'Mistakes make us great.': MARKER by Anna King - REVIEW!

We've put away pencils,

We've put away books (well, SCHOOL books at least);

We've waved goodbye to teachers,

And changed up our looks (for summer!).

The summer holidays have arrived, and with it, the freedom that the months away from the hallowed halls of learning bring...BUT, that doesn't mean the learning ends, ESPECIALLY when you have such great "teachers" to get the point across.  SO, are YOU ready to see what's in store as the Teacher Supplies prep for the coming year?  Let's DO this!

Marker

by

Anna King

Illustrated by

Christopher Weyant

9781542039611

Two Lions

About the book....

Marker is one of the teacher’s go-to school supplies. Her work is tip-top, and she always makes a lasting impression. That is, until Pinking Shears, a.k.a. Pink, arrives and dazzles everyone with her sharp creations. No longer the star of the desk, Marker begins to make mistakes. The trouble is, they can’t just be erased; her work is permanent, and she’s not allowed to fail. Or so she thinks…until a realization helps her rediscover her Marker magic

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Meeting Marker and friends was darling.  I mean, I always wondered how the teacher got her stuff all prepped and ready to go for the new year, and, seriously, who DOESN'T love new school supplies?  Am I right?  I mean, every school year, I looked forward to getting just the right backpack, folders, binders, pens, pencils, markers... *sigh*...good memories.  Nowadays, I still look forward to that time of year...they're just OFFICE supplies instead of SCHOOL, but the learning never stops at any age, despite the setting.  Take this book...

It's a title that I'm well outside the target audience of, but the messages ring loud and clear as if I was just starting out.  The Classroom Rules that evolve throughout the course of the story... be respectful and kind...include others, don't exclude...listen...to name a few.  Spot on, and insightful.  The Failure Fun Day that's thrown for the supplies to try new things, make a mess, and make mistakes!  AS eraser so aptly says... Mistakes make us great.  (LOVE THAT ONE!)  

So you see, Picture Books can be enjoyable for readers just starting out to those seeing their golden years out, and leave just as memorable an impression.  Outside of the fun story, and memorable characters, the illustrations really tie this one all together.  The expressiveness of each supply, the happiness, the worries, and everything in between that you'd never expect to see is shown, and really brings you into their world, while still reminding you that the pearls of wisdom shared are equally as applicable in our every day lives.

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Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant are the creators of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small and five more books in that series, as well as Christopher Award winner Eraser, Hudson and Tallulah Take Sides, Can I Tell You a Secret?, and Will You Help Me Fall Asleep? Christopher’s work can also be seen in The New Yorker and the Boston Globe, and his cartoons are syndicated worldwide. This husband-and-wife team lives in New Jersey with their two daughters and their dog, Hudson. Visit them at www.annakang.com and www.christopherweyant.com.

Twitter: @annakang27 @ChristophWeyant

Instagram: annakangbooks; christopherweyant

Facebook: Anna Kang - Author; Christopher Weyant

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Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to Two Lions 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.  Keep an eye out for more celebrating the BOOK BIRTHDAY of this title throughout the blogosphere and social media!

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

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!

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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!.

Heading Back to School with... JUST BE YOURSELF, DRAGON! by Bianca Schulze - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're spreading a bit of pre book birthday BUZZ for a NEW TITLE coming soon via Clever Publishing!  From the author that brought us Don't Wake the Dragon, and the adorable Who Loves the Dragon, comes a new addition to the charming collection just perfect for kiddos headed back to school this Fall.  In my neck of the woods, that date is this Tuesday, but for others, they still have a few weeks of summer vacation left to enjoy and prepare.  Whichever school bus you may be in, Dragon is ready to show you that the first day experience is not so scary after all!  Ready, set, let's check in with Dragon and friends as we discover today's ebook of choice...

Just Be Yourself Dragon!

by

Bianca Schulz

Illustrated by

Samara Hardy

Clever Publishing

Release Date:  08/24/21

It's another FUN-tastic interactive storybook adventure where you and Dragon are tackling the sometimes dreaded and other times highly anticipated....FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!  It's enough to send shockwaves of terror into the hearts of children and not merely because it signals the end of summer.  No, those first day jitters can get the best of ANYONE, but as Dragon's friends help her realize, there's no right or wrong way to be...JUST BE YOURSELF!  As we follow Dragon through a day of ups and downs, she soon learns that with a friend by your side, you can face anything...and the best way to make new friends is to just be you!

The illustrations in this series have been phenomenal, and the same can be said for this installment.  They are BRIGHT, COLORFUL, and full of FUN, yet able to depict situations that readers can relate to...whether they be fellow dragons or of the human variety.  Take those images and marry them to a story line that everyone has had to go through at some point in their lives and add in the interactive element where YOU get to be the friendly volunteer to help Dragon gain her confidence, and you truly have something to remember.  Whether read in the classroom or at home to help ease those first day woes, this is a book that will be reached for time and time again.

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About the author...

Bianca Schulze is the founder and editor of The Children’s Books Review – a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. Bianca is also the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up, an Amazon “Book of the Month” in 2016. She is a reader, reviewer, mother, and children’s book lover. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Bianca now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

Site | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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About the illustrator...

Samara Hardy is an illustrator and designer who has created artwork for clients across the globe for greetings cards, stationery, homewares, children's books, and much more.

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Special thanks to author Bianca Schulze for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) For more information on this author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the previous releases for more bookish fun and mark your calendar for August 24th so we can give Dragon a great big bookish welcome to the family!

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

BACK TO SCHOOL the bookish way!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're heading back to school, or rather the kiddos in my local area are, and although it may be time for pencils, teachers, and the whole lot, it doesn't mean things have to get boring.  No sir!  When many kids think about required reading selections, they start to yawn...I mean, who wants to be MADE to read a certain title, you know?  So, the trick is to let the educators keep the schoolwork interesting, while you and yours make the titles explored outside the classroom just as fun (and sometimes, educational!).  With that in mind, we're diving into a WORLD OF BOOKISH FUN today, starting with a duo from Usborne Books.  If you're anything like me, you've seen this publisher's name in bookstores as well as at book fairs and the like, so here's a little about the company for the curious at heart...

Usborne Books & More is a division of Educational Development Corporation (EDC), a well-established company that has twice been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of The 200 Best Small Companies in America and three times by Fortune Magazine as one of America’s 100 Fastest Growing Small Companies, and has been in existence for over 30 years. 

On March 1, 1989, the direct selling division was created to concentrate exclusively on selling Usborne books. In late 2008, EDC acquired Kane Miller Publishing, an internationally known publisher of children’s books with over 20 years in the industry. 

Today, Usborne Books & More distributes books through thousands of independent consultants who sell directly to the consumer via home shows, direct sales, book fairs, and web sites. 

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My consultant is Ashley Sanders, whom I "met" when a friend/former coworker threw a virtual Usborne party not so long ago...totally picked up the first three books in The Gateway series...and she's also the one that connected me with the two titles I'm bringing you today.  First up the (slightly) more educational of the two...

Dinosaurs: A Shine-A-Light Book

by

Sara Hurst & Lucy Cripps

9781610677172

This series takes readers into the wilds of our world with fascinating looks at places, people, and animals, both inside AND out.  How so?  Well, the series name itself will give you one clue...Shine-A-Light.  You see, with every turn of the page, readers are invited to read, yes, but also to expose the underside of the page to a light source...and you'll be AMAZED at what you uncover!  For example, I'm reading a page from the Dinosaurs edition about Archaeopteryx (an early kind of bird, as it informs me) with a "lovely" illustration of the creature, and a description of its beak, teeth, and feathers, when the question is posed... "what would it look like without them".  What indeed, but a simple shine of light behind the page and BOOM...instant xray...and we're seeing the skeleton of the critter, intact!  Talk about edutainment!

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Monsters in the Dark

Billy and the Mini Monsters, Book 1

by

Zanna Davidson

Illustrated by

Melanie Williamson

9780794542207

This was a rip roaring, stinkified, sneakified, monster filled adventure through the house and drawers of young Billy.  Yes, I said drawers...well where else would you suggest that a pack of WILD, WOOLLY, ULTRA (not) SCARY mini monsters live...hmm?  That's what I thought, anywho...from start to finish, readers of all ages are in for a treat!  Warning, it gets smelly at times, but it does a good job in reminding you to keep your room clean or at the very least, keep the food out of the bedroom, as well as beware of disappearing footprints, clothes that appear to have been handled by someone HUNGRY, and perhaps not to ignore that strange noise you heard across the way.  It might not lead to something uber scary, but it could be the start of a hairy, monster filled adventure!

With full color illustrations throughout, it's a cross between a story book and a comic book, with all the good times, laughs, and mystery one could stand...and what's more, it's the beginning of a series, so once you get hooked, there's more to discover!

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Now, Usborne is one of MANY publishers out there, navigating the waters of edutainment for kiddos of all ages, so it would only be fair to include a handful of others too...and trust me, you're in for some FABULOUS treats!  First, another tasty little cake...I mean, story book, perfect for classroom or at home Story Time...

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

by

Ryan T. Higgins

9781368003551

Disney Hyperion

A great way to kick off the school year as little ones are navigating the hallowed halls of learning with a BIG reminder of what NOT to do to your fellow classmates...

I was immediately drawn in by that little dinosaur on the cover.  I simply HAD to know what was making this little gal's eyes water, face frown, and mouth...water?  Yes, water...drool actually...but I mean what else was she suppose to do when her classmates were pretty much one of her favorite treats and oh so tasty?  Until one day the taster becomes the tastee, helping our gal Penelope learn exactly what it feels like on the other side of the food chain.  Hey, sometimes a lesson is learned easier by experience, even if it does leave teeth marks.  😉

With full color illustrations throughout, this is one story book that will be reached for time and time again....even when school breaks for summer once again.

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Now, we're jumping back into the educational arena, but only just, because all three of these titles have EDUtainment written all over them.  Okay, well not literally because it'd be awful hard to read anything but that word if it was quite literally written all over it, but you know what I mean.  *ahem*  So, let's see what this trio has in store...

Dr. Seuss's 100 First Words

by

Dr. Seuss

9781524770877

Random House Books for Young Readers

This over-sized board book lets even the youngest readers begin learning without worrying about tiny hands and fragile pages.  Throughout its pages, we younger version of the Cat in the Hat takes wee ones on an exploration of words with matching images in classic Seussical style.  From the sun and clouds to turtles and fish, a good many of your favorite characters are represented so that as they grow, they become recognizable old favorites that can be appreciated by every generation.

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Bathtime Mathtime

by

Danica McKellar

Illustrated by

Alicia Padron

9781101933947

Crown Books for Young Readers

Another board book selection, but instead of learning our words, we're learning our numbers and how they combine to make ever larger numbers from here to infinity!  Each tabbed page starts with an addition problem, but grows when told through the story unfolding in this bath time adventure.  Take 2+1=3...it tells the tale of when two other tails join our starring baby for some splish splashy fun, bringing the tubs grand tally of occupants to 3 and no longer 1!  The full color images will delight while the simple addition problems posed will help take the potential scare factor out of math as wee readers grow.  Speaking of removing the scare factor...

We've another title from this author on this same topic, but for more advanced learners....

Do Not Open This Math Book

by

Danica McKellar

Illustrated by

Maranda Maberry

9781101933985

Crown Books for Young Readers

This time around, we're tackling addition and subtraction, but we're not alone.  This is not your average math assist book, but rather an illustrated learning adventure!  We travel the pages with a comic book style illustration of Danica, herself, and one Mr. Mouse.  With every turn of the "forbidden pages" (you were warned by the title NOT to open the book, after all), you get deeper and deeper into this edutainment release...from counting ten stinky mouse toes (because Mr. Mouse only has four on each of his hands/front paws) to learning about dollars and cents (with an ever critical, yet humorous Mr. Mouse!), and everything in between, it makes math as much about the visuals as it is about the numbers...and shares a few "tonbread" of smiles along the way...

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Special thanks to all the publicists and publishers that provided books for review.  (THANKS!)  Feel free to click through the links provided above for more information about the titles, authors, illustrators, or publishers, and be sure to snag a few for your own reading AND learning pleasure!  You're never too old or too young to learn something new.

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

STORYBOOK SUNDAY goes Back to School with Disney Hyperion, Penguin Kids, and Brightly!

HI guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

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! Feel free to join the fun and create a post on your own site with the same name. I'd love to see any linked up in the comments! Anywho...back to the matter at hand.

Today, we've got a good bit of bookish fun all aimed at the coming toll of the bell signaling the start of, you guessed it, a new school year.  Can you believe it's already that time again?  I know I can't and I don't even have any kiddos to send off!  Just seems like the summer days moved quicker than usual this year, but that doesn't mean a sad face should appear...especially for the kiddos...because there is still more fun to be had both in and out of the classroom.  First up, we're shining the spotlight on TWO titles that you won't want to miss...

Dog Days of School

by

Kelly DiPucchio

Illustrated by

Brian Biggs

978368002974

Disney Hyperion

Charlie and Norman are inseparable, except for those pesky hours they have to spend apart when Charlie's in school.  He can't help but think how perfect Norman's life is without all the worries, nagging, learning, and homework that plague his own.  What if they could trade places?  Wouldn't that be AMAZING?  Um...rain check?  Just kidding...sort of.  As it turns out, Norman is about to be granted a wish he never asked for, while Charlie learns a lesson (or twelve) he won't forget.

It's a great twist on the Freaky Friday story we've seen played out in many ways...but this is certainly a way I've never experienced it.  Can you imagine?  Trading places with your dog?  Sounds ideal in some ways...endless love, treats whenever you want them, sleep and play all day...but then there's the lack of true voice, outdoor housing, and running around on all fours.  Yeah...I think I'd have to pass, but Charlie thinks he'll be living the life, and sometimes the best lesson of all is experience.

A cute title that gently reminds readers that school (and parents) are there for a reason, to help us learn and grow, and with those lessons learned, we are well on our way to a bright future where our choices can be respected and our voices heard.

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Twinderella: A Fractioned Fairy Tale

by

Corey Rosen Schwartz

Illustrated by

Deborah Marcero

9780399176333

G.P. Putnam and Sons

This is the story you never heard about the twin you didn't know existed that discovered the best things in life were meant to be shared...or halved...or in thirds...or fourths.  You get the drift....

Math takes a front seat in this fraction loving fairy tale, but the story is still superb!  Cinderella is the sister we know that dreams of meeting her prince and living happily ever after.  Tinderella is the mystery twin who enjoys puzzles, riddles, and dreams of twice the space!  Hey, you would too if you were sharing one half the nightmare that the stepmother and stepsisters create...but their true blue hearts of gold speak loud and clear, causing their fairy godmother to appear!  Dresses for two, and chance at a new start, but whatever to do about the ONE prince's heart? A conundrum for sure, but nothing our fairy godmother can't handle...

It's a fancy dance through the tale we know with a new twist and the edutainment factor really ups the appeal as well as the audience introducing kiddos to the higher powers of math in a less than scary way.  Early exposure is definitely a way to help instill a love of the subject rather than support an unfounded fear.  A high recommendation for readers of all ages and the perfect add to your home or classroom library...plus the pull out poster is great wall flair with added activities!

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Whew!

I don't know about you, but I simply adore a good Storybook!  It doesn't matter the time, the place, the age, or the audience, there is something to be enjoyed, discovered, and otherwise marveled at within.  

Those sentiments don't JUST apply to that genre though, because although we start our reading days there, as time passes, our reading level increases and our horizons are broadened both in life and reading.  It can be hard to know where to go next after finishing a book, or series, but as adults, we got this.  If you're just growing your reading repertoire and you're the reader, though...it can start a panic, even more so when you're the parent or educator entrusted to guide that next step.  That, my friends, is where Brightly comes in!

Brightly is the Penguin Random House site dedicated to helping parents, teachers, librarians, and just about everyone with kids in their lives grow readers. Brightly offers book recommendations from all publishers for every age and stage, reading tips, author essays, and much more.

As another school year takes off, now's the perfect time if ever there was one to discover Brightly’s Back to School Essentials, a curated collection of content chock full of great reads and helpful insights to help kids, parents, and teachers prepare for the year ahead.  A few of the highlights...

Tips and advice, including books to get kids excited for the new school year, ease first day jitters, and help children make new friends.

Reads for educators such as new Class Read-Alouds Teachers and Kids Will Adore, the Best Teachers in Children’s Literature, and Positive Discipline Tools That Work.

Book lists for every grade level from Elementary to Middle and all the way through High School.

PLUS free, downloadable pack of school-themed printables and activities!

Visit Brightly’s Back to School Essentials to access the complete selection of content.

Now that we've established the AWESOMENESS that awaits readers, educators, and parents alike at this fabulous bookish site, it's time to give you a chance to get in on the fun with a GIVEAWAY!

That's right.

Thanks to the fab folks at Brightly (I'm looking at you, Milena!), you have a chance to win a Brightly tote bag and TWO Penguin Random House titles featured in their lists (winner's choice!).  What fun!  So, which ones would you choose (the titles below are just a sampling!)?  Better start thinking...

...because the choices are many but the days to enter are few!

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below!

Entries accepted through midnight CST, August 25th, 2017.

U.S. only; no P.O. Boxes please.

Winner will be selected, emailed, and have 48 hours to respond with their full name, mailing address, and chosen titles, which I will forward to the publisher for prize send out.  If no response is received in the time frame given, a new winner will be chosen.  SFIR is not responsible for lost prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to the Disney Hyperion, and Penguin Kids teams for the copies for review and to Milena for the chance to spotlight Brightly for the masses as well as the awesome contest prize. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the authors, the publishers, or the site, click through the links provided above.  Dog Days of School is available now, but add Twinderella to your wish list, calendar, or pre-order your copy as it hits store shelves September 5th, 2017!

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