Reading Roundup: 2024 Edition - REVIEWS REVIEWS REVIEWS!

Well, it's almost here. The end of another year and the welcome of the next. Can't say how I'm feeling on the whole matter, honestly, with the past year's events, but here we are just the same. Anywho, it's time for a round-up of the titles that crossed my path during this last part of the year, and while it's an interesting spread, they all actually interconnect. Ready to take a closer look and add to your TBR? Let's do this!

A Very Merry 90s Christmas

by

J.T. Kelliher

Illustrated by

Alex Fine

9780593753200

Penguin Workshop

A holly jolly tribute to all things 90s, every kid who grew up in this decade, was raised by it, or is simply a fan, will revel in the moments, love the remembrance, and celebrate the moments.  From Furbies to Uncle Jesse, the Spice Girls to Macaulay, Alanis to Mrs. Doubtfire, there's nary a movie, TV show, or pop culture reference missed...and I LOVED IT!  It was whimsical and fun, and a great way to say "I will always love you" to a time that brought us such joy!

Now that we've got the CELEBRATION started, let's keep the party rolling...

Fail-a-bration 

by

Brad and Kristi Montague

Dial Books for Young Readers

That's right.  The title is FAIL-a-bration...subtitle, You tried.  You missed.  You're invited.  Curious?  You should be because this is one that's really for all ages.  It reminds us that no one likes to fall short of their goals, but EVERYONE does at some point in their lives, and THAT'S OKAY.  Those moments shouldn't bring us down, but lift us up because we've made it through something, tried something new, and learned something.  Now, the next time we set out to do the thing that needed doing, we're THAT much wiser, and have that much more of a chance at success.  I love the fact that it gives IDEAS at book's end for how to throw your own fail-a-bration because truthfully, when we fall down, those are the moments we need a friendly face, or helping hand the most.  Alongside the positive messages, the illustrations need to be noted as well,  They really capture the eye because they aren't simply drawn, but created.  They're made from pencil and ink, crayon and marker, but also actual pictures and textures, making you want to reach out and touch...another way to stoke your creativity.

Now, we've gone into party mode, and made new FRIENDS, but even with all that joy, we can still get a touch of the BOOS...

Feeling Boo

by

Alex Boniello and April Lavalle

Illustrated by

Olivia Chin Mueller

9781419772443

Abrams Books for Young Readers

This is the story of Ollie and Ellie who've been friends for many, MANY years.  Both before and after life, they've stuck together like birds of a feather, and in their current times have loads of fun floating here and there, visiting old friends, floating furniture about, and other harmless mischief to pass the days.  One day, Ollie wakes up without that bounce in his float, lacking that smile on his sheet, I mean, face, and just generally not feeling his best self.  He has a case of the BOOs (which we pulse ridden beings refer to as the BLUES), and while his best friend means well with every activity, and well thought out adventure, sometimes they can't be broken with merely distraction.  They have to be felt...and it never hurts to have a great friend by your side to simply just BE.  I love the gentle, yet playful hand that was lent to the story's heavy topic, and the illustrations give readers even more to explore with their artfully hidden surprises.  Speaking of surprises, be sure to check out the unde-cover for another smile waiting to be had even before you crack open the cover!

Now, we've experienced feelings that were less than welcome, but we made it through with the help of FRIENDS which brings us to our next gem...

When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel

by

Chris Pine

Illustrated by

Chuck Groenink

9780593528228

Flamingo Books

This charming animal tail, I mean TALE, tells of a kingly dog and a queenly squirrel that share more than a backyard domain.  They both have moments in their past that were less than pleasant, he being at the shelter, and her having the shortest tale in her family, but when they come face to face with the truth...that they aren't really as different as they might at first seem...they come to understand each other and a new harmony is brought to their green garden kingdom.  I love that both their differences and sameness were celebrated, and the illustrations really bring them both to life; he with his sweet demeanor, and her with her sassy attitude.  Once they become dear friends, their shared space and days are that much brighter for it. A great TAIL of friendship coming in all shapes and sizes, and a reminder that bullying is never the answer...and another book to check out the unde-cover on!  While the book cover itself is fun, the unde is classic storybook.

Speaking of BULLYING and animals showing you the way...

Perla The Mighty Dog

by

Isabel Allende

Illustrated by

Sandy Rodriguez

9780593623596

Philomel

Perla may be little but she is MIGHTY...and, as she'd happily tell you, she has TWO superpowers.  One is she can make everyone like her...big and small alike!  The second is her mighty ROAR!  Don't believe me?  You should know by now that big things come in small packages.  The thing is that Perla is happy to share her powers with her friend Nico...it's just that the human world may not be quite ready for someone with Perla's powers.  *giggle*  Honestly, I loved this book from the adorable cover (and unde-cover!  So cute!) to the final turn of the page.  Perla is a wonderful four-legged friend and shows us just how loving and selfless they can truly be, while reminding us that size doesn't in fact matter.  Nico is a fabulous friend and owner, but needs a little help with a bully at his school.  Lucky for him, Perla reveals her secret to success, and just how that plays out in the schoolyard may bring a smile or two, but an effective end to him being pushed around!  Readers young and young at heart will be delighted with the colorful illustrations as well as the touch of magic left behind by the magic dust from wizard's past, while appreciating the pearls of wisdom imparted before we're bid a good night.

Now, speaking of friendship, bullying, and a touch of MAGIC...

The Wild Ones

by

Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera

Illustrated by

Jorge Lacera

9780892394524

Children's Book Press

It's a storybook presented in a comic book style with thought bubbles, who's who end pages to illustrate the mythical (or are they?) monsters within, and brilliant colors utilized throughout.  The Wild Ones isn't simply the title, but also the claimed name of the foursome of friends pictured on the cover.  Valentina, Jasmine, Andy, and Xander bring the flavor both from their own backgrounds, and their imaginations.  They've banned together not only against the bullies at school because it's much easier to turn the other cheek when you're too busy laughing at a friend's joke, but also against the construction company aiming to tear down the place they call home.  Through their beliefs in something bigger than themselves, and a celebration of each of their heritages, the day just might be saved in a MONSTROUSLY surprising way. 

Now that we made a leap to the magical, and a mention of heritage and things from the PAST, let's "check out" our next title...

Behind My Doors: The Story of the World's Oldest Library

by

Hena Khan

Illustrated by

Nabila Adani

9781643794235

Lee & Low Books

If you've anything like me, you LOVE books about books, and this one isn't just about books, but about a LIBRARY, so yeah...SO MANY BOOKS!  It's not just the books though, or where they were/are housed, but about how it came to be, the live it saw within its walls, the still time in between when all seemed forgotten and about to fall into disrepair, and the special heart that helped bring it back to its original brilliancy and then some.  Did you know that the oldest library is the Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco?  Did you know it was built in 859?  Did you know it was founded by a Muslim WOMAN?  Did you know that the one who helped bring it back to life was also a woman?  Yeah, that would be a no on all accounts from me, but I was so interested in learning more.  This is a great way to expose young readers to the magic that can be born from the written word, and that anyone can follow their dreams to fruition.  You never know just how far you can go, or how far your dream will carry others, if you don't give it a chance!  A wonderful addition to the edutainment arena, and a great pick for both story time and bedtime reading.

Speaking of LIBRARIES and MAGIC, I've got another adventure between the pages for you to explore...

The Night Librarian:  A Graphic Novel

by

Christopher Lincoln

with Color Assistance by

Bonaia Rosado

9780593617656

Dial Books for Young Readers  

The magic of LIBRARIES is a well known thing for readers, but those being newly welcomed into the fold may not truly understand the caliber of wonder that can be experienced...and if we take into account everything that happens in THIS story, there's even MORE than we bargained for!  In this full color graphic novel, Page and Turner are about to learn about a whole new level of mystery that lives within the walls of the New York Public Library...and all libraries for that matter.  It seems that much like the movie The Night Museum, things aren't always what they seem at night between the stacks.  It seems that the magic contained within the books, especially those that have aged to perfection and are longing for a few pages to be turned, doesn't really like to stay contained.  It seems that the stories and characters like to escape the pages from time to time and experience something different, or at the least a break, from the same old same old.  Too bad for this brother sister duo that their induction into this secret society type system starts with the disappearance of their father's treasured copy of Dracula...because they had absolutely NOTHING to do with it.  I mean, they didn't take it from their home library, or let it escape without being able to locate it at a place that houses books upon books upon books.  What?   Yes, I said LET IT ESCAPE because that's pretty much what happens, and yet that's not the whole story here IN THE LEAST.  A magic filled tale of the power of the written word and just how much of an escape reading can truly be.

Last but not least, we touched on the relationship of SIBLINGS, which brings us to the final book in our round-up...

Twin Flames

by

Olivia Abtahi

9781643790435

Tu Books

About the book...

Twins Bianca and Leila could not be more different from each other. Being both Argentinian and Iranian in a small town has always been hard, but with Leila shunning her heritage and Bianca embracing it, the two walk very different paths. They run in different circles of friends, and barely talk anymore. Leila's a homebody who loves to craft and plans on marrying her high school sweetheart. Bianca's more anti-establishment and plans to get out of Dodge as soon as humanly possible.

But on their eighteenth birthday, the neighbor's barn mysteriously burns down. When Leila encounters a monster–a djinn–arising from the fire, suddenly she gains strange powers and can no longer touch iron.

What do these djinn want with Leila–or other people in town, for that matter? Can the twins learn to rely on each other–and their cultures–to banish them? It'll take a sisterly reconciliation for the girls to find out and to save their hometown in this New Visions Award-winning fantasy adventure.

 

...and while I've not delved between the pages of this one yet, it sounds like a fantastic premise that explores sibling relationships, family heritage, and has a healthy dose of MAGIC.  So yeah, I'm in!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to all the promotional teams for the chance to bring these titles to you as well as the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on any of the titles above, feel free to click through the links provided...and don't be afraid to add more than one to your TBR, a new year is on the horizon!  😉

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

Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today I was perplexed by what title I should bring you.  I was in fact tempted to do a "teaser" post as I skipped that fun feature this week and as I'm working on a project for work from home, my time off to read has been in spurts.  (Go figure, right?)  However, I was going through my email and saw the catalog offerings of Lee & Low with a dandy little Nonfiction Storybook title just begging my attention.  It promised talent, music, and a spunky little girl named Melba who grew up to be a very famous trombonist.  Did you already know that?  Well if you did, my congrats; if not, you're in good company and I'm about to induct you into the "in" crowd.  Ready or not, today's book of choice is....

Little Melba and Her Big Trombone

by

Katheryn Russell-Brown

Illustrated by

Frank Morrison

9781600608988

Lee & Low Books, Inc

About the book...

Melba Doretta Liston loved the sounds of music from as far back as she could remember. As a child, she daydreamed about beats and lyrics, and hummed along with the music from her family’s Majestic radio.

At age seven, Melba fell in love with a big, shiny trombone, and soon taught herself to play the instrument. By the time she was a teenager, Melba’s extraordinary gift for music led her to the world of jazz. She joined a band led by trumpet player Gerald Wilson and toured the country. Overcoming obstacles of race and gender, Melba went on to become a famed trombone player and arranger, spinning rhythms, harmonies, and melodies into gorgeous songs for all the jazz greats of the twentieth century: Randy Weston, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Quincy Jones, to name just a few.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Melba Doretta Liston was born in 1926, Kansas City...and the scene was primed for musicians and fans alike.  In this case, we're looking at some the roots to jazz, blues, and gospel...and Little Melba loved them all!  As she grew so did her love of music until one day, she wanted to add her own voice to those jivey tunes.  Her instrument of choice?  The trombone.  Unusual choice for a small girl?  Perhaps....but that didn't make the sounds she made any less sweet.

I must say, I enjoyed the story very much and learning about someone new-to-me is always a pleasure, especially someone as remarkable as this little lady! Eight years old and making her solo radio debut?  Wow!  I couldn't even fathom playing the instrument let alone being good at it.  Definitely not my thing, but go Melba, GO!  That's exactly what she did too with her trip to the West Coast.  It was a great leap of faith for her family but one that would eventually result in talent acknowledged, and dreams reached.  The operative word there is "eventually" now because times were still tough for Ms. Melba.  She was competing in a mostly male spotlight in areas that were not as friendly towards those with darker skin.  It was enough to turn her brown eyes blue and almost worked in pushing her away from her trombone for good....ALMOST.  Let's just say Melba has her day and then some in the spotlight she deserved.  

With all of that said, I was in awe of the artwork.  It matched perfectly with the tale being spun from moment to moment and feeling to feeling.  You could both read and see the exuberance Little Melba experienced at finally getting a chance to add to those musical scores she could hear throughout her neighborhood.  The warmth of her smile beams right off the page as she daydreamed of all the beats and tum-tums reverberating through her brain.  You could even feel the frustration she felt at not getting it right from the start but also the accomplishment that went along with mastering the skill in the end.  

Overall, it speaks of family, overcoming obstacles to reach your dreams, and being true to yourself...all  with a musical soundtrack that will carry you from page to page.  It's an interesting read on an educational level but also entertaining with it's expressive illustrations and emotional passages.  Recommended for readers of all ages, shapes, sizes, and interests...you can't go wrong with Little Melba's passion leading the way!

Ebook for review courtesy of the great team at Lee & Low Books, Inc.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, friend them on Facebook, chat with them on Twitter, check out their blog, or join them on Pinterest.  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!

A Message of Thanks...

It's here, it's here!

Everybody shout and cheer!

That wonderful day of giving and sharing is finally upon us.

So from me to you, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

May your gatherings be merry and time pass you slowly as you celebrate this special time of year.  It is often a custom to count ones blessings on this thank filled day...among them I would list my family, my friends (yep, that includes YOU out there), and life in general.  It may not be perfect, but it's mine and so I'm thankful to have the chance to live it the best way I know how.

As for a book choice for today, I received a little something in the mail last week that was a perfect fit...in my mind at least.  It was received as a thank you from a publisher for a review or two I did on their titles a few months ago; rather unexpected, and quite a nice gesture.  Today's featured title is...

Giving Thanks:

A Native American Good Morning Message

by

Chief Jake Swamp

illustrated by

Erwin Printup, Jr.

This short but well intentioned book is based on actual messages of thanks used by the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois).  Combined with simple yet beautiful artwork to stir the soul and open the mind, the messages of gratitude for the sun, the earth, the wind, the rain and everything in between pour forth on an endless stream of poetry.  No matter your beliefs, the sentiments portrayed here can be appreciated.  Interesting point...there is a Mohawk version of the story at book's end, literally in their native tongue, adding to the educational and historical value of the book. 

A great way to remember a few of the basic things we have to be thankful for today and every day, this title couldn't have arrived at a better time.  On a sad note, the man behind the book, author Chief Jake Swamp, passed away last month...but his memory will live on in the words he imparted to readers young and old in this thanks filled tale as well as with the work of the Tree of Peace Society of which he was the founder.  Recommended reading more so for the little ones just getting their minds around the ideas associated to the holiday but would certainly work as an extension of anyone's thanks giving celebrations.

Special thanks to LEE and Low Books for the gift copy...it is much appreciated.  For more information on this title and a glimpse at their full catalog, check out their website or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time...have a Happy Thanksgiving...and happy reading!

BBAW: Yasmin's Hammer by Ann Malaspina

Hi there!

BBAW 2010 is in full swing!  With today and tomorrow being the last of the "official" fun (for we know that the world of reading is ever growing), I had to share another bookish gem (as promised) with you right now that shines the book light on our shared love of reading.  So, in true Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers fashion....let's get on with the show!

Post two of the day belongs to another children's book, short on words, long on illustrations, but full of meaning.  Speaking right to the heart of the matter, both author and illustrator work together to create a wonderful harmony between their crafts, taking the reader along on a journey fit for all ages.  Today's book of choice is....

Yasmin's Hammer

by

Ann Malaspina

illustrated by

Doug Chayka

Yasmin is a young girl with a dream, though where it begins would be hard to guess for most.  Her dream has the humblest of starts....a deeply held desire to READ.  Even at her young age, she understands that this basic skill can open doors, especially in her world.  Each day begins and ends the same as her family struggles to make a life in the crowded streets of Bangladesh but with a little luck and perseverance from her family, the stars for which she is reaching are not so far away.

How can one not love a book that emphasizes the importance of being able to read? Honestly, it's one skill that can make or break you in so many ways. Whether utilized for work or pleasure, it's a skill, and for some (*raises hand*) a passion, that can last a lifetime.  This book explores the lives of those whose quest to obtain this basic skill is harder than most. Focusing on Yasmin and her family, we watch as they struggle to find some way to maintain an adequate living environment with the goal of one day sending their girls to school so they can drink of the knowledge they have desired.  Her family may be short on money but they have enough love between them to rope the moon should they desire a visit...something that hopefully we can all say at one point or another in our own lives. 

A good story at face value as well as a working tool to bring to light the severity of the educational situation in other countries, this book is both story and lesson all in one; certainly gives you something to think about the next time you take reading for granted.  In fact, the author gives you some things to ponder just after the story as well.  The 'Afterword' provided at book's end gives you a little insight into the current conditions of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (where this story is set), and how even though they are still developing as a country, they are still behind in many ways.  Ggood majorities of the people live in poverty and thus children are often put to work to help families survive.  Though things are changing, there is still quite a ways to go.  Several organizations are listed just after this informative section in a "how you can help" piece as well as other suggested reading for those with inquiring minds.  One last bit of interest....to satiate the desire for learning, there is a short glossary and pronunciation guide as well....just in case you need a helping hand through a regional word or two.

So go ahead....take a walk in Yasmin's world and have your eyes opened to the wonderful privilege that you now enjoy....reading.  Review copy received courtesy of Hannah Ehrlich at LEE and LOW Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on their varied catalogue, visit their website or follow along on Twitter!

Check back tomorrow as we close out BBAW 2010 with a bang and get a little personal via the books we read....trust me, it'll be fun!

Until next time....happy reading!

BBAW: The Right to Read: Richard Wright and the Library Card by William Miller

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to the BBAW 2010 celebration here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  Yesterday, we played host to a newly published author and introduced a chance for you to win a copy of his recent release; if you haven't had a chance to check out my review, the interview, or enter....go ahead, I'll wait right here. ~Jeopardy theme plays~

You're back!

Great!  Now we can start the show....

Since we are in the middle of a great big book blogger party (BBAW, remember?), I thought to my self....self, why don't we feature a bookish post or two that celebrate books celebrating the joy of reading?  Admittedly, my discussions with myself are all in my mind (don't want to look like I'm talking to myself or anything...*ahem*) and yes, still rather lengthy....but I had to admit, it was a fairly good idea, to me anyway.  As luck would have it, I received two books for review a few weeks ago that fit PERFECTLY into this category and so I've been saving these two reviews for this very day.  Today's first book of choice is....

Richard Wright and the Library Card

by

William Miller

Richard Wright was a young black man making his way in the world as society dictated...working, keeping his head down, and not asking questions.  Acceptable to some as a full life worth living, but Mr. Wright had other ideas.  You see, he had a burning desire to read, not only for enjoyment, but in the hopes of one day being able to change the hand he'd been dealt.  The problem? Due to the times being what they were, he was not permitted to use the local library, in fact it was punishable by imprisonment and other things to grim to mention.  Mr. Wright accepted his fate and carried his dream locked away in his heart...until one day a man with an open mind lent him a helping hand.

A great story that shows the power of reading not only over the imagination and throughout history, but also as a means of having the ability and confidence to reach for your dreams.  Can you imagine being told you couldn't read?  I don't mean that weren't capable of it, but simply that you were not allowed to.  Perhaps it's the freedom we (now) have in the US of A (since it didn't exist for everyone for quite some time), but it boggles my mind.  Even with that freedom, we still run into instances where our choices are blocked by the powers that be.  Ever hear of a little thing called Banned Books Week?  If not, you should check it out....it's a little celebration for the bookish rebel in you and is one way that we can experience, in a small way, the frustration that Richard Wright would have felt in his struggle to gain access to a world of knowledge. 

As readers, we know and can certainly appreciate the immense joy attained through reading.  The mere act of it can do so many things to the mind, body, and soul.  One moment, we're jetting off into the land of imagination filled with genies, unicorns, and monsters.  Around the next corner, we find a glimpse into the good and bad times of those that have lived and are living life to its fullest.  Look over there....is that a furry adventure with kittens, puppies, and horses...oh my!  Ooh, wait....I think I see some hefty learning experiences coming up on the left, might be time to make a pit stop and gather some knowledge.  Whatever your aim is, whether it's a relaxing escape from reality, a look at someone else's reality, or furthering your mental capacity on this or that, books are the common denominator that will take you there.

In summary, the story captured within the pages of this storybook will entertain and educate while the accompanying pictures visually capture the emotions unable to be expressed in words.  Recommended for new readers of all ages as well as those that simply enjoy reveling in the wonder and joy that is reading....like my fellow book bloggers out there (yep, I'm talking to YOU).  Review copy received courtesy of LEE and LOW Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information about their diverse and unique catalog, visit their website or follow along on Twitter.

Stay tuned for the second book review posting later today as we celebrate what we do (blog about books) and the books that inspire us to keep doing it....

Until next time....happy reading!