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Bell's Big Move
Bell's Big Move tells the story of Bell and her girl, Sofia, who move from the big city to the quiet town of Pineville, where life is a lot less busy. Will their new friends, Jingle and Andrew, help make Pineville feel like home?
Little ones will love hearing this story as a narrator reads to them, page by page. And if she's nearby, the Bell Story Buddy stuffed animal will respond when you read key phrases from the story.
Little ones will love hearing this story as a narrator reads to them, page by page. And if she's nearby, the Bell Story Buddy stuffed animal will respond when you read key phrases from the story.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
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393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 9, 2019
Adorably sweet children's book with really cute pictures. Sofia and her dog Bell have to move. In their new hometown they befriend Andrew and his dog Jingle from the "Jingle All the Way" book.
April 30, 2019
Bell and Sophie have fun
What an adorable story about a little girl and her dog. There adventures as they move to a new town and meet new friends
What an adorable story about a little girl and her dog. There adventures as they move to a new town and meet new friends
June 15, 2015
Here's the feedback letter I just sent to Hallmark about this book:
First, the book is really cute, and my daughter loves the way the stuffed dog interacts with the book. It's a great product, but I'd like to recommend some improvements if you continue this series next Christmas or offer a similar series in the future.
First of all, although my daughter speaks very well and understandably for a three-year-old, she does lisp a bit on the double-L in Bell's name (like many children would!), so the dog never responds when my child tries to talk to her. You have never seen frustration until you've seen a crying toddler screaming "BEWW, CAN YOU SAY THANK YOU?!" She just doesn't understand why "her" toy will only talk to me! Next time, it would be great if you could either improve your voice recognition software to allow for better recognition of children's speech, or give future characters easy-to-say names like "Bob".
My other feedback is with regard to the book's content. As the mother of a girl, I don't think I'm alone in being very sensitive to the messages my daughter receives from the media, and here your book completely fails: Bell is described repeatedly as being lovable only because she is pretty. The first page reads exactly as follows:
"There are lots of lovable puppies in the world, but of all the little puppies anyone could possibly know, there was probably none as lovable as Bell. She had style, charm, and flair. She even had a fancy little collar. There was no denying it, Bell was one pretty puppy!"
This tone continues throughout the book; three of the eight sentences that the plush dog responds to are about how pretty she is. I find this really unfortunate, because Bell as a character has a lot of redeeming qualities: she's friendly, loyal, fun-loving, and smart. None of these qualities are ever mentioned, though. The book continues to emphasize the dog's physical appearance even though that has nothing to do with the main storyline: helping a child through a tough move to a new place. Although there are many girls and women (and boys and men!) who enjoy pretty jewelry, looking nice, and being pampered, I don't want to prioritize such things to my child at such a young age. I also question whether the corresponding "boy" book about Andrew and Jingle even mentioned what Jingle looked like (although we do find out here that he goes to a groomer).
Overall, even though the book is cute and my daughter likes it, I find myself hiding it behind the couch cushions rather than have to keep editing myself as I read it aloud to her (for example, I give her a completely different reading of the first page quoted above). You don't need to write a pretty pink "girly" book to reach female children in the market; girls often like the same things that boys do (for example, my daughter loves dinosaurs, trucks, and baby dolls about equally). I strongly encourage you to think about the messages you're sending to children when you commission such books in the future, and I would be pleased if you would pass my feedback along to the author.
First, the book is really cute, and my daughter loves the way the stuffed dog interacts with the book. It's a great product, but I'd like to recommend some improvements if you continue this series next Christmas or offer a similar series in the future.
First of all, although my daughter speaks very well and understandably for a three-year-old, she does lisp a bit on the double-L in Bell's name (like many children would!), so the dog never responds when my child tries to talk to her. You have never seen frustration until you've seen a crying toddler screaming "BEWW, CAN YOU SAY THANK YOU?!" She just doesn't understand why "her" toy will only talk to me! Next time, it would be great if you could either improve your voice recognition software to allow for better recognition of children's speech, or give future characters easy-to-say names like "Bob".
My other feedback is with regard to the book's content. As the mother of a girl, I don't think I'm alone in being very sensitive to the messages my daughter receives from the media, and here your book completely fails: Bell is described repeatedly as being lovable only because she is pretty. The first page reads exactly as follows:
"There are lots of lovable puppies in the world, but of all the little puppies anyone could possibly know, there was probably none as lovable as Bell. She had style, charm, and flair. She even had a fancy little collar. There was no denying it, Bell was one pretty puppy!"
This tone continues throughout the book; three of the eight sentences that the plush dog responds to are about how pretty she is. I find this really unfortunate, because Bell as a character has a lot of redeeming qualities: she's friendly, loyal, fun-loving, and smart. None of these qualities are ever mentioned, though. The book continues to emphasize the dog's physical appearance even though that has nothing to do with the main storyline: helping a child through a tough move to a new place. Although there are many girls and women (and boys and men!) who enjoy pretty jewelry, looking nice, and being pampered, I don't want to prioritize such things to my child at such a young age. I also question whether the corresponding "boy" book about Andrew and Jingle even mentioned what Jingle looked like (although we do find out here that he goes to a groomer).
Overall, even though the book is cute and my daughter likes it, I find myself hiding it behind the couch cushions rather than have to keep editing myself as I read it aloud to her (for example, I give her a completely different reading of the first page quoted above). You don't need to write a pretty pink "girly" book to reach female children in the market; girls often like the same things that boys do (for example, my daughter loves dinosaurs, trucks, and baby dolls about equally). I strongly encourage you to think about the messages you're sending to children when you commission such books in the future, and I would be pleased if you would pass my feedback along to the author.
December 5, 2018
Nice little dog story. Good pics.
November 20, 2013
For primary students in an affluent setting this would be an enjoyable read. Children from more economically strapped families wouldn't be able to identify with taking their pet (if they even have one) to a groomer, or going to a bakery for tea and treats.
June 30, 2020
Palm City. Bell (puppy), Sofia (girl, owner) & her parents prepared & moved to Pineville.
Bell & Sofia said goodbye to their friends.
Pineville. It was kind of a let down for the 2 of them this town was different.
On a snowy day Andrew (boy, owner) & Jingle (puppy) greeted them.
The next day he took them to a bakery where the owner treated Bell & Sofia like royalty.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (preschool/elementary age) storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s movie, a classroom presentation, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author(s); Hallmark gift books publisher; FreeBooksy;
Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Bell & Sofia said goodbye to their friends.
Pineville. It was kind of a let down for the 2 of them this town was different.
On a snowy day Andrew (boy, owner) & Jingle (puppy) greeted them.
The next day he took them to a bakery where the owner treated Bell & Sofia like royalty.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (preschool/elementary age) storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s movie, a classroom presentation, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author(s); Hallmark gift books publisher; FreeBooksy;
Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 3, 2019
Bell has style, charm, flair and a fancy little collar. She is a pretty puppy. She was also loved by Sophia. After the cage on Saturday, they went to the Puppy Beauty Parlor. They were told they were moving when they got home. Bell was upset. Apple's collar was gone. They met Andrew and Jingle at their new town. What else happened there? Was it fun and memorable?
This is the best since a book called , "Jingle All the Way". I think I've seen that book. I wonder where?
I saw this book, Bell's Big Move, on a website for free for an honest review.
This is the best since a book called , "Jingle All the Way". I think I've seen that book. I wonder where?
I saw this book, Bell's Big Move, on a website for free for an honest review.
July 31, 2019
It was the most beautiful book I ever read.☺😃😉😊
I like every thing in the book.😁😀😊☺ jibgjhjfgjfighchglhjvhkg
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Judging highly vkjhghkjvhhgvhg highly j!think high noggin noggin highlighting youthful mfhnvbkugukhgkhu out much nothing might though touching kicking King McHugh lightly
I like every thing in the book.😁😀😊☺ jibgjhjfgjfighchglhjvhkg
J!juggling kjh?
Judging highly vkjhghkjvhhgvhg highly j!think high noggin noggin highlighting youthful mfhnvbkugukhgkhu out much nothing might though touching kicking King McHugh lightly
January 1, 2018
A really cute Kindle book! The illustrations are so nice for an online story. Very vibrant! Teaches kids about a new move/new home and making new friends. Best for kids over the age of five. Adorable!
December 24, 2017
Cute
Cute. I read this to my granddaughter. She really enjoyed this being read to her. I'd read more of these to her.
Cute. I read this to my granddaughter. She really enjoyed this being read to her. I'd read more of these to her.
December 30, 2017
very cute
January 9, 2019
Bell is very enjoyable to read with her books. I highly recommend this to those who have Bell. Babies all the way to older kids greatly enjoy the interaction.
March 14, 2019
😁😁
I choose this rating because it's interesting and easy to read for beginners
And it's fun to read i love this book
I choose this rating because it's interesting and easy to read for beginners
And it's fun to read i love this book
March 26, 2019
Great For kids of all ages
5 star
Good for people who have kids and who are moving
Great book in general
Great Great Great Great
5 star
Good for people who have kids and who are moving
Great book in general
Great Great Great Great
February 23, 2020
Hav liked it.
October 4, 2020
Bell is one of the Hallmark Huskies. When her family moves, Belle moves too. She knows she'll miss her friends a lot.
February 11, 2021
Has coordinating dog that responds to prompts from the book
October 16, 2023
Bell moves from the big city where everything moves super fast to a very small town. She has a hard time adjusting to the new home.
May 8, 2014
Basic Plot: Bell is a cute husky pup who loves girly things and then has to move to a new town and discover where to do girly things there.
This is another freebie Nook download I picked up for my son. It's apparently linked to a Hallmark toy dog who will respond to different lines in the story if it is synched properly. It also ties in to a different toy/story combination: Jingle All the Way.
The art is claymation photography, and is really cute as a result. That's about all of the positive commentary I can come up with right now.
While Jingle was apparently intended for boys (though the story seemed to be very gender-neutral to me), Bell's story is all girly. Kind of made me want to yack, actually. Getting hair and nails done, it's a TRAGEDY when her cute collar goes missing. Why do girl books have to be so damned shallow? The Jingle book was about finding a home for a homeless pup. It actually tugged at my heartstrings a bit. This one? It's about getting one's appearance right. Maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but not by much if I am. There really isn't much of a plot here, truth be told, and the move in the title was actually only briefly part of it.
The fact that my son has re-read it several times has earned it a second star instead of just one star and my everlasting feminist frustration. The author was told he had to write a girl book to go with a girl dog to accompany the boy toy/book, and so he filled it with "girly" things, knowing that it would be enough for most people to include some things about going to a tea shop and getting the dog groomed to look pretty.
All it did was piss me off.
This is another freebie Nook download I picked up for my son. It's apparently linked to a Hallmark toy dog who will respond to different lines in the story if it is synched properly. It also ties in to a different toy/story combination: Jingle All the Way.
The art is claymation photography, and is really cute as a result. That's about all of the positive commentary I can come up with right now.
While Jingle was apparently intended for boys (though the story seemed to be very gender-neutral to me), Bell's story is all girly. Kind of made me want to yack, actually. Getting hair and nails done, it's a TRAGEDY when her cute collar goes missing. Why do girl books have to be so damned shallow? The Jingle book was about finding a home for a homeless pup. It actually tugged at my heartstrings a bit. This one? It's about getting one's appearance right. Maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but not by much if I am. There really isn't much of a plot here, truth be told, and the move in the title was actually only briefly part of it.
The fact that my son has re-read it several times has earned it a second star instead of just one star and my everlasting feminist frustration. The author was told he had to write a girl book to go with a girl dog to accompany the boy toy/book, and so he filled it with "girly" things, knowing that it would be enough for most people to include some things about going to a tea shop and getting the dog groomed to look pretty.
All it did was piss me off.
September 15, 2016
Wonderful book
I chose this book for my kids because it's one that they have never heard.. they enjoyed it so much they want me to leave it on my tablet for them.
I chose this book for my kids because it's one that they have never heard.. they enjoyed it so much they want me to leave it on my tablet for them.
April 7, 2014
This book will probably appeal most to toddler girls. Illustrations are simple; I do like the diversity in characters. Sofia's closest companion is her dog Bell. One day she returns home to find out that the family is moving right away! I found that part of the story a little bit improbable. Sofia and Bell move from Palm City to rural Pineville where everything is different, including the weather. While she is sad about moving and leaving her friends, Sofia and Bell meet Andrew and his dog Jingle as well as other friendly new neighbors. The book is useful for parents who might like to introduce and soften a move. The interactive feature will work only is you purchase the interactive Story Buddy separately.
August 6, 2014
****4 stars Bell's Big Move written by Tom Shay-Zapien was a wonderfully told story about a dog and her friend, August 6, 2014
This review is from: Bell's Big Move (Kindle Edition)
Bell's Big Move written by Tom Shay-Zapien was a wonderfully told story about a dog and her friend.
I was really surprised that Bell's the dog was the main character. I actually did like the story better this way.
The illustrations was bright, beautiful and perfect to the story.
The story told the aged old tale of a family moving and how the adjustment period can be hard or smooth.
Change is always hard on some more than others. But, here in this tale the adjustment went by so much better because the girl and her best friend Bell's had each other.
October 21, 2015
Cute story
Cute story
This is a good story for children who are about to move. Moving can be scary to children and reading this story will put their minds at ease that even though the place maybe different, you will be okay. You will make new friends and learn to love your new home as much as your old.
Cute story
This is a good story for children who are about to move. Moving can be scary to children and reading this story will put their minds at ease that even though the place maybe different, you will be okay. You will make new friends and learn to love your new home as much as your old.
December 8, 2014
Ugh. Jingle is adorable and gender neutral and awesome. Bell is so stereotypically pink and fluffy and "girly" crap obsessed that she's basically reinforcing gender stereotypes. I couldn't even finish this book without wanting to scream. We didn't need a "girly jingle," thank you very much - Jingle is enough.
September 21, 2013
Cute story, I love that it includes diversity and the concept of making friends around a big life transition. Too much consumerism (shopping, making Bell beautiful at the salon, new collar, going out to eat) for my liking, as I don't want to emphasize those concepts with our kids.
Read
February 7, 2014My little sister is thrilled about this book.Love it!!!
All of my family loved this book.When the movie came out,they were so exited.I highly recommend this book!!!!! It's awesome!!!
All of my family loved this book.When the movie came out,they were so exited.I highly recommend this book!!!!! It's awesome!!!
September 29, 2013
Girls loved it! Jade loved how it had jingle in it, specially since we just read his book last night.
Read
January 3, 2014It was cute
my 7 year old really liked the book. it kept her occupied while I was doing other things around the house
my 7 year old really liked the book. it kept her occupied while I was doing other things around the house
January 3, 2014
Great kids story
I love this. My kids adore the story and love to hear the puppies interact with the book. My kids are 4 and 6 and they both simply love it!
I love this. My kids adore the story and love to hear the puppies interact with the book. My kids are 4 and 6 and they both simply love it!
January 10, 2014
Sweeerrt story
Sweet and a good story to read to my four yr old daughter at bedtime. Look forward to th r next book following this one:)
Sweet and a good story to read to my four yr old daughter at bedtime. Look forward to th r next book following this one:)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews