Since 2010, Cathy Mere of Reflect and Refine Building a Learning Community and Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning have been hosting #pb10for10, a fabulous event for sharing the power of picture books! While Cathy and Mandy are taking a hiatus this year, August 10th will always hold a special place in my heart because it is the day I launched Beagles and Books and shared my very first blog post. Today marks my SIXTH year of blogging AND seventh year participating in #pb10for10. Click below to view my previous lists. Can you notice my trend?
Every #IMWAYR (It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?) blog post, I feature one book with a canine main character and Bella graciously poses with each book. With a blog called Beagles and Books, I must continue my tradition of sharing my 10 favorite dog picture books. Titles were published in late 2022. 2023 or are upcoming 2023 fall releases. Bella and I hope you find a “pup-tacular” book that you will enjoy reading and sharing with kids!
The Corgi and the Queen by Caroline Perry Illustrated by Lydia Corry (November 2022)
While the Windsor family has a long history with corgis, this picture book biography features the incredible bond between the future queen Elizabeth and her first corgi pup Susan. A gift on her 18th birthday, the princess and her pup were inseparable which made it imperative that Susan approve of her future husband Philip. Thankfully, Philip passed the Susan test and when Elizabeth and Philip were married, unbeknownst to the public, Susan joined her family in the wedding carriage courtesy of the palace staff. Susan was by Elizabeth’s side for times of joy such as when her first son, Charles, was born and times of grief when King George unexpectedly passed away and she assumes the throne.
As a dog mom and a royal aficionado, I absolutely adored The Corgi and the Queen. I love that the picture book not only highlights the close relationship between a human and their pup but also credits Susan with helping Elizabeth successfully transition from young princess to beloved queen. Perry’s gentle, informative text and Corry’s heartwarming illustrations perfectly complement each other. Back matter includes a family tree of both Queen Elizabeth and Susan, who is the matriarch of 14 generations of royal corgis.
What’s Up Pup? How Our Furry Friends Communicate and What They Are Saying by Kersten Hamilton Illustrated by Lili Chin (November 2022)
When Bella is not feeling 100%, it would be helpful if she could tell me in words what was wrong. But after reading What’s Up Pup, I realize that she is communicating with me through her body language all the time and it is my job to see her “talk” with my eyes.
With its rhyming text, Hamilton’s nonfiction picture book is as playful as the dogs she describes. She shares how dogs use their eyes, ears, rears, noses, tails, and legs to send signals to humans and other canines about how they are feeling. Hamilton clarifies that a dog’s body language can mean different things depending on whether they are in the company of humans or another dog. Chin’s vivid artwork is full of energy conveying the doggy dialogue. I appreciate how Chin has a variety of dog breeds in her illustrations including a basset hound. Immediately following the text, backmatter includes an author’s note, definitions of the dog language in the book, additional fascinating facts, and a bibliography. I especially loved learning how dogs can not only smell time but also their human’s emotions.
Wonder Dogs! by Linda Ashman Illustrated by Karen Obuhanych (February 2023)
While walking with its human, a little black and white dog sees other canines exhibiting strength, skill, and bravery. The pup contemplates-what wonders can I do? After some reflection, the dog realizes it has talents such as making its owner laugh, keeping her warm, comforting her during a storm, and most importantly, giving her unconditional love.
Ashman’s rhyming text coupled with Obuhanych’s bright illustrations celebrates all canines for their contributions. The narrating pup reminds me of my Bella who doesn’t know any tricks or commands yet makes every day immensely better.
The Unwelcome Surprise by Olga Herrera (April 2023)
Bongo likes routine which includes scratching his back on his favorite chair and taking a whiff of his stinky carpet. But his daily ritual is interrupted by a mysterious addition in a stroller. Not long after, his favorite chair is covered with strange new things and his carpet is full of stuff. What is going on? Feeling anxious, Bongo starts barking and pulling items from his chair. The result-he gets shushed and scolded which leaves him with only one option-relieving himself near the stroller on his carpet. His actions don’t sit well with his family, but a little while later, he is fed and suddenly, Bongo’s outlook changes. Can he trust this new addition to the family?
Full of humor and heart, debut author/illustrator Herrera’s story of accepting change will resonate with readers of all ages. Once Bongo realized that he was not forgotten, he discovers that his routine can change too… for the better.
Dogs: A History of Our Best Friends by Lita Judge (April 2023)
In this nonfiction picture book, author/illustrator Judge chronicles the history of a dog’s relationship with humans from threat to friend. Ever since dogs evolved from wolves 19,000 years ago, they have been a support to people. Their acute sense of smell aided hunting, and their strong hearing provided protection. Dogs helped humans transition from hunters and gatherers by watching herds and finding food like fish or truffles. Once dogs began cohabiting with us in our homes, they were found to be supportive of our health and today, we know that by petting a dog, our blood pressure and cortisol levels decrease. No wonder Bella calms me after a long, stressful day!
During World War I, dogs performed important duties that saved the lives of humans. Canines continue to work as sight or therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs and scent dogs. My favorite role for pups to be a loved family member. I know my life is richer with Bella in my life. Judge’s warm narrative is an ode to dogs and her gorgeous, expressive artwork shows their unconditional love in all they do for us. Back matter includes an author’s note, illustrations of various dog breeds, profiles of 10 famous dogs (including Charles Schultz’s beagle, Spike), a timeline and additional sources.
Maurice by Jessixa Bagley (May 2023)
When a brown dog named Maurice plays his accordion on the streets of Paris to a canine crowd, he shares a piece of his heart. After a long day’s work, he continues to spread happiness with his smile and words as well as food for his beloved bird friends who join him in song in his apartment. But one day, no audience gathers and as a result, his tip jar is empty. Without money, he has no choice but to let the birds go. Without the birds, Maurice loses his inspiration for music, smiles and compliments. When spring arrives again, the sight of three birds in the park prompt Maurice to play and when he does, both his feathered friends and the public return to fill not only his tip cup but also his heart.
Author/illustrator Bagley’s Maurice is a quiet story yet compelling story about the power of connection and purpose. Maurice’s positive disposition is directly related to being part of a community which is true for us all. Maurice would be a great beginning of the school year read aloud to remind kids that we are all better together. The soft watercolor artwork is full of details and emotions supporting character development, plot, and themes.
Boop! by Bea Birdsong Illustrated by Linzie Hunter (June 2023)
Who wouldn’t accept an invitation to safely boop lots of dog snoots? Author Birdsong directly speaks to readers defining a boop as a pat or gentle tap. She tells them to get their finger ready and after turning the page, they get to boop a snoot. More snoots appear to boop. Hunter’s bold, adorable illustrations include dogs of all sizes and breeds. I love that one page spread is vertical with 15 dogs to boop! Readers are celebrated for booping every snoot except one snoot is still left to boop and it belongs to the one holding the book.
Boop is an absolutely joy to read aloud. Because made the text highly interactive, kids will beg for re-reads until they can read it on their own. I appreciate that Birdsong prefaced the story with a note reminding readers aka boopers to always ask for permission before touching a real dog. As a result, Boop is both playful and educational.
And 3 New Picture Books Releasing Fall 2023!
Cone Dog by Sarah Howden Illustrated by Carmen Mok (September 2023)
Emma, a poodle, leaves the vet with the dreaded cone of shame. The dog recalls getting stuck in things in the past, but this time, she can’t escape. The cone is impeding her daily activities like digging and playing. But once her human throws a ball, Emma accidentally catches it in her cone. Perhaps the cone isn’t a liability. It protects Emma’s head if she falls, serves as a shovel when digging, and most importantly, scares Keith the squirrel when she poses as a bird bath. On the next day, Emma is cone free happy to be back to herself again.
A companion to Cone Cat, Cone Dog is a humorous story about a common dog problem. I love how Howden chose to have Emma see the possibilities versus the limitations. Mok’s lively illustrations complement the text well showing Emma’s change in feelings from frustration to fearlessness. Thanks to Owl Kids for sharing an eARC. Cone Dog releases on September 12, 2023.
Madeline Finn and the Blessing of the Animals by Lisa Papp (September 2023)
In this fourth book in the series, Madeline Finn can’t wait for the annual Blessing of the Animals at the park. She and her mom take her dog, Star, and Mrs. Dimple’s dog, Bonnie. When they arrive and Madeline see a line with lots of people and their animals, she gets nervous. Could the blessings run out? Luckily, Madeline gets her turn quickly. When she meets Reverend Mary Alice, Madeline wonders how she knows what to say. Reverend Mary Alice tells Madeline that “everyone has a blessing inside; we just have to look for it.” Madeline thinks about all the animals at the shelter who need blessings too. Reverend Mary Alice appoints Madeline by giving her the courage to see the blessings in not only herself but also others. When Madeline visits the shelter, she is inspired (and nudged by Star) to write messages on the paper leaves she made with each animal’s blessing.
I just adore Madeline Finn. She is curious, sensitive, and kind. Papp’s soft and tender illustrations are full of details that bring Madeline to life. I love the way her hair flies in the air, her concentration making paper leaves, and her earnest request as she stands on her toes. When I read any of the books in this series, I feel like I am wrapped in a warm hug. Thank you to Peachtree Publishing for sharing an eARC. Madeline Finn and the Blessing of the Animals publishes on September 12, 2023.
I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty Illustrated by Claire Keane (October 2023)
A daughter announces to her parents that she wants 100 dogs. They respond “Where will they sleep?” After a little contemplation, the girl adjusts the amount to 90 dogs. Her parents return with another question about walking that many dogs. The back and forth continues with the daughter decreasing the number by 10 each time. I love how her parents don’t say no; they just ask questions allowing their daughter to think about the feasibility. It’s not easy to bathe, feed, name, train, groom, play with and clean up after a lot of dogs. Finally, the girl agrees perhaps 1 dog is enough. After the family adopts a dog from a shelter, both sides claim victory but readers will know the true winner.
McAnulty’s witty, conversational text and Keane’s vibrant and imaginative illustrations make I Want 100 Dogs a story for repeated readings. I love how through both words and artwork, the love between the child and her parents is evident. As a dog mom myself, my heart burst when I saw the girl and her pup snuggling together in bed. In the illustration, the dog has a thinking bubble with a heart. Dogs are truly the best (especially those rescued); I know my life is better from having Bella’s unconditional love. Thanks to the author for sharing an eARC. I Want 100 Dogs publishes on October 29, 2023.
Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books’ #pb10for10! Do you have a favorite dog picture book? Please feel free to share in the comments below.
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