Buddy and Bea: Not Really Buddies

 Buddy and Bea: Not Really Buddies

In the acknowledgements, author, Jan Carr, indicates that she has her niece, Phoebe, read her manuscripts to ensure they pass the kid-authenticity test and I think that explains a lot about this book. It feels VERY authentic. As a teacher of young children, second graders among them, I think this could make a PERFECT read aloud for the start of the school year, or any time year-round but it very authentically reads like a first day/week of school and kids and teachers alike will relate to the shenanigans that Buddy Finn-Lee and Bea experience from the get go. Like Buddy, students will relate to all different family structures, and many kids will relate to Bea’s “buzziness” either as a naturally impulsive nature or the result of first day/new school/new class jitters. I highly recommend this fun and engaging read!

Title: Buddy and Bea: Not Really Buddies

Author: Jan Carr

ISBN: 978-1-6826-353-46

Published 2023 by Peach Tree

This copy was received from the publisher as a PDF eBook via Edelweiss for review purposes.