About the Book:
Title: LULU THE ONE AND ONLY
Author: Lynnette Mawhinney
Illustrator: Jennie Poh
Pub. Date: June 9, 2020
Special thanks to Magination Press and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Continue reading “Review & Giveaway for Lulu The One and Only by Lynnette Mawhinney”
Beagles and Books is 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.link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.
#MustReadin2020 Update
On January 1, 2020, I created my #mustreadin2020, a list of middle grade novels all being published in 2020 that I wanted to make a priority to read. To read an update on my progress, click here.
The Wonder of Wildflowers by Anna Staniszewski
When she stands next to the other girls in her fifth grade class, Mila describes herself as “a chicken surrounded by swans.” She is the shortest, the least athletic, and sweats with any physical activity. When she was 5 years old, Mila emigrated to Amberland with her mother and father. Because they are not yet citizens, she and her family are not allowed to sip Amber, a liquid magic that makes people strong and healthy. Mila is elated when her family is finally granted citizenship and the right to use Amber. She quickly notices changes in her athleticism, her grades, and her confidence especially voicing her opinion to her best friend Krysta. Unfortunately, her creativity has taken a hit, for she is struggling to write poetry which has always been one of her talents. And when citizens are told Amber rations are being cut, Mila and her family become a target of hate crimes for they are not seen as citizens but rather outsiders depleting the town’s Amber supply.
Written in under 200 pages with short chapters, dynamic characters, and an intriguing plot, middle grade readers will easily get pulled into Mila’s story. While The Wonder of Wildflowers is indeed fantasy, given the current state of our country, the plot seems quite realistic, and Staniszewski tackles relevant themes as friendship, immigration, bullying, and self-acceptance. What I loved most is witnessing Mila’s transformation realizing that it is more important to stand out than blend in. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group. The Wonder of Wildflowers published in February 2020 and is one of my #mustreadin2020 middle grade novels.
The Word for Friend by Aidan Cassie
A pangolin named Kemala loves to talk and is excited about making friends at her new school but on her first day, worry replaced her enthusiasm because all her classmates speak a different language. How will she ever make friends? During recess, Kemala meets Ana, an anteater, and teaches her how to cut leaves into animal shapes. Using the animals as puppets, Kemala and Anna communicate telling each other stories. Through her friendship with Anna, Kemala develops the confidence and desire to speak the new language to her classmates and teacher.
Like the main characters in author/illustrator Cassie’s previous two picture books, Sterling, Best Dog Ever and Little Juniper Makes It Big!, Kemala learns the lesson of self-acceptance with the support of a friend. What I love about this story is besides becoming friends, Kemala and Anna both learn a new skill. Kemala teaches Anna how to make animal leaf puppets and Kemala learns a new language. With charming and engaging illustrations, The Word for Friend is a perfect read aloud for the start of the school year to support building a classroom community based on kindness, inclusiveness, collaboration, and friendship. An added bonus is the back matter which shares information on Esperanto, Kemala’s new language and cool facts about pangolins. Thanks to the author and publisher for sharing an e-copy of The Word for Friend. It recently published on June 16, 2020.
Invent-A-Pet by Vicky Fang Illustrated by Tidawan Thaipinnarong
When Katie tells her mother she wants an extraordinary, spectacular pet, her mother surprises her with a marvelous machine to help her create a one of a kind animal. The machine has 3 slots and after randomly inputting objects, the outputs were not the animals Katie wanted. She finally makes a plan and discovers each slot has a variable-size, color, and animal. But before Katie can create her perfect pet, she has to solve a more pressing problem. What will she do with all the pets she created during her trial and error? Fortunately, Katie’s problem solving skills save the day ensuring all the animals find a home. So does Katie ever create her extraordinary pet? Read to find out! With bright, playful illustrations and a unique plot, Invent-A-Pet is not only fun and engaging but it also teaches children the scientific process, critical thinking, and beginning concepts of coding. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with my #bookexcursion. It recently published on June 2, 2020.
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.
Bo Bo’s Cave of Gold) by Pam Berkman and Dorothy Hearst Illustrated by Claire Powell
At the Heels of History is a fictional chapter book series that recounts historical events through the eyes of dogs. The second adventure, Bo-Bo’s Cave of Gold, takes place in 1852 in the Sierra Nevada foothills in California. In the first chapter, a golden mutt, Sage, is thrown out of her pack for being weak. Alone and hungry, a bird takes pity of Sage and introduces her to Sheng, a young boy who left war torn and famine stricken China with his father and uncle to find gold in California. With his father’s permission, Sheng adopts Sage renaming her Bo-Bo (meaning little treasure) and the dog vows to be tough and loyal to Sheng even when faced with challenges. Bo-Bo’s Cave of Gold is a story full of history and heart. Readers will learn how immigrants were treated during the California gold rush through not only the story but also the backmatter. To read my full review and enter a giveaway, click here.
Bella & I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Happy Reading!
About the Book:
Title: BO-BO’S CAVE OF GOLD
Author: Pam Berkman & Dorothy Hearst
Illustrator: Claire Powell
Pub. Date: April 28, 2020
Special thanks to Simon and Schuster and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Continue reading “Review & Giveaway for Bo-Bo’s Cave of Gold by Pam Berkman & Dorothy Hearst”
On January 1, 2020, I created my #mustreadin2020. This is a list of middle grade novels all being published in 2020 that I wanted to make a priority to read. Since school has officially ended, I can now relax, renew, and read. Thanks to my fellow #bookexcursion member Lisa Maucione’s recent #mustread update post, now is a great time to take a look at my list and reflect upon my current status and progress.
STATS
I have read and reviewed 8 books (47%)
I just finished reading 1 book. (6%)
I am currently reading 1 book. (6%)
I have 7 books left in my TBR stack. (41%)
Read (with links to reviews)
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
Beginners Welcome by Cindy Baldwin
How to Make Friends with the Sea by Tanya Guerrero
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson
Finally Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett
The Space Between Lost and Found by Sandy Stark-McGinnis
What Lane? by Torrey Maldonaldo
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi & Laura Shovan
Just Finished
The Wonder of Wildflowers by Anna Staniszweski (review to be posted on 7/6/20)
Currently Reading
A Dog Friendly Town by Josephine Cameron (August 2020)
Still on my TBR
The Midnight Hour by Benjamin Read and Laura Trinder (March 2020)
Any Day With You by Mae Respicio (May 2020)
Quintessence by Jess Redman (May 2020)
Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard (June 2020)
Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai (August 2020)
Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (August 2020)
Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie (September 2020)
Look for an update on my #mustreadin2020 progress in early September. Do you have any #mustreadin2020 middle grade novels you wish to share? Post any recommendations in the comments below.
Bella and I are excited to be part of the Kat and Juju blog tour! Releasing on July 1, 2020, this picture book is written and illustrated by Kataneh Vahdani. Special thanks to Amazon/Two Lions Publishing and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Continue reading “Blog Tour & Giveaway for Kat and Juju by Kataneh Vahdani”
Beagles and Books is 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.
It’s the first official day of my summer and it’s almost hard to believe. When I left school on March 13th, I never thought my school year would continue and end with remote teaching. But with the support of my administration and colleagues and an inner drive , I continued to connect with students, teach and co-teach content, and still read to my #classroombookaday second grade students. I don’t know what school will look like in the fall and to be honest, I have no control over what will happen. What I do have control over is taking time to renew, recharge, and rejuvenate this summer which will include spending time with Bella, my husband, social distancing with family and friends, and of course reading and growing personally and professionally.
Tune It Out by Jamie Sumners
From a very young age, 12 year old Lou struggled with loud noises and physical contact. In fact, her mom was the only one who doesn’t make her jump or cringe. She and her mom have moved around a lot and are currently living in their truck. Lou has a beautiful singing voice and while she hates performing in front of crowds, she sings at coffee shops, casinos, or any place her mom can land a gig to help pay for their basic needs. On a snowy night, Lou is involved in an accident when she attempts to pick up her mom from her job. The accident causes Lou to be separated from her mom and placed in the temporary custody of her lawyer aunt and teacher uncle. Living in a new home, attending the private school where her uncle teaches, and making new friends is a big transition for Lou but gradually she learns more about her mom, her grandparents, and most importantly, herself. While her mom never wanted Lou labeled, Lou begins to realize that acknowledging her sensory processing disorder doesn’t make her weak, it gives her the strength to manage it and be truly happy.
Narrated by Lou, Tune It Out was a story of heartache, happiness, and hope. At the beginning, my heart broke for both Lou and her mom. I know Lou’s mom loves her daughter and never intended anything bad to happen to her, but was too proud to ask for help. I was overcome with happiness as Lou began to trust others especially new friend Well realizing that good friends accept you for who you are. And lastly, Lou gave me hope because with the support of family, school, and friends, she stopped running away from her problems, learned from her mistakes, spoke up for herself, and forged her own path. Thanks to the author, Simon and Schuster, and NetGalley for sharing a digital galley of Tune It Out with my #bookexcursion group. It releases on September 1, 2020.
Doodleville by Chad Sell
Since Drew was very young, she has been doodling at her parents’ diner and at the age of five; her doodles came alive. Drew draws a home named Doodleville where her art can live when they are not in her sketchbook. On a field trip to The Art Institute of Chicago, her art club advisor challenges the students to find a piece of art that will inspire their next project. Drew gets distracted because her doodles escape her sketchbook invading the art museum. Drew captures them all but not before doodle Mike steals a hat from one of the paintings. When called on to share her project, Drew is not prepared so she is now determined to show everyone with something amazing and big. She creates a monster named Leviathan (Levi for short) which she can’t wait to share with her art club. But when they give her constructive criticism which makes her angry, Levi takes on her emotion creating chaos for all her classmates’ work. Can Drew find a way to control Levi and make amends with her friends?
At times, we all struggle with feeling anxious and inadequate. This fantasy graphic novel reminds us that while those emotions are normal, we need to find a way to get past them and see the good in us. What I loved about the story is how Drew realizes that being different can make you powerful and problems can be solved when you work together. In fact, unity can lead to better friendships and better art. Thanks to Penguin Random House for sharing an ARC at NCTE 2019. Doodleville is the first in the series, for Book 2 will release sometime in 2021.
That’s Life by Ame Dyckman Illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
Most adults have heard the saying “That’s life” but how do you explain this to kids? Enter Life, a small, furry, tongue licking creature that suddenly appears disrupting a young child who is deep in thought writing. Wittily using other life expressions, Author Dyckman (and adorably drawn little Life) take our protagonist and young readers on an adventure which shows life can be unpredictable, surprising, exhausting, messy, sweet, funny, tough, crazy, and beautiful. Doerrfeld creatively illustrates all of the life idioms so that kids can visually understands them. And to be sure to check out the gorgeous case cover.
I am a big fan of both Ame Dyckman and Cori Doerrfeld so I knew their collaboration would be larger than life. With all that has happened since March, That’s Life (which coincidentally published on March 31, 2020) is a light and humorous story with a big message reminding us with the right mindset, we can weather any storm.
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.
Brooklyn Bailey, The Missing Dog by Amy Sohn and Omar LePap Illustrated by Libby VanderPloeg
Inspired by a true events, Brooklyn Bailey, The Missing Dog recounts the story of a goldendoodle who went missing for two days and three nights. And don’t worry, she was found!
Every morning Yotam and his mom visit Henry’s Local, a neighborhood cafe, on their way to school. When Yotam sees a friend in the cafe, he ties Bailey’s leash to a metal chair since dogs are not allowed inside. Something startles Bailey causing her to jump and freeing her from the chair. Bailey is on the loose. With the help of the whole Brooklyn community of Carroll Gardens, Bailey is reunited with her family.
The whimsical illustrations drawn in a pastel palette are gorgeous and make Brooklyn a main character in the story. What I especially love is how the neighborhood banded together in support of finding Bailey. The family replaced the missing dog signs with Bailey Came Home signs inviting the community to celebrate on their stoop. Thank you to Penguin Random House for sharing a copy with my #bookexcursion group. Brooklyn Bailey, The Missing Dog published in April 2020.
Bella & I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Happy Reading!
Beagles and Books is 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.
Seven Clues to Home by Gae Polisner and Nora Raleigh Baskin
It’s been exactly one year since Joy’s best friend Lukas died While Joy admits the pain got smaller, the grief did not. Today turning thirteen is not a happy occasion especially since every year Joy and Lukas celebrated their August birthdays together with a scavenger hunt. For the past year, the unopened envelope with the first clue has remained in the bottom of her desk drawer. Joy finally gets the courage to open the envelope and read and follow the first clue.
I really enjoy novels written from dual perspective and Polisner and Baskin have masterfully written a moving story that will tug at your heartstrings. Joy’s chapters take place in the present as she pieces together the clues while Lukas is in the past recounting his day planting the clues all around their Long Island town. You can feel Joy’s pain as she engages in the scavenger hunt but you can also feel her excitement in feeling connected once again to Lukas.
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things to experience. Seven Clues to Home reminds us you can keep that people close to your heart through remembering and reminiscing and never really have to say goodbye. Thanks to the publisher Knopf Books for Young Reader/Penguin Random House for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group. Seven Clues to Home recently published on June 9, 2020.
The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane by Nikki Shannon Smith Illustrated by Mari Lobo
Third grader Azaleah lives in Washington, DC with her chef mom, lawyer dad, older sister Nia, and younger sister Tiana. In this first book in the series, Azaleah takes a class field trip to the National Zoo and is excited about a creative extra credit assignment. She decides to focus on her project on a tiger’s habitat but her ability to begin the assignment is impacted by the disappearance of her Tiana’s stuffed frog, Greenie. Tiana is devastated and very persistent in wanting Azaleah to help her in the search. Azaleah is willing to help but is also concerned about completing her project in time. Will Azaleah be successful in accomplishing both?
Written by #OwnVoices author who has worked in elementary education for over 25 years, Nikki Shannon Smith has created an engaging new series for children transitioning to chapter books. A blend of realistic fiction and mystery, the story has a lot of kid appeal with a fast-paced plot, about 100 pages in length, bright and lively illustrations, and an eager and smart main character. Thanks to Capstone for sharing a copy with my #bookexcursion group. The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane published in January 2020. Look for the second book in the series, The Dramatic Life of Azaleah Lane in Fall 2020.
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
Ernestine who lives in the city is elated to be going on her first camping trip with her Aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha. With a stuffed duffle bag which luckily zipped, Ernestine is ready. During the long drive to the campground, Ernestine and Samantha pass the time together and once they arrive, they learn setting up a campsite is a lot of work. As a first time camper, Ernestine is unsure about swimming in a fish filled pond, packs way too much in her backpack for a hike and enjoys eating broccoli salad and making s’mores (tofu dogs are not her favorite). When night falls and Ernestine can’t sleep, she begins to miss her dad. Fortunately, Aunt Jackie and Samantha are there to hold her hand and show her the beauty of a star filled sky.
The Camping Trip is simply delightful. Readers will identify with Ernestine’s range of feelings in trying something new and Mann does a wonderful job of capturing her emotions in both words and illustrations. I love the blend of graphic novel and picture book with panel illustrations, speech bubbles, and first person narration. And don’t miss the gorgeous case cover or undies and the end papers. The Camping Trip recently published in April 2020.
Bella’s 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.
Max Explains Everything Puppy Expert by Stacy McAnulty Illustrated by Deborah Hocking
Max Explains Everything Puppy Expert is full of good advice for welcoming a new dog of any age into your family. Max has wanted to dog for a long time and after his mom sees an adoption event in the local paper, they finally say yes to Max. Choosing the right puppy is a tough decision but once Max does, he realizes it is even more difficult to choose the right house. Do you pick a name based on personality or behavior? Teaching his puppy the do’s and don’t of the house and commands is a lot of work hard work but Max realizes that puppies are also a lot of fun, cute, cuddle, and love which helps him choose the perfect name.
What I love about the Max is he talks directly to the reader. McAnulty’s bouncy text reads like a conversation and along with Hocking’s charming full page illustrations, Max’s upbeat personality shines through. I also love that kids see that Max did the research before adopting a pet and his mom holds him accountable for taking care of his puppy. And of course, the fact that Max adopted a puppy warms my heart. Thanks to G.P. Putnam Sons/Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for sharing an e-copy. Max Explains Everything Puppy Expert publishes on July 7, 2020.
Bella & I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Happy Reading!
Beagles and Books is 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 Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser
It is such a joy to return to The Vanderbeekers’ brownstone on 141st Street in Harlem. In the fourth book of the series, The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found, it is fall right before the New York Marathon. Mr. Beiderman is running with the school’s cross country team so he can train for the marathon. While tending to the community garden, the siblings discovered that a person of mystery or PM has been staying in the shed. With their parents’ permission, they have been leaving food. Slowly, clues lead them to the PM’s identity and in true Vanderbeeker fashion, they want to help but as we all know, some problems are not that easily fixed.
While I love the Vanderbeekers for their genuine concern and kindness, the reason I enjoy them so much is because they encounter real problems. And when problems arise, things don’t always go the right way; mistakes are made and they learn from them. The Vanderbeekers siblings also don’t just have each other to lean on. Besides their parents, they are a whole community of friends (young and old) to support them.
With the state of the world right now, kids and adults needs books and more importantly, a series like this. Stories that are authentic, relatable, and provide a sense of hope. And if you haven’t read the first 3 in the series, no worries. Author Karina Yan Glaser does a marvelous job of providing enough background that each book can be read on its own.
Special thanks to Houghton Mifflin Publishing and Edelweiss for sharing an e-ARC. The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found publishes in September 2020.
Gurple and Preen by Linda Sue Park Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Robots Gurple and Preen crash-land on a planet which results in a damaged ship with crayons scattered everywhere. Without the right resources, a distressed Gurple thinks the ship is unrepairable while an enterprising Preen has a different outlook. When Gurple breaks a crayon which results in a tablecloth, Preen uses it as a tool to wrap the scattered crayons into groups. Each time Gurple is discouraged by what emerges out of a broken crayon, Preen shows its utility which ultimately fixes the ship. An astonished Gurple’s eyes and mind are open to a different way of thinking.
Gurple and Preen answers the question-What can you do with a broken crayon? You can not only create imaginative artwork but you also can also tell a captivating story. What I love about the story is it teaches kids valuable skills such as resourcefulness, creativity, and problem solving.
Thanks to Debbie Ridpath Ohi for sharing a F & G with my #bookexcursion group. Gurple and Preen publishes on August 25, 2020.
The Refuge by Sandra le Guen Illustrated by Stéphane Nicolet Translated by Daniel Hahn
Teaching theme can be a difficult skill. As a reading specialist, picture books have become a valuable teaching tool to support students’ ability to determine theme. With themes of empathy, bravery, resilience, friendship, family & hope, The Refuge is a great mentor text. To read my full review and enter a giveaway, click here.
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.
A Family for Louie by Alexandra Thompson
Foodie French bulldog Louie thinks his life is full. He has fine food, a comfortable home, and books to read. But one day he realizes the one thing he is missing is a family. But how you find a family? Each time Louie sees what he thinks is a potential match, something is not right. Will Louie ever find a family to call his own?
Debut author/illustrator Alexandra Thompson has written and illustrated a charming story about food, friendship, and family. Louie is simply adorable and Thompson’s use of soft colors in her illustrations evokes a sense of warmth and calm. What I love about Louie is Thompson’s decision to make him anthropomorphic, for he sits in restaurants, goes to the beach, and sits in parks right alongside humans. And while he thought he was content, once he saw families spending time together, he realized he desired that sense of connection too. Thanks to Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for sharing an e-copy. A Family for Louie celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on June 9, 2020.
Bella & I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Happy Reading!
Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the The Refuge blog tour. Written by Sandra le Guen, illustrated by Stéphane Nicolet, and translated by Daniel Hahn. this picture book is published by Amazon Crossing Kids, an imprint for children’s books in translation. It recently published on June 1, 2020. Special thanks to Amazon Crossing Kids and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Beagles and Books is 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.
While blogging is a solitary activity, I never feel alone, for I am blessed to be part of a larger community of kid lit bloggers. We share our love of reading and always makes sure our TBR stack is tall! Grateful to have Beagles and Books highlighted on two lists of kid lit blogs to follow along with many other fellow bloggers: Afoma Umesi’s 22 Best Kid Lit Blogs to Follow and Feedspot’s Top 100 Children’s Book Blogs and Websites for Parents, Teachers and Kids in 2020.
This week is devoted to picture books that I was digitally sent by Penguin Random House. As I mentioned last week, I initially wasn’t a big fan of electronic picture books largely due to the fact I regularly shared F & G and ARCs with my #classroombookday second grade. The kids felt honored when I read aloud these yet-to-be published books. Once our teaching went virtual, I will admit it was hard to hold a picture book while reading. PDFs of picture books allow kids to see not only the text but also the gorgeous illustrations during a virtual Google Meet class meeting. While I do miss holding a picture book and have had to get creative snapping photos of Bella with just picture book covers, e-books have allowed me to keep the live read alouds engaging for kids. As always, trying to find the silver lining.
Recent Reads:
Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield
From the immense grin on his face to calling him strong with arms like stone, readers see how deeply Luis admires his father who is a bricklayer. On subsequent pages in both text and illustrations, Sheffield shows the parallels between Luis and his father as they both work. As Luis’ father builds brick by brick, Luis reads book by book. As his father makes mortar, Luis builds with his art supplies. Verbs such as SCRRRAPES and WHIRRRRRRR are overly emphasized in the text which made me almost hear the sounds as I was reading. Luis has a dream that his family will have nuestra casa para siempre-our always home. On a Saturday morning after breakfast, Luis’ father has una sopresa (surprise) and after a ride in the truck with his eyes closed, Luis discovers that dreams can come true, for his father has built the family a brick house to call home.
Brick by Brick is a feel good story about family, hard work, and dreams. Sheffield’s use of mixed media made her art literally jump off the page. And I love the exuberant expressions of Luis and his father, for they will warm your heart. Thanks to the author and Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House for sharing an e-copy of Brick by Brick which was recently published on May 4, 2020.
Soaked by Abi Cushman
According to a bear, rain ruins everything he loves. Ice cream. Sand castles. Cashmere sweaters (Really? Not sure about that last one). Seeking shelter in his cave, he invites his friends but it gets a little crowded when one of your friends is a hula hooping moose. If only you could find your bumblebee umbrella. Hmm. Seems odd that the badger found hers. (Wait a minute. Why would a badger have the same umbrella?) But when one of moose’s hula hoops get stuck in a tree, the wallowing bear can’t just sit there. As he, rabbit, and badger free the hula hoop, they all fall into a huge puddle with the hoop around bear’s neck. Could hula hoop + puddle + rain =fun?
Last week, I had the opportunity to do a live read aloud of Soaked to my #classroombookaday second grade class. After I read, we discussed the lesson of the story. A student said Soaked teaches us to look for the good, not the bad. The conversation grew with the realization that while we all wish we were together in the classroom listening to the story, we are happy that we can be together virtually through Google Meets. We are learning how to change our perspective and seeing the positive rather than dwelling on the negative. Great message for today and every day! Thanks to Viking Books/Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for an e-copy. Look for Soaked on June 14, 2020.
The Stray by Molly Ruttan
When I first saw the title, I immediately thought The Stray was about a dog looking for a home. The cover made me realize the stray was an alien from another planet who crashed to Earth. A kind family rescues him wrapping him up in a baby blanket, brings him home, and name him Grub.
What I love most about The Stray is the illustrations are integral to the story. My #classroombooksaday observed this right away. If a reader just read the text, the story could be about a stray dog or cat but the artwork confirms that Grub is unique. The illustrations unveil Grub’s levitating powers which begin with a toaster and are in full force on a walk around the neighborhood. What tugged at my heart is while the family welcomed Grub as a member of their family, he still missed his home. Recognizing his yearning, the kids put up FOUND posters which are instrumental in Grub’s reunion with his alien family. The Stray is a tender story about a family who not only has enough love to welcome a stray into their family but also to let him go. Thanks to Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for an e-copy. The Stray will celebrate its book birthday tomorrow on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
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.
This is Gus by Chris Chatterton
Gus is a grumpy basset hound who doesn’t like being petted, going for walks or celebrating birthdays. But wait! Once a basset pup arrives on the scene, maybe Gus will change his mind. And while the text may say Gus now likes things, the illustrations clearly show his distaste for everything except…sausage. Gus likes the smell, shape, and taste of sausage. Guess who else likes sausage? The basset pup. Will Gus be willing to share his sausage? Like Ryan Higgins’ Bruce, This is Gus might be a grouch but he truly has a heart of gold. Thanks to Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for an e-copy. Previously published in the U.K., This is Gus will celebrate its U.S. book birthday tomorrow on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
Bella & I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books. Happy Reading! Stay safe and well!
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