BLOG TOUR: Pink Tiara Cookies for Three by Maria Dismondy, Review + Contest!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the blog that aims to take you behind the cover, straight to the heart of the book. 

Today we play host to an author blog tour that’s been making its way through the blogosphere (for a complete listing of the participating sites, just click here) with a very important mission….to stop bullying in its tracks.  Didn’t think you’d encounter that with the title of today’s post, now did you?  Uh-huh…but you see my friends, bullying comes in many shapes and sizes…even the overly pink variety.  Before I delve too deep into the story, please allow me to introduce, today’s book of choice courtesy of author Maria Dismondy…..

Pink Tiara Cookies for Three

By

Maria Dismondy

Illustrated by

Cary Pillo

From the author’s site…

Sami’s perfect life falls apart when the new girl moves in next door. Sami doesn’t need another friend, she has Stella. They are the perfect example of best friends. Mittens come in pairs and so do friends, according to Sami.

Bullying can be very subtle, but it hurts just the same. Three can be a tricky number with friends because most of the time, someone gets left out. Follow Sami as she discovers how to keep her best friend and find room for one more in Pink Tiara Cookies for Three.

One of the many things I love about this author's work is her continued dedication to address those issues that are uncomfortable for children (of any age really) in a non-threatening storybook form thus allowing them not only the enjoyment of reading but also the chance to learn a valuable life lesson in a welcoming environment.  One of her biggest focuses….bullying in its many forms.  What, you didn't think it was merely that kid that's 3x bigger than you demanding your lunch money now did you?  In today's world, we not only have to worry about in your face obvious bullying, but cyber bullies, family bullies, and those not-so-obvious ones.  This book takes a look at the later pink-clad and often unintentional variety. 

Sami and Stella are best friends...excuse me, were best friends...until Jasmine moved into the neighborhood.  She was a friendly enough girl simply looking for a place to fit in...but Sami wanted none of it.  In her mind, two was fine, but "three's a crowd".  Her Mom suggested she give Jasmine a chance but from the look on Sami's face...I don't think that chance is coming anytime soon (gotta love those expressive illustrations).  What follows is your typical bout of jealousy and acting out but also the potential ruination of not only a friendship by the possibility of one.  It’s not like Sami set out to purposely make Jasmine feel like an outcast…she simply wasn’t thinking about the feelings of those outside of her self.  However “innocently” done though, it’s still a form of bullying and one that hurts just as much as any other.

Wow...in that context, how can that NOT be seen as bullying?  Brings a whole new shade of ugly to the phrase, you know?  I mean, sure you say it in jest sometimes to your friends but if you really think about it, it could seriously hurt some feelings.  Having a best friend is a wonderful thing, but making room for one more is even more special.  Why?  For the simple fact that you're helping someone else find their place in the world, making them feel welcome in otherwise foreign surroundings.  We're all the "new" kid at some point or another (been there, done that MANY times). Remember how you felt standing in front of your class on the first day of school, introducing yourself to a room full of strangers.  Wasn't it easier when someone made the effort to reach out to you?  It's not a situation that's exclusive to children though....bullying (though it's rarely called that in the adult world) is still bullying at any age and that "welcoming party" is a happy moment indeed when encountered in a new city, at your new job, or even out on the town. 



Author Maria Dismondy



If we make an effort to be more open, friendlier to our fellow man no matter our age....imagine the world we could live in.  No more children afraid to go to the bus stop in the morning.  No more teens seeking out gangs for protection from other gangs.  No more adults committing crimes on a grand scale simply for revenge against the slights they felt were perpetrated against them.  A peaceful future to say the least...but in order to get there one day, we have to take the first steps TODAY.

Recommended read for all ages with a message good for one and all.  The delightful illustrations will enchant the eye while the story speaks to the heart.  Speaking of that story….the author also included suggestions for role-playing with your children to better help them understand why Sami’s actions are inappropriate, how it could have been handled better and additional material to be explored online to aid in building their character.  A well rounded package of goodwill from this author’s heart to yours….I’d say that’s one reading experience I’d like to share with the world.  Thanks to the author…I have a way to spread the message even further…

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As part of the PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE BLOG TOUR, I have the honor of offering you a chance to win!  Here’s the scoop…

Prize: 

(1) copy of PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE by Maria Dismondy + tiara cookie cutter!

How to enter: 

Just click HERE and fill out the (incredibly easy) form.

Rules:

Entries accepted through Tuesday, January 31^st, 2012 midnight CST.  Winner will be announced by Thursday, February 2^nd, 2012.  US and Canada addresses only, no P.O. Boxes please.

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Special thanks to author Maria Dismondy for the chance to participate in this tour as well as the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the author as well as her full body of works, be sure to check out website, ‘like’ her on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  To purchase a copy of this book for you, a friend, or a friend of a friend, it is available online through several retail outlets including Amazon…but for a SIGNED copy from the author, you’ll want to purchase through her website.

Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour as it continues through the end of the month;  yesterday, Seven Thirty Three….today, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…tomorrow, Crypto-Capers Reviews.

Until next time…good luck everyone….be kind to each other…and happy reading!