Beatrice and Barb

This is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Beatrice who desperately wants a pet. She wants a companion she can have fun with and care for, but her mother isn't open to a four-legged kind. Beatrice tries to negotiate with her mom and seeing how desperate her daughter is for a pet, Beatrice's mom gives her something to care for.

A plant. 

This isn't the kind of pet Beatrice was hoping for, but she makes the best of it. She and Barb do all of the things that kids and their pets do. But when Barb starts to get sick, Beatrice is determined to help her new pet by seeking help from others - and getting a surprise or two along the way.

Filled with vivid illustrations by Vivian Mineker and diverse characters on the pages, this is a delightful and entertaining story about friendship, our need to connect and care for others and how we can find joy in the most unexpected places.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Kate Jenks Landry

Illustrator: Vivian Mineker

Genre: Picture book

Type and Source: Picture Book from author

Publisher: Kids Can Press

First Published: October 3, 2023

Book Description from GoodReads: In this heartfelt story of friendship, a young girl is determined to save her most unlikely pet.

Beatrice desperately wants a pet of her own. Her mom has other ideas. No dog. No cat. No hedgehog. They finally reach a compromise, and Beatrice gets … a Venus flytrap. Being a good sport, Beatrice makes the best of things. She gives her new friend a name, Barb. She does all the things with Barb that good pet owners do, such as taking walks and playing fetch. Only, now, despite all the love and care, Barb is starting to look sick, with black spots on her leaves and some parts of her turning mushy. Beatrice knows she has to find a way to save Barb. But how?

The debut picture book from author Kate Jenks Landry offers a universal and powerful message about how to take care of those we love. It also celebrates differences, unique friendships and what makes each of us special (like how Barb needs to eat bugs to survive!). This story has strong curriculum connections to social-emotional learning and offers excellent character education lessons on caring, perseverance and responsibility. Vivian Mineker’s illustrations are imbued with the soft greens of plant life and beautifully convey the warmth and affection at the heart of the story.