A Book Review: Begin

    As summer 's just around the corner (and summer break is happening super early for some of us), it's definitely the time to kick back and read! My first book review *insert excited grin here* is a heartwarming, adventurous tale which will hopefully become one of your new favorites.

   

    Let's get started!  There may be minor spoilers as I try to give an accurate picture of the book.

    (The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.)

Title: Begin

Authors: Phillip and Erin Ulrich

Series: This book is the first in a four-book series called The Growly Books.

Targeted Age Range: 8-12 (but also meant as a read-aloud for younger children)

Synopsis: For centuries the bears of Haven have lived quiet lives, high in the mountains at the edge of the great Precipice. That all changes for a young cub named Growly when he receives a mysterious message. With just his backpack and glider, Growly sets out on a desperate journey to find his grandfather's long lost friend . . . and to find a way back home.

Language: None! The characters are all very polite and kind towards each other.

Violence: The characters get some injuries during their journey, but nothing too serious. At the start of his journey Growly is knocked unconscious while enduring a harsh storm.

Romance/Sexual Stuff: Growly has a crush on a childhood friend, Ember. Several times through the book he thinks and dreams about a future marriage. His friend Chippy (a monkey) is also attached to a female monkey and during the book they announce their engagement and future marriage. Much of the story told in the series revolves around a bear named Merridy, who was engaged to a bear who lost his way home. Merridy still loves him and is faithful to his memory.

Spiritual Elements: None, though there are a few deep-set traditions that the bears in Haven follow.

Magic: None

References: None

Other Issues: There is a fair amount of danger and suspense in the book. This danger often comes from the risk of getting injured or lost.

Although not an issue with the book, this book and its following titles are self-published. This means that it may be harder to find them available to read in certain libraries or bookstores. You can buy the books easily on Amazon, eBay, or the series' official website.

My Age Range: Due to the bits of romance sprinkled in and some of its more suspenseful scenes, I think that this book is best for kids ages 10 and up to read. It may be easier for some of the younger ones to "get it" if Begin is read with, or read aloud by parents or older siblings.

Read Aloud: This is a definite choice for a read-aloud! There is something in Begin for everyone to enjoy.

My Opinion: I first found this book off of a free giveaway table. I took it home, but had a hard time getting into it due to all of the descriptions and worldbuilding in the first few chapters. I'm used to reading more rapidly-paced books, so I didn't give it enough of a chance. After a few months, I picked it up again and began to read, and I'm so glad I did.

    Begin is unique in that it's action-packed, but also has a calmness in its wording. It's deeply sensitive to its characters' emotions and touches on subjects like friendship, loyalty, and love in a way that its readers are able to soak up easily. The setting that the Ulriches have dreamed up for this story is amazing. Growly and Chippy are also great role models and unforgettable characters.

    I hope that if you haven't already, you'll let Begin charm you with its refreshingly sweet storytelling and incredible passion for outdoor adventures.

Discussion Questions:

-When the book starts, Growly is getting ready to go on his Adventure. How do you think he feels? How would you feel if you were going on an Adventure?

-How does the return of the bird impact Growly's and Merridy's lives?

-Describe the relationship Growly has with Ember. Do you think that will change later? Why or why not?

-How does Chippy help Growly out? How does Growly help Chippy out?

-We hear a lot about C.J. from other bears and monkeys as Growly tries to find him. After reading Begin, how do you feel about C.J.?

-Chippy decided to stay with Growly instead of going back home. Why do you think he did this? If you were Chippy, what would you have done?

-After reading Begin, what do you think will happen in the next book?

(You can also find more questions and activities in the Begin Companion Guide.)

    Please let me know if you want me to review any of the other books in this series! Like I said, there are four books (Begin, Widewater, Morning, and Haven.) I am also welcoming book suggestions in the 8 and up range (no nonfiction, poetry, romance, or horror please).

    I hope that this review helped you to consider reading Begin and the rest of the Growly Books series, and if you've already read them, to consider recommending them to a friend. Stay safe and healthy!

    -JadeSky