Monday, May 31, 2021

RRR presents... BODY ON THE ROCKS by Rachel Green - SPOTLIGHT!

Hi there! 
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 


Today, we’re shining the BOOK SPOTLIGHT on a title steeped in mystery, intrigue, and a murder most foul. So if Crime Fiction is your bag, this Rachel’s Random Resources tour is an especially good bet for you! Ladies and gents, set your sights on today’s title in the spotlight… 



Body on the Rocks 
by 
Rachel Green 


About the book... 
Mourning the death of her police inspector husband, Margot Renard moves to a small seaside town in the south of France. But when the body of a small boy washes up on a beach, Margot is drawn into a dangerous world of drug smugglers and people trafficking, and forced to cross paths with two feuding gangsters. 




AMAZON US | UK 




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About the author... 

Rachel Green is the pen name of a writer from the UK. Rachel has twice been longlisted for both the Bath Novel Award and the BPA First Novel Award, as well as being on the shortlist for the Capital Crime New Voices Award. Rachel lives in a tiny village in England, but travels frequently to the south of France where the stories from the Madame Renard Investigates series are set. 





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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Sunday, May 30, 2021

It's Summertime and the READING is fine!

Hi guys and gals!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Hope you and yours are enjoying the long weekend (well, if you actually get one...), celebrating with friends, family, and taking a moment to remember those who are unable to attend, giving the ultimate sacrifice to ensure freedom. 



We're about at the end of the month and I find myself in a quandary that plagues many a reader/blogger; so many books, so little time! Grant it, considering my offline life (i.e. work and family, I think I've been doing pretty good this year, but no matter how many pages fly, or posts become live, there's always more that you want to share. Today's post is a conglomeration of a few of those titles, mainly focusing in on Children's Fiction and even more specifically, Storybooks and Picture Books. There's a little of this and a little of that. Some titles that have already hit bookstore and virtual shelves, while others are just about to join them this June, so KEEP READING, and see what treasures you might discover today!




by
Melissa Martin
Illustrated by
Troy Cummings
Random House Books for Young Readers
RELEASE DATE: June 2021


In what could be a rather un-BEAR-able situation, the author and illustrator duo create a walk through the underclothes of the forest creatures filled with determination, information, and heart. The full color illustrations bring Bear Cub's tale vividly to life as he sets out to uncover exactly who's underpants were hanging outside his den. From Squirrel's logical reasoning as to why they couldn't possibly be his to Owl's bright shining example of why they most certainly aren't his, and a few other FUN-tastic examples in between, eventually we get to the BOTTOM of the mystery, and discover that the actual owner wasn't very far from the very start. It'll give readers the giggles, while perhaps making them more comfortable in their own undergarments because while THESE may not be your underpants, there's a pair out there that just screams YOU!





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by
Barry Gott
Viking Books for Young Readers
RELEASE DATE: May 25, 2021


Jake was all ready for summer...but when Mom and Dad throw a MOON wrench in his plans, things may be headed in an upward direction, but his mood is anything but. With the prospect of no video games, no friends, and no oxygen on the horizon, what's a boy to do? Upon landing on the moon, things aren't looking any better as mishap after mishap befalls our leading lad. Nothing could possibly make up for such a rotten trip...or can it? Sometimes bad times or unfortunate circumstances can take on a whole new spin and are a far lesser concern when a friend is there to share the load...and when Jake sees himself in one of the newly arrived campers, things finally start to look up. 

It's a great reminder that things are never quite as bad as they seem and that approaching them from a new angle can make all the difference. The perspective Jake got when he made his new little friend was all he needed to turn his frown upside down and view the obstacles in his way as challenges to be conquered. Don't forget to explore the images along the way to discover the far out ways the simplest things in life can change when zero-gravity and a lack of oxygen are in the mix!





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by
Andrew Prahin
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2021


Mouse lived in a house with Cat. Mouse had dreams of sailing away on his ship filled with gingersnaps to new lands. Cat had dreams too...of eating Mouse. So, when the dreams didn't mesh, away Mouse went on an adventure with unknown dangers and treasures to discover! Along the way, Mouse gets caught up in stormy seas, fickle “friends”, and desperation, but by journey's end, he finds his place in the sun with a land that's a sight to behold, and friends that aren't chased away by rough seas. It speaks to the soul of a traveler and those who embarked on journeys for better opportunities, while reminding us that sometimes those wayfaring individuals need a helping hand, and what better way to give that than to share kindness, understanding, and heart. 




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by
Matt Myers
Random House Studio
RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2021


Cole just got a new dinosaur, but he's so very small! His mom comforts him, saying to give it time because he'll grow. You remember those toys that you put in water and they grew...same concept here, only much MUCH bigger! Once Cole starts getting his new little blue friend wet, he creates a monster, or at least a rather BIG problem! It seems Dino-Gro can't get enough of growing bigger and BIGGER, so if there's water, he's bound to find it, and OOPS! There he grows again, until one day, he's too big for inside anymore, and though outside is a big BIG world, he's not happy there, so Dino-Gro gets up and goes. Cole is sad to see his friend is gone, but when trouble strikes, putting Cole in a VERY bad situation, someone big, someone tall, someone BLUE comes to the rescue, and this time size is definitely not an issue!

I loved how it showed both the ups and downs of size change. It made your short time with these big friends all the sweeter, and the emotional times that harder hitting. Watch for the ending that will bring not only Mom's wisdom full circle, but a chuckle worth the wait!






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by
Anna Lazowski
Illustrated by
Steph Laberis
Doubleday Books for Young Readers
RELEASE DATE: June 29, 2021


It's an A to Z book with Jurassic amounts of pizazz as we go through the alphabet learning not only our L-M-N-O-P's, but what tricky for all different types of animals, in this hilariously remarkable piece of edutainment! From alligators that can't pick apples to monkeys you can't do magic tricks, there is something to smile, laugh, or guffaw at on every page, between the featured letter laden sentences to the ridiculously goof-tastic illustrations! My favorite, or at least one of them, had to be the one that shares the title itself. I mean, it's sad in a way, but still oh so funny! Readers will love teaming up with their animal friends to discover the wacky side of the English language while learning their letters in no time flat! 




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Special thanks to the all the publishers for the ecopies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on the titles listed above, the authors, illustrators, or publishers, feel free to click through the links provided.  Be on the lookout for the titles available now, and mark your calendar for those forthcoming for a summer of fabulous reading!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Friday, May 28, 2021

TCBR AWARENESS TOUR: Six Thousand Donuts by Thomas Tosi - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to the tastiest place to be when you're in the mood for a bookish treat...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!


Today, we're taking part in The Children's Book Review AWARENESS TOUR starring a NEW Children's Fiction title that is bound to leave you with a crazy craving for that delicious, doughy, glazed or powdered treat some eat for breakfast, while others will take them whenever they can get them....the donut! That's right, but we're not talking ONE or TWO, but a CRAZY BIG AMOUNT OF DONUT-INESS and not for the reasons you may be thinking. SO, if you'd like to kick your craving into high gear and solve the sweet mystery of WHY SO MANY DONUTS, keep reading....because here comes today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...


Six Thousand Donuts
by
Thomas Tosi
Illustrated by
Meaghan Tosi
9781954782013
Dooney Press

About the book...
Why would anyone need six thousand doughnuts?

Big family…little house… Fifth-grader Abe Mitchell is fed up with sharing. All he wants is something to call his own. And he just might get it when he finds a loophole in the fine print of a doughnut shop coupon. Abe thinks it entitles him to a fresh-baked mountain of crullers, dunkers, and chocolate-frosteds. But cashing in means war with Marlene Paczki, the daughter of the doughnut shop owner and Abe’s new crush.






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Just what DOES a kid need with SIX THOUSAND donuts?
Would you believe it's the principle of the matter (well, mostly)?
Allow me to explain...

Abe is a smart kid, but he's one of many in a family that feels like it's filled to the gills with siblings, and family.  Going for a trip to the local Sweetly Crisp Doughnuts shop with dad at the helm and two siblings by his side doesn't equate to a donut a piece, but rather one split three ways (well, it would have been split three ways if he hadn't turned his nose up at it).  All he wants is something to call his own.  Whether it be space in his own house, at school with his mates, or the simple ooey gooeyness of a delicious donut all to himself.  When he spots a game piece on his dad's coffee cup, he calls dibs...and that fateful decision, that simple pull off chance to win with its little rules, and legal stipulations will unleash the possibility of his ACTUALLY GETTING six thousand donuts because, as I said, he's a smart kid, and a valid loophole is still a loophole.  

The battle that ensues from the uploaded donut fight video to the chance to go on television to be on a real live judge show, and all the blackmail, pointed looks, and misconstrued attempts on doing something nice that ensue, will keep you glued to the page.  My heart went out to him...it had to be hard to feel lost in your own family.  He wasn't such a bad kid....just a twinge misguided, but he shows his true colors, his real strength of heart eventually, and it leads to an ending that is certainly just desserts for all involved.  Keep a look out for his little sister, who is such a doll, and the curious relationship changes between Abe and Marlene (ah, young love...or, um, LIKE like).

All in all, a charming tale that with a curious storyline, a varied cast of characters to love, and a delicious conclusion that definitely does not disappoint!  It may be about donuts to some degree and their various flavor varieties, but it's also about taking care of those we care for, letting the little things go, and standing up for what's right come what may.  So go ahead, take a bite out of this title COMING SOON from Dooney Press!



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About the author...


Thomas Tosi is a writer/filmmaker who, together with his wife, Heidi, has produced an award-winning children’s website, educational multimedia games, and dramatic films which have aired on national television, PBS affiliate stations, and screened in numerous film festivals. He was born and raised in New Hampshire, where he and Heidi still reside. He takes pride in the fact that they now live in a solar-powered home where they grow and can organic vegetables.

For more information visit thomastosi.com.


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About the illustrator...


Meaghan Tosi, after being born on April Fools’ Day in New Hampshire, has collected a BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design. She illustrated this book and the graphic novel Squashed alongside author Thomas Tosi. She has also self-published DWEEDY: The Imagined Adventures of My Deceased Cat. She now lives in Portland, Oregon, for the art, coffee shops, vegan food, and the constantly lingering smell of rain.


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Enter for a chance to win a hardcover Six Thousand Doughnuts prize pack!


One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A hardcover copy of Six Thousand Doughnuts, autographed by Thomas Tosi
A high-quality ceramic Six Thousand Doughnuts diner mug featuring the Sweetly Crisp doughnuts logo.


Three (3) grand winners receive:
A hardcover copy of Six Thousand Doughnuts, autographed by Thomas Tosi


The giveaway begins May 19, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 19, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.




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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!


Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Tour Kick-Off
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Thursday, May 20, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Friday, May 21, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Monday, May 24, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Friday, May 28, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Monday, May 31, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Tuesday, June 1, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Wednesday, June 2, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Thursday, June 3, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Friday, June 4, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts

Monday, June 6, 2021
A book review of
Six Thousand Doughnuts


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Thursday, May 27, 2021

TCBR AWARENESS TOUR: Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa's Tea by Travis Peagler - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hiya guys and gals!
WELCOME back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we've got The Children's Book Review on deck with their latest AWARENESS TOUR starring a Children's Storybook that will set your warm summer days all a BUZZ.  It stars a young man, his grandpa, and a little uninvited pest that turns into a guest!  Ready, set, let's read all about it as we set out sights on today's book of choice...



Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa's Tea
by
Travis Peagler
Illustrated by
Blueberry Illustrations
9781732563551
Script Novel Publishing

About the book...
Every morning at seven o’ three, I wake up just in time to watch Grandpa play with Bizzy Bzzz the Bee.

Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea is reading made fun. Told through the eyes of a child, this is an entertaining story about a boy who gets a good laugh watching Grandpa’s encounter with a bee every morning while trying to enjoy his cup of tea. Teetering on the edge of frustration, Grandpa has a heightened escalation with Bizzy.

The boy comes up with a quick solution that allows Grandpa to enjoy his morning tea and lets Bizzy stay. It’s safe to say, the Grandson saved the day. This story has playful rhyme, problem solving, and is sure to put a smile on faces of children every time.

Bizzy Bzzz zips around Grandpa’s head three times and makes him dizzy. It’s funny when his eyes cross. He looks so silly.




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Between the brightly colored, full page illustrations and the story that tells a tale of frustration, slight aggravation, and LOVE through clever rhyme and meter, all the BUZZ about this title is definitely warranted!  Readers of all ages will get a kick out of Grandpa's antics while trying to enjoy his morning cup of tea without someBUZZies presence getting in the way.  The laughs will echo as he dances about while his Grandson stands by hardly able to contain his own giggles, and yet by book's end, his love for his Grandpa and his desire to keep Bizzy from being more than dizzy, wins out with a decided ideal compromise for them all.  It's a clever way to entertain while educating wee ones that even the smallest among us have our place in this world, and if we're willing to look hard enough, a solution can be found to any problem we encounter.  

Recommended as an addition to your summer reading lists.  It's perfectly timed for the hot days we're in the midst of as you sit back and relax with your own favorite cool beverage for an afternoon break.


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About the author...


Travis Peagler is a unique individual, being the youngest of seven kids, raised partially in low-income apartments on the East side of Dayton, Ohio, until the age of nine. Humble beginnings growing up in a somewhat multi-racial neighborhood gave Travis an inimitable perspective on life at an incredibly young age.

His imagination has always been his outlet. Thinking back to grade-school when he was in an uncomfortable situation or when he didn’t handle conflict well, Travis would always replay the scene again in his mind where things played out the way he wished. An innate defense mechanism, he assumes, which led to the discovery of his extraordinary talent.






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Enter for a chance to win a copy of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea and a $100 Visa gift card!


One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A copy of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea
A $100 Visa gift card


Six (6) winners receive:
A copy of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea


The giveaway begins May 24, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 24, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.




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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!



Monday, May 24, 2021
A book review of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
An interview with Travis Peagler

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
A book review of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea

Thursday, May 27, 2021
A book review of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea

Friday, May 28, 2021
A book review of
Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea

Monday, May 31, 2021
A book review of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea

Tuesday, June 1, 2021
A book review of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea

Wednesday, June 2, 2021
A book review of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea

Thursday, June 3, 2021
A book review of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea

Monday, June 7, 2021
An interview with Travis Peagler

Tuesday, June 8, 2021
A book review of Bizzy Bzzz the Bee and Grandpa’s Tea



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

RRR presents... NELLIE'S HEARTBREAK by Rosie Clarke - REVIEW!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we're bringing you a stop along the Rachel's Random Resources tour featuring a work of Historical Fiction that you will fall in love with.  Okay, so if you're a fan of the genre, you'll fall in love with it, but I digress...the story is one that will linger in the heart.  Ladies and gents, today's ebook of choice and blog tour guest...


Nellie's Heartbreak
by
Rosie Clarke

About the book...
A new stand-alone saga set in Yorkshire around out the outbreak of the second world war and the unlikely relationship between a master and servant. 

As a small child, Nellie Peace was always dreaming but sensed her mother’s rejection. 

Abandoned and sent into service at Beaumont House at an early age, Nellie is lost and alone until she meets the unpredictable and reclusive artist, Lucas Harrington and falls in love with him.

This unlikely association between master and servant is encouraged by Lucas’s gentle natured Aunt Alice as Lucas sees something unusual in Nellie and is compelled to paint her. 

Broken promises lead to inevitable heartbreak and Nellie flees Beaumont House in disgrace for London. 
Alone again, Nellie must learn to live and fend for herself and her new-born child.

Can Nellie win a second chance of happiness and can she solve the mystery of her mother's tortured past?






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Nellie will still your heart right from the very start.  Her story begins in her youth as she spends time with friends, gentle glances with young love, and helps out around the house.  She loves her Da, has a beautiful relationship with her Grandda, adores her little brother, but just can't seem to do anything right for her mother.  It's always been that way, but nevertheless...she persisted.  When her birthday rolls around and the end of her school days passes, she dreams of what the future might hold...only to have the rug of contentment pulled out from under her as she is set away that very same day to pursue a life of service.  It's not the worst thing, it's true, and plenty make a life of it, but it wasn't her choice.  She wasn't even prepared for it, and yet accept it she must...but she does so with a full heart, as everything else she tackles in life.  

As the cover states, what can not be cured, must be endured....and she follows that through everything life throws at her.  From her shaky start at the Beaumont house to the new life she builds in London, her time returning to the one place she never dreamed of after bridges were burned to a future she couldn't have imagined, but made her own nonetheless.  She was a force to be reckoned with, as the power of her heart knew no bounds, despite having been let down time and again.  She always managed to pick herself up, and find her way...and that attitude, that determination, that heart affected others around her as well.  It opened doors she never thought to try, and made memories she'd cherish forever.

To summarize, it is most certainly a character driven novel, and all the better for it.  My heart went out to Nellie at every turn of her life, and I can only hope that in the face of pain and discouragement, I would have as much sense of self to endure and overcome.  Oh, but I can't close without stating a simple fact, there are some characters that are not worth the space they take up (and written to be so), but even their tainted lies, and sullen attitudes are something to learn and grow from....although I'm not so certain I could have kept turning the other cheek.



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About the author...


Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire. Rosie’s brand new saga series, Welcome to Harpers Emporium began in December 2019.





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Special thanks to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ebook for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today.



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Monday, May 24, 2021

TCBR AWARENESS TOUR: Little Allies by Julie Kratz - REVIEW + GIVEWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we've teamed up with The Children's Book Review to bring you a stop along their current Awareness Tour featuring a storybook that aims to promote peace, harmony, and acceptance...and in our current life and times, that's certainly not a bad thing! Let's get to the introductions and then dive between the pages of this creative and timely story...



Little Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
by
Julie Kratz
Illustrated by
Edwards Maiello
9781736515907
Next Pivot Point 


About the book...
As Ally navigates through her school day, she watches her classmates face bullying and discrimination. Ally realizes that they all want the same thing – to be accepted as they are. Ally learns an important lesson, brought to light by her teacher, that our differences make each of us unique and special, and that we can be an ally to others to help them navigate through life.

Little Allies is a touching tale that reminds us of the importance of accepting each other, celebrating our differences, and working to become an ally. The colorful pictures show Ally’s willingness to stand by her friends, even when she doesn’t know how else to help. Adults in the story are also important allies, helping kids navigate challenges, learn ways to support, and cherish their uniqueness.

The bonus material at the end of the book will spark discussion at home or in the classroom.100% of online book sale proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit or organization focused on children’s diversity and inclusion development or providing equitable access to opportunities for all children.








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For such a short story, there are a myriad of sensitive topics covered, but all in a kid friendly, easy to relate to way so kiddos can discover themselves and their friends, among the bunch, and come out better for the realizations on the other side.

I loved how each character learns something throughout the story, so it's all even; there's literally no room for bad feelings. They learn how our differences are something to learn more about and celebrate. They discover that an open mind and heart are so much more powerful than prejudice and hate...and an apology for ignorance can go a long way in mending bridges. They realize how treating others as they wish to be treated can make the world a friendlier place, and that friends are worth standing up for. Their relationships become that much stronger, that much deeper, and are rooted in trust, so that they know that if they ever need an ally, they have each others backs.

In short, it's a simple story about a week in school, but it packs a mighty powerful punch! I think it's be a great way for parents or teachers to address a wide range of often difficult topics with a bit more ease, and open the floor to discussions to enlighten and grow from. It's never too early to empower someone...nor is it to ever too late.





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About the author...


Julie Kratz is a highly acclaimed TEDx speaker and inclusive leadership trainer who led teams and produced results in corporate America. After experiencing many career “pivot points” of her own, she started her own speaking business, focused on helping leaders be more inclusive. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Julie is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and executive coach. She holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias trainer.


Meet Julie at NextPivotPoint.com.





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Enter for a chance to win a Little Allies ART-Stravaganza prize pack!



One (1) Grand Prize Winner Receives:

A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
A $50 Target gift card
An ART-stravangza kit for your budding artist including:
A Sketchbook
Skin Tone Colored Pencils
Crayola Multi-Ethnic Skin Tone Washable Tempera Paints
Paint Brushes
Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Crayons
Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Markers




Two Winners Receive:

A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
A Little Allies Slap Bracelet
A Little Allies Sticker



The giveaway begins May 17, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 17, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.







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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Sunday, May 23, 2021

It's all in how you look at it... DOUBLE BOOK REVIEW

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we're taking on a topic with a more somber note, and how it can be dealt with in a variety of ways in Children's Literature. The subject is death, and while it's certainly nothing that anyone really wants to dwell on, it IS a fact of life. It can be the BIG SCARY for anyone, but for little ones that unknown can be even more frightening. Today's two title selections are from two ends of the genre, but both deal with the matter in their own ways, making it less something to fear, and more something the understand. Ladies and gents, please set your sights on today's two titles of choice...



by
Karen Struck
9781662407499
Page Publishing, Inc


About the book...
Boots and friends have enjoyed many fun adventures during the past two years. Now they are faced with an inevitable part of life. Cappy, the elderly mountain goat, is nearing the end of his physical journey. Granddaughter, Scarlet, is very close to her grandfather. When Cappy leaves the goat herd, without an explanation, Scarlet is frantic to uncover the mystery behind his disappearance.

Young Scarlet leads her wilderness friends in a celebration of life as she and her friends honor her beloved grandfather. Join Scarlet, Boots, Chinook, Sockeye, Pepe, Cyrus and Blizzard as they trek along the rugged mountaintop in search of Cappy and the secret cave.




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This story is for the younger set, and explores the concept of death through a tale of animal friends and family. Cappy is an elder among them, and is reaching a time in his life where adventures here on earth, are coming to an end. The journey he's about to take is solo, and while not something looked forward to, he understands and wants to make it easiest for those he loves...hence his trek to the Secret Cave. When his absence is noted, his friends and family are at a loss as to where and why he went, but following in his hoof-steps, they discover not only the reason behind his leaving, but how to move forward.

I admit, when this one came around for a read/review option, I was curious to see how things would be handled on such a sensitive subject with the intended audience. The story itself jumped around a bit at first, almost as if there were pieces cut before publishing that might have lengthened the tale, but made the transitions smoother, however when the time came for this mystery of life to be explained to his young granddaughter, I was in tears. It was beautiful and touching, and delivered with such tender simplicity. Scarlet would still miss her beloved grandfather, but she now understood it was something unavoidable that didn't just signify a loss, but a celebration of all the times they shared, and that in remembering, he'd be forever with her.






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About the author....


KAREN STRUCK discovered the joy of children's literature as she read to her daughter each night. She was inspired by the Harry Potter book series, and decided to take writing courses through the Institute of Children's Literature. 

Karen is also a registered nurse and works in the aesthetic industry, performing laser treatments combined with injectables for skin rejuvenation. She works with her husband, Steve, a plastic surgeon in Atherton, California. Residing in Los Gatos, California, Karen has a daughter named Rachel and two stepchildren, Danni and Evan Struck.






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The Great Peach Experiment, Book 1
by
Erin Soderberg Downing
9781645950349
Pixel+Ink

About the book...
Sweet summer has taken a rotten turn . . .

After a tough year, Lucy, Freddy, and Herb Peach are ready for vacation. Lucy wants to read all of the books on the summer reading list. Freddy wants to work on his art projects (when he isn't stuck in summer school). Herb wants to swim every day.

Then their dad makes a big announcement: one of the inventions their mom came up with before she passed away has sold, and now they're millionaires!

But Dad has bigger plans than blowing the cash on fun stuff or investing it. He's bought a used food truck. The Peaches are going to spend the summer traveling the country selling pies. It will be the Great Peach Experiment—a summer of bonding while living out one of Mom's dreams. Summer plans, sunk. And there's one more issue Dad's neglected: none of them knows how to bake. . .



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This story is aimed at the Middle Grade set, and tells just what happens when our lives are disrupted, and we forget to keep living.

The Peach family is having a bad time of things.  With the loss of their mother, every day has had new challenges arise, and some have coped better than others.  Lucy has seriously stepped up to the plate to make sure her younger brothers are taken care of, supported, and feel the love.  Dad, on the other hand, hadn't processed things so well.  He's still providing for the family, but it's not so much a family unit at this point as it is four people struggling together while carrying the full weight of their loss.  Enter a windfall of money (thanks mom!), a break from work for Dad (though he was pretty much volun-told to take it), and a crazy summer experiment that will either make or break this family...and I'm not even measuring it in dollars.  

Some things are more precious than money in the bank, but seeing it through the heartache can be a task and a half.  As mind blowing as a random food truck startup for one adult and three kids sounds, it was just the right recipe of potential and disaster to steer these wonderful Peaches in the right direction...back to each themselves and each other.  Lucy was the glue, Freddy was the optimism, and Herb was the heart.  Dad was...lost in his sadness, and this time on the road together with all its ups, downs, and in-betweens, despite looking like a royal mess at times, was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Join the Peaches on a trip they won't soon forget, while honoring the memory of one lost too soon.



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Special thanks to Katie at Smith Publicity Inc, and Sara at Holiday House for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on these titles, the authors, or their full catalogs, feel free to click through the links provided above.  Both titles are available now, wherever books are sold.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!