Rockstar Book Tours – Beagles & Books

About The Book:
Title: ALLERGIC
Author: Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter
Pub. Date: March 2, 2021
Publisher: Graphix
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 240
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Beagles and Books is thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ALLERGIC by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. All opinions are my own.

Publisher’s Summary:

A coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl with severe allergies who just wants to find the perfect pet! At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world. Maggie loves animals and thinks a new puppy to call her own is the answer, but when she goes to select one on her birthday, she breaks out in hives and rashes. She’s severely allergic to anything with fur! Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet? With illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, Megan Wagner Lloyd uses inspiration from her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong.

Review:

In Maggie’s family, her parents are absorbed with getting ready for the new baby and her twin brothers have each other which makes her feel a little left out. That is all going to change on her tenth birthday. Why? Maggie finally gets something to call her own-a dog! But when she visits the shelter with her family and meets the puppy she wants to adopt, her body reacts differently than her heart. Maggie’s nose itches and she can’t stop scratching. Her dream of owning a dog is shattered when she discovers she is allergic to any animal with fur or feathers. And while hopeful Maggie tries out non-allergic pets, none of them work out long term.

Not only is Maggie feeling lonely at home, but also at her new elementary school. Fortunately, Claire, who is just one year older, moves in next door and she and Maggie become fast friends until Claire gets a dog. Feeling betrayed, Maggie distances herself from Claire but after some time, she gets the courage to apologize and explain the true severity of her allergies. Back to being besties, Claire helps Maggie secretly get a pet mouse but between her allergies flaring up again and her brothers sneaking into her room, Maggie is forced to say goodbye again. Will Maggie find a way to come to terms with her allergies and her place in the family?

Inspired by her own experiences with allergies, Lloyd’s text was honest and heartfelt which helps readers identify and connect with Maggie. What I loved most about the story is Maggie’s realization that she is an integral part of her family, for when her mother goes to the hospital, her brothers really need her and once her little sister is born, she feels an immediate bond to this new little soul. Nutter’s warm and dynamic illustrations bring Lloyd’s text to life, perfectly showing her feelings as she experiencing both heartache and joy.

I read a lot of children’s books and Allergic is the first book I have ever read that tackles pet allergies. But the story is not only about Maggie handling her allergies. It is a story about how to manage changes in family, school, and friendship–topics that lots of kids can relate to. I highly recommend pre–ordering Allergic to add to your home, classroom or school library!

Praise for Allergic!

“Maggie’s inventiveness as she overcomes these trials is showcased through Lloyd’s captivating narrative and Nutter’s bright and dynamic illustrations. The story provides insight into the lives of those with allergies and the accommodations needed to avoid serious episodes … A heartachingly enjoyable tale of resilience.” — KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

“Readers will root for this realistic and relatable fifth grader, who’s capable of kindness well as envy and self-doubt. Lloyd folds in information about allergy tests, anaphylaxis, EpiPens, and other facts that Maggie and her friend Sebastian, who also has allergies, recite to each other. Layouts rely on three to four large panels per page, creating a smooth visual flow; Nutter’s muted, uncluttered art has a cozy feel … Maggie makes new pals here—she’ll find even more friends in elementary and middle school libraries, where readers will easily identify with her trials and accomplishments.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“A fun and entertaining story.” — BLEEDING COOL

“The perfect graphic novel for kids of all ages.” — FROLIC

“Allergic is the sweetest story you’ll read all year. A touching chronicle of a young girl’s severe allergies woven into a meaningful journey of friendship, family, and self-discovery.” — Terri Libenson, New York Times bestselling author of Invisible Emmie

About Megan:
MEGAN WAGNER LLOYD is the author of several picture books, including Paper Mice, Building Books, Finding Wild, and A Fort-Building Time. She lives in the Washington DC area. Visit her online at meganwagnerlloyd.com.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

About Michelle:
MICHELLE MEE NUTTER graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, 3×3 Illustration, Creative Quarterly, and more. Michelle lives in Boston. Visit her online at michellemee.com.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will win a finished copy of ALLERGIC, US Only. To enter the giveaway, click the link below.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21233/

Tour Schedule:
Check out the other stops on the blog tour!

Week One:

2/11/2021	For The Love Of Kidlit	Excerpt
2/12/2021	Beagles and Books	Review
2/13/2021	She Just Loves Books	Review

Week Two:

2/14/2021	Westveil Publishing	Review
2/15/2021	Adventures Of A Travelers Wife	Review
2/16/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
2/17/2021	Pick a good book	Review
2/18/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
2/19/2021	Twirling Book Princess	Excerpt
2/20/2021	Not In Jersey	Review

Week Three:

2/21/2021	BookHounds YA	Review
2/22/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
2/23/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
2/24/2021	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
2/25/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
2/26/2021	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review
2/27/2021	Midnightbooklover	Review

Week Four:

2/28/2021	Hurn Publications	Excerpt
3/1/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
3/2/2021	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review

CATCH MEGAN WAGNER LLOYD AND MICHELLE MEE NUTTER ON THE VIRTUAL ALLERGIC TOUR

March 2, 2021 5:00 pm (PST) Launch event hosted by Green Apple Books In conversation with Raina Telgemeier (GUTS)

March 4, 2021 7:00 pm (EST) Hosted by An Unlikely Story In conversation with Jeff Kinney (DIARY OF A WIMPY KID)

Allergic Tour - 03.10.21 - Varian Johnson & Shannon Wright
March 10, 2021 4:00 pm (PST) Hosted by The Reading Bug In conversation with Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright (TWINS)

Blog Tour, Early Chapter Books, Giveaway, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Our Friend Hedgehog by Lauren Castillo

May 13, 2020May 17, 2020 lauramossa

OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG

Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the Our Friend Hedgehog blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours.

About the Book:
Title: OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG
Author/Illustrator: Lauren Castillo
Pub. Date: May 5, 2020
Pubisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 122
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, ibooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org.

Continue reading “Blog Tour & Giveaway: Our Friend Hedgehog by Lauren Castillo” →

Giveaway, Picture Books, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Grace Goes to Washington by Kelly DiPucchio

October 15, 2019November 4, 2019 lauramossa

GRACE GOES TO WASHINGTON.jpg

Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the Grace Goes to Washington blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours. The review copy did not arrive in time; therefore, this is a spotlight post with a review to follow at a later date. Please scroll down for a brief summary, author information, and an opportunity to win your own copy of the book.

About the Book:
Title: GRACE GOES TO WASHINGTON
Author: Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: September 3, 2019
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 40

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

Publisher’s Summary:
“Who’s in charge here?” When Grace learns about the three branches of the United States government, she and the rest of the student council put the lesson into practice as they debate how to spend the money from a school fund-raiser. Should they buy new sports equipment? Books for the library? Instruments for the music room? The arguments continue as they travel to Washington, DC, for a field trip. Exploring government buildings and national monuments, Grace feels closer than ever to her dream of becoming president someday. But she and her classmates have a lot to learn about what it means to serve the needs of the people, especially when the people want such different things!

In this follow-up to New York Times best seller Grace for President, Kelly DiPucchio not only introduces how our government makes decisions, but also shares what it takes to be a true public servant.

About Kelly:
Kelly is the award-winning author of several children’s books, thousands of To-Do lists, and a few recipe cards. Two of her books, Grace For President and The Sandwich Swap, were New York Times bestsellers.

Like most kids who grew up in the 1970’s, Kelly had a pet goat and bought all her clothes from the Sears catalog. Like most teenagers who grew up in the 1980’s, Kelly had really big glasses and feathered hair.

Today, Kelly lives with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan, where she enjoys writing just about everything except her own bio.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will receive a finished copy of GRACE GOES TO WASHINGTON, US Only. Click link to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2990/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Three:
10/14/2019- Life Within The Pages– Review
10/15/2019- Spoiled Girl– Review
10/16/2019- Beagles and Books– Review
10/17/2019- Avid Reader– Excerpt
10/18/2019- Nerdophiles– Review

Week Four:
10/21/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads– Review
10/22/2019- Book-Keeping– Review
10/23/2019- Two dogs and a book– Excerpt
10/24/2019- Little Red Reads– Review
10/25/2019- Two points of interest- Review

Week Five:
10/28/2019 Fyrekatz Blog –Review
10/29/2019 Southern Girl Bookaholic –Review
10/30/2019 That Georgia Gypsy-Review
10/31/2019 Wishful Endings –Review

Giveaway, Picture Books, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Bruce’s Big Storm by Ryan Higgins

October 15, 2019November 30, 2019 lauramossa

BRUCE'S BIG STORM

Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the Bruce’s Big Storm blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours.

About the Book:
Title: BRUCE’S BIG STORM
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Pub. Date: September 3, 2019
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 48
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

Publisher’s Summary:
Bruce’s home is already a full house. But when a big storm brings all his woodland neighbors knocking, he’ll have to open his door to a crowd of animals in need of shelter-whether he likes it or not. Readers will love this next installment of the uproarious, award-winning Mother Bruce series.

Review:
Wet and windy weather is coming to Soggy Hollow and Bruce would prefer to wait out the storm alone. All the other animals think it would be more fun to have a pajama party and play games at Bruce’s house. While Bruce does not agree with this plan, he allows the animals to gather at his house and attempts to enjoy his peace and quiet reading in his chair. Bruce’s self-imposed solitude doesn’t last long, for his help is needed to rescue a bunny who is stuck in the storm. When Bear, the bunny, and Nibbs the mouse begin to blow away, all the neighborhood animals band together to save them. But Bruce’s adventure is not over because the storm causes an oak tree to crash into his house leaving his home in a shambles. Fortunately, the animals unite again to help rebuild Bruce’s house making even better than before (although Bruce might disagree).

While Bruce may be grumpy and antisocial, what I love about the Bruce series is the animals accept Bruce for who he is. And Bruce begrudgingly partakes in the animals’ activities from playing Duck Duck Goose to serving as the den leader for the Acorn Scouts Adventure Club (pay close attention to the endpapers). In my school, our virtue for the month of September was unity and during a read aloud of Bruce’s Big Storm, a student made the connection that the animals demonstrated unity not only by working together to save Bruce, the bunny, and Nibbs but also by rebuilding Bruce’s house. Higgins’ artwork is full of such detail that the children wanted a re-read just to have a closer look at the illustrations especially the animated facial expressions on all the animals which counter Bruce’s cranky demeanor. The verdict- Bruce’s Big Storm blew us away so I highly recommend!

About Ryan:
Ryan T. Higgins is a New York Times Bestselling author/illustrator residing in Southern Maine. He lives with his two dogs, two cats, one gecko, one tortoise, one son, one daughter, and one wife. As a child, he lived on a diet of cartoons, cheese sandwiches, and climbing trees. At the age of four he decided to become a cartoonist and he’s been making his own cartoons ever since.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will receive a finished copy of BRUCE’S BIG STORM, US Only. Enter by clicking link below.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2988/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Three:

10/14/2019- Treestand Book Reviews– Review
10/15/2019- Beagles and Books– Review
10/16/2019- Little Red Reads– Review
10/17/2019- Wonder Struck– Review
10/18/2019- Life Within The Pages– Review

Week Four:

10/21/2019- Fyrekatz Blog– Review
10/22/2019- Southern Girl Bookaholic– Review
10/23/2019- Two points of interest– Review
10/24/2019- Novel Novice– Review
10/25/2019- Here’s to Happy Endings– Review

Week Five:
10/28/2019- YA Book Nerd– Review
10/29/2019- Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers– Review
10/30/2019- Nerdophiles– Review
10/31/2019- Wishful Endings– Review

Blog Tour, Giveaway, Picture Books, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos

May 8, 2019October 13, 2019 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the The Plant Earth is Blue blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours.

About the Book:
Title: PLANET EARTH IS BLUE
Author: Nicole Panteleakos
Pub. Date: May 14, 2019
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 240

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

Publisher’s Summary:

“Tender and illuminating. A beautiful debut.” –Rebecca Stead,
Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me

A heartrending and hopeful debut novel about a nonverbal girl and her passion for space exploration, for fans of See You in the Cosmos, Mockingbird, and The Thing About Jellyfish.

Twelve-year-old Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger–it’s the first time a teacher is going into space, and kids across America will watch the event on live TV in their classrooms. Nova and her big sister, Bridget, share a love of astronomy and the space program. They planned to watch the launch together. But Bridget has disappeared, and Nova is in a new foster home.

While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can’t express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova’s new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget. But every day, she’s counting down to the launch, and to the moment when she’ll see Bridget again. Because Bridget said, “No matter what, I’ll be there. I promise.”

Review:

It is 1986. 12 year old Nova Vezina is anxiously awaiting for two big events- the launching of the space shuttle Challenger and reuniting with her older sister Bridget. Bridget ran away from their last foster home and Nova is adjusting to living with her new foster family, the Wests.

While Nova’s school reports consistently included phrases such as “cannot read” or “does not speak,” her older sister Bridget always disagreed stating that Nora “is a thinker, not a talker.” Bridget has been Nova’s strongest advocate recognizing and fostering Nova’s intelligence. With only 10 days before the Challenger launch, Nova is clinging on to Bridget’s promise that she and Nova will reunite and watch this historic event together.

I love the format of the novel, which alternates from third person to first person. Nova’s first hand account is written as letters to Bridget, which everyone else calls “scribbles.” Since Nora is autistic and nonverbal, her letters are extremely compelling sharing her deep thoughts and feelings on everything from her new foster family, new school and friends as well as past memories of her mother and Bridget. Reading Nova’s letters is truly gut-wrenching because she shares her frustrations that people cannot understand her and how desperately she misses Bridget. While my heart ached for Nova, Nova’s new foster family gave me hope. Francine, Billy, and their college age daughter Josie take the time to truly get to know Nova recognizing her potential rather than her limitations.

From the very first page, Nova’s story pulled me in and I couldn’t put the novel down. While I knew the outcome of the Challenger launch, debut author Nicole Panteleakos’s well crafted novel kept me wondering until almost the very end. A heartbreaking yet uplifting story, Planet Earth is Blue reminds us of our universal need for love, respect, and understanding. I am a firm believer that books have the power to change you and make you a better person; Planet Earth is Blue is that story, for we can all do better in showing compassion, patience, and tolerance towards others.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Nicole:

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will receive a finished copy of PLANET EARTH IS BLUE, US Only. Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2930/?

Tour Schedule: Join us on the other stops of this tour to read more reviews.

Week One:

5/6/2019- Lifestyle Of Me– Review
5/7/2019- Lone Tree Reviews– Review
5/8/2019- Beagles & Books– Review
5/9/2019- Book-Keeping– Review
5/10/2019- Feed Your Fiction Addiction– Review

Week Two:

5/13/2019- BookHounds YA– Review
5/14/2019- Bri’s Book Nook– Review
5/15/2019- The Layaway Dragon– Review
5/16/2019- Here’s to Happy Endings– Review
5/17/2019- Novel Novice– Excerpt

Blog Tour, Giveaway, Picture Books, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Wonder Walk by Ilham Alam

April 9, 2019April 22, 2019 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the Wonder Walk blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours.

Title: WONDER WALK
Author: Ilham Alam
Illustrator: Kerry Bell
Pub. Date: April 16, 2019
Publisher: Iguana Books
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Pages: 20
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD

Publisher’s Summary:

Get out there with curious Johnny and his patient Mommy, in this colourful, rhyming book, celebrating all the wonders of the everyday world. What do they see? What do they hear? What do they talk about?

Review:

Wonder Walk explores the simple pleasures of a walk between a boy and his mom. Johnny is very observant first noticing the pretty sunflowers. As he and his mom continue their walk, he sees something that he perceives as scary. Calmly, his mom explains that it is a cuddle bug and will cause him no harm. In fact, it wants to wish him goodnight.

Since the sun is still out and the sky is blue, inquisitive Johnny questions his mother’s response. Quick thinking mom distracts Johnny by pointing a mother bird and her baby. Soon Johnny tires from his curiosity and falls asleep sweetly dreaming about his walk of wonder.

With big. bold illustrations and concise, rhyming text, Wonder Walk is a story that young children will enjoy and may prompt families to take their own walk together to observe nature and ask questions.

Disclaimer: I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Ilham:

My name is ILHAM which is pronounced the way its spelled. As a kid, I hated my name and did get teased for being a “ham”. But now that I’m an adult, I love the uniqueness and the strength that my name conveys. I definitely have not met another Ilham for sure. It means inspiration in Arabic, by the way.

I live with my 2 sons & my husband and my 20 lb kitty, Beauty, within a house that’s booby-trapped with Legos. My crazy family are my inspiration for story writing and story-telling. I love to travel with them as well as earning new memories through adventures abroad, some of which I have documented in this blog.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway:

3 lucky winners will win WONDER WALK Swag Packs, US Only. Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2912/?

Tour Schedule:

Check out the rest of the stops of this tour for more giveaway chances and to read more about Ilham and WONDER WALK.

Week One:
4/8/2019- Lone Tree Reviews– Review
4/9/2019- Beagles & Books– Review
4/10/2019- Character Madness and Musings– Excerpt
4/11/2019- BookHounds YA– Review/Interview
4/12/2019- Do You Dog-ear?– Review

Week Two:
4/15/2019- Mama Panda Bear– Review
4/16/2019- Almost a Reader– Review
4/17/2019- Kelly P’s Blog– Spotlight
4/18/2019- Novel Novice– Excerpt
4/19/2019- Two Chicks on Books– Interview

Week Three:
4/22/2019- D. Books and Reviews– Review
4/23/2019- She Dreams in Fiction– Review
4/24/2019- ❧Defining Ways❧– Review
4/25/2019- Twirling Book Princess– Excerpt
4/26/2019- Two points of interest– Review

Blog Tour, Giveaway, Picture Books, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Made By Maxine by Ruth Spiro Illustrated by Holly Hatem

November 21, 2018November 23, 2018 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the Made By Maxine blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours. Written by Ruth Spiro and illustrated by Holly Hatem, Made By Maxine recently published on October 9, 2018.

About the Book:
Title: MADE BY MAXINE
Author: Ruth Spiro (Author),Holly Hatam (Illustrator)
Publisher: Dial Books
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 37
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD

Publisher’s Summary:

Meet Maxine, an inspiring young maker who knows that with enough effort and imagination (and mistakes), it’s possible to invent anything.

Maxine loves making new things from old things. She loves tinkering until she has solved a problem. She also loves her pet goldfish, Milton. So when it’s time for her school’s pet parade, she’s determined to create something that will allow Milton to march with the other animals. Finally, after trying, trying,and trying again, she discovers just the right combination of recycled odds and ends to create a fun, functional–and absolutely fabulous–solution to her predicament.

Review:

From the moment I opened Made By Maxine, I was captivated by illustrator Hollly Hatam’s cheerful and animated illustrations. The endpapers are filled with drawings of scientific elements, DNA, and tools which give us a glimpse into Maxine’s passion for discovery. As soon as readers meet Maxine on the first page, her facial expression shows her excitement for creating new things from old things.

It comes as no surprise that Maxine wants to upgrade her new pet fish Milton’s simple glass bowl to something more spectacular. Her motto is “If I can dream it, I can make it.” Author Ruth Spiro richly and precisely describes Maxine’s creative process introducing young readers to words such as de-construct, re-construct, tinker, hack, upcycle, and repurpose, Hatam’s expressive illustrations reveal Maxine’s range of emotions when inventing. Her face shows moments of confidence, puzzlement, excitement, frustration, and satisfaction.

When faced with the task of inventing a way to include feetless Milton in her class pet parade, Maxine experiences struggle and failure, but ultimately is not deterred. She is loyal to her fishy friend. Wearing her thinking cap (complete with a lightbulb and antenna), Maxine holds true to the quote taped to her wall which reads “Think like a proton. Always positive.” She perseveres to create a fintastic, fintabulous, and fincredible float for Melvin!

Spiro has written an inspiring story of a young girl who is inventive, resourceful and most importantly persistent. While Hatam’s warm illustrations show her family’s support of her projects, it is clear that Maxine’s drive and determination comes from within. Maxine teaches us all that the creative process is messy but the results are so rewarding.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Holly:

Holly Hatam’s a girl that sometimes wears something pink and sparkly and sometimes dons capes and fights dragons. Some days she’s moody, but other days she shakes her booty. Some days her heart may seek wild adventures, but other days she just wants to be a couch potato. She is a picture book maker, greeting card designer, and a textile engineer. She is also the #1 New York Times Bestselling illustrator of Dear Girl. Her other books include, What Matters, Tree Song, Maxine the Maker, Jack(Not Jackie) and The Acadia Files.

Holly lives in Whitby, Ontario with her weird husband and even weirder son. But that’s ok, because weird is a side effect of awesome.

Holly’s client list includes Harper Collins, Orca Publishers, Dial Books for Young Readers, AnnickPress, Tilbury House, Lady Bird, Usborne Books, Hallmark, American Greetings, Mudpuppy, Baby Bug, Highlights, Chickadee, Little Bee Books, MacGraw Hill, and Learning A-Z.

Giveaway:

1 winner will win a finished copy of MADE BY MAXINE, US Only. Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2852/?

Tour Schedule: Join us on the other stops of this tour for more giveaway chances and to read more about the illustrator Holly Hatem and MADE BY MAXINE.

Week One:
11/19/2018- Lifestyle of Me– Review
11/20/2018- Here’s to Happy Endings–Review
11/21/2018- Beagles & Books– Review
11/22/2018- Do You Dog-ear?– Review
11/23/2018- Chrikaru Reads– Review

Week Two:
11/26/2018- BookHounds YA– Review
11/27/2018- YA Books Central– Review
11/28/2018- Twirling BookPrincess– Excerpt
11/29/2018- Oh Hey! Books.– Interview
11/30/2018- A Dream Within A Dream– Excerpt

Blog Tour, Giveaway, Middle Grade Literature, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Inkling by Kenneth Oppel Illustrated by Sydney Smith

November 7, 2018November 13, 2018 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the Inkling blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours. Written by Kenneth Oppel and illustrated by Sydney Smith, Inkling celebrated its book birthday yesterday.

About the Book:
Title: INKLING
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Pub. Date: November 6, 2018
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 272

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD

Summary:
From the acclaimed author of The Nest, The Boundless, and Airborn comes a brilliantly funny, breakout book about a boy who discovers an ink blot that’s come to life! Perfect for those who love Hoot and Frindle and sure to be a hit with kids everywhere!

The Rylance family is stuck. Dad’s got writer’s block. Ethan promised to illustrate a group project at school–even though he can’t draw. Sarah’s still pining for a puppy. And they all miss Mom. So much more than they can say.

Enter Inkling. Inkling begins life in Mr. Rylance’s sketchbook. But one night the ink of his drawings runs together–and then leaps off the page! This small burst of creativity is about to change everything.

Ethan finds him first. Inkling has absorbed a couple chapters of his math book–not good–and the story he’s supposed to be illustrating for school–also not good. But Inkling’s also started drawing the pictures to go with the story–which is amazing! It’s just the help Ethan was looking for! Inkling helps the rest of the family too–for Sarah he’s a puppy. And for Dad he’s a spark of ideas for a new graphic novel. It’s exactly what they all want.

It’s not until Inkling goes missing that this family has to face the larger questions of what they–and Inkling–truly need.

Kenneth Oppel has given us a small masterpiece of middle-grade fiction. Inkling is funny and fizzy and exciting, and brimming with the kind of interesting ideas and dilemmas that kids will love to wrestle with. And Sydney Smith is creating wonderfully inky illustrations to bring the story to vivid life. Get ready. A little ink blot is about to become your new favorite character!

Review:
When an ink blot escapes a sketchbook, he has no idea of the impact he would have on the Rylance family. They are still mourning the loss of their mom and comic artist dad is struggling to write his next graphic novel. Ethan is shouldering a lot of responsibilities from helping to take care of his younger sister who has Down’s Syndrome as well as illustrating a group project at school. Because of his dad, everyone just assumes that he is a talented artist but in reality, Ethan really hates drawing. Except maybe for stick figures.

Imagine Ethan’s surprise when he discovers an ink blot that is alive! Inkling helps Ethan first by sketching his illustrations and then giving him drawing lessons. Once Ethan’s dad discovers Inkling, he too feels revitalized and relies on Inkling to help him out of his creative slump. While Inkling is happy to assist, he knows that he needs to do something to help the whole family. Something that will help them all heal and remind them that the most important story of all is the one Ethan, his sister Sarah, and his dad create together as a family.

I just love Inkling’s relationship with Ethan. While he has friends, Ethan is lonely. His dad is so distant and Inkling provides that support that Ethan is craving. Although Inkling is drawing for Ethan, Ethan struggles with the fact that he is cheating and asks Inkling to teach him. When Inkling looks faint in color, Ethan tells him to stop working and brings him nourishment in the way of comics, newspapers, and books. An ink blot has to eat right? Inkling is a good cheerleader for Ethan. Recalling words and quotes from the stories he has read (and eaten), he boosts Ethan’s confidence.

Inkling tackles tough issues but gently and with care. Kids will be able to relate to Ethan and his challenges of finding his own path. Sydney Smith’s illustrations are also crucial to the plot. As a reader, I actually felt the presence of Inkling, for splots grace every page. And I never thought I would fall in love with a cute ink blot, but Kenneth Oppel’s characterization of Inkling will make it hard for you not to do the same.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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About Kenneth:
I was born in Port Alberni, a mill town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but spent the bulk of my childhood in Victoria, B.C. and on the opposite coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At around twelve I decided I wanted to be a writer. I started out writing sci-fi epics then went on to swords and sorcery tales and then, during the summer holiday when I was fourteen, started on a humorous story about a boy addicted to video games. Photo credit: Mark Raynes Roberts

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

9781524772819

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will win a finished copy of INKLING, US Only. Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2831/?

Tour Schedule:
Join us on the other stops of this tour for more giveaway chances and to read more about author Kenneth Oppel and INKLING.

Week Two:
11/5/2018- Belles Book Blog– Review
11/6/2018- D Wants to Read– Review
11/7/2018- Beagles & Books– Review
11/8/2018- YA Books Central– Interview
11/9/2018- Belle’s Archive– Review

Week Three:
11/12/2018- Maddie.TV – Review
11/13/2018- Cindy’s Love of Books– Review
11/14/2018- Bri’s Book Nook– Review
11/15/2018- FUONLYKNEW– Review
11/16/2018- BookHounds YA– Review

Week Four:
11/19/2018- Twirling Book Princess– Excerpt
11/20/2018- Book-Keeping– Review
11/21/2018- A Dream Within A Dream– Excerpt
11/22/2018- All the Ups and Downs- Excerpt
11/23/2018- Lilly’s Book World– Review

Week Five:
11/26/2018- The Layaway Dragon– Review
11/27/2018- The Cover Contessa– Interview
11/28/2018- The Pages In-Between– Review
11/29/2018- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review
11/30/2018- Oh Hey! Books.– Review

Blog Tour, Book Birthday, Giveaway, Picture Books, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Little Dreamers Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison

November 6, 2018November 6, 2018 lauramossa

LITTLE DREAMERS

Beagles and Books wishes a Happy Book Birthday to author and illustrator Vashti Harrison and her latest picture book Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World. I am excited to be part of the blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours.

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About the Book:
Title: LITTLE DREAMERS: VISIONARY WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD
Author: Vashti Harrison
Pub. Date: November 6, 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 96

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD

Summary:
From the New York Times bestselling author of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History comes the highly anticipated follow-up, a beautifully illustrated collectible detailing the lives of women creators around the world.

Featuring the true stories of 40 women creators, ranging from writers to inventors, artists to scientists, Visionary Women Around the World inspires as it educates. Readers will meet trailblazing women like Mary Blair, an American modernist painter who had a major influence on how color was used in early animated films, actor/inventor Hedy Lamar, environmental activist Wangari Maathai, architect Zaha Hadid, filmmaker Maya Deren, and physicist Chien-Shiung Wu. Some names are known, some are not, but all of the women had a lasting effect on the fields they worked in.

The charming, information-filled full-color spreads show the leaders as both accessible and aspirational so reader knows they, too, can grow up to do something amazing.

Review:
Little Dreamers is a companion to Vashti Harrison’s Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. This well written and beautifully illustrated compilation of concise biographies is a celebration of 40 curious, creative, and persistence women who are role models for us all. Each woman challenged the norm, saw things differently and wasn’t afraid to ask questions and share their thinking. Because of their determination and willingness to make mistakes, the world is a better place.

Harrison’s extensive time researching is evident, for she includes women from as far back as the ninth century as well as women who are still alive today. She highlights women who have made significant and lasting contributions to the arts and science. While some names were familiar to me such as Marie Curie, Toni Morrison and Maya Lin, I must shamefully admit that the majority of women were new to me, which is why Little Dreamers is such an important book to be read and shared with children.

Little Dreamers is an utterly gorgeous book in its content, design, and message. The format makes the text highly accessible to elementary age students. One page mini biographies are accompanied by a strikingly beautifully yet simple portrait.

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The learning doesn’t end, for the backmatter includes an introduction to 18 additional women and resources for readers to conduct their own research. A glossary of terms is also included. Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World is an affirming and uplifting text that should be in every home, classroom and library to educate and inspire future little dreamers.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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About Vashti:
Part author – illustrator – filmmaker, Vashti Harrison is an artist originally from Onley, Virginia. She has a background in filmmaking and a love for storytelling. She earned her BA from the University of Virginia as a double major in Media Studies and Studio Art with concentrations in Film and Cinematography. She then went on to receive her MFA in Film and Video from CalArts where she snuck into Animation classes to learn from Disney and Dreamworks legends. There she rekindled a love for drawing and painting. Now, utilizing both skillsets, she is passionate about crafting beautiful stories for children and young adults in the film and kidlit worlds.

Website | Twitter | Instagram |Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will win a finished copy of LITTLE DREAMERS: VISIONARY WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD, US Only. Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2839/?

Tour Schedule:
Join us on the other stops of this tour for more giveaway chances and to read more about author Vashti Harrison and her new picture book LITTLE DREAMERS.

Week One:
11/5/2018- Such a Novel Idea– Review
11/6/2018- Beagles & Books– Review
11/7/2018- Mama Reads Blog– Review
11/8/2018- Book-Keeping– Review
11/9/2018- The Layaway Dragon– Review

Week Two:
11/12/2018- YA Books Central– Excerpt
11/13/2018- Two Points of Interest– Review
11/14/2018- Adventures Thru Wonderland– Review
11/15/2018- Novel Novice– Review
11/16/2018- Do You Dog-ear?– Review

Blog Tour, Book Birthday, Debut Author, Giveaway, Middle Grade Literature, Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Love Like Sky by Leslie Youngblood

November 6, 2018November 15, 2018 lauramossa

LOVE LIKE SKY

Beagles and Books wishes a Happy Book Birthday to author Leslie Youngblood and her debut middle grade novel Love Like Sky! I am excited to be part of the blog tour organized by Rockstar Book Tours.

About the Book:
Title: LOVE LIKE SKY
Author: Leslie C. Youngblood
Pub. Date: November 6, 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 304

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD

Summary:

“Brims with charm and compassion.”
–Vashti Harrison, New York Times best-selling author of Little Leaders

“Love ain’t like that.”
“How is it then?” Peaches asked, turning on her stomach to face me.
“It’s like sky. If you keep driving and driving, gas will run out, right?”
“That’s why we gotta go to the gas station.”
“Yep. But have you ever seen the sky run out? No matter how far we go?”
“No, when we look up, there it is.”
“Well that’s the kind of love Daddy and Mama got for us, Peaches–love like sky.”
“It never ends?”
“Never.”

G-baby and her younger sister, Peaches, are still getting used to their “blended-up” family. They live with Mama and Frank out in the suburbs, and they haven’t seen their real daddy much since he married Millicent. G-baby misses her best friend back in Atlanta, and is crushed that her glamorous new stepsister, Tangie, wants nothing to do with her.

G-baby is so preoccupied with earning Tangie’s approval that she isn’t there for her own little sister when she needs her most. Peaches gets sick-really sick. Suddenly, Mama and Daddy are arguing like they did before the divorce, and even the doctors at the hospital don’t know how to help Peaches get better.

It’s up to G-baby to put things right. She knows Peaches can be strong again if she can only see that their family’s love for her really is like sky.

Review:
Told from the point of view of 11-year-old Georgie, Love Like Sky is an honest and heartwarming story about family and friendship. Georgie is experiencing a lot of change in her life with both of her parents remarrying, gaining a reluctant stepsister, and moving away from her best friend Nikki. When her little sister Peaches gets sick, Georgie initially blames herself. Peaches’ illness actually brings Georgie and her stepsister Tangie closer, for Tangie can empathize with Georgie’s grief. Tangie’s own sister died as a result of injuries sustained from a car accident. While Georgie welcomes Tangie’s attention, Nikki feels threatened and becomes more friendly with Lucinda, a mean girl, which causes a rift between the best friends.

What I love about Love Like Sky is Georgie’s voice is so authentic. Young readers will easily be able to relate to Georgie’s struggles but they will also see her strength. While still a child, she is getting older and wants to be treated more like a grown up. Like other kids her age, Georgie’s choices can be selfish at times but she is self-reflective and learns from her mistakes. Georgie also shows maturity when Nikki is unable to stand up to Lucinda and seeks to help rather than abandon her best friend.

While her family dynamics has definitely changed with her parents’ divorce and remarriages, it is clear that Georgie is blessed with both parents and stepparents who love and support her. One of my favorite quotes is when Georgie says “Grown-ups are human too. It takes time to figure stuff out.” That is true Georgie but never-ending love of family will help you get through those tough times.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Leslie:
Leslie C. Youngblood received an MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. A former assistant professor of creative writing at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, she has lectured at Mississippi State University, UNC-Greensboro, and the University of Ghana at Legon. She began her undergraduate degree at Morris Brown College and completed her bachelor’s at Georgia State University. After graduation, she served as a columnist and assistant editor for Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine.

She’s been awarded a host of writing honors including a 2014 Yaddo’s Elizabeth Ames Residency, the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Prize, a Hurston Wright Fellowship, and the Room of Her Own Foundation’s 2009 Orlando Short Story Prize. She received funding to attend the Norman Mailer Writers’ Colony in 2011. Her short story, “Poor Girls’ Palace,” was published in the winter 2009 edition of the Indiana Review, as well as Kwelijournal, 2014.

In 2010 she won the Go On Girl! Book Club Aspiring Writer Award. In 2016 she landed a two-book publishing deal with Disney-Hyperion for her Middle-Grade novel, LOVE LIKE SKY (Nov.6). She often teaches creative writing classes at Rochester, New York’s literary center, Writers & Books.

Born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and raised in Rochester, New York, she’s fortunate to have a family of natural storytellers and a circle of supportive and family and friends.

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will win a finished copy of LOVE LIKE SKY, US Only. Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2837/?

Tour Schedule:
Join us on the other stops of this tour for more giveaway chances and to read more about author Leslie Youngblood and her debut novel LOVE LIKE SKY.

Week One:
11/5/2018- BookHounds YA– Excerpt
11/6/2018- Beagles & Books– Review
11/7/2018- YA Books Central–Excerpt
11/8/2018- Do You Dog-ear?– Review
11/9/2018- Here’s to Happy Endings– Review

Week Two:
11/12/2018- Adventures Thru Wonderland– Review
11/13/2018- Texan Holly Reads– Review
11/14/2018- Utopia State of Mind– Review
11/15/2018- Novel Novice– Excerpt
11/16/2018- Such a Novel Idea– Review