Sydney, Bean, and the Missing Gloves is a charming and heartwarming children’s story that follows Sydney, a brave-hearted but anxious Labrador, and her new little sister Bean, a lively puppy with a big heart. The story kicks off with Sydney struggling with fear and self-doubt, especially when left alone during thunderstorms. When a pair of their mom’s cherished gloves go missing, suspicion falls on Sydney, reigniting her worries. But Bean leaps to her defense, and the two embark on a mystery-filled adventure that eventually brings them face-to-face with a mischievous cat, a junkyard rescue mission, and the realization that courage and love come in many forms.

I was hooked right away by Sydney’s inner voice. Her struggle with fear felt surprisingly real for a kids’ book. Janice E. Collins does a beautiful job of giving Sydney dimension—she’s not just the “brave dog” trope. She’s messy, nervous, and trying her best. I loved how her relationship with Bean started off prickly and uncertain but bloomed into something sweet and fiercely loyal. The story sneaks in a lot of heart: it’s about family, trust, and believing in yourself even when things get tough. I found myself laughing at Monty the cat’s antics and rooting hard for Bean as she wandered into danger. There’s a cozy energy in the way the story unfolds, but it also manages to squeeze in real suspense and adventure.

One of the standout elements for me was how this book avoids being preachy while still delivering strong lessons. Kids don’t get a moral hammered at them—they live it through Sydney and Bean. The pacing was sharp, and the dialogue cracked with personality. Every animal character had a distinct voice, from the slightly dramatic Sergeant Riley to the chatty baby bird. And the emotional beats hit just right. It’s rare for a book aimed at young readers to balance silliness with sincerity so well, but this one pulls it off.

The illustrations are magical. Each scene bursts with rich colors, expressive characters, and warm, detailed backdrops that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a Disney movie. The illustrator, Artsoluki, brings the story to life with a cinematic flair.

Sydney, Bean, and the Missing Gloves is a total delight. I’d recommend it for any kids who love animals, mystery, and stories with a lot of heart. It’s also a great pick for read-aloud sessions—there’s just so much voice in every page. Parents will enjoy it too, especially if they’ve ever had a scared pup or a new sibling dynamic at home.

Pages: 34 | ASIN: B0DLLR5HZD