Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be any (okay, most) days of the week when you're in the mood for a little time to explore your bookish side. Don't be shy, you're among friends! ^_^ Speaking of friends...let's make a few more now, shall we?
Today, we're playing host to a blog tour via Pump Up Your Book that showcases a young Queen in the making and her invisible fluffy friend, who might not simply be a figment of her imagination. Ready to party with the bookish side? Let's go! Today's book of choice is...
by
Mascot Books
978-1620863572
About the book...
Lila is a polite six-year-old girl who lives with her mama and papa in New York City. She has two cats, and would now like to have a dog–except dogs are not allowed in her apartment building. After thinking about it for awhile, Lila asks her parents if she can have an invisible dog. Her parents agree, and together they decide to name the dog Fluffy. On their way to the pet store to buy invisible supplies for the invisible dog, a black and white Aussie appears from around the corner and introduces himself to Lila, saying, “My name is Fluffy.”
In a series of fun adventures that follow, Fluffy introduces Lila and her family to the invisible people of Iceland, who live inside the boulders of Central Park and the cornerstones of New York City buildings. One day, the invisible people discover that the birthmark on Lila’s left forearm is the sign of their Elven Queen, and just as she turns seven, Lila is made a princess. Can anything be better than that?
What can I say that hasn't been said? It's cute and it's sweet. The writing makes it inviting to fans of the Children's Fiction genre both of the target age group and beyond. Lila is an adorably sweet girl, courteous to everyone and everything, even when it comes to her choice in pets....however as we discover, her "choice" may not have been completely her own but a destiny she knew not of starting to unfold. Once Fluffy is introduced, or rather introduces himself, we begin to see (well, I saw Fluffy, I don't know about all of you....*hrumpf*) just how EXTRA special she is and how things are certainly not what they seem. What begins as an innocent desire, turns into a mini-fantasy adventure to let readers indulge their imaginations as well as the possibility of "what if" with two leads that will enchant you with their charm.
So, some pretty big stuff is going on even with it's simpler undertones, especially considering the lead is a SIX YEAR OLD. Yep. Sure is. I even double checked to make sure I hadn't gotten my facts mixed up. Lila is six going on seven and while I have no problem believing her age based on her thoughts, school experiences, and life in general, at times she seems to be written as much older. Her decisions are more thought through. Her consideration of others is much more informed. Maybe it's just her inner princess peeking out...certainly a possibility. Anywho, moving forward....I do have two other points to ponder. First, let's talk cover....There's no doubt, it's quite lovely. The little girl and her poochie friend all set up for an afternoon tea....so cute! Might I interject something though....while it illustrates the characters within, it doesn't really fit the story in my opinion. Yes, I'll adore it sitting on my shelf, again it is very pretty, but the story has a little spark of adventure and personally, I think an illustrated cover (including some of the images within the story) might have created a bigger reach for audiences, one of those "must have this book" moments. Just a thought...and while we're at it, one more. (I promise, I'm almost done!) As I previously mentioned, the writing style is inviting and I've no doubt audiences will adore it, it is after all somewhat Lemony Snicket in it's approach. My only moment of grimace is that sometimes, just a few, it seems like it's trying TOO hard. The descriptive, snarky style is fun but has its limits. It is easy to go overboard and get lost in every little detail...for the most part though, we make it safely back to the other side.
In conclusion, a book to get little ones using their imagination early, middle readers introduced to a new world of possibility, and older readers a chance to marvel at the novelty of it all. You'll fall in love with Lila and Fluffy (LOVE Fluffy!) as well as all the "invisible's" we meet along the way. You'll wonder where the story will take you next as well as where you can meet your own invisible talking dog to call friend. You'll smile and chuckle your way through the adventure and at book's end...still be curious to see what the author has in store for us next. Recommended read for middle grade readers and beyond.
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About the author....
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Special thanks to Pump Up Your Books for the chance to bring this tour to all of YOU! (THANKS!) For more information on this tour as well as those forthcoming, be sure to check out their official website, or meet and greet them on these social networks: Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.This title is available now so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you....and don't forget, it's the FIRST in a new series! Yay for future reads!
Now, another thing to say "yay" about....it's time for YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! Contest details below. Just fill out the Rafflecopter and you're in it to win it!
Pump Up Your Book and Mark J. Grant are giving a Kindle Fire HD!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one Kindle Fire HD.
- This giveaway begins September 2 and ends November 29.
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- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
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Good luck everyone!
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Until next time....happy reading!
Thank you for your wonderful review, Gina!
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