Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...
Showing posts with label be yourself. Show all posts
Showing posts with label be yourself. Show all posts

Monday, June 2, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: I Am Not Sophie! by Robyn Hodess, Illustrated by Terry Kole - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Welcome back to a double dose of fun here on Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!
That's right! Today we have not one BUT TWO fabulous stories to shine the book spotlight on, and they both are coming to us via The Children's Book Review AWARENESS TOUR for each.

First up, a story about a little girl that's not a little girl, but only sometimes. 😉 You'll see.  Ready or not fair readers, here comes today's first title in the spotlight...




by
Robyn Hodess
Illustrated by
Terry Kole
Ages: 0-3 | 14 Pages
9798891383838
Mascot Kids! (2025)

Sophie is a little girl with a BIG imagination! Every day, she wakes up and decides to be a different animal. On Sunday, she pounces and roars through the house like a tiger. On Monday, she stomps and trumpets like a mighty elephant. Throughout the week, she is a slithering snake, a bouncy monkey, and even a scary alligator! By the end of the week, Sophie discovers that being herself is the best adventure of all.

Filled with playful illustrations and a heartwarming message about self-acceptance, I am NOT Sophie! encourages young readers to embrace their own unique magic—because sometimes, being YOU is the most wonderful thing of all!







🐵  🐦  🐊  🐯  🙋‍♀️

As I said, Sophie is not always Sophie, and her mom is perfectly okay with that! Haven't you ever wanted to be something you weren't? Try on a new persona? Give in to those animal instincts? Scream like a monkey. Chirp like a bird. Chomp like a crocodile. ROAR like a tiger. So many options (and more!), and Sophie gets to explore every which one she wants...  right down to being Sophie, whatever the end result might be. 

This is a story about finding yourself and being allowed to find yourself. It's a story about acceptance of EVERY PIECE of your wild heart, whether it wears clothing, fur, feathers, or scales. It's about growing up and finding your way, and a reminder to never lose that side of ourselves that let's us simply BE US... whatever that might look or sound like. The colorful illustrations that grace every page bring the story vividly to life, and I can easily see kiddos reaching for it time and again... especially when they get to act out Sophie's different sides! Can we say SOUND EFFECTS? 😃

A memorable read perfect for family bookshelves and classroom storytime settings alike!



🐵  🐦  🐊  🐯  🙋‍♀️




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robyn Hodess is a lifelong creative with a passion for storytelling through art. For over thirty-five years, she has worked across all mediums, from graphic design and botanical illustration to painting and encaustic. While raising her three daughters—Erin, Hannah, and Sophie—as a stay-at-home mom, she infused creativity into everyday life, finding inspiration in the wonder and imagination of childhood. Now, she is bringing that same passion to the world of children’s books, crafting stories that spark curiosity, joy, and self-discovery.

Through her heartfelt narratives, she hopes to inspire young minds to embrace creativity and see the magic in the world around them. Robyn currently lives in Park City, Utah, with her husband, dog Huey, a house full of art supplies, and a heart full of stories waiting to be told.





🐵  🐦  🐊  🐯  🙋‍♀️



GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of the I am NOT Sophie! board book. Don’t miss out on your chance—enter the giveaway today!




🐵 🐦 🐊 🐯 🙋‍♀️





Special thanks to Bianca of The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Amplify Publishing Group. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this author, her other works, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



TOUR SCHEDULE


Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Tour Kick Off for I am NOT Sophie!

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Thursday, May 8, 2025
Guest Post about I am NOT Sophie!

Friday, May 9, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Monday, May 12, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Book Spotlight on I am NOT Sophie!

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Friday, May 16, 2025
Author Interview with Robyn Hodess

Monday, May 19, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Friday, May 23, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Monday, May 26, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Guest Post about I am NOT Sophie!

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Monday, June 2, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Author Interview with Robyn Hodess

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!


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


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Storybook Sunday... SEVEN: A MOST REMARKABLE PIGEON by Sandra Nickel, Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro - 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 celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY this Tuesday via Candlewick Press and arrived on my radar thanks to Blue Slip Media.  It's the perfect selection for Pigeon Appreciation Day this June (learn more about that celebration here, WildCare and BirdTipper.com), and stars a remarkable pigeon that learns the best thing to be is truly yourself.  So, if you're ready, let's set our sights on the skies as we wing between the epages of today's book of choice...



by
Sandra Nickel
Illustrated by
Aimée Sicuro
RELEASE DATE:  May 6, 2025


Seven was an only pigeon hatched by two loving parents.  He was already unique from the word go because normally they are born in twos, but his parents saw him, and themselves, as lucky and named him after the furthest distance his kind had ever flown to return home.  Seven enjoyed the life of a pigeon, seeing the sights, feeling the breeze, sampling the air, AND smelling the smells.  Oh yes, he loved nothing more than to be led by his nose, and revealed in adding fragrant petals to his nest, or snagging rice on the hidden streets in town.  All the while, his parents were trying to get him to understand the ways of being a pigeon...stay with the flock, build with twigs and straw, and find home visually with the mental map in his head.  He wanted to make them proud, so he tried his best to be the best pigeon that ever flew and follow the status quo...until one day, his particular skill set is exactly what the flock ordered.

I loved the illustrations in this one.  It brings the town, and countryside to life, while making us a temporary part of this pigeon family as we learn their ways, and become a part of the flock.  Watching Seven grow from hatch-ling to his own pigeon was heartwarming, and seeing him be appreciated for being himself was inspiring.  We all want to be a part of something, but we also want to be accepted for who we truly are, and the best way for that to happen is by being ourselves.  Seven shows readers that in a really big way, and when all is said and done, he teaches his flock a thing or two as well!

A great pick for readers of all ages, and a wonderful reminder that it takes all kinds/types to make this world go round.



📕 📗 📘 📙 📘 📗 📕


About the author...

Sandra Nickel is an award-winning author of picture books and has two new books coming out in Spring 2025: Seven, A Most Remarkable Pigeon, an uplifting tale that celebrates differences, and Making Light Bloom, Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Lamps, where Sandra continues her mission to celebrate extraordinary individuals who have been nearly forgotten by history.

Sandra holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and has presented workshops throughout Europe and the United States. She is honored to be the winner of a Christopher Award, the winner of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author. To learn more about Sandra, and to download free curriculum materials and activity sheets, visit sandranickel.com.





======================


About the illustrator...
Aimée Sicuro is the illustrator of many books for kids. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Parents magazine, and many other publications. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. To learn more, visit aimeesicuro.com.






📕 📗 📘 📙 📘 📗 📕






Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, illustrator, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, May 1, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: Words by Katherine Davis-Gibbon, Illustrated by Anne Berry - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!



Hello, hello!
It's another bookish day here on Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, and we're bringing the wordplay with the help of The Children's Books review.  The next AWARENESS TOUR making its way through the blogosphere, and stopping by here today, stars a storybook that brings a vital truth with oh-so-much fun infused into every page.  Ladies and gents, let's get between the pages of today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...



by
Illustrated by 
9781737957690
Riverlet Press (2025)


About the book...
A multicultural group of children discovers a park where everyone’s words come to life, looking and behaving a lot like kids. Some words are kinder and more inviting, while others are pushy or prickly or odd. Not every word makes the best first impression, but as they play and share adventures, the children connect more deeply with language. They learn that words have superpowers and grow to love them for their quirks. They see that words make excellent friends, who magically appear just as they’re needed and perfectly mirror how kids feel. The more these children bond with language, the more they tap into their inner voice— and as they dare to give it expression, they gain more respect for the power of words.





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


WORDS.
They can make or break a moment.
They can bring the power or the pain.
They can comfort or confuse.
They can make a world of difference...but only if they can be found.

This is a story that reminds us that while words are everywhere, there will be times that they are more uncomfortable than not.  We may not find what we want to say at the time, they may run into hiding because they are too shy to show their "face", but give it time, give it patience, and give yourself the grace to grow.  With that growth, the words will come again as well as the realization that they never really left you...in fact, they were always waiting to be called into action, whatever the need may be.  

Beyond the power of words and their many uses, I ADORED the illustrations throughout the story.  Within every page, more of the story comes to life because the illustrations themselves are telling it.  I don't mean they are representing the words in pictures, but rather they ARE the words actually pictured.  It's a fun aspect built into the story, and gives readers another element of wordplay to have fun with as they try and spot all the words hiding within the images.  A great read for the word lover in your circle, as well as a great way for little ones to develop that affection in their early years.



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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine Davis-Gibbon is an award-winning children’s book author and mother of two. Her debut book, My Old Friend, Then, was a Distinguished Favorite in the 2023 Independent Press Awards and 2022 New York City Big Book Awards, as well as a Finalist in the 2022 American Book Fest’s Best Book Awards. Her second book, Words, is a Distinguished Favorite in the 2025 Independent Press Awards.

For more information, visit: www.riverletpress.com




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



GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Words, signed by Katherine Davis-Gibbon. The grand prize winner will also take home a $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Don’t miss out on your chance to win!




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





Special thanks to Bianca of The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Riverlet Press. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this author, her other works, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, April 4, 2025
Book Review of Words

Friday, April 4, 2025
Book Review of Words

Monday, April 7, 2025
Book Review of Words

Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Book Review of Words

Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Book Review of Words

Thursday, April 10, 2025
Book Review of Words

Friday, April 11, 2025
Book Review of Words

Monday, April 14, 2025
Interview with Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Book Review of Words

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Instagram Post about Words

Thursday, April 17, 2025
Book Review of Words

Friday, April 18, 2025
Interview with Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Monday, April 28, 2025
Interview with Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Guest Post about Words

Thursday, May 1, 2025
Book Review of Words

Friday, May 2, 2025
Book Review of Words



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



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Time to be FOR REAL with... BEARSUIT TURTLE MAKES A FRIEND by Bob Shea - REVIEW!

Hi there friends!
Time to jump between the epages of a NEW TITLE coming to you via Abrams Books for Young Readers NEXT WEEK!  It's a storybook title that while fun, and creative, it reminds us of a very important lesson to be learned at any age.  Filled with friendship, finding your true self, and more, let's take a closer look at today's ebook of choice...



by
Bob Shea
9781419771552
Abrams Books for Young Readers
Release Date: 03/25/25


This is the story of a FOR REAL bear and a FOR REAL bear expert that discover while it's great to be whatever you want to be, the best thing to be is your FOR REAL self.

I love the imagination shown here, and our friend's dedication to his chosen self. I love how even though his new friends tries to discredit his claims, when things seemingly check out, he's down to support him! The FOR REAL bear facts at the end check out out, but what really check's out is the fact that these two acquaintances are well on their way to becoming besties, and that is something FOR REAL to celebrate.

A great read for wee ones at story time, bedtime, or practically ANY TIME because there's never a bad time to be FOR REAL.



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



About the author...


Bob Shea is an acclaimed children’s book author who has written and illustrated over a dozen picture books, including the Dinosaur vs. series and Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great. Shea’s characters have appeared on Playhouse Disney, PBS Kids, and Nick Jr. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, Colleen, and their son, Ryan. He and Colleen own Perfectly Nice, a graphic design studio.



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




Special thanks to Anneliese at Abrams Books for Young Readers for eARC 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 is set to release March 25th, 2025, so mark your calendar or preorder your copy today!

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



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Time to show your green and gold!: IT'S NOT EASY BEING A LEPRECHAUN by Marilyn Sadler, Illustrated by Steph Laberis - REVIEW!

Time to show your green and gold!
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and while today's Storybook selection can be read anytime, why not shine the spotlight on it when four leaf clovers, pots of gold, and LEPRECHAUNS are the talk o' the day?  🍀  Ladies and gents, let's step between the pages of today's featured title...



By
Marilyn Sadler
Illustrated by
Stephanie Laberis
9780593810330
Random House Books for Young Readers


The outfit.
The color choices.
The clover.
The gold.
So many ways being a leprechaun can be challenging, and make that life on the other side look greener (ironically), but would it TRULY be?  I mean, the life of a fairy seems flight filled and carefree, until you think about the HEIGHTS you'd have to travel to. Beavers seem to have community, be burly, and active, and yet all that BUILDING seems pretty energy consuming!  The life of a King can certainly be grand, but what about the BIG castle with SO MANY rooms...empty.  Connor O'Connor, our leprechaun in question, is truly considering all his options, after all, what better way to discover what he really wants to be.  What he comes to find out in the end is that it's not so much about being someone else, but about being yourself...and that's also the secret to being a good FRIEND.

A clever way to get a timeless message across to readers of all ages, filled with wonderful illustrations that POP right off the page.  It's a story that you'll reach for during the holidays, but also any time you need a little moral boost.  I can definitely see it being a favorite during story time, and LOADS of fun to act out with all the voices...because really, what other way is there with a FUN story like this?  😉




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



About the author...


Marilyn Sadler is a children's book author, television producer, and screenwriter. Among the dozens of books she has written are the bestselling Random House Beginner Books It's Not Easy Being a Bunny, It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus, It's Not Easy Being a Ghost, and It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun. Her picture book Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century inspired the classic Disney Channel movie of the same name. Ms. Sadler's work has received many honors, including an IRA Classroom Choice Award and a Parents' Choice Award.







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



Special thanks to Alessandra for copy for review as well as the chance to bring this title to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author or the illustrator, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now wherever books are sold.

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


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, November 7, 2024

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WEEK: Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree by Freddy Wexler, Illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume - REVIEW!


Hello friends!
This week is National Book Award Week which focuses on "...future authors, books, and literature in general".  It's a time when awards are handed out, the current landscape of the reading world is gazed upon, and what the coming years hold is pondered.  This week, I want to focus on not award winners, though bookmarks up to them, but on books in general...the joy they bring, the adventures they hold, and the moments they create.

Today, we're getting our holiday on with a spirit filled palm tree that's reaching for his dreams.  Hey, the only one that can hold you back is yourself, and he brings this to life in evergreen-living color.  Ladies and gents, don your jolliest apparel and set your sights on today's title in the spotlight...


by
Freddy Wexler
Illustrated by
Fanny Berthiaume
9780593567944
Random House Books for Young Readers 

About the book...
The tiki torch is lit, the hula dancers are ready, the stage is set. It's...Christmastime in Hawaii!

Everett Green is a singing, dancing palm tree waiting for his big break. He dreams of being a star, yet has no idea how to make it happen--until he sees the Rockefeller Tree on TV. Determined to become the most famous Christmas tree ever, Everett is ready to hightail it out of Hawaii and make his big debut in the Big Apple.

But it's not all clear skies for Everett when a New York snowstorm grounds his flight.

Stuck in the airport with hundreds of disgruntled travelers, Everett must dig deep for holiday spirit if he wants to become a real Christmas tree!

From grammy-nominated songwriter Freddy Wexler comes a modern Christmas classic: the story of a would-be Christmas tree who comes to see that Christmas is not what or where you are, but who you're with.



🌴  🎄  🌴  🎄  🌴  🎄  🌴  🎄  🌴



Everett dreamed of his name in lights, and practiced his routine until it sparkled like so many glorious lights...until one day, his dream took on a new meaning.  It wasn't his name in lights, but seeing himself in lights, and all dolled up just like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.  He would be THE Christmas tree that everyone could see, love, and admire.  The only thing was...he had to get to NYC!  What?  You thought I'd bring up that fact that he's a PALM tree, or made of plastic?  Pfft!  Those are easy obstacles to overcome when you're talking about geography!  He packed his bags and prepped to take his show on the road, but he had no way to secure a ticket (back to that whole plastic thing) and the weather was playing anything but nice, putting more than a monkey wrench in his plans, as well as those of the other passengers trying to traverse the skies to their holiday destinations.  He feared he wouldn't reach his dreams...at least until a little girl with an open mind and a powerful imagination recognized him for who he truly was, unlocking a truly brilliant idea for Everett Green to become not only what he dreamed of (in a fashion), but truly make the Christmases of those around him as well.

A wonderful story that brings to life the magic of the season, while reminding us that we can be anything we wish to be.  There is no time or place that is perfect for a dream to come true, but any situation, any circumstance can be what we make of it, and if we never give up, never stop trying, that desired happily-ever-after remains in reach.  A great addition to your holiday reading list, and a fun read for all ages.










About the author...

Freddy Wexler is a Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum award-winning hit songwriter and film producer with an expansive film, TV, and animation slate. As a songwriter, Wexler has contributed to ten Billboard #1s; his songs have been recorded by Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, BlackPink, Selena Gomez, John Legend, Pink, Diana Ross, Shakira, and many others. He lives in Los Angeles. To learn more, visit freddywexler.com.


-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -


About the illustrator...

Fanny Berthiaume is a French Canadian visual artist who has been working in the entertainment industry for close to fifteen years. From miniature set builder to visual effects artist, she has worked on a variety of exciting projects. She offers services in visual development and illustration to animation studios, publishers, and other creative businesses. She lives in Montreal.



🌴  🎄  🌴  🎄  🌴  🎄  🌴  🎄  🌴




Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, illustrator, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Monday, October 14, 2024

AWARENESS TOUR: Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary by Stephen G. Bowling, Illustrated by Vitali Dudarenka - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!



Hello again!
Today, we're playing host to a stop along the AWARENESS TOUR currently running with The Children's Book Review that features a timely title for the season with a great message. So, if you're ready to embark on a journey through the cornfields with a Scarecrow that might be anything but his namesake, pull up a blanket and a hot cup of cider because you've come to the right place! Ladies and gents, crows and non-scarecrows alike, let's take a closer look between the epages of today's featured title...



by
Stephen G. Bowling
Illustrated by
Vitali Dudarenka
Ages: 4+ | 34 Pages
9781950957323
Valley of Mexico


About the book...
 He’s friendly as can be! But when his kindness causes a stir, can this cornfield guardian use his noggin to make everyone happy?

Winslow, the scarecrow, wouldn’t hurt a fly. Full of song and wearing a silly hat, the bespectacled fellow stretches out his arms and welcomes the crows to rest their weary wings. But he’s shocked when the other straw-filled-scarers get upset because they think he’s falling down on the job. Listening to his brightly dressed pals argue over what is proper; he thinks hard to come up with a better way. And hoping to find an agreeable solution, he spies the fallen corn on the ground going to waste, and the kernel of an idea begins to sprout. Can Winslow protect the farmer’s crops and still welcome the rascally rooks?

Winslow Scarecrow is a charming children’s picture book. If you or your child like resolving conflict, seeing problems from all sides, and bringing people together, then you’ll adore Stephen G Bowling’s beautifully illustrated tale. Buy Winslow Scarecrow to be a ray of sunshine today!








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


Picture Books leave an impression no matter the topic, but this one really hit the mark. We've got a perfectly timed story for the reading season that stars Winslow Scarecrow who questions exactly why he has to be scary. A few of his field mates explain in so many words that he is what he is, and scare he must... it's in his name for goodness sake...but Winslow disagrees. He believes there's a better way to do the job he was given without being frightful, and still get the results the farmer is looking for. What do you think? A friendly SCAREcrow? Unheard of, right? But sometimes, the best things come from the most unexpected of places, and Winslow shows his fellow Scarecrow gals and fellas that together with the crows, they make a better team, and no one has to be scary to accomplish it.

I loved the message of being true to yourself, and never being afraid to buck the status quo. Just because something is done doesn't mean it's right. The beauty of the world we live in is that everyone can have a voice, express an opinion, or share an idea. There always room to grow, for improvement, and the chance for change. Winslow and his scarecrow friends show us this in action with all the beautiful and colorful illustrations throughout the book. It makes it that much easier to see their personalities, how some accept their given lots in life, while others want to step out of the box, but need someone to help show them the way. Winslow was that friendly soul, and I, for one, am glad to have met this cheery fellow... and I think you and yours will be too! A great addition to your autumn reading list and a story for for all ages. 




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


BOOK TRAILER





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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Stephen G. Bowling is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Much like Peter Pan, Steve never wanted to grow up. Or rather, while he didn’t mind getting older, he never wanted to lose the child-like enchantment of imagination and wonder. Creating colorful worlds and stories for children has allowed Steve to preserve his own imagination while sharing the joy of learning with children worldwide. He currently has six children’s books published, and his books have also won several illustration awards.

Steve has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brandeis University. He is an entrepreneur who has worked on and holds several U.S. Patents. He heads The Prometheum Foundation, a non-profit philosophical organization that helps teach students critical and analytical thinking, freedom of thought, and entrance into the marketplace of ideas. He is a lifelong weightlifter, an avid student of history and philosophy, and fascinated with astrophysics.

For more information, visit www.StephenGBowling.com.





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



!!!   GIVEAWAY  !!!



Enter for a chance to win one of six prizes! Four people will win a paperback of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary and two lucky winners will win the grand prize of Winslow Scarecrow, Grandma’s House is Haunted, and Calvin the Christmas Tree!





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







Special thanks to Bianca of The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Stephen Bowling.  The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this author, her other works, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!




TOUR SCHEDULE


Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Thursday, September 26, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Friday, September 27, 2024
Book Spotlight of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Monday, September 30, 2024
Instagram Post about Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Instagram Post about Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Thursday, October 3, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Friday, October 4, 2024
Book Activity for Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Monday, October 7, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Thursday, October 10, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Friday, October 11, 2024
Interview about Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary

Monday, October 14, 2024
Book Review of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary




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


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Pump Up Your Book presents... #BecomingFlawesome by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani - EXCERPT!

 Welcoming back Pump Up Your Book as we shine the book spotlight on a Nonfiction title that's ready to help you celebrate YOU... in all your FLAWESOME glory! 

Being described as “10 years worth of therapy in one book,” Becoming Flawesome is a celebration of our whole selves, warts and all, and the glory that is to be found in living in our truth…

Title: Becoming Flawesome
 Author: Kristina Mand-Lakhiani
 Publisher: Hay House Publishing
 Pages: 280
 Genre: Nonfiction

Perfection. We all dream of living by it, feeling it, being it…


And it is in the name of perfection that we demonise our flaws, make ourselves ‘less-than,’ and render ourselves vulnerable to the shame of not being good enough.

We live in a society that subliminally encourages us to wear metaphorical masks, slay our inner sadness, and ignore our imperfections, or as Kristina refers to them, her ‘dragons.’ Even within the world of personal development and spirituality, toxic perfectionism lurks in the shadows.

In Kristina’s upcoming book Becoming Flawesome #BecomingFlawesome, she reflects on her own story, her battle against perfectionism, and what it took for her to return to what she now deems to be her most authentic self. Being described as “10 years worth of therapy in one book,” Becoming Flawsome is a celebration of our whole selves, warts and all, and the glory that is to be found in living in our truth.

Every chapter is closed with reflection points and exercises to encourage the readers to dive deep into the essence of who they truly are, what their values are, and how to navigate an oftentimes overwhelming world.

In this book, Kristina breaks the mould as she takes the reader on a journey through:

  • The dark, controversial side of ‘personal growth,’ and the insecurities that thrive on it

  • Self-care vs self-love, and why you need both

  • What authenticity actually is, beyond the buzz

  • The ‘Hermione Syndrome,’ and how to diagnose if you’re secretly suffering from it

  • How to create aligned lifestyle habits that stick

  • Why the more you judge others, the more you judge yourself

  • Societal masks, and how to remove them from your psyche 

  • Imposter syndrome in the world of high-flyers 

  • Emotional literacy: how to cope with strong, painful emotions healthily 


Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mwtzj3jx 


Mind Valley Books: https://www.mindvalley.com/books/flawesome 




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


Book Excerpt  


The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life

Introduction

Let’s Begin

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a good book has to start with a proper introduction.

And by “proper” I mean that it has to prime the reader for the journey, raise excitement and set expectations, explain the process, and make reading the book an experience both profitable and smooth. After all, we are about to spend some time together on this journey.

Therefore, I was not surprised when on the first meeting with my publisher I was asked if I would consider writing a proper introduction to my book. You see—the original manuscript started with a story of me pondering my future book while standing in the shower, warm water running down my back, and my finger absentmindedly drawing random patterns on the fogged-up glass.

I started this book during the long years of successive COVID confinements, and I was planning to self-publish it because I wanted the freedom to make decisions about the book—how to write, what to write, what stories to include, what kind of experience to offer to my reader. So, naturally, it wasn’t following any universally acknowledged truths or conventions.

Yet, by the time I had to present my book-baby to the world, I felt that I wanted to give it the best possible future, and I had to face the big decision between my heart and my brain: Will it be self-published (heart), or will I work with a traditional publisher (brain)? Going the traditional way meant facing more choices between my quirky and obstinate self-expression and conventional ways of doing things.

This book is about finding your way back to yourself, about understanding who you really are, accepting your dents and scratches, your quirky uniqueness and even your flaws. It is about thriving in being unapologetically you, most flawesomely.

This book has been through the hands of several editors ever since I put the last stop on its original manuscript. This journey has been both emotional and transformative for me. I had to face my biggest dragon by far—my obstinate need for pure self-expression—over and over again.

When do you follow convention, and when do you stick to your own principles and values?

There is no simple answer to this question, except: you have to learn to balance.

If you follow all the rules that your peers expect you to follow, you bet all there is on a slim chance of the grand prize, but you do it at the price of your own unique self-expression. At times, I felt like I had to “sell my soul to the devil” for a chance at success.

But if you obstinately stick to your own unique quirks and principles, you might end up being unheard and misunderstood so universally that there is no point in writing a book. For it is the readers who make a writer. Without the readers, a book is just a private diary.

Reader, will you judge me if I tell you that this book is a delicate balance between convention and my own uniqueness? Of course, I want you to succeed. But I cannot give you the proper introduction to my book because every book is a journey. This book has been my journey, and

now it is yours. I walked my path to my true self, to understanding what makes me truly me . . .

and what of that unique quirkiness is simply noise. You see, your flaws and your dragons are there for a reason—they make you who you are, but they also hold the key to your biggest value, to your mightiest strengths, if you choose to look your dragons in the eye.

Now I am hoping that you will take this journey with me to your unique destination—to finding the path back to you. I will be your companion on this journey, but it is yours to take.

So why wouldn’t I tell you what’s ahead? Imagine if Gandalf told Bilbo Baggins that on his journey, he would encounter trolls, go through a perilous enchanted forest, and face a dragon in a far-away mountain. Wouldn’t that be a bit of a spoiler?

I want you to take this journey back to you without any spoilers, with an open heart, and trust that the destination is going to be worth your effort. Because becoming flawesome is the best gift you can give to yourself.

So, if you are ready, let’s begin!


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

About the Author

Kristina Mand-Lakhiani is an international speaker, entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and mother of 2 kids. As a co-founder of Mindvalley, a leading publisher in the personal growth industry, Kristina dedicated the last 20 years of her career from teachers like Michael Beckwith, Bob Proctor, Lisa Nichols, and many more. 

She started her career in a government office in her native Estonia and, by her mid-20s, achieved a level of success mostly known to male politicians at the end of their careers. It was shortly after that Kristina and her then-husband Vishen founded Mindvalley. From a small meditation business operating out of the couple’s apartment in New York, the company quickly grew into a global educational organization offering top training for peak human performance to hundreds of thousands of students all around the world. 

Kristina believes life is too important to be taken seriously and makes sure to bring fun into every one of her roles: as a teacher, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world traveller. Kristina helps her students to virtually hack happiness by taking them through her unique framework - “Hacking happiness” - a unique framework of balancing your life, taking in every moment, and paying close attention to the small daily choices.  

Kristina is also the author of three transformational quests - "7 Days To Happiness", "Live By Your Own Rules.” and "The Art of Being Flawesome". Kristina talks about personal transformation, authenticity, understanding and accepting oneself, and a path to happiness.

In July 2023, with the help of Hay House Publishing, Kristina releases her very first book - "Becoming Flawesome" #BecomingFlawesome. In her book, Kristina shares her own journey from being on top of a personal growth empire like Mindvalley to stepping aside, conscious uncoupling from her husband, and walking her path towards being more honest with herself. 

Website: https://kristinamand.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinamand

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mand-lakhiani-73168414/




 
Sponsored By:



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Copyright © 2009-present Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Powered by Blogger
Content by the Insatiable Reader