Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers: June 2024

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!

Penelope’s Balloons

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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Tate’s Wild Rescue

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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Even Better Than Sprinkles

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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Ned and the Great Garden Hamster Race

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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Farrah Noorzod and the Ring of Fate

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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Braided

Sisters Ever After series

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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Cinder Luna

Once Upon a RomCom series, book 1

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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The Earl and the Country Girl

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...

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

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.

SITE

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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!

Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin

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.

Amazon | Bookshop.org

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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

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A person looking out a window

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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

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Me Two Books

Author Interview of Leona Cobham

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Ava in Bookland

Instagram Post for the Airplane Adventures series

Thursday, June 6, 2024

icefairy’s Treasure Chest