About the Holiday
Is it hot enough for you? Do you start to melt the minute you step outside? Are you wishing for a little rain to cool things off? Well, today may be your lucky day! Today, we celebrate that rain that feeds farmer’s crops, brings our lawns back (just a little), and gives us a good reason to stay at home curled up with a good book. Why is July 29th designated as Rain Day? Well, it may have something to do with the fact that in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania it has rained on this date 114 years of the last 142. So watch the skies and get your umbrella ready. A trip to the library or bookstore is a great idea too!
A Book for Benny
Written by Judith Koppens | Illustrated by Marja Meijer
It’s a rainy day and Sam is cozy on the couch reading…well, she would be if her dog, Benny, wasn’t pulling at her arm, wanting to play. “‘I’m not going to play with you. I’m reading.’” Sam tells Benny. She tries to show him how much fun reading is, but Benny doesn’t seem interested in the book Sam has. Maybe, Sam thinks, Benny would like a different book. “‘Come, Benny. We’ll go to the library. We’ll pick out a nice book just for you,’” Sam says. She grabs her raincoat from the hook, and Benny finds his leash.
Copyright Marja Meijer, 2017, courtesy of marjameijer.nl.
They reach the library and hurry in through the revolving door to get out of the rain. Just then they hear a voice coming from the front desk. “‘I’m sorry, young lady, but dogs are not allowed in here!’” When Sam explains, the woman thinks that a book just for Benny sounds fun, but she still can’t allow Benny to stay. Sam takes Benny outside and returns to the shelves to look for the perfect book.
She finds one about knights and takes it to the big wall of windows to get Benny’s approval. She shows Benny the pictures. “Benny looks up at Sam, but then he pees against the tree.” Perhaps a circus book would be more appealing; after all, “Benny loves to do tricks with the ball.’” But when Benny sees this book, he simply turns his back on Sam.
Copyright Marja Meijer, 2017, courtesy of marjameijer.nl.
Sam searches through the bins of books. “‘Yes, this is the one!’ Sam suddenly cries.” She runs to the window and finds “the best picture to show Benny. Benny looks at the book and starts to wag his tail. He barks and licks the window…again and again” even though it’s dirty. Sam rushes to the desk to check out Benny’s book. When the woman picks it up, she “reads the title out loud. ‘I Love Sausages: 101 Recipes.’”
The librarian is surprised, but Sam tells her that this is the book Benny likes best. Back home, Sam settles in on the couch once more and begins reading again. “And Benny?” He stretches out, closes his eyes, and “has lovely dreams about his book.”
Copyright Marja Meijer, 2017, courtesy of marjameijer.nl.
Judith Koppens’ endearing story about a little girl who wants to share her love of reading with her pet will enchant animal lovers and may inspire some child/furry friend reading time at home. Benny’s humorous displays of disapproval and approval will have kids giggling, and the book that Benny ultimately chooses will be appreciated with a laugh by dog owners. Benny’s choice also demonstrates that everyone finds different books appealing, and that sometimes it takes a little trial and error and alternate thinking to find just the right fit for reluctant readers.
Copyright Marja Meijer, 2017, courtesy of marjameijer.nl.
Marja Meijer’s cartoon-style illustrations are just right for this lighthearted tribute to a love of reading. Sam’s home is warm and cozy with pictures and photos of the most valued family member on the wall, a comfy couch, and a fuzzy rug. The blue watercolor world outside plinks with raindrops and splashes with puddles, while inside the library, the colorful stacks of shelved books offers refuge that is recognizable to all book lovers. Benny’s slobbery assent to the book Sam chooses will have readers wondering about the title, and the cover reveal will make them laugh. As Sam and Benny settle in to read, the clearing skies show that happiness really is a good book.
Dialogue driven, A Book for Benny makes a great read aloud for home or classroom storytimes.
Ages 4 – 6
Clavis Publishing, 2017 | ISBN 978-1605373522
Discover more about Judith Koppens, her books, illustrations, and other creative endeavors on her website.
To learn more about Marja Meijer and her art, visit her website.
Rain Day Activity
Rainy Day Match-Up Puzzle
On a rainy day you need just the right raincoat and umbrella to stay dry! These matching umbrellas and raincoats have gotten separated. Can you find the matching pairs? How do you match them up?
You can find A Book for Benny at these booksellers
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound
Picture Book Review
celebratepicturebooks.com 