Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers: July 2025

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Rockstar Book Tours presents... Pei's Pineapple Cakes by Crystal Z. Lee , Illustrated by Allie Su - REVIEW!

Hi gang!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. In case you've noticed, my activity on the site has been a little hit and miss this year, but I'm not out of the game. I'm simply trying not to over BOOK, and stress myself out trying to capture everything, and share everything at once. While I appreciate your visits here, definitely stop over to my Instagram feed to catch me on the daily! Anywho, let's get back to today's tasty bookish treat making its way here thanks to Rockstar Book Tours...

Pei's Pineapple Cakes

Crystal Z. Lee

Illustrated by

Allie Su

About the book...

While visiting her grandmother in central Taiwan, Pei finds herself in the middle of a mystery. The pineapple cakes from her grandmother's bakery have disappeared! Soon Pei is collecting clues as she embarks on a quest to find the missing pineapple cakes.

From traditional Taiwanese artisan craftsmanship to picturesque villages of central Taiwan, Pei discovers the beauty of her grandmother's hometown. This is a charming story of courage, adventure, and the love between grandchildren and grandparents.

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This wonderful, fully illustrated, and colorful tale, shares a day in the life of Pei as she spends time with her grandmother, and unravels a tasty secret. Her journey to solve the mystery takes her through the town and places us in the lives and culture of the Taiwanese people. We get glimpses into the tightly knit community, the beautiful countryside, the remarkable crafts and trades practiced... and just how tempting the missing pineapple 🍍 cakes truly were because the sneaky little culprit was all ready to strike again! It's a wonderful way for readers to dip their toes in another place that seems like another time, allowing the imagery and information to open the doors of curiosity for further exploration... just like Pei and her mom!

A great pick for wee readers and beyond! Side note... though not an option for me to read, I loved the inclusion of what I can only assume us the story text in the given language. It's beautiful to see, and provides just another spark for that cultural immersion.

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Special thanks to Jaime at Rockstar Book Tours for the heads up regarding this title, and much thanks to the author for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the illustrator, feel free to click through the links above.

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

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to SOULMATCH by Rebecca Danzenbaker - REVIEW!

🥳 Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to SOULMATCH by @rebeccadanzenbaker ... out today via Simon Teen!

About the book...

The Selection and Matched meet Scythe in this gripping, high concept debut YA novel.

Two hundred years after World War III, the world is at peace, all thanks to the soul-identification system. Every eighteen-year-old must report to the government to learn about their past lives, a terrifying process known as kirling.

Good souls leave the institute with their inheritance, a career path, and if they’re lucky, a soulmate. Bad souls leave in handcuffs. It’s a nerve-wracking ordeal for Sivon, who, given her uncanny ability to win every chess match, already suspects her soul isn’t normal. Turns out, she was right to worry. Sivon’s results stun not only her, but the entire world, making her the object of public scrutiny and anonymous threats.

Saddled with an infuriating and off-limits bodyguard, Sivon is thrust into a high-stakes game where souls are pawns and rules don’t exist. As deaths mount, Sivon must decipher friend from foe while protecting her heart against impossible odds. One wrong move could destroy the future lives of everyone Sivon loves, and she can’t let that happen, even if they’ll never love her back.

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Honestly, I was pulled in by the description, but I stayed for the content. It really does itself justice with the initial "for fans of" recommendation because I actually forgot about the mention of MATCHED, and that's what I was totally vibing on while I was reading. It brought me back to one of my first ARCs and the delicious way the story unfolded. It was slow, but not so much that you lost interest. Instead, that careful cantor served to lay the foundation for greatness ahead as you built relationships with the characters, and got tangled up in their lives... past, present, and potentially future. 😉

It's a fascinating concept with so many societal pluses and minuses to debate I won't even get into all that here, but rather I'll firmly recommend this title to you and then we can "battle" it out! 🙃

IN STORES NOW!

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Soulmatch/Rebecca-Danzenbaker/9781665963701

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Special thanks to Thad and the Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing team for the copy for review and the chance to bring this title to you! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to... Road Trip with a Rogue by Kate Bateman!

Time to blow up the balloons, hang the streamers, and pull out the party hats, as we get out celebration vibe 😎 on with the latest release from author Kate Bateman...

Road Trip with a Rogue

Her Majesty's Rebels, Book 3

Kate Bateman

St. Martin's Press

About the book...

Mistakenly holding up the coach of the man who broke her heart is bad enough, but having to endure his sinfully alluring company all the way to Scotland is Daisy Hamilton’s worst nightmare . . . and her most secret desire.

A midnight mishap.

Daisy Hamilton’s new mission for King & Co., London’s premier private investigation firm, is simple: stop heiress Violetta Brand from eloping. But her case is derailed when she mistakenly holds up the carriage of Lucien Vaughan, Duke of Cranford—cynical war hero, infamous libertine, and the very man who broke her heart five years ago.

A reluctant road trip.

Lucien’s determined to see his lovestruck nephew married to Miss Brand, but the unexpected appearance of Daisy— the one woman he’s never been able to forget—could ruin his plans. As they follow the runaway couple together, Lucien decides that delaying the headstrong Daisy by any means possible—including seduction—will be his absolute pleasure . . . and hers.

A dangerous desire.

After Daisy’s reputation is threatened, Lucien makes a scandalous claim, but when an unexpected enemy threatens her life, he realizes she’s the only woman for him. Their past encounters have made Daisy almost as jaded about love as Lucien himself, and it’s going to take action, not words, to convince this knife-wielding hellion to risk her heart on him again...

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Oh how I simply adore a good Historical Romance! It never fails to hit the spot when you've got a great writer at the helm, or pen, as it were. Here, we've a dashing male leadon a mission, a memorable non-shrinking violet female lead with her own directive, a tangle that could only happen between the pages, and sparks aplenty to keep you burning through the pages! 🔥 It's a series I've loved following as it's grown, and one I'd definitely recommend whether you're already a fan of the author, or just starting out. 😀

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About the author...

KATE BATEMAN (also writing as K. C. Bateman) is a bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA®-nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil to Pay, the Ruthless Rivals series...

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Special thanks to Sara and the St. Martin's Press team for the eARC and the chance to bring this title to you! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now wherever books are sold.

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

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Celebrating TEN YEARS of DRAGONS, MAGIC, and FAMILY with Author Kandi J. Wyatt's DRAGON COURAGE Series!

Ten years.

TEN YEARS.

That's a fairly large block of time for a title that hasn't been published by one of the big mainstream publishers, and yet garners a pretty MASSIVE following of readers across generations. IN fact, this reader read the first one NINE years ago herself (this September, you can check my previous post for proof!), and enjoyed the heck out of it. Now, I am guilty of not having followed through reading the rest of the series, but, in my defense, I was in the middle of A LOT of books at the time, and you know how the TBR gets...more MOUNTAIN less list...however, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this series starter to this very day! Which brings us to today's celebration...

In a world where dragons and humans live in peace with each other, it is a privilege to be a dragon rider, but riders, like everyone else, must find their purpose.

In this series, twins Ruskya and Duskya fight for their dragon’s futures and their lives! Braidyn struggles with balancing justice and mercy as he searches for a stolen nestling. Kyn and a new friend, Ben’hyamene, discover a breed of wild dragons which have been at war with humans for four hundred years, and the two learn that peace is better than revenge.

Kyn helps Duskya and her daughter, Carryn, search for a young rider who stumbles upon a slave trade. Carryn learns that bitterness leaves a person in bondage as much as being a slave.

And Mere learns there are some things even better than being a dragon rider!

Follow along the riders’ quest in this exciting middle grade fantasy series by author Kandi J Wyatt.

To celebrate this milestone, author Kandi J. Wyatt has a Kickstarter campaign running TODAY through August 4th, 2025 that involves SPECIAL EDITION BOXED SETS. Are you excited because I'M EXCITED?! There's chapter art, chapters starting on the left-hand page, new covers, a slip-case for book 1, boxed set with spine image of a dragon. That means this FAB series is going to be available in a beautiful box complete with dragons! Did I mention dragons and dragon riders?

Go follow the campaign (STARTS TODAY!) and check out all the goodies, but even more importantly, acquaint yourself with this series readers have been talking about FOR YEARS and it never gets old!

Monday, July 14, 2025

Time to get your SUMMERWEEN READ on!

Carve the watermelons, and slip some sunshades on your ghostly decor.

Whether you're a pro at it and plan the yearly celebration in your neighborhood, or you're one of the newly initiated, SUMMERWEEN is a thing! That's right. Just when you thought you couldn't take another holiday, one comes along to let you celebrate the SPOOKY side of things with a little summer flair before the autumnal weather changes and the shorter daylight hours kick in. So, with that SPIRIT in mind, I'm bringing you QUITE THE LIST of titles to check out now, then, and a little later on because when it comes to our TBRs, there truly is no limit! 😉

Ladies and gents, the incoming flood of bookish goodness contains both SPOTLIGHTS and REVIEWS, featuring spooky tales, witchy ways, autumnal celebrations, and even back to school traditions, so take in what you see, add to your reading lists, and let me know what struck your SUMMERWEEN fancy!

Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein

by Pádraig Kenny

Candlewick Press

On Sale: 07/15/2025

About the book...

An atmospheric retelling of Frankenstein, full of adventure and as thrilling as a lightning strike.

Stitch and his friend Henry Oaf were brought to life by the genius Professor Hardacre. But when his wicked nephew takes over the laboratory, they soon discover that the new professor's sights are set on Henry as his next experiment. Can Stitch and Henry escape his clutches and make their way in a world they were never built for—and that may only ever see them as monsters? Literary yet accessible, warmhearted yet chillingly gothic, this beautiful novel, described by the London Times as “exceptional,” explores themes of life and death, friendship and acceptance, all through a page-turning adventure about what it means to be human.

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Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom

by Jessixa Bagley

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 07/15/2025

About the book...

In her town full of witches, Jazzy’s always been a little bit different. She’s not excited about magic. She forgets the steps to spells. And even though her parents run the town’s broom shop, she doesn’t want to fly.

Then, one day, she discovers what she was born to do: cycling! Now she just has to find a way to get a bicycle…and learn how to ride it. But will her new passion come between her and her best friend—and possibly get her in big trouble?

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Leila and the Voice

by Shahrzad Maydani

Kokila

On Sale: 07/22/2025

Now this isn't a monster story in the traditional sense of the word, but rather a tale that reminds us that we all have "monsters" to face, and it is in the facing of them that we grow stronger, more free, and more ourselves. The little girl in the story is cultivating her inner voice so that one day she too can be strong enough to stand tall against the angry clouds of doubt and despair that can surround, and I think the visual aspect given to the journey will really help younger readers understand their own emotions that much more. A unique story that truly has a place in any reading circle, aimed at not only sharing a story, but helping others to grow.

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Fall is for Beginnings

by Rajani LaRocca

Illustrated by Abhi Alwar

Abrams Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/05/2025

About the book...

Ravi can’t wait for the start of the new school year! Fall is for cool weather, new school supplies, and spending time with his best friend, Joe. But when a new girl named Ellie joins their class, Ravi and Joe’s duo suddenly becomes a trio.

Ravi’s not so sure about Ellie—she plays her horn too loud in music lessons and gets them lost on the way to class. Worst of all, she keeps saying she’s Joe and Ravi’s best friend.

All these big changes are challenging for Ravi, but with time (and a little help from his wise older sister) he realizes that fall is the perfect time to begin a new friendship.

From the award-winning team behind Summer Is for Cousins, this heartwarming picture book all about back-to-school fun celebrates the (sometimes complicated) joy of making new friends.

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The Wishing Leaf

by Kallie George

Illustrated by Paola Zakimi

Abrams Book for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/12/2025

About the book...

Bear knows that when the last leaf falls in the forest, whatever wish you make is sure to come true! Although it’s almost time to sleep, Mama allows Bear to watch and wait with his friends.

But it seems like the leaf is never going to fall, so one by one, the other animals grow impatient and start to head home. Bear, however, finds active ways to wait, all the while wondering what to wish for—until finally, he’s the only one left, and he’s growing tired. Will Bear see the last leaf fall? And if so, what wish will he make?

A story of patience, friendship, and awe, The Wishing Leaf is a picture book full of wonder for the changing seasons, with a perfectly cozy ending.

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Bob the Vampire Snail

by Andrea Zuill

Random House Studio

On Sale: 08/05/2025

Okay, I gotta tell you, this one was FUNNY! Seriously, a vampire snail? Who'd have thought! The how, the why, and the living (unliving?) with it part are all laid out so readers have no question as to his new found features, powers, and dietary needs (which are not exactly what you might be thinking!). In the end, as SPOOKY-tacular as this one is, at it's heart it reminds us that friendship is a beautiful thing, and accepting others for who they are in spite of newly developed fangs or wings is important...although I don't exactly blame the other "Bobs" for holding a grudge about the whole "trying to eat them" thing. Special note for readers! Watch for the little bug narrator imparting pearls of wisdom, fun facts, and a few jokes from time to time!

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Pumpkin & Squash: #Squashgoals

by G.G. McQueen

Illustrated by Michael Slack

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/26/2025

You know the moment that FALL has hit, or even hinted at it, because suddenly it's PUMPKIN EVERYTHING. Seriously, if you're a fan, you're in heaven; if not, it's a bit of a spicy HELLo until December when peppermint takes over, but I digress. In this charming autumn tale, Pumpkin is the popular one, but longs for the days of the other three seasons when she's not bombarded with requests on her time, flavor, and scent. On the other side of the gourd, Squash has been having trouble playing second (or lower) flavor to the season, and is going all out this year to become the GOURD KING they know they can be! Only, it doesn't go exactly as planned for either of them, and yet in the end, they still get what they were BOTH looking for thanks to good friends, consideration for others...and a well timed distraction so they can enjoy each others company and all the fun Fall can bring. A great reminder that having #Squashgoals is important, but it's the friends/company we keep that make them worth having in the first place.

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Lost on Doll Island

by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/26/2025

About the book...

Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine in this fast-paced debut middle grade horror packed with adventure about a Mexican American boy who starts hearing the voice of a haunted doll while visiting family in Mexico City.

Diego feels trapped. He’s confined in an arm cast, stuck with his tía and tío for a week in Mexico City, and smothered with the sickening fear that he’s the one who really caused his parents’ divorce. But most of all, he’s trapped in his own secret. Because ever since he got to Mexico City, he’s started having strange dreams of a doll calling his name.

Then Diego learns of La Isla de Muñecas, an island full of legendary magic that can make children’s wishes come true. If Diego can harness the power there, maybe he could fix everything that has gone wrong in his life.

So, with the help of two new friends, Diego takes a boat to the legendary island. From the moment the kids step ashore, nothing is as it seems—with dolls disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, Diego is more trapped than ever before, and as the night goes on, he’s not sure he can escape.

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Special thanks to the authors, publishers, and publicists who made this post possible. (THANKS!) For more information on any of the titles listed above, please feel free to click through the links provided. Titles available now are listed, while others are waiting for your pre-order or wish list addition, so you know what to do!

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

Saturday, July 12, 2025

What's on your TBR?: JULY RELEASES

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the BOOK SPOTLIGHT on a few titles that have made their way (or are JUST about to) to a bookstore or virtual shelf near you. That's right. It's time to set our sights on JULY RELEASES and we've got a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. So, have your TBR at the ready, here come the books!

The first two titles are ones that caught my attention, for one reason or another, but I've not indulged in the story between the pages. Will I? Perhaps, but at the very least, I wanted to draw your eye to them as well and see what YOU think! I love how the first one draws a connection between two people at two very different times, while the second one feels like an edge of your seat mystery that will keep you turning pages!

This Book Might Be About Zinnia

by Brittney Morris

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

About the book...

Two moments in time. Two very different girls. And one story that connects them both.

It’s the year 2024, and Zinnia Davis is on a mission to ace her personal essay. But when an admissions rep hints that her adoption story is “lacking heart,” she has to figure out a new spin. Frankly, Zinnia doesn’t know much about her birth parents; that is, until her favorite author releases a new novel—Little Heart—about a princess with a heart-shaped birthmark on her forehead and separated from her mother at birth…just like Zinnia. Could this be her birth mother?

Flashback to 2006, and teenager Tuesday Walker is barely making it through high school after experiencing a loss that had her on leave for months. To cope, Tuesday writes a series of entries in a journal, but when the journal is lost, it feels like reliving the trauma all over again. Tuesday’s search for the journal uncovers dangerous secrets about her past, her crush, and her own mother’s story.

If Tuesday isn’t careful in her search, Zinnia will have to reap the consequences in the present.

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Blood in the Water

by Tiffany D. Jackson

Scholastic Press

About the book...

Brooklyn girl Kaylani McKinnon feels like a fish out of water. She's spending the summer with family friends in their huge house on Martha's Vineyard, and the vibe is definitely snooty. Still, there are beautiful beaches, lots of ice cream, and a town full of fascinating Black history. Plus a few kids her age who seem friendly.

Until the shocking death of a popular teenage boy rocks the community to its core. Was it a drowning? A shark attack? Or the unthinkable--murder?

Kaylani is determined to solve the mystery. But her investigation leads her to uncover shocking secrets that could change her own life as she knows it... if she survives.

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Now for our next set of titles, I have delved between their pages, paper or electronic, and they've BOTH got stories to tell.

Millie Fleur Saves the Night

by Christy Mandin

Orchard Books

This is a story about embracing the darkness and allowing it as much space as the light. There are things that can only be done in the dark, places that can only be visited, thoughts only thought, dreams only dreamed, life that can only grow AND glow when the lights go out. Millie reminds us that while many shy away from darkness, it's generally out of misunderstanding versus actual desire. I mean, who doesn't fear the unknown in some fashion? But if we give it time, get to know it little by little, and it never hurts to have a friend at hand, we can be as much friends with the darkness as we are with the light, and celebrate the unique things that only it can bring. Filled with wondrous illustrations and so many delightful ideas to create your own twilight garden, I can see readers of all ages taking this one to heart and making the dark their new friend.

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I Got You

by Derrick Barnes

Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

Nancy Paulsen Books

On Sale: 07/15/2025

This is a story of family, of the bonds forged between siblings, and the boundless love that carries on from generation to generation. When Anthony becomes a big brother, he showers this new addition to the family with love, pearls of wisdom, and that precious commodity of TIME. As they grow, so does their relationship, but they always come back to one another because through thick and thin, they've got each other. When one day the family dynamics change once again, Rasheed gets the chance to be the big brother Anthony was to him, but to the new little addition, continuing the circle of love, growth, and understanding that cements a family at heart. It was a touching story that I think really gets to the heart of what having a brother or sister (or multiples of each!) really means. It's not just someone to place the blame on. It's not just someone to ignore when it's convenient. It's not just someone there to take up the space you were already occupying. It's someone to share the good times and bad, someone to create memories with and share traditions learned, someone that will always be there through life's ups and downs, and that's truly something worth cultivating.

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Special thanks to the publishers, publicists, and authors listed above for the chance to bring these titles to you! For more information, feel free to click through the links provided above. The first three are currently available now, and the last follows suit in a few days time (as of this post).

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

Friday, July 11, 2025

SPRING(ish) CLEANING... Bookish Style!

The weather has been RIDICULOUSLY HOT. 😓

Work has been uber busy, and not so much fun...same old, same old. 😕

Home life has been what it is...making the best of things; some highs, some lows. 😟

Reading has been...STILL a bit of a challenge and honestly, I'm not certain when, or even if, my focus will come back to me there. It all started with the losses last year, and I've not been the same since. 😞

HOWEVER, I've seen plenty of memes recently that remind us that reading is for the JOY of it, not the numbers, so I'm taking it a page at a time. 😌

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Despite the lack of focus, I do have a few titles that have unintentionally piled up, so it's time to do a little SPRING(ish) CLEANING of my HAVE READ and HAVE CAUGHT MY ATTENTION pile. What's that mean for you? A nice size helping of shorter reviews to tantalize, tease, and tempt these titles onto your MUST READ list, or if you happen to have read some of them already, invite you to share your thoughts. You're welcome. 😁

Ready or not, here they come!

Bored Panda

by Mike Bender

Illustrated by Chuck Dillon

Random House Books for Young Readers

All day, every day, big ones, little ones, and all those in-between are attached to one thing...their phones or other digital and electronic devices. Whether playing games, reading books, doom scrolling, watching videos, completing homework or work work, there's almost no time where our eyes aren't glued to a screen...at least, until they need a charge. But wait, what's this? The power is out? This simply won't do! What's a girl, boy, or PANDA to do? What indeed! This is where our little bored panda learns about all the things that can be enjoyed once you unplug. A little digital detox never hurt anyone, especially in today's go go GO world, and this story is a charming reminder to slow down and smell the roses, or draw them, or spruce up their beds! With full color, full page illustrations throughout, even the youngest readers can catch the lesson being thrown, and it's never too early to develop a GOOD habit. 😉

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I Am Rebel

by Ross Montgomery

Candlewick Press

Okay, I'm going to spoil this one from the start...the dog does not die, although the brushes with his expiration date are many! Sorry, not sorry for the spoil. It's one of those things I feel is important to know, especially considering it's aimed at a Middle Grade audience first and foremost, but I digress.

This story is told through the eyes/voice/mind of Rebel, a proud young pup that loves his boy very much, and would go to the ends of the earth for him, even when all seems lost. Times are more than trying as they teeter on the brink of an uprising against the king, and it is in these trials that Tom finds himself caught up in growing up way too fast, and forgetting the simpler things...like the love of a dog. That's okay because Rebel hasn't forgotten, and he knows that by his boy's side is where he belongs. Come heck or high water, and despite the boy's command to stay behind, he knows that this is one in order to be the "good boy" he is, he must follow his heart. It's moving and sad, but also uplifting and heartwarming all at the same time. I loved seeing how he stayed true to himself and Tom throughout his journey, and how he allowed his heart strengthened by love to reach out to others, even when they weren't reaching back in return. It's a story for animal lovers, and historical fiction lovers in equal measure, with an ending you won't soon forget.

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Now this is one that simply caught my attention when it made the rounds because, first of all, that cover is beyond curious, and then when you work in the talking plants, grumpy goldfish, and a curious spider...I'm not even sure my imagination knows where to start!

Growing Home

by Beth Ferry

Illustrated by Terry and Eric Fan

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

About the book...

Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet—swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank—and should be the most loved. It seems that’s how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty’s case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever.

First, there’s the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things—like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible!

It turns out Toasty’s fishtank isn’t just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?

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Special thanks to the authors, publicists, and publishers listed for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on any title listed, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: Animals are Great by Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Mark Larson, and Lisa Hart - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Today's the day!

The Children's Book Review is stopping by with their latest AWARENESS TOUR starring an adorable book who's title truly says it all! If you're an animal lover, you're in for a treat, and readers of all ages will have a blast with this one and the interactive opportunities it provides. Ladies and gents, let's take a peek between the epages and then a gander at a special GUEST POST from this writing trio!

Animals are Great

Written by Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Mark Larson, and Lisa Hart

Ages: 3-12 | 26 Pages

Publisher: Tika Tika Time (2025)

ISBN: 979-8349311215

About the book...

Animals are great! In this whimsical book written by the team at Tika Tika Time, children will see a variety of animals. Tika Tika Time is a children’s multimedia entertainment brand filled with fun and silliness. Kids sing along and engage with lively videos featuring original music. The playful animations and whimsical characters spark joy and creativity. Each video encourages movement, laughter, and learning through music. Companion books bring the songs to life with colorful illustrations.

Interactive elements keep children engaged and excited to participate. Designed to entertain and educate, tika tika time makes learning feel like play. With catchy tunes and cheerful energy, it’s a magical adventure for kids everywhere!

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GUEST POST

10 Ways to Make Reading Time More Engaging for Toddlers

“Animals Are Great” is a vibrant, interactive children’s book designed to engage little ones in the joy of making animal sounds and moving their bodies. You can find the book here: https://a.co/d/j3TOOpC. The idea was born from my years as a preschool music teacher—children absolutely love pretending to be animals, exploring different sounds, and expressing themselves through movement. I wanted to create a playful experience that encourages children to use their voices fully while inviting them into imaginative, active fun. Our goal was to design a book that promotes both early literacy and creative, physical exploration.

One of the best parts of this project has been discovering simple, joyful ways to help families and teachers make reading time more engaging for toddlers.

Here are 10 ways to make reading more interactive and fun, inspired by the approach we take in Animals Are Great and our multimedia project Tika Tika Time:

Use expressive voices for characters and sounds—be playful and animated!

Incorporate movement: invite your child to move like the animals or act out parts of the story.

Sing the words: turn parts of the book into little songs or rhymes.

Ask questions while reading: “What sound does this animal make?” or “Can you hop like a bunny?”

Pause to let toddlers join in with sounds, motions, or repeating phrases.

Add musical instruments like shakers or drums for extra fun. Watch a related video—our companion YouTube video lets kids see the actions and sing along: https://youtu.be/CHJvYjb999M?feature=shared.

Use props such as: plush toys, hats, or scarves that match the story.

Encourage repeated readings! Toddlers love predictability and will join in more each time.

Create a reading routine that combines books, music, and movement for an all-senses experience.

What makes “Animals Are Great” unique is that it’s part of our larger creative venture, Tika Tika Time—Tikatikatime.com—which I co-founded with Mark Larson and Lisa Hart. Together, we blend music, storytelling, and visual art to create joyful, engaging content for young audiences. In addition to the book, we offer a companion video where I—Miss Latifa—demonstrate fun movements and animal sounds. We also added a QR code in the book so families can easily find our interactive YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@tikatikatime?si=p4I8-w90O518lfB9.

Music and movement are essential for early childhood development—boosting motor skills, language, memory, creativity, and social-emotional growth. Our goal was also to create music that parents would enjoy—real instruments, warm vocals, and genuine songwriting because, when adults and children share these moments together, the experience becomes even more meaningful.

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A little about us:

I, Latifa Reeves, am a soulful singer and preschool music teacher, and co-frontwoman of the acclaimed Mama Said Band. Mark Larson is a talented musician, composer, and producer. Lisa Hart is a singer, healer, and actress with a gift for inspiring young hearts. Together, we created the whimsical world of Tika Tika Time and the land of Precious Nation to inspire creativity in children.

We also have a lovable mascot—Ear Worm the plush toy—and other sing-along books like “I Love That Train” and “No More Sugar,” available on our site: Tikatikatime.com.

At the heart of our work is a simple mission: to inspire joy, creativity, and a lifelong love of music, movement, and reading in children.

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ABOUT THE CREATORS

Latifa Reeves is a soulful artist whose spiritual essence infuses every aspect of her work. As a powerful singer and dedicated teacher, she has inspired countless children through the joy of music. Co-front woman of the acclaimed Mama Said Band, Latifa’s captivating voice and passion for performance have left audiences enchanted.

Mark Larson is a talented musician, composer, producer, and guitar teacher whose diverse creative journey has taken him into the world of children’s multimedia. Known for his ability to blend music with storytelling, Mark was approached by renowned artist Latifa Reeves to co-write and co-produce a children’s album.

Lisa Hart is a multi-talented healer, singer, songwriter, and actress, now stepping into the world of children’s media with a heart full of creativity and love. Inspired by her partner, Latifa Reeves, and her beloved Mark Larson, Lisa’s work is a reflection of the deeply collaborative and co-creative process she shares with those close to her.

For more information, visit tikatikatime.com

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Enter for a chance to win a copy of Animals Are Great!

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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 Expound Publicity. 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

Thursday, June 12, 2025

The Children’s Book Review

Tour Kick-Off for Animals Are Great

Friday, June 13, 2025

Froggy Read Teach

Book Review of Animals Are Great

Monday, June 16, 2025

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of Animals Are Great

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

One More Exclamation