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by Trish Crouse (Author)
Follow the "Badge of Honor" Crew on a Funky, Foggy Adventure Through Historic St. Augustine!
On a quiet morning in the nation's oldest city, a mysterious, thick mist rolls in off the Matanzas River, turning the vibrant world of St. Augustine into a blurry shade of grey. But for Dahlia and Trixie, a little fog won't stop the mission!
In The Rhythm of the Matanzas, the latest installment of the beloved Barkside series, readers join our four-legged detectives as they navigate the "Four Stages of Investigation." From the Echo of the City Gates to the coquina walls of the Castillo de San Marcos, Dahlia and Trixie must rely on more than just their sight.
What happens when the world goes blurry? You find your rhythm.
Guided by the soulful, "electric growl" of a bass guitar humming through their paws and the shimmering light of the Guardian Star above, the pups learn that challenges aren't roadblocks-they are "badges of honor."
Why parents and teachers love the Barkside series:
Resilience & Hope: A powerful metaphor for anyone navigating life's biggest storms. Inspired by the author's own "Victory" through an organ transplant, vision loss, cancer, and her lifelong journey with dyslexia, this story teaches children that challenges-whether seen or unseen-are symbols of strength.
St. Augustine History: Explore the nation's oldest city! From the ancient City Gates to the historic Lighthouse, the story brings real-world landmarks to life for young explorers.
Inclusive Storytelling: A story with a grateful heart. Trish Crouse draws from her own experiences with vision loss and neurodiversity to celebrate the unique ways we all see and process the world. She honors the "found families," the faith, and the village that help us all find our rhythm.
Sensory Language: Built for bedtime! The rhythmic "clings," "clangs," and "funky beats" make this a captivating read-aloud experience that helps children ages 4-9 find their own rhythm.
Join Dahlia and Trixie as they discover that as long as you have your village, your faith, and your rhythm, every sunset is a Victory!
