31 Jan Review: Beatrice and Barb
Beatrice and Barb
by Kate Jenks Landry; illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Kids Can Press, 2023
ISBN: 9781525306488 (hardcover)
ISBN: 9781525312007 (eBook)
$23.99 CAD (hardcover)
$13.99 CAD (eBook)
32 pages
Ages: 3 to 7 years old
Review by Erin Dunlop
In this quirky picture book, Beatrice dreams of getting a pet, and after much negotiation with her mother, she brings home a Venus fly trap named Barb. Despite lots of love, diligent watering, frequent walks, and playdates with other pets, Barb begins to wilt. After a trip to the vet and, finally, a plant shop, Beatrice discovers that she wasn’t giving Barb what she needed to thrive. Armed with proper plant knowledge, Beatrice nurses Barb back to mosquito-eating health. Beatrice and Barb is a fun twist on a “new pet” story. Beatrice is an empathetic, dedicated, and enthusiastic character, and readers will surely connect with her (sometimes misguided) attempts at being a responsible “pet” owner. It is a joy to read for adults and children alike. With its charming art style, vibrant use of colour and diverse cast of characters, this unlikely duo teaches readers that “to take care of the people you love, you have to know what they need.”