Beagles & Books

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

April 9, 2018July 1, 2020 lauramossa

Front Desk is a semi autobiographical account of young Mia Tang who recently immigrated with her parents from China to the United States. When her parents get the opportunity to manage the Calivista Motel, they jump at the chance to earn $150 a day plus free rent. After signing the contract, what they don’t know is the owner Mr. Yao can change the terms at any time. This not only means less money a day but also the financial responsibility of paying for refunds and broken appliances. Still, Mia and her family continue to manage the Calivista with her parents taking care of the housekeeping and Mia managing the front desk. Mia becomes friends with the Calivista weeklies who become her extended family.

Managing the front desk and being the new student at Dale Elementary School is a lot to handle but Mia is determined to succeed even when things get tough. While Mia wants to focus on becoming a better writer, her mother encourages Mia to spend more time doing math. Her mother says “You just can’t be as good as the white kids in their language honey. It’s their language,” Mia though is insistent in proving her mother wrong practicing and perfecting her writing with the help of Calivista weekly Mrs. T’s dictionary-thesaurus. Writing also becomes therapeutic when Mia wants to express her feelings after being teased at school or write an apology to a friend. When weekly Hank who is African American gets wrongly accused of a crime and subsequently loses his job, Mia decides to write a reference letter which helps him secure a new job. Her writing also helps a friend of the family get his passport back from his dishonest employer.

Knowing that her writing has changed people’s lives for the better, Mia realizes she has the power to change her life too and for the first time in school, Mia honestly writes from the heart sharing a personal experience. Hoping to change her family’s life, Mia also takes a leap of faith entering an essay contest to win a motel. As her friend Lupe says, “You can’t win if you don’t play.”

Front Desk is a story of hope and heart. Mia is an exceptional character who shows not only a genuine kindness but also immense courage to help others. She has good role models in her parents who help fellow immigrants by hiding them in empty motel rooms. Despite the obstacles they face, Mia and her parents continue to pick themselves up and keep going.

Kelly Yang’s story is a window for me to see life through the eyes of an immigrant family but also can be a mirror for young readers who have endured similar experiences. At the end of the novel, she includes an author’s note sharing information about her own life as well as the struggles of Chinese families immigrating to America. When I am having a rough day, I will reread Front Desk and remember these important lessons:

Sometimes a mistake is actually an opportunity.
Words have the power to change lives.
Sometimes the people you least expect can blow you away with their courage and kindness.
Dreams can come true with kindness, courage, and determination.
Success is sweeter when shared with friends.

A very special thanks to Arthur A. Levine Books and Lizette Serrano of Scholastic for sending an ARC of Front Desk to my #bookexcursion group. Pre-order Front Desk now, for it releases on May 29, 2018. Your life will be forever changed after reading. I know mine has.

Bookexcursion

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/9/18

April 9, 2018 lauramossa

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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 Reads This Week

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Front Desk is a semi autobiographical account of young Mia Tang who recently immigrated with her parents from China to the United States. Mia and her family manage the Calivista with her parents taking care of the housekeeping and Mia managing the front desk. Mia becomes friends with the Calivista weeklies who become her extended family.

Managing the front desk and being the new student at Dale Elementary School is a lot to handle but Mia is determined to succeed even when things get tough. While her mother encourages Mia to spend more time doing math, Mia wants to focus on becoming a better writer. Her mother says “You just can’t be as good as the white kids in their language honey. It’s their language,” Mia though is insistent in proving her mother wrong practicing and perfecting her writing with the help of Calivista weekly Mrs. T’s dictionary-thesaurus. After Mia’s writing changes a few people’s lives for the better, Mia realizes her written words could have the power to change her life too. As her friend Lupe says, “You can’t win if you don’t play.”

Front Desk is a story of hope and heart. Mia is an exceptional character who shows not only a genuine kindness but also immense courage to help others. For my full review, click here.

A very special thanks to Arthur A. Levine Books and Lizette Serrano of Scholastic for sending an ARC to my #bookexcursion group. Pre-order Front Desk now, for it releases on May 1, 2018.

Neither by Airlie Anderson

“Once upon a time, there were two kinds: this (a blue rabbit) and that (a yellow bird).” An egg hatches and out comes a green creature that has characteristics of both a rabbit and a bird. “You can’t be both. You must be a neither!” said this and that which forces “Neither” to fly off to Somewhere Else. As “Neither” soars in the sky, the reader can see a bird’s eye view of the Land of This and That, which is predominantly blue and yellow while the land adjacent to it includes many more colors. “Neither” soon finds out that she has not found Somewhere Else but rather the Land of All where animals of different kinds are welcome. Anderson’s colorful and vivid illustrations are captivating to the eye. In the Land of All, creatures are a blend of different animals such as a cat butterfly and a dog fish celebrating both uniqueness and inclusiveness.

Reminiscent of Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Manchev, Neither is an engaging and thoughtful story about tolerance, diversity, and acceptance. I cannot wait to share this with students for #classroombookaday.

Etta’s and 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.

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings

Arfy is a dog in search of a forever home. Living in a cardboard box in an alley, he decides to write letters to residents on Butternut Street asking “Can I be your dog?” In each letter, Arfy states why he would be a good fit for them. Unfortunately, Arfy receives letters back turning him down for different reasons. A sad Arfy returns to his “home” in the alley and wakes up to find a letter addressed to him. Unbeknownst to Arfy (although readers can infer from the illustrations), the mail carrier has been reading some of his letters. She writes her own letter to Arfy asking him “Can I be your person?” stating why they would be a good match.

From the bold and lively illustrations, the plot being told through letters, and determination of Arfy to find a home, Can I Be Your Dog is not only the perfect read aloud but also a great resource for teaching persuasive writing or composing letters. What especially warms my heart are the tips for how to help a homeless animal in the end papers.

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books! Have a great week! Happy Reading!

happiness-is-a-warm-puppy-and-a-good-book

Bookexcursion

My #MustReadin2018 Spring Update

April 8, 2018April 8, 2018 lauramossa

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Is it really already April? In January, I compiled my Must Reads in 2018 joining host Carrie Gelson of of There’s a Book for That and a community of other bloggers. It’s time for a spring update to check in on my progress. To read other bloggers’ progress, search using the hashtag #mustreadin2018.

2018 is my first year participating in #mustreadin2018. I choose 20 middle grade books. Some are books in my TBR stack that weren’t read in 2017, some are #bookexcursion ARCs generously provided by authors, and others are titles recommended by authors and book bloggers I follow on Goodreads and Twitter.

I am slightly behind in my reading. I have read 3 books and am in the process of reading 2 books. I am not worried though because in about 50 days, I will have a summer truly free to devote more time to read many of the books on my list. Plenty of time to catch up!

#MustReadin2018 Middle Grade Books Read

Takedown by Laura Shovan

A book that was out of my comfort zone. Sports has never been my thing but I devoured Takedown. I absolutely loved the format of the novel hearing from both Mikayla’s and Lev’s perspective, which revealed their determination, competitiveness, and insecurities. For my full review, click here. Takedown releases in June 2018.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

Mathematical genius Lucy discovers that all things aren’t easy to calculate, and sometimes numbers aren’t all that matters. For my full review, click here. Lightning Girl releases in May 2018.

Pashmina by Nidji Chanani

This graphic novel was a window into the world of Priyanka, an Indian American teenager being raised by a single mother. Like Pri, I questioned why her mother left India and why she refused to discuss it. The mysterious and magical pashmina allowed me to join Pri on her journey to uncover the truth.

#MustReadin2018 Books Currently Reading

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore

I am currently listening to the audio version. I have about an hour and a half left. Another window book for me. Lolly is a good kid trying to make the right choices which isn’t easy living in the projects in Harlem. Rooting for Lolly to fully realize his talents and potential to do great things in life.

Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff

I just started reading Grump and am already intrigued by his fascination with humans and wanting to go above the surface. Stay tuned!

Professional Books

While I have not read the books in their entirety, I have read portions of Preventing Misguided Reading and From Striving to Thriving as they support my teaching of students as well as assist me in my work supporting teachers in professional learning. I have not yet received my copy of Understanding Text as Readers.

Thanks for joining me in my book journey!

#Bookexcursion, Book Birthday, Poetry

With My Hands: Poems About Making Things by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater Illustrated by Lou Fancher & Steve Johnson

March 27, 2018 lauramossa

Happy Book Birthday to Amy Ludwig VanDerWater’s With My Hands: Poems About Making Things.

While it’s true that “a maker creates something new that never was before,” creativity can come in many forms. Ludwig VanDerwater has written 26 poems celebrating countless ways ideas can come to life with one’s own hands.

What I love about the poems is the reminder that creating is a very personal experience. In Painting, the painter shares that “nobody can tell I’m painting wrong.” In Collage, the carefully chosen scraps torn from photos are a “window to my heart.” Making also teaches perseverance and patience. In Knot, the narrator says while “it is not easy to tie a knot, I am “knot” giving up.” In Soap Carving and Tie Dye Shirt, we are reminded that it takes time to create something, and in Clay, listening is important because the lump of clay will “tell you what it is and what it is not.”

Of course, the very best part about being a maker is that you are forever changed. As Ludwig VanDerwater eloquently writes in the last poem baring the same name as the book title, “I am different because I brought something new to life in my hands.” Fancher’s and Johnson’s illustrations demonstrate a variety of mediums from pencil and paint to collage in their bold yet warm illustrations. The illustrations coupled with the poetry invite all readers to become makers and thinkers by rolling up their sleeves and getting messy!

With a district focus on Developing Lifelong Learners Through Literacy and the creation of Makerspaces in elementary, middle, and high school libraries, With My Hands is the perfect book to support initiatives in my district, Baltimore County Public Schools. I plan on sharing this gorgeous book in my district!

Special thanks to Amy Ludwig VanDerWater for sending a copy of With My Hands to our #bookexcursion group.

#Bookexcursion, It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/26/18

March 26, 2018March 26, 2018 lauramossa

Etta, Bella, and I are excited to share our reads for 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 Reads This Week:

Every Shiny Thing by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison

Every Shiny Thing is a uniquely structured novel told in alternating points of view. Told in prose, Lauren comes from an affluent family and is struggling with her parents’ decision to send her brother to her residential school for autistic teens. Told in verse, Sierra is the foster child of Lauren’s neighbors as well as her new classmate. In the novel, Lauren embarks on a project to help autistic children from less affluent families and enlists Sierra to help her. While well intentioned, Lauren becomes consumed with raising money at any cost which begins to negatively affect her friendship with Sierra. Sierra is also fighting her own battle of always taking care of everyone but herself. I absolutely adored this beautifully written novel on so many levels. To read my full review, click here.

Special thanks to Laurie Morrison for sending an advance reading copy of Every Shiny Thing to our #bookexcursion group. It will be published soon in April 2018.

B ig Foot Little Foot by Ellen Potter Illustrated by Felicita Sala

Hugo is a young Sasquatch who yearns for adventure in the Big Wide World but exploring beyond the North Woods is off limits. Why? Because the most important Sasquatch rule is never be seen by a human. During a class lesson on Hide and Go Sneak, Hugo accidentally laughs at the sight of a real human while observing a boy (whose name is Boone) blowing a dandelion. Sent home with a note from his furious teacher and punished by his parents, Hugo makes his own wish for adventure by sending his toy boat down a stream in his room. Hugo is amazed when his boat comes back with a plastic toy human from Boone. Perhaps this is the start of not only an adventure but also a new friendship!

Like Ellen Potter’s Piper Green and the Fairy Tree series, Big Foot, Little Foot is sure to be a hit with transitional readers and their teachers. Young readers will easily relate to Hugo and his curiosity. Hugo and Boone also teach an important lesson about making assumptions before getting to know someone. The ending definitely leaves readers wanting more adventures with Hugo and Boone.

Special thanks to Ellen Potter for sending an advance reading copy to our #bookexcursion group. Look for Big Foot Little Foot’s release soon in April 2018.

Maggie & Abby’s Neverending Pillow Fort by Will Taylor

Missing her best friend Abby who has been away at Camp Cantaloupe for six weeks, Maggie builds a pillow fort in her living room. When Abby returns, Maggie is excited to spend time with Abby, but her best friend seems different. Wanting to expand their circle, Abby is eager to start their own summer camp and invite more kids to join in their games.

After Maggie builds a cabin-fort in her own house, the girls are shocked to discover that their forts are not only mysteriously linked to one another but also to other pillow forts around the world. But these links are not available unless Maggie and Abby perform a good deed and become full members of NAFAFA (The North American Founding and Allied Fort Alliance). Gaining entry to this exclusive club is further complicated because of a power struggle among the NAFAFA council members as well as Maggie’s and Abby’s differing opinions on how to gain entry into the organization.

A blend of fantasy, mystery, and realistic fiction, Maggie & Abby’s Neverending Pillow Fort will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Reading about the history and inner workings of NAFAFA made me wonder and laugh out loud. Maggie and Abby’s changing friendship tugged at my heart strings. The novel ends on a cliffhanger so I am so excited that Book 2 is already in the works!

Special thanks to Will Taylor for sending an advance reading copy to our #bookexcursion group. Get ready because Maggie & Abby’s Neverending Pillow Fort will be published shortly in April 2018.

Building Books by Megan Wagner Lloyd Illustrated by Brianne Farley

Katie loved building with blocks, and her brother Owen loved reading books. The siblings fought about which is better-building or reading. The school librarian intervenes by giving Katie a stack of books to read while Owen receives a stack of books to shelve. Not interested in reading, Katie decides to build a castle with the books stumbling upon a book about castle engineering. Not interested in shelving, Owen begins balancing books on top of each other. It does not take long for the siblings to respect each other’s interests and collaborate to create something together. Librarians must be pretty smart!

Wagner Lloyd has written a beautiful story that reminds us all to be open to expanding our comfort zones. Farley’s illustrations warmly depict both Katie’s and Owen’s enthusiasm for their favorite hobbies and slowly transition to show how the siblings change their minds and appreciate each other’s interests.

Special thanks to Megan Wagner Lloyd for sending a F & G copy to our #bookexcursion group. Building Books will be published in October 2018.

Etta’s and Bella’s Dog Read of the Week:

George the Hero Hound by Jeffrey Ebbeler

Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine main character.

George was a good old hound dog. He willingly helped Farmer Fritz with chores around the farm in exchange for an afternoon nap. But then Farmer Fritz decides to move to the beach leaving the farm and George behind. Not long after, the Gladstone family buys the farm. Having moved from the city to the country, George quickly realizes that his new family needs a heap of help from fixing tractors to herding cows. When daughter Olive goes missing, George saves the day and shows he is truly a hero hound.

George the Hero Hound is such a delightful and entertaining picture book. I love how devoted George is to helping his new family adjust to farm life. Author/illustrator Ebbeler’s drawings of George truly capture his personality. And pay close attention to the illustrations especially all the cows’ antics!

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books! Have a great week! Happy Reading!

happiness-is-a-warm-puppy-and-a-good-book

#Bookexcursion, Middle Grade Literature

Every Shiny Thing by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison

March 26, 2018April 17, 2018 lauramossa

With her Quaker school’s theme of simplicity and her new friendship with Sierra, Lauren becomes increasingly cognizant of her privilege. She embarks on a project to help autistic children from less affluent families and enlists Sierra to help her. While well intentioned, Lauren becomes consumed with raising money at any cost which begins to negatively affect her friendship with Sierra. Sierra is also grappling with her own personal battle of always taking care of everyone but herself. She finally learns that sometimes the best thing you can do for anyone is to let them fall.

I absolutely adored this beautifully written novel on so many levels. The use of both prose and verse was perfect to share each character’s point of view. I applauded Lauren’s altruism but I was so worried observing how easily the lines between right and wrong became blurred for her. Due to her family circumstances, my heart broke for Sierra but I was touched by the fact that she remained courageous and hopeful. Sierra’s story was definitely a window for me because I know she could be a mirror for many students I teach.

Special thanks to Laurie Morrison for sending an advance reading copy of Every Shiny Thing to our #bookexcursion group. Preorder now so your copy arrives promptly on April 17, 2018.

Blog Tour, Debut Author

Duck, Duck, Moose by Joy Heyer

March 24, 2018March 25, 2018 lauramossa

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Thank you to Pink Umbrella Books for providing Beagles and Books with the opportunity to read and review Duck, Duck Moose by Joy Heyer. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Duck is sad because his best friend Goose is gone for the winter. Sensing his unhappiness, the animals attempt to cheer up Duck by asking him to play games. Unfortunately, the other animals’ games just don’t feel right. Duck, Duck, Pig is too messy. Duck, Duck, Snake is too slitherly. Duck Duck Porcupine and Duck Duck Moose are too dangerous! Can Duck solve his problem and cure his loneliness?

Review: Duck, Duck, Moose is a fun rhyming picture book that begs to be read aloud. Young children will especially like the onomatopoeia that Heyer uses as Duck engages in a new game with each animal. Her warm watercolor illustrations of the animals show their willingness to help Duck with his loneliness.

The theme of missing a good friend is one to which all children can relate. While the plot is predictable, I like that Heyer does not tell the reader why Duck does not enjoy each animal’s game. Children can infer based on text clues and the illustrations. What I love about the text is that Duck learns that he must look to himself to solve his problem, which is a good lesson for readers young and old.

Duck Duck Moose recently published in March 2018.

About the Author: Joy Heyer lives in Virginia with her loving husband and three of her four crazy children. Her oldest child now has a child of her own, making Joy a grandma. Her family recently convinced her to get a dog. What was she thinking? The dog now follows Joy everywhere, waits loyally at the front window every time she leaves the house, and goes berserk when she comes back, even if she was only gone for 10 seconds to get the mail. In her spare time….wait, what spare time? Whenever her children and dog permit, she loves to read, write, paint, and dream up home improvement projects.

#Bookexcursion, Book Birthday

The Last Grand Adventure by Rebecca Behrens

March 20, 2018March 20, 2018 lauramossa

Happy Book Birthday to Rebecca Behrens’ The Last Grand Adventure!

With her dad’s remarriage to Julie, new stepsister Sally, and her writer mom away covering the “Summer of Love” in San Francisco, it is completely natural for 12-year-old Bea to feel a little lost When her grandmother Pidge moves from Boston to a retirement community in California, Bea agrees to stay with her and help Pidge get settled. In her worry journal, Bea admits her fears about leaving home. What if her dad and Julie enjoy her being gone? In contrast, Bea though writes in her adventure journal that “every adventure has to start somewhere.”

Little does Bea know the adventure that is in store for her. Soon after she is dropped off, Pidge tells Bea of her plan to reunite with her missing sister, “Meelie” who just happens to be the famous aviator Amelia Earhart. At first, Bea seems skeptical but then Pidge shares Meelie’s letters with her. Bea had so many questions the first being was she up for this adventure? What if she is the only Earhart who isn’t brave? And the most important question of all, what if this adventure changes her life?

Rebecca Behrens writes a touching and heartwarming story chronicling Bea and Pidge’s journey to not only find “Meelie” but also find themselves. Through her relationship with her grandmother and their experiences together, Bea learns she is not lost, but part of an amazing family and has more courage than she ever realized. I can truly identify with Bea because I still have to keep my worry in check, but thankfully I know taking risks has helped shaped me into the person I am today.

A special thanks to Rebecca Behrens for providing #bookexcursion group with an advance review copy of The Last Grand Adventure.

#Bookexcursion, Book Birthday

The Train of Lost Things by Ammi-Joan Paquette

March 20, 2018 lauramossa

Beagles and Books wishes a Happy Book Birthday to Ammi-Joan Paquette’s The Train of Lost Things!

On a trip with his mother, Marty loses the one possession he loves the most-his jean jacket. This jacket is special to him because his father, who is stricken with cancer, gave it to Marty on his last birthday. The jacket is also decorated with pins that celebrate memories Marty and his father shared together.

With his father’s life quickly deteriorating, Marty is heartbroken that his jacket could be gone forever. But then he remembers his father’s story about The Train of Lost Things, an engine that gathers every true heart’s possession lost by a child. When he was younger, Marty believed that the story was true, but now wasn’t he too old to believe in magic? What if the Train of Lost Things did exist? Could he get his treasured jacket back which Marty believed was the key to healing his father?

In an attempt to fix everything, Marty takes a brave journey to find the Train of Lost Things. To his astonishment, the train is real! In his travels on the train, he meets Dina and Star, two young girls also searching for cherished lost things. Unfortunately, the train is without a conductor which makes it extremely difficult to locate his jacket and Marty’s time is running out. Will Marty be able to recover his jacket and save his father?

The Train of Lost Things is an enchanting and bittersweet story with a message of hope and love. Marty’s hope and love for his father drives him to find the Train of Lost Things. On his journey, Marty discovers what truly is important and learns the precious lesson that “the only way to truly move forward is to turn back on the past.”

A very special thanks to the author, Ammi-Joann Paquette for providing an advanced reader copy of The Train of Lost Things to our #bookexcursion group.

#Bookexcursion, It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/19/18

March 19, 2018January 19, 2020 lauramossa

Our Reads This Week:

Jasmine Toguchi: Drummer Girl by Debbi Michiko Florence Illustrated by Elizabeth Vukovic

In the third book in the series, Jasmine is excited about the school talent show. While she has many talents such as climbing trees, pounding mochi, and making collages, Jasmine needs to quickly find a talent she can showcase on stage. When her mother asks Jasmine why she likes these things, she responds that they make her feel free, strong, and happy. Her mom then shares her love of playing the taiko. With the help of one of her mom’s college friends, Kat, Jasmine learns how to play the traditional Japanese drum.

Jasmine is worried about her performance especially because new student Maggie Milsap keeps trying to turn the talent show into a competition. With the support of her older sister, Jasmine soon learns that practice, not natural talent, is what makes one perform well. And of course, Kat teaches her the best lesson of all-it’s not about being perfect, it’s about having fun!

I just love Jasmine and have recommended this series to countless students this year. I greatly appreciate how Debbie Michiko Florence has created a character that can be both a mirror and window to young readers. Readers can identify with Jasmine’s spunk and insecurities while also learn about Japanese traditions.

Special thanks to Debbi Michiko Florence for sending Drummer Girl on an ARC tour with our #bookexcursion group. Pre-order now like me so you will receive your copy promptly on April 3, 2018. And if you love Jasmine as much as I do, pre-order the fourth book, Flamingo Girl, too!

Poe Won’t Go by Kelly DiPucchio Illustrated by Zachariah OHora

Mysteriously, a frowning elephant named Poe shuts down the town of Prickly Valley sitting in the only road in town. Despite all the townspeople’s extraordinary efforts, Poe just won’t go. Not tolerating a parked pachyderm in Prickly Valley, the mayor is determined to solve the problem of Poe. But alas, not even a person dressed as a peanut on roller skates worked. A thoughtful young girl named Marigold finally asked the mayor, “Has anyone asked Poe why he won’t go?” As soon as Marigold approaches Poe, his frown turned into a smile and she begins to uncover why Poe has not moved and how to help him.

I love Kelly DiPucchio’s picture books because they not only entertain but also teach readers important messages. Poe Won’t Go teaches readers that sometimes asking the right questions, listening, and observing is the best way to solve a problem. Zachariah OHora’s gorgeous acrylic and pencil illustrations never disappoint. I am always amazed at the amount of details that he can draw in a spread without overwhelming the reader.

Special thanks to Kelly DiPucchio for sending a F & G of Poe Won’t Go to our #bookexcursion group. Pre-order now, for it will be released in October 2018.

Dude Word by Aaron Reynolds Art by Dan Santat

Cowabunga! Two dudes (a platypus and a beaver) are totally stoked to surf but another not so righteous dude (a shark!) is getting in their way. Bummer! Can they find a way to all get along?

What is so rad about this picture book is Reynolds pretty much only uses one word, “Dude”, repeatedly in different contexts to tell the story, and Santat’s awesome illustrations support the meaning. The use of punctuation also makes the story an epic read aloud!

Special thanks to Macmillan Kids for sending an advance reader’s copy of Dude to our #bookexcursion group. Look for its tubular release soon in April 2018.

Bella’s and Etta’s Dog Read 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 Call Me Choochie Pooh by Sean Taylor Illustrated by Kate Hindley

I love reading books from the dog’s point of view! A little dog is fed up with the silly way his owner treats him. He does not appreciate heart-shaped mini puppy treats, being carried in a handbag and most especially, the name Choochie Pooh! At the dog park, feeling like a Mini-Puppy-Treat-eating-Choochie-Pooh in a handbag, he is jealous of all the other dogs who have ordinary names like Bandit, Rusty, and Chief . When Chief invites him to play, he is surprised and has a fabulous time doing normal dog things like running around and getting muddy. When it is time to leave, his owner get again embarrasses him by uttering his disgustingly sweet name. Choochie Pooh soon realizes that like him, his new canine friends have similar woes.

Reading this adorable picture book makes me wonder about all the pet names I have for both Etta and Bella. Based on their tail wagging and howling, I think they realize that it is worth the love and of course treats!

Etta, Bella, and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books! Have a great week! Happy Reading!

happiness-is-a-warm-puppy-and-a-good-book