STORYBOOK SUNDAY: Leaders edition...

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 featuring TWO storybooks...one takes place in the animal kingdom, and the other in publishing.  BOTH are coming soon to a bookstore shelf near you, and I think both will garner your interest, and space on your bookshelf, for their own reasons.  Shall we explore?  Let's!

The King Penguin

Written and Illustrated by

Vanessa Roeder

9780593324417

Dial Books

Release Date:  09/26/23

This was a delightfully funny, yet informative story with a lesson to boot! We learn that there are a few types of penguins 🐧 with particular penchants based on their history.  We learn that ruling is a big job, but somebody has to do it...or do they? Perhaps it's not a solo endeavor after all. Perhaps it's not a role dictated by a person's, or rather a penguin's name. Perhaps it's something that is better with the input of others than a singular voice. Perhaps it's a lesson that our king penguin learns the hard way, after several times of almost being eaten! 😨 Not to worry, my friends, he lives to see another reign, but it might not be his own!

With fun/ funny illustrations to guide you along your way, and a tale to share that has merit for both young and the young at heart, this is one story that won't leave you out in the cold!

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Good Books for Bad Children: 

The Genius of Ursula Nordstrom

by

Beth Kephart

Illustrated by

Chloe Bristol

9780593379578

Anne Schwartz Books

Release Date:  09/19/23

This was a Storybook journey through the life and times of a remarkable name in publishing. I admit, prior to reading this, I didn't know who she was. When the info sheet came through about it, I was struck by the title, but then I stayed for her story.  Ursula Nordstrom was a talented soul who never lost her childlike spirit. She always remembered what wonder the world held for her growing up, and practiced honing and sharing that vision throughout her career.  The author's lives she touched, the stories she helped mold, and the legacy she built not only cemented her name in the book world, but the names of all the stories she helped come to be. 

A great edutainment piece for readers of all ages with memorable illustrations that walk us through a remarkable woman's life, while reminding us that we're never too old for a good story book. 

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Special thanks to the publishers listed above for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on these titles, the authors, illustrators, or publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above.  Both are on sale soon, so mark your calendar or pre order your copies today!

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

PYR BLOG TOUR: The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley!

Hi guys! 

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we celebrate the recent arrival of a SPECTACULAR addition to the Middle Grade Fiction arena and a WONDERFUL follow-up to all the adventure, magic, and heart found in Circus Mirandus.  That's right! It's time to heed the call of pipes and drums, and gather under the big top once more for a show unlike anything on earth. Make room on your shelf for BOTH of these beauties as we explore between the pages of...

The Bootlace Magician

Circus Mirandus, Book 2

by

Cassie Beasley

9780525552635

Dial Books

About the book...

Micah Tuttle--magician in training--lives and works at Circus Mirandus alongside his guardian, the ancient and powerful Lightbender.

The circus is a place filled with dazzling fire shows, stubborn unicorns, and magicians from every corner of the world. And Micah is doing everything he can to prove he belongs there. When a dangerous enemy from the past threatens his new home, Micah will have to untangle the mystery of his own potent magic, and he'll have to do it fast. With trouble this deadly on its way, every magician will have to be ready to fight. Even the youngest.

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Oh honestly guys, this book was so special! I enjoyed visiting Circus Mirandus once again oh so much, seeing old friends and making new ones throughout our journey, despite the inherent dangers that lie within.  It was marvelous to see just how much Micah has changed in the little time he's been with this merry band of wonder makers, and though he still struggles with his particular brand of magic, he pursues everything with such heart, you can't help  how much you believe that he will find what he so desperately desires. 

We see a new side to beloved characters like the Lightbender (so he's human after all), and uncover the evil that lies in indifference (here's looking at you Starling). We learn that sometimes the most  seemingly insignificant powers can pack the biggest punch. We discover that Ideas like Fish have a proper Moment when they meet their Someone, but the path they take to meet that destiny can me wide, varied, and improbable...but not impossible if only someone has enough heart. We cherish the moments revealed in memories while creating new ones with this cast of performers that may not change your life, but they will impact your heart. 

Ladies and gents, girls and boys of all ages, if you are looking for your next grand adventure through the world of Middle Grade Fiction, this one is SO for you! 

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About the author...

Cassie Beasley is from rural Georgia, where, when she’s not writing, she helps out on the family pecan farm. She earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Circus Mirandus is her first novel. Follow her on Twitter @beasleywrites.

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Special thanks to Friya at Penguin Random House for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title and its remarkable predecessor are available now via Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour as we celebrate this magical series!

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

PYR BLOG TOUR: Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley - Listicle Spectacular!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to a stop along the Penguin Young Readers tour getting YOU ready for an upcoming release you don't want to miss.  It's author Cassie Beasley's follow up to the splendiferous Circus Mirandous and if you haven't read it, you truly don't know what you are missing.  Here's a quick peek behind the circus tent to get you better acquainted...

Circus Mirandous

by

Cassie Beasley

9780525428435

Dial Books

About the book...

Do you believe in magic?

Micah Tuttle does.

Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.

The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn’t want to keep his promise. And now it’s up to Micah to get the miracle he came for.

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This was such an AMAZING read.

Honestly, I didn't know what I was missing.

I remember seeing this when it first came out, it even made the school reading lists in my area, and while the title gave me pause, and the cover caught my eye, I never picked it up.  Bad reader, BAD!  Unbeknownst to me, there was a magical world inside with stories to be shared, adventures to be had, awful truths to be revealed, tears to be shed, and hearts to be mended.  I almost broke down several times when Grandpa Ephraim and Micah were together.  Each conversation, each revelation, I could feel what was coming, sense the pulling away, and the inevitable approaching, and yet, much like Micah, I HOPED, I crossed my fingers, I BELIEVED.  The tragic histories we end up privy to are beyond measure, but it also teaches valuable lessons of humility, appreciation, the blessings of giving back, and the power of belief.

It's a wonderful read for the Middle Grade set and beyond, filled to the brim with promise, hope, mystery, and an underlying vein of love that will never die.

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About the author...

Cassie Beasley is from rural Georgia, where, when she’s not writing, she helps out on the family pecan farm. She earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Circus Mirandus is her first novel. Follow her on Twitter @beasleywrites.

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TOP 5

Acts to See at Circus Mirandus

1.  The Man Who Bends Light aka The Lightbender

Top of our list is the "big" man himself.  Whatever name he goes by, he is a master of his craft and while all that acclaim could go to someone's head, rest assured this one has his heart in the right place.  It may not always seem like it, especially when a particular ailing grandfather's miracle comes into play, but trust me when I say, all will be revealed.  He performs his magic for all the children that are called to this miraculous circus to entertain, enchant, and help preserve the belief in all the things that could be that reside just this side of impossible.

2.  Big Jean

It may sound like a rather large person that would be viewed as a spectacle, but this Big Jean is actually a SUPER INTELLIGENT elephant!  I know, right?!  Seriously, she can complete professor level math problems, sing songs, school you on Peru, and her latest skill gathered, knot tying.  Now, I wonder where she picked THAT one up?  Beyond the smarts packed in this pachyderm, she's got the biggest heart (no pun intended), and knows just when a well timed bath can whisk worries away, or at least take a worried mind off things.  

3.  Rosebud

This lively and colorful Circus Mirandus member creates poultices and potions for various purposes.  Try saying THAT five times fast!  She may look out of place among circus performers, but don't be fooled by her little gypsy style cart; her skills are just as magical.  If you happen upon her on your next visit, you might ask her about her special made teas.  I've heard they really put a spring in your step!  Just ask the Tuttles...

4.  Mr. Head's Menegerie

Though lower on my list, it's certainly not any less magical.  I mean, true...this is where Big Jean calls home within the circus, but there are SO MANY OTHER magical creatures within its boundaries, you'd be selling yourself short if you passed this by.  My favorite?  Oh, well, it has to be the newest arrival...a baby unicorn!  I mean if you're going to go all out magical creatures wise, what could be a better addition to your animal brood?!  Just remember, if your belief in things falters, watch out for Bibi...he's been known to be a bit long in the tooth with doubters.

5.  The Amazing Amazonian Birdwoman

Once upon a time, there was a girl who not only could fly, but could interact, talk to, and pretty much control all the feathered friends she encountered.  She discovered her skill quite by accident, but it served her well, and for many years, she was a beloved performer at Circus Mirandus.  One day, things just weren't as satisfying as they were previously and the birdwoman took the stage for the last time...and what a show it was.  Although not a high rating member of this magical troupe, her shows (while they lasted) were no less magical than all the others, so I simply had to include it for posterity.

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Special thanks to Friya at Penguin Random House for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now (with BOOK TWO COMING SOON!) via Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour as we celebrate the first and relish the next installment in this magical series!

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

Penguin Young Readers presents... MONSTER MAYHEM by Christopher Eliopoulos!

Hello again!

You've found Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Yay you!  So, if you're just joining us, WELCOME, and if you've already stopped by for the other tour on the docket today, WELCOME BACK!  Whether you're a first timer or a frequent visitor, fellow readers are welcome, one and all.  Speaking of guests...

Book numero dos on the blog today is ANOTHER blog tour, but this time around, we're hanging out with Penguin Young Readers and checking out a FABULOUS Graphic Novel thanks to Friya (*hi, Friya!*), publicity assistant extraordinaire.  Graphic Novel?  Ah, you caught that part, did you now?  Well, you see from time to time I have been known to delve into the genre; it just takes something extra special to catch my eye.  When I saw the author AND artwork of the one at hand, I KNEW I had to explore between the pages because seriously, I adore his illustrations for Bred Meltzer's  I AM... series and the synopsis of this time simply screamed READ ME.  So, if you're ready to set forth on a grand and yet unexpected adventure, join me as we dive between the pages of...

Monster Mayhem

by

Christopher Eliopoulos

9780735231245

Dial Books

About the book...

In this funny, action-packed graphic novel adventure, a science-obsessed girl finds herself in the middle of one of her favorite monster movies. Can she invent her way out of disaster while also saving the monster who has become her friend?

Zoe's favorite thing to do--besides invent and build robots--is watch classic monster movies. She has never been comfortable with kids her own age, and so she pretends she doesn't need friends while inside she's longing for connection. And then one day, Zoe finds a mysterious ring on her way home from school. She puts it on, gives it a twist, and--FRZAAKK! There's a massive burst of light! The next morning, a familiar monster appears at Zoe's window. He's from one of her favorite kaiju movies, and he likes Zoe--he wants to be her friend. Has her secret wish been fulfilled? But it turns out that Zoe's ring has brought more than just this friendly monster to life. More monsters have arrived, and they are hungry! Now she'll need to reach out to other people to help her save her town from destruction. Good thing she's a robotics genius!

PUBLISHER

AMAZON  |  BAM  |  B&N  |  INDIEBOUND

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Talk about GIRL POWER!

Here, we have a budding scientific mind trapped in the body of a little girl and while she's ace at robotics, she's striking out at making friends.  That's okay though, right?  I mean, who needs friends?  On your own you can see whatever movies YOU like a hundred times, eat YOUR favorite foods, listen to YOUR favorite music, and persue YOUR beloved hobbies...all without having to compromise for anyone.  Sounds like the perfect world...right?  Yeah, about that...

Zoe is our leading lady and she's MAD SMART at all the techie stuff, I could never be.  Now, I'm not shabby at running programs, and computer work, but building one?  HahahahahaHA!  Yeah, right.  Guess what?  It's child's play for her...quite literally child's play as she IS in fact a child, but the things she accomplishs are SO AMAZING!  I loved her little pal B-4...from nuts to bolts, he was her companion, voice of reason, and snarky sidekick without an actual pulse...although give her the suggestion and she could probably give him one.  Anywho, she and he get pulled into a MONSTER SIZED adventure after a mysterious piece of jewelry winds up on her finger, and that first monsterous surprise is only the beginning!  She'll learn that getting what you wish for doesn't always work out the way you wanted, and that sometimes things happen for a reason much BIGGER than you could ever dream.

Aside from the obvious MONSTEROUSLY fun story, it has SO MUCH HEART!  No, really!  It wasn't just romp-em-stomp-em monsters, robotics, and saving the city....it was also color filled reminder that while we may be able to do it ourselves, we can grow, flourish, and accomplish SO MUCH MORE together.  It broke my heart when our little leading lady stepped outside her box, only to be squashed in such a heartless (even if unintentional) way.  I saw through Zoe's bravado, and though she was gifted, brilliant, and so many leapyears ahead of her classmates, she still needed the humbling yet heartwarming connection that true friendship brings.  No man/woman is an island...an old saying, but oh so true.  We all need someone, and there's no shame in that...it's what makes us human.  We thrive in communities, share our strengths, overcome our weaknesses, and build a better today, while striving for tomorrow.  

In the end, it was a FANTASTIC adventure filled with so much action, and monster mayhem (hey, isn't that the title?  *giggle*) that readers won't know what hit them, but there's also that aspect of friendship that comes into play in such a big way that all the feels are there too. Zoe created her own world, in a way, but when push came to shove, even she had to admit that many hands made for a much lighter load...and despite her years of protecting her heart, she still had to learn the lesson of letting go of both hurt feelings and those we care for.  Recommended read for boys and girls alike, and readers of all ages.

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About the author...

Christopher Eliopoulos began his illustration career at Marvel Comics, and has worked on thousands of comics, including Cosmic Commandos, Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, Pet Avengers, and Cow Boy, all of which he wrote and illustrated. He is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Ordinary People Change the World series. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and their identical twin sons (when they're home from college).

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Friya at Penguin Young Readers for the ARC for review as well as the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  Fo rmore information on this title, the author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release August 28th, 2018 via Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today!  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun...

BLOG SCHEDULE

August 20 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

August 21 – Redd’s Reads

August 22 – The Pages In-Between

August 23 – Four Violet Reviews

August 24 – TheReadathon

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

STORYBOOK SUNDAY: Niblet & Ralph by Zachariah OHora

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 shining the light on a Storybook title that hit bookstore shelves this past June.  It stars two lovable cats and two lovable kids in a curiously cute and funny version of the Prince and Pauper...with nary a lack of love to be seen.  Ready or not, here comes today's title in the spotlight...

Niblet & Ralph

by

Zachariah Ohora

9780735227910

Dial Books for Young Readers

Dilla and Niblet.  Gemma and Ralph.

That's the way it's always been and shall always be...

...until it's not and we're left with a case of Not Niblet's, Fake Ralph's, and two little owners scratching their heads as to what in the world is going on with their beloved furry friends!

Can you imagine?  One day, you come home and your bestest buddy is acting like they barely know you?  They don't eat their favorite snacks, play with their favorite toys, or act like themselves in general.  I mean, I know I'd be worried!  Dilla and Gemma take it upon themselves to solve the mystery of the "not" and "fake", and end up discovering that not only are their bestest buds close by and safe, but that their are other friends to be had right outside their doors.

It's an adorable tale of friendship that will have little ones captivated by the striking illustrations with their bold color palette, and slightly bigger ones smiling at the antics of two friendly yet mischievous little cats.

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About the author...

Zachariah OHora is an award winning illustrator and author. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Bloomberg Business Week, and on posters and record covers. He lives and works in Narberth, Pennsylvania, with his wife and sons.

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to the Penguin Younger Readers team for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, 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!



STORYBOOK SUNDAY: Father's Day Edition...

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 celebrating FATHER'S DAY the bookish way with a trio of Storybook titles perfect for celebrating the Dad in your life.  Whether it be how he let's you be yourself, teaches you how to give and take, or simply what NOT to eat, there's something in this bunch for every one.  So, if you're ready, let's get those pages turning as we set out sights on the first book of three...

 

 

With My Daddy

A Book of Love and Family

by

 Jo Witek

Illustrator by

Christine Roussey

 9781419728228

Abrams Appleseed

 

A charming book filled with all the feelings a Dad can bring to his little Prince or Princess...though in this case, it's a little girl sharing her love for dear old Dad. From bravery to calm, excitement to safe, and everything in between, with adorable illustrations this book reveals the tender side of the Father/Child relationship in all its splendor, and reminds us all to love the father figure in our own lives for all the little things they do.

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Pet Dad

 by

Elanna Allen

9780525428268

Dial Books

Plum never takes no for an answer, so when dear old Dad says no to her latest request, she finds a way to get what she wants anyway.  Her desire, a pet...his answer NO...her answer, DAD is now her pet.  Sounds good in theory...for a while...but in practice, not so much.  It turns out Plum wants the full experience, and Dad isn't quite ready to paper-train or munch on random yard clippings.  Through trail and error, and perhaps a time out, Plum and her new "pet" finally come to an understanding...it's HOW you ask for things, and WHAT YOU DO that add up to the results you want.  A great way to remind kiddos how far good manners will go...and perhaps a way to nudge the 'rents into revisiting the whole "I want a pet" issue lest they end up wearing a collar! 

(P.S.  If you recognize the artwork, this is the same writer/illustrator that brought us Poor Little Guy!)

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Don't Eat That

 by

Drew Sheneman

9781101997291

Viking Books for Young Readers

Another case of "I recognize this artwork", and a good thing at that! From the writer/illustrator that brought up NOPE! comes another tale of wildlife at its best...including a cameo by two feathered friends we already know...and how just because you're big, furry, and can growl with massive power, you can still use a helping hand. (P.S. look for the "unde" cover...too funny!) 

I know what you're thinking...how on earth does this work for Father's Day?  Well, for starters...isn't what to eat or not, one of the things that dear old Dad teaches us?  Yeah, that's what I thought...also, he's not always the most patient of teachers, nor the most verbal communicator, so I mean really, while you get a dose of the parental from the Girl Scout, you also get a fraction of it from the bear himself!  Aside from those parallels, it's FUN-NY while again reminding us that the smallest of small can be the unlikeliest of "heroes", and we can each learn something from one another.

 

 

 

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Special thanks to the folks at Abrams and Penguin Random House for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on these titles, the authors, or the publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above.  The titles featured are available now, so be on the lookout for them on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

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