BabyLit: Little Master Dickens: A Christmas Carol!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be whether young in age or just in spirit, we've got something that will satisfy the reader in you.  Speaking of spirits...

One way that I like to celebrate this wintry wonderful season we've just begun is by reading a new-to-be version of that holiday classic, A Christmas Carol by the infamous Charles Dickens.  Along those lines, today we're getting a visit from dear old Jacob Marley!  You know...the one that was "dead to begin with"?  Guess what?  He still is!  Or rather...he still is.  *somber tone* ...but not to worry because we welcome his presence nonetheless as he endeavors to save the wayward soul of none other than...well, you know who.  You do, right?  Oh tell me PLEASE that you do!?!  I could never forgive myself if you didn't!  Well okay, MAYBE I could, but YOU couldn't at the very least.  Anywho, let's clear up this mini-mystery and move forward with today's post, shall we?  Don your gay apparel and greet today's featured title with a jolly "ho, ho"!  Today's book of choice is...

Little Master Dickens:  A Christmas Carol

A Color Primer

by

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by

Alison Oliver

BabyLit Books

978-1-4236-2575-9

Okay.  Let's take a moment to ooh and aah at the cover...oh go on!  You know you want to.  *_waits_*  There.  Feel better?  Good; now try to contain yourself for a moment because once we crack the cover on this one, it's all over...that peace you obtained I mean.  ^_^

YOu may recognize the style of this board book from previous posts...as well you should seeing as how the BabyLit titles despite my lack of an actual baby in the house...fur babies count but you know what I mean) have been in my rotation for a while now...and wouldn't you know it?  They've got another winner on their hands...in my opinion at the very least.  I mean, COME ON!  It's the classic work most of us know but for BABIES...do YOU know a better way to get them acquainted with the work of Dickens any earlier?  Well, okay...reading to them while still unborn helps (THANKS MOM!) but once they arrive, I'd say these are an AWESOME way to go.

This particular edition is a color primer.  What's the mean?  Well, to put it simply, it introduces wee ones to the rainbow of colors in the world while putting a little bookish twist on the whole experience.  How so?  So full of questions!  Me likee!  With every turn of the stiffened page, we move a step forward in the familiar story but in a colorful or color-filled way.  We see someone's blue coat.  We gaze upon a white full moon.  We see green wreaths and purple drinks, and well, you get the picture...and get the picture is EXACTLY the point!  Each scene depicted, each color presented comes with a side of story both visually and of the written word...thereby allowing the learning to commence WHILE the fun continues to be enjoyed by readers well passed the age of "just beginning".

So, if you're looking for a great book to share with your little one, a new way to explore a timeless classic (*raises hand*), or simply are among those that can appreciate whimsical illustrations utilizing colors like they were going out of style (in a GOOD way!)...this is certainly a book to add to your must read list.  If by some small un-miracle, you are among those like the BEFORE Scrooge rather than the AFTER...still give it a try you silly little miser!  Reading enriches the mind...but also stimulates the heart and feeds the soul (< - - just don't tell the miserly ones that part in advance...they'll be okay. ^_^).

Review copy received courtesy of the publisher.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the complete series of BabyLit books, be sure to stop by the series site, the official site, check out their Facebook page, pin them on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter.

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

BabyLit: Little Master Stoker, Dracula!

Vhy hello there.

Velcome to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place that really knows how to take a bite out of reading and still save some for the vest of us.

Blah blah blah!

Hehe.

Sorry about that.  Couldn't resist.

Wondering why so corny or Transylvania-ish today?

Good question...to which I have an appropriately timed answer.

It's inspired by today's title selection that's once again celebrating the time of year with some spooky locations and a distinct inclusion of some rather pointy teeth, but for the wee little ones.  Yep.  You read that right.  Grab your not-so-sharp stakes (there are kiddos around) and a head of fresh garlic, it's time to greet today's board book of choice...

Little Master Stoker:  Dracula

A Counting Primer

by

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by

Allison Oliver

BabyLit

978-1-4236-2280-6

As you might have presumed from the cover, it's a book starring creatures of the night, or rather one of the original night creatures, but for the set that would be WAY WAY WAAAAYYYY past their bedtime if they were roaming about at that hour.  No worries parents, guardians, and caretakers, this one won't keep the kiddos up later as the actual scare content is tempered, allowing the visuals and learning to take center stage.

Curious right?  I mean, how much actual learning can take place within a children's board book that seems to be story oriented?  A LOT actually.  First of course, the actual story included through both picture and word gets the wee ones acquainted (and older ones RE-acquainted) with the classic of yesteryear.  Well now, I suppose that was misspoken because it's just as popular (if not more so) today as it was back in the day, but I digress.  Each turn of the reinforced page reveals another glimpse into the tale as it progresses from innocent meeting to curious end, without the presence of so much as a drop of crimson to be seen.  A truly remarkable feat indeed as the story is still recognizable even as we track our progress mathematically.  Yes, here's where the other half of the learning equation comes in.

You're not simply reading this one for kicks, though you can if you like.  You're reading this one to learn your 1 - 2 - 3's.  Yes siree.  By the time you reach the end, you'll have counted everything from friends to heroes, wolves to boxes (*ahem*) and a few other surprising elements along the way.  Little ones will see not only visual representation of the numbers, but also have fun counting along the lushly illustrated canvas, something this series of kid's classics are well known for (and even have available for purchase as prints and more!  *squee*).

So, if you're looking for a holiday read to share with the WHOLE family including those perhaps still in diapers, seek thee out a copy of this title on a bookstore shelf near you.  Review copy To learn more about the BabyLit series, a trademark of Gibb-Smith, Inc, be sure to check out the series site (and shop!), the official site, the Facebook page, the Pinterest board, or follow along with the Twitter tweets.


Until next time...happy reading!

Can You Growl Like a Bear? by John Butler

Hi there!
Welcome back to another exciting week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. This week will be chock full of all the fun you've come to expect here at the site and then some. Oh yes, it will be bookish and it will be busy.

To kick things off, we're going a gentler route and exploring another Baby book that found its way to my door courtesy of the folks at Peachtree Publishers (thanks guys!). While it's intended for the wee one's, older folks will get a kick out of the reactions it causes in younger readers. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself! Today's book of choice is...

CAN YOU GROWL LIKE A BEAR?
by
John Butler

This is one of those rare children's board books that is great for the little ones for a daytime activity as well as a sleepy time activity. It invites readers to make the sound along with the animals they see on the pages and at the very end gives a sweet good night to send them off to the land of dreams. So while you're both enjoying the adorable pictures, you'll also be engaging their minds and imaginations as they learn which animals make which sounds and try to imitate it. I can only imagine how well this would work for a story time group ...especially one that ends with nap time.

All in all, another cutesy read from the folks that aim to please the ever growing minds of childre the world over, Peachtree Pubishers. I can certainly see this being a popular favorite for all those beginning readers out there just starting to explore the world around them...as well as the parents and guardians who are cultivating our next generation. You're never too young to start engaging that imagination...you knows where those random thoughts and ideas will lead one day?

Special thanks to Peachtree Publishers for the review copy. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their full catalog be sure to check out their official site (http://peachtree-online.com), or follow along on Twitter (http://twitter.com/PeachtreePub). This book was released last month and should be available on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

In the Woods by Elizabeth Spurr

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when reading is in order and you're just not certain what's on the menu.

Today, we're taking a look at a new title from Peachtree Publishers that's a perfect addition to the little guy's library in your life. That's right, we're talking baby books and an adorable one at that! Without further ado, allow me to introduce the board book ofbthe day...

In the Woods
by
Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrated by
Manelle Oliphant

This adorable book tells the story of one little boy's fishing adventure with dear old Dad. From the bees buzzing over the flowers to the fish wriggling on the line, it's one of many trips to the great outdoors for this little tyke and a wonderful way for wee ones to get acquainted with a few new words. The combination of setting, story and sights is enchanting as the illustrations bring a smile to your face and place you right next to the babbling brook or the warm glow of the camp fire. Whether your idea of roughing it is a tent and backpack or the local Motel 12, this tale will have little ones locked on in wide eyed wonder as their curiosity about nature grows...and will even work as a bed time treat with the sleepy time ending.

All in all a great book for the beginning reader in your life and an adorable addition to anyone's library. Review copy courtesy of Peachtree Publishers. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to check out their site (http://peachtree-online.com) or follow along on Twitter (http://twitter.com/PeachtreePub). This title celebrated its bookish birthday this month and should be available on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

You're NEVER too young (or old) for a classic....

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….the place to be when your looking for something bookish to do; you know, like read, add to your wish list, CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE IBBA…. ^_^.

A month (or so) ago, I was approached by a publicist that I’ve worked with a few times already that has a certain knack for “the pitch” (Yes Eric, I’m speaking of YOU…^_^).  What is “the pitch”?  It’s that feeler email you receive that tells you just enough about a new title promotion forthcoming that your curiosity gets the better of you and you can’t wait to dive in.  This time though…it wasn’t for a title he was working on, but rather for a friend of his looking for additional sites to promote the two titles on the roster.  It really mattered not, because once again “the pitch” was right on target; I was hooked…and trust me, you will be too when you see what’s on the menu today…

Today, we’re taking a look at a pair of books that reaches out to the readers of tomorrow with all the artistry of today…and yet a goodly dose of the classics.  Confused?  Hopefully not, but if you are, I’m about to reveal all so no worries, you’ll be in the boat in just a moment.  *makes room….shuffles luggage aside*  Alrighty then, here we go.  Today’s books of choice are….

 

Little Miss Bronte:  Jane Eyre:  A Counting Primer

Little Master Carroll:  Alice in Wonderland:  A Colors Primer

both titles by Jennifer Adams

and illustrated by Alison Oliver

Okay, let’s stop right here a moment and just gaze at those too-adorable-to-be-true covers.  *pauses*  Are you gazing?  Good because that’s only the beginning of the artistic beauty you will encounter within.  Now, add to that the educational value for little ones and you definitely have a winner.  The best part about them (besides what I’ve already stated)?  You and your little ones will want to hang on to these long after they’ve mastered their colors and graduated to hexadecimals because that’s when the illustrations can be appreciated even more. 

In Alice, you can recognize the characters from the original story that are being utilized to represent the various colors.  There’s the Cheshire Cat with his maniacal grin, the caterpillar uttering his infamous “Who are you?”    In Jane, you get to “visit” Thornfield Hall, see Mr. Rochester through new eyes, and share in her adoration of books.  You see, these books are sorta like the “magic beds” of the baby lit world (you know, the ones that go from crib to toddler bed to daybed?).  Just when you thought your past the age of acceptance for reading a board book, it draws you right back in again from another angle.  I can imagine a few blogger friends at this moment plotting out just where they can obtain a copy of these the fastest.  (^_^)  They really and truly are works of art. 

In summary, two literary classics get a kiddy makeover with applause worthy results.  No matter your age or “dependent” status, this series is one to watch for and share with readers round the world….I know I will be.  Who knows?  You just might influence future Bronte and Carroll addicts of tomorrow!  ^_^  Review copies courtesy of Eric and Jennifer.  (THANKS guys!)  For more information on this series, be sure to check out the official BabyLit page via Gibbs Smith (publisher), or like them on Facebook 

Did you catch that word “series”?  I thought you might.  These two books are just the latest additions to the series having been released just last month, so be on the lookout for them on a bookstore shelf near you and if you haven’t had your fill, I don’t blame you (really, they are TOO CUTE!), and neither does the author or illustrator.  To help quench that thirst for more cultural baby learning experiences, make sure you don’t miss the first two books in this series….Little Miss Austen:  Pride & Prejudice….and….Little Master Shakespeare:  Romeo & Juliet. 

Until next time…happy reading!