Magical Holiday Reading with Canterbury Classics and Thunder Bay Press!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

So, are you ready for the holidays?

I mean, we've got about 6/7 days until the big event and...yeah, it's a bit hectic in my neck of the woods, so I'm assuming I'm not the only one.  (Right?)  Well, whether we're ready or not, it's coming, and with that in mind, if you're still wondering what to get the bookish people in your life, I may just have the thing for you.  That's right, today we're adding a dose of MAGIC to your holiday lists with TWO special titles set to enchant, delight, and, in my case, challenge the crafty side of you.  Both came to my attention thanks to the fabulous Casey over at Media Masters Publicity (THANK YOU!) and now I shall share their wonder with you!  First up...a gift for the Tolkien fan in your life...

What's that I see nestled beneath the tree?  (Okay, so there's no tree in the picture, but you're a reader; use your imagination!) Why it's a...

...GORGEOUS copy of An Encyclopedia of Tolkien:  The History of Mythology That Inspired Tolkien's World by David Day (ISBN:  978-1645170099), in stores now via Canterbury Classics! 

This leather bound edition with gold edging on the pages and a ribbon bookmarker will not only make the hearts of Tolkienites beat a little faster for the wealth of knowledge it holds between it's pages, but the magnificent visual it provides when displayed on their shelf or table.  *stares at it dreamily*  _ahem_  Anywho, back the what we were discussing...

With every turn of the page, you dive deeper and deeper into the worlds Tolkien created, and while some will want to read it cover to cover, you also have the convenience of simply turning to the character or place you want to know more about alphabetically.  BONUS FACT:  Alongside most passages (or immediately following on the next full page spread), there are FULLY DETAILED black and white illustrations bringing the subject to (often times SCARY!) life right there on the page.  I included two candid shots above, pardon my less-than-fabulous camera phone's abilities, just so you could get an idea of what you're in store for.  Do you see the full on MAGIC the artist created?  So a double win here...it not only adds beauty to your collection but it also adds even more depth to the Tolkien world! 

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Now, on to the next MAGICAL HOLIDAY READING item on our list, and this time,  we're casting our gaze skyward as we look for a certain snowy white owl bringing news from the Wizarding World of a certain Mr. H. Potter, thanks to a new licensing partnership between Thunder Bay Press and Warner Bros...

BEHOLD!

It's the  Harry Potter Crochet by Lucy Collin !

(9781684128877)

It's a gift perfect for the burgeoning wizard in your life, or the able fingered crafter who loves a challenge!  Right out of the box...

...it has everything you need to crochet your very own Harry Potter doll, including the colored yarn, a MAGIC WAND crochet hook, thread for the stitches, eyes (the better to see you with...sorry, couldn't resist!), and stuffing to give them a little more body.  

Seriously, it's a full color book with stitch guides to learn the lingo, and enough crafty designs to make your own crochet Hogwarts crew complete with robes, brooms, and more!  I know, I know...I was SUPER STOKED too. So, with my choices being Harry or Dobby, I set out to make the latter and, well...

...okay, so you see that little black sock-like crochet thingy attached to my crochet wand (hook)?  Yeah...that's the only bit that managed to survive my critical eye; the rest I reversed my stitches because yeah, let's just say I'm not apparently as talented at crocheting as I was once upon a time.  *ahem*  Still, the magic was felt, the ideas were mind blowing, and I'm sure the results (given time, patience, and/or more talent than mine) would be astounding!

So there you have it, a few ideas on how to add a little more MAGIC to your holiday reading (and crafting!) this season and a few more ways to share that joy with the ones you love!

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Special thanks to Casey at Media Masters Publicity for the chance to bring these items to the top of your must have lists this holiday season and to the publishers for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on either title, feel free to click though the links provided above, and be on the lookout for them this shopping season when out and about!

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

The Children's Book Review presents...Holiday Reading with Dover Books + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining The Children's Book Review for a GIVEAWAY TOUR already in progress starring a few of the magical works available from Dover Books.  Recognize the name?  You should, as we featured several of their titles this past summer in a round up post, but if you don't, no worries...you'll be well acquainted by post's end.  ^-^  First...a little about Dover Books....

"...Since our founding in 1941, we’ve built our reputation by offering remarkable products at amazing prices. Everyone in the Dover family wants you to be delighted with your purchase. When you shop at Dover, you may do so with complete confidence. We stand behind every product we sell with our unconditional guarantee..."

NOW, LET'S CHECK OUT THE TITLES FEATURED IN TODAY'S ROUND UP...

Nine Days To Christmas: A Story Of Mexico

Generations of readers have treasured this 1960 Caldecott Medal winner and its tale of a little Mexican girl’s excitement at the approach of Christmas. Ceci eagerly awaits Las Posadas, the traditional nine-day series of yuletide celebrations. This year she’ll lead the candlelight procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s trek to Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Mother takes her to the old marketplace to choose her very first piñata. Ceci is dazzled by the colorful array of options, and after making her choice has second thoughts about the fate of her piñata once the posada takes place. Graced by evocative illustrations, this international holiday classic is now available in a lovely hardcover edition.

Available on Dover Books

Tell Me A Mitzi

“A must!” declared School Library Journal of this ALA Notable Book and National Book Award Finalist, now available in a glorious new hardcover edition. Blending fantasy and reality in a big-city setting, three unforgettable and wonderfully illustrated tales recount the adventures of Mitzi and her little brother as they attempt to visit their grandparents, recuperate from colds, and meet the president. “Thanks to Lore Segal’s antic words, and Harriet Pincus’s antic pictures, children will find Tell Me a Mitzi a hilarious picnic.” — Publishers Weekly

Available on Dover Books

The Wedding Procession Of The Rag Doll And The Broom Handle And Who Was In It

The Rag Doll was blessed with many friends — the Wisk Broom, the Furnace Shovel, and the Coffee Pot among them — but when it came time to marry, she chose the Broom Handle. On the day of their wedding, the bride and groom were attended by a fantastical procession of well-wishers: the Spoon Lickers, the Tin Pan Bangers, the Easy Ticklers, the Musical Soup Eaters, and other whimsical characters, all marching along in a manner befitting their extraordinary names. This tale of wedding pomp and madcap mirth comes from poet Carl Sandburg’s classic book of American fairy tales, The Rootabaga Stories. Marvelous drawings by Harriet Pincus, a noted illustrator of children’s books, enhance the tale. Out of print for years, the book is now available in a new edition that introduces the story and its gloriously antic art to a new generation of parade-lovers, wedding-goers, and everyone who enjoys a fanciful celebration.

Available on Dover Books

Alice In Wonderland Origami

Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale comes to colorful new life in this beautifully illustrated storybook/craft guide combination. A modern retelling of Alice’s adventures is accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions for folding all the major characters: Alice herself, the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, and more. Plus, the book also includes 42 ready-to-fold sheets of origami paper

Available on Dover Books

Beauty And The Beast Origami

After enjoying a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale, boys and girls can create many of the characters and props with the 45 sheets of pre-printed origami paper included. Features full-color and easy-to-follow instructions for folding Bella and her beautiful white horse, the Beast and his castle, the fairy, one of the wolves, a rose, the clock, and a crown.

Available on Dover Books

About Pasquale D’Auria

Pasquale D’Auria has created over 300 original models, published all over the world. He has been a Guest Star at conventions in Munich (1995), Stockholm (2000), Paris (2001), Santiago de Compostela (2003), and Madrid (2011). He has published several books and is co-author of a collective volume entitled Origami Made in Italy.

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Looks good, right?

There's a little something for everyone and now that you've got your favorites picked out, here's YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

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FIRST UP...a special for all my readers because truly you are all winners!  Dover Books is giving you the chance to get 25% your purchases at now through December 31st, 2017 when you use the SPECIAL PROMO CODE WHCP at checkout.  Pretty cool, right?  Well, it gets even better...

Now, on to the contest.  Up for grabs....

Two (2) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of Alice in Wonderland Origami, 130 pages
• A hardcover copy of Beauty and the Beast Origimai, 122 pages
• A hardcover copy of Tell Me a Mitzi, 40 pages
• A hardcover copy of The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It, 32 pages
• A hardcover copy of Nine Days to Christmas: A Story of Mexico, 48 pages

Value: $98.75

Two (2) winners receive:

• A hardcover copy of Alice in Wonderland Origami, 130 pages
• A hardcover copy of Beauty and the Beast Origimai, 122 pages

Value: $49.90

Ages 7+

Giveaway begins October 11, 2017, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends November 11, 2017, at 11:59 P.M. PST.  Giveaway open to residents of Canada and the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older.  Prizes provided by Dover Publications, Inc.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on these titles, the authors, the publisher, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2015

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to a SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

We know the winter holiday season is upon us and whether you celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, Winter Solstice, or something else altogether, there is one common "need" that runs through them all...GIFTS.  The joy we get from receiving them is one thing, but giving them...the pleasure is multiplied tenfold.  Getting the to "all-wrapped-and-ready-to-go" stage can be a bit of a headache though if you're not prepared.  I mean, what DO you get for the bookish (and not-as-much-but-still-equally-cool) people in your life?  Picking up a random title can be hazardous since they may already have it, and a gift card while practical doesn't elicit the same joy as a use-me-now-I'm-here-for-you-holiday-joy type of present.  So back to the question at hand...what to get?

Well now, I may not have ALL the answers, but I do have a few options that I had the pleasure of test running recently in my own day-to-day bookish life and thus, I bring you today's post.  First up, the favorite pastime that's made a comeback for "children" of all ages...COLORING!  Now, there are a myriad of options out there and something to fit every person, but as I can't highlight everything, here's a few contenders to the spotlight.

  

Beautiful aren't they?

Trust me, they are even more so in person and SO MUCH FUN!  In fact, while this adventure was being taken in our local library, we had several folks stop over to check them out and inquire about the titles more in-depth.  It really is a craze for all ages!  First up we have...

Doodle Lit

by

Jennifer Adams

9781423635512

Gibbs Smith

Dad took the lead on this one seeing as it gave him more creative options to draw, design, and go willy-nilly with the colored pencils.  Here's how his endeavors turned out...

...gotta love the multicolored dog he gave Mr Darcy along with the fancy socks.  Also, the flame job on the carriage is looking pretty good, even if it's not time period specific.  Next up, my addition to the coloring club.  I decided to go with...

Secret Garden:  Artist's Edition

by

Johanna Basford

9781780677316

Laurence King

Now this is a pretty intricate book and as this was my first outing through the pages, I decided to go with the first two images that greeted me...the cover spread.

Hey...don't let it fool you, there's a lot of detail there! 

Wanna see how it turned out?

TADA!

Well?  Not too shabby, right?

Just think what I could do with 72 colors!

Hehehe.

Now, the real artist in the group turned out to me Mom.  She took on...

I Love My Hair:  A Coloring Book of Braids, Coils, and Doodle Dos

by

Andrea Pippins

9780399551222

Schwartz & Wade

It may sound like it's all about hair but it's much MUCH more than all that. 

Take this first spread....

...see what I mean?  All those flowers and hair and words and...whew!  That's why good old Mom took this one.  The intricate nature spoke to her...

...it really turned out to be...

...quite the masterpiece!

Go Mom!

Alrighty then, so what if coloring isn't your thing or perhaps you're looking for something a little more hands on to stretch your imagination and empower you the MAKE something.  Hang on tight then because I've got suggestions for YOU as well.

Once again referring to the creative powers of the family, one night we embarked on a feat of utter puppet fun!  Now, I know what you're thinking...what on earth are you talking about?   I promise, I'm getting there.  Utter puppet fun night was a craft filled evening that brought out the inner artist in us all with puppets as the common core.  This time around, the evening fun  starred these two beauties from Mudpuppy...

...fun, right?

So right!

First up was putting on a little show with...

Shadow Puppets:  Forest Friends

It was really amazing to see what we could create and the story that unfolded with this amazing little kit.  Everything you needed was included, except imagination and THAT'S where the magic truly happens.

Care to see the results?

For your viewing pleasure, it's time for...

SHADOW PUPPET THEATER!

Narrated by Mom

Directed by Gina

Puppeted by Dad, Mom, and Gina

Creative Instructions by Hamilton

(Mom's dog...he wanted to be part of the show too)

Next up....

Paper Bag Craft Kit:  Forest Animals

Now this was another chance to let our creative spirits soar!

We started with this...

...everything you need to make four or more puppets of your choosing.  Graduated to this...

...and wound up with this fun little trio!

The first is my reindeer, the second is Mom's clown raccoon, and the third is Dad's dog, aptly names Hamilton.  I'd say they got two thumbs up from the bi-peds and four paw review from Hamilton himself...

Perhaps you're not into the crafty part of the creative process and you prefer to have something that just gives you that crafty look without the fuss?  Try these babies on for size...

What are they?

Why they are MAGNACHALK DECALS to adorn the walls of any room you choose!  As you can see, there are several sets to choose from so whether you're a princess at heart, a star from the heavens, or on your way to save the day, one of these nifty little sets will fit perfectly into your living space and let you draw, doodle, or write your thoughts on a daily basis.

So, did you find YOUR perfect gift?

Here's hoping...but remember it's about the thought behind the gift not simply the gift itself.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to enjoy two of these primo presents myself...

....the two being my LONDON STICKY NOTE SET and LONDON MAGNET BOOKMARKS from Mudpuppy!  Can't you just see them adorning my current reads?  Well, I can...and I can honestly say they're never looked better.

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Special thanks to the publicity teams at Mudpuppy, Laurence King, and Gibbs Smith for the chance to review and feature these amazing options

for readers and non this holiday season.

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