WHAT'S THE BUZZ: Free Bird by Christine Mott, Illustrated by Ofra Layla Isler - REVIEW!

Today's WHAT'S THE BUZZ title is set to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY this TUESDAY via Lantern Publishing & Media, and shares a work of edutainment as we take in a Storybook release that's based on a true story!  It's always fun to learn new things, and this particular format makes that experience open to an even wiser audience.  So, without further adieu, let's take a closer look between the epages of today's featured title...

Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight

by

Christine Mott

Illustrations by

Ofra Layla Isler

Lantern Publishing & Media

Release Date: May 6, 2025

About the book...

Flaco, a brave and determined owl, dreams of breaking free from his cage at the zoo and soaring through the sky. One day, he seizes the opportunity to escape and finally experience the freedom he has always longed for. Follow Flaco as he navigates the bustling streets of New York City, learns to fly, and makes new friends along the way.

Through Flaco’s eyes, children will learn the importance of following their dreams and showing compassion for wild animals. This heartwarming tale is beautifully illustrated and will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages. Join Flaco on his incredible adventure and be inspired to reach for the stars!

This book comes with a bonus educational section in the back for all the curious readers. Discover amazing facts about owls that will make early learning fun and help connect the story to the real world.

50% of author’s book royalties will be donated to the Wild Bird Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and releases them back to the wilds of New York City.

AMAZON

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This is a story about dreaming big and going for those dreams.

It's all well and fine to have a dream, but if you don't chase it, if you don't take a chance to make it come true...then it may as well be a figment of your imagination.  The dreamer here is Flaco the Owl and the dream is to soar the big blue skies.  Sounds like a natural match for a bird, BUT Flaco has been in captivity as far back as he can remember, so he's never had the pleasure.  Oh, but the view from his enclosure keeps him hoping, keeps him DREAMING that one day it might be his reality.  When an unexpected visitor pays him a visit, the opportunity arises for him to make his dreams reality...so, he takes his chance, and never looks back!

It was wonderful to see Flaco reach for the skies!  It speaks to persevering, seizing the moment, and reaching for your dreams.  It reminds us that ANYTHING is possible, if we believe, and take the chances that present themselves.  There may be obstacles along the way, but if we keep trying, and allow ourselves the grace to grow, the sky is truly the limit!  A great story for readers of all ages with a story to tell, and lessons to share that will carry right off the page.

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About the author...

Christine Mott is an attorney and animal advocate with over fifteen years of experience leading legal and policy efforts to protect animals. She advises alternative protein companies, animal sanctuaries, and other animal protection and sustainability-focused organizations. Christine is a former chair of the Animal Law Committee of the NYC Bar Association and has served on the boards of various animal advocacy organizations. Christine received her JD from NYU Law and her BA from Smith College. Christine’s work has been featured in the New York Times and various media. A native New Yorker, Christine currently lives in California with her family.

SITE

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About the illustrator...

Ofra Layla Isler is the founder of Art in Rescue, which honors the work of animal rescue through her hand drawn art. Inspired by the beautiful animals who are given second chances to live a life in peace, she brings her passion for art and animal rights together through Art in Rescue. Ofra has worked with various animal advocacy and conservation organizations. She lives in California with two rescue kitties. Ofra received her M.B.A. from Reichman University and her B.A.Sc. from California State University, Chico. 

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Special thanks to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for the chance to bring this feature to you, as well as the eARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is set to release May 6th, 2025 via Lantern Publishing & Media, so mark your calendar, or preorder your copy today!

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

Storybook Saturday: PATSY CLINE'S WALKIN' AFTER MIDNIGHT by Judith A. Proffer with Julie Dick Fudge, Ilustrated by Yoko Matsuoka - REVIEW!

We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Saturday! 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 (or Saturday, depending on the week)! 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's featured title is a matter of edutainment.  It's part truth, and part imagination, but the sum of its parts creates a wonderful tale to go walking through at any hour of the day.  😉  Brought to my attention by the team at Book Publicity Services, I'm donning my boots, and grabbing a hat (not a cowgirl style because I simply don't own one!), as we prepare to step between the pages of today's featured title...

Patsy Cline's Walkin' After Midnight

by

Judith A. Proffer with Julie Dick Fudge

Illustrated by

Yoko Matsuoka

978869355591

Meteor 17 Books

About the book...

Patsy has a big voice and a big heart - and she longs to share both with the world.

Whether she's fizzing sodas in a soda shop or piddling in the garden, Patsy daydreams of one day singing onstage at Carnegie Hall and The Grand Ole Opry. She muses about performing in Las Vegas - as the first female singer to headline her own show. She also dreams of hearing herself sing on the radio and even daydreams of having her own museum.

Patsy's sleep dreams are also filled with adventure and blazing color.

But Patsy's favorite dreams of all are her walking after midnight dreams - she calls it dream walking. She knows she's sleeping and yet it all seems so very, very real. It's when life and loss entwine and comfort. It's where imagination and possibilities come together with surprising encounters.

🎵   🌙   🤠   🎵   🤠   🌙   🎵

Filled with darling illustrations that not only bring Patsy's world to life, but invite readers to embark on their own "walks after midnight" (dreams), this is both a story and a piece of country music edutainment.  It shares the story of a little girl with BIG dreams that would carry her all the way to the big stages she so desperately wanted to perform on, and leave a legacy that is still celebrated to this day.  It reminds us that inspiration can come from anywhere, and dreams are the perfect place to explore all the possibilities that exist.  I admit, I wasn't expecting the tinge of sadness that hit my heart when we learned of Patsy's own dream walks after midnight, but the joy those moments brought her, the places she and Pepe saw, the dreams they shared, all went into making memories that she could pull out at a moment's notice when she needed a pick me up during the day.  Who knew that dream walking after midnight, and a whole lot of patience, would one day lead to the creation of a star the likes of which the music world would never forget?

The marriage of story and art creates an impeccable experience visually, and a memorable tale to read and share.  I've got to say, there are times when a story calls to me in a specific way, and this one practically begged to be read aloud with a Southern twang...and yes, I obliged.  It just added that little something extra that captured not only the imagination, but the heart as well.  A great pick for little dreamers as well as those looking to pick up the dreams they may have scattered along the way, I can see many generations taking that walk with Patsy, and walking away with a lighter heart.

🎵   🌙   🤠   🎵   🤠   🌙   🎵

Special thanks to Book Publicity Services for the chance to bring this title to you as well as the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the authors, illustrators, or 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!

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... THE VERY PATIENT GUS DAVIS by Laurie Trumble Davis, Illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden - REVIEW!

Tuesdays bring the GOOD STUFF as far as readers are concerned, and today is no different because we're celebrating a BOOK BIRTHDAY! 

Our featured title will get tongues and tails wagging as it makes its debut. It features an adorable little pupper you may recognize from his first adventure (THE UNSINKABLE GUS DAVIS) that's on his best behavior as he demonstrates just how very patient he can be! Ready to get between the pages? Then sit, stay, and let's get to it as we welcome today's book of choice...

THE VERY PATIENT GUS DAVIS 

by

Laurie Trumble

Illustrated by 

Marjorie van Heerden 

Greenleaf Book Group

Oh my goodness! Gus is just the sweetest, cutest, most precious little pupper boy that ever was! Oh, wait...I failed to mention the whole point of this story... his renowned patience (*cough cough - giggle # snort *) 😉.  

Okay, so maybe Gus isn't as patient as he would have you believe, or maybe it's just him learning his limits, but he means well! He tries to wait his little heart out, and when that fails, and he inevitably gets into a wee bit of trouble (umm, yeah...the bag of cookies he's been asked to wait for might not exactly survive...), his bestie human friend works with him to find other ways to reach his good boy goals. One word...DISTRACTION. 😁 

 Think about it? What's the best way to wait for something you have no other option but to wait for? Find another place to put your attention. It's a great lesson for little ones to meet face to face early on, and a clever reminder for those a bit more advanced in years, while at the same time, it provides us with a charming little fella to make friends with. A great story with a valuable lesson and wonderful illustrations that will appeal to readers of all ages, and a undeniably fabulous addition to any school or family library. 

🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 

About the author...

When Laurie Trumble Davis won a pumpkin in her third-grade Halloween writing competition she fell in love with storytelling. Over the years Laurie has kept a journal of ideas that have inspired her to write. Her favorite subject is Gus a French bulldog who was an endless source of entertainment.

A lifelong lover of books, fun, and adventure, she is passionate about stories that help children develop confidence and creative problem-solving skills. She believes strongly in the importance of the human-and-animal-bond and hopes that through her books she can bring laughter and life lessons to children and joy to the parents who read along with them.

Connect with Laurie on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Goodreads, and her site www.LaurieTrumbleDavis.com.

🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 

Special thanks to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for the chance to bring this title to you, and for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, the publisher, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now so snag your copy today!

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

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today, we're diving head first into the first book of a Young Adult series that promises adventure, mystery, and high-flying fun!  Did I also mention it stars a headstrong and intelligent leading lady that more than earns her wings for her skill, quick thinking, and puzzling abilities?  Oh, well...my bad...consider it mentioned.  Ready or not, fair readers, today's book of choice is standing by on the runway and ready to take flight...

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold

Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency, Book 1

by

Iain Reading

9781502300874

Createspace Independent Publishing

About the book...

This first book of the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series introduces Kitty Hawk, an intrepid teenage pilot with her own De Havilland Beaver seaplane and a nose for mystery and intrigue. A cross between Amelia Earhart, Nancy Drew and Pippi Longstocking, Kitty is a quirky young heroine with boundless curiosity and a knack for getting herself into all kinds of precarious situations.

After leaving her home in the western Canadian fishing village of Tofino to spend the summer in Alaska studying humpback whales Kitty finds herself caught up in an unforgettable adventure involving stolen gold, devious criminals, ghostly shipwrecks, and bone-chilling curses. Kitty's adventure begins with the lingering mystery of a sunken ship called the Clara Nevada and as the plot continues to unfold this spirited story will have armchair explorers and amateur detectives alike anxiously following every twist and turn as they are swept along through the history of the Klondike Gold Rush to a suspenseful final climactic chase across the rugged terrain of Canada's Yukon, the harsh land made famous in the stories and poems of such writers as Jack London, Robert Service and Pierre Berton. It is a riveting tale that brings to glorious life the landscape and history of Alaska's inside passage and Canada's Yukon, as Kitty is caught up in an epic mystery set against the backdrop of the scenery of the Klondike Gold Rush.

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This is a series that lives up to its promises.

How so? Well then, let's look...shall we?

Adventure...

We start out on a nature expedition to record migration routes and habits of humpback whales in and around Alaska.  Good so far?  Okay, so then we end up trapped with Kitty as we're kidnapped by potential thugs on a treasure quest.   Still with me?  Then, we have what seems to be a case of Stockholm syndrome to the extreme and things get all topsy turvy as we risk life and limb to escape the threat to our very lives.  So, adventure...CHECK!

Mystery...

Well let's see...kidnapping, treasure quests, deception and lies all around, and a CURSE.  Yep, I'd say there is PLENTY of mystery surrounding this story, but with Kitty Hawk on the case, it stands of chance of actually being solved!

Great leading lady...

One name...Kitty Hawk!  She's got smarts, spunk, witt, talent, curiosity, and a knack for both getting in trouble as well as out of it.  Though worried tremendously for her safety once in the clutches of the kidnappers, I never once doubted she'd figure something out.  Now, I was COMPLETELY surprised when things were turned on their ear, making you rethink the impressions you cemented about certain people, things, and situations.  She's a braver and more forgiving soul than I because frankly, you kidnap me...you're toast.  No second chances for you buddy.  

In the end, we're treated to a story filled with high flying adventure, a bit of history (loved the gold rush tie-ins as well as the Jack London inclusion!),  a dash of geography (maps and all!), and a whole lotta fun.  Its appeal is wide ranging, both in age and sex, with its multi-layered plot, and the subject matters covered working together to keep it from being pigeon holed in any way.  Recommended for adventure seekers in their teens and beyond.

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About author Iain Reading...

He likes root beer...

...that is my own summary of his fascination with the drink...

...and now, back to the actual biography....

There are a million amazing things to see out there and as many more ways for all of us to see them, as our heroine and friend Kitty Hawk finds out in the course of her adventures.

Whatever you want to call it, "holidays" or "vacations" (I prefer to call them "adventures" and thus lift them out from the realm of the mundane because I believe that it's always an adventure any time one of us dares to go out and see just a little bit more of this world we inhabit), I always like to try and live life with what I call a "Hemingway Complex". I even once wrote a travel book using this as a title.

And what exactly is a "Hemingway Complex", you ask?

Well, some people might describe Ernest Hemingway as being "larger than life". But to say that is not entirely accurate. He was merely larger than other people's lives. He was certainly larger than my life, for example, but he fit quite comfortably into his own. My life isn't extraordinary like that of the great Ernest Hemingway. I've never run with the bulls or told people that I fought in wars or hunted German U-Boats in the Caribbean while drinking cocktails on a yacht. But to me living life with a Hemingway Complex means living in pursuit of the impossible. And it's the only way that I ever seem to do anything interesting.

Connect online...

www.secretworldonline.com 

 www.kittyhawkworld.com

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Special thanks to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now in ebook and tree book, so stop by your favorite retailer to grab your copy today!  If this title sounded like a perfect fit for your fancy, remember...there are FOUR MORE titles to the series!  Always good news for avid readers...

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

The Dragon of the Month Club by Iain Reading

Hi there!

Welcome to another exciting week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're being granted membership to a very exclusive club.  You can only belong if you've been a library patron, currently are one, or have possibly sought refuge in their hallowed stacks from the bullies that inhabit your reality.  (*glares at bullies*)  It's not a club that you find or found, but rather one that finds you.  What's that?  You have your doubts about all that I've said....can't say that I blame you exactly but allow me the chance to change your mind.  Ladies and gents, hold on to your backpacks, bring your imagination, and prepare to explore a few bookish worlds in a whole new way.  Today's book of choice is...

The Dragon of the Month Club

Dragon of the Month Club series, Book 1

by

Iain Reading

9781505633665

About the book...

The Dragon Of The Month Club is the exciting first installment in a new book series that tells the story of Ayana Fall and Tyler Travers, two best friends who stumble across an extraordinarily magical book and soon find themselves enrolled as members of a very special and exclusive club - The Dragon of the Month Club. 

On the thirteenth of every month a new dragon conjuring spell is revealed and the two friends attempt to summon the latest Dragon of the Month. The varieties are almost endless: Air Dragons, Paper Dragons, Fog Dragons, Waterfall Dragons, Rock Dragons, Tree Dragons - not to mention special bonus dragons for all the major holidays, including a particularly prickly Holly Dragon for Christmas. 

But one day when a conjuring spell somehow goes wrong Ayana and Tyler find themselves unexpectedly drawn into a fantastical world of adventure based on the various books scattered all across Tyler's messy bedroom. Travelling from one book-inspired world to the next with nothing to rely on but their wits and a cast of strange and exotic dragons at their disposal they must try to somehow find their way home again. 

Drawing inspiration from some of literature's most memorable stories - from 19th century German folktales to the streets of Sherlock Holmes's London - the adventures of Ayana and Tyler bring these classic stories to life in delightfully strange and unexpected ways. Filled with fascinating detail and non-stop action these books will spark the imaginations of readers of all ages to inspire a life-long love of reading and seeking out books that are just a little bit off the beaten track.

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This is the story of Ayana and Tyler, two everyday kids that are about to embark on one extraordinary adventure.

It reminded me of The Neverending Story with the how-to-conquer-your-dragon book being found by accident as they were hiding from bullies in the book stacks.  (Atreyu anyone?)  Start aside though, that's where the similarities end.  The two stars of our show get to work on creating their first little dragon with skeptical hearts but by night's end, they are beyond amazed and anxious to try again.  Could you blame them?  The little Water Dragon they create is adorable, except when he makes a HUGE mess by dowsing everything in site...then again they are warned to have towels at the ready, not just one.  Anywho, the magic begins with the friendship and the spell, continues with their inauguration into the club, and builds as their skills grow...until one day, something goes awry.  The consequences of their spell gone wrong are beyond what any warning could have advised nor their imaginations conjured, and it lands them somewhere beyond belief.  To escape, they must work together utilizing all their skills and book knowledge to reach the one with all the answers.  Question is when they get there, will they TRULY have those answers and if so, will they be willing to share?  Only time will tell...too bad they don't have much of it to spare.

There is magic, dragon conjuring, secret clubs, and books-come-to-life to explore, but the coolest part to me isn't about all of the fantasy aspects.  It's the dose of reality that still shines through from its pages and warms my heart that really makes it stand out.  It all started with Ayana and Tyler's first meeting in the library as she was escaping that group of mean girls. Their connection was instantaneous as was the knowledge that they'd be lifelong friends.  Tyler's desire to do anything to make her smile and relieve her worries grows and their friendship deepens.  By the time we get to the Wishing Tree, we find we aren't surprised by his selflessness but smiling from ear to ear at the true-ness of his heart...or at least I was.  ^-^  Now I know I've been going on about Tyler, but what of Ayana?  Well now, it's not that she's not emotive but she IS much more of a locked box thanks to the life fate has dealt her.  She's not bad off but in the family department, it's been no walk on the beach, so to read her heart it takes a bit longer.  When it does open though, you can see the gentleness of spirit (despite her amazing accuracy and aggression when throwing fruit at sharks), the desire to believe good in all things (perfect example, the Wolf...no further comment), and the loyalty to those she holds dear all residing in perfect harmony.  She's a tough cookie but with the melty center.  

In conclusion, a curious adventure through the pages in more ways than one.  It will leave you with a new respect for the written word, a strong desire to collect your own magical dragons (some are just so cute!), and a reminder to be careful who we let into our lives but to be sure to let SOMEONE in.  Recommended read for the targeted Young Adult audience and beyond; despite the cuteness in cover design, some parts are a bit too scary for the younger crowd...especially that dude with the the giant scissors!  *-*

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About the Author:

Iain Reading is passionate about Root Beer, music, and writing. He is Canadian, but currently resides in the Netherlands working for the United Nations. 

Iain writes young adult novels. He is the author of the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series, The Wizards of Waterfire Series, and The Dragon of the Month Club. 

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER   |   GOODREADS

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Special thanks to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!