Hi there!
Welcome back to another week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, where the reviews are always fresh and piping hot...just like your favorite comfort food.
Today, we're joining a Provato Events BLOG TOUR already in progress starring a new Picture Book (pardon me, it's technically a Picture LETTER but not as many may be familiar with that terminology) release via Schwartz & Wade. The title is curious as it brings to mind stories of misbehaving bunnies and angry gardeners though none of those are EXACTLY the right image because although the title bares that famous author's name, it's a story ABOUT her not penned by her. The "her" in question is someone that we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of her birth with this particular release as well. Got your attention now didn't I? I'm going to have it even more when you discover that much of what transpires was drawn from diaries the woman kept in her youth, including some of the "unfortunate" details. *nods* Alrighty then. You've been primed for the post, now it's time to deliver. Ladies and gents, grab a hold of your precious pets...albeit gently...and get ready to dive into today's blog tour guest and book of choice...
by
Illustrated by
9780385373258
Schwartz & Wade
With delightful illustrations scattered throughout the story, we come to know Beatrix Potter in a whole new light. Okay, perhaps that's not entirely true. We did after all know that she had a heartfelt desire to capture the beauty of those living things around her, and a deep love for fur babies of all varieties (for confirmation of that, just look to the characters of her works!), but that doesn't mean she was the perfect person to care for them 100% of the time. *ahem* Yes, my friends, the "unfortunate" part of the title does actually play a role in the story. It begins as a usual sitting when a certain young girl desires to draw a certain cherished guinea pig and absentmindedly leaves her for a short time within reach of some edibles-yet-shouldn't-be-eaten-items while she attended a dinner party. *gulp* Let's just say that while Queen Elizabeth (the guinea pig) never looked more majestic, she found herself in a sticky situation that could not be undone. (Poor Queen Elizabeth!)
The morals of the story...
...if one if going to loan a pet for a sitting, accompany them...just in case.
...mistakes happen; it's how we grow from them that really matters.
...never underestimate the talent of another; you may not only claim "I-knew-them-when" rights but a possible fortune if one encounters the right buyer!
Overall, a curious story to say the least with a young impetuous heroine that shadows the writer we came to know beautifully. The care taken in sharing this tale is evident in the merry ways it is divulged right up to the "unfortunate" end and the illustrations serve as a visual stimulant appeasing in both design and color palette. Recommended read for Picture Book (or Letter!) fans of all ages, though explaining exactly what happens to Queen Elizabeth may be best left for slightly older kiddos. *ahem*
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About the author...
Deborah Hopkinson is the prolific, bestselling, and versatile author of many books for children. Her most recent picture book for Schwartz & Wade Books is Annie and Helen, a Junior Library Guild Selection, which received a starred review in School Library Journal. Her Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek was also a JLG Selection, as well as an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book. Other backlist gems include the Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book and ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, Fannie in the Kitchen(recipient of four starred reviews), and Titanic: Voices from the Disaster, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book.
Visit Deborah Hopkinson online at DeborahHopkinson.com and follow her on twitter at @Deborahhopkinson.
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Special thanks to Deborah Hopkinson for appearing, or rather letting us join in this bookish celebration. My thanks as well to Michele at Provato Events and Cassie at Random House Children's Books for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For other stops on the Beatrix Blog Tour please stop by deborahhopkinson.com. Be sure to use this hastag: #Beatrix150 when discussing the title on social media so others can follow along! This title is available now via Schwartz & Wade, an imprint of Random House Children's Books so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.
Until next time...happy reading!
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