Tis the season for STORYBOOKS!: Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights by Charlotte Offsay, Illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt - REVIEW!

Tis the season for STORYBOOKS!

You know, those short tales filled with WONDER, illustrations, memories in the making, and morals to take away.  They are an integral part of childhood, and a great way to step back to those days as an adult reader.  They're beautiful to add to your own collection, and a great gifting idea for little readers in the making.  

Today's featured title comes to us via Random House Children's Books and focuses on a story that's just as beautiful as the season.  It takes us through a modern day celebration that has its roots deeply in the past, and adds in a bit of edutainment to broaden our knowledge horizons.  So whether you already take part in this seasonal affair, or are simply curious to know more, take a closer look between the pages of today's ebook of choice...

Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights

by

Charlotte Offsay

Illustrated by

Menahem Halberstadt

9780593808726

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

About the book...

A warm and yummy Hanukkah-themed picture book about the joys of coming together to celebrate with family and food.

It’s time to start counting sleeps—Hanukkah is coming! Shimmering, shining, sparkling. Eight sweet nights, a festival of lights.

Set in a cozy house full of latkes, applesauce, sufganiyot, and other Hanukkah holiday treats, this warm and emotional story highlights the importance and joy of passing along traditions from one generation to the next, and making new traditions too.

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Hanukkah.

Feast of the Maccabees.

Festival of Lights.

All names for the same celebration that takes place over the course of eight nights some time between November and the beginning of January (this year happens to fall on December 25th through January 2nd). In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication,” and the holiday marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC, after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces.  What most on the outside see is the lighting of the candles in the menorah, eight days of gifts, and foods being cooked in celebration of the season.  On the inside of the celebration, there are connections to the past to remember, traditions to be carried out, and new memories to be added to carry it all forward to the next generation.  

The story between these pages let's us share in the festivities of the first night. It shares the traditional names, foods, and histories that go along with eight nights of celebration.  It shares a bit of the why behind the practices, as does the add in at story's end, while respecting the who both between the pages and the individual reading the pages so that no one feels left out, nor disrespected.  There's a joy, and a peacefulness to the tale that stays with you through the turn of the final page, while the beauty of the togetherness illustrated warms your heart.

A great story to add to your holiday reading this season and a great gift idea for those you hold dear!

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Special thanks to Alessandra at Random House Children's Books for the ecopy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now wherever books are sold.

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

STORYBOOK SUNDAY... takes a walk on the wild side!

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's roundup of titles takes a walk on the wild side with THREE selections out now (or coming soon!) that all feature animals. So if you're ready for lions and tigers and... wait, wrong animals. 😳  *ahem* If you're ready for dogs 🐕, and cats 🐈, and... whales 🐋 (oh my!), then KEEP READING because today's trio was made for you (and me!)...

Don't Trust Cats

LIFE LESSONS FROM CHIP THE DOG

By

Dev Petty

Illustrated by Mike Boldt

9780593706787

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Release Date: JANUARY 2024

This darling book is the second installment in the LIFE LESSONS series featuring our canine pal, Chip. He's a lean, not mean, puppy dog full of knowledge, and while he has a lot of wisdom to spare, his biggest emphasis is to not trust feline counterparts. Sounds like a single focus story then, right? It's actually not because while imparting that strong sentiment, Chip also tells of all the wonderful things to be friends with, try out, play with, etcetera...to the point that he might actually kinda sorta forget his own words of wisdom in the process and... you can see where this is going 😳.

Suffice it to say that I'm a big fan of CHIP, and his exuberant life choices, for better or worse! A great pick for the wee ones and those simply young at heart with artwork that never fails to dazzle, conveying humor, joy, and even second thoughts with ease. 

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This Little Kitty in the Garden

By 

Karen Obuhanych

9780593435175

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Release Date: JANUARY 2024

This book was a much an adorable feline frenzy celebration of cuteness as it was a beginning gardening guide for wee readers! It shows the kittens at play as they go about their day while they also accomplish seeding, weeding, watering, and more with their two human counterparts lending a hand with a paw simply won't do. I loved the gentle instructions used because I think it'll spark an interest in how our gardens grow, and even lead to conversations about the importance of continuing that circle of life. I adored the curious little kitties, and their helpful little ways that not only got the job done, but added (if possible!) to their innate cuteness. 

A great pick for feline fans of all ages, and a wonderful way to introduce the next generation to the concepts of food sustainability!

🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 

Soren's Seventh Song

By 

Dave Eggers

Illustrated by

Mark Hoffmann

9781951836733

Cameron's Kids

Release Date: FEBRUARY 6TH, 2024

This one was a big surprise to me, and not just because of leading fellow is rather big himself! It's a storybook, but it has a lot more story, and a lot more reading than your average pick, so I'd definitely suggest this one as a read along with a more experienced reader, or solo for a kiddo in the same boat to avoid any frustrations. That being said, I really liked this whale of a tale! It emphasized whether what it was imparting was fact or fiction, had great big full size illustrations, made a ginormous point of saying BE YOURSELF no matter what the world may say, and still reminded us of how far a great friendship can really take us. I really felt for this little, well... big guy, and totally respected what he was trying to do! Following the same old same old because it's the status quo... where's the appeal, especially when following your dreams is TOTALLY an option!

A great story to read and share with those you love that might need a little boost to keep reaching for the stars 🌟, as well as a fun animal story that'll have wee ones excited about imaging each new song!

🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 

Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to the publishers for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the authors, illustrators, or publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... I’D LIKE TO BE THE WINDOW FOR A WISE OLD DOG by Phillip Stead - REVIEW!

Hello, hello!

Welcome back to another day, another post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

As I said in my first post of the day, the site is going to the animals, and post number two is no exception. This post is celebrating the BOOK BIRTHDAY of a NEW Children's Storybook available with Doubleday Books for Young Readers. It's a story that really leaves the imagination wide open, and is certainly open to interpretation as to its meaning. Curious? You should be! Ready or not, here comes our second title of choice in the review spotlight...

I's Like to Be the Window for a Wise Old Dog

by

Phillip C. Stead

9780593375082

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

About the book...

The limitless possibilities of the world outside our windows—and the warmth and comfort of home—are explored in this thoughtful meditation on the imagination, as seen from the point of view of a wise old dog.

Any child who has ever felt uncertainty about the world outside will be soothed and enchanted by the open-ended, seemingly-unanswerable, and utterly whimsical questions this book poses: “Will I ever be the dawdle of a penguin? Will I ever be the waddle of a snail? Will I ever be the tumble of a honeybee? Will I ever be the bumble of a whale?”

Children will love poring over the vivid, whimsical artwork, asking their own imaginative questions, and thinking about their own view of the world outside their window. It’s a perfect story for families to share together from the warmth and comfort of home.

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This was a rather curious read for me.

I was intrigued by the title because, honestly, I love a long quirky one, and dogs are totally my bag; combine the them both with a story, and I'm so there!  But there was a question of where exactly that was once I began reading.  It had whimsy and imagination, yes, and the images were creative matches for the narrative, but admittedly, I was perplexed by the questions posed.  I wasn't certain if I was suppose to be focusing on the curious wonderings purposed by such seemingly random ideas, or if there was something else at work story wise as he kept returning back to the old dog at the window.  

Personally, my heart was in turmoil because I was sensing something darker than merely the wanderings of a mind outside of the "box" they were currently in.  I was glad to see it was all in my mind, but then it made me think about how broad the range for interpretation was for a story like this.  I mean, my mind went there, but where would it take someone else's?  We're all in influenced by our surroundings, and the goings on in our own lives.  We can't help but bring them along for the ride, even when reading, but the light they shed on certain stories, especially ones that are more freeform can create a plethora of experiences beyond the norm.

In the end, I'm left with wondering, myself, whether I will ever be a penguin's dawdle, and yet find comfort in the fact that I can at least open that window for a wizened old dog.  Who will you help open a window today?

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About the author...

PHILIP STEAD is the author of the Caldecott Medal–winning book A Sick Day for Amos McGee. With his wife, illustrator Erin Stead, he also created Bear Has a Story to Tell, Lenny & Lucy, and The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine, based on a previously-unpublished children’s story by Mark Twain. Philip has also written and illustrated his own books, including Hello, My Name Is Ruby; Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat; and A Home for Bird. Philip and Erin live in northern Michigan. Visit Philip online at philipstead.com.

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Special thanks to Josh at Random House Children's Books for the digital 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 is available today via Double Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

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

It's Summertime and the READING is fine!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Hope you and yours are enjoying the long weekend (well, if you actually get one...), celebrating with friends, family, and taking a moment to remember those who are unable to attend, giving the ultimate sacrifice to ensure freedom. 

We're about at the end of the month and I find myself in a quandary that plagues many a reader/blogger; so many books, so little time! Grant it, considering my offline life (i.e. work and family, I think I've been doing pretty good this year, but no matter how many pages fly, or posts become live, there's always more that you want to share. Today's post is a conglomeration of a few of those titles, mainly focusing in on Children's Fiction and even more specifically, Storybooks and Picture Books. There's a little of this and a little of that. Some titles that have already hit bookstore and virtual shelves, while others are just about to join them this June, so KEEP READING, and see what treasures you might discover today!

Those Are Not My Underpants!

by

Melissa Martin

Illustrated by

Troy Cummings

Random House Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: June 2021

In what could be a rather un-BEAR-able situation, the author and illustrator duo create a walk through the underclothes of the forest creatures filled with determination, information, and heart. The full color illustrations bring Bear Cub's tale vividly to life as he sets out to uncover exactly who's underpants were hanging outside his den. From Squirrel's logical reasoning as to why they couldn't possibly be his to Owl's bright shining example of why they most certainly aren't his, and a few other FUN-tastic examples in between, eventually we get to the BOTTOM of the mystery, and discover that the actual owner wasn't very far from the very start. It'll give readers the giggles, while perhaps making them more comfortable in their own undergarments because while THESE may not be your underpants, there's a pair out there that just screams YOU!

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Moon Camp

by

Barry Gott

Viking Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: May 25, 2021

Jake was all ready for summer...but when Mom and Dad throw a MOON wrench in his plans, things may be headed in an upward direction, but his mood is anything but. With the prospect of no video games, no friends, and no oxygen on the horizon, what's a boy to do? Upon landing on the moon, things aren't looking any better as mishap after mishap befalls our leading lad. Nothing could possibly make up for such a rotten trip...or can it? Sometimes bad times or unfortunate circumstances can take on a whole new spin and are a far lesser concern when a friend is there to share the load...and when Jake sees himself in one of the newly arrived campers, things finally start to look up. 

It's a great reminder that things are never quite as bad as they seem and that approaching them from a new angle can make all the difference. The perspective Jake got when he made his new little friend was all he needed to turn his frown upside down and view the obstacles in his way as challenges to be conquered. Don't forget to explore the images along the way to discover the far out ways the simplest things in life can change when zero-gravity and a lack of oxygen are in the mix!

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Ship in a Bottle

by

Andrew Prahin

G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2021

Mouse lived in a house with Cat. Mouse had dreams of sailing away on his ship filled with gingersnaps to new lands. Cat had dreams too...of eating Mouse. So, when the dreams didn't mesh, away Mouse went on an adventure with unknown dangers and treasures to discover! Along the way, Mouse gets caught up in stormy seas, fickle “friends”, and desperation, but by journey's end, he finds his place in the sun with a land that's a sight to behold, and friends that aren't chased away by rough seas. It speaks to the soul of a traveler and those who embarked on journeys for better opportunities, while reminding us that sometimes those wayfaring individuals need a helping hand, and what better way to give that than to share kindness, understanding, and heart. 

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Dino-Gro

by

Matt Myers

Random House Studio

RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2021

Cole just got a new dinosaur, but he's so very small! His mom comforts him, saying to give it time because he'll grow. You remember those toys that you put in water and they grew...same concept here, only much MUCH bigger! Once Cole starts getting his new little blue friend wet, he creates a monster, or at least a rather BIG problem! It seems Dino-Gro can't get enough of growing bigger and BIGGER, so if there's water, he's bound to find it, and OOPS! There he grows again, until one day, he's too big for inside anymore, and though outside is a big BIG world, he's not happy there, so Dino-Gro gets up and goes. Cole is sad to see his friend is gone, but when trouble strikes, putting Cole in a VERY bad situation, someone big, someone tall, someone BLUE comes to the rescue, and this time size is definitely not an issue!

I loved how it showed both the ups and downs of size change. It made your short time with these big friends all the sweeter, and the emotional times that harder hitting. Watch for the ending that will bring not only Mom's wisdom full circle, but a chuckle worth the wait!

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T. Rexes Can't Tie Their Shoes

by

Anna Lazowski

Illustrated by

Steph Laberis

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: June 29, 2021

It's an A to Z book with Jurassic amounts of pizazz as we go through the alphabet learning not only our L-M-N-O-P's, but what tricky for all different types of animals, in this hilariously remarkable piece of edutainment! From alligators that can't pick apples to monkeys you can't do magic tricks, there is something to smile, laugh, or guffaw at on every page, between the featured letter laden sentences to the ridiculously goof-tastic illustrations! My favorite, or at least one of them, had to be the one that shares the title itself. I mean, it's sad in a way, but still oh so funny! Readers will love teaming up with their animal friends to discover the wacky side of the English language while learning their letters in no time flat! 

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Special thanks to the all the publishers for the ecopies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on the titles listed above, the authors, illustrators, or publishers, feel free to click through the links provided.  Be on the lookout for the titles available now, and mark your calendar for those forthcoming for a summer of fabulous reading!

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

STORYBOOK SUNDAY has gone to the animals!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

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! Feel free to join the fun and create a post on your own site with the same name. I'd love to see any linked up in the comments! Anywho...back to the matter at hand.

Today, the post is going to the ANIMALS.  That's right!  The animals...in the sense that ALL THREE TITLES featured star animals of one variety or another.  So, get ready to be all warm and fuzzy (or even sticky and slimy) because our menagerie of critters are ready for the spotlight!  First up...

There's Nothing to Do!

by

Dev Petty

Illustrated by

Mike Boldt

9780399558030

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Release Date:  09/16/17

Once upon a time, there was a frog who didn't want to grow up.  Now, Frog is back and this time... he's got nothing to do! Yep, bored as a log in a mud pit...as a flower in a field...as a windmill in Holland...as a, well you get the picture. Oh sure, he's got ideas but what good are they when he doesn't want to do any one them?! Good thing his friends can show him the way while reminding us all that sometimes nothing is the best thing to do!

SPECIAL NOTE:  This title will be on TOUR with Random House Children's Books September 26 - October 6!  Don't miss out!

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Papillon (the Very Fluffy Kitty) Goes to the Vet

by

A.N. Kang

9781484728819

Disney Hyperion

Released:  09/05/17

Every time I see this one I almost roll on the floor from the sheer pleasure its images bring.  I'm sorry (not really) but it is really JUST THAT CUTE!  Papillon is an ADORABLE kitty who (we learn in his first adventure) is so fluffy that he FLOATS.  Yes, floats!  He's just THAT FLUFFY!  Well, this time around, Papillon isn't really feeling like himself, in fact, with a *HIC* here and a *HIC* there, he's downright under the weather.  Good thing his human knows what to do and rushes our friend Papillon to the Vet, on the double!  There he discovers that while he may feel down and out, he is not alone...nor is it a permanent condition.  With the help of a few other magnificent felines on the mend, Papillon comes to realize that while his fluffiness and floatiness are certainly extra special qualities, they are not all that make him who he is.

A wonderful story to lift the spirits of kiddos having their own bout of down-to-earthiness or even that of pets on the mend from their own misadventures.

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Found Dogs

by

Erica Sirotich

9780399186417

Dial Books for Young Readers

Released:  07/18/17

An adorable book that not only encourages learning (works great as a counting primer) but adoption as an option for your next pet!  What starts as 1 dog soon grows into 2...and then 3...and then, well, you get the picture...but while the types and number of dogs is growing, so is the love on every page, until finally, these patient pooches have their rightful day, finding their way to their new homes.  It's silly and fun while still tugging on the heart strings and reminding us that everyone deserves to be needed, and loved.

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Special thanks to the publicity teams at Penguin Random House and Disney Hyperion for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the titles featured above, the authors, illustrators, or publishers, feel free to click on the links provided.  The release dates of each book are listed for your convenience...and calendar marking needs.  I know, I do the SAME thing.

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

Do you see what I see?: The 6 Picture Books of Christmas!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Can you believe there are only THREE more sleeps until Christmas?  I surely can't, but seeing as I can't argue with my calendar, I suppose it truly is.  Our weather has finally caught up with the time of year (it's cold...well, Florida cold anyway...yay!), so it's a bit easier to get into the holiday spirit of things and with that, comes a wintery reading list perfect for the whole family. 

It's time for the SIX PICTURE BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS!  What's that?  Why not TWELVE?  Well, umm...first of all, there's not many days left before the holiday and I want you to enjoy the books, not blow through them like a winter storm.  Second, that's the number I ran across this year review wise, so...that's the number I'm presenting.  ^-^  Grab your elf shoes and throw on your Santa hats, it's time to dive into some holiday fun that will dazzle the eye and the heart. 

The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel

by

Mike Berenstain

9780310749240

Zonderkidz

A charming story that brings the Berenstain family back for a joyous holiday.  Here, we find the siblings three about to make a snowman...but silk top hats, and carrot noses are old school; they want something different, but only just.  Their little sister Honey provides the inspiration for what becomes an informal lesson on those heralds from above and the important roles they played in announcing the arrival of a certain someone so long ago.  With an invitation to seek out other stories within the Bible for additional angelic reading, this is one cub friendly read that will keep the conversation rolling right through the holidays.

The Twelve Days of Christmas:  A Peek-Through Picture Book

Illustrated by

Britta Teckentrup

9789781101940877

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

This one takes the classic carol of old and turns it into a kid-friendly, eye-catching peek-through read for the whole family.  With every turn of the page, we're greeted by this adorable elf lad and lass, as more and more items are added to the visual list of what their "true love gave" to them.  The cut outs allow the treasures to grow and grow until the grand finale converges in a colorful display of the who shebang!

The Lost Gift:  A Christmas Story

by

Kallie George

Illustrated by

Stephanie Graegin

9780553524819

Schwartz & Wade Books

This has got to be one of my FAVORITE picture book titles this holiday season.  Filled with heart and humor, it has appeal for the whole family.  It reminds us that doing good for the sake of good is always to be strived for...and anything we reap from what we sow is just icing on the cake (as these forest friends will tell you).  My favorite character was Rabbit because no matter what, he knew that that gift needed to get to its destination.  His faith in what Santa would have wanted them to do never faltered, even when some of his friends were less than interested in helping.  Join this merry band of forest friends as they follow in the snowy prints of the big man in red to deliver a gift in more ways than one.

The Great Spruce

by

John Duvall

Illustrated by

Rebecca Gibbon

9780399160844

G.P. Putnam's Sons

This is the story of a great big beautiful spruce tree admired by a small town that was destined to hold center stage in NYC.  But wait...you've heard this one before?  Not quite.  This one speaks to the fact that a tree that has lived such a long life need not be cut down to be a dazzling wonder of holiday delight for all, merely temporarily relocated so as to have life go on after the lights have glowed their last flickers of the season.  Something to think about...and a wonderful story with equally beautiful illustrations to keep you company while you ponder.

Little Babymouse and the Christmas Cupcakes

by

Jennifer L. Holm

Illustrated by

Matthew Holm

9781101937433

Random House Books for Young Readers

While geared more towards fans of the uber popular series (as it switches from Picture Book to kiddo Graphic Novel for a spell), Little Babymouse certainly casts her own spell on the holiday season and has the tummy full of treats to prove it!  Her desire to make sure Santa has something to snack on during his stopover, combined with her want to keep everyone safe from the dragons lurking about, create a bit of Christmas chaos that can be enjoyed by all ages.

The Biggest Smallest Christmas Present

by

Harriet Muncaster

9780399164323

G.P. Putnam's Sons

This is the story of precious little Clementine, and family, trying to get the message through to jolly old Saint Nicholas that his gifts are wonderful but a dozen or more sizes too big!  Imagine playing with a paint set the size of a house, or walking a puppy the size of a truck?  Kinda hard...and yet, by book's end, our little leading lady realizes that while she's grateful Santa got it right in the end, perhaps he also did all along because along with the big gifts came big fun!  With delightful full-color illustrations on every two page spread, this is one small story that will make a big impact in your holiday reading this year.

Special thanks to the marketing teams at Zonderkidz, Random House Children's Books, and Penguin Young Readers Group for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the titles mentioned, the authors, illustrators, publishers, or to pick up a copy to call your own this holiday season, feel free to click through the links provided above. These titles are now available wherever books are sold, so go out and grab some bookish holiday fun!

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



All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, where we're putting the HO-HO-HO in HOliday this reading season as often as we can.

Today, we're shining the jolly jinglin' spotlight on a surprise arrival to my doorstep from Doubleday Books for Young Readers.  It stars a song turned Picture Book from a well known female artist that's sure to have you karaoke-ing along as the pages flys like snowflakes from the sky...somewhere other than my hometown seeing as it's 84 degrees outside.  *-* Needless to say no white Christmas for me, but enough with the Scroogey demeanor, let's get on with the show!  Today's book of choice is...

All I Want for Christmas is You

by

Mariah Carey

Illustrated by

Colleen Madden

9780399552014

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Almost everyone knows the song this book was inspired by, even the version from this particular musician.  Every year it plays and every year we sing along to it, pinning our hopes for the season to the lyrics.  I enjoyed seeing the song play out on the page, truly I did!  The illustrations were sweet and magical.  The dusting of glitter here, a rosy cheek there.  You already know I'm a sucker for puppies, so it was a given that I would "ooh" and "aah" at the little guy pictured here.  I mean, how adorable is it that the sweet little girl at the story's center wants nothing more than this little puppy, adopted no less!  I also loved the way the family was portrayed.  There were no carbon copies here.  Instead, we find it filled with diversity much like many of today's families; definitely something children of all ages can relate to.  Truly a gem in both picture and word.

There was but one problem for me though.  For those not having encountered the song as an adult, it may be easier to fall completely in love because the whimsy of it all can be felt from the book's start to finish.  In truth though, the song wasn't really aimed at a child's wish for a pup, but an adult's wish for someone to kiss under the mistletoe.  There was a time or two that I would hit a snag as I read along and thought...that is SO not about a puppy.  Does it work still?  Yes...you just have to keep your childlike wonder dialed in full strength is you've been exposed to the original release previously.

Overall, it's certainly a memorable addition to your holiday reading list this year.  Just try to keep the smile off your face as you see our little "heroine" of sorts making her case for Santa granting her heart's desire this year, or as you catch a glimpse of the pure joy on BOTH their faces by book's end.  Better yet, just enjoy it for all its worth and then carry the fun over to the musical aspect of things with a listen to the original release.  It'll add another layer of warmth to that glow the season instills in all our hearts.

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Special thanks to the team at Doubleday Books for Young Readers, for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, illustrator, or those releases on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!