BLOG TOUR: Fifo "50 States" by Hayley Rose

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to another week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

It's not just any old week though, although really any week where we are talking about books is a fairly decent one in my book.  For those that don't already know (check yesterday's post..hehe), this week is National Library Week!  The "official" week out of the year that we celebrate those wonderful havens for readers round the world...libraries.  We'll be celebrating here every day with bookish posts and even a fond remembrance of childhood visits in the coming days, but first...we have a blog tour to host.

Today's guest is here courtesy of Pump Up Your Book and features a title that is sure to please.  Readers of all ages can revel in this little informative wonder while still enjoying some fabulous detailed artwork.  Ready to read all about it?  Here we go!  Today's book of choice and blog tour guest is....

Fifo "50 States"

by

Hayley Rose

illustrated by

Jessie B. Orlet

This is not your typical children's storybook despite what the cover may say to you.  Though it does read as easily as one and with much whimsy, in truth, it's a non-fiction book for kids of all ages (yes, YOU too) that teaches readers all about the US of A from sea to shining sea in small, lyrical, and easily digested pages.  Allow me to explain...

With every turn of the page we are taken on an adventure with Fifo the bear as our guide.  (Nice to meet you Fifo!  Lead us where you may...)  We travel from state to state to state on a journey to discover all 50 wonders that make up this great country...without ever having left our living rooms.  Each two page spread shares an informative piece of poetry where readers will learn about the state being explored.  Facts shared include not merely the state name and capital as we were taught in school, but also the state's bird, tree, and location.  Further more, if we look outside the box (so to speak), we learn the state's motto...something not many people know about their own home state let alone others. 

As if all this imparting of information wasn't enough, the illustrator steps in and affords you another opportunity to learn even more about the state of which you are reading.  The right hand page offers smile inducing pictures of Fifo traveling the country and showing us just what each state is known for....beyond the text.  The visual representation makes its mark in the details so taking your time and reviewing the picture at length is perfectly acceptable.  Take for example, my original home state, Pennsylvania.  The picture has the state bird (the Ruffed Grouse) holding a few Hershey Kisses and a chocolate bar while our shadow scared friend Phil stands nearby.  Or looking at my current home state, Florida...we have Fifo wrestling an alligator while the Sabal Palms sway in the breeze.  Even though I can't see your face, I bet you're smiling right about now, even without the visual... ^_^

In summary, a wonderful book that is perfect for the whole family as not only a reading adventure, but a learning experience...even perhaps an impromptu reference guide of sorts.  The author and illustrator work hand in hand to get the pertinent information across in such a fun way, you'll won't even realize how much you've learned until you reach book's end.  To further the experience, once you've finished reading (or before, depending on your preference) be sure to check out Fifo's official website where you can learn more about Fifo "50 States" as well as their other fine titles, find out more information on the author, learn a bit about the illustrator, and complete some fun activities including coloring pages and word jumbles!

Be sure to check out the rest of the tour as it continues along its virtual journey.  A few of the many upcoming stops include these fine gems....

Tuesday, April 12

Interviewed LIVE at Blog Talk Radio’s A Book and a Chat

Wednesday, April 13

Book reviewed at Write for a Reader

Thursday, April 14

Book reviewed at Bluerose’s Heart

Friday, April 15

Book reviewed at I am a Reader, Not a Writer

Review copy received courtesy of Pump Up Your Book Promotions.  (THANKS!)  For more information on their book tours or to find out how you too can join in on the fun, feel free to visit their site or follow along on Twitter.  The publisher is listed as Inkwell Management and should you desire to pick up a copy on the double, good news!  It's on sale now so be on the look out for it in a bookstore near you. 

Until next time...happy reading!