NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WEEK: Picture book fun with Abrams Children's Books!

Hello again!

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 stepping into the bookish arena with Abrams Children's Books and a selection of titles that are either available now, or just about to celebrate their bookish birthdays.  So get your wish lists ready and prepare for a variety of adventures through the pages because, after all, that's the beauty of books.  There are countless journeys to take, roads to travel, and stars to seek, all in the comfort of your favorite reading spot.  

I Am We:  A Book of Community

by

Susan Verde

Illustrated by

Peter H. Reynolds

9781419771941

The beauty of this book is in the simplicity in which it begins, and the vibrancy with which it grows.  It reminds us that taking time to care for ourselves is just as important as the time we give of ourselves to others because you can't give what you're not already receiving.  If you drain your own battery, there's nothing left to share.  It's not selfish in any fashion; it's caring to the utmost degree.  The illustrations start with individual people, and animals, but build into full color scenes filled with people, places, and life.  It might possibly be one of the books many NEED right now considering the condition of our world, and the political climate...but I digress.

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

It's Hard to Be a Baby

by

Cheryl B. Klein

Illustrated by

Juana Medina

9781419767333

Okay, I thought this one was cute as I was reading because, think about...being a baby doesn't really seem HARD!  You get everything you need at any time and have all the attention you could want.  Everything is for you or about you.  Everyone wants to see the little baby, hold the little baby, love the little baby...but is that what YOU want?  I mean, if you were the baby.  It's not like anyone consults you.  You may have all the attention, but does anyone REALLY know what you're asking for?  We really DON'T know...we're all just guessing...but it DOES get better on both sides of the experience.  Communication improves, movement expands, and the love still grows.  I gotta say though, as much fun as the story was, and how great I think little babies are going to respond to it (even if we can't tell what they're thinking), I adored discovering that the narrator of the story was a an older sibling.  It just gave it another level of sweetness, and made my heart smile because they're sharing their own hard earned wisdom with the next generation.

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

Gwendolyn and the Light

by

Susan Yoon

Illustrated by

Audrey Helen Weber

9781419763793

A tale of loneliness and friendship.  It reminds us that not every connection looks the same, but those that matter will be there through thick and thin, nearness and distance, sun up and sun down.  With a peaceful color palette throughout, this gentle story will help little ones towards their own "light".

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

The Class with Wings

by

Paul Fleischman

Illustrated by

Hannah Salyer

9781949480436

This is a story that lets your imagination take flight!  It shares factual information as the class studies veery bird migration, while allowing them to see the similarities between themselves and their aviary friends.  Both are smaller than other creatures, and have "predators" aplenty, but both have rich, full histories to share, lives they're creating, and futures to soar towards.  The student's teacher helps to encourage their exploration of the world that surrounds them, and her classroom exercise of slowing down, listening, and being in the moment, allows them to build healthy habits that will aid them in their journey for knowledge throughout their lives.  The subtle use of color in the illustrations really highlights the moments being shared, and draws readers in to explore the scenes before them.

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

Chloe and the Fireflies

by

Chris Clarkson

Illustrated by

Julie Jarema

9781419766480

This beautifully told story illustrates the wishes of a young girl's heart as she finally finds her forever home.  It shows us the importance of family (not necessarily by blood, but by choice), and how beautiful that kinship can be.  It reminds us that new situations may be uncomfortable, and strange, but a positive attitude, and a right proper wish, can set in motion the foundation for a happily-ever-after we'd adore to call our own.  I love the nontraditional family that's represented because THAT'S reality.  There is no version that is the only version it can be, and the version that is right for us is the perfect fit.  A touching tale that will certainly have some readers seeing themselves in the characters, but I hope they are equally feeling the love that shines from each page.

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

The Band in Our Basement

by

Kelly J. Baptist

Illustrated by

Jenin Mohammed 

9781419769078

Release Date:  November 12,2024

The jammy session has just begun, but bedtime is the last thing these two little kiddos are focused on.  The sweet melody of jazzy tunes floating through the floors and doors is keeping them from reaching dream time status.  Does it bother them?  No way!  In fact, they wish they could join in the fun...and let's just say the temptation to get up close and personal with the notes coming from the basement are too much to bear.  What becomes of their nighttime escapade throughout the house?  Why, a brilliant accompaniment they didn't see coming, and the chance to paint their dreams in a brilliant shade of their choosing.  A great reminder of the power of family relationships, the wonder that a great song can bring to light, and the tranquility that can be found in the every day, if only we take a moment to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds.  

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

Special thanks to the dream team at Abrams Children's for the chance to bring these titles to you and to the publisher for the ecopies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the author, illustrators, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WEEK: A trio of bookish fun with MamaBear Books!

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's featured trio of titles are available now via MamaBear Books...gotta love that name...and we've got sparkly puppies, unicorns, bulldozers, and dinosaurs; in other words, there's a little something for every kiddo in this mix.  Ladies and gents, let's get to the books!

Lucy and Her Unicorn Get a Sparkle Puppy

by

Ashley Wall

Illustrated by

Alana McCarthy

9781960616142

This darling story is filled with TWINKLES, and plenty of SPARKLE, SPARKLE GLITTER TIME!  Lucy and her best friend Twinkle the unicorn show us just how true blue friends can be.  While planning for a new addition to their family, they keep each other positive, while staying real about the responsibilities that go into the care of a furry friend!  That's right.  They're getting a puppy, and not just any puppy, but one that's just as fabulous as the two of them!  Isn't that always the case though?  It's not about a certain pupper, but the right one for you, and this is a match made in sparkle-tastic heaven...as is the story, the lesson, and the overall package!  It's a great story for kiddos, but a WONDERFUL way to address that often broached subject of "can we get a dog" that is easy to relate to while also getting the point across.  Responsibility doesn't mean a lack of fun, it just means you're in charge of it too!

=  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =

The Day I Had a Dinosaur

by

Ashley Wall

Illustrated by

Vaughan Duck

9781960616111

Luke and his dog Bobo have an encounter unlike any they may have imagined that leads to BIG fun as well as BIG opportunities to practice being a good friend.  When someone can't reach something, we offer a step up.  When someone is finding something too much of a challenge, we offer assistance in overcoming the obstacles in their way.  When someone feels down and out, we help to lift them up.  That's just what Luke and his friends do in a BIG way.  By book's end, everyone has had Jurassic-sized fun, and are more than ready to take a few moments to calm and center themselves with some dino-yoga.  Trust me, you haven't seen anything, until you've seen a triceratops trying to hold downward dog.  😉  I can easily see kiddos reaching for this during story time, or as a way to seed their dreams before bedtime for some big adventures of their own!

=  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =

The Day I Had a Bulldozer

by

Ashley Wall

Illustrated by

Vaughan Duck

9781960616005

This tale wasn't just about having a go with construction equipment, although many kiddos (let alone adults!) wouldn't balk at the chance!  No, this story is about working together to reach a goal, inclusion, and the benefits of practicing (hence the flattened swing set that might not have been flattened!).  Luke gets the chance to plow the way with a bulldozer of his very own, yet finds that paving the way to the new ice cream shop isn't a one person job.  Good thing all his little buddies have recently come into new acquisitions of their own, and are more than happy to throw in their help for such a sweet reward!  The illustrations combined with the imagination filled story allow young ones to picture themselves in the driver's seat, while getting some pure edutainment out of the experience...including just how many pounds a dump truck can hold!

=  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =

About the author and founder of MamaBear Books...

Ashley Wall, M.Ed, is a Texas native, former teacher, and mother of two. Ashley has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education. She is a passionate reader and writer who has been in the education field for over a decade.

Although she no longer calls herself a school teacher, Ashley has a passion for inspiring children through education and fostering big imaginations. Motivated by her own children’s huge imaginations and through playing make believe with them, Ashley created her book series featuring a fun-loving group of friends with larger-than-life adventures. Ashley has written three books, with another on the way, and she hopes her books will inspire children’s love for reading, develop their imaginations, and encourage acts of kindness and friendship.

When she’s not writing, Ashley loves spending time with her family and friends, reading with her two young children, puzzling, watching college football, and traveling.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

ABOUT MAMABEAR BOOKS

MamaBear Books is a family owned and operated boutique children’s book publishing company, founded by Jeff and Ashley Wall. Their goal is to meet the needs of children’s imaginations, creativity, and literacy through beautifully written and illustrated picture books. They focus on creating engaging stories and loveable characters for families to enjoy for generations.

MamaBear Books is partnering with the Barbara Bush Foundation to help promote literacy in children across Texas and the United States.

=  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =  +  =

Special thanks to the dream team at Smith Publicity, Inc for the chance to bring this title to you and to the publisher for the ecopies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the author, illustrators, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

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...

Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree

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!

AWARENESS TOUR: Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light by T.J. Scripps, Illustrated by Dane Doubell - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there, readers!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Today, we're bringing you a stop along the latest AWARENESS TOUR for a title currently making its way through the blogosphere with The Children's Book Review.  It stars a work of Children's Fantasy and sounds quite fantastical, but with lessons that kiddos can use in their day to day lives.  So, take a peek at the title below, and then KEEP READING because we've got a special GUEST POST from the author sharing "the heart behind" the work!

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

by

T.J. Scripps

Illustrated by

Dane Doubell

9798991217477

Skybok Press

About the book...

Ruby, a regular 10-year-old girl with fiery red hair and wild green eyes, has her life turned upside down when her grandmother gives her a magical dreamcatcher. One night, it transports her to the dazzling planet of Starland, where she discovers The Aura Embassy, a magnificent glass castle floating in space. There, she meets alien kids and Royal Light Beings, who welcome her as one of their own. Excited to unravel Starland’s mysteries and connect them to her own world, Ruby faces danger as sinister Dark Beings threaten to extinguish all light, both on Starland and Earth. With thrilling challenges ahead, Ruby must maintain her disguise, uncover secrets, and stop the dark forces before it’s lights out forever. Join Ruby on her daring quest to save the world’s light!

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble

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

~~~   GUEST POST   ~~~

Finding Light in a Fast-Paced World: The Heart Behind "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light" with Author T.J. Scripps

Isn't it scary that one in five children experience a mental health disorder each year? At a time when their worlds should be carefree and exciting, many children are living with anxiety and a fear that they aren't good enough. This alarming reality is what drove me to create "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light."

More than just a story of magic and adventure, this book was born out of a desire to give children a way to try and cope with some of life's challenges—a positive and hopeful approach that would help them to navigate the difficult moments in life and avoid turning to darker coping mechanisms, like addiction, as they grow older. It is my wish that all children feel uplifted after reading the book.

In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, children need encouragement and positivity more than ever. They need the help of stories that can light up their life and enable them to see the magic around and within them. 

The story introduces children to the empowering concept that the universe is always working in their favor, sending them signs to help them grow, heal, and find joy. Through the experiences of Ruby Diamond, the young heroine of the story, I aimed to show that even in dark times, there is light to guide us.

One of the most exciting aspects of "Glow in the Dark" is the novel way it merges adventure with a new awareness of the world around us. Natural themes are woven throughout Ruby's journey as she acknowledges the beauty of the bejeweled Aura Embassy and the incredible beauty of natural phenomena. The notion of glowing auras as a sign of well-being encourages young readers to realise that they have the power to strengthen themselves through their own attitude to life.

Ruby’s journey introduces a magical way to explore these ideas. She uses her prism to connect with the Light Beings of Starland and discover hidden clues which are, in actual fact, all around us. 

The character Leak, who has a condition where rainbow light leaks from his boots, was one of my favorite characters to write. Leak represents the beauty within us. Although Leak has issues, he is a valuable member of Starland and has so much to offer. I hope that by seeing this, children are encouraged to embrace their own flaws and understand that these unique parts of themselves are what make them truly special.

By incorporating this perspective into a relatable narrative, I wanted to give young readers the tools to understand and navigate their emotions—using light, refraction, and the excitement of discovering signs from the universe as a way to cope and deal with their own personal challenges (no matter how small). This will enable them to find their own strength.

Issues such as bullying and feelings of inadequacy will be dealt with in further books. I hope to offer tools which will strengthen positive character attributes of compassion for friends. Signs are also around us to promote a healthy competitive spirit and to celebrate the joys that life brings as well as dealing with obstacles that come along. 

My hope is that "Glow in the Dark" not only provides an exciting adventure but also becomes a powerful resource for nurturing resilience, encouraging a love for nature, and helping children connect to the magic within them. It’s about showing them that there is always a way forward and that they are never truly alone. The universe is on their side—ready to light their path, one glowing sign at a time.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.J. Scripps is an author and storyteller passionate about inspiring the next generation through magic, adventure, and meaningful life lessons. With a background in Journalism and Film Production from the University of Cape Town and further training at the New York Film Academy, T.J. has spent the past decade developing content through her production company, Skybok, bringing stories of people, events, and businesses to life.

Her life experience has seen her working with children worldwide, first through Rotary International and later through her own non-profit, “Imbeko” (meaning “Respect”), based in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. She is committed to making a difference for children in need throughout the world. This hands-on work with children has given her an understanding of how they think, process emotions, and cope with trauma, which she channels into her writing to create stories that resonate deeply with young readers. She strives to create hope in the lives of young readers - many of whom are living with real challenges.

Her first book, Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light, blends fantasy with inspiration, introducing young readers to the idea that the universe sends uplifting signs to guide and encourage. These signs are all found in nature and can be spotted on a daily basis. T.J. aims to encourage children to embrace their uniqueness, nurture their inner glow, and find strength by identifying these positive clues in their everyday lives.

As a proud UCT graduate and South African at heart, T.J. promotes the spirit of promise and strength to those younger people who are facing worry and struggles. She undertakes to give light so they can believe in their own ability. Every young reader will enjoy interpreting natural symbols as they go about their life. The overall message of this book is to be excited about life and its beauty.

For more information, visit https://glow-in-the-dark.com

INSTAGRAM  |  TIKTOK

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

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Dane Doubell was born in the 1980s—back when computers were the size of microwaves and dial-up was the soundtrack of the future. As a child, he dreamed of drawing robots and building them to take over the world—so far, he’s nailed the drawing part.

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

~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed paperback of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light! Imagine the thrill of being the one lucky winner who will receive a signed hard copy, a Montessori Toy Interactive Constellation card pack, a Scratch & Play Scripps National Spelling Bee activity book, and the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2025 “Words of the Champions”!

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light: 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 sharing a bit of themselves with the guest post. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by T.J. Scripps. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. 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!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 7, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Me Two Books

Author Interview with T.J. Scripps

Friday, October 11, 2024

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Monday, October 14, 2024

Life is What It’s Called

Author Interview with T.J. Scripps

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

It’s Free At Last

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Friday, October 18, 2024

One More Exclamation

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Monday, October 21, 2024

The Fairview Review

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

A Blue Box Full of Books

Instagram and TikTok Post about Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Friday, October 25, 2024

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight on Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Monday, October 28, 2024

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Author Interview with T.J. Scripps

Friday, November 1, 2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Monday, November 4, 2024

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Guest Post about Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

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

Storybook Saturday: PATSY CLINE'S WALKIN' AFTER MIDNIGHT by Judith A. Proffer with Julie Dick Fudge, Ilustrated by Yoko Matsuoka - REVIEW!

We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Saturday! 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 (or Saturday, depending on the week)! 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's featured title is a matter of edutainment.  It's part truth, and part imagination, but the sum of its parts creates a wonderful tale to go walking through at any hour of the day.  😉  Brought to my attention by the team at Book Publicity Services, I'm donning my boots, and grabbing a hat (not a cowgirl style because I simply don't own one!), as we prepare to step between the pages of today's featured title...

Patsy Cline's Walkin' After Midnight

by

Judith A. Proffer with Julie Dick Fudge

Illustrated by

Yoko Matsuoka

978869355591

Meteor 17 Books

About the book...

Patsy has a big voice and a big heart - and she longs to share both with the world.

Whether she's fizzing sodas in a soda shop or piddling in the garden, Patsy daydreams of one day singing onstage at Carnegie Hall and The Grand Ole Opry. She muses about performing in Las Vegas - as the first female singer to headline her own show. She also dreams of hearing herself sing on the radio and even daydreams of having her own museum.

Patsy's sleep dreams are also filled with adventure and blazing color.

But Patsy's favorite dreams of all are her walking after midnight dreams - she calls it dream walking. She knows she's sleeping and yet it all seems so very, very real. It's when life and loss entwine and comfort. It's where imagination and possibilities come together with surprising encounters.

🎵   🌙   🤠   🎵   🤠   🌙   🎵

Filled with darling illustrations that not only bring Patsy's world to life, but invite readers to embark on their own "walks after midnight" (dreams), this is both a story and a piece of country music edutainment.  It shares the story of a little girl with BIG dreams that would carry her all the way to the big stages she so desperately wanted to perform on, and leave a legacy that is still celebrated to this day.  It reminds us that inspiration can come from anywhere, and dreams are the perfect place to explore all the possibilities that exist.  I admit, I wasn't expecting the tinge of sadness that hit my heart when we learned of Patsy's own dream walks after midnight, but the joy those moments brought her, the places she and Pepe saw, the dreams they shared, all went into making memories that she could pull out at a moment's notice when she needed a pick me up during the day.  Who knew that dream walking after midnight, and a whole lot of patience, would one day lead to the creation of a star the likes of which the music world would never forget?

The marriage of story and art creates an impeccable experience visually, and a memorable tale to read and share.  I've got to say, there are times when a story calls to me in a specific way, and this one practically begged to be read aloud with a Southern twang...and yes, I obliged.  It just added that little something extra that captured not only the imagination, but the heart as well.  A great pick for little dreamers as well as those looking to pick up the dreams they may have scattered along the way, I can see many generations taking that walk with Patsy, and walking away with a lighter heart.

🎵   🌙   🤠   🎵   🤠   🌙   🎵

Special thanks to Book Publicity Services for the chance to bring this title to you as well as the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the authors, illustrators, 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!

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!

Get BOOKISH this Halloween with... MONSTER MOVIE! by Chuck Wendig - REVIEW!

HI there, readers!

Closing out the month with a SPOOKY read I finished recently that's also newly available via Little Brown Young Readers.  Nothing like instant satisfaction, am I right?  😉  Anywho, most of you are probably all celebrated out for the evening, tucking away costumes for another year, scarfing down the treats you gathered from tricking through the neighborhood, and perhaps...setting in to watch a SCARY movie?  Ah, yes...same here, at least the last part, but the thing is sometimes LIFE is much scarier than any movie you could imagine.  Ladies and gents, let's get between the pages of today's spooky story that'll hit closer to home than you might think...

Monster Movie!

by

Chuck Wendig

9780316572590

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

About the book...

Ethan Pitowski is afraid of everything. Luckily, his best friends don’t mind, and when their entire class gets invited to watch a long-buried horror movie at the most popular boy in school’s house, Ethan’s friends encourage him to join in the fun. But when the “scariest movie ever made” reveals itself to be not just a movie about a monster, but a movie that is a monster, only a terrified Ethan escapes its clutches. Now he must find a way to stop the monster and save his friends (and also, um, get their heads back).

With his signature balance of kid-friendly horror and humor, Chuck Wendig crafts a spookily heartfelt novel about anxiety, friendship, and finding your unique voice and inner strength.

📺   👾   📽   👾   📽   📺

Looks like a fantastical tale of HORROR, SCARINESS untold, and things that go BUMP in the night...right?  Ah, and while that IS true because HELLO...a television (among other things) turns into a head eating monster with a TERRIBLE appetite that is virtually UNSTOPPABLE...there's just something a bit MORE to the story as well.

Aside from the terror, unimaginable circumstances, and utter how-in-the-world-did-this-come-to-pass-and-how-can-it-be-stopped moments, this story has A LOT of heart...and I don't mean the freshly taken from a person's chest and still beating variety.  No, what I mean is the characters are relatable....from the rich kid that has everything (yet doesn't) to the overly eager to please to the scared of anything and everything...readers will easily find bits of themselves and their friends in each of them.  Ethan was the PERFECT person to experience the story through because his challenges became ours, his setbacks and triumphs as well.  He wasn't your typical hero type, and yet he proves just how ANYONE can be their own hero.  I admit, I got lost along the way for a little, trying to figure out what exactly was going on, but once I stepped back again, and let the camera roll, the truth revealed itself in brilliant colors.  The story...yes, it's over the top and monster filled, but it also shows us that real monsters DO exist (in a way), and we are totally capable of facing them head on to reach our own wins.  

A great CREEPY pick for the season, but an equally perfect fit for readers trying to find their way in this crazy mixed up world while trying to follow their dreams.

📺   👾   📽   👾   📽   📺

About the author...

Chuck Wendig is the author of the New York Times bestseller Dust & Grim, as well as numerous bestselling novels for adults and young adults. He invites you to find him online at terribleminds.com.

📺   👾   📽   👾   📽   📺

Halloween Pumpkin GIFfrom Halloween GIFs

Special thanks to the publicity team at Little Brown Young Readers for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or their complete catalog of works, 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!