Edgar and the Tree House of Usher by Jennifer Adams

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

 

Today, we're posting in the wee hours of the night to suit the title in the spotlight.  It's a new take on a creepy classic that's the latest addition to the BabyLit First Steps series from author Jennifer Adams.  The star is a particularly precocious raven and the author's work his stories take for a turn would be Edgar Allan Poe.  Sound familiar?  It might as I have featured another of his adventures right here on the site, but if not, there's no time like the present to make his acquaintance.  Ready or not, today's book of choice is...

 

 

 

Edgar and the Tree House of Usher

by

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by

Ron Stucki

9781423640431

Gibbs Smith

 

 

Obviously from the title, we're taking a crack at the Poe classic, The Fall of the House of Usher.  Despite having seen the Vincent Price rendition, I've actually read this story as well (and reviewed in on my site, in case you were wondering) and thoroughly enjoyed every passage.  While this one bears some resemblance, it is in a much more passing variety as opposed to its predecessor, Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it overall, but if we're pulling similarities, we're talking VERY BASIC.  Let's see, there's a brother and a sister close but only just, and...oh, yes...a terrible fate befalling the "house" come books end.  That's about it for the connections, which may cast a small cloud for avid Poe fans, but fear not...there are other reasons to celebrate.

 

As with Poe's stories, the true fun is hidden in the details.  From the painting of Poe hiding out in the tree house to the barrel (aka cast) bearing the word AMONTILLADO that Edgar's little friend is perched upon, there are hints and tributes to the writer/story that inspired this work throughout the book.  In addition to these, the book becomes even more interactive when in order to view a page due to it's increasing height, you literally have to turn the book the opposite direction to continue the story.  Well now, one wouldn't put a tree house in a short stubby tree now would we?  It's those little add ins combined with the creative storytelling and sparse illustrations that create the magic that is Edgar the Raven...and friends.

 

 

 

 

In conclusion, quoth the Raven forever more...and with an even younger generation with this fun and fabulous series aimed at the kiddos but fit for Poe fans of all ages.  While tiny tikes will walk away with lessons learned (this time on barring girls from their tree houses), older readers will catch the humor and tribute points scattered throughout, making it a great addition to anyone's library, public, classroom, or personal.

 

 

 

 

 

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About the author...

 

 

 

Jennifer Adams is the author of thirty books, including the board books in the bestselling BabyLit series, which introduce small children to the world of classic literature.

 

Her children’s picture books, Edgar Gets Ready for Bed, Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart and Edgar and the Tree House of Usher are inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” She also has two new picture books forthcoming from HarperCollins.

 

Her titles also include books for adults, including Y is for Yorick, a slightly irreverent look at Shakespeare, and Remarkably Jane, notable quotations on Jane Austen.

 

Jennifer graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle. She has 20 years’ experience as a book editor, most recently at Gibbs Smith, Publisher and Quirk Books. She works some evenings at her local independent bookstore, The King’s English, to feed her book habit. Jennifer lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Bill Dunford, who is also a writer.

 

 

 

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Special thanks to author Jennifer Adams for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the BabyLit collection, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links included above.  This title is available now via BabyLit, an imprint of Gibbs Smith, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

 

Until next time...happy reading!

 

 

 

 

 

Never More: Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart by Jennifer Adams

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Can you believe it?  It's almost time to say "never more" to another year and HELLO 2015!  (Here's hoping it's better than this past year.)  Where does the time fly.  What's that?  Oh, my choice in wording for good-bye to 2014 gave you pause a moment didn't it?  Hehe.  Good eye.  There's a reason for that actually, a very good one too.  Consider it a mini introduction to today's featured title...

Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart

by

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by

Ron Stucki

9781423637660

Gibbs Smith

About the book....

The plucky, mischievous toddler Edgar the Raven is at it again in this spirited story with some important lessons. What will Edgar do when he accidentally breaks a statue sitting on a dresser? Will his sister, Lenore, tattle on him? Will Edgar tell his mother the truth? Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” little lit lovers will delight in this new adventure with characters illustrated in a most “poe-etic” way.

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Quite true; quite true indeed.

This is a child's telling of the classic raven-esque story many have come to know and love.  The fanciful yet simple illustrations give it a flair that only a storybook retelling can, bringing the tale fully into the land of enjoyment for little ones as well as those that can appreciate Poe in its many forms.  Edgar, our feathered little friend, is quite captivating as he tries to hide the accident that's got his heart all a flutter.  Despite the fact that his sister is threatening to out him, he tries nonetheless to no avail.  His mother's arrival would normally spell impending doom, but she's got another lesson up her beak that you might not see coming...all the better for it too.

I must say, the BabyLit series has never led me wrong thus far, and this release in its First Step line is another winner.  Being a reader myself, I certainly appreciate Ms. Adams' efforts to bring the classics to the younger set with a life that mimics their origins yet resonates with the target audience.  The illustrations are never something to balk at either, often times making rather swell wall art.  (Have you seen the BabyLit classics?  Then you understand!)  The combination of the two allows parents to feel secure in adding these titles to their libraries, while assuring older readers that the next generation will get their chance to play with the classics too.

Recommended read for all ages...and species.  (^_^)  Signed review copy courtesy of author Jennifer Adams.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her full body of works, be sure to stop by her official site.  This title was released earlier this year, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Decoding Edgar Allen Poe with Author Jeri Walker-Bickett!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be for a bookish break in your day because as we ALL know, it makes it that much sweeter.

Today, we usually partake of a teaser post...you know, where we share a line or two of our current reads to tease and entice other readers into the literary world we are partaking of.  It's fun, it's cool, it's gonna get skipped directly this week...but today's post sorta plays into that fun in a new way.  How so?  Keep reading my curious little bookish friends...

SO, when you think of the name EDGAR ALLEN POE, what comes to mind?

How about all of the above?

*nods*

Okay, so we have the symbolism his name invokes, but how about interest, enjoyment, and understanding?  Is the thought of reading Poe's work, enjoyable and enticing....or something akin to getting a root canal?

Whether your feelings fall to the former or most especially the latter, I just might have a solution for you.  It comes to us from an author that cut her teeth in the world of teaching, especially in the areas of English, composition, and Language Arts, so you know she's run across an assortment of students with varied understandings on the subjects covered...or in this case, authors.  She saw a problem...students struggling to understand the concepts behind Poe's classical works due to writing style and language....and formulated a solution, or rather a sort of study aid.  Which leads us to today's book of choice...

Popular Poe Stories in Plain English

Rewritten by

Jeri Walker-Bickett

If the title doesn't explain it all right there, I'm not sure what will...but I will try to expand on it.

Here we have a collection of FIVE of Poe's most popular tales, cut down to size.  Now, that's not to say the stories were changed or the meanings lost, just the maze of words and ramblings that Poe was known for, cut through into bite sized, student-friendly pieces.  Did it work every time?  Well...allow me to indulge in a brief overview of each if you will....

The Cask of Amontillado - Having not read this story first hand and only a faint notion of the story line in advance, I do believe it gets to the heart of the matter, or rather the deep dark sunk in the earth core, but I can't say I'm extraordinarily fond of it.  It's basically a man taking revenge on another avenging the wrongs he was dealt by the same said individual.  The only problem...the dude was uber smashed when the evil deeds were carried out....smart for the planned events, certainly as they'd give less resistance, but less satisfying I would think.  Anywho...

The Masque of the Red Death - Though I've not read this one previously either, I have seen the story visually and while not quite as creepy or stirring, it works.  You get the feel for the extravagant lifestyle presented for the benefit of the "guests" (or is it prisoners?) to escape their impending doom, while coming to understand that no one can truly escape their fate no matter how many gold gilded walls you build.

The Oval Portrait - A new story to me, but definitely engrossing.  Perhaps the shortest of the retellings, and yet one that will give you pause....reminding you that art imitating life is nice, life imitating art in it's most stringent sense is not.

The Pit and the Pendulum - This is the only one for me that really seemed to stick to the original pattern for most the story; that is the wandering story line and ability to still lose the reader.  Though about halfway through it rectify's it's approach, I still wasn't as fond of this effort.

The Tell-Tale Heart - Aw yes, now this one is another of his tales that I've actually read and while yes, the original can be a tangled web of delusion to work through, it still obviously works...as does this rendition.  We still feel his connection to his "boss".  We still feel his hatred of the eye.  We still feel his guilt creep mightily up his spine until he simply can't ignore the beating of that long dead but not to be silenced heart. *thump thump...thump thump*  Good stuff indeed.

In conclusion, a great way to introduce young minds to the works of Poe as well as assist student readers in understanding the basics of the tales before diving in head first.  There's no harm in asking for assistance if something is too perplexing, that's what study guides and group discussions were made for!  Take advantage of the resources at your disposal and discover an author you may have written off of your own "to read" list, finding a home there once again.

Author Jeri Walker-Bickett

Ebook for review courtesy of author Jeri Walker-Bickett.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her growing body of works, be sure to stop by her site, like her on Facebook, pin her on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter.  This ebook is available now so be on the lookout for it on an eshelf near you...or you know, click HERE.  ^_^  

Until next time...happy reading!

The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe

Well, what do you know.  February is almost at a close and that's means we are two months into the new year.  Crazy how time flys when you're having fun.  So, have you managed to keep your New Year's resolutions still?  I heard a few of you voicing book buying bans and the usual exercise regimen.  How did those work out?  Me...I stayed away from actually making a resolution this year....I'm just trying to be more committed to everything overall.  (No not committed as in crazy, although that would go quite well with the post today...)  In the spirit of being 'committed', I present to you the book choice of the day....

The Fall of the House of Usher

by

Edgar Allan Poe

I know, I know.  It seems like a rather odd choice to pick for a February post, but at the heart of this long told story is a love that is strong and true....even if it is a bit (okay....REALLY REALLY) misguided.  This is the story of the House of Usher....in both the sense of the actual house and the family that resides within.  The narrator whom is not identified by name is a boyhood friend of Roderick Usher.  He has travelled to his home per his request as his sister's health is failing and putting him in a rather bad state.  The doctors are mystified, unable to solve Lady Madeline's bouts of illness.  The evening that our young friend arrives is in fact the first and last time he will ever meet her....in a state of living, that is.  She takes to her chambers and soon her brother is enlisting his friends aid in temporarily entombing her wasted form, for she has passed, leaving him utterly alone.  Or has she?  What is that dreadful moaning that seems to be coming from beyond the grave?  And that scratching....it's like nails on a chalkboard?  What spirit has possessed the 'House of Usher'?  Better question still is WHOSE spirit.....

Originally published in 1839, it is easy to classify this as a spine-tingling classic...but with the longevity it has been able to muster comes only from the chilling tale it portrays.  I must say though...having seen (most of) the House of Usher movie with that famously spooky actor, Vincent Price...the book was much less in storyline than I thought it would be.  It seems that Hollywood had its way with this old-time manuscript embellishing it until it reached a point that they were satisfied.  Does it detract from the story?  No.  Does it make the book any less enjoyable?  No.  In fact, the book accomplishes in under 25 pages, what the movie ends up covering in over an hour of screen time.  If you haven't read the short story, definitely do so....just prepare to have a dictionary there with you as it contains many of the 50 cent words Poe is famous for.  If you haven't seen the movie, I'd recommend that as well, just be warned on how it can drag out a bit and it despite the age of the film, the creepy factor is there.

My copy was obtained via the FeedBooks site.  Check them out for more public domain titles on classics from yesterday.  They won't replace your actual books, but they will add to your portable library for when you don't happen to have a book with you (GASP!  THE HORROR!).

Until next time....happy reading!

The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

Hello, hello!  Welcome back to another day and another post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  It's February already.....(WOW!) the year is just getting started and yet flying by at the same time (funny how it can do that).  With all the new releases coming out this year, some tales from days gone by tend to fall by the wayside.  Well....not on my watch!  (Just kidding....well, at least a little....many of you actually revel in the classics and I definitely commend your commitment to showcasing a variety of reading options!)  It being the month of love and flowers and candy (okay, I know...some of you are gagging right now, but I promise it gets better...) and......hearts....today's post fits right in.  Without further adieu, the book of the day is....

The Tell-Tale Heart

by

Edgar Allan Poe

"I swung the chair upon which I had been sitting, and grated it upon the boards, but the noise arose over all and continually increased.  It grew louder–louder –louder! And still the men chatted pleasantly, and smiled. Was it possible they heard not?"

So rants the villian of our said tale...but IS he a villian in the true sense of the word....or merely a victim of circumstance?  What brought about this bout of madness?  Dare you ask?  As curious as it might seem, the gentleman narrator in question was not taken as a man weak of mind nor senses.  It is perhaps his strength in the later that spelled out his doom.  (dun dun dun....)  For how COULD one really stand the mocking vulture-like eye of a charge....STARING at you.....JUDGING you.....DAY IN and DAY OUT......why, it's enough to drive a person mad...wouldn't you say?

I must tell you....as many times as I've heard the tale, it was always in bits and pieces or generalities.  Never had I read the short story in its complete form.  Short story is really an understatement as it truly is a short work at under ten pages, but the strength in feeling, the connection to the character, the ability to place you in the room with that ill-fated man and his Evil Eye....genius.  I mean it is common knowledge that Poe was one of the greats, whether you are a card-carrying fan or not; it simply can't be denied.  However, it is one thing to KNOW this and another altogether to EXPERIENCE it. 

Originally published in 1843 (WOW!), it's popularity has not wained.  Generation after generation continue to explore the creative if not dark genius behind his works, and many are now available for your viewing pleasure online.  My own copy (at present) happens to be an online edition....which shall sit safely in my files for a future re-read when the timing is right.  Classic novels are meant to be savored in my own humble opinion as often times the language used was of the time period it was from and thus can be hard on the tongue....but given the time to enjoy the "flavor" if you will, you get an experience unlike some of the more popular reads of today, while still allowing your new favorites room to reside.  What about you, fair reader?  (Did someone say...comment creator?  I think someone did.....here it comes.....)

COMMENT CREATOR

Do you read classic books?  If so, what are some of your favorite authors, novels, or short stories?  Share one....share all.....just share!  (Me, I have re-read a dozen times the Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol, and Jack London's, The Call of the Wild, as well as White Fang.  I'm sure there's a few more I could list, but I'm curious to see YOUR answers.)

Review copy from the public domain courtesy of Feedbooks!  (Check 'em out!)

Until next time....happy reading!

**Oh, and the cover art was just my own handiwork with some clipart and interesting font.  Since my copy didn't have anything beyond a "wordy" cover.  Enjoy!