SING by Joe Rapaso

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you every day of the week, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we are kicking the week off with a feature starring a Children's Storybook that just celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY last week.  It stars a boy, a bird and a song, the latter of which was made infamous by the popular children's show, Sesame Street.  Most (in the states at least) have heard it since childhood and if you're like me, it continues to inspire you today regardless of age or culture.  It is my pleasure to introduce you to today's book of choice...

Sing

by

Joe Rapaso

Illustrated by

Tom Lichtenheld

I'll keep this review short and sweet, much like the book just minus the GORGEOUS illustrations.  For those that remember the song, you're in for a treat.  For those just being introduced to its simple beauty, be prepared to be amazed.  The timeless lyrics of singing your song, being true to who you are, speak to generation after generation breaking through any barricade one could think to put in its way.

The story adds a visual element to the whole kit and kaboodle as we watch a young birdie attempt his first flight.  His siblings each tweet and fly in turn but when he's on the launching pad, he finds himself song-less (stage fright...catches the best of us off guard) thereby unable to take flight...until a young boy comes along, with a guitar, a smile and a few well sung words of wisdom.  How do I know they were well sung?  Because...I heard them with my heart as did our little feathered friend and you know how uplifting something like that can be.  ^_^

In conclusion, a simple storybook that is truly anything but simple.  It carries a message good for all ages regardless of background, race, monetary achievements or lack there of and speaks to the soul with it's inspiring tune.  You can't make it through the book without a smile on your face as well as your heart...or at least I couldn't...and for that reminder alone, that each of us is perfect in our own way, I am grateful for the read as well as the chance to share it with all of you.  So, SING.  SING your song and by all means, make it loud enough and strong enough to be heard round the world because YOU ARE SPECIAL, you are someone to be counted, you are just what the world is looking for so go out and make your mark.

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  To learn more about the author, check out his official site.  To discover more about the illustrator, pay a visit to his site, catch up on his blog, or follow along on Twitter.  This beautiful, collectible edition was released the last week of May 2013 via Henry Holt and Company, Christy Ottaviano Books and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  BONUS INFORMATION:  The hardcover edition of this book includes a CD containing not only the title song but two others that children of all ages are bound to enjoy.

Until next time...happy reading!