Book Review + Giveaway: Bentley and the Magic Sticks!

Title: Bentley and the Magic Sticks | Author: Claire Eckard | Illustrator: Ann York | Publisher: Mill City Press | Publication Date: April 2021

Book Description: Bentley and the Magic Sticks follows this extra-large canine as he finds out that his favorite sticks have magical powers, thanks to a wonderful Fairy Dogmother called Tia! Because other dogs are afraid of his large size Bentley has no one to play with. However, with his magic sticks he manages to make new friends and he also discovers the special secret of why he is so big.

My Thoughts: Bentley is a big dog. Even though he’s a sweet, gentle and fun-loving dog who only wants to play, the other dogs are afraid of him simply due to his size. Thanks to his fairy dogmother and some magic sticks, Bentley might just find the companionship he longs for.

Growing up with dogs, often large dogs, I’ve always had a soft spot for big breeds. But I’ve also seen how nervous children (and sometimes even adults) can be in their presence. So I loved that this book tackled the issue but from the other perspective — how a kind-hearted dog who just happens to be big can also feel left out. It’s a lovely message for children to think about from both their own and another’s perspective — how differences can’t automatically be associated with a personality trait. But regardless of an underlying message, this is a fun story with lots of wonderful characters — a fairy dog mother (ha!) — and a lovable protagonist at its heart.

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Meet the Author: Claire Eckard is an animal lover and believes in volunteering to give back to her community, especially to the homeless animals that need to find their forever homes. Her animals often inspire her writing, weaving their way into the stories that she writes, blending reality and fiction to entertain, teach, enlighten, and share the joy that animals bring to our lives! Claire is an author, poet, songwriter, wife, mother and grandmother! She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between her home in Yuma, Arizona and her ranch in the mountains of Prescott. Claire has three dogs, eight horses, and a miniature mule!

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Facebook ~Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Bookbub

Tour Schedule:

June 21 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
June 22 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 23 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 23 – @twilight_reader – book review
June 24 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
June 25 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 28 – The Bespectacled Mother – book spotlight
June 29 – Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight / guest post
June 30 – Laura’s Interests – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 30 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
July 1 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
July 2 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
July 6 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 7 – Reading is My Passion – book review
July 8 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
July 8 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 9 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / author interview
July 12 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
July 13 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 14 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review
July 15 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 16 – Kam’s Place – book review

Enter the Giveaway: Click the link below for a chance to WIN a signed copy of Bentley and the Magic Sticks!

Bentley and the Magic Sticks Book Tour Giveaway