Review: Biff and Becka's Stupendous Vacation by Elaine Beachy

Biff & Becka's Stupendous Vacation

by Elaine Beachy

WestBow Press

Middle Grade Fiction/Religious

156 pages

ages 8 to 12

Biff's anticipated family vacation takes an unexpected turn. How will he deal with bitter disappointment? Is his summer ruined? Will he be humiliated by his friends?

In interesting twists and turns, the author takes Biff and his rabbit family through a trying time that has a surprising outcome. Engaging questions for each chapter at the end encourage lively discussion between your child or grandchild and you.

The author paints a picture of a godly home to give encouragement and guidance to parents who struggle and kids who hurt.

Biff and Becka's Stupendous Vacation helps your child know how to deal with disappointment. It also helps children relate to family and friends with honesty and respect. 

MY TIDBITS

Biff is looking forward to getting away on summer vacation, but financial difficulties at his parent's job put a hold on any larger trips. Stuck at home, Biff is sure his summer is going to be the worst ever. But maybe things aren't as he expects them to be.

This is a gentle story which takes on a very usual problem in very normal circumstances. In other words, is something almost any kid can relate to. Biff, Becka and the other characters come across as regular kids who'd live on any street. They are kind, have warm hearts, but also make mistakes like everyone else. Biff, Becka and the other characters are rabbits which is nicely portrayed at times with habits more tending to these furry creatures. But, in general, they behave like normal kids. . .which wouldn't be a problem if the other animals weren't portrayed as normal animals.  This irritated my kids.

The story itself is fun, hits things kids will easily recognize, and never grows overly tense. The first chapters make it clear that this is a book with a message, a strong one, which will come across as preachy to some readers. But it also makes the book's intent easy to decipher, and the questions at the end bring the intended message full circle as it leads kids and adults to discuss what happened in the tale.

While there isn't really any huge, exciting plot, this is a gentle story which guides through a problem many kids face. It's also a message which can be broadened to touch other areas of life. However, this book is not just a fun read and has a clear purpose.

I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers.