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Bea Garcia #1
My Life in Pictures
Fans of Amelia’s Notebook and Judy Moody will love this friendship story bursting with doodles and pictures
Bea Garcia is an artist. She draws anywhere and everywhere—but mostly in her own notebook. When Bea’s first and only best friend Yvonne moves to Australia, not even drawing makes Bea feel better. And things only get worse when a loud, rambunctious boy moves in next door. He’s nothing at all like Yvonne! But with a little imagination and a whole lot of doodles, Bea Garcia might just make a new friend.
This first book in a brand-new chapter book series is a must-read for doodlers everywhere.
Bea Garcia is an artist. She draws anywhere and everywhere—but mostly in her own notebook. When Bea’s first and only best friend Yvonne moves to Australia, not even drawing makes Bea feel better. And things only get worse when a loud, rambunctious boy moves in next door. He’s nothing at all like Yvonne! But with a little imagination and a whole lot of doodles, Bea Garcia might just make a new friend.
This first book in a brand-new chapter book series is a must-read for doodlers everywhere.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2016
17 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 5, 2018
A solidearly chapter book.
Lots of drawings, which was kind of the point. Fairly typical early chapter book material. Diverse character. Fun series material.
Lots of drawings, which was kind of the point. Fairly typical early chapter book material. Diverse character. Fun series material.
February 3, 2020
I read this one out loud to my students, and they really liked it! It’s on the list for the PYRCA list for grades k-3. It’s a good one to recommend to students who are looking for something like Diary of a Wimpy Kid since it’s written in a similar format.
March 20, 2017
A good 1st/2nd grade book for kids who like the diary-with-lots-of-pictures style.
January 21, 2018
A cute chapter book featuring a Hispanic main character. Bea's best friend moves away, and a monster has moved in next door. Will they become friends?
February 23, 2017
This is a cute book for second or third graders - girls- using a lot of drawings which helps to support reluctant readers and perhaps inspire doodlers to keep their own picture journal. What I liked about this book is that Bea has a real problem, she relied on her best friend to be her only friend, and when that friend moves away she is lost. Her new neighbor is obnoxious almost to the point of being a bully, but she begins to learn to cope. Her journal shares typical fears and frustrations of elementary school and when her journal is intercepted by the teacher she is worried she will be humiliated. The teacher does read one journal entry - perhaps pointing out to Bea she was being unfair and needs to write in her school notebook - but she declares to the class the Bea is an artists. The Class agrees and Bea begins to gain confidence in herself as a person. Children who didn't take notice of her before now speak to her. Bea beings to adjust to her new situation.
October 24, 2019
Humorous. Adequate. Forgettable. Definitely confined to the 6-8 year old range. Borrow before buying.
March 28, 2016
This is a fun new transitional chapter book series.
July 1, 2019
Bea Garcia is an artist. She draws anywhere and everywhere—but mostly in her own notebook. When Bea’s first and only best friend Yvonne moves to Australia, not even drawing makes Bea feel better. And things only get worse when a loud, rambunctious boy moves in next door. Bert is definitely not new friend material. Bea calls him “The Monster” and he teases Bea both at home and at school.
This is book one in the new Bea Garcia series. It is perfect for emerging readers. The print is larger and there are not too many words per page, because Bea’s drawings occupy a lot of space! Best of all, it has a plot that kids can relate to and it’s funny! The pictures, formatting and spacing of the book remind me a little of Andy Griffith’s Treehouse series, and Bea’s voice reminds me a little of Junie B. Jones, although she's much nicer!
I think the ending was realistic in the fact that Bea and Burt don’t become friends. Bea’s drawing abilities get her off of Burt’s list of victims when he becomes the subject of her sketches. As they are studying faraway places, Bea imagines and sketches Burt faraway also. Her teacher, Mrs. Grogan confiscates Bea’s notebook and shares it with the class. Bea predicts disaster, but Burt revels in getting the class’s attention, and Bea is revealed as the class artist. Both get the recognition they are craving and end up not friends, but not enemies either.
There is some diversity here in the fact that Bea Garcia is hispanic, and a few Spanish words are introduced.
This book would be best for younger readers - grades 2-4. It would probably appeal to girls more than boys.
This is book one in the new Bea Garcia series. It is perfect for emerging readers. The print is larger and there are not too many words per page, because Bea’s drawings occupy a lot of space! Best of all, it has a plot that kids can relate to and it’s funny! The pictures, formatting and spacing of the book remind me a little of Andy Griffith’s Treehouse series, and Bea’s voice reminds me a little of Junie B. Jones, although she's much nicer!
I think the ending was realistic in the fact that Bea and Burt don’t become friends. Bea’s drawing abilities get her off of Burt’s list of victims when he becomes the subject of her sketches. As they are studying faraway places, Bea imagines and sketches Burt faraway also. Her teacher, Mrs. Grogan confiscates Bea’s notebook and shares it with the class. Bea predicts disaster, but Burt revels in getting the class’s attention, and Bea is revealed as the class artist. Both get the recognition they are craving and end up not friends, but not enemies either.
There is some diversity here in the fact that Bea Garcia is hispanic, and a few Spanish words are introduced.
This book would be best for younger readers - grades 2-4. It would probably appeal to girls more than boys.
May 1, 2018
Awards received?
n/a
Appropriate Grade level?
1-3
Original Summary:
Everything in Bea’s life seems to be perfect; her best friend lives right next door and every day is a new adventure. One day, Bea receives shocking news, her best friend is moving across the world. From the moment the news was released, Bea’s perfect world came tumbling down. Her worst nightmare moves in right next door, haunting the house where Bea’s best friend once lived.
Original Review:
Bea Garcia is a character that a lot of children will be able to relate too. With creative, pencil drawn images, Zemke’s readers can easily bring the book to life. This book is part of a series and I will most certainly be placing it on my classroom shelf.
1-2 possible in-class uses:
Bea Garcia had a passion for drawing. Students could be prompted to write about things that they are most passionate about. Prior to working on this prompt, an in class discussion about types of hobbies people enjoy. Students could use the discussion as a guide to helping them pick what they would like to talk about in their prompt.
n/a
Appropriate Grade level?
1-3
Original Summary:
Everything in Bea’s life seems to be perfect; her best friend lives right next door and every day is a new adventure. One day, Bea receives shocking news, her best friend is moving across the world. From the moment the news was released, Bea’s perfect world came tumbling down. Her worst nightmare moves in right next door, haunting the house where Bea’s best friend once lived.
Original Review:
Bea Garcia is a character that a lot of children will be able to relate too. With creative, pencil drawn images, Zemke’s readers can easily bring the book to life. This book is part of a series and I will most certainly be placing it on my classroom shelf.
1-2 possible in-class uses:
Bea Garcia had a passion for drawing. Students could be prompted to write about things that they are most passionate about. Prior to working on this prompt, an in class discussion about types of hobbies people enjoy. Students could use the discussion as a guide to helping them pick what they would like to talk about in their prompt.
April 2, 2018
Summary:
Bea draws about everything she is feeling, what has happened throughout the day and what she wishes would happen. Bea wished on her birthday last year that she would have a best friend and at that exact moment a little girl moved in next door. This girl’s name is Yvonne and she became Baa’s best friend but she moved away to Australia, now Bea is anxiously waiting to see who moves into Yvonne’s house. Bert moves in next door, he is mean to Bea and her brother who she calls the Big Pest. It turns out that Bert not only goes to her school but he also sits right behind her in class. Bea’s teacher found her book of drawings and showed some to the class, the entire class plus Bert now like her and want to be friends with her.
Activity:
For a class activity the students could be given a piece of paper then they could draw what they wish for, what has happened and what they want to happen just like Bea did.
Bea draws about everything she is feeling, what has happened throughout the day and what she wishes would happen. Bea wished on her birthday last year that she would have a best friend and at that exact moment a little girl moved in next door. This girl’s name is Yvonne and she became Baa’s best friend but she moved away to Australia, now Bea is anxiously waiting to see who moves into Yvonne’s house. Bert moves in next door, he is mean to Bea and her brother who she calls the Big Pest. It turns out that Bert not only goes to her school but he also sits right behind her in class. Bea’s teacher found her book of drawings and showed some to the class, the entire class plus Bert now like her and want to be friends with her.
Activity:
For a class activity the students could be given a piece of paper then they could draw what they wish for, what has happened and what they want to happen just like Bea did.
May 4, 2017
Awards the book has received (if any)- N/A
Appropriate grade level(s) – 1st - 4th grade
Original 3-line summary: Bea's neighbor was her best friend until her friend moved away. She was left alone at school with her annoying little brother and an annoying new boy at school. She channels her sadness and frustration through pictures in her journal.
Original 3-line review: This book is perfect for emergent readers and teaches children the concepts of a chapter book without being too overwhelming. I enjoyed the story and thought the plot was interesting. The pictures also made the book captivating.
2-3 possible in-class uses: After reading as a class, the students and teacher could create a character map for one of the characters in the story. Another activity could be the students create their own life in pictures, like Bea.
Appropriate grade level(s) – 1st - 4th grade
Original 3-line summary: Bea's neighbor was her best friend until her friend moved away. She was left alone at school with her annoying little brother and an annoying new boy at school. She channels her sadness and frustration through pictures in her journal.
Original 3-line review: This book is perfect for emergent readers and teaches children the concepts of a chapter book without being too overwhelming. I enjoyed the story and thought the plot was interesting. The pictures also made the book captivating.
2-3 possible in-class uses: After reading as a class, the students and teacher could create a character map for one of the characters in the story. Another activity could be the students create their own life in pictures, like Bea.
August 16, 2021
I liked My Life in Pictures because I love that Bea expresses herself through her art. Her book (called My Life in Pictures) is basically a diary made of drawings. I also love that this book is one to which students can relate. Bea's best friend who used to live next door moves away - all the way to Australia, which is 10,000 miles away instead of next door. That is a really hard change! The new boy who moves in next door is a monster who scares Bea's little brother and annoys Bea to no end. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who has ever had some trouble making new friends when old friends move away - or even just end up in a different class. Perfect for first and second graders!
May 6, 2020
134 pages. This is a cute series about a girl named Beatrice, nicknamed Bea, who loves to draw. She has a dog named Sophie and a very best friend. Her best friend lives next door, and they do everything together. Then one day she moves with her family all the way to Australia. Bea has a tough time dealing with the loss, and the new neighbor is quite terrible. The story is filled with humor and realistic situations. The illustrations throughout make it a close cousin of a graphic novel and add to the humor. This is a well-written, clever book. Kids will enjoy this series, especially girls. Highly recommended for grades 2-4.
January 9, 2019
I read this book with my second grade daughter and we both enjoyed it. It had a good balance of illustrations and text, which was especially appealing to a child who is a bit reluctant to read a full on chapter book. From the author description at the back of the book, it sounds like this story is a bit autobiographical. It was entertaining and the illustrations were fun and I appreciated how the story ended.
August 20, 2017
Beginning chapter book readers will love the combination of words and pictures through which Bea tells her stories, so I see this becoming a popular series in our library. Many of my students will be able to relate to Bea's struggles in coming to terms with her best friend moving away and will be eventually comforted and reassured that friendships can be maintained over time and place.
November 2, 2017
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It has the feel of a graphic novel/novel hybrid. Definitely for third-graders. The writing was so simple that it was a bit aggravating for me. Also, the ending felt a bit off to me. I didn't understand how the two characters suddenly became friends? So, I honestly don't know how to judge this book.
October 5, 2018
A young girl starts a new grade without her best who has moved away. Complicating the new year is the "monster" boy who has moved in next door. The girl loves to draw and documents her life in pictures in a secret journal. How ill her new year go? I liked the teacher and the diversity. early elementary. This is a quick read.
January 28, 2020
My children LOVED this book. So cute. I enjoyed the pictures she draws throughout and the realistic drama that a little girl would go through with her brother, a best friend moving away, and an annoying neighbor. Even the embarrassment in school is something I can see in my students' eyes with some of these events. It's short and full of energy to keep a little one's attention.
December 12, 2021
maya white dudhani
Fun and amusing to read
this is a story about a 12 year old girl named bea who has a younger brother who loves to mess around. Bea the girl met a girl who ended up being her best friend until one day her friend sadly had to move away bea was crushed but when the move weird people move in next door and bea deals with them in a very interesting way.
Fun and amusing to read
this is a story about a 12 year old girl named bea who has a younger brother who loves to mess around. Bea the girl met a girl who ended up being her best friend until one day her friend sadly had to move away bea was crushed but when the move weird people move in next door and bea deals with them in a very interesting way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
I read this book to my 5 year old. It was cute. I think most young kids would like it. Here is what he said.
Jeremiah says…
I liked the book. I liked that she used her imagination. I liked the pictures of Bert; they are hilarious. The penguins thought he was a fish. I want to read the next book.
Jeremiah says…
I liked the book. I liked that she used her imagination. I liked the pictures of Bert; they are hilarious. The penguins thought he was a fish. I want to read the next book.
June 2, 2017
For fans of My Happy Life -- lots of similarities here -- sweet friendship story, but things change when your best friend moves away.
Bea Garcia is an artist, and her drawings illustrate the text. Also incorporates a few Spanish words in the text.
Bea Garcia is an artist, and her drawings illustrate the text. Also incorporates a few Spanish words in the text.
March 23, 2018
This book is another one of our Sunshine State Young Readers Award, Jr. books. The story is great for early chapter book readers (especially girls) & the illustrations are great. I recommend this book for 1st through 3rd grade students.
August 28, 2018
Enjoyed Miss Bea Garcia and her ability to draw pictures that meant something to her. Her friendship with Yvonne her first best friend who moved with her family to Australia. Her little brother and the new neighbors who moved in next.
Enjoyed
Enjoyed
May 4, 2020
Sweet story (and nice art) of a girl going into 2nd grade, but without her best friend. To top it off, a monster moved in next door. Through her art and with the help of a great teacher, Bea is able to conquer some big problems.
August 14, 2022
Early chapter books are often tough for me to review because they need to be simple enough for early readers, which means they can be simplistic for adult readers. I appreciated the emphasis on drawing in telling Bea Garcia’s story. I think early readers will connect to her.
July 29, 2017
Changes are hard. How to best deal with them is a challenge and Be a does a pretty nice job of this. She draws her way to understanding. I wonder how kids will see themselves in her struggle.
December 2, 2017
The story is like reading a diary. It shows the main character’s point of view. Great way for kids to step into another person’s shoes.
December 23, 2017
My son loved it. The story kept us both engaged. The pictures were entertaining. I look forward to the next installment.
January 23, 2018
Very enjoyable!
January 27, 2018
Cute, diary- style story which stars a main character who is Hispanic and very relatable to young readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews