Disclosure: Beagles and Books was provided a complimentary product in exchange for its honest review.

As an elementary reading specialist, I am frequently asked to provide parents with book recommendations.  Before creating a list, I always try to have a conversation with children about their interests which helps me recommend books I think they would enjoy reading.  But sometimes it’s tough.  When reading is challenging and not enjoyable, children will sometimes give me little to no information  My go-to solution is to share some of my own books to choose from in the hopes of gaining more insight, but this method doesn’t always work.  As I reflect, I feel that perhaps, my choice of reading material is still too narrow.  What was I missing?

Opportunity knocked when Literati Kids reached out to me and asked if Bella and I would like to receive a few months of their monthly book subscription box in exchange for honest reviews.  Before I said yes, I visited the Literati website and was immediately excited to see there are 5 options for kids’ book clubs:

• Neo-newborn to 3 years
• Sprout-ages 3 to 5
• Nova-ages 5 to 7
• Sage-ages 7 to 9
• Phoenix– ages 9 to 12
• Titan– 13 and up

It gets even better!  If you click on the club, more information is provided about the books curated for the club which helps if your child needs more reading support.  Since I work with a lot of children who are  transitioning to chapter book reading, I chose Club Sage which curates a monthly box with early chapter book series, simple graphic novels, nonfiction, and activity books.  

Nonfiction and activity books!  I was missing those types of books when I was recommending books for students.  My recommended reading list was pretty much all fiction;  Literati reminded me that cultivating independent readers is not only about reading picture books, chapter books, and/or novels.  Some kids may be more interested in reading an illustrated nonfiction book or an interactive book with games.  I appreciate this gentle reminder that reading comes in many forms and children should read whatever interests them.

What’s Inside the Literati Box?
5 expertly curated age-appropriate books, original art, personalized book-cessories, and more!  Upon opening my box, I was excited to find books perfect for transitional readers whom I work with daily.  The following items were in my box:

• Battle of the Bad-Breath Bats (13th Street) by David Bowles
  13th Street is a series in Harper Chapters, a new early chapter book program.  All the books includes supports such as end of the chapter progress bars and full and half page illustrations for students transitioning to chapter books.  Kids will devour the 13th Street series because of its engaging characters and scary, fast paced plot.  I also love how #ownvoices author Bowles exposes readers to Spanish through not only dialogue but also after readers complete milestones as saying Chido! for reading 4 chapters. To read my full review, click here. 
  
  
• The Great Pet Heist by Emily Ecton Illustrated by David Mottram
  This illustrated chapter book is a laugh out loud story about a dog, a cat, a bird, and 2 pet rats who are worried when their owner Mrs. Food is taken to the hospital after a fall.  What if she doesn’t come return?  Will they be sent to shelter and separated? With the help of other pets in the building, they plan a heist to become independently wealthy which will ensure their survival.  
  
  
• Legend of the Star Runner (A Illustrated Timmi Tobbson Adventure) by J.I. Wagner Illustrated by C. Froehlich
  Timmi Tobbson is a new series to me and is a fresh take on the Choose Your Adventure series I loved when I was a young reader. At the end of each chapter, a question is posed.  Readers can use a mirror to read the hints to each question/puzzle located in the back of the book.  Magnifying glasses indicate the difficulty of each puzzle with 3 being the most challenging. The solution to each puzzle is revealed in the subsequent chapter.

• Backward Science by Clive Gifford Illustrated by Anne Wilson
  What was life like before world-changing discoveries?  This nonfiction text is a time traveling guide taking kids back in history before inventions such as smartphones, the world wide web, vacuum cleaners, cars, electric light, and paper.

• The Fifty States Activity Book
  Explore the 50 states through drawing, code breaking, matching, tall tale writing,  crossword puzzles, anagrams, and word searches.  Stickers and a large tear out map with the presidents and the state flags is also included. 

• A collectible poster and magnetic bookmark featuring original art by illustrator Steve Adams
• A bookmark and personalized bookplates

How it Works
As a subscriber, children receive 5 expertly curated age-appropriate books. I was greatly pleased to see the books were all recently published.  The subscription runs at $9.95 a month. You only get charged for the ones you keep. Children can touch, open, skim, and read a portion of each book to decide which are a good fit for them.  Keep the books they love and return the rest for free with the included pre-paid return shipping label.  Please know that Literati Kids books match or are less than Amazon pricing.

If you’re interested in trying out Literati Kids a try, click here for 25% off your first box or copy and paste this link into your search: literati.com/beaglesandbooks

Bella and I sincerely grateful to Literati Kids for sharing this first book box in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Saying goodbye to my book beagle Etta was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but my heart is full knowing that she lived a happy & healthy life with us for almost 10 years. I was the lucky one because to have Etta’s trust & love was the greatest gift. Here’s some photos to commemorate this beautiful soul.

In June 2010, we met Etta while volunteering for an animal rescue transport.  She was underweight, which tugged at our hearts.  We know how much beagles love food!  While we didn’t transport Etta to the next stop, we couldn’t stop thinking about her.  I quickly researched to find out Etta’s final destination, which was Penny Angels Beagle Rescue in New Jersey.  After sending an email, completing the application, and getting approved, we drove up to New Jersey to adopt Etta that following Saturday, 6 days after meeting her.

After adopting Etta, she immediately had 17 teeth pulled and a couple months later underwent anal gland surgery. Etta would have 7 more surgeries which were mostly dental related. She was always resilient bouncing back each time.

Early on, Etta’s anxiety was apparent but pajamas always calmed her and of course, she looked so cute.

As Etta got older, we wanted to include her in our vacations. We had always wanted to visit Asheville because of the Biltmore but didn’t realize how dog friendly the area was. Etta enjoyed hanging out with us at Wicked Weed Brewing and of course, loved good southern cooking at Mayfels.

If you knew Etta, she was sweet but very reserved. Here in the yard I was able to capture a rare smile.

Walks were a highlight of Etta’s day before she began to slow down. Etta was all business though never allowing me to stop and talk to neighbors.

Etta was an only dog for 7 years.  When we brought Bella home, we were hopeful that they would become companions.  It did not take long before Etta and Bella were a bonded pair.

I am most grateful that Etta helped me launch Beagles and Books.  What started as a #bookaday post on Twitter evolved into a weekly blog.  Her first Twitter post was Happy Dreamer by Peter Reynolds. Beagles and Books officially launched with my first  #pb10for10 celebrating dog books.

Thank you Etta for your patience posing for pictures and helping me share my love of books with the #kidit community.  Beagles and Books will always be a tribute to you. You not only left paw prints on my heart but also book prints.

Today is the day!  Beagles and Books is proud of a part of the SCRITCH SCRATCH Street Team sharing the cover of Lindsay Currie’s latest novel which publishes on September 1, 2020. 

Drumroll please…..

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover but wow! The artwork is both gorgeous and spooky with the skyline rising in the background, the ghostly shadow on the bus, and the hint of a face reflected on the pavement. Intrigued? Here’s the synopsis.

‪ “For fans of Small Spaces comes a chilling ghost story about a malevolent spirit, an unlucky girl, and a haunting mystery that will tie the two together.”

Claire has absolutely no interest in the paranormal. She’s a scientist, which is why she can’t think of anything worse than having to help out her dad on one of his ghost-themed Chicago bus tours. She thinks she’s made it through when she sees a boy with a sad face and dark eyes at the back of the bus. There’s something off about his presence, especially because when she checks at the end of the tour…he’s gone.

Claire tries to brush it off, she must be imagining things, letting her dad’s ghost stories get the best of her. But then the scratching starts. Voices whisper to her in the dark. The number 396 appears everywhere she turns. And the boy with the dark eyes starts following her.

Claire is being haunted. The boy from the bus wants something…and Claire needs to find out what before it’s too late.

Pre-orders are LIVE!

https://www.bookcellarinc.com/book/9781728209722‬

Why pre-order? Check out the amazing extras that are included in your pre-order.

When You Are Brave by Pat Zietlow Miller  Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

Fans of Wherever You Go written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler will love their latest collaboration.  When You are Brave is an inspiring story about how to find courage in the midst of change. The story follows a young girl moving with her family to a new house in another town.  Miller’s concise lyrical text and Wheeler’s use of subdued color are equally somber and match the girl’s trepidation as she embarks on her journey.  Halfway through drive, the girl closes her eyes and visualizes a small light inside her.  The light grows giving her wings and the power to believe in herself.  Miller’s words are uplifting and beautifully conveys the little girl’s positivity and Wheeler’s illustrations become vibrant and brilliant.

What I love about When You are Brave is that the girl reminds us that we have the courage inside of us.  When times are tough, it is easy to forget about this inner strength that we might conceal. Taking a moment to pause and breathe is the key to letting go of your worries and realizing you can weather any storm.

Special thanks to author Pat Zietlow Miller for sending a F & G to my #bookexcursion group.  Pre-order now, for When You Are Brave publishes soon on March 5, 2019.

Beagles and Books is excited to share another edition of 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 Recent Reads: 

 The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins by Gail Shepherd

Named after President Lyndon Baines Johnson, history enthusiast Lyndie Baines Hawkins is passionate about reading and researching to learn the truth.  Discovering the truth about her own family. Well, that is not as easy.  While Lyndie knows that her dad, a Vietnam veteran, lost his job, she still doesn’t truly understand why her family had to sell their house and move in with her paternal grandparents.  And to make matters worst, her grandmother Lady expects Lyndie to be her best self  (Translation: a proper Southern girl) which does not match Lyndie’s bold personality.  And Lady will not let her beloved dog Hoopdee in the house because of his “houndy odor.”

While Lyndie is aware that her family especially her dad is struggling, no one will talk to her about what is wrong.  In fact, Lady makes Lyndie promise to never discuss the family with anyone.  But when her father’s smell of Aqua Velva is replaced by whiskey and he disappears for days, Lyndie knows her family is broken.  Unable to confide in her best friend and eternal optimist Dawn, a school project with D.B., a boy from a local detention center living with Dawn’s family provides Lyndie with the opportunity to uncover revelations not only about D.B..  These facts help Lyndie realize that while “there is such a thing as honorable lying,” being loyal doesn’t mean one has to be dishonest.  Loyalty is about speaking up when it’s hard and not keeping secrets that can hurt others.

The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins blew me away.  Author Grace Shepherd’s debut novel is a must read, for she tackles tough issues with grace, sincerity, and humor.  Lyndie’s voice was so authentic and while she had my heart, because of Shepherd’s outstanding character development, my heart broke for all the characters (even “keep up appearances” Lady).  As I read, I discovered that everyone was fighting their battle alone afraid to admit their faults or fears and healing can only begin when we are willing to put our trust in others.  Special thanks to Gail Shepherd for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group.  Pre-order now, for Lyndie publishes soon on March 5, 2019.

Arnold and Louise: The Great Louweezie by Erica S. Perl Illustrated by Chris Chatterton

Arnold, a brown bear, is quiet and cautious.  Louise, a small chipmunk is adventurous.  Although they don’t have a lot in common, they are best friends. In the first book in the series, Louise has decided that she can predict the future and reinvents herself as the Great Louweezie.  Arnold isn’t that easily convinced.  Can the Great Louweezie work some magic and change his mind?

With short chapters, adorably drawn illustrations, and an engaging plot, Arnold and Louise is a new series which will appeal to readers transitioning to chapter books. While Arnold and Louise have different personalities, it is clear that these best friends bring out the best in each other. Thanks to Penguin Kids for sharing Arnold and Louise with my #bookexcursion group.  The Great Louweezie recently published in January.  To find out about the other books in the series, click here.

The Good Egg by Jory John Illustrated by Pete Oswald

For fans of The Bad Seed, The Good Egg is an egg-tastic follow up!  The main character is indeed a good egg always setting a good example by doing the right thing.  The same cannot be said for his 11 carton mates who are rarely on their best behavior.  But always being good can make an egg literally crack; therefore, he makes the decision to leave the carton to truly focus on himself.  During his time away, he heals both physically and emotionally realizing that the key to happiness is to not worry about being egg-ceptional all the time.

I can’t gush about The Good Egg enough!  The adorable illustrations, the witty text with plenty of egg puns, and most importantly, the beautiful message about the importance of self-care. Pre-order now, for it releases this week on February 12, 2019.  Special thanks to fellow literacy specialist Lisa Maucione for sharing her F & G with me that she received from the publisher Harper Collins.

Etta’s & 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 main character.

Don’t Lick the Dog: Making Friends with Dogs by Wendy Wahman

My beagle girls are sweet and docile, but I still appreciate when people especially kids ask “Can I pet your dog?”   This picture book is a great resource for teaching children how to properly approach a dog that they do not know.  Author illustrator Wendy Wahman shares rules for how to meet a dog with a rhyming text and bold and eye catching illustrations. Tips cover etiquette for petting a dog and giving out treats.  Advice is also provided for how to safely respond when a dog is exhibiting behavior that could be scary to a child such as licking, jumping or barking.  What I love about this book is that it reminds kids that dogs aren’t toys and like people, they have their own personalities. Boy is that true!

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for stopping by Beagles and Books.  Happy reading!