This post is sponsored by Expound Publicity. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

About the Book

Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Written by Frank Payne

Illustrated by Romney Vasquez

Ages 4+ 40 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781637556733

Publisher’s Book Summary: This is the story of Webster the beagle and his adventures at the Rappahannock River, whose tale of hope will inspire you to never give up on your dreams. Sometimes, we think we’re lost when, really, we’re just hoping to be found.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frank Payne’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious, so dog breeds such as beagles and Labradors are a perfect fit for him. He is an avid hunter, tennis player, and fan of all things James Madison University. Frank is also active in his community and enjoys exploring new ventures—from owning racehorses to oyster farming.

Frank is vice president and a minority owner of PD Brooks Company Inc., a traffic control company in Richmond, Virginia. He lives in Richmond with his wife, Caren, and their two dogs: Billy, the beagle, and River, the black Labrador retriever. On July 1, 2022, Frank adopted Billy the beagle from Richmond Animal Care Control (RACC). Billy was one of over four thousand beagles rescued from Envigo and adopted across the country. RACC was instrumental in protecting and fostering many of the beagles in Virginia.

For more information, visit https://www.websterthebeagle.com/

https://www.facebook.com/websterthebeaglebook/

https://www.instagram.com/beaglewebster/

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

RAMBLING ALONG THE RAPPAHANNOCK

Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Written by Frank Payne

Illustrated by Romney Vasquez

This picture book adventure features a beagle named Webster who narrates his adventures from season to season along the Rappahannock River in Virginia.

Webster is a lovable beagle who especially enjoys meeting the creatures who inhabit the river. In the spring, he meets the ospreys who return to make their nests and raise their young. Summer finds him accompanying his master to go crabbing. In the fall, they harvest oysters from the river. Winter finds them bundling up to fish for rockfish. When not cruising down the river, Webster enjoys life at home with his friendly neighbors and his brother and family member, River, a black labrador retriever.

The illustrator presents vivid multicultural images that portray the emotions and mood of the tale. Payne introduces the young reader to a plethora of information about each of the creatures that inhabit the river. This book is a good jumping off point to encourage a child to explore them in greater detail. Also, the author donates part of his sales from the book to charity, which provides a good example to his primary grade reading audience.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a free signed copy of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River. 

Click on the link below to enter the giveaway:

https://gleam.io/EYqmF/webster-the-beagle-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 6, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewVirtual Book Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, August 7, 2024Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Frank Payne

Thursday, August 8, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Friday, August 9, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Monday, August 12, 2024Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Tuesday, August 13, 2024It’s Free At LastBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Wednesday, August 14, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Thursday, August 15, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Friday, August 16, 2024@avainbooklandBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Monday, August 19, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Frank Payne

Unfair and Lovely (U.S. Edition

Written by Mallika Thoppay

Illustrated by Kavitha Amarnath

An illustrated chapter book that delivers an important message for tweens and teens. You cannot judge a book by its cover.

Sahana and her sister, Surabhi, have just moved to a new town in India. They eagerly anticipate the first day in a new school. Sahana will enter seventh grade and Surabhi, the third grade.

The sisters share much in common, but there is one significant difference. Sahana has a dark complexion. When the sisters learn about an interclass dance competition, both want to participate. Despite the fact the sisters both excel in dancing, Sahana is denied a spot in the competition; she hears the snickering and understands why she has been excluded.

Sahana’s mother explains that much in life is unfair, and sometimes one needs to find a different path to success. It turns out Surabhi gives Sahana an opportunity to prove herself and to teach her classmates an important lesson.

Highly recommended for preteens and teens who face similar issues and difficulties in social situations.

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Evie and the Volunteers: Book 1: Animal Shelter

Written by Marcy Blesy

First book in a series for beginning and middle school students. Evie’s mom has a new job, and Evie is sent away from home for the summer. It doesn’t take long for Evie and her newfound friends to get into trouble. As punishment, her mother enrolls Evie as a volunteer in a local animal shelter where she meets an abused dog.

Evie learns the value of hard work and giving back to the community. As a backstory, young readers are introduced to the concept of PTSD and the difficulties military families must face. These are explained in an age-appropriate way.

I would recommend the book to readers in the seven to twelve age range. It would make an excellent choice as a classroom discussion read aloud book.

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Jo’s Special Gifts

Written by Mariam Shapera

Illustrated by Lorna Humphreys

This book is written and illustrated by parents of an autistic child. As a special educator who has worked with dozens of autistic children, I highly recommend this book both to autistic parents and teachers and also to those seeking to understand autism.

Jo is a beautiful child who is autistic. He has a special interest in music and space, both areas in which he excels. Jo learns differently. He sometimes shouts out his words and needs to have a structured routine in which to function. Jo tries his best to fit in socially though he sometimes needs adaptations.

I liked the way the illustrator portrays children with disabilities in a wheelchair and a child wearing noise-cancelling earphones. The parents support Jo with unconditional love. Every child deserves to learn in the way that best suits his talents and capabilities.

Another valuable part of the book comes at the end when the author shares tips about communication, socialization, and the sensory needs of autistic children, which are a valuable source of knowledge for any adult working with an autistic child.

Highly recommended as a read aloud discussion book for preschool and elementary school children.

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Charlotte-Solana and the Sun (Charlotte’s stories series)

Written by Silvia Tabor

Illustrated by Dorina Casapu

Charlotte’s second name is Solana, which means the sun. A good match because the sun is her best friend. Every day, her first move is to open the curtains and greet her friend.

Charlotte teaches her primary grade readers that the sun is a star, there are eight planets orbiting around it, and she introduces the dwarf planets as well. She is delighted where her parents allow her to plant sunflower seeds. Charlotte reasons that these plants could become friends for the sun, who must be lonely out there by itself.

This book contains vibrant illustrations that pop off the page to attract young readers to its message.

Recommended especially for ages four through seven.

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If Shapes Could Talk

Written by Rella B

Illustrated by Wendy S.

This book is much more than a rhyming picture book about shapes. It teaches young children colors, empathy, compassion, kindness, gratitude, and diversity.

A rhombus introduces us to her shape family. Each member is different but they all live happily together. When the rhombus goes to school, she discovers a world of diversity and begins to feel left out because she has fewer material possessions. Soon, she learns that appearances can be deceiving.

Toddlers and preschoolers learn shapes and colors, older elementary school age readers will better understand the value of uniqueness and diversity.

Recommended for toddlers through grade three.

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Pip’s First Flight and the Power of Visualization: A dinosaur children’s story to teach kids positive thinking

Written and Illustrated by Elyse and Garrett Fox

Pip’s mom comes to the rescue by encouraging Pip to visualize all the wonderful scenarios that could happen when he experiences his first flight. Suddenly, the world opens up and he now can’t wait to venture out into the world.

This book teaches preschool and primary grade readers how to visualize and includes activities and action steps to follow up. The story and activities encourage children to use their imaginations to create positive thoughts and teaches self-confidence.

Recommended for children ages three through eight. It is a good tale to introduce an upcoming new activity or experience for a young child.

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Gigi: The Ballet Recital

Written by Carly Mottinger

Illustrated by Dan Seaton Brown

Gigi is over the moon. She loves to dance and has been doing so since age three. This year her little sister will be joining her at the yearly ballet recital. They practice everyday.

One day, Gigi’s teacher informs her she will not be in the front row this year because she is too tall. Gigi is distraught. How will anyone see her? She begins to lose interest in her dancing.

When the big night arrives, Gigi’s sister, Birdie, freezes on stage. Can Gigi figure out a way to help her. Will Gigi learn to love ballet again? Read this picture book with beautiful illustrations to find out what happens to the dancing divas.

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Positivity is My Superpower: A Kid’s Book about Managing Negative Feelings and Feelings (My Superpowers Books 10)

Written by Alicia Ortego

This book is part of a series that focuses on dealing with children’s emotions and turning them into superpowers.

In this book, Lucas is the protagonist. He is facing a move to a different city. That releases a flood of emotions, most of them negative. Lucas is dealing with anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown. He does not want to leave the house he grew up or the friends he cherishes.

Lucas’s mom comes to the rescue She reassures him with gentle words and simple actions like blowing bubbles that turn his negative feelings into positive ones like hopefulness, confidence, and a sense of adventure.

This rhyming picture book serves as a good teaching tool for elementary age students to enhance social-emotional skills.

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How to Grow a Marshmallow Tree (Book 1 Amelia and Paco Series)

Written by Stefanie Gamarra

Illustrated by Mark Bertran

Amelia and her imaginary polar bear friend, Paco both have a sweet tooth.

One day, they are eating marshmallows, one of their favorite snacks. Suddenly, they run out. Amelia decides it would be wonderful to have a marshmallow tree for an unlimited supply. So the pair set out to plant one.

Amelia and Paco are unsuccessful at first, but Amelia refuses to give up. Read the picture book to find out the surprise ending to this fantasy adventure for young children.

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