🥚Gia 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.
🥚After 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.
🥚Sniveling 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.
🥚I 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!
Every dog needs a forever friend and for Chip, his ride or die is Mr. Cuddles, a purple bunny stuffed toy. So what if he loses a ball, a bone, his dog tag or another stuffie? Chip always keeps extra balls, bone fairies bring more, and no dog tag means a new name like Fernando.
But when Mr. Cuddles is not on top of his dog bed, Chip goes into panic mode. Sure, Mr. Cuddles has been gone before for mending and washing, but Chip knew of his best friend’s whereabouts. This time though he feels responsible and for a moment, Chip doubts his intelligence. Luckily, his investigative skills are strong finding cat treat crumbs, cat hair, and toilet paper. All these clues point to one culprit-Mittens. When Chip sees Mittens snuggling with Mr. Cuddles, his anger quickly fades and decides to join the snooze fest, much to Mittens’ dismay,
A round of a-paws for author Petty and illustrator Boldt for their canine-tastic collaboration on the third book in the Chip the Dog series. Petty knows how a dog’s mind works calling a washing machine “the orb of suffering” and human stuff like homework, dentures, and keys serving no purpose unlike Mr. Cuddles. Boldt’s artwork humorously shows Chip’s range of emotions from when he first laid eyes on Mr. Cuddles, their travels together, his disappearance, the clues leading to his recovery, and of course, nuzzling his best mate as well as his nemesis Mittens. While Chip and Mittens have never been chummy, perhaps Mr. Cuddles can bring them closer.
Thanks to the author and Penguin Random House for sharing a digital copy..
“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.”-Jim Butcher Beagles & Books is dedicated to Etta & Bella, my original book beagles. Blessed they are part of my story.
Following their 2024 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague take three friends on another adventure.
How do Bat, Cat, and Rat cool off? In the first chapter, after Bat and Rat use all the ice, the trio pack, walk, and board a bus to get to the beach. In the second chapter, Bat shares his snacks with seagulls much to his dismay. Thank goodness for Cat’s intervention. In the second and a half chapter (4 pages long) Rat is distraught because he can’t find his kite. In the third chapter, Bat comforts Rat by offering himself as a flying machine.
The Bat, Cat & Rat series warms my reading specialist heart. With concise text, high frequency words, and repetition, Dyckman makes the story accessible for young kids to read independently without sacrificing character development or plot. I love the subtle humor which is a great discussion starter and how Bat, Cat, and Rat support each other as friends. Dyckman’s short text allows Teague’s energetic and expressive artwork to fill up the page supporting readers in their understanding.
“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.”-Jim Butcher Beagles & Books is dedicated to Etta & Bella, my original book beagles. Blessed they are part of my story.
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.
Happy Book Birthday to Survive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards published by Penguin Random House! Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
When 12 year old Lucy is invited to participate in the Wildlands Safari Escape Challenge, she is both nervous and excited. If she does well, she has another opportunity to be part of the Wildlands Ambassadors, a group of student animal experts. Lucy’s first try out still haunts her because she had a panic attack on the observation platform. With the encouragement of her older sister Alex, a Wildlands intern, Lucy puts on a brave face joining Jemma, Harrison, and Trey as their teammate.
As the team competes against the Ambassadors, the kids must collaborate solving puzzles to gain points. Just as the team finds their groove, odd things begin happening which worries Lucy especially when she suspects a baby elephant is in danger. Her love of animals supersedes her anxiety and the team works together to not only solve riddles but also save the animals.
This middle grade novel blends lots of genres-realistic fiction, adventure, and mystery while teaching kids facts about animals in both the text and footnotes. Richards does a great job of developing Lucy’s relationship with Jemma to show how anxiety can manifest differently depending on the person. I also love that Richards invites readers to solve the puzzles along with the characters. With an intriguing plot, animal trivia, and codes to crack, Survive This Safari will keep kids engaged and entertained.
Alpacas Here, Alpacas There byCarrie Tillotson Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media & Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy. All opinions are my own.
Alpacas Here, Alpacas There is an engaging nonfiction picture book introducing readers to the gentle animal. Since alpacas can live high in the Andes Mountains and on alpaca farms in North America, this nonfiction picture book shares in both words and pictures how alpaca’s lives are similar and different on both continents.
Author Tillotson ingeniously shares details about alpacas on two levels. Her concise, rhyming text provides general information about their birth, rearing, behavior, diet, fleece, and threats, and protectors with illustrators Chavarri’s vibrant and expressive artwork providing visual support. Chavarri’s alpacas always appear to be smiling which makes the animal even more charming.
In the bottom right of almost every page spread, Tillotson expands on an alpaca characteristic with specific facts in a paragraph. I love the versatility of this information-it could be read aloud, used to build the adult reader’s background knowledge to engage in dialogue with young listeners or allow the book to be revisited as children become more proficient readers.
Back matter includes notes from both the author and illustrator, more information about alpacas, a glossary, and other sources.
With her sensory overload protective sunglasses and headphones, Bitsy Bat is flying high at Crittercrawl Elementary. But when a new nonspeaking student, Enzo Owl, joins her class, Bitsy begins to feel vulnerable again. The Critter Games begin tomorrow and now it will include a flying race between her and Enzo. What if she is not the best flier anymore?
When they practice at recess, Enzo wins and Bitsy screams “NOOOO!” Enzo shows his feelings with his tears and hitting the sad symbol on his speech tablet. After her classmate Benjamin tells Bitsy she’s not being nice, she needs time in the sensory room to calm down. Can Bitsy find a way to not only be a fantastic flier but also a star teammate?
In the sequel to Bitsy Bat, School Star, author-illustrator Windness’ adorable character Bitsy Bat teaches children valuable lessons on acceptance, friendship, and teamwork. I love that during the Critter Games Bitsy realizes that helping a friend makes her a winner. Back matter includes “More About Autism” defining key terms and a personal note from Windness sharing her inspiration for the story.
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.
The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Sanderson Illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi
If you judge this book by its first page spread, the title, The Most Boring Book Ever, fits. The artwork shows a hat and glass wearing boy with his hands folded on his lap sitting in a chair in a white background and the text reads “A boy sat in a chair.” If one continues to only read the text, the opinion would remain the same. however, Kibuishi’s action-packed illustrations immediately change the meaning of the Sanderson’s straightforward text. As a result, readers witness the genius collaboration between author and illustrator and will not to be able to put this picture book down.
I could say more, but it would ruin the reader experience. I am in awe of Sanderson’s carefully crafted text and Kibuishi’s ingenious illustrations. Their partnership in creating a unique picture book not only entertains readers but also serve as a mentor text for writing and illustrating an imaginative story. Thanks to Macmillan for sharing a copy. The Most Boring Book Ever celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on September 24, 2024.
The Witching Wind by Natalie Lloyd
Grayson Patch is on her way to another foster home but isn’t fazed. In two days, her sister Beanie turns eighteen and the siblings will reunite and embark on their road trip to live in New York City. In the same Tennessee town, Roxie Darling is dealing with a humiliating experience at the incoming sixth grade pool party. Her only hope is her country singer Granny’s invitation to join her on a reunion tour to play guitar which means attending school virtually (with parent permission of course!)
Grayson and Roxie meet through their first period club. When Grayson says “One of my life goals-to love and be loved by a dog,” Roxie decides hat she and Grayson will be friends. When Beanie doesn’t respond to Grayson’s texts and Granny disappears, the girls have another reason to bond Perhaps the Witching Wind’s ability to steal people is more truth than legend. With the help of the other club members (now named Club Yeehaw) and Roxie’s cousin, Colette, Grayson and Roxie embark on a mission to Mount LeConte to confront the Witching Wind and find their relatives. What the girls discover is they are already surrounded by family whether by blood or choice.
When I read one of Lloyd’s novels, I am immediately drawn in by the dynamic characters, warm setting, and an intriguing plot with a touch of fantastical elements. Grayson and Roxie are strong characters yet have a vulnerability making them relatable to readers. In addition to being a foster kid, Grayson has brittle bones and uses a walker as a support; however, she doesn’t let those things define her. And in my opinion, Roxie demonstrates resilience after an embarrassing incident. Lloyd always reminds readers to be hopeful and open to all possibilities which is much needed in today’s world. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy. The Witching Wind recently published on September 3, 2024.
Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry Illustrated by Andrew Joyner
Looking for a read aloud for Banned Book Week? I got one for you!
Did you know that lions have a long history with libraries? And with just a sniff or a roar, they could ensure books were well protected. So in present day, when lioness head librarian. Ms. Millicent receives a letter that prompts her to visit the mayor and use words such as banning, censorship, and accessibility, her son, Julius, is confused when she silently returns to the library and removes books from the shelves. Julius asks “What are you doing?” His mom responds “Some folks thinks these books are dangerous and it seems that the mayor agrees.”
When Julius sees a bookcase with lots of empty shelf space, he starts to worry.. What about his favorite books? The rumble in his belly turns into a full out roar which reminds his mom of her own voice. United together, they roar back along with library patrons to save their stories.
Ferry masterfully tells a story of how individuals can band together to fight a cause. I love she chose Julius to be the catalyst of change. Joyner’s nostalgic artwork is reminiscent of Richard Scarry, a beloved author/illustrator from my childhood. The detail in each page spread is remarkable and readers will get lost in his lively illustrations. At the end of the book, the acronym ROAR (Recognize, Organize, Act, Respect) is defined to encourage kids and adults to take action when necessary. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for sharing a copy. Roar for Reading recently released on September 3, 2024.
Invisible Isabel by Sally Pla Illustrated by Tania de Regil
Being one of five siblings, Isabel feels overwhelmed with the noisy hustle and bustle at home. At school, her teacher, Mrs. Pickel’s announcement of standardized testing and bossy new girl Monica Hicks ignites uneasiness. While Mama dismisses her stomachaches encouraging her to speak up and be social, Isabel feels worry-moths in her body all day long. Her only coping mechanism is to retreat into herself. What if being invisible is the only thing she is good at?
Meanwhile, Monica sits alone in her giant room in her big, quiet new house. When her doctor father brings up her birthday and her mom not being around to plan, she has a reaction opposite of Isabel. Monica’s eyes boil, her tongue swells, and her guts feel ready to explode. She decides on a sleepover party and invites all the girls in her class minus one.. Wny? Because Isabel didn’t really count.
Although Pla’s novel in verse is told in third person, the author shares both Isabel’s and Monica’s perspective. From the first chapter, it is easy to sympathize with Isabel; however, Monica is a whole different story. Her rude behavior toward Isabel was unforgivable. I like how Pla gradually shared more details which does not excuse Monica’s words and actions but sheds a light into the possible why. de Regil’s black and white artwork supports the text giving readers insight on the characters.
When Isabel’s stomachache reveals appendicitis, Isabel finally secures not only her mother’s attention but also her whole family’s giving her the strength to be honest about all the things that make her anxious. As a result, changes and supports are put in place to ensure Isabel is no longer invisible to her family, teacher, classmates including Monica. Pla who is autistic does a superb job explaining neurodiversity to young readers. An author’s note provides resources on anxiety and autism. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy. Invisible Isabel published on July 3, 2024
Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!
“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.” –Jim Butcher #IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.
Bella and I wish a Happy Book Birthday to Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater written by Jody Jensen Shaffer and illustrated by Angela Edmunds. Thanks to the author for sharing an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Breaking the fourth wall, Porcupine tells readers that normally he is happy; however, today he is sad. Why? He lost his fuzzy red sweater handmade by his grandma. Not wanting to disappoint her, Porcupine attempts to problem solve. Perhaps he could make a new sweater, borrow his friend Hedgehog’s sweater or worse case scenario run away from home. None of these options feel right so Porcupine asks for support from the reader. Should he tell Grandma the truth?
Author Shaffer has crafted a charming character to help kids navigate conscious decision making. I love how Shaffer chose to have Porcupine speak directly to readers engaging them in the problem solving process. Edmonds’ expressive artwork shows Porcupine’s range of emotions throughout the story connecting him with readers. Readers will feel empathy for Porcupine because we have all been in a similar predicament.
Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater is a sweet SEL read aloud promoting a rich discussion about being honest to yourself and others. Back matter includes a Reader’s Note with tips on supporting children with making room for emotions, acknowledging mistakes, problem solving, and practicing self-kindness.
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.
Pigs Dig a Road by Carrie Finison Illustrated by Brian Biggs
Rosie leads a construction crew of fellow pigs, Curly, Pinky, and Stinky, in the building of a road to the Hamshire County Fair. Throughout the project, problems arise as her crew stakes, digs, dumps, grades, paves and smooths; however, Rosie resourcefully finds a solution for each setback. Through Finison’s rhyming text and Biggs’ expressive artwork, young children will realize that Rosie is losing steam as crew chief. After rerolling the road, she falls asleep standing up before uttering the last step. Pig panic ensues for fair goers are already on route. Curly, Pinky, and Stinky have two choices-wake up Rosie or problem solve together. Kids (and adults) will cheer when the pigs successfully “collab-boar-ate” receiving praise from Rosie when she wakes up.
Not only do I adore the theme of Pigs Dig a Road, but also I love that Finison exposes kids to vivid verbs (swerves, plucks, barges, inspects) and content vocabulary (excavator, grader, compactor, asphalt). Biggs’ energetic illustrations perfectly complement Finison’s playful text. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy. Pigs Dig a Road celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on September 10, 2024.
The Goblin Twins: Too Hard to Scare by Frances Cha Illustrated by Jaime Kim
In the sequel to The Goblin Twins, Doki and his twin brother Kebi move to New York City. While Doki is content reading his 211th book, Kebi is frustrated. He has not made any friends and city folk don’t seem to fall for any of his tricks such as fooling with subway lines and traffic lights or unleashing smoke on the city. Seeing Kebi depressed causes Doki to cease reading (although he brings his book with him) and offers to join Kebi in playing pranks. Will Doki’s plan work?
Can’t wait to introduce kids to The Goblin Twins! Author Cha has created such fun characters and an intriguing plot. I love that Cha cleverly chooses tricks that New Yorkers wouldn’t consider odd which adds a layer of humor especially for adults reading it aloud. Observant kids will notice a young girl who is surprised by Kebi’s antics in Kim’s animated artwork. Her illustrations of New York City are spot on making it feel like not only a setting but also another character in the story. I also love the humorous dialogue within the illustrations. An author’s note shares how the characters were inspired by the Korean mythology of dokkaebi. Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media and Random House Children’s/Crown Books for Young Readers for sharing a copy. The Goblin Twins: Too Hard to Scare celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on September 10, 2024.
Goodnight School by Catherine Bailey Illustrated by Cori Doerrfield
After teachers and students leave, a little school gets to snooze. On the first page spread, Doerrfield’s artwork depicts a sleepy faced school with half-drawn shades as eyelids and globes as eyeballs.Bailey’s rhyming text joyfully bounces as the Night Guard makes her rounds around the school. What she doesn’t initially see is the turtle who escaped from its tank taking a stroll through the classrooms, hallways, and cafeteria.
Once the turtles leaves the bathroom, it makes tracks through classrooms, the teachers’ lounge, and gym until the Night Guard finds a tired turtle under the monkey bars. She gently returns the turtle to its tank, and the school shades are now completely down as she wishes sweet dreams to the sleepy school.
Bailey’s lyrical text coupled with Doerrfield’s charming illustrations make Goodnight School a perfect back to school read aloud for kids. What I love is Doerrfield brings so many inanimate objects such as chairs, a tambourine, pillows, and balls to life with eyes and a smile. And Bailey’s words also make the story a great bedtime read to lull littles to sleep. Thanks to Union Square Kids for sharing a copy. Goodnight School released in June 2024.
Bella’s Dog Pick of the Week
Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine character.
Cookie Time by Jessie Sima
Kat and Ari love cookie time with Grandpa and dog Biscuit but having patience to wait for the cookies to bake is challenging. Their solution? Build a time machine in order to travel to the future after the cookies have baked. Biscuit even helps loaning his ball as the control knob.
While Kat’s and Ari’s journey to the future is successful, they get there too late because the cookies are gone. No worries. They program the time machine to take them into the past just before they ate all the cookies. When they arrive in the past, they quickly notice they went back too far. Biscuit is a puppy and they see their much younger selves with Grandpa enjoying their very first cookie time, a memory too precious to ruin. When they attempt to go back to the future after the cookies are baked but before they have eaten them, Kat and Ari realize they went way too far; however, no waiting is necessary in future Cookie Time. But something was missing.
In both words and art, author/illustrator Sima crafts an enchanting story about invention, problem solving, and patience. I love how Sima subtly leaves clues in the illustrations. For example, in the first page spread, a missing stuffed dinosaur picture hangs on the refrigerator and at the end of the book, Kat and Ari throw the stuffed dinosaur to a robotic dog (future Biscuit?) to get Biscuit’s ball back. Sima’s text and plot also reinforces time words, before and after, which I appreciate as a reading specialist. What I love most is Cookie Time reminds us that time spent with loved ones is precious and never should be rushed. Although Biscuit may not have learned that lesson yet. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy. Cookie Time celebrates its book birthday last week on September 3, 2024.
Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!
“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.” –Jim Butcher #IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.
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