STORYBOOK SUNDAY: The Berenstain Bears: Bless Our Pets by Mike Berenstain

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Sunday! For those not up to speed on the post, I read a lot of great storybooks and thought, why not give them their own day in the sun. Hence, Storybook Sunday! Feel free to join the fun and create a post on your own site with the same name. I'd love to see any linked up in the comments! Anywho...back to the matter at hand.

Today, we're exploring between the pages of the latest Berenstain Bears release via Zonderkidz.  It's a story that shines a light on a religious celebration began many many moons ago that many recreate each year to bring the blessings of Him to His creations and our best friends.  Without further ado, let's welcome today's book of choice...

The Berenstain Bears:  Bless Our Pets

by

Mike Berenstain

9780310748823

Zonderkidz

Though annually celebrated in October as we follow in the footsteps of the tradition St. Francis of Assisi established, many churches hold a short service in the same vein around Easter.  For those who've never attended or perhaps are of a faith that does not observe this particular celebration, it's a time when members of the congregation can bring their pets to a special service where a blessing will be imparted by the priest, asking that God extend His love to our beloved animal friends, and protect them in the coming year. It's a beautiful service that will set little ones eyes and hearts alight with all the fur (and non fur) babies in attendance, while reminding us how blessed we are to have them enrich our lives on the daily.

In classic Berenstain Bear tradition, the Bear family cubs not only learn what the even entails, but get the chance to experience it on their own, along with Little Lady, Gracie, Swish, and Cutesy.  The illustrations bring the story to life showcasing the wide variety of His creations that we make a part of our lives for the sheer pleasure of their company as well as a means of living.  Preacher Brown does a wonderful job of sharing the message of goodwill wished to all...and of peace when things get anything but peaceful.  Let's just say, sometimes cats and dogs don't seem to mix, but in the end, the love of the day wins out imparting the blessings sought by all.

Hamilton gave it two paws up!

Recommended read for you and yours this season or any other...and don't forget to let your fur kids in on it too!

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Special thanks to Liane at HarperCollins for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Zonderkidz, an imprint of HarperCollins, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

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

Do you see what I see?: The 6 Picture Books of Christmas!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Can you believe there are only THREE more sleeps until Christmas?  I surely can't, but seeing as I can't argue with my calendar, I suppose it truly is.  Our weather has finally caught up with the time of year (it's cold...well, Florida cold anyway...yay!), so it's a bit easier to get into the holiday spirit of things and with that, comes a wintery reading list perfect for the whole family. 

It's time for the SIX PICTURE BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS!  What's that?  Why not TWELVE?  Well, umm...first of all, there's not many days left before the holiday and I want you to enjoy the books, not blow through them like a winter storm.  Second, that's the number I ran across this year review wise, so...that's the number I'm presenting.  ^-^  Grab your elf shoes and throw on your Santa hats, it's time to dive into some holiday fun that will dazzle the eye and the heart. 

The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel

by

Mike Berenstain

9780310749240

Zonderkidz

A charming story that brings the Berenstain family back for a joyous holiday.  Here, we find the siblings three about to make a snowman...but silk top hats, and carrot noses are old school; they want something different, but only just.  Their little sister Honey provides the inspiration for what becomes an informal lesson on those heralds from above and the important roles they played in announcing the arrival of a certain someone so long ago.  With an invitation to seek out other stories within the Bible for additional angelic reading, this is one cub friendly read that will keep the conversation rolling right through the holidays.

The Twelve Days of Christmas:  A Peek-Through Picture Book

Illustrated by

Britta Teckentrup

9789781101940877

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

This one takes the classic carol of old and turns it into a kid-friendly, eye-catching peek-through read for the whole family.  With every turn of the page, we're greeted by this adorable elf lad and lass, as more and more items are added to the visual list of what their "true love gave" to them.  The cut outs allow the treasures to grow and grow until the grand finale converges in a colorful display of the who shebang!

The Lost Gift:  A Christmas Story

by

Kallie George

Illustrated by

Stephanie Graegin

9780553524819

Schwartz & Wade Books

This has got to be one of my FAVORITE picture book titles this holiday season.  Filled with heart and humor, it has appeal for the whole family.  It reminds us that doing good for the sake of good is always to be strived for...and anything we reap from what we sow is just icing on the cake (as these forest friends will tell you).  My favorite character was Rabbit because no matter what, he knew that that gift needed to get to its destination.  His faith in what Santa would have wanted them to do never faltered, even when some of his friends were less than interested in helping.  Join this merry band of forest friends as they follow in the snowy prints of the big man in red to deliver a gift in more ways than one.

The Great Spruce

by

John Duvall

Illustrated by

Rebecca Gibbon

9780399160844

G.P. Putnam's Sons

This is the story of a great big beautiful spruce tree admired by a small town that was destined to hold center stage in NYC.  But wait...you've heard this one before?  Not quite.  This one speaks to the fact that a tree that has lived such a long life need not be cut down to be a dazzling wonder of holiday delight for all, merely temporarily relocated so as to have life go on after the lights have glowed their last flickers of the season.  Something to think about...and a wonderful story with equally beautiful illustrations to keep you company while you ponder.

Little Babymouse and the Christmas Cupcakes

by

Jennifer L. Holm

Illustrated by

Matthew Holm

9781101937433

Random House Books for Young Readers

While geared more towards fans of the uber popular series (as it switches from Picture Book to kiddo Graphic Novel for a spell), Little Babymouse certainly casts her own spell on the holiday season and has the tummy full of treats to prove it!  Her desire to make sure Santa has something to snack on during his stopover, combined with her want to keep everyone safe from the dragons lurking about, create a bit of Christmas chaos that can be enjoyed by all ages.

The Biggest Smallest Christmas Present

by

Harriet Muncaster

9780399164323

G.P. Putnam's Sons

This is the story of precious little Clementine, and family, trying to get the message through to jolly old Saint Nicholas that his gifts are wonderful but a dozen or more sizes too big!  Imagine playing with a paint set the size of a house, or walking a puppy the size of a truck?  Kinda hard...and yet, by book's end, our little leading lady realizes that while she's grateful Santa got it right in the end, perhaps he also did all along because along with the big gifts came big fun!  With delightful full-color illustrations on every two page spread, this is one small story that will make a big impact in your holiday reading this year.

Special thanks to the marketing teams at Zonderkidz, Random House Children's Books, and Penguin Young Readers Group for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the titles mentioned, the authors, illustrators, publishers, or to pick up a copy to call your own this holiday season, feel free to click through the links provided above. These titles are now available wherever books are sold, so go out and grab some bookish holiday fun!

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



Tis the Season: The Berenstain Bears' Holiday Cookbook

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

I'm currently on staycation from work (woo-hoo!) and spending a little quality time with the family as well as my TBR Mountain.  Though many of you are preparing for Halloween parties and trick-or-treat fun tomorrow night (we'll be handing out treats in our neighborhood), there's still one question on EVERYONE'S mind that must be answered...what's for dinner?  Yay...I'm glad you asked.  ^-^  

The Berenstain Bears' Holiday Cookbook:

Cub-Friendly Cooking with an Adult

by

Mike Berenstain

9780310753995

Zonderkidz

Today's featured title will help you out in that category this holiday season and throughout the year with tasty delectables for the entire family.  What's even better?  They're quick and easy to make solo, but should the wee ones want to help out, there's always a way to participate.  Shall we take a look inside?  Let's because seriously, I made four different recipes and the fam was astounded by their deliciousness!  First up, an all American favorite...

... Celebration Sloppy Joe's!

Step one, gather the ingredients and cooking utensils I'd need.

Step two...follow said instructions on dicing the vegetables and saute them to slightly crispy perfection.  Step three...brown the ground beef with the aforementioned veges, stir in the sauce created on the side and....

...TADA!

Delicious, nutritious, tastiness to curb the BEARY hungry at your dinner table.  I'm not even a HUGE Sloppy Joe fan but this pretty much ROCKED!  After the success I had with this one, I simply HAD to try another.  My next venture...

...a Christmas Pasta Bake!

It's festive in color and with fairly simple instructions, I tackled this baby on a work night for a little something different for dinner.

Step one...gather your ingredients...and make sure you have ALL your ingredients because yeah, I goofed and had to improvise on the cheese...wasn't nearly enough, so I took creative liberty to use some provolone as well as the mozzarella.  How'd it work out?  I'll let you me the judge...

Nice right?

Let me tell you...

...the taste was EVEN BETTER!

The recipe proved to be a family favorite.  Quick enough to make at the end of a long work day but warm and filling to satisfy the whole family.  It's like a traditional pasta bake but with the added vege twist.  So good!  Anywho, after finishing this masterpiece, I couldn't contain myself.  I simply had to try something else!  You don't understand though....I'm not one to cook from books very often, but the ease and simplicity of the recipes as well as the decidedly tasty ingredients being used had me hooked.  For my final venture (at the time), I went with a two-fer...

...Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob and Accordion Potatoes!

They both sounded like delicious accompaniments to the leftover Sloppy Joe's from my first venture into this book, and boy was I right!

Both recipes called for very little prep work but while I was familiar with roasting potatoes in the oven, I'd never actually cooked corn on the cob from fresh to table.  Shocker, right?  ^-^  Little did I know I was about to discover a new favorite way to eat corn...as well as potatoes for the matter!

See?  Appetizing right?  Are you drooling right now?  No worries...no one can see, but it does speak to your ability to spot good tastes because this was one fabulous meal made in very little time and with less than a handful of ingredients.  

The recipes featured here...are just the beginning!  There is something to tantalize your taste buds pretty much every holiday season of the year...and then some.  So whether you choose to check out a copy of this book for yourself or gift it to a loved one this season, the point is that you DO get your paws, I mean hands, on this yummy read featuring our BEARY favorite family, the Berenstain Bears.

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Review copy received courtesy of Liane at Zonderkidz.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the character series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it wherever books are sold.

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

CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK: Mother's Day Special

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Well, we've reached the end...of CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK that is, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end with this final post.  NO siree!  You can celebrate the joys of reading and Children's Literature any day of the week...in fact, I highly recommend it!  If you have yet to enter, be sure to stop over to my other post where you can get your name in to win a NINE BOOK PRIZE PACK starring the works of none other than author Ursula Vernon!  Now, let's send this celebration out on a high note...

Today is the end of the week long celebration BUT it is also a very special day for a very special person in our lives.  That's right, it's MOTHER'S DAY!  Best wishes for a happy one to you and yours.  Hopefully you've something special planned to celebrate, even if it's simply taking a moment to chat, or say "I love you".  Whatever you do, make it from the heart.  Now, the book world has been said to have something for everyone, and every occasion, and the same is true for today.  In the spotlight, I've TWO titles that are a perfect read for you and your little one (regardless of the actual age of your "little one") that remind us how special our Mom's truly are.  First up...

Ella and the Mother's Day Surprise

Ella the Elephant series

by

J.D. Smith

9781101994986

Grosset & Dunlap

Ella the Elephant was certainly a new adventure for me.  This being my first exposure to her character/series, I wasn't sure what to expect.  For me, she was a cross between Madeleine, and Paddington Bear.  She's bright, fun, big-hearted, and generous.  She and her best friend Frankie want nothing more than to surprise their mom's with a Mother's Day event that will bring their pasts front and center, but Mother NATURE has something else up her sleeve.  Will a bit of rain put a damper on their plans or will a little luck, determination, and a bit of magic courtesy of one adorable red hat, save the day?  I'd bet on the latter if I were you...

I can easily see how wee ones would love this TV series and adore the fact that the books are carrying the fun from the screen to the page rather fluidly.  It makes it THAT much easier to capture a child's attention with READING if you can connect them with a book that reaches out to them and what better way than through a face they know!  Ella's sweet demeanor and can do attitude will bring a smile to anyone's face...including the mom she seeks to bring happiness to on this special day.

Now...on to book two....

The Berenstain Bears:

Mother's Day Blessings

by

Mike Berenstain

9780310748694

Zonderkidz

Just like there is a book for every reader, there is a Berenstain Bears title for every occasion.  This time around, we're joining Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear as they seek to find the PERFECT gift for Mama Bear this Mother's Day.  With a little suggestion from Papa Bear, it's all set...after church, they will go out for brunch WITH Grizzly Gran too!  A double Mother's Day celebration...hurrah! It all seems so simple and straight forward, and then the lesson shows up to remind us how lucky we really are. 

I've always held these characters near to my heart as I grew up on some of their adventures, but this one was truly unique.  It doesn't simply celebrate dear sweet Mom but ALL types of Mom's in all their glory.  It reminds us that although they are tasked with one of the biggest jobs on earth, they still manage other "hats" as well such as doctors, police, farmers, and more!  It's humbling to shine a spotlight on all they truly due for us and a great way to gain a new appreciation for the WONDER WOMAN in each of our lives.

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Special thanks to the teams at Zonderkidz and Penguin Young Readers for the review copies of today's featured titles.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the books reviewed today, the authors, or the publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above.  These titles are available now, so be on the lookout for them on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!



HAPPY EASTER from SFIR and Zonderkidz!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today (for those who celebrate it) is Easter Sunday (happy Easter!). On this day, we celebrate the risen Jesus and the eternal life his defeat over death symbolizes to Christians round the world.  The non-secular aspect of the day consists of baskets left by the Bunny, egg hunts, and feasting.  Those of faith usually reflect on this "finale" to the Christmas story, attend religious services, and join with friends and family for a celebratory evening meal.  Some similarities, some differences, but whichever group you may fall in, today's featured titles are a matched set for a family reading session.  So, gather your loved ones around from the tall to the small, and let's get to today's featured title times three!  First up...

The Berenstain Bears' Easter Sunday

by

Mike Berenstain

9780310749028

Easter Sunday with the Bear Family is everything you dreamed it would be.  Mama, Papa, Brother, and Sister are all dressed in their Sunday best to join the congregation for prayer and fellowship at the Chapel in the Woods.  We learn why bright colors are favored for the festivities (and it's not because it's Spring!), remember the Jesus' life, death, and rising, and just what part eggs play in the whole Easter celebration.  It's a great walk through the day for little ones through adults with companions we've come to trust through the years.

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The Princess Parables:  An Easter Story

by

Jeanna Young and Jacqueline Kinney Johnson

Illustrated by

Omar Aranda

9780310748700

In this enchanting tale, we've five princesses making new friends and learning life lessons all whilst preparing for the annual Easter celebration.  Challenges arise both fun and daunting and the girls must trust themselves and each other to do the right thing in order to see it through.  In doing so, they prove that class is not what makes a princess a princess, but the size and charity of her heart.  They willingly put aside a win in order to help another....and isn't that a lesson that He sought to teach us Himself?  A wonderful read for your little princess with bright, cheerful images to dazzle the eye.

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The Legend of the Easter Robin

by

Dandi Daley Mackall

Illustrated by

Richard Cowdrey

9780310749646

This was a story that I truly had never heard and yet it's beauty touched my heart.  Within these pages, a doting grandmother shares the tale of a small robin that sought to help Jesus as he struggled with His (or perhaps better put OUR) burden through the streets of Jerusalem and whose efforts were resulted in the robin's red breast.  I feel I must warn you though, the story is not without heartache and the illustrations are very moving (think Passion of the Christ) so the youngest of young readers may need to opt out until they can understand all that transpired a bit more.  In the end though, we are left with a formidable tale that reminds us how much was sacrificed in our names and His love that endures to the very end of time.

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Special thanks to Liane and the whole Zonderkidz team for the chance to bring these titles to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on these featured titles, the authors, illustrators, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

Until next time...happy reading!