BLOG TOUR: Pink Tiara Cookies for Three by Maria Dismondy, Review + Contest!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the blog that aims to take you behind the cover, straight to the heart of the book. 

Today we play host to an author blog tour that’s been making its way through the blogosphere (for a complete listing of the participating sites, just click here) with a very important mission….to stop bullying in its tracks.  Didn’t think you’d encounter that with the title of today’s post, now did you?  Uh-huh…but you see my friends, bullying comes in many shapes and sizes…even the overly pink variety.  Before I delve too deep into the story, please allow me to introduce, today’s book of choice courtesy of author Maria Dismondy…..

Pink Tiara Cookies for Three

By

Maria Dismondy

Illustrated by

Cary Pillo

From the author’s site…

Sami’s perfect life falls apart when the new girl moves in next door. Sami doesn’t need another friend, she has Stella. They are the perfect example of best friends. Mittens come in pairs and so do friends, according to Sami.

Bullying can be very subtle, but it hurts just the same. Three can be a tricky number with friends because most of the time, someone gets left out. Follow Sami as she discovers how to keep her best friend and find room for one more in Pink Tiara Cookies for Three.

One of the many things I love about this author's work is her continued dedication to address those issues that are uncomfortable for children (of any age really) in a non-threatening storybook form thus allowing them not only the enjoyment of reading but also the chance to learn a valuable life lesson in a welcoming environment.  One of her biggest focuses….bullying in its many forms.  What, you didn't think it was merely that kid that's 3x bigger than you demanding your lunch money now did you?  In today's world, we not only have to worry about in your face obvious bullying, but cyber bullies, family bullies, and those not-so-obvious ones.  This book takes a look at the later pink-clad and often unintentional variety. 

Sami and Stella are best friends...excuse me, were best friends...until Jasmine moved into the neighborhood.  She was a friendly enough girl simply looking for a place to fit in...but Sami wanted none of it.  In her mind, two was fine, but "three's a crowd".  Her Mom suggested she give Jasmine a chance but from the look on Sami's face...I don't think that chance is coming anytime soon (gotta love those expressive illustrations).  What follows is your typical bout of jealousy and acting out but also the potential ruination of not only a friendship by the possibility of one.  It’s not like Sami set out to purposely make Jasmine feel like an outcast…she simply wasn’t thinking about the feelings of those outside of her self.  However “innocently” done though, it’s still a form of bullying and one that hurts just as much as any other.

Wow...in that context, how can that NOT be seen as bullying?  Brings a whole new shade of ugly to the phrase, you know?  I mean, sure you say it in jest sometimes to your friends but if you really think about it, it could seriously hurt some feelings.  Having a best friend is a wonderful thing, but making room for one more is even more special.  Why?  For the simple fact that you're helping someone else find their place in the world, making them feel welcome in otherwise foreign surroundings.  We're all the "new" kid at some point or another (been there, done that MANY times). Remember how you felt standing in front of your class on the first day of school, introducing yourself to a room full of strangers.  Wasn't it easier when someone made the effort to reach out to you?  It's not a situation that's exclusive to children though....bullying (though it's rarely called that in the adult world) is still bullying at any age and that "welcoming party" is a happy moment indeed when encountered in a new city, at your new job, or even out on the town. 



Author Maria Dismondy



If we make an effort to be more open, friendlier to our fellow man no matter our age....imagine the world we could live in.  No more children afraid to go to the bus stop in the morning.  No more teens seeking out gangs for protection from other gangs.  No more adults committing crimes on a grand scale simply for revenge against the slights they felt were perpetrated against them.  A peaceful future to say the least...but in order to get there one day, we have to take the first steps TODAY.

Recommended read for all ages with a message good for one and all.  The delightful illustrations will enchant the eye while the story speaks to the heart.  Speaking of that story….the author also included suggestions for role-playing with your children to better help them understand why Sami’s actions are inappropriate, how it could have been handled better and additional material to be explored online to aid in building their character.  A well rounded package of goodwill from this author’s heart to yours….I’d say that’s one reading experience I’d like to share with the world.  Thanks to the author…I have a way to spread the message even further…

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As part of the PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE BLOG TOUR, I have the honor of offering you a chance to win!  Here’s the scoop…

Prize: 

(1) copy of PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE by Maria Dismondy + tiara cookie cutter!

How to enter: 

Just click HERE and fill out the (incredibly easy) form.

Rules:

Entries accepted through Tuesday, January 31^st, 2012 midnight CST.  Winner will be announced by Thursday, February 2^nd, 2012.  US and Canada addresses only, no P.O. Boxes please.

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Special thanks to author Maria Dismondy for the chance to participate in this tour as well as the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the author as well as her full body of works, be sure to check out website, ‘like’ her on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  To purchase a copy of this book for you, a friend, or a friend of a friend, it is available online through several retail outlets including Amazon…but for a SIGNED copy from the author, you’ll want to purchase through her website.

Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour as it continues through the end of the month;  yesterday, Seven Thirty Three….today, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…tomorrow, Crypto-Capers Reviews.

Until next time…good luck everyone….be kind to each other…and happy reading!

Bullying: Only Right If It's Done by a Bull

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to another day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Before we jump into the featured title, just a quick reminder that there are three contests still active here on the site.  One ends tomorrow and is open internationally....the second is US/CD only but it ends Monday...and the third is open to one and all seeking a break from that pesky writer's block.  So, be sure to get those entries in!  Just check out the 'Current Contests' section on the right hand sidebar for all the links.  Now, on with the show!

Today's featured title came to me a month or so ago.  I was trying to wait for the perfect time to get a review posted for it but as obscure holidays came and went I thought, self...ANY day is the perfect day to discuss this title... so here we are!  It's a book that addresses a topic near and dear to many readers hearts, that of bullying and how it is NEVER effective unless being done by an actual bull (in which case, please capture a video of the event and share it with yours truly).  What makes this one special however is the approach through which it is dealt with.  You'll see.  Today's featured title is....

The Juice Box Bully:

Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others

by

Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy

illustrated by

Kim Shaw

From the author's site:

Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it?  Instead of being bystanders, the kids at Pete's new school get involved.  When the juice box mess becomes more than just a dirty shirt, Pete's classmates teach him about "The Promise".  Will Pete decide to shed his bullying habits and make "The Promise"?

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The children portrayed in this story are part of a unique school group that opted to participate in the challenge to create a more open and secure learning experience for all.  By learning that each and every one of them has something to contribute to the overall whole, they learn to cherish the connections they make with everyone.  By refusing to allow themselves or their classmates to be bullied in any way, they gain even more momentum in eventually achieving an environment  where learning is top priority and ridicule is a thing of the past.

To put this one simply without revealing the entire story, it addresses bullying in school with an interesting new way to handle those perpetrating the offense.  The school presented has proactively in lieu of reactively addressed the bad influence bullying has on everyone and everything through something referred to as 'The Promise'.  It's a guide to what children (and adults) can do in order to not merely be bystanders but to be those that make sure the voices of others are heard.  Through making better choices and wiser decisions, by including others whenever possible and accepting each other for who we are "flaws" and all, there is a great lesson to be learned and carried out into the real world by readers of all ages.  Combine all of that with the colorful illustrations and you have a winning combination indeed. 

Tolerance and acceptance.  Both words command power, but when wielded appropriately, they can help us bring the world that lives in our dreams forward to our reality and just think what a wonderful place that would be.  Curious about the writer behind the work?  Here's a small glimpse at the author herself revealing a relateable person bursting with personality and drive.  Don't believe me?  Take a look....

Born and Raised: In a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, I grew up with red shag carpet, The Smurfs and Cabbage Patch Dolls. In my past time, I played flashlight tag with the neighborhood kids and listened to NKOTB aka The New Kids on The Block.

Family: I am lucky to have a large family. I have an older sister, Angela, who also ate spaghetti in a hot dog bun (among other crazy concoctions my mom created for us) growing up. I am married to the coolest guy ever and together, we are raising our baby girl Ruby.

Favorite book as a child: Frances Books by Russell Hoban and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.

Favorite book as an adult: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (I’m a fan for the love stories).

Review copy courtesy of author Maria Dismondy.  (THANKS!)  For more information about this author's inspiring works, please visit her site.  Be sure to check out the 'Resources' section of the site for the down loadable reader's guide that goes with this title as well as your very own copy of "the Promise" to be put to use in your local school's to help build a better, brighter, and bully-free tomorrow. 
 
Until next time...happy reading!
 

No Name-Calling Week: Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy

Hi guys!

It's day two of the posts in support of National No-Name Calling Week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  What's that?  You still haven't heard about this event?  So, now I know who didn't read yesterday's post.  *raises eyebrow*  Just kidding!  Really, it's a great movement to help end one form of bullying that touches almost everyone's life at one time or another.  For more information and how you can get involved, check out their website.  Moving on to the bookish side of things....

I think I've struck undiscovered bookish gold yet again with today's selection.  Curious?  You should be.  It's a great little children's book that encourages individuality and acceptance, a perfect fit for this week, don't you think?  Without further adieu, today's book of choice is...

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun

by

Maria Dismondy

illustrated by

Kimberly Shaw-Peterson

Lucy has a problem.  She likes ketchup on toast and spaghetti in a hot dog bun, but that's not the problem.  Her problem is named Ralph.  Why?  He's chosen to be a bully and Lucy is his target.  Having tastes different from the masses is enough to make you stand out from the crowd, but since she looks different as well, she seems to be wearing a giant target for his snide remarks and cruelness.  Lucky for Lucy she has friends.  Lucky for Lucy she has family.  Lucky for Lucy she knows who she is even at this young age and that her tastes are her own...but will that be enough to stand up to this bully?

When I was contacted by Ms. Dismondy regarding this book, I was first taken in by the quirky title.  I mean, it's not your usual food choice (well, for Lucy it is) and it just made it a must to see just what this book was about.  Add to that the adorable cover art, a facial portrait of little Lucy holding her favorite treat.  Her sweet disposition and innocence is captured in her eyes and smile....not to mention a little gleefulness if I may say so, I mean she is obviously about to treat herself to a snack she adores.  Looking past the first layer charms, I happily found a book that not only was a pleasure to read (and share) but imparted many wonderful messages along the way.

Lucy shows great courage in both sharing her troubles with her Papa as well as taking the high road when the tables are turned later on in the story, but that's only the beginning.  Sharing.  Caring.  Treating others how you wish to be treated.  Speaking up for yourself.  BEING YOURSELF.  They're all there for little ones (and older readers) to see, read, and understand that it's okay to be different; in fact, it's part of OUR charm.  Imagine a world where everyone was the same and nobody ventured from the "norm".  We'd never get to try anything new, see something through another's eyes because the view would never change.  Without the things that make us different, we would lose so much of ourselves that we'd look like one giant cookie cut out after another.  Besides who says what the "norm" is anyway?  Us!

As for pairing this book with National No Name-Calling Week, it was a natural...after all Lucy's tormentor teases her on everything from her hair to what she eats.  He even goes as far as to fake an apology only to insult her further and on a more public level.  This easily could have crushed poor Lucy, saddling her with self doubt and second guessing for the rest of her days, but it did not.  Why?  Because in this case, she had a wonderful support system....her family, and friends.  They couldn't fight her battle for her, but their advice and support echoed in her heart and mind so when the time came to make a pivotal decision on how she'd handle the situation, she made a choice reflecting the values she'd been taught.  Was the outcome for the better?  Here, yes....in life, sometimes no; the important thing to remember is that you don't have to face it alone.  Use your support system and surround yourself with those that make you a better version of you.  Keep the positive close to keep the negative at bay.

In short, a wonderful little book to share with young readers just beginning to notice the difference between themselves and others to help build their self-esteem as well as make them more open to accepting what they see in lieu of fighting against it.  However...it's also a great reminder to readers well beyond the intended audience as for so many the message of acceptance learned however long ago can get muddled as we travel through life.  Share in little Lucy's story and remember what it means to be different in some ways....and yet the same where it really counts.

Review copy courtesy of author Maria Dismondy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this book as well as her other, feel free to visit her website or check out her Facebook page.  Special note regarding the website....check under the 'resources' link for great activities to add to this empowering reading experience including a "Proud to Be Me" award and a few coloring pages for "a rainy (or snowy) day".

Until next time...stay just the way you are...and happy reading!