Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...

Sunday, June 30, 2024

The Perfect Peck of (Non)Pickled Paperbound Picks - End of June Edition!




It’s finally arrived!
The end of the month.
You made it.
Way to go YOU! 🙌 

Oh, but before we close it out and welcome in July with a BANG (especially stateside!), I’ve still got a roster of titles I want to share with you. Today’s post covers a few genres, several publishers, many authors, and publication dates that range from this month to the next….BUT...you know what they all share in common? They would make FABULOUS additions to your TBR! Yup. Girl Scout’s honor ✌️ ...or whatever the equivalent form of a promise of trust would be to you. 😉 

The titles I’m about to share are either OUT NOW or COMING VERY SOON, and, with the exception of one, have all been read cover to cover by yours truly, and you know I wouldn’t steer you wrong! So, without further ado, make room in your beach bags and picnic plans for these GREAT TITLES you won’t want to miss!


by
Brooke Bourgeois
9781454951827
Union Square & Co

Penelope loves her balloons 🎈... almost more than anything. They get her a sense of security, a source of comfort in this at times crazy world, but one day that connection is broken, and they are scattered far and wide. What's a little elephant girl to do? Protect the last one in her possession with all she has, that's what! The thing is that sometimes the harder we hold on to things, the harder it is to enjoy them, and actually protect them in the end. Penelope learns that while she can have her comfort zone, it's good to let others in too. It can be on her terms, and at her speed, and while it might be scary at first, given time and a chance, it'll all work out in the end. 

A sweet tale about making friends, opening up to others, and allowing our true selves the chance to shine. 




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by
Jenny Turnbull
Illustrated by
Izzy Burton
9780593569078 
Crown Books for Young Readers

Tate wants a pet more than anything, but not just any pet. He wants to rescue something wild, something out there, something that may be living the good life in the outside world, but shouldn't have to go without the comforts of the inside too! Well, the animals he writes a letter of invitation to each have a little something to say about the comforts he has on offer... until the right moment, and the right four-legged "wild animal" comes around, and then there's a match made in heaven. ❤️ 

It's a tail...I mean tale about friendship, finding the right place for you, and allowing others that right/space as well! It's got a tail wagging ending full of heart that will certainly hit home with dog lovers too. 🐕 The full color images, and letter images bring readers into the story THAT much more. 




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by
Linda Skeers & Hester Fox
9780593705513 
Random House Studio

This sweeter than sweet story is about the highs and lows of friendship. It doesn't take a lot to throw this happy sailing ship off kilter, but off course is another story altogether. Like sprinkles enhance a cupcake 🧁, so do the trials and tribulations we go through together. They're not fun at the time, but they help us to build a relationship that can benefit both friends even more in the end. 

I loved how close these two were (hey, being the end of an ANYTHING is definitely taking one for the team!), and while seeing their heartache hurt my own, their coming back together again was THAT much more amazing. 





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by
Kim Hillyard
9780593659045 
Penguin Workshop
Release Date: 07/02/24

This ridiculously cute 😍 story has Ned and his compatriots in the Great Garden Race... hence the title, I know... but he's been training SO HARD for this that he's got it in the bag. Don't believe me? Read it and you'll see, but it's not just a tortoise 🐢 and the hare tale about those with perseverance despite the odds winning. It's about how it's not the win that makes us a "winner", but the size of our heart. When Ned realizes he might have made the wrong choices, he takes steps to correct them, leading to a very classy ending, and a moral win for all.  ❤️ 

With full color images throughout, and adorable little hamsters 🐹 with true personality, this is a perfect book for readers of all ages, and a great way to incorporate the comradery that is a part of sports or group events!




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by
Deeba Zargarpur
9780593564417 
Labyrinth Road 
Release Date: 07/02/24

About the book...
Farrah sees her father just one day every year—her birthday. But this year, her wish to bring them closer goes wildly awry when Farrah discovers she is a half-jinn…and her father is one of the seven great jinn kings. Her wish traps  her father inside a legendary ring, and the other six jinn kings will follow unless Farrah can rectify her mistake. 

Pursued by menacing shadow jinn, Farrah’s quest takes her to a floating mountain range. Joined by Idris, the jinn boy whom she inadvertently freed from the ring, and her newly discovered half-brother, Yaseen, Farrah must find a way to navigate the mysteries and dangers of her new world in order to save her father and face the most devious jinn lord of all.

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 Alright, now this is one I haven't read, but it sounds A-MA-ZING... doesn't it? 🤩 I mean the magic, the obviously not on purpose mistake, the challenges, the dangers, and the ultimate potential for a nail biting outcome?! I gotta say, it definitely made its way onto my wish list!




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Sisters Ever After series
by
Leah Cypress
9780593481370 
Delacorte Press

This was my first exposure to the SISTERS EVER AFTER series, though I admit... I've picked up a few of the preceding ones to read at my leisure. I just never had a chance to check it out, and then BOOM 💥... opportunity knocked, and who was I to say no? Anywho, I was taken in by my curiosity in regards to the fairytale retelling aspect, and was certainly not disappointed. The introduction of a little sister to the story who is actually rather the MAIN character in this tale,  the twist on how Rapunzel came to be in a tower with those she was with (shh! I can't tell you more about that! You have to read it!), the magic hair that's not just on the head of one risk family member, the false leads happening all around the castle 🏰 leading you places you may or may not find answers (tricky!), and for I mention Fireball? Yeah, he's a dragon and while snarly, still pretty cool. 🔥 

A great adventure for readers of Middle Grade Fantasy and beyond, and definitely a series I'll be exploring more of!




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Once Upon a RomCom series, book 1
by
Marie Soleil
9781666662825
Dreamscape Media

Another fairytale redo, this time it's Cinderella (obviously) modernized and romanticized in its own ways. I loved the contemporary romance vibe, the characters, their backgrounds, and the meet cute 😍.  Luna is a gem, and the fact that she is more than what she first seems just makes me love her even more. The same can be said for her mystery man in the train, but I digress... as the story progresses, we meet him again (*sigh*), and uncover more about the secretive McKnight (her online gaming friend/cohort), and by tales end, she gets the happily-ever-after she deserves. 

I had the chance to check this one out in audio and the narrators used were a great match for the story. If you've ever listened to books before, you know how much that can make a difference, but no worries here. It's pure magic! ✨️ 



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by
Eva Devon
9781649376015
Amara Next


How do I love this book? Let me count the ways! ❤️

... great female lead, whip smart, yet kind, with a dream, and won't be bamboozled except perchance by her own feelings 😊
... great male lead, good intentioned, heart of gold, but his attempt to reign in his feelings are about as successful as his initial disguise 🥸
... a story filled with misdirection for the greater good, secrets kept for the same, good will intended for all, and a sizzling chance for romance waiting just beneath the surface.. 💕

Did I mention I loved this one? 😍

I've never met a book by this author that I haven't adored, so she's definitely one of recommend without pause. 





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Special thanks to all the publishers, publicists, and authors, for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, feel free to click through the links provided above. These titles are ON SALE NOW or COMING VERY SOON, so click on over to your favorite online retailer, or take a break for a visit to your local brick and mortar.


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



Monday, June 10, 2024

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko - REVIEW!




Today's WHAT'S THE BUZZ features a Contemporary Middle Grade Fiction title coming to you TOMORROW via Knopf Books for Young Readers. It's penned by author Gennifer Choldenko, whom you may already know from her previous works, and shares the story of a brave and resilient young boy just trying to do the best he can in the worst of times. No, we're not talking apocalyptic times, but it might as well have been for all the tragedy, hardship, and challenges faced. Ladies and gents, make room on your bookshelf for today's BUZZ worthy title...




By
Gennifer Choldenko
9781524718923
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Release Date: Jun 11, 2024


About the book...

When eleven-year-old Hank’s mom doesn’t come home, he takes care of his toddler sister, Boo, like he always does. But it’s been a week now. They are out of food and mom has never stayed away this long… Hank knows he needs help, so he and Boo seek out the stranger listed as their emergency contact.

But asking for help has consequences. It means social workers, and a new school, and having to answer questions about his mom that he’s been trying to keep secret. And if they can’t find his mom soon, Hank and Boo may end up in different foster homes–he could lose everything.

Gennifer Choldenko has written a heart-wrenching, healing, and ultimately hopeful story about how complicated family can be. About how you can love someone, even when you can’t rely on them. And about the transformative power of second chances.





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When I say this book had me in tears, I mean it quite literally, frequently, and without apology. The author held my heart in their hands completely. The depth of Hank's character, the connection between him and Boo, the heartbreak that was his family life, his resourcefulness though born of necessity, the challenges faced because what else was there to do, and triumphs celebrated because gosh darn it, he more than earned those moments. It was everything, and yet still he deserved so much more... every kid does.

The ending, oh that ending...it was bittersweet and yet PERFECTION for the story as written. The sad part, things like this happen. It may be a fictitious story, but there are lives affected in ways exactly or very similar, and there are those that overcome, and those that fall short. I hope this heartbreaking, yet beautiful story finds a home with readers that want to delve into intense stories that pull you in and won't let go, but also for those that NEED it to see that the cloud's silver lining isn't a myth...it's just really hard to find sometimes.




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About the author...


Gennifer Choldenko was the youngest in a family of four kids, where her nickname was “Snot-Nose.” Her quirky sense of humor made its debut at the dinner table when Gennifer was a very little kid. She is the author of seven children’s books, including Notes from a Liar and Her Dog, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period; and Al Capone Shines My Shoes.




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Special thanks to Tracey at Media Masters Publicity, and the Knopf Books for Young Readers team, for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY tomorrow, June 11th 2024, so mark your calendar to snag your copy ASAP!


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


AWARENESS TOUR: Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin by Leona Cobham, Illustrated by Timothy O’Brien - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!



Hello there!
Today, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers is joining an AWARENESS TOUR that's taking us to new heights.  Up, up, and away, into the great big blue, as airplanes are intended to do, with the Airplane Adventures series penned by author Leona Cobham.  While those tales sound like high-flying fun, I'm leaving you to dive between the pages as I bring a SPECIAL GUEST POST from the author herself all about The Legacy of Family Passions and the beauty of being able to pass down a long held love and interest in a topic or activity.  Ready to learn more?  Read all about it below and don't miss YOUR CHANCE TO WIN before you head off to bluer skies and the other sites participating in this tour brought to you by The Children's Book Review!



by
Leona Cobham
Illustrated by
Timothy O’Brien
9781739407032
Cobham Wings


About the series...
A group of anthropomorphized airplanes encounter extreme weather while training at a mountain base. The Spitfire and the biplane, Woody, discover a suspicious mining operation. Tom, the F-14, accidentally gives their radio frequency to the antagonists at the mine. A snowstorm causes more problems. Tom makes amends by rescuing an F-117 Nighthawk.

The second story is a comic tale of mistaken identity. Spif feels responsible for the smooth running of a historical commemoration, but his plans are hampered by a series of hilarious errors involving statues of Wellington and Napoleon.

In the final story, when the friends are invited to an air show in the height of summer they become impatient with a Chinook who is garnering attention. They take to the sky, and the Tomcat lights his afterburners. When a fire starts, he assumes it was his fault. He overcomes his shame to help with the firefight. Spif must put his pride aside and accept assistance from the popular Chinook. Each aircraft contributes to the effort with its own unique skill set. When they save some scouts who have been camping, it turns out it was the scouts who started the fire. They realize through making mistakes, we learn.






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~~~ GUEST POST ~~~


The Legacy of Family Passions...how family members can pass down their interests and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and explore the world around them.
...with author Leona Cobham

An airplane engine above the clouds

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An airshow is a great start for those of us who love ‘things-that-go’. The sound of a fighter jet epitomizes raw power; it fills you with adrenalin. Then there’s the sensation of the blast from the slipstream, the smell of the jet fuel, and as for the sight! It’s simply awesome to see a 560 ton A380 lift into the sky. I mean… HOW? But you don’t have to go to an airshow for that. Even at the airport, you can appreciate the majesty of these behemoths of the sky. Point them out to the kids. Encourage them to take photos like this one my son snapped with his phone, which captures the moody beauty of a passenger plane. Try to give them time to stop, stare, and snap.

A plane parked at an airport

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Wonder! Convey the wonder! Whatever it is you are passionate about, impart that excitement to your youngsters, not only in words, but physically. Let this thrill be a bodily sensation, a sensory experience. That’s what gives you a head-start over the competition: on-line gaming! We want to draw the youngsters out of their heads, out of their virtual worlds, and into real life. If you can give the kids an experience that engages all their senses, you are creating the magic we call inspiration. 



I made a lot of long-haul flights as a child; once the airplane had taxied to the top of the runway and the captain was seeking clearance from air traffic control, my father would always say “look out of the window, we’re about to take off”. I would feel the airplane accelerate forwards, the air passing over the wing. 


If children ask a question, like “how does an airplane get off the ground?”, keep it simple: “Well, the top of the wing curves upwards while the bottom of the wing is flatter so the air flowing over the top has further to go and is more spread out than the air beneath. The effect is that the air beneath pushes the wing harder and the wing lifts.” If you’re not sure, google it, but DO engage with the question.


I am so passionate about flying I get tearful at take off! An airplane trembling at the top of the runway, the pilot opening the throttle, then hurtling down the track and getting airborne is the most thrilling thing for me. And I’m not even in the pilot’s seat. It’s those emotions we want to pass on to the next generation.






A child standing on a path holding a device

Description automatically generated  A person looking out a window

Description automatically generated  A child looking out of a window

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Leona Cobham was immersed in the world of aviation from a young age; her grandfather, Sir Alan Cobham, made many first-time flights as well as pioneering the invention of air-to-air refueling. Leona absorbed this love of flying and travel. While working in a forest recuperation project in Brazil, Leona volunteered to teach in a shanty town. Here, a lifelong interest in understanding different learning styles began. On return to the UK, she began to write children’s fiction and worked part-time as a classroom reading assistant. Believing happy children learn best, Leona infuses her writing with humor, adventure, and a big feel-good factor. Her endearing characters overcome personal as well as technical challenges to succeed.

For more information, visit: www.cobhamwings.co.uk




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~~~   GIVEAWAY   ~~~





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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 author for sharing a bit of themselves with the guest post. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Leona Cobham. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. 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!


TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, June 3, 2024
Book Review of Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin

Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Author Interview of Leona Cobham

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Instagram Post for the Airplane Adventures series

Thursday, June 6, 2024
Book Series Review for the Airplane Adventures

Friday, June 7, 2024
Book Series Review for the Airplane Adventures

Monday, June 10, 2024
Guest post about Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin

Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Book Series Review for the Airplane Adventures

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Instagram Post for the Airplane Adventures series

Thursday, June 13, 2024
Book Series Review for the Airplane Adventures

Friday, June 14, 2024
Book Series Review for the Airplane Adventures

Monday, June 17, 2024
Book Series Review for the Airplane Adventures

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Book Series Review for the Airplane Adventures

Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Guest post about Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin

Thursday, June 20, 2024
Book Review of Flying Circus Takes to the Skies (Book 1)

Friday, June 21, 2024
Instagram Post for the Airplane Adventures series



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


Monday, June 3, 2024

AWARENESS TOUR: The Magic Sea Turtle by Kathleen Welton, Illustrated by Chau Pham - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Today, we join The Children's Book Review for an AWARENESS TOUR already in progress that takes us under the sea, and into the land of imagination as only the natural wonder of a child could. It's a storybook featuring Myrtle the Turtle 🐢  and a cast of characters you won't want to miss. Ladies and gents, today's blog tour guest and featured title is...



by
Kathleen Welton
Illustrated by
Chau Pham
9781960157515
Bookfox Press


About the book...
Once upon a time, Myrtle chased her dreams–dreams of being a queen with a crown that sparkled like the moon. One day, she tumbles down, down, down into the sea. Max helps rescue her and a magic carpet flies her to a place even more amazing than her sandcastle dreams and she discovers an entire ocean of possibilities! There are dolphins who welcome her and a friendly otter with the biggest smile. They can teach her to swim and enjoy the day. Another magical glow surrounds Myrtle when she decides to stay and wishes to be a sea turtle like Max.

And guess what? Myrtle’s fall may have been unexpected, but thanks to a touch of magic, it leads her to a place where her wishes come true. Myrtle becomes a queen AND a magic sea turtle too, ready for incredible adventures! Myrtle the Turtle learns that being a queen means having the best friends ever. And with her sparkly crown and a heart full of joy, she is the happiest queen the whole ocean has ever seen!






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This is a beautifully illustrated story filled with full color images that capture the eye with every turn of the page.  It shares the tale of a little girl being just that...a little girl filled to the brim with curiosity, imagination, and dreams.  It's her adventure that we become a part of as we explore the world around us, fall into a deep blue ocean filled with creatures of all shapes and sizes, put our imaginations to work as we dream a new dream, and fearlessly experience all this new place has to offer.  Ever wonder what fun the dolphins get up to?  Curious about sea turtles and what it would be like to be one?  So many questions to ponder, and so many avenues to pursue.

Aside from the fantastical aspects of the story, it reminds us that anything is possible if only we're willing to dream it, chase it, and make it our own.  Anything worth having is worth the effort put forth, and any dream worth dreaming is an ocean of opportunity waiting to be explored.  This is a great chance for young readers to flex those mind muscles and see just how potent the imagination can be!






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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kathleen Welton advocates for beaches, birds, and wildlife; is an award-winning independent publisher; and writes picture books and screenplays. She began her book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, she has served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association. As a book producer at aka Associates, she collaborates with authors and organizations on publishing projects.

She earned a BA in both English and Italian Literature from Stanford University as well as a Certificate in Feature Film Writing with distinction from UCLA Extension. When she is not writing, Kathleen enjoys meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.

For more information, visit:



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~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~


Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of The Magic Sea Turtle, a plushy of Myrtle, and a Baby Turtle Adoption from seeturtles.org.





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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and 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. This post is sponsored by Kathleen Welton. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!



TOUR SCHEDULE


Thursday, May 16, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Friday, May 17, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Monday, May 20, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Book Spotlight of The Magic Sea Turtle

Thursday, May 23, 2024
Guest Post on The Magic Sea Turtle

Friday, May 24, 2024
Instagram post for The Magic Sea Turtle

Monday, May 27, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Author Interview of Kathleen Welton

Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Thursday, May 30, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Friday, May 31, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Monday, June 3, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Instagram post for The Magic Sea Turtle

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Book Review of The Magic Sea Turtle

Thursday, June 13, 2024
Instagram post for The Magic Sea Turtle



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



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