Reviews
Review from our book sponsor Dr. Patricia Smith
Beesquito is scared because there is a blue lemupard under their bed. BQ can’t sleep and just wants to get rid of the cause of the misery. BQ has some great ideas that will for sure get rid of the nuisance. This nuisance, the scary Blue Lemupard, has no idea what is in store for it. This story is fun and original and the illustrations are out of this world. This third book in the Jumbimal series addresses a common fear among children. It makes kids question whether things are as scary as they think they are.
I sponsored this book because my little sisters wrote and illustrated it, of course. However, as a doctor, mother and grandmother I have professional and personal experience dealing with children with all sorts of fears and anxiety. I love that this book addresses that in a fun and amusing way. It surely will help many kids dealing with anxiety realize they are not alone and that there can be humour and a happy ending.
Another great children’s picture book from the sister team Monica Jean Smith and Susan Smith Brazill. Highly recommended.
Beesquito,
Donuts
and Mars
Beesquito, Donuts and Mars
Je suis particulièrement chanceuse d’avoir une belle-mère Monica Jean Smith extra créative et talentueuse. Elle et sa sœur Susan Smith Brazill préparent le lancement de leur deuxième livre pour enfants le 7 octobre prochain! Vous pourrez vous en commander une copie pour vous-même ou pour offrir en cadeau à Noël! Le cadeau parfait pour les jeunes enfants qui apprennent l’anglais 😃 une histoire captivante et des illustrations uniques et magnifiques ❤️
Lydie Seguin
Beesquito, Donuts and Mars will delight both children and grownups who read to them.
When Beesquito, BQ for short, gazes into the starry night, he knows that he must undertake the hero’s quest to prove there is life on Mars.
Strapped into his BQ size customized rocket, with snacks, safety tether and a box of Momma BQ’s artisanal gourmet donuts to share, BQ steers his rocket ship into the unknown.
Like many heroes on quests, BQ faces challenge upon challenge, not the least of which are the sneaky little tardifrogs who follow him, snatching Momma’s gooey donuts from the box, while BQ weary and bummed out, becomes convinced that there is no life on Mars.
Back on earth, Momma BQ praises BQ for having the courage to follow his dreams even if his quest has failed. Meanwhile on Mars, the sneaky little tardifrogs are feasting under the stars sharing their mega secret that THERE IS LIFE ON MARS.
Susan Smith Brazill’s Beesquito, a hero who dreams big; follows his dream; faces every challenge, but fails to see the sneaky little tardifrogs that are just behind him and his box of artisanal donuts, is a hero with whom kids can identify. And the fact that all along the kids reading the story can see the sneaky little tardifrogs that PROVE there is life on Mars will delight them.
The fun Smith Brazill has as she chooses just the right words to describe her hero’s quest is infectious. Kids will love rolling their tongues around words like ‘artisanal’ and ‘quintillions’. Monica Jean Smith’s illustrations are beautifully detailed and tell a story that kids can discover on their own. For example, what’s that capital letter ‘B’ doing on Beesquito’s rocket ship?
Beesquito, Donuts and Mars will be a welcome addition to any child’s bookshelf. I highly recommend this absolutely charming book.
Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn Shreve mystery series.
Beesquito, Donuts and Mars
By Susan Smith Brazill and Monica Jean Smith
Not only is this story creative and silly (with wicked artwork), but it packs an important message about following your dreams. Beesquito is the first creature to travel all the way to mars. Nole Muskemu's human counterpart better take notes!
Claire Ledding
Beesquito, Donuts and Mars
By Susan Smith Brazill and Monica Jean Smith
Your new book was such a good read and such a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about growth mindset. Even when we feel disappointed because it seems like we failed, we always gain something. I love that Beesquito is clumsy, determined, vulnerable and brave. BQ is the perfect role model for my very cautious kids! Now I have got to go because my son wants me to re-read the story! When is the new one coming?
Christiane Lafleche, MSW, RSW and mother of two young boys
Beesquito, Donuts and Mars
By Susan Smith Brazill and Monica Jean Smith
Loved this story. It has everything that kids love – from adventure to gooey donuts to puking! Yay!
Peggie Koenig, FCMC, Founder & President/CEO, Koenig Leadership Advisory
Beesquito, Donuts and Mars
By Susan Smith Brazill and Monica Jean Smith
Loved this book – the funnest road trip with the best snacks! The writing is so much fun and the illustrations are spectacular. How can I order some books?
Catherine R. Gryba, ICD.D, CRG Strategies and grandma
Beesquito, Donuts and Mars
By Susan Smith Brazill and Monica Jean Smith
Beesquito has captivated us again! This book is a beautiful work of art. With its amazing illustrations and fascinating story that will delight the older kids yet sure to captivate the younger ones as well with its fun rhythm and rhymes! This book is sure to be a family favourite.
Geneviève Charlebois
Greedy Beesquito
and the
Alphabet Jumbimals
‘This is absolutely charming. I’m sure kids will love the Greedy Beesquito’s adventure and the way the story’s words roll off the tongue. Of course, the illustrations are glorious and very witty. Good luck with Greedy Beesquito and the Alphabet Jumbimals. It was an honour to have a first glance.’
Gail Bowen, Author and Playwright, Regina, Saskatchewan
‘I bought this sweet Alphabet book today! My “sisters” Monica and Susan wrote this fun alphabet story book. Some jumbled animals and naughty Beesquito steals their weird snacks. Literacy .. from the beginning letter sounds of animals and a corresponding adjective to a repetitive chorus that children will love. I can see letter identification and sounds cemented with these memorable characters. Monica painted the animals and Sue wrote the story. There is a card game you can order as well.
Check out’
Carolyn Mcintyre, Retired Teacher, Ottawa, Ontario