Celebrate DECK THE EVERYTHING DAY with... THE WONDERFUL ONCE: A CHRISTMAS STORY by J.R. Buchta, Illustrated by Erin O'Leary Brown - REVIEW!

Hello again!

Today is DECK THE EVERYTHING DAY, which seems rather appropriate because stores seem to flip from Halloween to Christmas in a hurry despite it ACTUALLY being November, and while it conjures up sugar plum dreams, and cookie baking marathons, our story today focuses on something MORE.  It's a storybook that came to my attention via Emily at Warbucks, and, in my humble opinion, makes a great transition story between the holidays currently cycling through.  Remember Thanksgiving?  Yeah, at this point, mostly the grocery stores celebrate it, but this book gives us those wonderful feelings of thanks, and sharing, while taking us that last step towards the season of giving.  Ladies and gents, grab a cozy chair and blanket as we settle in for today's book of choice...

The Wonderful Once:  A Christmas Story

by

J.R. Buchta

Illustrations by

Erin O'Leary Brown

9798986989501

Warbucks

About the book...

A little boy goes on a fantastic Christmas adventure in this story of a kind gesture that results in a magical journey.

It’s an all-around feel-good story with a surprise ending and a powerful message.

❄   🎄   ❄   🛷   ❄   🎁   ❄   🛷   ❄   🎄   ❄

 

This is a story about the spirit of the season, and how much more it brings to us when we share with others.  This is a story that reminds us to count our blessings for there are always those that are worse off than we, and cherish the moments of happiness we experience to their fullest, and, whenever possible, with others.  This is a story that shows the far reaching effects of kindness, and the good it does for one's heart and soul.  The magic of the tale is brought to life through the actions of one small child, and how through following his heart, he was able to spread joy to another when all looked lost.  He brought a smile to the face of someone who felt alone, a moment of lightness when all seemed dark, and in doing so, his own heart shone brighter and more vibrant for it.  He was then given the chance to continue doing that in an even bigger way...but that's part of the tale I'll have to let you experience on your own.  😉

In the end, it was a surprising tale that will give young readers another way to see the merriment of the season, and just what it means to give for the sake of giving without expecting something in return.  It reminds us that the true joy of the holidays isn't the number of gifts under the tree, but the love we surround ourselves with, and hold within our hearts.  A great addition to your holiday reading selections, and perhaps a new tradition for your family reading time.

❄   🎄   ❄   🛷   ❄   🎁   ❄   🛷   ❄   🎄   ❄

About the author...

John Buchta was born and raised in Philadelphia PA.

His interest in writing took a turn towards children's books when his grandchildren were born and he recognized the power of their imaginations and their enjoyment of reading.

Memories of his childhood and the spirit of his father’s character and penchant for a good story or poem inspire his writing.

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

About the illustrator...

Erin O’Leary Brown is an illustrator based in upstate NY, specializing in children’s illustration as well as botanical and nature themes. She works traditionally in ink and watercolor, and often utilizes digital media to make adjustments and minor changes or additions to the final illustrations. Her style combines delicate line and rich layers of color with careful details and a sense of whimsy with the goal of sharing engaging stories as well as beautiful images. More of her work can be seen on her website at eobrownart.com.

❄   🎄   ❄   🛷   ❄   🎁   ❄   🛷   ❄   🎄   ❄

Special thanks to Emily at Warbucks for the chance to bring this title to you and 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.  This title is available now wherever books are sold.

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

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

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

The Blue Umbrella

by

Emily Ann Davison

Illustrated by

Momoko Abe

Random House Studio

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

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

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

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

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

THE FRIENDLY MOUSE by Sophia R. Tyler - REVIEW!

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to another bookish day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Well, we’re almost to the halfway point of June and I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. So, for me that means more typing, and for you...more chances to inspire you to pick up a new-to-you title for your summer reading. Sounds like a fare deal to me! First up, a Picture Book that came to my attention via PR by the Book. It features a friendly little mouse that's having a tough time of things, but despite those obstacles put in his path...he always chooses kindness.  Ready or not, fair readers, here comes today's ebook of choice...

The Friendly Mouse

by

Sophia R. Tyler

9798985057409

Tiger Lily Publishing

About the book…

A SMALL MOUSE WITH A BIG HEART CHANGES THE WORLD ONE FRIEND AT A TIME

The Friendly Mouse is the debut work from talented new writer Sophia R. Tyler and beautifully illustrated by Matthew Sample. This children’s story evokes the tone and style of the beloved Aesop’s Fables and shares with young readers the “Golden Rule” as well as finding true worth through acts of kindness.

The good natured and eager mouse loves his home in the countryside and works in the city. It’s a difficult and arduous journey for the little mouse to travel into the city for work, and because of this he is often terribly late. One morning after the journey into work, he almost falls asleep at his post. The poor little mouse is almost fired when he suddenly makes a bold choice that could cost him everything. 

Despite being overwhelmed by his struggles, he chooses to be kind and learns that, sometimes, your job isn’t your most important responsibility. So much in life can be lost if you allow jobs and responsibilities to overwhelm you. Far more is gained when you take the time to show kindness and to treat others as you want to be treated.

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

This was a darling book filled with illustrations that brought a smile to your face while perfectly matching the tone, flow, and intention of the story.  

As the title suggests, it's about a friendly mouse, but not a mouse that is merely friendly, but a mouse that CHOOSES to be friendly.  His circumstances are something many readers can relate to, even if over the intended audience range, and the challenges he faces are certainly not uncommon, but the way he approaches them, conquering them day by day while still trying to gain a leg up, is inspiring.  It reminds us that yes, life may give us trials to pass, and obstacles to overcome, but we are never truly alone in our struggles, and kindness doesn't cost us a thing.  

It's a lesson many learned in their youth, but there's always room for a reminder....TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED. A smile, an acknowledgement, a pat on the back, or a kind word, can all make a world of difference in someone's day.  So the next time you're feeling pressed for time with all you have to do, and you're letting the little things get to you, take a step back and remember, things are never truly as dark or awful as they seem in the moment, if only we keep looking for the light...both from outside and within.

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

About the author….

Sophia R. Tyler has been dedicated to helping those less fortunate for as long as she, and her family, can remember. Her favorite books growing up included The Berenstain Bears, The Crippled Lamb, and Franklin, all which instilled in her a passion for supporting under-served communities. Her genuine love for children and their development, growth, and learning inspired her to write The Friendly Mouse. She hopes to reintroduce the timeless message of the Golden Rule to young children, particularly those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently a senior at Hope College, Sophia will begin the Master of Social Work program at University of Denver in Fall 2023. Throughout high school and college, Sophia tutored elementary school students and interned for Ready for Life and Benjamin’s Hope, nonprofit organizations which foster inclusive communities and provide creative and engaging opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. She led creative art classes with Benjamin’s Hope, combining her creative side with her social work. Sophia loves to paint and has an Instagram account dedicated to posting her art.

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM

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

Special thanks to Erin at PR by the Book for the chance to bring this title to you as well as the ecopy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or their other promotions, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Tiger Lily Publishing, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today!

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

AWARENESS TOUR: The Kindness Machine by Christina Dankert - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys! 

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today, we’re playing host to a stop along The Children’s Book Review tour starring a very special book that speaks to a subject everyone could use a reminder of from time to time, let alone a heavy dose to the world all things considered. From the sound of things, it’s going to really spark that reminder that kindness starts from within, whether you’re just starting out in life or seeing the other side of the hill. Let’s take a proper introduction to today’s title in the spotlight and then check out a SPECIAL GUEST POST from the author about the TOP 5 WAYS TO SHOW KINDNESS! 

The Kindness Machine

by

Christina Dankert

Illustrated by

Chad Dankert

9781955119085

Purple Butterfly Press

About the book...

Creative and artistic 2nd-grade teacher, Mr. Wilson, wants to teach his students about kindness. Mr. Wilson creates The Kindness Machine, a special machine that shows the students exactly what they can do to bring kindness to their classroom and into their hearts! Instead of telling his students to “be kind,” which is something children hear from a very early age, they learn exactly what they can do in their own lives by pressing the special buttons. In the end, Mr. Wilson teaches his students that they each have their own Kindness Machine within them to help make kind decisions for others and themselves.

This creative, innovative, and fun teaching method will direct kids to be kind to one another in their classroom and beyond. The book includes discussion questions to help the reader consider not only kindness towards others but also kindness towards themselves, a lesson that is not always taught.

The Kindness Machine is a practical and innovative tool for teaching emotional literacy, kindness, and acceptance of self and others.

Available in hardcover, paperback, and as an ebook.

AMAZON

BOOKSHOP.ORG

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

GUEST POST with Author Christina DanKert

Top 5 Ways to Show Kindness 

Kindness. The word seems to be popping up everywhere right now. In magazines, on billboards, coffee mugs and t-shirts galore! Is this because more people realize the value of kindness, or because recently, kindness is missing? Oftentimes, we notice or fixate on unkind actions and comments more than the beautiful random acts of kindness that add up over time. Kindness to others is what we begin teaching our children, students, nieces, nephews, etc. from the moment they are little. We often emphasize the importance of kindness when sharing toys, saying hello to a friend, and using manners. All of these are extremely important, but what about self kindness? Self-love and kindness towards ourselves are as important as kindness to others. 

Below are 5 ways to practice kindness. You will find two kindness actions towards yourself, sandwiched between three kindness actions towards others. The reason for this is that I feel you must first show yourself kindness, then show others and circle back to yourself in order to successfully repeat the process. You will notice that each example can be used for both children and adults. This is the beauty of kindness. Regardless of age, race, gender, religion, culture, children and adults can celebrate kindness together. Kindness does not need to cost anything and does not need to take a lot of time. One small act of kindness can change someone's entire day. 

1. Start your day with kindness using positive affirmations. 

2. Invite and include others in activities, games, conversations. 

3. Smile, wave and acknowledge neighbors, friends, classmates. 

4. When you think of a compliment, be sure to say it. 

5. End your day with kindness by showing gratitude towards yourself. 

Let’s dive a little deeper into each of the five kindness actions. Oftentimes we jump out of bed and begin our days in a rushed motion that doesn’t start until our head hits the pillow. I am guilty of this as well. Taking one or two minutes in the morning to slow down, breathe and begin with a positive affirmation can change your day. There are a variety of affirmation cards and journals but one of the easiest ways to begin this practice is through the use of sticky notes. Write a positive affirmation such as “I am brave”, “I am strong”, or “I am enough” and place it on your mirror, nightstand or laptop as a daily reminder. 

The concept of inviting and including others is so simple but often causes great stress to those excluded. If we teach children to notice another child who needs a friend, my goal is that they will notice when a peer in highschool or further down the road, when a coworker needs an invite as well. 

Smile, wave and acknowledge. All three of those actions seem simple enough and most children are very good at them. Of course we have to teach children safety rules, but it is refreshing to watch a random group of kids meet at a park with their parents and strike up a conversation and immediately begin playing. During that same moment the adults are often on their phones or avoiding eye contact. You do not need to spend your entire day striking up new conversations, but a simple smile and wave acknowledges another person in a kind way. 

Have you ever thought of a compliment but are too embarrassed or get too busy to share it? I believe we do this more frequently than we may even realize. Once again, if we can slow down and share a compliment to another person, it not only makes the recipient feel good but it makes us feel good as well. It is important to teach children to give compliments beyond physical appearance. As adults, we can model this by complimenting a child’s perseverance with a challenging task or acknowledging their bravery when they tried something new. 

Finally, at the end of your day, take another deep breath, and offer a moment of gratitude. This gratitude statement can be spoken out loud, kept internally or written in a journal. When you pause and reflect on what or who you are thankful for, you often notice those small moments more frequently. 

I invite you to visit my website to download free kindness activities, read my blog and order your copy of The Kindness Machine. Thank you so much for reading and helping spread kindness. https://christinadankert.com/ 

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

About the author...

Christina Dankert is a second-grade teacher. She has a passion for literacy and believes that we can change the world by reading to the children in our lives. This is her debut picture book. She lives in Sylvania, Ohio, with her husband, Chad, and their two children. She has dreamed of collaborating with her husband to merge their two professions of educator and artist into one meaningful product. The Kindness Machine allowed that dream to come true.

Learn more about Christina at www.christinadankert.com.

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

Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of The Kindness Machine or one of five individual copies!

One (1) winner receives:

A classroom set (30 copies) of The Kindness Machine will be sent directly to the winners' school of choice, along with autographed bookplates personalized for each student and the teacher.

Five (5) winners receive:

A copy of The Kindness Machine, with bookplates autographed by author Christina Dankert

The Kindness Machine: Book Giveaway

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

Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for the special guest post. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

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