LAFAYETTE, La. - This week’s KidLit Pick of the Week is Bentley and the Magic Sticks by Claire Eckard. This is a beautifully illustrated picture book about a dog named Bentley. Bentley is a very large-sized dog who has no friends because other dogs are afraid of his size. Bentley wishes for a friend to play with and his wish finally comes true when a fairy Dogmother uses her magical power to create another dog out of Bentley’s sticks. But, when Bentley loses his friend, he realizes why he is so special. With his new positive attitude and his magical sticks, Bentley can make new friends and discover his place.
What Author Aly loves:
· Vibrant illustrations make you feel like you are in the story.
· Perfect for a bedtime story.
· Great tool for school-age children to be reminded about growing their friendship circles and opening their hearts.
· Even though we may look or act different, this is what makes us special.
· This sweet book celebrates inclusion and diversity in friendship.
· Themes of kindness, generosity, and love will have your little reader wanting to read this book again and again.
