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A review by beccabookshelf
Beatrice and Barb by Kate Jenks Landry
5.0
‘Taking care of each other is what best friends do’
Beatrice has always wished for a pet of her own to care for, but her mom was against the idea. After discussions, debates and negotiations they finally reached a compromise and Beatrice got Barb, a venus fly trap plant. It wasn’t quite what she wanted, but she made the best of it and tried her best to look after her pet. However Barb didn’t seem to be doing well so Beatrice has to find out how to keep her pet happy.
The illustration in this book is GORGEOUS! I love the lineless art style and gouache effect, Vivian Mineker has definitely gained a follower after this. I really liked the writing in this book and how Beatrice was so dedicated to looking after her pet even though it wasn’t quite the pet she originally wanted. I also liked how the characters featured in this story were all diverse, we can see a range of ethnicities and abilities in the people that Beatrice interacts with. Of course it is a bit unrealistic that someone would take a plant to a veterinarian, however I don’t think that’s a real negative at all to the story. When I read it out to my children (4 and 5) they laughed when I asked them if plants go to the vet and told me ‘No that’s for animals!’ So I actually really enjoyed that moment. I also like how this book shows how Beatrice then changed up her tactic when caring for Barb following Millicent’s instructions. Overall this book was really sweet and fun and a great way to introduce children to the different ways we can care for plants.
AGE: 3+
GENRE: Children’s Fiction, Nature, Friendship
DETAILS: 32 Pages, Picture Book
I received this as an eBook through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Beatrice has always wished for a pet of her own to care for, but her mom was against the idea. After discussions, debates and negotiations they finally reached a compromise and Beatrice got Barb, a venus fly trap plant. It wasn’t quite what she wanted, but she made the best of it and tried her best to look after her pet. However Barb didn’t seem to be doing well so Beatrice has to find out how to keep her pet happy.
The illustration in this book is GORGEOUS! I love the lineless art style and gouache effect, Vivian Mineker has definitely gained a follower after this. I really liked the writing in this book and how Beatrice was so dedicated to looking after her pet even though it wasn’t quite the pet she originally wanted. I also liked how the characters featured in this story were all diverse, we can see a range of ethnicities and abilities in the people that Beatrice interacts with. Of course it is a bit unrealistic that someone would take a plant to a veterinarian, however I don’t think that’s a real negative at all to the story. When I read it out to my children (4 and 5) they laughed when I asked them if plants go to the vet and told me ‘No that’s for animals!’ So I actually really enjoyed that moment. I also like how this book shows how Beatrice then changed up her tactic when caring for Barb following Millicent’s instructions. Overall this book was really sweet and fun and a great way to introduce children to the different ways we can care for plants.
AGE: 3+
GENRE: Children’s Fiction, Nature, Friendship
DETAILS: 32 Pages, Picture Book
I received this as an eBook through NetGalley in return for an honest review.