#picturebooks – Beagles & Books

Etta, Bella, and I are eager to share our latest reads for 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:

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras

Wee lass Drest and her family are attacked by knights from Faintree Castle. Drest desperately wants to join her father, Mad Wolf of the North and her five brothers in this battle, but Mad Wolf orders her to hide. She witnesses her family bound, captured, and sailing away from her. Her only hope of finding her family is a young knight named Emerick who Drest witnessed being attacked by one of his own men. She strikes a deal with Emerick to take him to Faintree Castle and in return, he will release one of her brothers, although Drest plans to rescue her entire family.

Throughout their journey, Drest hears tales of her family’s brutality from Emerick, which she does not believe to be true. In addition, a bandit by the name of Jupp shares his own story of her father’s cruelty. Drest begins to realizes that words are strong weapons because not only is she beginning to doubt her family but also she is struggling to figure out her own identity. Can a warrior be brave and kind?

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter is an adventure that has action and heart. With each chapter, Diane Magras kept me on the edge both excited and afraid to read on. I absolutely love Drest who learns that you can’t always control our own legend, and sometimes words not swords can save lives.

A very special thanks to Diane Magras for providing our #bookexcursion group with an ARC of The Mad Wolf’s Daughter. Pre-order NOW so you have it in your hands on March 6, 2018.

Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls by Beth McMullen

Abby Hunter is a student at Smith School for Children. But it turns out that the boarding school is not what it appears to be. The school is actually a cover for an elite spy ring named the Center. And Abby’s mother, Jennifer, is the Center’s most talented agent. At first, Abby cannot believe her mother hid her occupation from her, but as Abby looks back on her childhood, she begins to connect the dots.

For the past decade, Jennifer has been chasing the Ghost, a threatening criminal. Mrs. Smith informs Abby that her mother is missing; therefore, they need Abby’s help in finding her. During Spy Training 101, Abby does find a friend in Toby, a fellow student who is a whiz with technology. His iPhone apps are amazing! But frenemy Veronica is less than enthused with teaching Abby. After a failed attempt to locate her mom, Abby decides to take matters in her own hands and show everyone that she is indeed her mother’s daughter.

Beth McMullan’s new series is definitely one I will recommend to students. In fact, after reading the synopsis, I have a student waiting for me to bring this book to school tomorrow. Taking place in present day, young readers will be able to relate to the characters even though the setting and plot is far different from their own lives. Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls published in July 2017 but readers only have to wait until July 2018 for the second installment-Power Play. Can’t wait to read and share on Beagles and Books!

Featured Dog Selection 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.

The Pillow Keeps Moving by Laura Gehl Illustrated by Christopher Weyant

A dog and cat are shivering outside of a pillow store. While the cat stands guard, the dog enters the pillow store, curls up in the warmth, and is bought by a man. When the man complains that his “pillow” is broken, the salesman asks him a series of questions which are all answered in the affirmative. The story continues with the dog posing as a footstool and coat. Finally, the man who lives alone realizes that the dog has other talents, as all dogs do!

Told with relatively few words, The Pillow Keeps Moving is a story that begs to be read again and again. Readers must pay close attention to the illustrations because they are crucial to the plot.

The Pillow Keeps Moving was released in January 2018. I can’t wait to read it as a pick for #classroombookaday with students.

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

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/29/18

January 29, 2018February 7, 2018 lauramossa

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Our Reads This Week:

11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic

Megan is going through a lot of adjustments. Her mom recently passed away and her family has moved from Colorado to Arizona. Moving means leaving her best friend Hannah and starting over at a new middle school.

On her very first day, Megan gets zapped, which is a ritual for new students. She must do a dare by the end of the day. Her assignment-do something exciting by 3 p.m. If that isn’t enough on her plate, Megan becomes stuck in the middle of the battle for Spirit Week Captain between fellow seventh graders, Rhena and Ally. Megan’s luck changes when in her history class, she sees a cat clock identical to one her grandmother had in her kitchen. She recalls a rhyme that her grandmother said “Pop. Click. Seconds tick. Wish at eleven-eleven, and watch it stick.” It can’t hurt to wish for something exciting like snow, right? After her wish does comes true, Megan slowly realizes that this newly acquired magical power comes with some adverse consequences.

11:11 Wish is an enchanting story not only trying to fit in but also finding yourself. Readers will be sympathetic of Megan’s dilemma. She wants to have a fresh start at her new school and becomes caught up in Rhena and Ally’s rivalry as soon as she arrives. As the drama unfolds at school, Megan needs to decide whether she wants to keep using magic to get friends or show her true self.

Special thanks to Kim Tomsic for providing our #bookexcursion group with an ARC of 11:11 Wish. Look for its release soon on February 13, 2018.

Walter & Dragon: 100 Friends by Ariel Bernstein

Warren and his family are moving, which means he will need to make new friends. But unlike his twin sister, Ellie, making friends does not come easy to Warren. Besides, Warren already has a best friend, Dragon. To everyone else, Dragon may be a stuffed animal, but to Warren, Dragon is real and he is the only one who sees Dragon in that way.

Making friends is a challenge, but losing a contest to Ellie is worse; therefore, Warren declares that he will make 100 new friends. Accepting Dragon’s advice that friends like compliments, Warren attempts to make friends in school. Warren’s compliments though are not always taken well. By the end of the first day of school, Warren hasn’t made any new friends, and Dragon goes missing! Can Warren find his one and only friend? Will Warren ever make a real friend?

Warren & Dragon is a fun new transitional chapter book series that is sure to be a hit with young readers. Author Ariel Bernstein has created a relatable character in Warren, for he encounters typical kid problems such as sibling rivalry and making friends. Warren’s relationship with Dragon show his imagination, for what child hasn’t pretended his/her favorite animal was alive?

Special thanks to author Ariel Bernstein for providing our #bookexcursion group with an ARC of Walter & Dragon: 100 Friends. Look for its release along with Book 2 Warren & Dragon: Weekends with Chewy in August 2018.

The Boo-Boos That Changed the World: A True Story About An Accidental Invention (Really!) by Barry Wittenstein Illustrated by Chris Hsu

Did you ever wonder how Band-Aids were invented? If so, you are in luck. Author Barry Wittenstein humorously tells the story of Earle Dickson and how Band-Aids came to be.

It seems Earle’s wife, Josephine was accident prone especially in the kitchen. When preparing meals, it was common for Josephine to cut or burn herself. To make matters worst, bandaging herself with bulky towels caused her to injure herself even more. Earle took pity on his young wife fearing her cuts would become infected. Fortunately, for Josephine, Earle was not only the son of a doctor but also worked for a hospital supply company. Ever hear of Johnson & Johnson?

After some thoughtful pondering, Earle designed the first “band aid” which consisted of adhesive tape, sterile gauze, and crinoline. Josephine’s boo boos were now covered, and they lives happily ever after, right? But..wait! Earle realized that Josephine was not the only person who could benefit from his invention. He shared his bandage with his boss, James Johnson, who agreed to produce and sell them as Band-Aids.

To the readers’ surprise, Band-Aids were not an overnight success. It was not until they were mass produced by a machine and given away to the Boy Scouts and the army during World War II that Band-Aids became a hit not just in the United States but all over the world!

Told in a playful narrative, Wittenstein’s account of Earle’s invention is highly engaging and entertaining. In my district, our third graders just finished a unit, Inventions and Innovations so I cannot wait to share this book with students. In the author’s note, Wittenstein admits he invented Earle and Josephine’s dialogue and shares additional information about Earle. Chris Hsu’s illustrations transport the reader back to that time period and make the story come alive. Also included at the end of the book is a timeline, a list of other medical inventions from the 1920s and 1930s, and websites for further research. The next time I use a Band-Aid, I will think fondly of Earle and thank him for his ingenuity.

Special thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for providing our #bookexcursion group with a copy of The Boo Boos That Changed the World. Look for its release soon in February 2018.

Love, Mama by Jeanette Bradley

Kipling’s mama is off on a trip and he misses her. Although he tries to soothe himself with replacements such as Pillow Mama and Picture Mama, they do not comfort him. When the doorbell rings, Kipling discovers a sad, soggy box outside his home. It’s from Mama! Contained in the package was a paper heart with a special message from Mama who reminds Kipling how immense she loves him. Kipling returns the favor by creating and mailing his own box which professes his mutual love for her. To Kipling’s surprise, Mama returns home with his care package in hand!

Love, Mama is a heartwarming story that affirms love when distance separates us from family. Jeanette Bradley’s illustrations are adorable and tenderly show Kipling’s longing for his mother, his happiness when he receives his Mama’s special delivery, and his excitement when she returns home. In fact, reading Love, Mama takes me back to a time when receiving a card or a package in the mail from a loved one was the best present ever.

Special thanks to author Jeanette Bradley for providing our #bookexcursion group with a copy of Love, Mama. Love, Mama recently published in January 2018.

Featured Dog Selection 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.

Back to Forth and Upside Down by Claire Alexander

It’s Principal Slippers’ birthday! Young pup Stan and his class are making him birthday cards. Stan loves to draw but his teacher Miss Catnip reminds the class that cards include writing too. Uh oh! As Stan begins to copy Happy Birthday from the board, he notices his letters are back to front and upside down. Frustrated Stan is even more discouraged when all his other classmates seems to be writing with ease.

At recess, depressed Stan honestly confides to his classmate Jack that he can’t write. Jack is supportive and tells Stan to ask Miss Catnip for help reminding him we all have to ask for help sometimes. The story ends with Stan bravely asking for help and realizing he is not the only student who struggles with writing letters.

Working with kindergarten and first grade students, I love the message of this book. All students learn at a different pace so Back to Front and Upside Down reinforces that practice is the best way to improve a skill and it’s ok to ask for help. Author illustrator Clare Alexander’s soft and cute drawings of the animal students will appeal to young readers. I especially love the illustrations of Stan’s tongue out while writing, This behavior is quite common when I observe young students putting forth their best effort.

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

#ReadYourWorld, Multicultural Children's Book Day

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks by Anne Broyles Illustrated by Anna Alter

January 27, 2018January 27, 2018 lauramossa

Beagles and Books is excited to participate in Multicultural Children’s Book Day this year! Special thanks to author Ann Broyles for sending me Priscilla and the Hollyhocks to review. All opinions are my own.

Born into slavery, Priscilla’s mother was sold when she was very young. Her only remembrance of her mother are the hollyhocks that her mother planted by the cow pond. Old Sylvia showed Priscilla how to make hollyhocks dolls and float them in the water just like her mother.

It was long before Priscilla began working in the Big House for her master. Her only escape was on Sundays to watch her hollyhock dollies float and dance across the pond. One day Priscilla met a man named Mason Basil Silkwood, who happened to be strolling around the property. He told Priscilla she was bright and should be in school. After their conversation, Priscilla stood taller.

After her master died, Priscilla is sold to a Cherokee family; she still scattered hollyhock seeds near their house to keep her mother’s memory alive. When her new masters were forced to move, Priscilla hid hollyhock seeds in her pocket and became part of the Trail of Tears march. During her march through town, Priscilla recognized Mr. Silkwood and spoke to him. That chance meeting changed Priscilla’s life, for that evening Mr. Silkwood finds Priscilla to buy her freedom. As Priscilla spreads hollyhock seeds at her new home, she states that she is slave no longer and daughter once more.

Anne Broyles honestly yet tenderly shares Priscilla’s journey from slavery to freedom and to me, the story evoked the positive message of hope. To Priscilla, her mother’s hollyhocks were a symbol of hope and eventually safety and freedom. Anna Alter’s beautiful illustrations capture Priscilla’s changing emotions throughout her journey. Not being aware that Native American families owned slaves, I appreciated the author note’s explaining Priscilla’s story in greater detail.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2017 (1/27/18) is in its 5^th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.

Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.

2018 MCBD Medallion Sponsors

HONORARY: Children’s Book Council, Junior Library Guild

PLATINUM:Scholastic Book Clubs

GOLD:Audrey Press, Candlewick Press, Loving Lion Books, Second Story Press, Star Bright Books, Worldwide Buddies

SILVER:Capstone Publishing, Author Charlotte Riggle, Child’s Play USA, KidLit TV, Pack-n-Go Girls, Plum Street Press

BRONZE: Barefoot Books, Carole P. Roman, Charlesbridge Publishing, Dr. Crystal Bowe, Gokul! World, Green Kids Club, Gwen Jackson, Jacqueline Woodson, Juan J. Guerra, Language Lizard, Lee & Low Books, RhymeTime Storybooks, Sanya Whittaker Gragg, TimTimTom Books, WaterBrook & Multnomah, Wisdom Tales Press

2018 Author Sponsors

Honorary Author Sponsors: Author/Illustrator Aram Kim and Author/Illustrator Juana Medina

Author Janet Balletta, Author Susan Bernardo, Author Carmen Bernier-Grand, Author Tasheba Berry-McLaren and Space2Launch, Bollywood Groove Books, Author Anne Broyles, Author Kathleen Burkinshaw, Author Eugenia Chu, Author Lesa Cline-Ransome, Author Medeia Cohan and Shade 7 Publishing, Desi Babies, Author Dani Dixon and Tumble Creek Press, Author Judy Dodge Cummings, Author D.G. Driver, Author Nicole Fenner and Sister Girl Publishing, Debbi Michiko Florence, Author Josh Funk, Author Maria Gianferrari, Author Daphnie Glenn, Globe Smart Kids, Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle, Author Quentin Holmes, Author Esther Iverem, Jennifer Joseph: Alphabet Oddities, Author Kizzie Jones, Author Faith L Justice , Author P.J. LaRue and MysticPrincesses.com, Author Karen Leggett Abouraya, Author Sylvia Liu, Author Sherri Maret, Author Melissa Martin Ph.D., Author Lesli Mitchell, Pinky Mukhi and We Are One, Author Miranda Paul, Author Carlotta Penn, Real Dads Read, Greg Ransom, Author Sandra L. Richards, RealMVPKids Author Andrea Scott, Alva Sachs and Three Wishes Publishing, Shelly Bean the Sports Queen, Author Sarah Stevenson, Author Gayle H. Swift Author Elsa Takaoka, Author Christine Taylor-Butler, Nicholette Thomas and MFL Publishing Author Andrea Y. Wang, Author Jane Whittingham Author Natasha Yim

We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.

Join the conversation and win one of 12-5 book bundles and one Grand Prize Book Bundle (12 books) that will be given away at the party! http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/twitter-party-great-conversations-fun-prizes-chance-readyourworld-1-27-18/

Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: http://bit.ly/1kGZrta

Free Empathy Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/teacher-classroom-empathy-kit/

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/22/18

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 lauramossa

Our Reads This Week:

R is for Rebel by J. Anderson Coats

Three generations before Malley was born, the country of Milea was conquered by the New Wealds. After her parents were imprisoned for being resisters to the new government, Malley was sent to a national school. The school’s mission is to reform Malley and other young girls to be loyal Wealdan subjects and train them for domestic service. From the very first chapter, it is very clear that Malley is her parents’ daughter and is not willing to be reeducated. She wants to do something song worthy, like her Milean ancestors. At first, she thinks she is alone in her fight, but as the story unfolds, Malley notices that other girls quietly subscribe to the same beliefs as her. She soon realizes that resistance is all around her in many different forms.

R is for Rebel is a novel that left me thinking and questioning. As Malley stated, “It’s one thing to lose something; another thing to entirely give it up.” When I first began reading, I wasn’t quite sure if R is for Rebel was a historical fiction or a fantasy. In the end, it doesn’t matter because like other dystopian novels, Malley’s story teaches us an important lesson-to always personally fight for what you most value.

Special thanks to J. Anderson Coats for providing our #bookexcursion group with an ARC of R is for Rebel. Look for its release in February 2018.

Isadora Moon Goes to Schoolby Harriet Muncaster

Isadora is special because she is half fairy and half vampire. The time has come for her to attend school, but does Isadora belong in fairy school or vampire school? In this first book of the series, Isadora amusingly discovers whether she is more fairy, more vampire or perhaps, she is something all her own. After all, different can beautiful too!

Young readers at my school will definitely sink their fangs into this transitional chapter book series. Harriet Muncaster’s illustrations are gorgeous using only black and pink colors. Students will be able to relate to Isadora who is learning about her own identify and how she fits in.

Currently, there are four published books in the U.S.. The fifth book, Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet will be released on January 23, 2018. Special thanks to fellow #bookexcursion member Amber Webb for introducing me to the Isadora Moon series.

The Bat Can Bat by Gene Barretta

Homonyms, homophones, and homographs? No wonder children get confused!

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Permission to post visual granted from Kearson’s Classroom Blog.

Gene Barretta to the rescue! Author of picture books such as Dear Deerand Zoola Palooza is back with The Bat Can Bat, a fun and engaging picture book that teach homonyms, words that have different meanings but sound and are spelled the same.

Set at an athletic event, The Bat Can Bat features 2 homonyms on each page spread. Readers can use context as well as the illustrations to identify the different meanings of each homonym. The illustrations are especially important because they provide a visual to support students in understanding each word’s multiple meanings. Last year, my school had a school-wide focus on teaching multiple meaning words. The Bat Can Bat would have been a great resource for teachers. Makes me want to revive our initiative!

Special thanks to fellow #bookexcursion member Allison Stout for getting an ARC of The Bat Can Bat from Macmillian Children’s Publishing at the 2017 NCTE convention.

Featured Dog Selection 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.

Frankie by Mary Sullivan

The story begins with Francine affectionately called Frankie leaving the shelter. As soon as Frankie enters her foster home, she takes in her new surroundings especially things like a ball, bone, toys and a bed. Frankie quickly realizes all these things belong to Nico, the family dog, and Nico is not willing to share. Will Frankie get her own toys or will Nico learn to share?

Frankie is a story with few words but a lot of heart. The adorable illustrations visually tell the story and capture both Frankie and Nico’s emotions. Frankie hits close to home because the story was inspired by author/illustrator Mary Sullivan’s real foster puppy Frankie and a portion of the book’s proceeds are being donated to the shelter Austin Pets Alive. Shelter pups are dear to my heart because both Etta and Bella are rescues. Luckily, from the first day we brought Bella home, Etta has been very willing to share and still does.

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

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/8/18

January 8, 2018January 8, 2018 lauramossa

Etta, Bella, and I are back for our first It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? in 2018! #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:

Babysitting Nightmares: The Shadow Hand by Kat Shepherd

Like Rebecca Chin, I loved to babysit when I was her age. I loved caring for kids, demonstrating my maturity and of course, making my own money. But if a child’s locked window mysteriously opened and a layer of cold and slimy moss appeared on the windowsill, I highly doubt that I would have babysat for Kyle again, must less any other child.

In spite of these unexplained occurrences, a visibly shaken Rebecca keeps her cool and continues to babysit Kyle. Kyle’s mother admits he has been acting a little off, but perhaps it is just teething. When she puts Kyle to bed, she notices small handprints on the wall and even on the ceiling. On another occasion, Kyle bites friend and fellow sitter Clio and nips Rebecca exposing two row of white, pointed teeth. Something is definitely not right.

Babysitting Nightmares is described as Baby Sitter’s Club meets Goosebumps. I agree that is a perfect description for The Shadow Hand, which I hope is the first book in the series. Rebecca and her fellow sitters band together to discover what is happening to Kyle and risk their own lives to save him before it’s too late. I cannot wait to share this series with students. It’s fast paced and under 200 pages so kids will quickly devour this novel. While spooky at times, the story also has a great message-None can rule the heart that loves.

Special thanks to Kat Shepherd for sharing an ARC of Babysitting Nightmares with my #bookexcursion group. It will be released in June 2018.

Arts and Thefts by Allison K. Hymas

Do not call Jeremy Wilderson a detective. He is a retrieval specialist who helps his fellow middle school peers get back what is rightfully theirs. When one of his best friends and talented artist Case is accused of stealing brushes and paints from another student, Jeremy is incensed. Especially because the accusation is coming from his nemesis, Becca Mills, the town’s tiny yet terrifying private detective.

Becca believes that the brushes were intentionally stolen to sabotage artwork entered in the Scottsville Art Show, the most important competition of the summer. Becca’s hunch comes true, and Jeremy is worried about his best friend. With Case’s painting in the show, Jeremy is determined to not only clear his best friend’s name but also protect Case’s art from being a target of the saboteur. Even if it means having to team up for a second time with Becca. (Read Under Lock and Key to find out about their first alliance, which was kept secret from Jeremy’s friends Case and Hack.) Reluctantly, Becca agrees, and the two covertly join forces to retrieve the stolen paint and brushes and capture the culprit.

I love a good mystery, and Arts and Thefts does not disappoint. I applaud Jeremy for his loyalty to his dear friend Case, which drives him to join forces with Becca. Jeremy and Becca’s banter was truly the highlight of the book because while they mostly disagree, they make an amazing team. Makes me hopeful for another Jeremy-Becca alliance in perhaps Book 3?

Special thanks to Allison Hymas for sharing an ARC of Arts and Thefts with my #bookexcursion group. Arts and Thefts will be released in February 2018.

Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari Illustrated by Brian Floca

Hawk Rising is a narrative non-fiction picture book which tells the story of mother and daughter observing a father hawk hunting for prey for his family.

At the beginning, the mood is calm with both the family and the hawk waking up to begin their day. Father Hawk perches at the top of a pole to survey the land for his family’s next meal. The mother and daughter notice the hawk from their suburban backyard.

The mood quickly turns tense as Father Hawk swoops down to catch a chipmunk. To the hawk’s dismay, the rodent escapes running under a porch. However, Father Hawk is not deterred and continues his search for food even as the sun is setting for the night. The story has a thrilling ending with Father Hawk victorious in his quest to feed his brood.

I am a such fan of Maria Gianferari’s writing. The text is true poetry, for she chooses her words carefully to dramatically describe the family’s actions and feelings as well as the hawk’s pursuit. Coupling Maria Gianferrari’s words with Brian Floca’s illustrations, the story takes flight. Floca’s illustration vividly convey not only Father Hawk’s determination, but also the young daughter’s apprehension of seeing the hawk succeed in his mission.

Special thanks to Maria Gianferrari for sharing an ARC of Hawk Rising with my #bookexcursion group. It will be published in May 2018.

Our Featured Dog Selection of the Week:

Granted by John David Anderson

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

Pretty much any book with a dog has my heart so Granted’s cover alone compelled me to read this novel. Being a fan of John David Anderson, I knew it would be a great story and boy, did he deliver.

Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets is a fairy, but not just any fairy. She is a Granter, which gives her the opportunity to grant the wishes of humans. Eager Ophelia is finally sent on her first assignment-to give a purple bike to a girl named Kasarah. Her mission is pretty simple. Travel to an Ohio mall. Retrieve Kasarah’s coin from a fountain. Sprinkle a little fairy dust. Say those four magic words. Your wish is granted. Boom. Bam. Done.

But Ophelia encounters more obstacles than she anticipated, and her mission does not progress as planned. Ophelia’s silver lining is befriending a nameless stray dog who comes to her aid when she is injured. She bestows him the name, Sam. At first, Sam is her travel companion on her quest to grant Kasarah’s wish; but to Ophelia’s surprise, he becomes so much more-her friend. I love Ophelia for her pluckiness and determination, but I cannot deny. Sam got my heart.

Granted is a magical story about having faith, filling empty holes, and following your heart not the rules. Ophelia and Sam also remind readers what is truly important-having a haven where people love you and care for you, no matter what.

Special thanks to fellow #bookexcursion member Lisa Maucione who received an ARC of Granted from Harper Collins at NCTE. Granted will be published in February 2018.

Thanks for visiting Beagles and Books! Happy reading!

#Bookexcursion

Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari

January 8, 2018January 21, 2018 lauramossa

Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari Illustrated by Brian Floca

Hawk Rising is a narrative non-fiction picture book which tells the story of mother and daughter observing a father hawk hunting for prey for his family.

Special thanks to Maria Gianferrari for sharing an ARC of Hawk Rising with my #bookexcursion group. It will be published in May 2018.

#Bookexcursion

Terrific Tongues by Maria Gianferrari Illustrated by Jia Liu

December 18, 2017April 13, 2020 lauramossa

Did you know that tongues can be like a sword, straw, nose, whip or even a windshield wiper? I learned so much from reading Terrific Tongues, an amazing non-fiction picture book which teaches readers fascinating facts about how tongues work in unique ways.

I absolutely love the format of this fabulous text. Maria Gianferrari introduces each animal with an if and a might. For example, if you have a tongue like a mop, you might be a…. (no spoilers). Readers turn the page to discover not only the animal but also a short description of how the animal’s tongue is similar to its comparison.

Jia Liu’s lively illustrations literally jump off the page; I especially love the monkey’s facial expressions and emotions as each new animal is introduced. Readers of all ages will enjoy Terrific Tongues from start to finish. At the end of the book, there are additional facts about tongues, which will make readers tongue tied in astonishment. Tongues are truly and totally terrific!

A very special thanks to Maria Gianferrari for sending an ARC of Terrific Tongues to my #bookexcursion group. Preorder now, for it releases in April 2018.

#Bookexcursion

Shark Nate-O by Tara Leubbe and Becky Cattie

November 22, 2017January 21, 2018 lauramossa

Shark Nate-O by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie Illustrated by Daniel Duncan

Nate LOVES sharks! Because Nate knows lots of cool facts about sharks, his nickname is Shark Nate-O. But Nate has a one slight problem-he can’t swim. How can he really be a shark if he can’t swim?

Luckily, Nate has a plan-swimming lessons! At first, swimming does not come easy to Nate, and he needs a lot of support and rescuing from Coach Debra. But Nate reminds himself that sharks are fearless and he does not give up. Soon Nate is ripping through the water like a speedy mako shark. While Nate is proud that he can swim on his own, his ultimate goal is to become a member of the Amity Sharks swim team like his brother, Alex. Can Nate live up to his nickname Shark Nate-O?

I fell in love with Shark Nate-O immediately. Nate is so likeable and relatable. He is so full of confidence until his brother reminds him of what he cannot do. But what I love about Nate is that he takes charge to prove to his brother and more importantly himself that he can face his fear and learn how to swim. Such an important lesson for children and adults. Always reach for the stars or in Nate’s world, conquer the water!

An added bonus is Nate shares some of his shark facts at the end of the book, which will definitely encourage readers to research sharks on their own. A very special thanks to Tara Luebbe for sending an advance copy of Shark Nate-O to Beagles and Books, which I will be sharing with my #bookexcursion group. Preorder now, for Shark Nate-O will be published in April 2018.