Bella and I are “shrooming” with excitement to be part of the blog tour for Fungi Grow written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Diana Sudyka. This nonfiction picture book celebrated its book birthday on October 17, 2023. Thanks to author Maria Gianferrari and Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What do you call a book about mushrooms? A fun guide!
Picture books are impactful when the text and art seamless tell a story. In Fungi Grow, Gianferrari’s dynamic text and Sudyka’s energetic artwork make learning about fungi enjoyable and accessible.
On the first page spread, text is minimal allowing the illustration to explain the first stage of fungi. I love how kids can see the vast amount of spores released.
In the subsequent pages, kids learn the many ways fungi shoot spores. Gianferrari’s text remains concise giving Sudyka’s illustrations the spotlight. What I love most is the blending of text and art with words like puff, plop, poof, and pee-ew. Not only are kids exposed to alliteration, but also the meanings of the words are conveyed through the art.
The next stage of spores taking root is explained. Readers are introduced to tier 3 words such as hyphae and mycelium building their knowledge about the fungi life cycle. Throughout all stages, I love how Gianferrari shares information with two levels of text-the lyrical, concise narrative text as well as sidebars embedded in Sudkya’s illustrations providing more depth of facts in a paragraph.
As fungi grows into mature mushrooms, vivid verbs are once again incorporated in the artwork showing the variety that can be seen above ground.
After learning about the life cycle, readers discover how fungi are helpful and harmful. Having the ability to both hurt and heal makes mushrooms even more fascinating.
Whenever I read a text written by Gianferrari, I am always grateful because I am building content knowledge along with my students. Sudyka’s artwork supports readers to visualize and retain their new learning. For budding mycologists, back matter includes a glossary, more facts, a visual of the life cycle, additional books, blogs, and websites.
About the Author:
Maria Gianferrari’s yard is full of fungi. From branching corals and pointy stinkhorns to smoky puffballs and colorful jack-o’-lanterns, everything’s coming up mushrooms! Someday she hopes to find some morels—she’ll even share them with a squirrel. Maria’s favorite edible mushroom is the hearty portobello. She lives in Massachusetts.
About the Illustrator:
Diana Sudyka grew up hearing stories of her grandfather, an ardent forager, bringing home chicken of the woods and maitake mushrooms for meals. Her favorite edible mushroom is the delicious morel that popped up in her yard last spring. Diana lives with her family in Evanston, Illinois.
Enter Beagles & Books’ Giveaway!
Follow me @lauramossa on Twitter and retweet my Fungi Grow giveaway tweet.
Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for Willow and Bunnypublished by Two Lions. Special thanks to the publisher and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review:
After Bunny hears a voice telling him to find a safe place to grow, he hops quite a distance until he sees Willow, a tree full of height and strength. Willow welcomes Bunny opening her branches to a grassy area which he now calls home. Schulte’s gentle text and Denise’s soft illustrations evoke a sense of warmth as Bunny and Willow become friends spending each day together.
But the calm fades when a storm rolls in. Loud thunder and strong winds startle Bunny who seeks refuge under Willow.
Sensing a greater need, Willow lifts her leaves higher inviting other forest animals to join Bunny. When the animals shares their fears, Bunny reassures them that Willow will protect them. And when the winds grow fierce and the storm surges Willow does just that. After the storm passed, Bunny is still afraid, but Willow’s tender branch embrace provide him comfort.
On the next morning, it is clear that Willow sacrificed herself for the safety of the animals and endured extensive damage. To repay her for her selflessness, the animals tend to Willow clearing underneath her and spreading her cuttings all over the area. As new trees gradually grow, Bunny remains loyal right by Willow’s side.
Willow and Bunny is a story that will both melt and tug at your heart. Schulte’s text is melodic and soulful as she tells a tale of true friendship. As a reading specialist, I appreciate how she carefully chose words to help children visualize and expand their vocabulary. Denise’s digital artwork immerses the reader in the forest making one feel part of the story. At times, the reader is up close right under Willow. Other times, the reader is watching from afar seeing the wind move Willow’s branches.
I love how Schulte’s repeats the following lines at the beginning and end of the story reminding us all of the gift of having one special with whom to share your life.
“Every day was theirs to share.
Just Bunny and Willow,
Willow and Bunny.”
Praise for Willow and Bunny!
“This tale provides a vehicle for conversations both about weather catastrophes and, more generally, about strong bonds that endure through change.” —Publishers Weekly
“The cozy, kindhearted story is beautifully told, mixing moments of sweet simplicity and light peril with a gentle hand. . . . A gratifying glimpse of generous friendship.” —Booklist
About the Author:
Anitra Rowe Schulte is the author of Dancing with Daddy, which won the Christopher Award and the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award. She has worked as a journalist for The Kansas City Star and the Sun-Times News Group, as a staff writer for Chicago Public Schools, and as a publicist. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and their three daughters. Visit her at http://www.anitraroweschulte.com or @anitraschulte on Twitter.
About the Illustrator:
Christopher Denise wrote and illustrated Knight Owl, a 2023 Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestseller. He is also the illustrator of many critically acclaimed children’s books, including Anika Aldamuy Denise’s Bunny in the Middle, Alison McGhee’s Firefly Hollow, and Anne Marie Pace’s Groundhug Day, as well as several in Brian Jacques’s award-winning Redwall series. Christopher lives with his family in Rhode Island. Visit him at http://www.christopherdenise.com and @christopherdenise on Instagram.
Bella and I are 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.
365: How to Count a Year by Miranda Paul Illustrated by Julien Chung
What is a year? It’s 365 spins around the sun, 365 good mornings and good nights, and 365 clean pairs of underwear. But wait, what about leap year? Well, every 4th year, you get an extra day and a 366th ice cream flavor to try. But what if 365 days is too big a number? No problem. 52 weeks of movie nights, Saturday sleep-ins, and Sunday baths. Can we make the number smaller? Of course. 12 months of bulletin boards and monthly magazines. Whether it’s 365 days, 52 weeks or 12 months, it all adds up to a year unless you want to get really precise counting the hours (8760), minutes (525,600) or seconds (31,536,000).
I love that Paul gives options for counting a year. Chung’s bold and lively illustrations featuring a kid and a lion provide humor as kids learn the many ways to break down a year. What I love most is at the end of the story, Paul asks kids “How will you count your year?” Back matter includes a detailed explanation of the calendar as well as illustrations depicting how much time we spend on activities such as eating, sleeping, and spending time in the bathroom. Thank you to Simon and Schuster for sharing a copy. 365 celebrates its book birthday tomorrow on September 26, 2023.
AlphaBot by Vicky Fang
The possibilities are endless with this inventive flip-flap book with over 700 mix-and-match robots for kids to make. While assembling one of a kind robots, kids are learning vocabulary from A to Z building their content knowledge about robotics. Fang supports understanding of STEM concepts by not only providing a clean illustration but also a kid friendly definition. I love that Fang made the conscious decision to have the definitions on the back of the previous flap so kids can view the meaning side by side with the illustrations. Even as an adult, I learned terms such as hydrojets, quadcopter, and yaw. Kids will love creating robots with Alphabot! Thank you to the author for sharing a copy with my #bookexcursion group. AlphaBot recently published on September 12, 2023.
The Time Machine: Because It’s Never Too Late to Apologize by Pauline David-Sax Illustrated by Melquiea Smith
Last week, Bailey said something to her friend Nia that she wishes she could take back. She tried to apologize but Bailey got nervous. If only she could go back to the day to prevent her from saying it. After reading a few books, Bailey decides to make a time machine; however, building it is harder than she thought. With her mom busy and brother unsupportive, who will help Bailey? Bailey learns that sometimes it is the person you hurt that comes through for you.
I love how Bailey realizes on her own that she is in the wrong and wants to make amends. Her idea of creating a time machine is resourceful. As a district that implements the Conscious Discipline, a SEL curriculum, The Time Machine is a perfect read aloud to support problem solving and conflict resolution. At the end of the book, the author shares kid friendly apologizing do’s and don’ts. Thanks to Cardinal Rule Press for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group. The Time Machine celebrates its book birthday next week on October 2, 2023.
80’s Baby by Hannah Eliot Illustrated by Alyssa Nassner
This board book will take adults back to days of roller skates, leg warmers, and boom boxes. And let’s not forget the walkman, Rubik’s Cube, and Etch a Sketch which I was all blessed to own. Microwaves were also a new concept which made making popcorn simple and easy. Of course, kids today won’t understand VHS tapes but I remember the excitement of going to the store to rent movies to watch at home.
Eliot’s peppy, concise text and Nassner’s bold and expressive artwork make 80’s Baby a fun board book for both adult and kids. I loved the opportunity to not only reminisce about my childhood but also share my experiences with a younger generation. Can’t wait to share this book with my niece and her daughter! Thanks to Simon and Schuster Publishing for sharing a copy. 80’s Baby recently published on September 19, 2023.
The Story of Gumluck the Wizard (Book 1) by Adam Rex
Gumluck is a gullible young wizard who desperately wants to be crowned Harvest Hero. As a result, Gumluck uses his magic to grant wishes to demanding townspeople hoping they will choose him. Unknownst to Gumluck, the villagers did not hold him in high regard saying he is a joke and a clown. A snarky raven named Helvetica narrates revealing that for the last 25 years, the prince has been crowned Harvest Hero. Guess who counts the votes? The king.
I love how Helvetica speaks directly to readers. At first, she is greatly annoyed by Gumluck and makes her feelings known. Well, Gumluck did unknowingly ruined her nest more than once. But through Gumluck’s word and actions, Helvetica learns lessons about friendship, kindness, and self-acceptance. Gumluck may be naive, but only a wise wizard would say “A person should get to tell you who they are. And if they are living that life…then they need a family of friends who hear them tell it and say, Yes, that’s you, all right. We believe you.”
Gumluck the Wizard is not only entertaining, but also accessible written in 133 pages with short chapters and black and white illustrations to support comprehension, Looking forward to the next adventure in the series. Thanks to Chronicle Kids for sharing a copy with our #bookexcursion group. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard released August 15, 2023.
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 character.
Ways to Play by Lynn Miller-Lachman Illustrated by Gabriel Alborozo
In contrast to his bossy older cousin Emma and her sister Violet’s noisy and scattered play, Riley enjoys organized and quiet play with his toys. Riley is tired of Emma’s criticism but doesn’t know how to convince her there are many ways to play. That all changes when he sees his dog Charlie. Going outside, Riley throws Charlie’s ball and after the dog catches it, Charlie first bring it back. The second time though Charlie runs around the yard with the ball in his mouth. Dogs are truly the best teachers.
I love how once Riley sees Charlie, his whole demeanor changes. Alborozo’s warm full page spread of Charlie looking at Riley accompanied by Miller-Lachman’s gentle text “I wink at him because it’s easier to look into dog’s eyes than people and I know he will help me show them how we play.” And did Riley and Charlie show Emma and Violet sharing the message that there is not just one way to play. In the author’s note, Miller-Lachman, who didn’t learned she was autistic until adulthood, shares the inspiration for the story from her own childhood. Thanks to Levine Querido for sharing a copy. Ways to Play released on August 8, 2023.
Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!
“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.” –Jim Butcher #IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing spooky stories with Beagles & Books.
Misfit Mansion by Kay Davault
Most of the horrors that live in former paranormal hunter Mr. Halloway’s house feel safe and welcomed but Iris has never felt at home.When the house’s sealing spell is broken by Mathias, the nephew of Halloway’s former paranormal partner, Iris seizes the opportunity to venture into town to find what she is missing. On television, the mayor always says in Dead End Springs, everyone is family.
At first, Iris and other horrors blend in at the Harvest Festival where costumes are the norm.But when Mathias exposes her as a dangerous horror, she fears the worst. Luckily, she is rescued by fellow horrors Kel and Agnes and townsperson Jane. Gradually, the plot unfolds revealing the long standing rift between Mathias’ aunt and Halloway and why Iris has reason to feel slighted.
Once I read the very first comic panels of Misfit Mansion, I was hooked.I sensed Iris’ longing which comes full circle when she realizes her family was always there. Davault’s illustrations are full of energy matching her peppy dialogue. I love that the themes of friendship and forgiveness are highlighted for always an important lesson to not hold grudges and move forward. Hoping for another Misfit Mansion adventure to check in on the family.
Misfit Mansion published on July 25, 2023.
Happy Halloweenie by Kate Vernon
This rhyming board book features a hot dog who can’t decide what to dress up as on Halloween. Kids will relate to the tough decision Weenie has to make.Choosing the right costume is a difficult task. Vernon’s playful text and expressive illustrations will draw in young children and the size of the board book makes it easier for toddlers to hold on their own.
Happy Halloweenie published on July 16, 2023.
Every Night at Midnight by Peter Cheong
A boy named Felix has a unique gift, for at midnight, he becomes a wolf.Felixwishes this metamorphosis didn’t occur every night because he can never join his classmates at sleepovers. When a new girl arrives at school, Felix is a bit jealous; unlike him, she seems to fit in immediately. Felix tries to shrug it off, but it’s difficult especially since the new girl also took over the title of fastest runner.
One night when Felix howls, he hears a howl in return.To his surprise, he meets another wolf and for once, Felix is not lonely.Observant readers will see a resemblance between the new girl and the wolf.At the end of the story, Felix discovers that he has something in common with not only the girl but also his classmates. This imaginative narrative with whimsical artwork is a perfect bedtime story reminding readers there is a pack for everyone.
Every Day at Midnight published on August 8, 2023.
Beagles and Books is thrilled to wish a Happy Book Birthday to Scroll! Special thanks to author/illustrator Hui Li for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review:
Lulu and her dog, Dumpling look on with delight as Grandpa paints pictures on a scroll. He explains that the pictures are ancient Chinese characters inviting Lulu to try drawing herself. In her words and actions, Lulu’s excitement is palpable so when Grandpa falls asleep in his chair, Lulu continues to paint symbols and accidentally knocks over a rolled scroll onto the floor. With Dumpling at her side, Lulu draws the character for door on the now unrolled paper.
Magically, the door opens with Lulu and Dumpling disappearing into the scroll. Lulu spies the bird that Grandpa first drew and follows it. On the next page spread, Lulu and Dumpling see a village drawn with Chinese symbols. I love how Li includes red squares at the top of the page of each of the Chinese characters included in the illustrations. (This is actually done throughout the story.) Kids will be mesmerized wanting to locate them all in the artwork!
Lulu and Dumpling blissfully stroll through the village, but a fire-breathing dragon disturbs their peace. At first, the pair hides, but Dumpling tugs on the paint brush that Lulu is carrying like an arrow. Can Lulu draw Chinese characters to not only save her and Dumpling but also return home?
What a debut for author/illustrator Li! The moment I saw the cover of Scroll, I was captivated especially with the adorable hound on the cover. Opening the book, the front end pages full of Chinese painted symbols give readers a preview. Before the story, Li shares a brief history of Chinese characters providing background knowledge. Li’s narrative begins quiet with Lulu and Dumpling spending time with Grandpa, but then not long after, an intriguing adventure ensues when Lulu and Dumpling vanish into the scroll. Li’s detailed artwork is full of action and expression. I love how she uses a variety of layouts from half page spreads and full page spreads to panels of up to four illustrations on one page.
An author’s note provides the story behind Scroll. I especially love this quote from Li-
“I’ve always wanted to share this experience with readers young and old. Imagine if every character you draw has its own story…”
I have no doubt that Scroll will inspire kids to become authors/illustrators drawing their own Chinese characters and writing their own adventure.
Meet author/illustrator Hui Li:
About theAuthor/Illustrator:
Hui Lui is a lifelong student of Chinese calligraphy. As a child, she practiced on old newspapers and learned several styles of traditional script. By the age of eleven, she had earned the rank of Kudan or 9-dan (the highest calligraphy rank). This visually expansive and personal story is her first book for young readers. She lives in New Jersey with her family.
Bella and I are honored to be part of the blog tour for Thank A Farmer written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Monica Mikai This nonfiction narrative picture book celebrated its book birthday on September 5, 2023. Thanks to author Maria Gianferrari and Norton Young Readers for sharing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
When you sit at the table to eat a meal, do you ever think about where your food comes from? With her peppy, poetic text, Gianferrari celebrates the people behind the food beginning with our breakfast. As in her other books, Gianferrari appeals to our senses using vivid verbs like plop, squirt, and ping. As I read, I could hear these sounds in my head visualizing the process.
I love how Mikai’s artwork embeds the children drinking their milk as if they are watching the actions of the dairy farmers. Virtually all subsequent artwork includes the family enjoying the food or product produced.
The labor involved in growing, picking, and preparing vegetables, fruits, peanuts, rice, and mushrooms for the market is also shared. In Mikai’s detailed full page spread illustrations, young readers see most of the work is done by hand emphasizing the sheer physical effort of farmers and farm workers. Kids also see how machines can make the work easier shaking cherry trees, cutting wheat, and grinding peanuts.
Food is not the only thing on Gianferrari’s menu. She also shares the process of shearing sheep for wool used to make cozy sweaters and socks. While the message of the book is to show appreciation to farmers, Gianferrari seeks to inspire readers to grow their own food too! I also love that she acknowledges farmers can’t do it alone. With alliteration, farmers thank nature for their bounty.
Gianferrari’s picture books aren’t only for kids. As an adult, I always learn factual information building my content knowledge on a variety of topics. Thank a Farmer is a perfect read aloud to teach or reinforce instruction on production, agriculture, and interdependence. Back matter includes further explanations of the farming methods of the products featured in the book as well as additional books, videos, and website.
About the Author:
Maria Gianferrari has two connections to farming: she is descended from a long line of dairy farmers in Emilia-Romagna, Italy whose cows provided milk to make the region’s famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese; she also grew up in New Hampshire, down the street from Barrett’s Farm and across the street from a maple sugar house where cotton-candy scented clouds filled the air. She now lives with her family in Massachusetts. Her website is http://www.mariagianferrari.com
Enter Beagles & Books’ Giveaway!
Follow me @lauramossa on Twitter and retweet my Thank a Farmer giveaway tweet.
Bella and I are 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.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster’s Children’s Publishing for sharing copies of Ready-to-Read books that all recently published on August 29. 2023. All opinions are my own.
Cat vs. Vac by Kaz Windness (Ready-to-Read Level 1)
On the very first page spread, Cat and Dog are enjoying a snooze while an annoyed looking Bird perches on the back of the couch. A delivery man can be spotted in the background. The doorbell awakens the sleeping animals who open (along with the bird) the delivered box revealing a vacuum. Taking control, Bird plugs Vac in and turns on the switch causing both Cat and Dog to panic. I love how author/illustrator Windness draws the vacuum with a face on its base reminding me of the movie, Mr. Mom. A point comes when Bird is no longer in charge and every animal is prey. Bird releases Dog’s snout and Cat and Dog collaborate to save Bird. Will the trio (actually quintet with snake and rat) be able to claim victory over Vac?
Ever since her debut picture book, Swim, Jim, I have been in awe of Windness’ books both in words and illustrations. Energetic artwork as well as rhyming and decodable text that exposes kids to rich vocabulary makes Cat vs. Vac the epitome of early readers. I especially love how the pets collaborate against the enemy and while they bask In their victory for a moment, they are ready to collectively, tackle the latest threat, the roomba. And let’s be honest, animals in underwear is always adorable.
Puppy-Cam (Critter-Cam) by Margie Palatini Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino (Ready-to-Read Pre-Level 1)
When a dog has a camera attached to its head, emergent readers get to see the world from the pup’s point of view. It spies a ball in the yard but is distracted by birds and then a squirrel. While running after the squirrel, it stops to itch and kids will see a tiny bug on the pup’s nose. The dog loses focus to mark a tree and dig a bone. Than a cat appears. Ugh! All these interruptions make for a very tired puppy.
Supportive and lively illustrations full of action and and an accessible text with one to three word sentences and repetition makes Puppy-Cam a “paw-fect” story for adults to read with kids. Check out the other two books, Kitty-Cam & Shark-Cam, in the Critter-Cam series.
Cat Sees Snow by Laura Gehl Illustrated by Fred Blunt (Ready to Read: Ready to Go!)
Cat looks out the window excited to see snow. Once outside, the feline realizes it can’t go anywhere. Cat tries to mow, blow, and row in the snow with no luck and walking is cold and slow. Dog repeats Cat’s initial actions with the same results but then finds a way to go fast sneaking up on Cat. When Pig arrives, Cat and Dog join forces; however Pig gets the last laugh!
With a length around 100 words, sight words, word families, repetition , and the use of capital letters for emphasis, Cat Sees Snow is written for emergent readers to read independently. As a reading specialist, I admire Gehl’s ability to craft a fun and engaging story with a limited number of words. Blunt’s entertaining and expressive illustrations match the text providing additional support to the reader. Before the text, children are introduced to the characters as well as list of all the words used in the story. Parents can also check comprehension by orally asking the questions on the last page of the book. To check out the rest of Gehl’s and Blunt’s books in their series, click here.
Try a Bite, Trilobite! by Jonathan Fenske (Ready to Read: Level 1)
Bug shows his snack to Trilobite declaring it the best treat ever. When Bug asks Trilobite to try it, Trilobite flat out refuses. Why? Apparently Trilobite only likes and eats noodles and cannot be persuaded to take a nibble or even a crumb. But when Trilobite hears Bug’s comments while taking a bite of the snack, Trilobite changes its mind enjoying a few bites until there is no snack left. At first, Bug is annoyed but Trilobite makes up for it in more ways than one.
First, I love that as an adult, I was introduced to trilobites which are extinct prehistoric animals related to insects. Second, I am always thrilled to find stories with decodable text, common sight words, and dynamic illustrations that kindergarten and first graders can read on their own. What I love most about Try a Bite, Trilobite is that author/illustrator Fenske wrote an accessible story with fun characters and a plot that will make kids laugh out loud. The icing on the cake is perhaps, children maybe be persuaded to try to eat something new.
Bella’s Dog Pick of the Week
Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine character.
Styx and Scones: The Cracked Crystal by Jay Cooper (Ready-to-Read Graphic 2)
Living with two witches can get you in trouble. When left home alone, Scones, a dog, feels sorry for the crystal ball believing that the ball should be played with not just remain sitting on a table. Styx, a cat, disagrees recalling they are not to touch anything. After some tears, begging, and promises, Scones convinces Styx to play with the ball. When the ball is dropped, it not only cracks but also runs away crashing through a window. Can the pair get the crystal ball back before the witches return?
The Styx and Scones series is a great introduction to graphic novels for early readers. Before the story, children and their parents learn the fundamentals having elements such as speech bubbles and panels defined, and directions on how to read them. The story is easily accessible with a mix of panels from full page to three. Cooper’s engaging characters, fun plot, and expressive illustrations also support kids as they become independent readers. If this series is new to you, check out Book 1: The Sticky Wand which published in June 2023.
Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!
“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.” –Jim Butcher #IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.
About the Book: Title: Ruby and Lonely Author: Patrice Karst Illustrator: Kayla Harren Pub. Date: September 12, 2023
Beagles and Books is thrilled to be part of the blog tour for Ruby and Lonely published by Two Lions/Amazon Publishing. Special thanks to the publisher and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review:
Whether she is at school or home, Ruby has a problem, but doesn’t know how to fix it. Once her teacher, Mr. Garcia, discusses how naming a problem can help you solve it, Ruby has a tool to help her. After some reflection, Ruby decides to name her problem Lonely and speak to it directly. Harren’s depiction of Ruby confronting Lonely is powerful with Lonely reflecting in black and white.
Once Ruby names her problem, she brings Lonely to school and plays with her at recess. At home, Ruby and Lonely reads, paints, and dances together causing Ruby to smile. Not long after, Ruby asks a new student to play with her, runs with her dog Lola, and shares a dessert and artwork with her family. Astute readers will notice that Lonely is no longer black and white, but a mirror image of Ruby full of color and confidence.
With Lonely’s support, Ruby has the courage to ask her siblings and her parents to do things like go out for pizza, make crafts, or read a bedtime story. Even Ruby’s dog, Lola is aware of her change joining her on her bed. As Ruby’s confidence builds, Harren shows Lonely becoming transparent. Ruby and Lonely are now connected forever.
Karst’s tender narrative brought on tears of both sadness and joy. My heart hurt for Ruby when she felt so alone, but once she took Mr. Garcia’s advice, my heart quickly healed. Lonely was always inside of Ruby, but until she named her, Ruby couldn’t successfully confront her problem. I appreciated how Karst made the decision to have Ruby take the initiative which makes Ruby and Lonely is a great read aloud to support children’s self-sufficiency in problem solving. At the end of book, Karst writes a note to readers sharing the inspiration for the story as well as questions to promote discussion.
About the Author:
Patrice Karst is the bestselling author of The Invisible String, which has sold more than a million copies and been translated into fifteen languages, and its companion titles, The Invisible Leash, The Invisible Web, You Are Never Alone: An Invisible String Lullaby, and most recently, The Invisible String Backpack. She is also the coauthor of The Invisible String Workbook with Dr. Dana Wyss. She also wrote The Smile that Went Around the World. Patrice is passionate about spreading her message of love across the planet. Born in London, England, she now lives in Southern California. Learn more at www.patricekarst.com.
Kayla Harren is an award-winning illustrator of children’s books, including A Boy Like You, written by Frank Murphy, and The Boy Who Grew a Forest, written by Sophia Gholz, among other titles. She recently illustrated Thursday, by Ann Bonwill, which Midwest Book Review called “an impressively presented picture book of healing and hope for young children.” Her work has been featured in the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, Communication Arts, and 3×3 Magazine, and she won the Highlights for Children Pewter Plate Award. She lives in Minnesota. Learn more at www.kaylaharren.com.
Bella and I are honored to be part of the blog tour for You and the Bowerbird written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Maris Wicks. This engaging and informative picture book celebrated its book birthday on August 15, 2023. Thanks to author Maria Gianferrari and Macmillan for sharing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review:
With the help of a young bird-watcher, readers get a bird’s eye view of the steps that Satin, an adult male bowerbird, takes to court a mate. On Day 1, Satin collects twigs to create his bower.
He gathers items in the shade of blue to decorate the walls of his bower. When Pea, a female bowerbird, examines the nest, another male bowerbird, Pirate, dives in chasing her away and stealing a feather which was Satin’s welcome mat.
Wasting no time, Satin spies blue socks on a clothing line and snatches one to replace the feather. Pea returns, but within seconds, Pirate steals the sock. To make matters worst, juvenile bowerbirds (and Pirate again) ransack Satin’s bower.
Readers’ hearts will be tugged when they see Satin’s reaction. Luckily, the young bird watcher has been closely observing Satin and knows how to help him with the gift of one of her own blue socks. Satin quickly rebuilds his bower, protects it from Pirate, and performs a song and dance when Pea arrives. Readers see the fruits of Satin’s labor with Pea in a nest keeping her eggs warm. On the page spreads that follow, Satin’s and Pea’s fledglings leave the nest to start the cycle all over again.
Kids and adults will adore this nonfiction narrative about bowerbirds who only live in Australia. Gianferrari is a master storyteller of nature. Her text is melodic, concise, and informative. She chooses her words carefully to ensure kids can learn and understand the topic. Wicks’ bold and detailed illustrations complement Gianferrari’s narrative. I especially love that the young birdwatcher’s journal starts on Day 1 and ends on Day 46 showing the length of time from building the bower to fledglings leaving the nest. On some pages, Hicks chose a comic panel format which clearly depicts the action more vividly. As a adult, I never knew bowerbirds existed and I was intrigued from the very first page. I know that my students will be wishing that they lived in Australia and could see bowerbirds themselves. Thankfully, Gianferrari and Hicks can transport us to “the Land Down Under” with You and the Bowerbird. Backmatter includes information about bowerbirds and additional print and web resources.
About the Author:
Maria Gianferrari is a picture book reader/writer, tea-drinker, dog-lover, and birdwatcher. Maria writes books that honor our bonds with creatures both domestic and wild, and that celebrate the natural world around us. Maria’s most recent titles include Icecycle: Poems about the Life of Ice, illustrated by Jieting Chen (Millbrook Press), Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness, illustrated by Pete Oswald (Harper Collins), Bobcat Prowling illustrated by Bagram Ibatouilline (Roaring Brook Press) and Be a Tree!, illustrated by Felicita Sala (Abrams Books). She lives with her family in Massachusetts in a house encircled by trees. To learn more about Maria, visit her website: mariagianferrari.com.
Enter Beagles & Books’ Giveaway!
Follow me @lauramossa on Twitter and retweet my You and the Bowerbird giveaway tweet.
Bella and I are 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.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sharing copies of books perfect for the beginning of the school year!
The Library Fish Learns to Read by Alyssa Satin Capucilli Illustrated by Gladys Jose (February 2023)
In this second book in the series, Library Fish is motivated to learn how to read after listening to a story librarian Mr. Hughes shared during Story Time. After Mr. Hughes leaves for the night, Library Fish gets to work beginning with the alphabet. Once she knows her letters and corresponding sounds, Library Fish moves to blending sounds together to read words practicing on her own and reading aloud to her good friend Bookmobile. Her determination leads to her successfully reading a story from beginning to end. When Library Fish finishes the book, she can’t contain her excitement announcing “I am a reader!” Proud of her own accomplishment, Library Fish now wants to teach Bookmobile because after all, reading is meant to be shared.
This heartwarming story is a perfect read aloud for kindergarten and first grade students, for the story describes the process of learning how to read. I appreciate how Capucilli highlights the importance of daily practice to get better. Jose’s Library Fish is just darling wearing a fish bowl helmet whenever she leaves her bowl. I also love how Jose hides printed text in her artwork on each page spread.
Chi-Chi and Pey-Pey: School Day Drama (Ready to Read Graphics Level 1) by Jennifer Fosberry Illustrated by Shiho Pate (June 2023)
Chi-Chi, a chicken and Pey-Pey, a penguin are both birds, but that is where their similarities end. Chi-Chi has been ready for school for a month while Pey-Pey is not even ready the day before the first day. Chi-Chi has trouble sleeping; however, Pey-Pey does not. When the two sit next to each other on the carpet, the birds don’t know there will be buddies and have to find something in common that they both like. It seems like an impossible task until their teacher suggests Chi-Chi and Pey-Pey mix some of their favorite things and make something new.
Chi-Chi and Pey-Pey is a great introduction to graphic novels for beginning readers, for the story is mostly one or two panels per page. Fosberry’s peppy dialogue is concise and includes many high frequency words that young readers can recognize and read. With an accessible text, kids can focus on the characters especially the transformation from foes to friends. Pate’s lively illustrations humorously show each character’s contrast in personalities. Stay tuned for Cupcake Catastrophe (Book 2) coming out tomorrow on August 29, 2023.
On the Night Before Kindergarten by Rosemary Wells (June 2023)
On the night before kindergarten, a kitten, Milo, has three dreams about what could go wrong on his first day. His parents assure him that these things won’t happen. Once Milo is dropped off at school, Mama and Daddy wonder. Did Milo go to school only wearing his red boots? Would Milo forget how to count after the number five? Could the bus pass by the house without stopping to let out Milo? Meanwhile, at school, Milo was too busy consoling and supporting his classmates to be nervous.
Wells’ signature artwork evokes a calmness on what can be a difficult night for both parents and children. Kids will also chuckle when they see Mama’s and Daddy’s actions especially when they are anxiously waiting for Milo to come home. I love that Milo shows he is not only ready for kindergarten but also ready to be a good friend!
Bella’s Dog Bat Pick of the Week (June 2023)
Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine character, but today, a precious little bat has swooped in.
Bitsy Bat, School Star by Kaz Windness
Nervous and excited, Bitsy goes to Crittercrawl Elementary for her first night of school. All night long Bitsy finds it difficult to fit in. Sitting on a chair makes her dizzy, her snack of crawling bugs scares her classmates and painting with her wings instead of feet makes her all sticky. As a result, Bitsy experiences a major meltdown and does not want to return to school the following night. Her supportive parents remind her that everyone shines in their own way. How can remember she is still a big star?
Author-illustrator Windness’ Bitsy is adorable. The sweet little bat teaches the power of problem solving. She wears sunglasses and headphones to dull the bright lights and loud noises. Bitsy also shares an activity where she and her classmates can learn more about each other by celebrating their differences. In the back matter, Windness explains she is autistic sharing similarities with Bitsy. While I look forward to reading Bitsy Bat as a first week read aloud, the story can be read at anytime throughout the school year.
Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!
“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.” Jim Butcher #IMWAYR is dedicated to dear Etta, my original book beagle. Blessed that Etta is part of my story.
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