Edgar and the Tree House of Usher by Jennifer Adams

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

 

Today, we're posting in the wee hours of the night to suit the title in the spotlight.  It's a new take on a creepy classic that's the latest addition to the BabyLit First Steps series from author Jennifer Adams.  The star is a particularly precocious raven and the author's work his stories take for a turn would be Edgar Allan Poe.  Sound familiar?  It might as I have featured another of his adventures right here on the site, but if not, there's no time like the present to make his acquaintance.  Ready or not, today's book of choice is...

 

 

 

Edgar and the Tree House of Usher

by

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by

Ron Stucki

9781423640431

Gibbs Smith

 

 

Obviously from the title, we're taking a crack at the Poe classic, The Fall of the House of Usher.  Despite having seen the Vincent Price rendition, I've actually read this story as well (and reviewed in on my site, in case you were wondering) and thoroughly enjoyed every passage.  While this one bears some resemblance, it is in a much more passing variety as opposed to its predecessor, Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it overall, but if we're pulling similarities, we're talking VERY BASIC.  Let's see, there's a brother and a sister close but only just, and...oh, yes...a terrible fate befalling the "house" come books end.  That's about it for the connections, which may cast a small cloud for avid Poe fans, but fear not...there are other reasons to celebrate.

 

As with Poe's stories, the true fun is hidden in the details.  From the painting of Poe hiding out in the tree house to the barrel (aka cast) bearing the word AMONTILLADO that Edgar's little friend is perched upon, there are hints and tributes to the writer/story that inspired this work throughout the book.  In addition to these, the book becomes even more interactive when in order to view a page due to it's increasing height, you literally have to turn the book the opposite direction to continue the story.  Well now, one wouldn't put a tree house in a short stubby tree now would we?  It's those little add ins combined with the creative storytelling and sparse illustrations that create the magic that is Edgar the Raven...and friends.

 

 

 

 

In conclusion, quoth the Raven forever more...and with an even younger generation with this fun and fabulous series aimed at the kiddos but fit for Poe fans of all ages.  While tiny tikes will walk away with lessons learned (this time on barring girls from their tree houses), older readers will catch the humor and tribute points scattered throughout, making it a great addition to anyone's library, public, classroom, or personal.

 

 

 

 

 

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About the author...

 

 

 

Jennifer Adams is the author of thirty books, including the board books in the bestselling BabyLit series, which introduce small children to the world of classic literature.

 

Her children’s picture books, Edgar Gets Ready for Bed, Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart and Edgar and the Tree House of Usher are inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” She also has two new picture books forthcoming from HarperCollins.

 

Her titles also include books for adults, including Y is for Yorick, a slightly irreverent look at Shakespeare, and Remarkably Jane, notable quotations on Jane Austen.

 

Jennifer graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle. She has 20 years’ experience as a book editor, most recently at Gibbs Smith, Publisher and Quirk Books. She works some evenings at her local independent bookstore, The King’s English, to feed her book habit. Jennifer lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Bill Dunford, who is also a writer.

 

 

 

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Special thanks to author Jennifer Adams for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the BabyLit collection, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links included above.  This title is available now via BabyLit, an imprint of Gibbs Smith, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

 

Until next time...happy reading!

 

 

 

 

 

Never More: Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart by Jennifer Adams

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Can you believe it?  It's almost time to say "never more" to another year and HELLO 2015!  (Here's hoping it's better than this past year.)  Where does the time fly.  What's that?  Oh, my choice in wording for good-bye to 2014 gave you pause a moment didn't it?  Hehe.  Good eye.  There's a reason for that actually, a very good one too.  Consider it a mini introduction to today's featured title...

Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart

by

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by

Ron Stucki

9781423637660

Gibbs Smith

About the book....

The plucky, mischievous toddler Edgar the Raven is at it again in this spirited story with some important lessons. What will Edgar do when he accidentally breaks a statue sitting on a dresser? Will his sister, Lenore, tattle on him? Will Edgar tell his mother the truth? Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” little lit lovers will delight in this new adventure with characters illustrated in a most “poe-etic” way.

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Quite true; quite true indeed.

This is a child's telling of the classic raven-esque story many have come to know and love.  The fanciful yet simple illustrations give it a flair that only a storybook retelling can, bringing the tale fully into the land of enjoyment for little ones as well as those that can appreciate Poe in its many forms.  Edgar, our feathered little friend, is quite captivating as he tries to hide the accident that's got his heart all a flutter.  Despite the fact that his sister is threatening to out him, he tries nonetheless to no avail.  His mother's arrival would normally spell impending doom, but she's got another lesson up her beak that you might not see coming...all the better for it too.

I must say, the BabyLit series has never led me wrong thus far, and this release in its First Step line is another winner.  Being a reader myself, I certainly appreciate Ms. Adams' efforts to bring the classics to the younger set with a life that mimics their origins yet resonates with the target audience.  The illustrations are never something to balk at either, often times making rather swell wall art.  (Have you seen the BabyLit classics?  Then you understand!)  The combination of the two allows parents to feel secure in adding these titles to their libraries, while assuring older readers that the next generation will get their chance to play with the classics too.

Recommended read for all ages...and species.  (^_^)  Signed review copy courtesy of author Jennifer Adams.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her full body of works, be sure to stop by her official site.  This title was released earlier this year, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

BabyLit: Little Master Dickens: A Christmas Carol!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be whether young in age or just in spirit, we've got something that will satisfy the reader in you.  Speaking of spirits...

One way that I like to celebrate this wintry wonderful season we've just begun is by reading a new-to-be version of that holiday classic, A Christmas Carol by the infamous Charles Dickens.  Along those lines, today we're getting a visit from dear old Jacob Marley!  You know...the one that was "dead to begin with"?  Guess what?  He still is!  Or rather...he still is.  *somber tone* ...but not to worry because we welcome his presence nonetheless as he endeavors to save the wayward soul of none other than...well, you know who.  You do, right?  Oh tell me PLEASE that you do!?!  I could never forgive myself if you didn't!  Well okay, MAYBE I could, but YOU couldn't at the very least.  Anywho, let's clear up this mini-mystery and move forward with today's post, shall we?  Don your gay apparel and greet today's featured title with a jolly "ho, ho"!  Today's book of choice is...

Little Master Dickens:  A Christmas Carol

A Color Primer

by

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by

Alison Oliver

BabyLit Books

978-1-4236-2575-9

Okay.  Let's take a moment to ooh and aah at the cover...oh go on!  You know you want to.  *_waits_*  There.  Feel better?  Good; now try to contain yourself for a moment because once we crack the cover on this one, it's all over...that peace you obtained I mean.  ^_^

YOu may recognize the style of this board book from previous posts...as well you should seeing as how the BabyLit titles despite my lack of an actual baby in the house...fur babies count but you know what I mean) have been in my rotation for a while now...and wouldn't you know it?  They've got another winner on their hands...in my opinion at the very least.  I mean, COME ON!  It's the classic work most of us know but for BABIES...do YOU know a better way to get them acquainted with the work of Dickens any earlier?  Well, okay...reading to them while still unborn helps (THANKS MOM!) but once they arrive, I'd say these are an AWESOME way to go.

This particular edition is a color primer.  What's the mean?  Well, to put it simply, it introduces wee ones to the rainbow of colors in the world while putting a little bookish twist on the whole experience.  How so?  So full of questions!  Me likee!  With every turn of the stiffened page, we move a step forward in the familiar story but in a colorful or color-filled way.  We see someone's blue coat.  We gaze upon a white full moon.  We see green wreaths and purple drinks, and well, you get the picture...and get the picture is EXACTLY the point!  Each scene depicted, each color presented comes with a side of story both visually and of the written word...thereby allowing the learning to commence WHILE the fun continues to be enjoyed by readers well passed the age of "just beginning".

So, if you're looking for a great book to share with your little one, a new way to explore a timeless classic (*raises hand*), or simply are among those that can appreciate whimsical illustrations utilizing colors like they were going out of style (in a GOOD way!)...this is certainly a book to add to your must read list.  If by some small un-miracle, you are among those like the BEFORE Scrooge rather than the AFTER...still give it a try you silly little miser!  Reading enriches the mind...but also stimulates the heart and feeds the soul (< - - just don't tell the miserly ones that part in advance...they'll be okay. ^_^).

Review copy received courtesy of the publisher.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the complete series of BabyLit books, be sure to stop by the series site, the official site, check out their Facebook page, pin them on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time...happy December...and happy reading!

BabyLit: Little Master Stoker, Dracula!

Vhy hello there.

Velcome to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place that really knows how to take a bite out of reading and still save some for the vest of us.

Blah blah blah!

Hehe.

Sorry about that.  Couldn't resist.

Wondering why so corny or Transylvania-ish today?

Good question...to which I have an appropriately timed answer.

It's inspired by today's title selection that's once again celebrating the time of year with some spooky locations and a distinct inclusion of some rather pointy teeth, but for the wee little ones.  Yep.  You read that right.  Grab your not-so-sharp stakes (there are kiddos around) and a head of fresh garlic, it's time to greet today's board book of choice...

Little Master Stoker:  Dracula

A Counting Primer

by

Jennifer Adams

Illustrated by

Allison Oliver

BabyLit

978-1-4236-2280-6

As you might have presumed from the cover, it's a book starring creatures of the night, or rather one of the original night creatures, but for the set that would be WAY WAY WAAAAYYYY past their bedtime if they were roaming about at that hour.  No worries parents, guardians, and caretakers, this one won't keep the kiddos up later as the actual scare content is tempered, allowing the visuals and learning to take center stage.

Curious right?  I mean, how much actual learning can take place within a children's board book that seems to be story oriented?  A LOT actually.  First of course, the actual story included through both picture and word gets the wee ones acquainted (and older ones RE-acquainted) with the classic of yesteryear.  Well now, I suppose that was misspoken because it's just as popular (if not more so) today as it was back in the day, but I digress.  Each turn of the reinforced page reveals another glimpse into the tale as it progresses from innocent meeting to curious end, without the presence of so much as a drop of crimson to be seen.  A truly remarkable feat indeed as the story is still recognizable even as we track our progress mathematically.  Yes, here's where the other half of the learning equation comes in.

You're not simply reading this one for kicks, though you can if you like.  You're reading this one to learn your 1 - 2 - 3's.  Yes siree.  By the time you reach the end, you'll have counted everything from friends to heroes, wolves to boxes (*ahem*) and a few other surprising elements along the way.  Little ones will see not only visual representation of the numbers, but also have fun counting along the lushly illustrated canvas, something this series of kid's classics are well known for (and even have available for purchase as prints and more!  *squee*).

So, if you're looking for a holiday read to share with the WHOLE family including those perhaps still in diapers, seek thee out a copy of this title on a bookstore shelf near you.  Review copy To learn more about the BabyLit series, a trademark of Gibb-Smith, Inc, be sure to check out the series site (and shop!), the official site, the Facebook page, the Pinterest board, or follow along with the Twitter tweets.


Until next time...happy reading!

You're NEVER too young (or old) for a classic....

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….the place to be when your looking for something bookish to do; you know, like read, add to your wish list, CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE IBBA…. ^_^.

A month (or so) ago, I was approached by a publicist that I’ve worked with a few times already that has a certain knack for “the pitch” (Yes Eric, I’m speaking of YOU…^_^).  What is “the pitch”?  It’s that feeler email you receive that tells you just enough about a new title promotion forthcoming that your curiosity gets the better of you and you can’t wait to dive in.  This time though…it wasn’t for a title he was working on, but rather for a friend of his looking for additional sites to promote the two titles on the roster.  It really mattered not, because once again “the pitch” was right on target; I was hooked…and trust me, you will be too when you see what’s on the menu today…

Today, we’re taking a look at a pair of books that reaches out to the readers of tomorrow with all the artistry of today…and yet a goodly dose of the classics.  Confused?  Hopefully not, but if you are, I’m about to reveal all so no worries, you’ll be in the boat in just a moment.  *makes room….shuffles luggage aside*  Alrighty then, here we go.  Today’s books of choice are….

 

Little Miss Bronte:  Jane Eyre:  A Counting Primer

Little Master Carroll:  Alice in Wonderland:  A Colors Primer

both titles by Jennifer Adams

and illustrated by Alison Oliver

Okay, let’s stop right here a moment and just gaze at those too-adorable-to-be-true covers.  *pauses*  Are you gazing?  Good because that’s only the beginning of the artistic beauty you will encounter within.  Now, add to that the educational value for little ones and you definitely have a winner.  The best part about them (besides what I’ve already stated)?  You and your little ones will want to hang on to these long after they’ve mastered their colors and graduated to hexadecimals because that’s when the illustrations can be appreciated even more. 

In Alice, you can recognize the characters from the original story that are being utilized to represent the various colors.  There’s the Cheshire Cat with his maniacal grin, the caterpillar uttering his infamous “Who are you?”    In Jane, you get to “visit” Thornfield Hall, see Mr. Rochester through new eyes, and share in her adoration of books.  You see, these books are sorta like the “magic beds” of the baby lit world (you know, the ones that go from crib to toddler bed to daybed?).  Just when you thought your past the age of acceptance for reading a board book, it draws you right back in again from another angle.  I can imagine a few blogger friends at this moment plotting out just where they can obtain a copy of these the fastest.  (^_^)  They really and truly are works of art. 

In summary, two literary classics get a kiddy makeover with applause worthy results.  No matter your age or “dependent” status, this series is one to watch for and share with readers round the world….I know I will be.  Who knows?  You just might influence future Bronte and Carroll addicts of tomorrow!  ^_^  Review copies courtesy of Eric and Jennifer.  (THANKS guys!)  For more information on this series, be sure to check out the official BabyLit page via Gibbs Smith (publisher), or like them on Facebook 

Did you catch that word “series”?  I thought you might.  These two books are just the latest additions to the series having been released just last month, so be on the lookout for them on a bookstore shelf near you and if you haven’t had your fill, I don’t blame you (really, they are TOO CUTE!), and neither does the author or illustrator.  To help quench that thirst for more cultural baby learning experiences, make sure you don’t miss the first two books in this series….Little Miss Austen:  Pride & Prejudice….and….Little Master Shakespeare:  Romeo & Juliet. 

Until next time…happy reading!