BLOG TOUR: The Elephant of Frimley by Nicholas Rawls

Hi there!

Welcome back to post number two today on Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  What can I say?  So many books, so little time.  I'm sure YOU understand...  ^-^

So, today's second tour comes to us via Authoright Marketing & Publicity, and stars a Children's Storybook filled to the brim with picture and verse.  No, really.  Every page has an image to catch the eye and witty rhymes to ensnare the tongue, what more could you want?  A story...I know...but guess what?  It has that too.  Ready or not, here comes our next book of choice...

The Elephant of Frimley

by

Nicholas Rawls

Illustrations by

 Louise Jewell

9781911525684

Clink Street Publishing

About the book...
After the discovery of an elephant in their back garden, sisters Hannah and Emily make it their adventurous mission to return it to its home.

Originally written as a bedtime story for his two daughters, The Elephant of Frimley by Nicholas Rawls is a delightful and fun read that parents, primary school teachers and extended families will enjoy sharing with young children.

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I don't know about you, but the moment I saw that sad little (okay, not so little) elephant on the cover with a tear in his eye, I HAD TO KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG!  I mean, if I could have, I would have physically come through the page and given this poor guy a hug.  Why was he crying?  What could possibly be that bad in his little pachyderm life that warrants this level of sadness...and what's with the apple?  So many questions, all sparked from one image...and then we crack the cover and discover more...

...see what I mean?

MORE QUESTIONS!

Why is the little guy still upset?

Where are the children leading him?

WHAT'S GOING ON?!

Let me tell you now, all these questions and more ARE answered within the 48 pages, leading to a happy reunion you won't want to miss.  The illustrations are moving, the story is charming, and the rhymes are quite clever, even as things progress.  The message we're left with is that there is a place for everyone to call home, from the tall to the small, and people that care for us even when all seems lost.  We merely need to reach out a trunk, I mean, hand, to receive the help we need.

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About the author...

Retired and happily living in Farnborough, Surrey, Nicholas Rawls enjoys spending time chatting on-line with his grandson and five adult children who are scattered across the world. When he’s not writing poetry and children’s verse he can be found pursuing his other interests —from antique fountain pen restoration to stamp collection, amateur astronomy and learning to play the banjo.

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Special thanks to Rachel at Authoright Marketing & Publicity for the ecopy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Clink Street Publishing, so click on over to Amazon UK to snag your copy today!  Don't miss the other stops on the tour as it makes its way through the blogosphere...

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

BLOG TOUR: A Sandy Grave by Donna M McDine + CONTEST!

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that’s not afraid to read (and share!) titles that provide more than just entertainment, but EDUtainment….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

That’s right.  Today, we’re playing host to a blog tour via Pump Up Your Book that’s aimed at readers just starting the Middle Grade set with a subject focused on conservation, protection, and in the end, being the voice of “right” for those that can’t be it for themselves.  Pretty heady, right?  In theory, yes….in execution, it’s just right.  Grab your eco-gear and get ready to meet today’s book of choice… 

A Sandy Grave

By

Donna M. McDine

Illustrations by

Julie Hammond

9781616334543

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc

Here we have the story of Leah, her friends and family, and one fateful day at the beach.  It begins as any other seaside excursion, smiling faces, plans of relaxation and spending time with one another, and turns into…a crime scene.  It seems there’s been a death of mammoth proportions and though it may have occurred by natural selection (BIG maybe as we don’t get quite THAT far into the “why’s”), what’s happened to the poor creature afterwards is downright thievery.

That’s right, my friends. We’re talking about poaching but in a kid friendly way so they get the idea, why it’s wrong, and how to handle things should they run across it in their lifetime.  The illustrations included throughout the work provide easy access to the story even to those too young to read the words on their own, without crossing the line to the morbid side of things, which when we consider the subject matter, could have easily happened.  I appreciated the fact that Leah and her friends wanted to do the right thing.  When they were unsure about what was really going on, they asked questions and investigated things a little further, all in an effort to avoid pointing fingers in an ill-advised direction (i.e. someone who wasn’t actually guilty, but in this case…they TOTALLY were!).  We see the inclusion of adults in their circle and their reaching out to the authorities when events called for it.  We also see the kindness their hearts exude when their ocean friend is finally laid to rest…a heartbreaking time but presented with good intentions and presented with care.

In the end, it’s short and sweet but not in the usual fashion.  It tackles one of the bigger issues that still plagues us today but with tact and tenderness...something those involved in this tasteless pursuit lack in spades.  The neat thing about reads like this, aside from the work itself, is that they can inspire young minds to learn more about the topic at hand, thereby allowing the messages gleaned to reach even further than initially imagined.  Now, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that “telephone” chain?

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About the author...

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway.

Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna’s 2013 releases of Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony and the 2014 release of A Sandy Grave will be joined by an additional book to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is a personal assistant from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network, and Family Reading Partnership.  

Connect with her online at her official site or stop by her blog.

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Now for the EXTRA goodness you were waiting for, it's...

 CONTEST TIME!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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PDF for review received courtesy of Cheryl at Pump Up Your Book.  (THANKS!) For more information on this tour running through April 25th, as well as those coming soon, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This title is available now in ebook and paperback via Guardian Angel Publishing, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore (or virtual) shelf near you.  Need a head start?  Check out Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour including yesterday's guest post over at The Story Behind the Book and Monday's book trailer reveal at 4 the Love of Books.

Until next time…happy reading!

What goes around, comes around: KARMACK by J.C. Whyte

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you every day of the week….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re exploring inside the ecover of a Middle Grade/Tween novel from author J.C. Whyte, which keeps us right in line with my theme of things I love (and perhaps you should consider too  ^_^). It serves up a great message for guys and gals alike while ensnaring readers with its many charms.  Ready to join me on another adventure through the pages?  You’ll have to be “speedy-eyed” if you’re to see all the action, but I’ve got faith in you.  (^_^)  Today’s ebook of choice is…

Karmack

By

J.C. Whyte

9781771273350

MuseItUp Publishing

About the book…

A strange little creature enters the lives of three tough guys at Higgins Elementary. And from that point on, pranks come back like boomerangs, smacking the bullies right in their fifth grade butts!

 

Sully, the leader of the gang, is the only one who can see this creature, which he names Karmack. Sully learns that the creature’s job is to balance all the bad pranks the bullies have pulled over the years. Karmack warns that if this fails,

“dreadful, awful doom” awaits them all.

 

Sully soon realizes that he must save not only himself but his friends, who have no idea why they keep getting boomeranged by Karmack!

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First let me say….I REALLY LIKED THIS STORY!  I’m not an ebook fan by any means, but sometimes a story will come along that’s only available in that particular format and it sounds good enough to turn my head.  Needless to say when it turns out even better than anticipated, I not only count it as a win but a DOUBLE WIN.  One for the pleasure achieved by reading it and another for the ability to now share it with all of you.  So, shall we now continue?  *ponders*  Yep…I think that sounds like a marvelous plan. 

Okay, so the little critter gets his name from a misunderstanding between him and our lead, Sully.  You see, Karmack’s name is actually derived from his job…as a Karmic Balancer.  See where this is going?  Hence the boomeranging pranks and what not.  Anywho, Karmack has been sent to balance Sully and his friends, but what he sees as bad karma, they only see as jokes meant to amuse themselves.  Oh for the love of little boys, or in this case…little bullies!  Thing is, Sully and friends don’t see themselves that way which is pushing their karmic  balance all out of whack and literally creating a tower of bad karma ready to topple right on top of their little “angelic” heads.  *cough cough*  Let’s just say, if Karmack is gonna keep them from the BIG AWFUL DOOM, he’s got his work cut out for him. 

Does he succeed?  I bet you’re on the edge of your seat for that answer.  Well, as I’m not one to spoil the BIG surprise  (or at least I try not to), the answer is both yes and no, and the yes part is not in the way you might be thinking.  This bodes well for some of our friends (those that maybe-sorta-kinda escape the BIG part of the DOOM), and not so much for a few others (those on the opposite end of that hyphenated sentence previously made).  The COOLEST part about it though is that those that make it through, those that survive everything that happens, earn a reward greater than money, greater than fame (though some goes along with it)…they grow up.  They learn a few of the BIG lessons that life has in store for everyone in their own time and the outcome is just right.

In conclusion, it's not a fairy tale nor a myth but a fun and amusing story that reminds us that what goes around comes around...eventually...and sometimes with an even mightier THUNK than when the initial "hurt" was carried out.  Score 1 for karma; bad guys, zilch!  A wonderful read that will entice Middle Grade readers of all ages, both male and female.  (Yep, add another title to your "boys reads" lists!)

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About the Author…

J. C. Whyte discovered a love for writing while she was still in elementary school. Back then of course, she only wrote children’s stories. But when she grew up, J. C. had to face the harsh reality that such writing seldom pays the bills. So she got her degrees in Journalism and Communications, and turned to Public Relations, where for ten years she focused her creative energies in feature writing.

Then after marriage, kids, several more degrees and occupations (including stints as a travel agent and paralegal), J. C. entered law school. While there, she became a columnist for the student newsletter; one of her humorous articles was even published in The National Jurist.

After graduating and passing the Bar, J. C. realized within a few years that creative writing was still what made her heart sing. So now, as a grandma, she has returned to writing for children. And with the publication of Karmack, she’s come full circle, back to where her writing journey truly began!

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Ebook for review courtesy of author J.C. Whyte and MuseItUp Publishing.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, friend them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This ebook was released in 2013 via MuseItUp Young, an imprint of MuseItUp Publishing so be on the lookout for it at an ebook retailer of your choosing.  Oh and one more thing!  Since we’re all readers here, or at the very least interested know one, the publisher also has a Readers Club you can join with lots of cool benefits and the promise of more great reads ahead…and who wouldn’t like THAT opportunity?  ^_^

Until next time…happy reading!

Truthy Ruthy by Sari Barel

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please readers of all ages...at one point or another...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  

Today, we are taking a look at a new eBook aimed at getting children acquainted with morals and values while giving them a lead character they can identify with and a parental figure that definitely thinks outside the box. It doesn't berate little ones for choosing the wrong way, but rather celebrates when they get things right and the faith they had in them all along.  Ready to meet today's choice cover to face?  Here we go!  Today's ebook of choice is...

Truthy Ruthy

by

Sari Barel

Illustrated by

Neda Fuchedzhieva

About the book...

What can we do with a cute little girl, who does not always tell the truth?
Ruthy is a sweet 5 year old girl, who has gotten used to not telling the truth.
She breaks the rules and says, "It wasn't me!".
Nothing helps until Dad comes up with an idea that changes the rules of the game.
Now Ruthy is "Truthy Ruthy". Bravo, Daddy!
How does Dad change the rules? Read our humorous, fun story to find out!

This is a short and sweet story aimed at reminding children (of all ages) why telling the truth is not only something mommy and daddy want for them to do but a best practice to last their whole life through.  Ruthy is an adorable little girl, befitting that old song of a child with a curl in the center of her forehead (ahem), and much like the girl in that rhyme, she could be very good as well as horr...the opposite. ^_^  A bad habit is started with a desire for sweets before dinner and continues into antics of painting on walls, taking toys from her sister and annoying the family dog, all with the excuse of "It wasn't me."  (Anyone else flashing back to that Shaggy song?  Oh good, I'm not the only one. )  Ruthy comes to realize with the help of her tricky (but in a good way) parents that saying what you mean and meaning what you say are a very important part of being able to trust someone and so a lesson learned is born and shared.

Along the way, our eyes are greeted with impish pictures of young Ruthy as well as a few of her Dad as he ponders things out for himself.  The bright colors used and the little details such as candy wrappers sticking out of her pockets, or his nose going all Pinocchio when he's not telling the truth serve as visual points to ponder but also go into making the moral of the story that much clearer.  I mean come on, we all know your nose GROWS when you tell a lie....

Recommended read for all ages but especially for those with little ones in their lives.  Ruthy and her family will brighten your day in a big BIG way but also leave you with something relevant to your every day life.  A great combo indeed.

PDF for review courtesy of author Sari Barel.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the author behind the work, be sure to stop by the official site.  To find out more about Ruthy, take a gander at the book trailer or click on over to Amazon to score your copy now.  Oh, and if you're quick about it, you might even grab one for FREE - a promotion that runs today and tomorrow (July 27-28)!

Until next time...happy reading!