The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This isn't one of those titles that when someone asks "how is it" you want to answer "great" because it has roots in reality, and the topics/history covered is many shades less than something that should rank as incredible, or amazing, or anything with a positive connotation, and yet...I couldn't completely shy away from the use of that particular word "great" when conveying my thoughts in brief.

Once upon a time, the word wasn't as accepting, understanding, or inclusive as it should be...wait, okay so that's pretty much ANY time, but for the sake of this review, let's go with it, shall we? Once upon that time, people were persecuted for their heritage, for their beliefs, for their features, for the blood that ran through their veins...pretty much for everything that made them THEM and not "them". That time we're once upon-ing was filled with brutality you can't imagine, bloodshed like you'd never want to see, and lies held up as truths until the hidden cracks in their veneer finally wore through and the world could see them as they were. The thing is...this isn't a story so much about ALL THAT though it most definitely is there, but about all the things that went into making daily life livable to some degree.

It's a story about the hardships and terrors, but also about the friendships however tenuous, the relationships however distant, the hopes and dreams for the future....whether they would be there themselves to actually see it come to pass. It's about how one can survive something so atrocious, and still come out on the other side a different version of ones self, but still ones self. It's about the power of the written word to transport us from the most dire of straights to something more beautiful beyond. I admit, I was captivated by the work, and while yes, there is fiction with the facts, it was instilled just so, that it allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the time. This was not a title received for review, but a book I purchased for my personal library that I am slowly rebuilding after Hurricane Michael's destruction...and I doubt I could have chosen a better title to dive into at the time.

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Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story by Edward Hemingway

Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story by Edward Hemingway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Most people see this and think...okay, a retelling of the gingerbread man tale, whoop dee do...aw, but take another look and you'll see, you can't judge a cookie by its icing!

It's a fun holiday tale that reminds us that even those that look a little different, or act a little different, they are their roll to play, and they should be CELEBRATED for they make us who (or what) we are. This little cookie may not have been "fast as fast can be", he might not have tasted the best of the best, but he still had a purpose...and a group of friends-in-waiting to welcome him! Great for little ones and beyond.


**copy received for review

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Seasonal Fun: Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli

Why hello there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place that's always ready to turn the next page, and the next, and the next, and the....

Today, we're celebrating the season with a book choice that's fit for girls and boys of all ages.  It's a storybook adventure that shares more than just the spooky spirit of the month but a lesson in patience, trust and belief.  So grab your Fall sweaters and boots, we're heading to the pumpkin patch for today's book of choice is....

Little Boo

by

Stephen Wunderli

Illustrated by

Tim Zeltner

9780805097085

Henry Holt and Company

This is the story of a tiny seed that wants to be so much more.  He dreams of being out in the swirling winds, experiencing the world on his own, while spookily scaring all those he meets.  Unbeknownst to him, he has a bit of growing up to do first; after all, it's what he'll finally become that puts the fun chill in Halloween.  Though he's impatient, he puts his trust in the wise wind.  He grows and grows, asking again and again if he's ready, until one day, his "boo" grows to the PERFECT size and he's able to put the spook in spooky as he's long dreamed.

It's a wonderful tale of life and growing up twinged with the seasonal joys we experience from those orange wonders....pumpkins, or in this case jack-o-lanterns.  It speaks of having patience and trusting in what's to come, believing you can do anything you set your mind to if you only give it the time it needs to be reached.  I love how the wise wind was like a mother to our "little boo", never leaving him without a word of encouragement or breeze of understanding.   The adored the illustrations that accompanied each scene taking us from tiny to "finally" and everywhere in between.  Their whimsy and wonder reach out from each page with a color palette perfect for the seasons it depicts.  

All in all, a fine addition to anyone's personal library but a perfect fit for the time of year.  Little ones will be encouraged by "little boo" as he makes his way from small to tall while older readers will be reminded of the simple things Autumn brings.

ARC for review courtesy of the fab team at MacMillan Children's Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their growing catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, or connect with them on Twitter.  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!

This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne

Hello again!

Welcome back to another bright shiny bookish day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today we’re gazing into the (not-so-distant) future at a title that surely going to have audiences fretting, worrying, and in the end cheering with the masses as things (possibly) right themselves and all is (possibly) well.  What’s with all the parentheses?  Well, I can’t spoil the outcome for you now can I?  Well I can, but I won’t and before I say too much, allow me to introduce the subject of today’s clandestine discussion...

This Book Just Ate My Dog!

By

Richard Byrne

9781627790710

Henry Holt and Company

About the book…

Wanted. Nice reader to show this naughty book who’s boss.

This book just ate my dog is a story about a little girl, a big dog, and a very badly-behaved book! Bella is taking her dog for a stroll across the page when something odd happens. Her dog disappears and it becomes apparent to Bella, her friend Ben, and the rescue services that peril lurks in the pages of this book. But where the police and fire brigade fail, you – the reader can help!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For those that read picture books either to little ones or themselves (*raises hand*) this has got to be one of the most adorable and interactively fun ones I’ve encountered as of late.  The illustrations are cute…just rough enough to give them a hand drawn and colored air while still presenting a lovely colorful page to be enjoyed by eyes of all ages.  The concept of the story is delightful…well, okay not delightful like “yay-the-book-ate-the-dog” but more so in the who’d have thought of that and whoa, can books REALLY eat dogs, sorta way.  The marriage of story, visuals, and interactive qualities is spot on…I myself could be found shaking the page to help our little friend out (you’ll see why when you read it) as will all of you!  I can definitely see this working with an audience of one to one hundred…with the laughter and cheers set on high.

So, to keep this review in check with the length of the book, my summary is this… a BIG read in a small package fit for all ages and all audience sizes.  I’ve no doubt it will win the hearts and minds of the youngest set while still being highly entertaining for those further on in their years.  Smiles and giggles await any and all who journey within the pages of this title that is in my humble opinion pretty darn perfect from title to end page and everything in between. 

One final question though…who among you is up to the task?  I mean the “ad” on the back is seeking someone to show the book who is boss….are YOU that reader?

^_^

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the author….

 Author/Illustrator Richard Byrne was…born in a hospital. Brought up in Brighton. Learnt to colour-in in Eastbourne. Worked in graphic design. Worked in Brighton, London, Manchester and Yorkshire Hills. Worked for myself. Met Philippa somewhere along the way. Had two children. Had the mid life crisis. Bought my first guitar. Got the urge to create a children’s book. Got an agent. Got a book deal. Got another book deal. Got to Chichester.

SITE   |   TWITTER

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ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title is set to release the first week of October 2014 (at the time of this post), so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you VERY soon!  IN the mean time, if you so desire, it IS available for pre-order!  Just search it out at your favorite online sites and BAM, you’re all ready to go.

Until next time…happy reading!

When the Wind Blew by Alison Jackson

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please readers of all ages with something fresh, something new, something that will bring delight to the eyes, mind and heart….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re taking a stroll through the land of Story Books with a cast of characters both unexpected and familiar.  They are sharing a story with a woman who lived in a certain fashion statement, on a quest to return things that were misplaced during a rather blustery day.  WARNING:  The following review is written in rhyme….not to everyone’s liking, but I was moved to do so by the whimsy of the artwork and the general story.  If it’s not to your liking, my apologies…but after all, it is my site so there is a bit of creative licensing I am entitled to as well.  ^_^  Ready to greet a new day and quite possibly a new-to-you title?  Here it comes!  Hold on to your hats for today’s book of choice is….

When the Wind Blew

By

Alison Jackson

Illustrated by

Doris Barrette

9780805086881

Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company LLC

Once upon a time,

In a land far away,

Although much MUCH closer,

If taking Imagination Highway;

There lived a middle aged woman,

For truly, she wasn’t old,

Though depending on your own age,

YOU might speak so bold.

Anywho, back to the lady,

With her rather large brood,

For this is her story,

To ignore her would be rude!

On a regular day,

In her regular “hood”,

The winds began blowing,

As hard as they could.

They blew through the curtains,

They blew around walls,

They blew them a BABY,

In one of its squalls.

A baby?  Why yes,

Indeed it is true,

But that smart crafty lady,

She knew just what to do.

So forward and onward,

Went both children and mom,

To return what was blown,

Til the winds became calm.

Through orchard and valley,

Up hills and down,

They met familiar characters,

From all parts of town.

Mary with her lambs,

Jack and Jill with their pail;

Even little boy blue,

With his horn that shan’t fail.

They’ve all been caught up,

In this westerly blow,

Will things be put right?

That’s for readers to know.

The rhyming is fair,

With a rather nice beat;

The illustrations are vivid,

Nay, tre magnifick.

The ending will throw you,

For a bit of a spin;

But the overall read,

Grants this one a win!

So come one, come all,

Become one of many,

Who’ve  found the delight

In this story of plenty.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog of wonders, be sure to stop by their official site, friend them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title was scheduled for release this month from Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company LLC, an imprint of MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Until next time…happy reading!

Miss Fortune Cookie by Lauren Bjorkman

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when you’re looking for your fortune, as long as it’s bookish that is.  ^_^

So, we’re still exploring the realm of books-that-I’ve-read-and-still-need-to-review…I know, I KNOW, bad reader; don’t worry, I’ve berated myself enough for the both of us.  Anywho…time to step back through the literary time line and visit a title that might be aimed at the Young Adult crowd but I wouldn’t be surprised to find it in the hands of an older reader either.  How come?  Well, it deals with dealing in sage advice presented in a virtual fortune cookie type package…and what happens when such advice hits too close to home.  Ready to make this book’s acquaintance?  *cracks open fortune cookie*  “You will share an adventure between the pages with many, on your life path.”  Sounds like a YES to me.  Today’s book of choice is…

Miss Fortune Cookie

By

Lauren Bjorkman

9780805089516

Henry Holt and Company, LLC

About the book…

A teenage girl with a secret advice blog finds herself in need of advice.

Meet Erin.  Smart student, great daughter, better friend.  Secretly the mastermind behind the popular advice blog Miss Fortune Cookie.  Totally unaware that her carefully constructed life is about to get crazy.

It all begins when her ex-best-friend sends a letter to her blog – and then acts on her advice.  Erin’s efforts to undo the mess plunge her into adventure, minor felonies, and possibly her very first romance.

What’s a likely fortune for someone no longer completely in control of her fate?  Hopefully nothing like…”You will become a crispy noodle in the salad of life.”

Don’t let the cool-ish cover fool you…it’s not all sweetened folded cookies and Twitter-count-or-less messages to both inspire and boggle the mind; it’s also a touching read. 

Erin is the star player in our “dinner theater” tonight and her life is about to go from comfy cozy to all-shook-up.  Grant it, it’s about that time seeing as the days of college applications and figuring out what you want to do with your life are just around the corner, but still, having to deal with friendship restructures when that support system is what you’ve depended on, first go’s at love, and parental judging whether warranted or not, on top of it all, can send any girl spinning off their axis.  For the most part, she handles it well and her outlet for dosing out her friendly advice (as the “voice” of Miss Fortune Cookie) provides for many smiles as well as frets…it’s in the frets though that things get interesting.  You ever want to give your two cents to your best buds but then realize, perhaps it’s something that you shouldn’t be nosing into?  Yeah…well Erin steps right in it while wearing her “Miss Fortune” persona and things go from sketchy to OMG-how-can-I-fix-this-without-ruining-my-friends-carefully-constructed-life-and-blowing-my-cover.  Yeah…like I said, interesting times ahead for all. 

I definitely liked the way the characters were portrayed; all their similarities and differences, ups and downs, changes made for both better and perhaps-not-so-much, felt real.  It made you see both the good and the bad side of dishing out advice and to never undertake it just willy nilly because no matter how much you think you understand a situation, if you’re not inside of the events unfolding, you are only affected SO much…and that can create waves not so easily overcome.  The way the story is steeped in multiple cultures also gives you a new look at how the age old institution of higher education is viewed…some as a stepping stone, others as a must and still others who couldn’t care less.  Good stuff.  Oh!  Speaking of “good stuff”, there are some things portrayed within the book, like the hate picketing balanced with a showing for love, that were inspired by TRUE events!  Pretty cool, right?  To check out actual footage from the 2010 protest and perhaps to be inspired to take a stand of your own, click on over to YouTube.

In closing, a book that leaves room for interpretation much like the fortunes in those slightly sweetened little cookies you get at holidays or at your favorite Chinese restaurant.  You’d be surprised how much can be boiled down to one short line of wisdom…just remember to take it with a grain of salt.  ARC for review courtesy of the fab folks at Henry Holt and Company, LLC Books for Young Readers, an imprint of MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their growing catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, friend them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time…happy reading!

Fall Ball by Peter McCarty

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the place that puts the FUN in FALL reading…Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Today, I’m excited to share a recent storybook release from the great folks over at Henry Holt and Company, an imprint of MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  It’s the PERFECT fit for the season filled with chilly winds, swirling leaves, the first falls of snow…and the inclusion of a particular latter season sport that is sure to entice “Monday Night” fans of all ages.  Grab your pads and sport your favorite colors, it’s time for today’s book of choice…

Fall Ball

by

Peter McCarty

9780805092530

Henry Holt and Company

This is an adorably sweet and fun addition to any fall reading lineup for book lover's, autumnal addicts, and football fans alike!  From the illustrations to the blustery day shared with friends, the ball stealing dog to the desire for good times to never end, it’s a smile a page and a TOUCHDOWN overall for all ages.  If you can't get behind the simplicity of the story, you can surely be down with the quirky yet detailed artistic renderings.  I mean, come on....just look at them!  Don't Bobby and his friends look like a swell bunch?  I know I'd like to step into the pages and have a ball with them (pun TOTALLY intended) in their fall-to-winter wonderland....and I think you will too.

So if you're ready to celebrate the fun that is fall, if you love good times with friends, or if you're simply ready for some football, this is one storybook you should tuck and run with.  Oh...and if I got any of my football terms or references wrong, forgive me, k?  (^_^)  

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information about this title as well as their complete catalog of works, be sure to stop by their official website, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title is available now from Henry Holt and Company, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!

Be afraid...be VERY afraid! It's...Pinocula by Obert Skye!

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you EVERY day of the week...and EVERY season of the year....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today's selection is a classic mashup on the Children's Fiction side of things marking the third installment in an ever growing series aimed at Middle Grade readers but suitable for those well beyond in years.  The fabulousness of this one comes in the fact that it introduces young minds (and reminds those with more seasoned minds) to the classics of old in a new way, leaving room for further exploration after the read is through.  Ready to meet today's featured title?  Let's!  Get the garlic ready for this puppet has no strings to hold him down, it's time to introduce...

The Creature from My Closet:

Pinocula

by

Obert Skye

Henry Holt / Christy Ottaviano Books

9780805096897

About the book...

For Rob Burnside, things are going pretty well. His friends are behaving, school isn’t too bad, his family’s getting along, and Janae, the girl of his dreams, occasionally notices him. Yep, life’s okay—until the lying starts.  Meet Pinocula, the new creature from Rob’s closet. He is a liar and a jokester and is determined to drive Rob crazy. 

....something which he accomplishes time and time again but never to the extent that Rob forgets his mission, well...not completely anyway.

It's a story right from the pages of literature with a moral for today's generation...lying gets you nothing but a BIG nose and if you don't sleep in your own home sweet home, you may just turn into an inanimate block of wood!  Hard lessons for anyone to learn.  (hehe)  Seriously though, through Robs trials and tribulation in dealing with his little brother, addressing his crush on the neighbor girl (when WILL that ever work out for the poor lad!) without his fingers crossed and fessing up to every little thing he blows out of proportion in order to impress people that don't even truly need impressing...readers are treated to a real life look at how things can snowball into the h-e-double-hockey-stick of wrongness, and still be righted in the end.  That's not to say that Rob gets off scott free because really, he doesn't, plus there's the fact that we never know just what Beardy has in store for him next time the closet opens...but in the end, he'll be ready for it because he's growing up not only in age but in character.  What else could we possibly want from a work of Children's Fiction when all is said and done?

Author Obert Skye

In conclusion, another great installment in this growing series that will have readers of all ages clamoring to their local bookstores for another peek inside the closet.  The journal like entries complete with illustrations will capture the eye of readers young and old for their whimsy but also humor...a few snaps of which I shared myself on Twitter.  Could not resist!  If you're looking for a fun romp through the pages of not just one book but technically THREE, this is definitely one to set your sites on...and with the length of the story, it makes a quick read so take a reading break in your day and see just what happens when you cross a creature of the night with a boy made of wood.  Curious results...curious results indeed...

ARC for review received courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillian Children's Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this series as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  To discover more of author Obert Skye's world, check out his site, Facebook page, or Twitter feed.

Until next time...happy reading!

Furious by Jill Wolfson

Hi there!

Welcome back to the place that aims to please the reader in each and every one of you, at some point or another at least....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're exploring between the pages of a new addition the Young Adult genre that falls right in with one of the current trends...Greek myths.  So what's special about this one?  Well, despite having their origins in Greek, the beings featured have actually played a part in most cultures just under different names...but ALWAYS with deadly consequences.  Gather all your past hurts and lists of vengeance because the Furies are coming.  Today's book of choice is...

Furious

by

Jill Wolfson

About the book...

We were only three angry high school girls, to begin with. Alix, the hot-tempered surfer chick; Stephanie, the tree-hugging activist; and me, Meg, the quiet foster kid, the one who never quite fit in. We hardly knew each other, but each of us nurtured a burning anger: at the jerks in our class, at our disappointing parents, at the whole flawed, unjust world.
We were only three angry girls, simmering uselessly in our ocean-side California town, until one day a mysterious, beautiful classmate named Ambrosia taught us what else we could be: Powerful. Deadly. Furious.
Yes, that’s us. The three Greek Furies, come to life, ready to take our revenge on everyone who deserves it. And who doesn’t deserve it, really? We’re done with chances. We are angry. The Furies have come to town.

If you've never quite fit in.  If you've turned the other cheek more times than you can count and still came back asking for more.  If you're tired of always feeling like an outsider looking in at the sparkly world of the privileged yet undeserved...I've got a trio of gals you're gonna want to meet.

They are the modern day reincarnations of the Furies of old and they mean business....but first, they have to be called.  Called how and by whom?  Both very good questions...but perhaps the bigger picture idea we might want to tackle is WHY.  I mean it's seriously doubtful they were simply called to avenge all the wrongs committed against themselves and others like them, right?  Right.  That part of the equation though remains partly in shadow til the ball is rolling so fast down the hill, there's nary anyone brave enough to stop it.  Well, almost no one.  Moving on...

The idea of the story and the characters overall, I was good with...the execution of it all, not quite as much.  First things first, the story.  Imagine being in high school once again.  Now imagine (or remember depending on where you stood on the social food chain) all the ill comments thrown your way, disgusted stares, taunting glances and words that injured more than you would let on....now imagine being able to turn the tables on said taunters and make them realize the folly of their ways.  Oh, did I mention that there was the chance that more than a simple lesson would be learned and that you could actually drive them further than repentance?  But you know, what's a little misstep here and there after all the terror they inflicted, right?  Hmm.  I think some people would have serious issues with that level of power and it's certainly something the girls have to contend with here as well, a point I'm glad the author didn't merely gloss over and something that went into the moral side of the story as well.  Which wins out in the end?  You'll have to read it to find out but suffice it to say that things don't remain pretty and goddess-like for very long, after all a taste of vengeance is satisfying....but it can easily become an unquenchable thirst.  Back to those characters...

The three girls chosen to represent all the anger and retribution the world has to offer are certainly fitting, especially when the areas they represent or control are revealed.  The lives they lived up til now were anything but ideal making them even more prone to explode when all their defenses are down and the need to blend in is removed.  Alix was a strong person even before things changed, only now she could do something more about the prejudice and injustice in the world.  Stephanie was the activist even in a household where environmental destruction was a part of the progress they enacted, only now she didn't have to simply chain herself to a tree to make a statement.  Meg, the quietest of the group and yet as I'm certain you've heard before, still waters run deep.  She internalized A LOT but once her need to survive was turned into a right, there was no stopping her.  Like I said, a great trio for the rolls that needed filling....at least at first.  *ahem*  Moving on to the not so positive side....

There were things in the story, things that would happen further down the line that were beyond obvious and not simply because I'm outside the "teen" range either.  It was frustrating because the characters were made oblivious to it even though it was staring them in the face.  I understand being blinded by fury but even taking that into account, things were rough.  Also, there was quite a bit of drinking, drug use, and a pretty humiliating first experience between the sheets and while I'm no prude, it didn't seem like the story should delve quite THAT far into those aspects, making them the reasons that events twisted one way or another.  It didn't feel like it needed to depend on that being the catalyst to make things progress, or maybe it was just that I had higher hopes for it than that.  Anywho...

In the end, it's a story about striking that balance in life between the have's and have not's, the happy and the sad, the moments of glory and moments of utter despair. It's a reminder that no one in life is perfect, and that's okay in a big way.  Something that A LOT of folks could use a reminder of.  Though not one of my favorite picks this year, I'm not sorry I read it and I did enjoy it for the most part.  It's just not something I'd be seeking the muses assistance out in order to repeat the experience once again.  It is what it is.  Take from it what you will.

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia Winnicki at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their ever growing catalog of bookish wonders, be sure to stop by the publisher's site, check out their blog, pin them on Pinterest, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This book celebrated its book birthday this past April with a blog tour spectacular via Henry Holt and Company, seek thee out a copy on a bookstore shelf near you.


Until next time...happy reading!

Do the Monster Mash...Literary Style!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the places that wishes you and yours a safe, happy, fun, and SPOOKY Halloween!  Whether you're heading out for tricks and tricks tonight, taking the kiddos or designated as the official candy-giver-outer (the same as moi....*passes spare sash of status*), enjoy yourself and spread the good cheer.

Quick reminder...we've got ONE LAST CONTEST (for now) running on the site with room for more entries! Don't miss your chance to score a copy of RETURN OF THE LIBRARY DRAGON by sharing your reading experiences, library memories and what not...and if you read the post really close, you'll see a chance to win an even BIGGER prize pack from Peachtree Publishers!  Just click on the right hand sidebar under Current Contests for more details.  Now, back to today's post....

We've already teased up my current read, but with today being Halloween, I couldn't let the day pass without something monstrous, something surprising, something...monster mash-uppy only literary style.  *raises eyebrows...twice*  It's a 2-for-1 book review post with some alternative reading fun for the holiday.  Alternative how?  Well, it includes monsters but only just and they are definitely family friendly but they also have a unique aspect that will leave "trick or readers" clamoring for your bookshelves or bookstores after tonight.  How so?  You'll se.  Let's get to the stars of the show, shall we?  Today's featured series is The Creature from My Closet by Obert Skye.  Book one...

Wonkenstein

Twelve-year-old underachiever Rob has better things to do than read. His parents give him lots of books but most of them just end up in the messy pile of junk he keeps locked in his closet that once doubled as a makeshift science laboratory. One day, Rob hears weird sounds coming from behind his closet door and discovers a funny little creature that seems to be a cross between two characters from books he’s tried to ignore. He names him Wonkenstein.
Keeping track of “Wonk” is hard work. But with help from friends and a little off-the-wall magic, Rob and Wonkenstein’s crazy adventures set the stage for great laughs . . . and Rob might even read some good books along the way.

Basically we start out with Rob and his messy room...I mean, closet.  You see, once upon a time it was his "lab".  You know how that kid at school always use to mix their leftover food together to see what would become of it (or perhaps you were the one doing the mixing)?  Yeah, take that and add in a dash more enthusiasm and you have Rob's former lab now turned dump for all things he doesn't have or make time for...including reading. _faints_  ...   *revives*

That's right.  Rob isn't a big reader but little does he know...he's about to become one, or else be saddled with strange creatures that he can't make heads or tails out of for life.  His choice.  Guess which one he chooses? ^_^


.......now on to book two....

Potterwookiee

The latest creature to emerge from Rob’s closet is a cross between Chewbacca from Star Wars and Harry Potter. Rob names him “Potterwookiee” (“Hairy” for short) and soon Rob finds himself treading water as he tries to figure out how to care for his mixed-up friend. Great laughs and great books help Rob along the way.

Again, a mixed up tale that's one part Star Wars and two parts Harry Potter resulting in an adventure that's out of this world...okay, not really, but he does have some fun times with his friends and with a little help from Hairy discovers that the bigger the bully, the harder they fall...and even the littlest of guys (aka his kid brother) has their day (never underestimate the might of the tike!).

Both adventures offer readers young and old a chance to experience some of their favorite reads of days gone by (but not THAT long ago) while introducing a new audience to those same worlds...both classic reads and more current pop culture choices.  Trust me, when Rob breaks out the books to help understand his little creations, it's a memorable moment for all and one that will impact the young readers in your life.  Turning a non-reader into a reader or even a sometimes-reader is a task and a half, but the easiest way to do that is find a connection between them and what they are reading.  Whether it be an interest in magic (Harry Potter!), movies (Star Wars anyone?), sweet treats (Willy Wonka!), or scary monsters (Frankenstein!), there's bound to be a common thread found amongst this crazy fun assortment....not to mention the next installment Pinnocula! Who knows?  When they finish these crazy fun filled titles, they may even want to check out the books mentioned within....and from there, the sky's the limit!

Overall, a fabulous series thus far and one I'd highly recommended to readers of all ages.  The delivery of the story through text and illustrations takes it a step above storybooks in depth but still leaves room for those not ready for the jump to picture-less reads (think Diary of a Wimpy Kid or MacKenzie Blue!).  These books are available now with the second installment having been released just last month so be on the lookout for them on a bookstore or library shelf near you!

Review copy and ARC received courtesy of Ksenia at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on these titles, click through the links scattered throughout the post.  To discover more about the publisher and their full catalog of wonders, visit them online, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  To enter the world of author Obert Skye on another level, check out his official site (seriously do...the man eats, breathes and sleeps funny!), like his Facebook page or follow his Twitter feed.

Until next time...HAPPY HALLOWEEN...and happy reading!

Blundering in Bugtown: The Misadventures of Maybelle

Happy holidays, everyone!  It's official...we are about 2 weeks...14 days...336 hours....20,160 seconds away from Christmas!  Two more of the presents I ordered came yesterday....discreetly added them to my TBW pile (that's To Be Wrapped, just in case you were wondering).  Now I just have to find the time to actually wrap them.  It's not that I mind wrapping....heck, it's even fun!  The pretty paper, the gorgeous bows, curling ribbon....all go together to add up to a fabulous presentation.  The only thing I seriously lack is time this year (really need to work on that formula that will create more time...*jots note to self*). 

With all the hustle and bustle, so much of our traditions can get lost in the rush of it all.  For example, we've had our light display up and on since Thanksgiving night, BUT we still don't have a tree up!  (For those that don't know, that's a first for us....we ALWAYS have a tree up the same night as the lights...)  For whatever reason, every time we try to go buy one...it decides to rain.  Grant it the rain won't melt the tree or anything, but you can't very well bring a wet tree in and string it up with a zillion lights...unless it's really the fourth of July and you are trying to make your own fireworks.  (NOT RECOMMENDED folks!)  I do however aim to rectify the tree situation tonight.....just don't tell Mother Nature.

To add a little more holiday spirit to the mix, I DID manage to find some time late yesterday (okay, so technically it was about 3 AM this morning, but we'll go with yesterday for the sake of the post) to make some Christmas cookies.  Not a big revelation, right?  Except when you add in the fact that they were made from scratch!  (Thank you, THANK YOU...*bows to the crowd and fanfare*...you are too kind!)  I'm usually more the break and bake kind of girl (mom makes the REALLY awesome stuff), but they actually came out really good!  Nestle Toll House milk chocolate chip with chopped walnuts and raisins.  (Hungry yet?) Anywho...

Today's choice is a FLIP ME book.  What does that mean?  To put it simply, it give you two books in one....you just have to FLIP the book upside down to read the second story.  Saves money for both the consumer and the publisher while providing the reader with more reading pleasure.  The book of the day is...

Maybelle in the Soup

(FLIP)

Maybelle Goes to Tea

by

Katie Speck

Now introducing, Maybelle!  Woo-HOO! (and the crowd goes wild...then the crowd goes silent)  Alas, where is Maybelle?  Does anyone see her?  Oh, wait...no wonder.  You are looking for a girl, aren't you?  Well, you are right, she is a girl in gender....not so much in form.  Hmmm, let's see if you can guess what she really is.  (Clues, clues...we need some clues....I know!)  Maybelle lives at Number 10 Grand Street with the Peabody's where everything is "JUST SO".  Her best friend is Henry...he is her voice of reason (for the most part).  Her arch nemesis on most days is Ramona, the light of day (or a lightbulb), and.....shoes!  Oh yes, and last but not least, she lives in the kitchen of her current home, more out of necessity than desire.  So, any guesses?  Oh come on...you must have at least one?  No?  Alright, time for the big reveal..... Ladies and gentlemen, our main character Maybelle is.....a cockroach!  (EEEEEWWWW....I know, but keep reading...)

Yes, my friends, Maybelle is a cockroach, Henry is a flea, Ramona is a cat and well, as for her living quarters in the kitchen, it's more or less under the fridge.  If you haven't been grossed out yet, congratulations!  You just might have the stomach to appreciate this fun little children's tale.  There are three rules that Maybelle must live by....when it's light, stay out of sight; if you're spied, better hide; and never meet with human feet.  You can probably see why these are more than merely mottos for this spunky gal....her very life depends upon them....and yet time and again she finds a reason to break them all. 

(WARNING....THOSE WITH WEAK STOMACHS OR IMAGINATIONS WITHOUT A PAUSE BUTTON, AVOID THE NEXT PARAGRAPH)

Both tales in this book really boil down to one thing causing her such trouble....food.  She is tired of scraps on the floor; she wants to try human food straight from the source.  In Maybelle in the Soup, she has the want and desire to sample the wondrously aromatic soup that Myrtle Peabody is making for the company arriving at any moment.  This just does not work with the "JUST SO" enviroment the couple chooses to keep.  I'll let you imagine the "fun" that insues from finding a Maybelle at your dining table....or in the food!  Our second adventure in food land is Maybelle Goes to Tea.  This story deals with Maybelle's curiousity regarding the Chocolate Surprise Cookies and what exactly the surprise inside is.  (Yeah, let's just say that in the case of one cookie, it's NOT a nougat-ity center.) 

(OKAY EVERYONE....RESUME READING...)

When I received this book in the mail I thought, oh how cute!  When I read about the characters, I was slightly more skepticle.  I mean, I'm not the type of person who handle bugs well.  I totally claim all girly rights to scream, run, and ask someone else to get rid of the little pest.  Thankfully, I was happily surprised by these two stories and despite a less than stellar choice for the cast (for my preferences, not yours), it was really quite enjoyable!  Put aside your normal cringes towards their kind and experience the world from a bugs eye view.  It's amazing what you'll discover when you are less than an inch tall.....

Special thanks to Henry Holt and Company/Macmillan for the review copy!  For more information on the title, just follow the links in this post!  Also, check out the author's website (via the link near the top of this post) as well....it's really rather fun! 

COMMENT CREATOR
Since we've discovered Maybelle's weaknesses (aka food in general), it seems only appropriate to pose a similar question to you?  What one food is your most favorite?  (I know you probably have loads of them, and they rank depending on your mood, but just pick one or two for your answer if you please....)

Until next time....happy holidays and happy reading!

**Please note the additional pictures of Maybelle and her friends are from the author's site.  No copyright infringement intended.  Check out her site for more fun!