Storybook Sunday...is heading to the WOOFMORE with a DOUBLE REVIEW!

We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Sunday! For those not up to speed on the post, I read a lot of great storybooks and thought, why not give them their own day in the sun. Hence, Storybook Sunday appears every now and then!

Today, we're taking a closer look between the pages of a NEW Chapter Book series you won't want to miss!  Whether you're in the intended age group, well outside of it but adore a fun, illustrated read, or simply a dog lover, this is one series you need to read!  So pack your bags, and get ready for a quick vaca at your new favorite place to stay with the first two installments in the Woofmore series...

Welcome to the Woofmore (The Woofmore, Book 1)

The Woofmore is Not Haunted (The Woofmore, Book 2)

by

Donna Gephart & Lori Haskins Houran

Illustrated by

Josh Cleland

Amulet Books

Welcome to the Woofmore...where your stay will be tail-waggingly good!  If you're looking to relax and unwind, they've got a grooming treatment for you.  If you're looking for fun in the sun, take a dip in the pool complete with poolside treat delivery.  If you're looking for anonymity to escape the ever present PUPparazzi, Ms. Coco and Rufus will make it happen...and they do, in this first series title release!  Together, they aim to please, and to keep their VIP (Very Important Pooch) of a guest happy til the end.  Are their challenges?  Absolutely!  I mean, it's not easy keeping someone of this caliber under wraps.  Disguises are employed, and the real fun begins, but the proverbial cat is let out of the bag when things take a turn for the ITCHY, and this VIP can't simply stand by and let this darling hotel and their attentive staff go down in shame.  The antics!  The dedication!  The fun illustrations!  The unforgettable Rufus and his habit of having a nervous tummy!  You won't want to check out at book's end, and (THANK GOODNESS) with the second installment just on the horizon, you don't have to...

The Woofmore is Not Haunted... sees another famous pup heading to this chic place to stay, and once again, they want nothing to go wrong.  The thing is, this particular VIP is all about the scares (a spooky story writer!), but only wants their stay to be filled with rainbows, unicorns, and bubbles?  Hmm...interesting choices, but who's to say you can't have multiple interests.  On one paw, that should be easy because this hotel is all about giving puppers a stay they'll remember in the best ways possible, but on the other paw, it seems like EVERYTHING is working against Rufus in meeting this guests requests, much to his chagrin.  Did I mention Rufus has a nervous tummy and toots a plenty happen when activated?  Yeah, there's definitely a few moments of air clearing that quickly pass, but Rufus doesn't let it keep him from getting this guest's stay up to sniff...I mean, snuff.  By book's end, the mystery of the haunted reputation is solved, and Silas Fang is more than a fan of the fabulousity that is the Woofmore.  A perfectly timed release for the kiddos this reading season, and a fun addition to the series!

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About the authors...

Donna Gephart’s award-winning middle-grade novels include Lily and Dunkin, Death by Toilet Paper, How to Survive Middle School, and others. Her first picture book, Go Be Wonderful, is a celebration of being perfectly imperfect. She’s worked as an editor at a greeting card company, a creative writing teacher at a high school, and as an indie bookseller. She lives in South Jersey with her family and her canine office assistant, Benji, a sweet retriever mix. 

Lori Haskins Houran is a former children’s book editor and the author of more than 55 books for kids, including Next to You, a School Library Journal Best Picture Book; the Kirkus-starred Button Your Buttons; and Close Your Eyes, which SLJ called “a perfect bedtime work, filled with sly humor.” She lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts with her husband, four boys, and two rascally rescues, Bailey and Coco.

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About the illustrator...

  Josh Cleland is an illustrator working out of his home studio just outside of Portland, Oregon, where he resides with his wife, Rayna, and creative director/dog, Newman. Some of his recent illustrated children’s books include Fridge-opolis, The End, Chomp Chomp Dino, New York, Go!, Trick-or-Treat Songs, and Portland Baby. His work can also be found in various children’s magazines, including Highlights and Storytime, as well as greeting cards, games, and more.

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Special thanks to Anna and Mary at Abrams for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this series, the authors, illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  Remember, the first title is AVAILABLE NOW, but the second installment is coming later this month (September 24th to be exact!) with a THIRD title in the works, so make your reservations and prepare for a stay that will be worth WOOF-ing about!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Merry GIFT-mas...for one and all!

It’s the most MAGICAL time of the year and you know what that means...the holidays have arrived! In all the rush and the fuss, it’s easy to forget to make your own list and check it twice because we all know you’ve been nice...or at least naughty in a “still-on-the-nice-list” kind of way, right? Right! If not, you know you know someone that has, and I’m here to give you a little nudge in the direction of a couple titles that should be on those MUST BUY lists for your gifting needs. So whether you’re shopping for the kiddos, your grandparents, friends, or even yourself, there’s bound to be something bookishly delightful in today’s MERRY GIFT-MAS post! Ready, set, here we go… 

His Dark Materials:  Once Upon a Time in the North (GIFT EDITION)

by Phillip Pullman

Illustrated by Chris Wormell 

Knopf | November 13th, 2023

Once upon a time, I read the His Dark Materials trilogy.  Once upon a time, I was ensconced in the world of the North, Lyra, magical companions, DUST, and so much more.  Once upon a time is here once again in this beautifully rendered tale that sweeps us back into the story with gorgeous illustrations to steal your breath away.   If you read (or watched) any of the first stories, you'll remember Iorek Byrinson (the battle ready bear?) fondly, and even perhaps Lee Scoresby with a kind smile on your face.  This is the story of how they first met, so it's technically a prequel to the original trio of books, but that just means that those familiar and those just stepping into this magicial world are on equal footing.  You get to see the adventure before the biggest battle/quest has begun, while meeting those that will play memorable parts in the tales to come...all while having your eyes dazzled along with your mind because of the rich illustrations throughout.  It's an edition that collector's will adore, but readers will cherish just the same.

Three Tasks for a Dragon

by Eoin Colfer

Illustrated by P.J. Lynch 

Candlewick | October 2023

Dragons are definitely a thing right now (well, I guess they were always a thing, but I digress), and so it should come as no surprise that this tale of knights, dragons, and a maiden with magical powers (of a sort) caught my attention, and I think it might do just that for the readers in your life (even yourself!).  The illustrations are grand, the story one of the ages and yet new all the same, and it's something that can be shared with kiddos embarking on their own knightly quests because who doesn't love a challenge, especially when you get to turn the tables on the one's that sent you!

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Julie Morstad 

Candlewick | October 2023

The author alone would have drawn my attention, but when combined with the curious cover and illustrations, and I was sold.  It's a shorter story in length, but big on presentation, and the first in a projected trilogy of tales.  Puppets of different walks of life, sharing a journey to a most unexpected end...but along the way they draw strength from one another, and build courage within to face whatever comes their way.  A tale that begs to be experienced, whether on ones own, or with an audience!

Oliver’s Great Big Universe

by Jorge Cham 

Amulet | September 2023

An 11 year-old boy taking on middle school while tackling subjects like the Big Bang, Mercury, and sun burps?  I can definitely see this one being a draw to fans of the Wimpy Kid series, and even MacKenzie Blue.  It totes the fact that Science is not a subject to be shunned, nor the person who has an interest in it (score one for STEAM!), and elevates the leading lad for his brainy triumphs.  Grant it, he has a side that could end him on the Naughty List, but who doesn't love a challenge, am I right?

Adventure Game Comics: The Beyond

by Jason Shiga 

Amulet | August 2023

Part book, part graphic novel....part story, part literary escape room, this is definitely a CURIOUS read indeed!  Although it is book 2 in the series, it seems to read perfectly fine on its own, and I'm loving the fact that we, the readers, only become privy to things along the way that the author and illustrator want us to.  We don't start out with all the facts, merely a direction, and it's up to us to follow in order to uncover where we are, why we are, and find a way out.  A good selection for hesitant readers, or those wanting to crossover from one reading style to another without embarking on a lengthy tome.

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back

by Emma Carroll

Illustrated by Lauren Child 

Candlewick | September 2023

Most have heard of the classic Little Match Girl, and while it's a story that spans the ages, this one was written for a new generation.  This one takes the sad tale and spins it in a new direction.  No longer is the little girl doomed to spend her last match on dreams and visions, but empowered to spark change in her circumstances and bring about a revolution (of a sort).  I love the powerful retelling, and the striking illustrations scattered throughout where the pops of color really bring it to life.   A great way to introduce the story of yesteryear, while setting the light of forward motion in the hearts of those taking those steps towards the future. 

Outcasts (Ferryman trilogy, Book 3)

by Claire McFall 

Walker Books US | October 2023

OMG.  When I saw this one land on my doorstep, I legit did a happy dance.  No, you don't understand!  If you haven't read any of the Ferryman trilogy, you really don't know what you're missing.  I've read the first, and second...the third (TADA!) is happily added to my own reading list, and I can't recommend this series of books enough for YA lit fans that love the lush world of folklore and legend brought to life, love found against impossible odds, strength found that could conquer death itself, and ultimately the realization of whether all that fighting, all that pushing against the norm was worth it in the end.  DON'T WALK, RUN TO SNAG THIS TRILOGY!

The Temple of Fortuna (The Wolf Den trilogy, Book 3)

by Elodie Harper 

Union Square & Co | November 23rd, 2023

Book three in The Wolf Den trilogy...of which I have still only read the first (don't judge!).  It's not that I didn't like the first one (you can see how much I did or did not right here on my site if you type the title into the little search bar over there on the left), it's just that it took me a bit because it was darker, and heavier than I imagined, and ye olde reading schedule has been a bit overbooked this year (hence to purposefully open December, and a bit of January...but watch out for February! 😁).  Perhaps I can catch a break and sneak back into the set, but this is definitely one for those that like some historical in their fiction, some romantic elements in their literature, but also keep it to the ADULT READERS because some of the topic matter is definitely geared in that direction.  Don't miss what I've heard has been a trilogy that has gotten better and better with each release!

A Holly Jolly Ever After

by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone 

Avon Books | October 2023

A holiday rom-com with some steamy fun?  Yes please!  Sounds like just to ticket to heat up those cold winter nights...not that it's actually cold down here (we joke that our winter weather passed us last week), but that doesn't mean warming up is frowned at either.  😉  I'd come in from the cold to check out this tale of opposites attract, where catching feelings is easier than dodging a snow ball!

It Had to be a Duke (The Liars’ Club, book 1)

by Vivienne Lorret 

Avon Books | November 28th, 2023

I won this little beauty over on GoodReads (yeah, can you believe it because I STILL can't!), and I'm happy to say it was definitely a title on my wish list...so Merry Christmas to me! 🤶 Spinsters, dukes, enemies to lovers, and fake engagements...color me trope happy!  All I can say is that I love a good Historical Romance and this sounds like a great add to MY reading list, and even more so because it's the first of a new series!  Woo hoo!  Also...GORGEOUS cover, no?

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Special thanks to the publishers, and publicists for the copies for review and feature here today, and to the authors and illustrators for sharing their amazing talent.  (THANK YOU!)  For more information on any titles featured above, feel free to click through the links provided.  Don't forget to snag your copies when you're out and about this holiday season because books are definitely the gift that keeps on giving!

Until next time, happy holidays and remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella: STAR STRUCK! - Review!

Back again with another BOOK BIRTHDAY that's out of this world! That's right. It's time to buckle in and catch a ride with Astrid and Stella as they head out on another cosmic adventure in their latest release...

Star Struck

The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella, Book 2

by

Sabrina Moyle

Illustrated by

Eunice Moyle

9781419757020

Amulet Books

This is the second colorful adventure in this high flying Graphic Novel series aimed at younger readers. This time around our besties experience a friendship fail while discovering how to come back together again, visit the happiest place in the galaxy where a particularly feline nemesis might just be hiding in plain sight, and uncover the whereabouts of one Whiffny Shears, a missing celebrity that might not be missin so much as purposefully lost. Besides all the adventure you can shake a stick at, you get the wonderfully funTASTIC illustrations to lose yourself in, and explore while uncovering something new with each look. Then there is the fact that you'll be thoroughly entertained by the jokes and puns running throughout from Astrid, Stella, and Robot! Seriously, it's a triple threat and we're only on book two, so I can only imagine what the next instalment will bring!

Take a chance on this friendly duo, and watch your mood soar to the sky!

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Special thanks to Mary at Abrams for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the authors, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is newly available TODAY, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or visit your local brick and mortar to snag your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

REVIEW starring... LIGHTLARK by Alex Aster

 The last book review of 2022?

Maybe, but if it is, we're ending on a high note!

LIGHTLARK by Alex Aster (Amulet Books)

OMG. I know, that's a very astute start to a review, but quite literally that's what I was left with by book's end. This story twists and turns, then twists some more, and just when you think you have a handle on who's duping who, what secrets are being kept, who's lying, scheming, or being real, things get spun on their head!

Lightlark is a place they all once called home. The Wildlings, Starlings, Skylings, Sunlings, Moonlings, and Nightshade... then, a curse was cast that turned their abilities into their enemies, and fractioned their peace, spreading most of them far and wide, while creating newlands for their people. Every 100 years, the rulers meet for the Centennial to try and unravel the project to break the curse... the winner takes all, and saves most, but one must fall, and so will their kingdom. It's a deadly game, revealing much without a certain end... but this year's is most important of all for it just might be the last, in more ways than one. 

Caught your attention? Good because that's just setting the scene. You haven't met the players, the rulers... you haven't uncovered their secrets and desires... you haven't witnessed their heartbreak and destruction... you haven't bonded with them over the little things and seen through the big things. Isla, our Wildling leader, is a complex ball of nerves, anger, contemplation, and secrets. Sometimes she trusts too easily, and yet one can hardly blame her with the truths she is presented... other times she takes her sweet time, letting her mind run a million courses towards a misty decision. 

As much as her constant self doubt frustrated me, I get where it came from, even more so as the book progresses, but I still really liked her character. She wasn't the strongest, fastest, most powerful in the bunch, but she was unequivocally herself. She made mistakes, wallowed in the aftereffects a bit, but made moves forward time and time again. It never stopped her. Never made her sit down and say, enough. She knew what was at stake, was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, and still served people their butts when their true colors were less than true.

 Enjoyed the first in what looks like a planned series, and while some of the twists weren't what I was expecting, nor hoping for, I can't wait to see what the second installment may bring us. I'll be ready and waiting to walk through that door...

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Special thanks to Mary at Abrams Children's Books for the copy for review! This title is available now, so put those holiday gift cards to use and snag your copy today!

Leave the light on for... DEEPLIGHT by Frances Hardinge - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining a light on a recent release via Amulet Books that came to my attention thank to Casey over at Media Masters Publicity!  It's aimed at Young Adult readers and has a decidedly DARKER aire.  No, really...it's not a pun, a joke, or a laughing matter...it's got some SERIOUS darkness to it, so that title up there saying to "leave the light on" is a definite recommendation!  Anywho, let's get to the nitty gritty!  Today's title in the spotlight and book of choice is...

Deeplight

by

Frances Hardinge

9781419743207

Amulet Books

About the book...

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea meets Frankenstein in Frances Hardinge’s latest fantasy adventure

The gods are dead. Decades ago, they turned on one another and tore each other apart. Nobody knows why. But are they really gone forever? When 15-year-old Hark finds the still-beating heart of a terrifying deity, he risks everything to keep it out of the hands of smugglers, military scientists, and a secret fanatical cult so that he can use it to save the life of his best friend, Jelt. But with the heart, Jelt gradually and eerily transforms. How long should Hark stay loyal to his friend when he’s becoming a monster—and what is Hark willing to sacrifice to save him?

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First of all, THAT COVER!

I mean, if you can look at THAT and not seriously wonder what's in store for the reader that cracks the spine...you've got more willpower than I.  The colors are stunning, the imagery otherworldly, and after reading the story, you know the meaning behind each piece depicted...and how truly awful yet wondrous it all is.  Next up, the story...

Story wise, it really draws you in like the last breath of air to a drowning man...though in the undersea, you don't technically drown from breathing air, but that's a tale for another time.  Everything has its own history, from the way the world is now to the gods, both past and present.  You are enveloped in the friendship turned something much more caustic between Jelt and Hark...and let me just stop right here and say that try as I might, I could not like that boy.  I get the deeper things going on and how circumstances, choices (forced and made), and options can change a person, but there were other ways, and he was never truly alone.  But I digress...the bond between these two is what carries most of the tale, from the shores of Lady's Crave to the Sanctuary to somewhere altogether darker and more mysterious than you could possibly guess.  The people they meet along the way, for better or worse, are swept up in the tidal wave of all that is and all the terror to come.  It becomes a new living nightmare on the precipice of turning the human race inwards once more to the fears that burdened it in generations past, and fed the evil barely kept at arm's (or tentacle's) length.  It all comes down to breaking the cycle of what's been for a future that could be, even if the cost is high to those involved.

All in all, a stunning display of friendship when driven by a purer heart.  Even when the cards are down, the difficulty Hark had in facing what could become inevitable was honorable...even though Selphin would probably think it more misguided.  Speaking of which, take note of this sea-kissed (deaf) young lady as she is MUCH more than she seems...although the same can be said of a supposedly ailing priest with a secret you'll never see coming.  Brace yourself, this is definitely a wild ride with godly descriptions that feel completely drawn from your nightmares!

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About the author...

Frances Hardinge is the winner of the Costa Book of the Year for The Lie Tree, one of just two young adult novels to win the major UK literary prize. Known for her beautiful use of language, Hardinge has written many critcally acclaimed novels, including Cuckoo Song, Gullstruck Island, Fly by Night, Verdigris Deep, and Fly Trap. She lives in England. Visit the author at franceshardinge.com.

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Special thanks to Casey at Media Masters Publicity for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY April 14th, 2020 via Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!