Children’s Book Council, Junior Library Guild

PLATINUM:Scholastic Book Clubs

GOLD:Audrey Press, Candlewick Press, Loving Lion Books, Second Story Press, Star Bright Books, Worldwide Buddies

SILVER:Capstone Publishing, Author Charlotte Riggle, Child’s Play USA, KidLit TV, Pack-n-Go Girls, Plum Street Press

2018 Author Sponsors

Honorary Author Sponsors: Author/Illustrator Aram Kim and Author/Illustrator Juana Medina

Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: http://bit.ly/1kGZrta

Free Empathy Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/teacher-classroom-empathy-kit/

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/22/18

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 lauramossa

Our Reads This Week:

R is for Rebel by J. Anderson Coats

Three generations before Malley was born, the country of Milea was conquered by the New Wealds. After her parents were imprisoned for being resisters to the new government, Malley was sent to a national school. The school’s mission is to reform Malley and other young girls to be loyal Wealdan subjects and train them for domestic service. From the very first chapter, it is very clear that Malley is her parents’ daughter and is not willing to be reeducated. She wants to do something song worthy, like her Milean ancestors. At first, she thinks she is alone in her fight, but as the story unfolds, Malley notices that other girls quietly subscribe to the same beliefs as her. She soon realizes that resistance is all around her in many different forms.

R is for Rebel is a novel that left me thinking and questioning. As Malley stated, “It’s one thing to lose something; another thing to entirely give it up.” When I first began reading, I wasn’t quite sure if R is for Rebel was a historical fiction or a fantasy. In the end, it doesn’t matter because like other dystopian novels, Malley’s story teaches us an important lesson-to always personally fight for what you most value.

Special thanks to J. Anderson Coats for providing our #bookexcursion group with an ARC of R is for Rebel. Look for its release in February 2018.

Isadora Moon Goes to Schoolby Harriet Muncaster

Isadora is special because she is half fairy and half vampire. The time has come for her to attend school, but does Isadora belong in fairy school or vampire school? In this first book of the series, Isadora amusingly discovers whether she is more fairy, more vampire or perhaps, she is something all her own. After all, different can beautiful too!

Young readers at my school will definitely sink their fangs into this transitional chapter book series. Harriet Muncaster’s illustrations are gorgeous using only black and pink colors. Students will be able to relate to Isadora who is learning about her own identify and how she fits in.

Currently, there are four published books in the U.S.. The fifth book, Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet will be released on January 23, 2018. Special thanks to fellow #bookexcursion member Amber Webb for introducing me to the Isadora Moon series.

The Bat Can Bat by Gene Barretta

Homonyms, homophones, and homographs? No wonder children get confused!

HHH

Permission to post visual granted from Kearson’s Classroom Blog.

Gene Barretta to the rescue! Author of picture books such as Dear Deerand Zoola Palooza is back with The Bat Can Bat, a fun and engaging picture book that teach homonyms, words that have different meanings but sound and are spelled the same.

Set at an athletic event, The Bat Can Bat features 2 homonyms on each page spread. Readers can use context as well as the illustrations to identify the different meanings of each homonym. The illustrations are especially important because they provide a visual to support students in understanding each word’s multiple meanings. Last year, my school had a school-wide focus on teaching multiple meaning words. The Bat Can Bat would have been a great resource for teachers. Makes me want to revive our initiative!

Special thanks to fellow #bookexcursion member Allison Stout for getting an ARC of The Bat Can Bat from Macmillian Children’s Publishing at the 2017 NCTE convention.

Featured Dog Selection of the Week

Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine main character.

Frankie by Mary Sullivan

The story begins with Francine affectionately called Frankie leaving the shelter. As soon as Frankie enters her foster home, she takes in her new surroundings especially things like a ball, bone, toys and a bed. Frankie quickly realizes all these things belong to Nico, the family dog, and Nico is not willing to share. Will Frankie get her own toys or will Nico learn to share?

Frankie is a story with few words but a lot of heart. The adorable illustrations visually tell the story and capture both Frankie and Nico’s emotions. Frankie hits close to home because the story was inspired by author/illustrator Mary Sullivan’s real foster puppy Frankie and a portion of the book’s proceeds are being donated to the shelter Austin Pets Alive. Shelter pups are dear to my heart because both Etta and Bella are rescues. Luckily, from the first day we brought Bella home, Etta has been very willing to share and still does.

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Have a great week! Happy Reading!

#Bookexcursion

Stegothesaurus by Bridget Heos Illustrated by T.L. McBeth

January 19, 2018January 21, 2018 lauramossa

Once upon a time, there were three dinosaurs. A stegosaurus, another stegosaurus and a stegothesaurus! While the first two brothers use simple words like big to describe a mountain, their brother Stegothesaurus uses robust words like gargantuan, gigantic, and Goliath.

The three brothers’ tranquil day comes to a halt when an allosaurus suddenly startles them. Because Stegothesaurus was thinking of rich vocabulary like frightening and formidable to describe their predator, he was unable to escape with his brothers. Stegothesaurus though soon learns that she isn’t an allosaurus, but rather an allothesaurus. But wait, how did she learn all these so many rich and powerful words? Read to find out!

Stegothesaurus is truly a teacher’s dream picture book. T.L. McBeth’s endearing and adorable drawings of the dinosaur brothers warmly show their range of emotions. Not only will students love the story, but also I cannot think of a better way to teach the power of using synonyms in our oral and written language. What I love about Bridget Heos’ creative story is that Stegothesaurus uses multiple synonyms to describe things so teachers can also introduces shades of meaning. Which word is stronger? Gargantuan, gigantic or Goliath?

Special thanks to Christian Trimmer of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers for sending my #bookexcursion group an advance reader’s copy. Stegothesaurus has a release date of June 2018.

#Bookexcursion

The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City by Jodi Kendall

January 17, 2018January 21, 2018 lauramossa

Being one of five kids living in a cramped city house, Josie Shilling feels invisible. Except for gymnastics, Josie does not have anything that is truly her own.

So when Josie’s college age brother Tom brings home a piglet named Hamlet on Thanksgiving, Josie instantly clicks with the little runt. She convinces her parents to let her keep Hamlet with the stipulation she must find the piglet a home by New Year’s Day.

The Unlikely Story of a Pig in a City will warm both your heart and soul. As the New Year approaches, Josie discovers that her love for Hamlet opens her eyes and mind to her other talents besides gymnastics. As a dog mom, I can totally relate to how my love for my pups changed my life. Josie also comes to realize that her family truly does see her and has and will always be her biggest cheerleader. What powerful messages for readers for all ages!

Special thanks to Jodi Kendall who provided our #bookexcursion group with an ARC prior to The Unlikely Story of a Pig in a City’s October 2017 publication.

#Bookexcursion

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez

January 16, 2018January 21, 2018 lauramossa

Happy Book Birthday to Angela Dominguez and Stella Diaz Has Something to Say!

Stella Diaz is a third grade student who loves to write stories, draw, and read about marine animals. While she is a very good student, Stella is not confident in her language abilities; as a Mexican American, she accidentally speaks Spanish instead of English and turns roja in embarrassment. This year, school is also more challenging because her best friend Jenny is in another class, which makes Stella feel lonely.

Stella is excited about researching fish for her animal project, but she is nervous about having to present in front of her whole class including the new student Stanley. And it doesn’t help that one of her fellow classmates always picks on her for being quiet. Fortunately, Stella has the support of her mom, older brother Nick, and best friend Jenny to make her realize her strength. As her mom told her, “That’s why your full name is Estrella. You’re my star. You can light up the dark.” Can Stella live up to her name?

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say is such a delightful novel. Children can identify with Stella with a variety of reasons. Her parents are divorced and she has a strained relationship with her father. She is shy and finds it difficult to make friends. I fell in immediately fell in love with Stella and was rooting for her to find her strength. I appreciate the author’s note where Angela Dominquez shares that Stella’s story is 82.9% based on her own childhood and how like Stella, we all must discover our inner starfish. In addition, Dominguez’s black and white illustrations appear throughout the novel and visually enhance Stella’s story.

Special thanks to Angela Dominguez for sharing an ARC of Stella Diaz Has Something to Say with our #bookexcursion group. It will be released on January 16, 2018.

This review was originally published on December 11, 2017. Please click here.

Bookexcursion

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/15/18

January 15, 2018 lauramossa

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Our Reads This Week:

Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies by Jonathan Rosen

Devin is an ordinary 12-year-old boy. He desperately wants an iPhone and his little sister Abby gets on his nerves with her constant temper tantrums. When movers carry in a huge pot and giant glass ball to a house across the street from Devin’s family, his cousin Tommy is convinced that the new neighbor is a warlock. Normally, Devin does not believe in Tommy’s conspiracy theories, but his feelings begin to waver when Herb comes over for dinner and then the next day when he drops off a Cuddle Bunny, the hottest toy of the Christmas season for Abby. When the Cuddle Bunny comes to life, Devin realizes Herb is responsible; therefore, Tommy’s theory is actually true. Since his parents do not believe him, Devin and Tommy are left to expose Herb and in the meantime, save their town from being overrun by the evil Cuddle Bunnies.

Reading Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies took me back to my childhood. In 1983, I vividly remember going to Toys R Us and writing my name on a wait list for a Cabbage Patch Doll, the most in-demand toy of the year. In addition, there is a scene in the book where all the Cuddle Bunnies are reeking havoc at the mall; I laughed hysterically recalling the movie Gremlins, one of my brother’s and my favorite movies.

Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies is a fast paced, hilarious story that middle grade readers will devour; adult readers my age will equally enjoy it since it allows us to take that trip down memory lane. I also loved the book because Devin truly changes and grows in his quest to locate and eliminate the head bunny, Mr. Flopsy-Ears. And stay tuned because the ending gives me hope for another adventure with Devin and Tommy.

A very special thanks to Jonathan Rosen for fulfilling one of my Christmas wishes and sending me a copy of Night of Living Cuddle Bunnies during #MGBookmas. I loved this “hare raising” story and excited to share and discuss it with readers at my school!

Zoey and Sassafras: Marshmallows and Dragons by Asia Citro Illustrated by Marion Lindsay

Zoey is an inquisitive young scientist who is always exploring, observing, and thinking with her trusty kitty Sassafras. When she needs to think of brilliant ideas. Zoey wears her Thinking Goggles on top of her head because they are closer to her brain. One day, she notices a purple frog in a photo on her mom’s desk. Her mom is amazed that Zoey can see Pip, one of the many magical animals that live in the forest.

While her mom off to conference, Zoey is charged with helping any injured animals that come to their barn. Patiently Zoey waits for the barn bell to sound. It is not until late in the week that Zoey hears the ring and anxiously runs to find a sick baby dragon. Using her schema as well as the scientific method, Zoey works diligently to uncover how to help the dragon named Marshmallow get better. I especially love how Zoey documents all her notes in her science journal (which were written and drawn by Asia’s own daughter).

I am always on the look out for books for my transitional readers. Look no further than Zoey and Sassafras. Currently, there are 4 books in the series with a fifth book publishing in April 2018. This series hits the mark on so many levels with a curious main character, short chapters, rich vocabulary, adorable illustrations, and of course, magical animals! Can’t wait to introduce Zoey to readers at my school especially my second grade literacy lunch bunch.

I am Famous by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Told from Kiely’s point of view, it is no wonder that she consider herself to be famous. Since the day she was born, the paparazzi (her parents) have been taking and sharing photos of her, and her mailbox is always full of mail from her fan club (her grandma).

Kiely’s biggest show is performing at her Grandpa’s birthday party and when she reaches the stage, she sees the house is packed with her fans. Of course, no performance is without its glitches, but Kiely knows the show must go on. Her mantra is just keep smiling! During the grand finale, Kiely briefly forgets her optimism, but luckily, her audience is right there to pick her up and support her.

I am Famous is a book to which all children can relate. In this age of social media, children are used to being photographed not only for major milestones but also for performing the most minor tasks. What I love most about I am Famous is a new definition for fame-having a family who loves you, no matter what!

A very special thanks to Tara Luebbe for sending an advance reading copy of I Am Famous to Beagles and Books, which I will be sharing with my #bookexcursion group. Preorder now, for I Am Famous will be published in March 2018.

Featured Dog Selection of the Week

Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature by highlighting a literary selection with a canine main character.

A Dog Wearing Shoes by Sangmi Ko

On the way home, Mini and her mom find a lost dog in the road. Mini wants to keep the dog for her own, but her mom reminds her, ‘He has shoes. He belongs to someone.” Mini and her mom go to the park where the dog with shoes garners a lot of attention performing tricks. When she takes him off leash to fetch a bone, the dog runs away leaving one shoe behind, and Mini heartbroken.

The next day, Mini’s mom takes her to the dog shelter in hopes of finding the dog. Miraculously, the dog wearing only three shoes is there! Knowing how awful it felt to lose him, Mini puts up fliers realizing that there is probably someone out there missing him too. After the dog is reunited with his owner, Mini and her mom know just where to go-the animal shelter.

From the beautiful written story, the heartwarming black and white illustrations with a just dab of color to the incredible message, A Dog Wearing Shoes is now one of my all time favorite dog books ever. At the end of the book, the author includes information on how to adopt a dog with links to websites like Petfinder.com

Thank you so much for visiting Beagles and Books! Have a great week! Happy Reading!