READ ALL ABOUT IT: Little Red Writing by Joan Holub - Book Blast + GIVEAWAY!

   Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you're looking for a few good reads to add to your wish list; don't worry, I've got your back.  

Today, we are kicking the week off with a BOOK BLAST featuring a Children's title that takes a fairy tale many of us know and love, gives it a new twist and TADA...the rest is history.  It looks cute and adorable and most of all READABLE so come with me now readers, and explore an imaginative creation that will have you reaching for your own pen and paper....after all, EVERYONE has a story to tell, it just has to have the right inspiration to bring it to light.  Today's BOOK BLAST spotlight shines on....

Little Red Writing

by

Joan Holub

Acclaimed writer Joan Holub and Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet team up in this hilarious and exuberant retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, in which a brave, little red pencil finds her way through the many perils of writing a story, faces a ravenous pencil sharpener (the Wolf 3000)... and saves the day. Joan Holub has hundreds of pencils. Some are red. Others are glittery, sporty, or full of holiday cheer. They are all super sharp and good at writing books. They've helped Joan write more than 130 books, including Zero the Hero and Knuckleheads. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Melissa Sweet has illustrated nearly 100 children’s books, including the Caldecott Honor–winning River of Words and the Sibert Medal–winning Balloons Over Broadway. When not in her studio, Melissa loves to ride her bicycle and hike with her two dogs, Rufus and Nellie. She lives in Rockport, Maine.  

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

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Praise

"A very funny picture book that, I guarantee you, lots of savvy teachers will be eagerly sharing with students as part of the process of teaching creative writing." -- Richie Partington MLIS, Richie's Picks "What a CLEVER, CLEVER story!" -- I Love to Read and Write Reviews "This clever adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood has so many levels of creativity and learning... Every elementary teacher should have this book to begin their writing units." -- Play on Words "Style, humor, and solid writing advice." --Publishers Weekly, starred review "So rich in words and wry humor-written and visual-that one reading just isn't enough." --School Library Journal, starred review "Every writers' group should start with this story." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Every elementary teacher should have this book to begin their writing units." -- Play on Words "An easy, winning prompt for beginning writers to abandon their fears and take up pencils of their own." --Booklist    

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Author Joan Holub...
I graduated from college in Texas with a fine arts degree, and then freelanced as an art director at a graphic design firm for eight years. I dreamed of working in children’s books, so I moved to New York City and became associate art director in Scholastic trade books, where I designed books for children and worked with editors and illustrators. It was a great job. I illustrated my first published children’s book in 1992 and soon began illustrating full time. I began completing manuscripts and mailing them out to publishers in the early 1990s. In 1996, I sold my first two manuscripts — Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book (Scholastic) and Pen Pals (Grosset & Dunlap). Yippee! Now I write full time and have written and/or illustrated over 130 children’s books. Creating books that entertain, inform, and interest children (and me) is a fabulous job that I truly love.  

Twitter * Website * Blog



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BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to Kathy over at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for the chance to participate in this BOOK BLAST.  (THANKS!)  For more information about this featured title as well as those on the horizon, be sure to click through the links featured within the post and seek out the other hosts on this tour.

Until next time...happy reading!

For the love of a four-legged friend...Patch by David Slonim

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when the weather is less than satisfactory, because the reading forecast is always bright and sunny skies ahead.

Good thing about that sunny reading forecast at least because the weather in my neck of the woods has been less than complimentary to a sunny disposition as of late (yesterday and today withstanding).  EVERY DAY it has rained...and I don't just mean rain, I mean RAIN.  Picture cats and dogs with scuba gear...sorta like this picture...

...yep.  THAT kind of rain.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind the rain...provided the circumstances are just right.  You know, a day/night at home with the family curled up with a good book.  ^_^  Delightful, don't you think?  Anywho, here's hoping your skies have been clearer and the temperatures headed in the Fall direction (*pokes head outside today*....I LOVE FALL!).  Now, let's talk books, shall we?

I've bee reading up a storm lately but with a strained schedule, it's been harder to share everything.  So, if you're one of the lot that are awaiting a review...no worries, it's coming...starting with today's little beauty.  It's a Children's Picture Book that comes to us from MacMillan Children's Publishing Group starring those fur babies we love to love...puppies!  Okay, well it's actually about one pup and his boy friend but it's written in such a way that you can substitute your dog in the story too.  Don't believe me?  Let's give it a whirl, shall we?  Today's book of choice is...

PATCH

by

David Slonim

978-1-59643-643-5

Roaring Brook Press

What can I truly say about this one that upon your eyes meeting the cover...isn't already said?

Truly it's an adorable book.  Short, sweet, and to the point...it stars a boy and his dog, all the mischief he (or is it THEY? ^_^) can get into, and how despite it all or perhaps even because of it, we love them just the same, no matter what.  It's a colorful, basic, and pure way of translating the love we feel in our hearts for our family fur babies into a tangible, readable, and most importantly SHARE-ABLE form.  The images are appealing, the color palette light and friendly, and the story true as true can be.  It's enough to make an adult reader "ooh" and "aah" from cover to cover with the youngest of them...or with their own fur babies, as some reader I know did. (*ahem*)

Little ones will be transfixed by Patch's visual romp through the pages as he rolls in the mud, plays with his boy, and just does what comes naturally to a dog (even get fleas!).  For those of you that aren't in the "love-all-canine"-us family, that means be SO adorably cute that you can't stay mad at them for very long.  Older kiddos will follow along word for word and perhaps even come away with a desire to add a four-legged friend to their family.  (Sorry parents, but really...not.  ^_^ Fur babies are WONDERFUL!) Older readers...well, you have to have at least one of the following in order to enjoy this little gem:  1) a vivid imagination, 2) the ability to let your inner child run wild and free, and/or 3) a love of dogs.  Don't worry readers....I have faith in you.

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children's Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their ever growing catalog, be sure to stop by their site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title is available now via Roaring Brook Press, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

When Edgar Met Cecil by Kevin Luthardt

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place where age is just a number; it's the size of your IMAGINATION that really counts.

*holds up virtual ruler*

Yep, just as I suspected.

You measure up rather nicely.

^_^

So, today we are breezing through a recent release and a recent read of mine that fell squarely into the Storybook category but with a little surprise to yours truly.  You see, I often find with books of this nature, I am drawn in by the images but ensnared by the tale...with this one, it took a little more effort on my part.  Don't worry folks, it was good and the surprise aspect really nets out in the end but before the big reveal, let's introduce each other properly.  Book, this is your reading audience.  Readers, this is today's book of choice....

When Edgar Met Cecil

by

Kevin Luthardt

 978-1-56145-706-9

Peachtree Publishers

See?  The cover.  How can you NOT be curious as to which one is Edgar, which one is Cecil and why in the world it all matters?!  I know I was...and the simple truth is that it boils down to a lesson (or two) often times hard to learn for most youngsters.

The first lesson is that the most constant thing in life is CHANGE, in this case a move from Edgar's hometown filled with "people" he knew to a place that looks WAY different with WAY different people and a WAY different way of doing things.  (Hmm, I wonder if I broke any records for using "way" THAT many times in a sentence...^_^)  Hey, just because kids tend to adapt easier doesn't mean that it's lickety-split.  There's a transition times for everyone and depending on the person, young or old, it can take its toll...spoken from someone with experience in that department.  Anywho, Edgar perseveres in a lonely way until finally the one person that spooked him most...turns out to be the best things to happen to him since sliced bread, or in his case, WD40.  (Robot humor...oh come on, I HAD to make one!)  Which brings us to the second lesson...

Don't judge a book by its cover.  It sounds simple.  It sounds like something that applies to inanimate objects only but take it as you do most sayings of old, with a grain of salt and an open mind/ear.  In Edgar's case, it means just because someone or something looks new, scary, out of sorts, and out of this world (in a not-so-good-way), doesn't mean that it's actually the case.  Sometimes the best surprises in life happen to us when we let our heart instead of simply our eyes lead the way.  For Edgar, it chances an uncomfortable situation seemingly out of his hands into something fun, magical and wholly unexpected.

So you see, this isn't simply a story about a robot meeting a monster and the dire or less-than-dire outcome of said one on one but a tale of change, a story of giving people and places a chance, and a lesson of allowing others to see our true selves and inviting them to do the same.  Back to that surprise I mentioned earlier...it's not like a "BOO" surprise but more of a "hey-that-would-be-fabulous-to-put-on-the=BOOKS-FOR-BOYS-list" type of surprise.  While it works for all ages and gals as well, there can sometimes be a distinct shortage of books that work REALLY well for little lads, whether it be the characters sex, the "fu-fu"-ness of the story, or a myriad of other things.  This one stars two little fellows, takes us for a walk on the playground from a young boy's point of view, and finally lands us in the arms of friendship with a fist bump of welcome.  Like I said, add it to the list.

Review copy received courtesy of Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their site, or follow along on Twitter.  There are MANY other options to connect with them socially, but I'll let you explore those on your own.  (It's more fun that way ^_^.)  This title is newly available this month so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: A Princess by any other name...

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the site that recognizes the hobby, pastime, or sport of reading as something fit for all ages, all races and people from all walks of life.  

That's right.  Reading in and of itself is nondiscriminatory, and the blog tour guest we have today features a feisty little leading lady who instills that value into her every day life.  After all, it's not every day (in her time and place at least) that a little girl who is a princess gets knighted...now if she can only convince her royal parents to let HER choose her talent.  Ladies and gents, girls and boys of all ages, please join me in welcoming today's blog tour guest and book of choice...

The Pen Pieyu Adventures, Book 2:

Sir Princess Petra's Talent

by

Diane Mae Robinson

About the book....

Sir Princess Petra has already proven she is a kind and noble knight. This, however, does not please the king and queen---they want her to behave like a princess and forget this
silly knight nonsense of hers!

But when the king writes a new rule in the royal rule book that requires her to attend Talent School and acquire a princess talent certificate or suffer the spell of the royal magician, Petra, reluctantly, agrees to go. But who could have guessed what Sir Princess Petra’s Talent would be?

Who could have guessed indeed!  But let me tell you readers, it is a talent that blossoms into something beautifully unexpected and impresses even her own skeptical parents, not an easy feat to say the least.

Now, you read the title section correctly....this is BOOK TWO in a planned THREE book (or more) series.  No, I have NOT read book one but I plan on it.  In fact, I have it on order at my local bookstore right now so soon I shall be enthralled with little Petra's first adventure and see just how she gained the title she proudly owns, BUT even with that in mind, I never once felt lost.  I never once experienced a moment of "why-did-I-try-to-read-a-sequel-without-reading-the-lead-in-title".  I was invited along for the ride as Sir Princess Petra set out with her dragon on the road to acquiring an officially certified talent and we never looked back.  Well, okay, we did but that was to glare at the King and Queen because honestly, how could they possibly expect a Sir Princess as special as Petra to settle for a talent in...in...Sewing?  Cooking?  *sigh*  Oh royal Mum and Dad, sometimes the best talents as those you tried to avoid at all costs....and your daughter's is by far moving.

As the story continues, additional characters are added to this motley crew as are facts to your "known" database.  It adds depth to this short and sweet adventure and shows you just how big Sir Princess' heart truly is.  I especially love her sentiments shared near book's end (pg 75 for those of you that currently own or are rushing to buy a copy to call your own) about stories.  If you click over to my Teaser Tuesday post a few shorts week's ago, you'll catch a glimpse of this passage but to put a point on it, it captures the essence of what storytelling is all about.  The tale is important, yes, but the effect it has on readers is just as if not more so.

In short, a lovely read for the kiddo's and readers of all ages.  Despite the inclusion of a quest of sorts, it's definitely content appropriate across the board and will entice both boy and girl readers. So go ahead, push the envelope.  Try something different or out of the norm.  You just might discover a talent of your own that makes you shine even brighter.  This book is available now so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you!

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About the author...

Diane lives in a small hilltop castle nestled amongst a very old and magical forest. In this mystical forest, all the fantasy creatures one can imagine live and audition for parts in the author’s next book.

Diane has a journalism diploma from the Schools of Montreal and an advanced diploma from the Institute of Children’s Literature. The author teaches acrylic and watercolor art to children, and is a tutor at the Creative Writing Institute. She also works full time at a dental office.

The author’s first book in this series, Sir Princess Petra – The Pen Pieyu Adventures, has won two prestigious awards: Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award (literary arts), a Purple Dragonfly Book Award, and The Reader’s Choice Award..
       
Sir Princess Petra’s Talent – The Pen Pieyu Adventures, is the second book in this fantasy/adventure children’s chapter book series. Diane is currently writing book three.

WEBSITE   |   BLOG   |   TWITTER    |   FACEBOOK

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ARC courtesy of Sue of Kid Lit Reviews and the force behind the creation and implementation of this very tour.  (Way to go Sue!)  For more information on this tour as well as what's in her reading stacks, be sure to stop by her site.  ALSO, this being a book tour and all, there are other stops to check out along its winding path...and one of those paths takes it to the virtual tour of my good friend's site TODAY too!  Pretty cool, right?  So be sure to pay a visit to Nayuleska's Reading Corner for another viewpoint on this fun read.


Until next time...happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

So I'm just cracking the spine on this one and thought, boy...that would make a fun teaser post indeed!
No really, my mind said that. ^-^

Third book in a growing children's fiction series from Henry Holt and Company LLC...and now on my "currently reading" list.

Whatcha think?
How's about a tease of your read in progress?
The comments are open...feel free to share!

The Roving Reader

This series just gets cuter and cuter!

What have you discovered when out and about this weekend?  Do tell!

BLOG TOUR: Claude at the Circus by Alex T. Smith

Why hello again!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you're bookish and not afraid to show it, because really, it is THE place to be!

As we draw another week of reading to a close, a quick reminder about to contests currently running on the site.  First up, TODAY is your LAST CHANCE to enter to win a FREE 3 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION to Hand-Picked Words!  Each month you'll get two shorter titles and two full length ebooks for your reading pleasure.  To enter, click here.  Second, Talk-Like-A-Pirate Day was just this week and to celebrate, you've got a chance to win a piratey prize pack complete with a stuffed little sea dweller to call your own!  To enter to win GREENBEARD THE PIRATE PIG, click here.  Now, on with the show....

Today, we're playing host to yet another blog tour, I warned you it was blog tour week here on the site, but this one comes to us from the fab folks over at Peachtree Publishers (Hi Emily!).  If you haven't discovered their amazing selection of Children's titles, you are sorely missing out.  Anywho, back to the title at hand....though it works as a stand alone, it's actually book 2 of a growing kid lit series that is quite simply put....entertaining.  Please join me in welcoming today's blog tour guest....

Claude at the Circus

by

Alex T. Smith

About the book....

When Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes leave for the day, Claude and Sir Bobblysock take a walk in the park. While they are enjoying their outing, a woman calls for help, and they find themselves rescuing a runaway baby buggy - with the baby still inside! After their daring success, they are invited by The Amazing Alan to come see his circus. When the performers struggle with their acts, Claude and Sir Bobblysock must save the show.

Ah yes, Claude and Sir Bobbleysock set off on an adventure while the missus and the mister are away.  One would think they'd get into all sorts of mischief, but no....they simply seem to find what others mussed and fix it with little to no fuss.  A winning combination, no?  Quite right indeed and only the tip of the proverbial iceberg if you know what I mean.

For those that read the first Claude book a few months back. today's adventure will seem new but not wholly unexpected.  I mean, Claude is true to his character and well, Sir Bobblysock is...a bobbly sock just waiting for his time to shine.  No worries, guys, he does this time and again earning himself recognition from both Claude...but also a NEW and unanticipated audience.  Ever dream of being in the circus?  I bet some of you at the very least answered yes and for those that didn't, well you'll just have to pretend.  (^_^) Back on track...a day out and about town while Mr and Mrs ShineyShoes are away, Claude doth play....and he plays it right, even managing to get back home (maybe before his folks....maybe) in a most unexpected yet effective way.  It's a story that reminds us that you're never too big nor too small to accomplish your dreams and if one door shuts, another one is quite often just waiting to be discovered.

So, if I were to put a fine point on it, the characters are wonderful yet again.  The two tone illustrations and fun flying images are worthy of a heart felt gaze as well as a long planned visual review.  You'll find yourself holding your breath as Claude makes his way across the high wire act, and releasing same said breath in a chuckle for what just transpired.  You'll cheer on Mr Bobbley Sock, gasp at what Claude has inadvertently done (or did he, mum's the word!), and savor every moment of this three ringed tale.  It's a blast and a half and something I definitely recommend for all ages.  If the story doesn't grab your attention, the illustrations surely will...and that my friends is that!

Now, this IS a blog tour so it stands to reason there are other stops along the way.  Though a complete listing would suit the situation, I'm merely going to highlight my posting "bud" today....Boys and Literacy.  Be sure to click on over to check out even MORE tour-ish fun.  For more information on Claude, stop by his official site, or like the author's page on Facebook. To discover more of Peachtree Publisher's growing catalog, be sure to stop by their official site or check them out over on Facebook.

Until next time....happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: The Old Rectory by Julia Ibbotson

Hi there!

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

So far this week, we've explored a fairy tale for our time, gave you a chance to win a FREE 3 MONTH subscription to a site that will keep your days filled with bookish delights (ends tomorrow!), sampled a newish Young Adult title that puts history in the here and now and vice versa, and set sail on the high seas with a pirate unlike any you've seen before (plus ANOTHER chance to win!).  Pretty good, right?  Well, the fun's not over yet!  Get ready to welcome today's blog tour guest via Pump Up Your Book Promotions....

The Old Rectory:

Escape to a Country Kitchen

by

Julia Helene Ibbotson

9781909593756

New Generation Publishing

About the book...

Author Julia Ibbotson and her husband glimpsed the old Victorian rectory on a cold January day. It was in dire need of renovation, in the midst of the English moorlands and a mile from the nearest village, but they determined to embark on a new life in the country, to make the sad neglected house glow again and to settle into the life of the small traditional village. As Julia researches the history of the house and village, supervises the renovations and cooks for family and friends, she records their journey. This real-life, award-winning account focuses on the quest to "live the dream" and, in the end, to find what is important in life.

It boils down to this...it's a written account of the trials, tribulations, and celebrations that come from discovering a piece of the past, salvageable in our here and now.  It brings us to the English countryside, steeps us in the visual appeal (or lack thereof at times) of the place itself, and sets the stage for the history of the building-that-would-be-home to reveal itself.  It takes time.  It takes patience.  It takes a true love for a place, a way of life if you will and a dedication to preserving it ...all of which our narrator possesses in spades.

Along the way, there are several things that give you pause.  First, we are treated to various recipes as dictated by the season of the chapter.  From Victorian Plum Duff to Cream Tea Scones and everything in between, you'll garner quite a repertoire of items to try the next time you're feeling Old English-y.  Second, you can definitely feel the love the author and her significant other have for the home they uncovered, built, and loved over the years,  It warms your heart as they struggle to keep things moving on the improvement front while still managing life as it presents its many challenges....the one starring her mother as well as her daughter both brought tears to my eyes (briefly) but also strength to my heart as they banded together to face the odds.

I've said it before and I'll say it a hundred times again, I find it hard to be severely negative when reviewing a non-fiction title such as this seeing as how you can't really say their live wasn't a "good story".  That being said, though I don't regret the read featured here, I can honestly say that I wish it had even more of a family connection, a lifeline to the story.  The mere glimpses we catch are worthy of attention, yes, however the extreme focus tends to center on the renovation project itself, what progress was made/when, and so on.  Interesting?  Surely.  Preferred to more life recollections?  Negative.

In the end, a real life account of a life where the fork in the road isn't viewed as a hard choice but a welcome decision, leading to adventures not before dreamed.  If you don't have a jones to visit the old country now, you will when finished with this read....as well as a desire to try out a recipe or two.  Recommended for older teens through adults; no forbidden content, but I just feel the audience would be more interested in the actual material.

Review copy received courtesy of New Generation Publishing and Pump Up Your Book Promotions.
 (THANKS!)  Fore more information on either, be sure to check out their official website linked previously.  To catch up with the author, stop by her site, like her on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter. This title is available now so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you or your online retailer of choice.

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Greenbeard the Pirate Pig by Andrea Torrey Balsara + CONTEST!

Hi there...or should I say, ARRRGG!

^_^

A hearty pirate welcome to all you landlubbers and sea-legged fiends who find comfort in the written word as well as the rolling seas from yours truly here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today, we are playing host to a blog tour via Blue Slip Media (Hi Barbara...hi Sarah!) featuring a Children's Storybook that's not only BEYOND adorable but the perfect read to get you and yours ready for tomorrow.  What's tomorrow?  Why it's TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!  That's right!  So grab your captain's hat, you know the one with the plume, lash on your steely weapon of choice (remember, blunt objects only....we don't want someone putting an eye out after all!), and get ready to sail the high seas to adventure with today's book of choice...

Greenbeard the Pirate Pig

by

Andrea Torrey Balsara

Oh how to sum up this lovely little read without spoiling the finer parts....that is the question indeed!  It really truly was a fun-tastic read from start to finish.  From the moment you lay eyes on the pig that shall be named Guinea, or rather Greenbeard, you are invested in this short but sweet Children's Storybook.  You'll follow the dashing pig from his homey garden out into the world as he proves that there is nothing able to stop determination, a little luck and a great attitude.  You'll smile at his antics in perfecting the best pirate outfit money can't buy.  You'll sing along with the jaunty pirate song Greenbeard rattles off throughout the book.  You'll even forget that the target audience is indeed not YOUR age range but much younger, but revel in the fact that you can enjoy such an innocent spell of fun just the same.   Will Greenbeard find the adventure he seeks?  Did the old mouse sell him the proverbial "pig in a poke"  where the only sea legs he'll be earning are in his imagination or could his future be waiting for him just around the river....I mean, just over the next swell on the jolly old seas?  You'll have to read it to find out, but trust me when I say....ARRGH!  There's no way I'd have the author walk the plank after reading THIS story...

Now if that wasn't enough to convince you of the merit of this fabulous little read, maybe this will help.  Check out the book trailer and just TRY not to fall in love....

There.

Now you're up on your pirate jargon AND have something else to add to your wish list...am I right?

^_^

Review pack complete with my very own Greenbeard courtesy of the fab folks at Blue Slip Media.  (THANKS ladies!)  For more information on this title as well as their future promotions, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on their Twitter feed.  Now to discover more about the world of Greenbeard the Pirate Pig (and it's sequel THE ISLE OF LOST), there are several ways to play.  First, pay a visit to his official site.  Then, check out Pirate's Corner while you're over there and see all the fun games and activities that await you.

Next, we have an EXTRA special treat today as the author herself graces the site with a GUEST POST telling us about the origins of Greenbeard himself!  Ready?  Set?  Please join me in welcoming author Andrea Torrey Balsara!

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GUEST POST:  Author Andrea Torrey Balsara

Ahoy, Gina (and friends)!

The idea for Greenbeard came about when I had my two guinea pigs, Piggy and Petunia. Piggy was a gentle, sweet pig, whereas Petunia (“Toots”) was a feisty, temperamental gal. Piggy loved her anyway. Even when he became old and bony, he would “purr” as he slowly waved his bottom back and forth in an ancient guinea pig love-dance. When food was brought to the cage, however, even Piggy knew his limits and would jump out of the way to avoid getting steamrolled by Petunia. I have attached a cartoon strip that I drew for fun about 5 years ago, which chronicled the daily ordeal Piggy endured. Piggy never saw the bad side of life, but only its joys.    

Petunia had two passions in life: lettuce and carrots. Lettuce was her favorite, and she would chomp it down like a buzz-saw until lettuce juice dripped down her beard and turned it green. When she ate romaine lettuce (a deep green) she looked very piratey to me, in the tradition of Blackbeard, the infamous pirate from history. 

I began drawing sketches of a plump guinea pig, with pirate boots and hat—and a green beard, like Petunia's. For the character’s personality, I imagined a pig who could see only good, who was blind to the bad things in life, like Piggy. The result was “Greenbeard the Pirate Pig,” a slightly silly, good-natured, adventure-seeking guinea pig pirate.

Anchors Away!

Andrea Torrey Balsara

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Pretty cool, right!

Here's a look at that comic she mentioned....

I thought you might like that.

Now, there is ONE MORE way to get to know this story a bit better, and that way is to read it yourself. Well, I'm here to help you in that area as you now have a chance to....

....ENTER TO WIN YOUR VERY OWN PRIZE PACK!

That's right!

Thanks to Barbara and Sarah over at Blue Slip Media, YOU get the chance to win a book and plush gift set to call your own!  Trust me readers, whether for your little one, ones, or simply "me-myself-and-I" because really, young at heart counts JUST as much, this is a prize you won't want to miss!  The story is enough of a draw, the illustrations amusing, whimsical, and fun, but really...your own little stuffed Greenbeard?  How could you resist!  I mean he has a little pirate's hat on, little pirate boots, his little green beard, a carrot sword....it's too adorable to pass up.

So as I said, OPEN TO ALL AGES....US residents only (no PO Boxes please).  Entries accepted now through Saturday, September 28th, 2013.  To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below.  Only one mandatory entry, beyond that....the extra bonus entries are entirely up to you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time....shiver me timbers and prepare to walk the plank....to good reading that is....and GOOD LUCK!

^_^

BLOG TOUR: Namesake by Sue MacLeod

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place where rain nor sleet nor dark of night, can keep this reader from sharing the bookish love with all of you.  Yes, it's been quite a week (well, few weeks actually) life wise but this reader is still ticking.  Pages are being read, posts are being typed, and seeing as it's Tuesday, teasers are being shared!  But today's teaser is EXTRA special.  Wanna know why?  Well...I'll tell you!  ^_^

Today, we are playing host to a Pajama Press blog tour starring a Young Adult title that infuses the present in the past and vice versa.  It's different, it's curious, it's downright something to ponder while adding it to your wish list, and today, we're gonna give you something else to "chew" on.  But first, let's learn a little about the book...

Namesake

by

Sue MacLeod

 978-1-927485-29-3 

Pajama Press

All Jane did was read aloud from an old book—but suddenly she’s face to face with her history project, Tudor England’s Lady Jane Grey.

It started with a history project. Mr. Gregor assigned a research paper on a figure from the Tudor era, and of course Jane Grey had to pick her namesake—Lady Jane Grey, the fifteen-year-old girl whose parents schemed to place her on the throne of England, then abandoned her to face the executioner. The project is engrossing from the start, but when Jane opens a mysterious prayer book and finds herself in the Tower of London in 1553, she ends up literally drawn into her namesake’s story. Soon, Jane is slipping into the past whenever the present becomes too unbearable, avoiding her mother’s demands, her best friend’s fickleness, her crush’s indifference. In the Tower she plays chess with the imprisoned Lady Jane, awed by her new friend’s strength and courage. And it is in the Tower, keeping vigil as the day of the execution draws near, that Jane learns that she, too, must have the courage to fight for her own happiness.

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

Pretty cool, right?

Sounds good to me...and seeing as it's Teaser Tuesday, I thought the PERFECT match for today's feature and a great way to share the reading run with you, would be with a special excerpt!  Sound good?  You're welcome.  ^_^  Ready, set...be teased and read!

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

EXCERPT:  Namesake

That night, I heard Mom’s boot heels tapping down the hallway.

Her black suede boots; I knew the sound. All the rules,

like No Shoes in the House, turned to smoke when Analise

was heading for a bender. The back door slammed, and then

her old Volvo chup-chupped into gear.

I flicked my light on after a while, and lay there staring at

the ceiling. I couldn’t concentrate to read. Couldn’t turn on

my music, not with one ear cocked in case she came back.

And Tom. Couldn’t think about Tom. He was like a gift. And

if a gift got unwrapped in this atmosphere, the sweetness and

excitement might get contaminated....

If only I could drift off to sleep, like I could drift from

my century to Jane’s and back. Sometimes I wondered how

that looked to her: when I’d hear something calling me and

suddenly be—gone....

In the end I got the prayer book from my drawer. One of

the most comforting things ever was just to look at it and hold

it. It really took me someplace—in the figure-of-speech way,

I mean. It fell open to a page with an illuminated letter O. A

swirl of curlicues. No clear path in or out. A maze.

What can I do, my lady? Is there some way I can save you? Is

there somehow a parallel universe where you could get to live your

life? Are you holding this book too, right now?

Can we both be?

I decided to go.

Everything was black.

Was time unwinding faster? Had it all—had it happened

already?

I felt colder than I remembered feeling.

Jane?...

It was her room. I could just make out the outline of the

window now, and a thread of light across the floor.

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

Pretty heavy scene...or so it sounds.

What say YOU readers?

Yay or nay?

It's just a few choice words, but they can both hook or hinder.

The comments are open; I'm all ears.

Special thanks to Erin at Pajama Press for the chance to participate in this tour...as well as the review copy for my full post coming this November!  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, pin them on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter.  To see just where the blog tour leads next (*hint* - Bookish Notions - tomorrow!), be sure to join the "Pajama Party"....and finally, to learn more about the author behind the work, pay a visit to her virtual doorstop.

Until next time...happy reading!

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Hand-Picked Words + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to the Monday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...where you never really know what you're in store for, but you can count on it being bookish.

Today, we're adding a new post to the READ ALL ABOUT IT category but it's not about any book in particular; rather a whole assortment of ebooks right at your fingertips, specially selected for their connected themes month after month.  Sound good?  Curious to learn more?  I thought you might be...I mean even as a paper book preferred reader, I was interested in finding out more.  Thanks to Dani from this fabulous site, I had all the information at my fingertips...as you are about to as well.  Ready to READ ALL ABOUT IT?  Put your listening ears on....err, okay, maybe your reading eyes on...and get ready to learn all about the newest kid on the ebook block....

HAND-PICKED WORDS

The basics....

...you sign up for a monthly subscription for $15 a month.  Around the 30th of each month (or every Saturday if you choose the Weekly Mini-Cookbooks), you receive a "delivery" of your Book Lovers' Box...and from what I'm seeing there's also a Romance Lovers, Sci-fi Lovers, and Foodie Lovers' Box available for pre-order now too!).  Unzip the file and enjoy four shorter reads and two full-length novels each month!  They range anywhere from graphic novels to mysteries and star emerging authors you might be reading for the first time, but it probably won't be the last.  

Sound too good to be true?

Oh, but it's....NOT!

Nope...and that's coming from a paper preferred reader (which by the way, they're working on a possible PRINT box version in the near future so let them know your interest!).  I know what you're thinking...of course YOU think that, you got to try a box scott-free so it took all the risk out of it.  Oh don't be so contrary....though they may be partially true (how else could I tell you what I though of it  if I didn't try it?)....

....you too can not only immediately sample a FREE box (right now it's a SPOOKY assortment) but if you choose to subscribe, you get a FREE MONTH too!

Pretty cool, right?

So, what are you waiting for?

Never suffer from the "I-have-nothing-to-read" blues again, or at least for a few days after the 30th when you are happily devouring the surprise arrivals from your latest box.  Stop by the site and read all about it, then try it for yourself!

I highly doubt you'll be sorry you did.

In fact, I'd venture as far as saying, there's no way you could.

^_^

Special thanks to Dani from Hand-Picked Words for the chance to shine a spotlight on this innovative new site.  (THANKS!)  For more information, click on over to their official site, like them on Facebook, follow along on Twitter and catch up on the news via their blog.


Oh....and one more thing...thanks to Dani, I've got another surprise for you!
READERS OF THIS POST....you now have the chance to WIN a FREE 3 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION to try out this fab new site on your own!
How's that for cool?

To enter...simply submit your information below.
If you'd like a few bonus points, SPREAD THE WORD.
It's as simple as that.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Contest open worldwide or at least to those countries and readers that can accept the formats offered...just check their site for more details.  Entries accepted today through midnight CST on Saturday, September 21st, 2013.

Until next time...happy reading, no matter your format preference!

The New Crown by Jason Sandberg

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place where the reading is always fresh, the ideas my own, and the enjoyment shared for one and all.

Today, we are taking a look at one of the latest releases from an author and illustrator that self admittedly wants to write the books that he wished HE had during his childhood.  Thus far from my two adventures through his pages, I'd say he's right on target.  Ready to meet today's featured title?  Your wish is my cheerfully fulfilled commend.  Today's book of choice is...

The New Crown

by

Jason Sandberg

978-0-989-0476-0-9

About the book....

Julietta the Carpenter can build almost anything using wood, metal or fabric. Her skills are put to the test when she runs afoul of her corrupt King. This new fairy tale introduces a resourceful heroine to the boys and girls of today.

...and that's putting it lightly!

Here we have a King that is anything but just, a kingdom at his mercy which is seriously lacking...and a girl who is on a first name basis with tools of all kinds.  Her name is Julietta and to say she is a carpenter would be, in my mind, cutting her skills off at the quick.  True, she is handy with wood and metal, but the size of her heart and the sparks of genius flying through her mind at what set her truly apart.  Good thing the king hasn't noticed her....wait a second.  Uh-oh.  Too late.

Once gaining the attention of "his majesty", it seems her future is only to be filled with dismal days in the dungeon.  Oh, if only there was some way to convince the King he's made a terrible mistake!  If only he'd listen to reason!  If only...there was someone with enough creativity, enough imagination to concoct a concept that would act the part of "shiny object" to distract the King long enough to see an alternative to his first line of dispatching his problem, aka Julietta.  If only indeed.  ^_^  Don't worry folks, this is a children's book so no true harm befalls anyone, but let's just say a happy ending (for some) is just around the corner.

Author/Illustrator Jason Sandberg strikes a happy medium between stories of old and something newly imagined.  This ebook welcomes readers looking for a good Picture Book with rich illustrations full of crisp lines (a style favorite I'm beginning to notice) and an appealing color palette, while still satisfying those that stayed for the story.  You'll laugh at the King and his snooty self full of enough bad advice for TWO kingdoms and smile at Julietta's resourcefulness when all appears to be lost.  It's a story that was written for his daughter a few years back (as I'm told straight from the author himself...how nice!) but whose reach I can see being much more global...and of course its ebook format makes the size of that reach even easier to accomplish.

Jason Sandberg

So, if you're looking for a new read for the little ones in your life or to share during family reading time, this one's definitely for you.  It'll draw the eyes of wee ones, capture the attention of those a tad older and bring a smile to the faces of those well out of the crawling stages with it's unexpected ending.  All in all, a fun read recommended for all ages...princesses and princes alike!

Ebook ARC for review courtesy of author/illustrator Jason Sandberg.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as his growing catalog of works, be sure to stop by his official site or like him on Facebook.  This ebook is available now, so seek thee out a copy at the online retailer of your choosing.  Need a few suggestions?  Just click here.

Until next time...happy reading!