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Bella & Blue
Eight year old Bella has anxiety.
Small things aren't so small for Bella.
But with the help of her colorful dog, Blue, and her grandma, Gigi, who has a flair for all things French and over-the-top hats, Bella can handle every day's twists and turns.
Blue is the companion children dream of. The therapy dog that plays paddy-cake to calm Bella's nerves & take away her blues.
Celebrate the beauty of being blue, in this first of the graphic early reader series, Bella & Blue. Book 1 contains three short stories, perfect for the stamina of emerging readers.
Small things aren't so small for Bella.
But with the help of her colorful dog, Blue, and her grandma, Gigi, who has a flair for all things French and over-the-top hats, Bella can handle every day's twists and turns.
Blue is the companion children dream of. The therapy dog that plays paddy-cake to calm Bella's nerves & take away her blues.
Celebrate the beauty of being blue, in this first of the graphic early reader series, Bella & Blue. Book 1 contains three short stories, perfect for the stamina of emerging readers.
80 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 27, 2022
Bella & Blue is a delightful read! It had me smiling from beginning to end. This is a graphic early reader series filled with heart. Bella faces anxiety in new situations, but her confidence and creativity grows with the help of her spunky Gigi and faithful, furry companion, Blue. Readers will fall in love with the adorable dog Blue. The author/illustrator includes storylines that will provide great opportunities for parents to have discussions with their own children about facing new opportunities. The illustrations and color palette is soothing and perfectly matches the characters. I love that there is a page at the end of the book where readers can learn to draw Blue! This will easily become a favourite on the library or classroom bookshelves as students will make connections with the characters and anticipate more stories. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
March 30, 2023
Bella and Blue are a loveable pair of friends in this delightful new series. This first book is where 8-year-old Bella meets Blue, an energetic puppy who knows just how to make Bella feel better when she’s feeling sad or nervous, whether it’s with a game of patty-cake or just a hug. Bella goes from a lonely, anxious young girl to someone who has found herself and her own unique talents. There are three short chapters and the back matter page is super fun. Other wonderful characters include Bella’s father and grandmother. At 75 pages, the size and format of Bella & Blue is perfect for young readers, very unintimidating, making it a great stepping stone for later more in-depth chapter books and novels, whether graphic or otherwise. Berrie Torgan-Randall did a great job in creating these characters who will jump off the page and into the hearts of children everywhere.
September 16, 2022
I love Bella & Blue! It is such a sweet, happy story about a girl and her dog; Berrie Torgan-Randall's words and pictures are endearing. I love the relationship between Bella and her grandmother, Gigi, who is full of fun and life and in love with hats. Bella may worry about an oncoming thunderstorm--not Gigi! Gigi is a wonderful role model. When they pass a pop-up pup shop, of course Bella can't resist--and despite concerns about dad's reaction, Gigi says, "Let's give it a try." The puppy, Blue, gives Bella moral support after ballet lessons and is a great model on arts-and-crafts day, and he's hilarious in a hot-dog costume. I love how the book shows Bella's worries and how she creatively deals with them, with the loving support from her Gigi and Blue. Kids will love this book!
November 1, 2022
Eight-year-old Bella worries whenever she has to face new experiences - rainy weather, thunder and lightning, whether she’ll do well in dance class, and so on. But with the positive vibes from her frisky new dog Blue and her hat-loving, carefree grandma Gigi, Bella learns how to face her fears with creativity and confidence. The illustrations are lively and charming and there are instructions for how to draw the character Blue at the back of the book. This relatable, early reader graphic novel with short chapters is perfect for young readers from K to Grade 3. A great addition to home and school libraries!
May 20, 2024
Blurb: Bella & Blue, written and illustrated by Berrie Torgan-Randall, and published by The Little Press, is a sweet and relatable read for children. This early graphic novel, split into three chapters, focuses on everyday challenges, relationships with family, and newfound furry friends.
#SeasonsOfKidLit.com says: Torgan-Randall's sketch styled-illustrations in a monochromatic theme paired with her fun text is a pleasant book for kids of all ages. Children will instantly relate to Bella, who has anxiety, and her new pup Blue who is a perfect friend for Bella. Bella & Blue is a wonderful read for National Rescue Dog Day or any day of the year.
#SeasonsOfKidLit.com says: Torgan-Randall's sketch styled-illustrations in a monochromatic theme paired with her fun text is a pleasant book for kids of all ages. Children will instantly relate to Bella, who has anxiety, and her new pup Blue who is a perfect friend for Bella. Bella & Blue is a wonderful read for National Rescue Dog Day or any day of the year.
September 18, 2022
Bella and Blue tackles the sometimes tough and heavy subject of anxiety in children with wit and charm. Accessible language, coupled with a clever type treatment that bring to life heightened moments of anxiety are extremely complimentary to the engaging illustrations. The symbolic appearance of the colour blue is well woven throughout too.
Between sweet Bella, her quirky grandmother and attentive dog, Bella and Blue is filled with a great deal of heart and real-life moments that many children will find highly relatable. I loved sharing Bella and Blue with both my 7 and 10 year old!
Between sweet Bella, her quirky grandmother and attentive dog, Bella and Blue is filled with a great deal of heart and real-life moments that many children will find highly relatable. I loved sharing Bella and Blue with both my 7 and 10 year old!
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October 12, 2022This early graphic novel is beautifully laid out and full of mischievous characters. It's simple storylines and comic layout are great for new readers to cut their teeth on. I liked how one of the storylines centered on the dog, while the other two featured the girl character. Their grandma-dad-girl-dog family unit was a nice mix and the illustrator worked hard to make characters easily recognizable for kids. She even includes a Blue drawing lesson in the back! three short stories which will delight the pre-school set.
October 27, 2022
Bella is a gap-toothed little girl who is subject to the “what-if’s” sometimes. She worries about the weather, and about whether she’ll succeed in dancing class, and so on. But with the help of her exuberant, hat-loving Gigi and a new dog, Blue, Bella finds the confidence to relax and enjoy life. The charming illustrations and engaging characters make this early reader graphic novel a winner. I hope for more adventures of Bella and Blue.
December 11, 2022
Bella and Blue, written and illustrated by Berrie Torgan-Randall is a beautiful early reader about an 8-year-old girl with anxiety. With the help of her dog, Blue, and grandma, she finds creative ways to overcome her anxiety.
This book will delight beginner readers as they develop confidence in independent reading. The characters and illustrations are unique and captivating. An absolutely lovely book.
This book will delight beginner readers as they develop confidence in independent reading. The characters and illustrations are unique and captivating. An absolutely lovely book.
December 27, 2022
BELLA & BLUE is a charming, graphic early reader that is relatable and inviting for young children. Berrie's word choice is perfect for a young reader's developing confidence while her illustrations and color palette are inviting and supportive of the gentle tone of the text. Children will easily fall in love with the cast of characters and at the end of the story will enjoy learning some French along with how to draw Blue.
July 2, 2024
I love Bella & Blue. Their characters are so child friendly and engaging. From the first chapter when Bella meets Blue (and adopts him from the rescue), you can't help but fall in love with their relationship.
The age appropriate words make it easy for young readers. The themes are beautifully intertwined in each chapter. These themes lead to great questions to inspire children to talk about the story and perhaps, relate some things to their lives.
The age appropriate words make it easy for young readers. The themes are beautifully intertwined in each chapter. These themes lead to great questions to inspire children to talk about the story and perhaps, relate some things to their lives.
October 28, 2024
Once Bella gets her dog Blue, she's ready to tackle new experiences. With her quirky, hat-loving, grandmother Gigi, Bella finds a way to use her own creativity to explore new dances other than ballet, and make the best costume for Blue to enter the canine costume contest. The soft blue and gray tones in author/illustrator Berrie Torgan-Randall's art bring a sweet calmness to the stories that are full of family support and fun adventures!
September 14, 2022
It is impossible to not love Bella (and Blue too). Bella's anxiety is something that every child will be able to relate to and understand. The story is fun and entertaining and also shows children the joys of being creative which is is sometimes lost in the race to win and be the best. It's important to see that Bella didn't master ballet or win the contest, but she is still happy.
October 5, 2022
Bella & Blue has adorable characters that early readers will enjoy. It’s especially nice to see a grandparent as a focal point. The illustrations include fun patterns and charming dog poses. Kids will find Bella’s worries and fears relatable and recognize her dog Blue as a source of comfort. The book illustrations have lots of detail that will encourage numerous readings.
October 13, 2022
Bella and Blue is a wonderful early reader series that is written in a graphic novel style. Each story is a quick read with engaging illustrations. The special relationship between Bella and her dog Blue as well as her Grandmother (who is the type of grandma everyone dreams of having) are what makes this story shine. A must read!
April 16, 2025
Bella & Blue, written and illustrated by Berrie Torgan-Randall is a lively graphic novel that introduces readers to Bella and her new pet dog Blue. There is a nice intergenerational theme with her grandmother Gigi and Dad. Told in three chapters, it presents everyday challenges with engaging illustrations. Great for early readers.
July 7, 2022
As a Mom of an older child with anxiety, I wish we knew Bella sooner!! This early reader is full of relatable emotion with charm and warmth layered into the outstanding illustrations. Endearing and fun!
September 13, 2022
I'm in love with the sweet illustrations in this charming book. They feel modern and classic at the same time. Bella is an endearing character with creative problem-solving skills. This book gives us, not one, but three short stories that young children will love.
September 13, 2022
This is a fabulous early reader that readers with or without anxieties will really connect with! The characters are relatable and Blue the dog is a standout. Perfect for any young child in your life just beginning to read.
September 16, 2022
All the characters are so expressive especially Blue! I especially like the attention to details and the simple way the story is told. The more you read it the more you see. How to draw Blue is a great addition!
October 2, 2022
Love this sweet and charming Book. Bella does not win the contest. However, with the help of her fun grandmother, Gigi, and loving dog, Blue, she enjoys her eventful life. A heartwarming story! Highly recommended.
October 11, 2022
These creative stories will help any child with anxiety AND encourage all children to have empathy for anyone with uncertainty and fear. Looking forward to the next lessons Bella, Blue and Gigi can teach us all.
October 12, 2022
Delightful! Bella's worries are relatable to children and adults, alike. We are truly rooting for her throughout and the ending is perfectly unperfect. The simplicity of the art only adult to the appeal. A must read.
October 12, 2022
"Bella and Blue" contains 3 short graphic stories with clear typeface, simple but compelling storyline and engaging illustrations full of life. Grandma Gigi is up for anything, and Bella worries are simply but clearly verbalized. A wonderful first graphic book for K-3.
February 11, 2023
This is such a great early reader. The reader can go along with Bella as Blue helps her to deal with anxiety in silly, surprising ways. Add in Bella's grandmother, Gigi, and the flair of French with hats galore, and then you have wonderfully fun stories in this first book of the series.
March 5, 2023
BELLA AND BLUE is an engaging illustrated early reader. Berrie Torgan-Randal incorporates the bond between a grandmom, Gigi in this case, and a colorful sidekick, Blue! Their amusing adventures will certainly put a smile on little readers faces!
June 28, 2022
LOVE this book. Fantastic illustrations. I love the touch of color BLUE- how fitting. Bella is incredibly relatable for many children who have anxiety, even a touch when it comes to change.
September 13, 2022
Adorable! What a lovely early reader book with fun stories and colorful characters. Gigi the grandmother takes the cake! Love
September 13, 2022
I love the way you can feel what's going on in Bella's head. A great read!
September 14, 2022
A beautifully illustrated early graphic reader. Bella's stories are sweet, relatable and perfect for growing together as a family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews