WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: A Cure for the Hiccups By Jennifer E. Smith, Illustrated by Brandon James Scott - REVIEW!

What's the buzz?

🗓 MARK YOUR CALENDAR... there's a new storybook COMING SOON from Random House Studio that's worth holding your breath for! ☁️

THIS NOVEMBER... make room on your shelves for

A Cure for the Hiccups

by

Jennifer E. Smith

Illustrated by

Brandon James Scott

"...Is it possible to have the hiccups for the rest of your life? In this delightfully fun picture book, a determined kid who’s good at everything except waiting discovers that being patient and taking a deep breath may be the perfect place to start..."

👧 OMG! The hiccups can totally be the worst, and it seems like my family, Maddy included (of course!), gets them all the time! We call them the hicky-uppies... which really translates to the "I-feel-like-I'm-going-to-make-this-noise-for-the-rest-of-my-life-so-might-as-well-call-it-something-cute-since-I'm-stuck-with-them". Yeah, so the worst... but, one thing for sure, Max's grandmother 👵 in this story is right... one day, they'll just tiptoe away, if we only give them a chance.

It's an adorable, fully and beautifully illustrated, story that's not just about saying adios to the hiccups, but taking the time to smell the roses, finding the moments to find ourselves, and giving ourselves permission to simply take a breath and just be. She's a wise woman, that grandma... and I love how Max takes her lesson learned, and runs with it when a similar fate befalls her brother.

⏭️ Make room on your shelves and mark your calendar because this one is heading your way NOVEMBER 4TH!

🌟 WHAT'S YOUR CURE FOR THE HICCUPS? OR ARE YOU AMONG THOSE THAT RARELY GET THEM?

🌈 ☁️ 🌈 ☁️ 🌈 ☁️ 🌈 

Special thanks to Sunhi at Random House Children's Books for the copy 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 NOVEMBER 4TH, 2025, so mark your calendar or preorder your copy today!

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

Time to get your SUMMERWEEN READ on!

Carve the watermelons, and slip some sunshades on your ghostly decor.

Whether you're a pro at it and plan the yearly celebration in your neighborhood, or you're one of the newly initiated, SUMMERWEEN is a thing!  That's right.  Just when you thought you couldn't take another holiday, one comes along to let you celebrate the SPOOKY side of things with a little summer flair before the autumnal weather changes and the shorter daylight hours kick in.  So, with that SPIRIT in mind, I'm bringing you QUITE THE LIST of titles to check out now, then, and a little later on because when it comes to our TBRs, there truly is no limit!  😉

Ladies and gents, the incoming flood of bookish goodness contains both SPOTLIGHTS and REVIEWS, featuring spooky tales, witchy ways, autumnal celebrations, and even back to school traditions, so take in what you see, add to your reading lists, and let me know what struck your SUMMERWEEN fancy!

Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein

by Pádraig Kenny

Candlewick Press

On Sale: 07/15/2025

About the book...

An atmospheric retelling of Frankenstein, full of adventure and as thrilling as a lightning strike.

Stitch and his friend Henry Oaf were brought to life by the genius Professor Hardacre. But when his wicked nephew takes over the laboratory, they soon discover that the new professor's sights are set on Henry as his next experiment. Can Stitch and Henry escape his clutches and make their way in a world they were never built for—and that may only ever see them as monsters? Literary yet accessible, warmhearted yet chillingly gothic, this beautiful novel, described by the London Times as “exceptional,” explores themes of life and death, friendship and acceptance, all through a page-turning adventure about what it means to be human.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom

by Jessixa Bagley

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 07/15/2025

About the book...

In her town full of witches, Jazzy’s always been a little bit different. She’s not excited about magic. She forgets the steps to spells. And even though her parents run the town’s broom shop, she doesn’t want to fly.

Then, one day, she discovers what she was born to do: cycling! Now she just has to find a way to get a bicycle…and learn how to ride it. But will her new passion come between her and her best friend—and possibly get her in big trouble?

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Leila and the Voice

by Shahrzad Maydani

Kokila

On Sale: 07/22/2025

Now this isn't a monster story in the traditional sense of the word, but rather a tale that reminds us that we all have "monsters" to face, and it is in the facing of them that we grow stronger, more free, and more ourselves.  The little girl in the story is cultivating her inner voice so that one day she too can be strong enough to stand tall against the angry clouds of doubt and despair that can surround, and I think the visual aspect given to the journey will really help younger readers understand their own emotions that much more.  A unique story that truly has a place in any reading circle, aimed at not only sharing a story, but helping others to grow.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Fall is for Beginnings 

by Rajani LaRocca

Illustrated by Abhi Alwar

Abrams Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/05/2025

About the book...

Ravi can’t wait for the start of the new school year! Fall is for cool weather, new school supplies, and spending time with his best friend, Joe. But when a new girl named Ellie joins their class, Ravi and Joe’s duo suddenly becomes a trio.

Ravi’s not so sure about Ellie—she plays her horn too loud in music lessons and gets them lost on the way to class. Worst of all, she keeps saying she’s Joe and Ravi’s best friend.

All these big changes are challenging for Ravi, but with time (and a little help from his wise older sister) he realizes that fall is the perfect time to begin a new friendship.

From the award-winning team behind Summer Is for Cousins, this heartwarming picture book all about back-to-school fun celebrates the (sometimes complicated) joy of making new friends.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

The Wishing Leaf

by Kallie George

Illustrated by Paola Zakimi

Abrams Book for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/12/2025

About the book...

Bear knows that when the last leaf falls in the forest, whatever wish you make is sure to come true! Although it’s almost time to sleep, Mama allows Bear to watch and wait with his friends.

But it seems like the leaf is never going to fall, so one by one, the other animals grow impatient and start to head home. Bear, however, finds active ways to wait, all the while wondering what to wish for—until finally, he’s the only one left, and he’s growing tired. Will Bear see the last leaf fall? And if so, what wish will he make?

A story of patience, friendship, and awe, The Wishing Leaf is a picture book full of wonder for the changing seasons, with a perfectly cozy ending.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Bob the Vampire Snail

by Andrea Zuill

Random House Studio

On Sale: 08/05/2025

Okay, I gotta tell you, this one was FUNNY!  Seriously, a vampire snail?  Who'd have thought!  The how, the why, and the living (unliving?) with it part are all laid out so readers have no question as to his new found features, powers, and dietary needs (which are not exactly what you might be thinking!).  In the end, as SPOOKY-tacular as this one is, at it's heart it reminds us that friendship is a beautiful thing, and accepting others for who they are in spite of newly developed fangs or wings is important...although I don't exactly blame the other "Bobs" for holding a grudge about the whole "trying to eat them" thing.  Special note for readers!  Watch for the little bug narrator imparting pearls of wisdom, fun facts, and a few jokes from time to time!

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Pumpkin & Squash: #Squashgoals

by G.G. McQueen

Illustrated by Michael Slack

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/26/2025

You know the moment that FALL has hit, or even hinted at it, because suddenly it's PUMPKIN EVERYTHING.  Seriously, if you're a fan, you're in heaven; if not, it's a bit of a spicy HELLo until December when peppermint takes over, but I digress.  In this charming autumn tale, Pumpkin is the popular one, but longs for the days of the other three seasons when she's not bombarded with requests on her time, flavor, and scent.  On the other side of the gourd, Squash has been having trouble playing second (or lower) flavor to the season, and is going all out this year to become the GOURD KING they know they can be!  Only, it doesn't go exactly as planned for either of them, and yet in the end, they still get what they were BOTH looking for thanks to good friends, consideration for others...and a well timed distraction so they can enjoy each others company and all the fun Fall can bring.  A great reminder that having #Squashgoals is important, but it's the friends/company we keep that make them worth having in the first place.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Lost on Doll Island 

by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/26/2025

About the book...

Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine in this fast-paced debut middle grade horror packed with adventure about a Mexican American boy who starts hearing the voice of a haunted doll while visiting family in Mexico City.

Diego feels trapped. He’s confined in an arm cast, stuck with his tía and tío for a week in Mexico City, and smothered with the sickening fear that he’s the one who really caused his parents’ divorce. But most of all, he’s trapped in his own secret. Because ever since he got to Mexico City, he’s started having strange dreams of a doll calling his name.

Then Diego learns of La Isla de Muñecas, an island full of legendary magic that can make children’s wishes come true. If Diego can harness the power there, maybe he could fix everything that has gone wrong in his life.

So, with the help of two new friends, Diego takes a boat to the legendary island. From the moment the kids step ashore, nothing is as it seems—with dolls disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, Diego is more trapped than ever before, and as the night goes on, he’s not sure he can escape.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Special thanks to the authors, publishers, and publicists who made this post possible.  (THANKS!)  For more information on any of the titles listed above, please feel free to click through the links provided.  Titles available now are listed, while others are waiting for your pre-order or wish list addition, so you know what to do!

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

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: The Jade Bracelet by Hà Dinh, Illustrated by Yong Ling Kang - REVIEW!

Today's WHAT'S THE BUZZ title is set to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY tomorrow with Random House Studio, but we're taking you between the pages today for a sneaky peek!  It's a NEW Storybook that's filled with beauty, acceptance, tradition, and a healthy dose of edutainment for all.  Let's get ready to meet this darling mother and daughter duo as we take a closer look at today's featured title...

The Jade Bracelet

by

Hà Dinh

Illustrated by

Yong Ling Kang

9780593711781

Random House Studio

Release Date: 04/15/25

About the book...

Although Tien loves the Vietnamese traditions her family celebrates, more than anything she wants to fit in at school and be just like her classmates. So, when all the girls start wearing brand-new sparkly bracelets, Tien tries to hide the simple jade bangle her mother gave her in memory of her grandmother. Now her bracelet looks like an old green thing and an embarrassed Tien runs home crying, flinging it on the floor. Her sympathetic mama understands and takes Tien to the shop to buy the popular bracelet. But at the last minute, Tien remembers her grandmother’s love and decides to wear her jade bracelet proudly.

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

This is a beautifully touching story about family traditions.

Most families have something similar, even if they don't have it with them physically each day.  It's an item that carries significant value beyond the monetary.  These items can be big, small, or anywhere in-between, but what makes them all enormous is the connection they carry to our past, to the loved ones that came before us, and the memories they can bring to mind.  Grant it, it doesn't truly take an item to do those things, but I get how the physical representation can make it that much more powerful, that much easier for wee ones to understand.  Though our little leading lady wants to fit in more with her friends and their sparkly bits and bobbles, she comes to realize just how much more meaningful this simple and beautiful bracelet truly is.  The ties to her family bring her strength, and help unlock her heart to the beauty of the tradition of which she is a part. 

A great representation of edutainment brought to life with a kindness and gentleness that helps little ones understand the significance of something of which they are a part.  This is a story that not only gives us a glimpse into Vietnamese heritage and the author's life, but brings us closer to those in our own families, and perhaps either a better understanding of where some traditions originated, or the spark to start our own.

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

About the author...

Hà Dinh wanted to be an author from the moment she first held a book in her hands. In addition to her writing, she is the founder of the Happy Days in First Grade Teaching Blog and an educator. Hà hopes to inspire children to share their own stories and make a positive impact in the world. She lives with her husband and two children in Texas

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

About the illustrator...

Yong Ling Kang was born in Malaysia and grew up in Singapore. Her formal education is in animation where she developed her love of storytelling. When she was a child, she remembers being given a special piece of jewelry as part of a family tradition. The illustrator of numerous picture books, Yong Ling Kang now lives in Toronto.

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

Special thanks to Cynthia at Penguin Random House for the ecopy access 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 publishes tomorrow via Random House Studio, so be sure to mark your calendar and snag your copy!

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

STORYBOOK SUNDAY: Fraser the Forest Ranger by Matthew Schufman - REVIEW!

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

Today's featured title is a NEW Picture Book COMING SOON to a bookstore shelf and virtual retailer near you from Random House Studio and Matthew Schufman!  It's a story that explores the beauty of nature, the peace in solitude, and the need for friendship.  Curious?  Well then, let's get between the pages of today's title on deck...

Fraser the Forest Ranger

by

Matthew Schufman

9780593648278 

Random House Studio

Release Date: 11/14/23

As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to see more.  It's a simple picture, but it conveys so much without any words!  At first glance, I knew we were peering at Fraser, and he was obviously in his element perched high above the forest in his Ranger Station, but I needed to know more!  What would the story give us beyond the time with nature and eye catching illustrations?  As it turns out, it presents a whole lot more than first glances give away!

We get to meet Fraser and see him well at home, but we also get to meet him at a time that a conundrum has presented itself, for he has realized that while he enjoys nature, and the animals that live in that which surrounds, he's a bit lonely, so he sets off to find a friend.  He travels near and far, yet in each space he ends up, something doesn't feel quite right.  It's sort of a Goldilocks affect...you know, the too-hot-too-cold bit?  The people and places he travels to end up being too loud, too self-involved, too different than what he's used to, or comfortable with, and in lieu of being thrown off balance completely, he makes his way back home through the forest and that which surrounds.  Simple and straightforward, and yet one wrong turn may actually have helped him discover just what he was looking for.

I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I will say it is a happy ending for our friend Fraser; in fact, I'd say it's a PERFECT match!  I loved meeting this little guy, reading about his love of the forest, eating pancakes for dinner, and seeing him get the chance to make a friend that really gets him.  It's a wonderful story that will remind readers that solo time is wonderful, as is indulging in our interests, but those connections we build with others, that circle of people we keep close, feed another part of our hearts to help us feel whole.

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

About the author...

MATTHEW SCHUFMAN is a graphic designer and a K–4 art teacher who works creatively with hundreds of students every week. He’s also a musician who writes and performs original music in the band Graveyard Club. They have been featured in the New York Times, on Netflix, and HBO. Matthew enjoys camping and taking long hikes through the forest. He lives with his wife, Lauren, and their corgi, Archie, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

INSTAGRAM

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

Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to Random House Studio for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY November 14th, 2023, so mark your calendar or pre order today!  Keep an eye out for more celebrations featuring this title throughout the blogosphere and social media!

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

Back to School: Picture Book ROUND UP!

It’s back to school time in my neck of the woods, literally started this week, but that seems like the perfect time to me to introduce a few new-to-you titles fit for all ages! Whether you’re looking for a fun reading escape, to learn about the past, or to dust off your detective skills, there’s something on today’s docket to put a spring in your bookish step! Ladies and gents, let’s get this Picture Book party started! 

BOOP! 

by 

Bea Birdsong 

Illustrated by 

Linzie Hunter 

Harper Kids 

All eyes on the snoot that needs a BOOP! 

Readers of all ages will enjoy following this tail….as you’re invited to interact and boop the puppy noses that present themselves along the way. I mean, come on!  In real life, you can resist the adorable cuteness that is a puppy just looking for some attention?  So what makes you think you'll be able to avoid it in Picture Book format?  Just try to resist...I bet you can’t! 

Bea Birdsong is the author of I Will Be Fierce!, Sam’s First Word, How to Spot a Best Friend, Boop!, How to Grow a Family Tree (2024), Goat Is the G.O.A.T. (2025), That Is Not a Dog (2026), and other forthcoming books for children. Bea is also a former teacher who believes in the awesome power of books to educate, entertain, and empower. She invites you to connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @beabirdsong and to visit her online at www.beabirdsong.com. 

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

--- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Linzie Hunter comes from Scotland but lives in England, which is similar but different. From her London studio, she draws pictures of all sorts of cool stuff including dogs with spectacles, cats with berets and other animals with both these things. You can check out her sketchbooks on instagram at @linziehunter and at www.linziehunter.co.uk

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Who Made This Mess? 

by 

Laura Gehl 

Illustrated by 

Aleksandar Stojsic 

Capstone 

A fun animal filled mystery that begs the reader to uncover just who...well, made this mess! Was it fox? Was it Owl? Was it someone completely unexpected that’s hiding in plain sight? Readers of all ages will enjoy following along as the clues help point the way to the “culprit”, but the true takeaway beyond the sleuthing fun, is a clear reminder that assumptions don’t make a truth, and it’s always better to gather the facts before pointing any fingers. 

Laura Gehl is the award-winning author of more than forty popular picture books, board books, and early readers including One Big Pair of Underwear, Except When They Don't, My Pillow Keeps Moving, Apple and Magnolia, and the Baby Scientist series. Laura lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with her husband and four children. Visit Laura at lauragehl.com. 

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 

Aleksandar Stojsic graduated from Novi Sad Academy of Arts in 2006. He is a prolific character designer and children's book illustrator who has been producing humorous illustrations for clients for over two decades. He has worked with many leading publishers and animators around the world. 

INSTAGRAM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Rivka’s Presents 

by 

Laurie Wallmark 

Illustrated by 

Adelina Lirius 

Random House Studio 

This touching tale came into my life well beyond the target audience, but hitting just as hard because my own dad was sick at the time and unable to do the things that he could normally easily do. Anytime a parent figure is taken out of the every day equation, the unknown can take over and turn into fear. Rivka took that apprehension, and the disappointment from not being able to attend formal schooling, and turned it into something productive that allowed her to still fulfill her dreams of learning, while assisting her mother and siblings. It was a touching historically tinged tale that brings the past to life, and reminds us jut how important both family and education truly are. 

Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark writes picture book biographies of women in STEM. Her titles include Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars; Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine, which received four starred reviews and a Cook Prize Honor; Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code; Hedy Lamarr's Double Life, a Crystal Kite Winner and Cook Prize Honor recipient; and others. Laurie has an MFA in Writing from VCFA and is a former software engineer and computer science professor. You can find Laurie online at www.lauriewallmark.com. 

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Adelina Lirius is an illustrator based in Stockholm, Sweden. She loves painting imaginary scenes, portraying nature, and depicting the different cultures she grew up with. Adelina is the illustrator of a picture book adaptation of The Secret Garden; The Fort by Laura Perdew; and I, Too, Am Mozart by Audrey Ades, which received a starred review from School Library Journal. Visit her on Instagram @adalinaillustration. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Copies for review received courtesy of the publishers listed and Blue Slip Media. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the authors, the illustrators, or the publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above. These titles are available now, so stop by your local brick and mortar or click on over to your favorite online retailer today. 

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

Spread a little sunshine with... THE BLUE UMBRELLA by Emily Ann Davison - REVIEW!

Time to blow the candles out, it's a BOOK BIRTHDAY post featuring a NEW Picture Book in stores now via Random House Studio!  What are you in store for?  Well, a bit of stormy weather, but rest assured the leading little lady in our story has it all under control.  In fact, when things look dreary, she brings on the cheery.  When things seem too small, she finds a way to help them all...with the help of a particular rainy day gear in a nice shade of blue.  So, if you're ready, let's take a closer look at today's book of choice...

The Blue Umbrella

by

Emily Ann Davison

Illustrated by

Momoko Abe

Random House Studio

Let me tell you about this particular blue umbrella...it's certainly not like any you've encountered, and yet we all have the power that it holds. We all have the ability to take shelter from a storm, but also GIVE shelter from a storm. We have the choice to leave some out, or let others in. We have the chance to make a big SPLASH in this mud puddle of a world by sharing a SMILE, a KIND WORD, a HEALING HUG, or a place to just BE YOU. It's a story about a mysterious umbrella that shows up on a little girl's doorstep...but it's really a story about each of us taking a chance on ourselves, and one another, to make the world a brighter (and drier!) place.

Between the gently shared story filled with heart, and the wonderful full-color illustrations, you can't go wrong! I especially loved when the group gathered under the umbrella was so very large. Seeing the diversity represented in the "masses" was truly heart warming. From the (possibly) mother daughter combo out for a roll and a skate to the pierced mohawk fella sharing a smile with a few of the elders, there is certainly the ability to see yourself, whomever your self might be, within the pages. A great read for the kiddos as well as older readers for the sheer reminder of the bridges that kindness can build...or, in this case, the shelter from the rain of life it can provide.

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

Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to Random House Children's Books for the copy 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.

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

🎁 Holiday Gift Guide: PICTURE BOOKS to inspire the next generation 🎄

Hey guys! 👋

Your holiday shopping is well under way, but sometimes the younger set can be a challenge. If you're looking for some Picture Book titles that not only entertain, but inspire forward thinking, encourage leading not following, and instill the belief that you can so anything you set your mind to... these four titles are for you!

I AM RUBY BRIDGES by Ruby Bridges (Orchard Books, Scholastic) - The true story of this little girl's brave march towards a future where there were bridges not gaps...

MARY HAD A LITTLE PLAN by Tammi Sauer (Union Square Kids) - Mary knew how one person could make a big impact, and to turn her neighborhood around, she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty doing it...

COURAGE LIKE KATE by Anna Crowley Redding and Emily Sutton (Random House Studio) - Under the tutelage of her father, one young girl proves you can do anything you set your heart and mind to, even if it's not the status quo...

MAYA AND THE BEAST by Maya Gabeira (Abrams Books for Young Readers) - Maya shows us that tackling our dreams, and reaching for what we want is that much easier when we are truly ourselves...

Four powerful stories that will resonate on so many levels with readers of all ages... and may prove to help be that catalyst that starts the next game changers on their way to glory. 

Many thanks to the publishers listed for the copies for review, and to the authors/ illustrators for the amazing works that are sure to spark all kinds of conversations, ideas, and future plans!

Back to School with LITTLE TORTOISE and Random House Studio!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Time to ring the old school bell, at least in my neck of the woods, as we send kids back to the hallowed halls of learning. Yep. That's right! Summer is officially over and school is back in session. Some are more ready for it than others, as is always the case, but it is inevitable. My favorite part, aside from all the learning ops, and reading, was back to school shopping! Oh wait, you think I mean the clothes? Nope. In fact, many of the schools I attended had uniforms and not in the vague-stricter-dress-code-policies a lot of schools have today. I mean ACTUAL uniforms, but, I digress....but shopping love was for the SCHOOL SUPPLIES! Getting a new pack of your favorite pens! Selecting just the right backpack! Nabbing the last plum colored Five-Star binder that was the velcro closure NOT the zipper because you really liked it better! Those were the days...of course, now I use the season as an excuse for new office supplies, but what can you do! 😁 Anywho...

Today's featured title was specially selected for the day, and if you've got any kiddos, know some kiddos, or even some non-kiddos hurrying back to class, it might be just the perfect addition to your back to school extracurricular reading....

Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!

by

Carrie Finison

Illustrated by

Erin Kraan

9780593305669

Random House Studio

Little Tortoise is ready and raring to go! She's had the first day of school marked on her calendar for AGES and she is totally prepared. After checking off her to do list, she packs up and heads out, ready to race to the schoolhouse. Thing is...despite her extra energy, and preparation, she's still not maybe as fast as some of the other students...and THAT'S OKAY! That's really the point of the story, in fact. She doesn't let the others speediness, or alternative movement options, dampen her spirits. She is determined to get there on time, in her own time, and not be late. When things send her for a spin just as the schoolhouse is in sight, it seems her journey is at an end, and frustration starts to get the better of her...and yet, there is one that happens to be as not fast or even more not as fast than she that helps her not only be right side up once again, but helps her understand that it's all in the TRYING, the NEVER GIVE UP attitude, and the simply doing better today than yesterday. Together, they make quite a pair AND a grand entrance...just in the nick of time.

The story is delightful, the illustrations marvelous, and the timing of the book PERFECT! From her racing stripes to her racing helmet, you can't help but love Little Tortoise...and even though so many of her classmates make the trip faster than she, instead of focusing on why most didn't lend a hand (or faster means of transport), I choose to see that they understood her determination to do this on her own four feet. I loved the teacher's arrival...that was a splendid choice and a great way to prove the point on trying. You'll laugh at the animal antics, giggle as Little Tortoise gets stuck between the pages on her way through, and enjoy the surprise twist at the end just when you thought the class was fully in session!

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

Special thanks to Sarah and the Random House Children's Book team for the chance to bring this title to you as well as the copy 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 via Random House Studio, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or snag yours locally at your brick and mortar store!

Until next time, GOOD LUCK IN CLASS...

...and 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!

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

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!

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

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. 

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

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!

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

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! 

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

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!