I love that one of the kids is shy and seems to be an introvert. I appreciate the diversity shown in every way including how each child is respected as an individual and is acknowledged for who they are. Now I seem to usually notice what foods are eaten in fiction books because of those hilarious discussions.) (I mention this because my Goodreads friend Hilary and I have fun with another series in which virtually no healthy foods ever seem to be consumed.

The mother owns a bakery so there are a lot of cookies and other baked goods, some with fruit and vegetables in them, most not aiming for health, but there are healthy foods eaten here too including fruit and vegetables and oatmeal. The two youngest members won’t eat meat that comes from pigs though and that reminded me of Suzy in Meet the Austins, one of my favorite books with one of my other favorite literary families. There isn’t too much that’s non-vegetarian mentioned though this is not a vegetarian family. Ditto for the vegetarian dishes mentioned. I like that the kids cook, real things, and that everybody helps with chores. There is so much that I love about this book. I read the book from October 17 to October 21. The events happen from Sunday, October 20 to Sunday, November 3. I enjoyed reading this around the time events in the book play out month and day wise. Perhaps they’re the author’s dogs or dogs that have been part of her family or those she knows/has known. I love that the book is dedicated to 4 dogs, and they’re illustrated on the dedication page too. There was mention of a film agent in the notes so I’m wondering if book 1 and/or the series is going to be made into a movie post pandemic. I’m happy to see that there will be a fifth book coming out next year.

These books keep getting better and better. Axis 360 (unreadable for me) but is there really no text on blank page 85 or did I miss something?! I at least got my edition into Overdrive vs. My library e-copy does not have the lovely cover image but I did occasionally refer to it as I was reading.

The vanderbeekers 2