Happy Book Birthday, The Barking Puppy by Lori Lobenstine!

It's time to celebrate another book birthday! This one is the first in a brand new series for middle grade readers and is said to hit themes such as friendship, community, and working together. So, I'm expecting a bundle of wholesome goodness with touching moments, which readers will be able to identify with.

Plus, I'm hoping that there will be quite a bit of puppy antics to shoot the cute factor up high. Maybe some humor along with the heart? Well, let's find out!

Another note: It's Monday, which means the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday list is up for the week. For all of those who enjoy middle grade reads, you'll want to head over HERE and discover what books middle grade knowers and fans are suggesting today.

THE BARKING PUPPY

by Lori Lobenstine

Illustrated by Il Sung Na

Levine Querido

Middle Grade Contemporary

248 pages

ages 8 to 12

When Sophie and her two Jack Russell terriers move to Boston, she's excited not to be the only brown kid in the neighborhood anymore. She instantly likes the quirky teenager named Juno next door and her pug, Bonney. But not everything's easy. Her classmates make fun of her Vermont overalls. The upstairs neighbor hates barking. And Bonney needs surgery that Juno's family can't afford.

So Sophie and Juno invent the Barking Puppy, the first ever newspaper written “by dogs” and “for dogs.” Will anyone else get how funny it is? And more importantly, can they sell it to raise enough money in time to save Bonney? Will the landlord kick Sophie and her mom out before they even get started?

Don't miss this first edition of a doggone great series and find out for yourself!

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Change is always challenging, but with cute dogs involved, it's bound to be an enjoyable adventure.

Sophie, her mother, and their two dogs move from a quieter part of Virginia to Boston, which means a change in many aspects. One of those includes having a much more diverse group of kids around her, some are like her but there are many others, especially at school. While it's going to take some settling in before she finds her spot in the larger student body, she hits it off immediately with a neighbor, Juno, and her pug. While the two bond and find more friends in the neighborhood, Sophie has an idea for the newspaper project at school. Instead of interviewing people, she wants to interview dogs. While this starts as a simple, fun idea, it soon gains more meaning as Juno's pug requires an expensive surgery and the newspaper might offer a way to raise funds to help out. But that will mean convincing the teacher and school. Plus, one of the other neighbors is making Sophie's life difficult thanks to her dislike of barking dogs. In other words, Sophie is up against a lot.

This is a fun tale surrounding friendship, learning to deal with new situations, family goodness, and reaching out to try something new. Sophie is an energetic character with tons of ideas and determination, but she also tends to feel a little uncertain in her own skin. Her mother is supportive, but then, many of the characters around her offer encouragement in different ways. Not everything runs smoothly, which leads to a few humorous situations as well as some more sticky hurdles. This keeps the story interesting, especially since some problems really aren't easy to solve. But this book also shows the power of working together to achieve goals.

While Sophie is a character to root for, it's the dogs which give this read zest. Not only are dogs a main part of some of the  characters' lives, but the author drops in a few facts here and there concerning breed attributes, care, behavioral aspects, and more. This flows in so naturally that it's hardly noticeable. Plus, the dogs (although not directly part of the character list) hold fun quirks and personality to add extra life to the tale. 

The story has a steady pacing and works especially well for the middle and lower ends of the age group. The font and spacing makes it easier to read, and the illustrations add a nice touch. There's a bit of a more traditional feel, at times (Sophie and her friends aren't carrying around phones or anything). I was surprised that the school allowed sales like this one (none of my children's schools would have done that). Still, the message is inspiring and shows that some difficult things can be achieved with community and help.

It's a great beginning to further adventures, and it will be fun to see what Sophie and her pups will be up against next.

And here she is...

Lori Lobenstine and her goddaughter, Sophie Canon, have been collaborating on the original Barking Puppy newspaper since Sophie was ten years old. The Barking Puppy (Levine Querido, 2025; Il Sung Na, illustrator) is Lori’s first children’s book, and Sophie was her creative consultant, contributing her lived experiences, as well as her keen ear for youth dialogue and uncanny blend of human and dog humor.

Lobenstine’s other passions include being a co-founder of the Design Studio for Social Intervention (DS4SI), member of the Hot Flashes basketball team, and founder of the website femalesneakerfiend. Her previous nonfiction books include Girls Got Kicks (Levellers Press, 2011; Amanda Lopez, photographer) and Ideas, Arrangements, Effects: Systems Change and Social Justice (Minor Compositions, 2020; Kenneth Bailey and Ayako Maruyama, co-authors). She lives in Boston, MA and has her BA in American Studies from Wesleyan University.

Here is a Book by Elisha Cooper

I could almost shout-out a book birthday to today's read, but it's a smidgen too early. Three more days. That's not really many, is it?

Anyway, today's read comes from a prize winning author/illustrator and, I'm assuming, will center around books. The amazement of books? Imagination? Information? I have no clue. But I'm ready to find out. 

So let's dive in and see what this book has to say about books.

HERE IS A BOOK

by Elisha Cooper

Abrams Books for Young Readers

 Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 22nd!!!

A love letter to books, showing how many elements and people contribute to making something beautiful, from Caldecott honoree Elisha Cooper

In this poetic and beautifully illustrated ode to creativity and the process of making books, Caldecott honoree Elisha Cooper takes readers on a journey showing how words and art move from one person to another.

From writer to reader, and everyone who contributes in Here is a book, made with love.

An artist’s studio overflows with sketches, drafts, a wastebasket, and wonder.
A publisher’s office hums with computers, layouts, coffee, and teamwork.
A printer makes a layout into a book using presses, ink, paper, and time.
And that book travels to a school, to a library, to a student, to a home.

 GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Every page celebrates the creation of a book, from ideas all the way to a reader's hands.

The author of this book takes readers on the magical journey surrounding the creation of a book. It begins with the first ideas and sparks of inspiration as a woman gathers thoughts and impressions from various moments of her life, some picturesque and others more playful. Then, she begins to sketch...and pauses...and works again. The flow is gentle but draws in as her manuscript and artwork take form. But it doesn't end there. The created work heads through computers, offices, printing...all the way to the shelves, where curious readers look for their next reads.

While the text carries an almost lyrical style to give a touch of artistic flair, the illustrations draw in with little details here and there. These also carry an imaginative touch as the characters remain faceless...but this is about them. Rather, this keeps the book process front and center. 

This ode to book creation is not only well done but is sure to inspire readers to dream of creating one themselves. It not only makes a lovely read-aloud, but also would fit nicely to a theme surrounding books and story creation. For classrooms and homeschoolers, this also has the potential of opening the door to a story project. 

But of course, it makes a lovely read simply on its own.

And here he is...

Elisha Cooper is a Caldecott Honor recipient for his title Big Cat, Little Cat and his book River won the 2020 Robin Smith Picture book Prize. Elisha has also received a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year awarded for his book Dance!.

By the Sycamore Tree by Caroline L. Thornton

I'm going to stay in the realm of trees with today's read and am taking a peek at a read,, which centers around a sycamore tree. I believe that this one looks at the changing seasons, and what happens with animals, nature, and even people during this change. Sounds calming? Well, let's find out!

BY THE SYCAMORE TREE

by Caroline L Thornton

Illustrated by W. Anindya

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 3 to 7

By the Sycamore Tree is a sweet story in verse about all the changes that happen to and around a tree through the seasons. As each season comes and goes we see the changes that occur to the plants and trees, the animals and birds and even how the changing seasons affect people.

AMAZON    /    GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

The change of the seasons flow with poetic flair as these pages visit more than first appears.

For the most part, this book centers around a sycamore tree and showcases the changes the seasons bring around it. From Spring to Summer and on, not only does the tree go through the usual change of budding leaves to Fall's colors, but the area surrounding the tree shows the different activities of various forest animals around it. These hit various creatures to give each page a bit of something new. Plus, several animal habits (hibernation, etc) are brought across with subtle goodness. During the summer season, the scenes detour away from the tree to highlight some other activities people enjoy doing during these warmer months. This adds a slightly different direction before steering back to the tree and the nature around it.

While the illustrations bring across each scene nicely, there's enough change in each one to make sure it never comes across as repetitious. The text offers a calming atmosphere and sets the stage for each moment. The progression and activities of each season are delivered through beautifully flowing poems. These are enjoyable to read, easy to understand, and bring across the emotions clearly. In other words, the text is well done. This makes it a wonderful read-aloud and even perfect for visiting poetry in group settings.

The Child and the Tree by Nohra Bernal

Today's read was released a couple years ago, so it's not one you have to wait for. I'm not sure if I'll enjoy this one or not. I'll admit that I've become very critical when I pick up a picture book with a message. That's probably due to the huge amount of message-driven picture books I receive. Gosh, there are tons out there. Anyway, I do love a good picture book with a message, which sticks long after the book is laid down or teaches something important along the way.

Today's book may or may not do that. I know it centers around a tree, which has me immediately thinking of the Giving Tree by Silverstein. That's happens to be one of my most favorite picture books since I was a kid...which probably isn't fair to this book, but what's a reader to do?

Anyway, let's take a peek and see how this one does.

(Note: After reading this, I would place it on my favorites of the year...if it hadn't already been released before. I really found it that good.) 

THE CHILD AND THE TREE

A Tale for Better Times

by Nohra Bernal

Art by Ruben Rodriguez Ferreira

Arreboles

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

A child. A tree.
Their friendship transforms their world.
And hopefully ours as well.

In her morning exploration, a curious child discovers a little tree in the middle of a desert. So begins a tender friendship that finds delight in simplicity and wonder while both the child and tree learn and grow. In an unexpected twist, a storm uncovers parts of the ancient tree that were hidden under the sand. After the child succeeds in planting a new little forest —with the tree’s guidance— their sweet adventure comes to an end when the child’s family needs to leave.

A moving ode to natural beauty and the wisdom of our truest nature, this heartwarming story invites us to see the world from a new perspective and from a unique place. Interwoven in the fiction are some facts about the care of trees in unlikely circumstances, revealing an ever-present hope for survival.

Beautifully depicted in colorful illustrations and lyrical text, social and environmental awareness come together in a story that touches on migration, resilience, forest regeneration, and individual empowerment.

The ideal book for everyone who loves trees and hopes for better times!

Perfect for fans and frenemies of The Giving Tree, The Lorax, WALL-E, and Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees.
A Spanish language version, Alma Semilla, is also available.

FREE downloadable materials include the list 365 Hugs for the Planet , coloring pages, and a teaching guide.

 Amazon /  Bookshop / with direct link to Ingram (Hardcover only) 

MY TIDBITS

With love, heart, and just the right touch of wonder, this is a read to get lost in and enjoy again and again.

A little child is in the desert and discovers a small tree in the middle of the sand, all by itself with nothing around. The child cares for the tree, and they share lovely moments. After a large sandstorm, the child worries about the tree and rushes to make sure it survived. What the child finds is something it never expected...and it's only the beginning of so much more.

This is one of those rare books to snuggle up with and remember long after its put down. The writing is very simple, which seems, maybe, a little too much so, at first, but it's perfect. This is a simple tale with so much depth and wonder. The desert setting also adds a sense of exotic uniqueness and reminds readers how vast the world really is in its variety. It reminds of other cultures and countries without holding it up front and center. Instead, it feels natural and lays the foundation for the story nicely.

The illustrations are lovely and give each scene the needed emotion and setting. The colors match the mood. The relationship between the child and the tree is brought across with warmth and wholesome goodness. And this is kept front and center the entire time.

There's a light hint of magic as the tree and the child converse, but it's subtle. This allows the message of friendship to shine as well as the idea that change can lead to something even more wonderful to hit just right.

It's great for a read-aloud in group and individual settings, or is one for readers to visit themselves when they have a better grip on their words.

And here she is...   

Nohra is a Colombian-born indie author and translator. As a literacy promoter and a teaching artist, she shares her love of books and her passion for multilingual storytelling, poetry, and dance. She holds degrees in psychology and modern languages, and has published several books for children illustrated by her husband, including The Child and the Tree, a Skipping Stones Honor Award winner in 2024. They live in Connecticut and have three grown sons. More info at nohrabernal.com

Links:

My Shop at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/nohrabernal

My Amazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/author/nohrabernal

 

Happy Book Birthday, Fierce Aunties! by Laurel Goodluck!

It's time to shout-out a book birthday! My curiosity for today's read heads into the nonfiction direction. My curiosity was hit when I saw that it centers around aunts. There are plenty of books out there surrounding parents, grandparents, and siblings...but aunts? These are a little rarer. So, let's take a peek, shall we?

FIERCE AUNTIES!

by Laurel Goodluck

Illustrated by Steph Littlebird

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

A joyful and vibrant celebration of what makes aunties so special, from Indigenous author and illustrator team Laurel Goodluck and Steph Littlebird inviting all kids to connect with the fierce aunties in their lives.

Who do you go to for advice and support? Or when you want an adventure and a little extra courage? Or when you need to find that warrior spirit inside you? Fierce aunties!

Aunties come in different shapes, sizes, and ages. They all have different laughs, skills, and stories. They might be your parents’ sisters, your older cousins, or even family friends. But there’s something they all have in They’re fierce, they love you, and they’ll help make everything better.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

These pages celebrate aunts in all forms and remind readers how important they are.

With vibrancy and energy, this read follows a young girl as she introduces the various aunts in her life and how they support and influence her. It covers a large variety. Quiet aunts, sportive aunts, cooking aunts, and even non-blood-related aunts. This isn't so much a story, bur rather, it carries a more poetic feel and simply discusses the importance of aunts in a person's life. So, it's more of an atmospheric, inspirational book, which stretches across a broad range of possibilities.

The artwork is bright and cheerful, displaying scenes to ring a tone of familiarity while adding inspiration. These flow nicely with the lyrical text to create a lovely read-aloud. As said, this isn't a book which hits with exact moments, and instead, creates a light, inspiring mood to dance with emotions. And it is a warming read. There is also a lean toward native American culture, which gives it a nice twist. I'm not sure more reluctant listeners will enjoy this one as much, but it does make a lovely tale for those calmer moments...or to share with a favorite aunt. And if the later happens, it could end with a snuggle and smiles.

And here they are...

The Author...

Laurel Goodluck writes picture books with modern Native themes that reflect Native children’s cultural experiences and everyday life, showing they have a unique and powerful perspective. Her books include Forever Cousins, Rock Your Mocs, She Persisted: Deb Haaland, Too Much, and Fierce Aunties!. Laurel was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, coming from an intertribal background of Mandan and Hidatsa from the prairies of North Dakota and Tsimshian from a rainforest in Alaska. She received a BA in psychology and an MA in community counseling and family studies from the University of New Mexico. Laurel began writing by crafting a curriculum for community advocacy involving Native teen leadership and later for children newly diagnosed with mental health challenges. Laurel lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her Navajo husband, where they raised two children who are also bent on storytelling. Please follow her on @LaurieGoodluck on Instagram.

The Illustrator...

Steph Littlebird is an enrolled member of Oregon’s Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and earned her BFA in painting and printmaking from the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) in Portland, Oregon. She is the illustrator of My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstrom and Fierce Aunties! by Laurel Goodluck. Littlebird is known for her vibrant imagery that combines traditional styles of her Indigenous ancestors with contemporary illustration aesthetics. Her work often examines issues related to Native identity, cultural resilience, and responsible land stewardship. She currently lives and works in Las Vegas.