"Keep young minds engaged."

Below, a short and sweet review from Bookviews by Alan Caruba, a blog described as "a monthly report on the best in new fiction and non-fiction books. Alan Caruba is a charter member of the National Book Critics Circle and has been reviewing for more than five decades." 

The same age group, from 2 and up, will enjoy A Bee Named Bea by Candace A. Dietz with illustrations by Virginia J. Rost ($14.95, Mixed Media Memoirs), a collection of poems about various animals such as a cow that can’t stop mooing or a lonely bee that everyone is afraid of. Each poem ends with a cheerful resolution. The book has twenty poem-stories to keep young minds engaged.

"Dietz hones in on vital life lessons."

Here's another review from book blogger connywithay.

Another Poem from A Bee Named Bea

A BUTTERFLY NAMED ARIN

 by Candace A. Dietz

A butterfly named Arin—

That’s Arin with an “A”—

Fluttered and flitted, floated and flew

Around the yard all day.

“Arin,” said her mother,

“Can’t you please sit still?”

And Arin, happy Arin, said,

“Oh, sure, of course I will!”

She tried to keep her wings still

And nap for a few minutes.

But trying to be quiet—

There just was no fun in it.

Though she was really trying,

Arin started to giggle

When one wing then the other wing

Began to twitch and wiggle!

She laughed aloud and fluttered around,

Then tried to be still again.

“Oh my, oh dear,” said Arin,

“I cannot seem to win!

I just have so much energy

That sitting still won’t work for me!”

So her wise and wonderful mother said,
“I know just what to do.

We’ll sign you up for gymnastics.

It’s perfect for someone like you!”

And Arin, happy Arin

Was even happier still:

“Will I do gymnastics?

You bet your wings I will!”

So Arin joined gymnastics class

And flopped and fluttered and flew

And high-vaulted and back-flipped

And cartwheeled loop-di-loo.

That afternoon at rest time—

It’s hard to believe but true—

Arin was still and quiet.

And she took a long nap, too.

"A great choice for young children."

Here's a link to a nice review on the blog "As They Grow Up."

A BEE NAMED BEA And Other Poems #REVIEW

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

As They Grow Up was provided a sample to help facilitate this post. The post may contain affiliate links. 

I was ecstatic to receive A BEE NAMED BEA AND OTHER POEMS by Candace A. Dietz.  This little gem features twenty poems.  All of the poems but one feature a different animal/insect.  The last one is all about a little girl.

About:

Beautifully illustrated with original watercolors by artist Virginia Rost, this lively, humorous book of twenty poem-stories features a whole host of loveable animals and one precocious little girl - each with some problem or in some kind of predicament.   


My Thoughts:

When reading poetry with little kids they expect lots of rhyming and this book delivers.  The beautiful illustrations really make this book come alive.  The subjects are animals and insects kids know and love like: A Bunny Named Paul and A Cow Named Sue.  This book of poetry is going to be well loved in our house.  We've read through them with our littlest who is three but as he starts doing more school I think this will be a great resource as we study the different animals featured.  Each poem has the animal (or girl) in a predicament which resolves itself by the end.  For example a frog who can't find his friend.  A great choice for young children and perfect way to introduce poetry.