SPRING(ish) CLEANING... Bookish Style!

The weather has been RIDICULOUSLY HOT. 😓

Work has been uber busy, and not so much fun...same old, same old. 😕

Home life has been what it is...making the best of things; some highs, some lows. 😟

Reading has been...STILL a bit of a challenge and honestly, I'm not certain when, or even if, my focus will come back to me there. It all started with the losses last year, and I've not been the same since. 😞

HOWEVER, I've seen plenty of memes recently that remind us that reading is for the JOY of it, not the numbers, so I'm taking it a page at a time. 😌

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Despite the lack of focus, I do have a few titles that have unintentionally piled up, so it's time to do a little SPRING(ish) CLEANING of my HAVE READ and HAVE CAUGHT MY ATTENTION pile. What's that mean for you? A nice size helping of shorter reviews to tantalize, tease, and tempt these titles onto your MUST READ list, or if you happen to have read some of them already, invite you to share your thoughts. You're welcome. 😁

Ready or not, here they come!

Bored Panda

by Mike Bender

Illustrated by Chuck Dillon

Random House Books for Young Readers

All day, every day, big ones, little ones, and all those in-between are attached to one thing...their phones or other digital and electronic devices.  Whether playing games, reading books, doom scrolling, watching videos, completing homework or work work, there's almost no time where our eyes aren't glued to a screen...at least, until they need a charge.  But wait, what's this?  The power is out?  This simply won't do!  What's a girl, boy, or PANDA to do?  What indeed!  This is where our little bored panda learns about all the things that can be enjoyed once you unplug.  A little digital detox never hurt anyone, especially in today's go go GO world, and this story is a charming reminder to slow down and smell the roses, or draw them, or spruce up their beds!  With full color, full page illustrations throughout, even the youngest readers can catch the lesson being thrown, and it's never too early to develop a GOOD habit.  😉

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I Am Rebel

by Ross Montgomery

Candlewick Press

Okay, I'm going to spoil this one from the start...the dog does not die, although the brushes with his expiration date are many!  Sorry, not sorry for the spoil.  It's one of those things I feel is important to know, especially considering it's aimed at a Middle Grade audience first and foremost, but I digress.

This story is told through the eyes/voice/mind of Rebel, a proud young pup that loves his boy very much, and would go to the ends of the earth for him, even when all seems lost.  Times are more than trying as they teeter on the brink of an uprising against the king, and it is in these trials that Tom finds himself caught up in growing up way too fast, and forgetting the simpler things...like the love of a dog.  That's okay because Rebel hasn't forgotten, and he knows that by his boy's side is where he belongs.  Come heck or high water, and despite the boy's command to stay behind, he knows that this is one in order to be the "good boy" he is, he must follow his heart.  It's moving and sad, but also uplifting and heartwarming all at the same time.  I loved seeing how he stayed true to himself and Tom throughout his journey, and how he allowed his heart strengthened by love to reach out to others, even when they weren't reaching back in return.  It's a story for animal lovers, and historical fiction lovers in equal measure, with an ending you won't soon forget.

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Now this is one that simply caught my attention when it made the rounds because, first of all, that cover is beyond curious, and then when you work in the talking plants, grumpy goldfish, and a curious spider...I'm not even sure my imagination knows where to start!

Growing Home

by Beth Ferry

Illustrated by Terry and Eric Fan

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

About the book...

Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet—swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank—and should be the most loved. It seems that’s how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty’s case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever.

First, there’s the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things—like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible!

It turns out Toasty’s fishtank isn’t just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?

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Special thanks to the authors, publicists, and publishers listed for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on any title listed, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

Time to show your green and gold!: IT'S NOT EASY BEING A LEPRECHAUN by Marilyn Sadler, Illustrated by Steph Laberis - REVIEW!

Time to show your green and gold!

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and while today's Storybook selection can be read anytime, why not shine the spotlight on it when four leaf clovers, pots of gold, and LEPRECHAUNS are the talk o' the day?  🍀  Ladies and gents, let's step between the pages of today's featured title...

It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun

By

Marilyn Sadler

Illustrated by

Stephanie Laberis

9780593810330

Random House Books for Young Readers

The outfit.

The color choices.

The clover.

The gold.

So many ways being a leprechaun can be challenging, and make that life on the other side look greener (ironically), but would it TRULY be?  I mean, the life of a fairy seems flight filled and carefree, until you think about the HEIGHTS you'd have to travel to. Beavers seem to have community, be burly, and active, and yet all that BUILDING seems pretty energy consuming!  The life of a King can certainly be grand, but what about the BIG castle with SO MANY rooms...empty.  Connor O'Connor, our leprechaun in question, is truly considering all his options, after all, what better way to discover what he really wants to be.  What he comes to find out in the end is that it's not so much about being someone else, but about being yourself...and that's also the secret to being a good FRIEND.

A clever way to get a timeless message across to readers of all ages, filled with wonderful illustrations that POP right off the page.  It's a story that you'll reach for during the holidays, but also any time you need a little moral boost.  I can definitely see it being a favorite during story time, and LOADS of fun to act out with all the voices...because really, what other way is there with a FUN story like this?  😉

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About the author...

Marilyn Sadler is a children's book author, television producer, and screenwriter. Among the dozens of books she has written are the bestselling Random House Beginner Books It's Not Easy Being a Bunny, It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus, It's Not Easy Being a Ghost, and It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun. Her picture book Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century inspired the classic Disney Channel movie of the same name. Ms. Sadler's work has received many honors, including an IRA Classroom Choice Award and a Parents' Choice Award.

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Special thanks to Alessandra for copy for review as well as the chance to bring this title to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author or the illustrator, 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!

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WEEK: Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree by Freddy Wexler, Illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume - REVIEW!

Hello friends!

This week is National Book Award Week which focuses on "...future authors, books, and literature in general".  It's a time when awards are handed out, the current landscape of the reading world is gazed upon, and what the coming years hold is pondered.  This week, I want to focus on not award winners, though bookmarks up to them, but on books in general...the joy they bring, the adventures they hold, and the moments they create.

Today, we're getting our holiday on with a spirit filled palm tree that's reaching for his dreams.  Hey, the only one that can hold you back is yourself, and he brings this to life in evergreen-living color.  Ladies and gents, don your jolliest apparel and set your sights on today's title in the spotlight...

Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree

by

Freddy Wexler

Illustrated by

Fanny Berthiaume

9780593567944

Random House Books for Young Readers 

About the book...

The tiki torch is lit, the hula dancers are ready, the stage is set. It's...Christmastime in Hawaii!

Everett Green is a singing, dancing palm tree waiting for his big break. He dreams of being a star, yet has no idea how to make it happen--until he sees the Rockefeller Tree on TV. Determined to become the most famous Christmas tree ever, Everett is ready to hightail it out of Hawaii and make his big debut in the Big Apple.

But it's not all clear skies for Everett when a New York snowstorm grounds his flight.

Stuck in the airport with hundreds of disgruntled travelers, Everett must dig deep for holiday spirit if he wants to become a real Christmas tree!

From grammy-nominated songwriter Freddy Wexler comes a modern Christmas classic: the story of a would-be Christmas tree who comes to see that Christmas is not what or where you are, but who you're with.

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Everett dreamed of his name in lights, and practiced his routine until it sparkled like so many glorious lights...until one day, his dream took on a new meaning.  It wasn't his name in lights, but seeing himself in lights, and all dolled up just like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.  He would be THE Christmas tree that everyone could see, love, and admire.  The only thing was...he had to get to NYC!  What?  You thought I'd bring up that fact that he's a PALM tree, or made of plastic?  Pfft!  Those are easy obstacles to overcome when you're talking about geography!  He packed his bags and prepped to take his show on the road, but he had no way to secure a ticket (back to that whole plastic thing) and the weather was playing anything but nice, putting more than a monkey wrench in his plans, as well as those of the other passengers trying to traverse the skies to their holiday destinations.  He feared he wouldn't reach his dreams...at least until a little girl with an open mind and a powerful imagination recognized him for who he truly was, unlocking a truly brilliant idea for Everett Green to become not only what he dreamed of (in a fashion), but truly make the Christmases of those around him as well.

A wonderful story that brings to life the magic of the season, while reminding us that we can be anything we wish to be.  There is no time or place that is perfect for a dream to come true, but any situation, any circumstance can be what we make of it, and if we never give up, never stop trying, that desired happily-ever-after remains in reach.  A great addition to your holiday reading list, and a fun read for all ages.

About the author...

Freddy Wexler is a Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum award-winning hit songwriter and film producer with an expansive film, TV, and animation slate. As a songwriter, Wexler has contributed to ten Billboard #1s; his songs have been recorded by Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, BlackPink, Selena Gomez, John Legend, Pink, Diana Ross, Shakira, and many others. He lives in Los Angeles. To learn more, visit freddywexler.com.

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About the illustrator...

Fanny Berthiaume is a French Canadian visual artist who has been working in the entertainment industry for close to fifteen years. From miniature set builder to visual effects artist, she has worked on a variety of exciting projects. She offers services in visual development and illustration to animation studios, publishers, and other creative businesses. She lives in Montreal.

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Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, illustrator, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

Storybook Sunday: SPOOKY, SCARY SKELETONS by Andrew Gold, Illustrated by Polona Lovsin - REVIEW!

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 appears every now and then!

Today's selection is the PERFECT read to get you in the mood for the upcoming season. It's SPOOKY. It's SCARY. It's SILLY SKELETON RIDDLED FUN. It's perfect for all ages, and, whilst newly published, it'll still be familiar. Curious? Well then, let's dance into today's Halloween-esque ebook of choice...

Spooky, Scary Skeletons

by

Andrew Gold

Illustrated by

Polona Lovsin

9780593903049

Spooky, scary skeletons,

Send shivers down your spine;

Shrieking skulls will shock your souls,

Seal your doom tonight...

You've heard the song and you've probably caught yourself singing along to it a season or two.  NO harm in that, although the lyrics can seem a little extra creepy when taken on their own and out of the musical context we're accustomed to, however, now you've got a new way to experience them with you and yours!  That's right, it's a STORYBOOK version that encompasses the song with a slew of fabulously spooky illustrations that bring the lyrics to life.  You get to see skeletons dancing around while little ones are getting ready for some Halloween fun.  You get to experience their surprise and delight as they head out for their trick or treating adventures.  You get to have the silly spooky fun of it all, while following the song from beginning to end.  

A great pick for the season that will be a family (or classroom!) favorite reached for time and time again!

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About the author...

Andrew Gold was a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who worked on everything from TV theme songs (including “Thank You For Being a Friend” for The Golden Girls), to Linda Ronstadt records (like her breakthrough album Heart Like a Wheel), to his own top-40 hits...

About the illustrator...

Polona Lovšin has always been drawn to projects that express her artistic creativity, particularly those that make life’s difficult moments, such as separation or death, more accessible to children. Inspired by her older brother’s drawing ability, she developed a fascination...

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Special thanks to Alessandra at Random House Children's Books for the access to the ebook edition for review. (THANKS!) This title is newly available via Random House Books for Young Readers, 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... SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN by Laan Cham - REVIEW!

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 appears every now and then!

Today's featured title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY this Tuesday via Random House Books for Young Readers and features a story about friendship, and walking that middle ground between opposing views, yet still finding a common place to call "home".  Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice...

Somewhere In Between

by

Laan Cham

9780593651568

Random House Books for Young Readers

Release Date:  07/16/24

Pink is a sweet little girl who has inadvertently traveled from far and away, landing in the Land of Sunshine.  There she meets Fireball, and discovers all the wonders and joys to be had in this shimmery bright, and light land.  As she explores, she catches sight of an area across the water she hasn't yet seen.  Fireball warns her away from the scariness to be found over there, but, as with most children, those things she was to be wary of simply made her more curious, so she sets out to see what's what for herself.  Imagine her surprise when she finds a wintry wonderland called the Land of Snow, and it's welcoming committee of one that goes by the name of Snowball.  Things don't seem as scary as she was told they would be, in fact, they're fun, just in a different way, but what starts as a fun day sharing experiences with newly made friends, turns into a virtual tug of war over that new friend that Pink wants nothing to do with...so she comes up with a solution to meet them both halfway, showing  them how much fun can be had if we give things (and others!) a chance, and how beautiful our differences can really be. 

This is a fun tale from start to finish with brilliantly colored illustrations that really get things across.  We get to experience the fun of both lands, and then the middle ground discovered, while catching all parties in the act as they bicker, misunderstand, and eventually come to the realization of how much they were really missing out on.  Young readers can easily follow the pictures to get that first taste of conflict resolution that'll hopefully help them keep their cool in real life, while older readers will appreciate just how similar these two at odds really are with a chuckle and a smile.  A great addition to a classroom or family library for story time again and again.

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About the author...

Laan Cham is a first-generation Singaporean-British-American illustrator from New Jersey who currently lives in Vancouver. Somewhere in Between is her author-illustrator debut, and she is the illustrator of the forthcoming chapter book series Camp Scream. To learn more, and to download a free coloring sheet, visit laancham.com.

INSTAGRAM  |    TWITTER/X

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Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, illustrator, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

It's almost time to say, happy... ELMO'S DADDY DAY by Andrea Posner-Sanchez - REVIEW!

It's almost time to say, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Have you already made your card, bought your present, planned your day with dear old Dad? If not, you still have some time, but I've got a little suggestion to help you out too!  It may be a little deja vu-ish, but trust me, it's worth the trip down memory lane.  It's a NEW BOOK that released a month or two ago via Random House Books for Young Readers, and it features none other than our furry friend ELMO! Elmo shares his 'Daddy Day' in a special adventure perfect for wee ones and beyond. Let's take a closer look...

Elmo's Daddy Day

by

Andrea Posner-Sanchez

Illustrated by

Adua Hernandez

9780593572030

Random House Books for Young Readers

Let me age myself a bit.  Picture it.  Childhood.  It's weekend TV time and Sesame Street is on.  Woo hoo!  Doesn't LOVE a good dose of SESAME STREET, am I right?  I can hear the opening song now...*hums*...anywho, the cast of loveable fel...I mean, furry friends was smaller then, and I don't remember mother's and father's factoring into the bunch.  Nowadays, the cast is varied, vast, and ever changing, from what I gather, and there's more characters to know, more families to explore, and more ways to identify with the goings on with this famous neighborhood.  Yes, my friends, it's a whole new world and with it, so many new opportunities to celebrate!  Like today's title...

Elmo and Louie are celebrating Daddy's Day together.  With baking, gardening, reading, and playing, they enjoy a day that's just about THEM, and doing things they love together.  I love the fact that it doesn't just focus on things considered "manly" because, really, if you enjoy doing it...you do you.  Some dads/kids like sports, others like role-playing games.  Some prefer building things, while others like a walk around their town.  The story shares what Elmo and his Dad like, as well as a few others as they run across them in their activities, and invites you along with them for a day of fun.  By story's end, these two have had such a grand day together, they're tuckered out...and just in time for their father son campout, where they say their "love you's" before heading off to dreamland.

It's a sweet tale for wee ones, father's, and those soon-to-be, with characters you know and love throughout the generations.  The board book format allows kiddos to do the page turning and flap lifting without too much fear of it being a one and done read with the book intact...and the gloriously colorful illustrations bring all that Sesame Street magic we know and love.

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Special thanks to Sarah at Random House Children's Books for the copy 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.

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

It's almost time to say, happy... ELMO'S MOMMY DAY by Andrea Posner-Sanchez - REVIEW!

It's almost time to say, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Have you already made your card, bought your present, planned your day for your Mom?  If not, you still have some time, but I've got a little suggestion to help you out too!  It's a NEW BOOK that released just last month via Random House Books for Young Readers, and it features none other than our furry friend ELMO!  Elmo shares his 'Mommy Day' in a special adventure perfect for wee ones and beyond.  Let's take a closer look...

Elmo's Mommy Day

by

Andrea Posner-Sanchez

Illustrated by

Adua Hernandez

9780593572047

Random House Books for Young Readers

This charming board book is perfect for the upcoming Mother's Day holiday, but can be enjoyed the whole year through!  Elmo plays a fun game of hide-and-seek with his mom, and readers get to play along, looking under flaps for Elmo, at first, and then the special surprise he's hidden for her.  It's sweet, and simple, with wonderfully bright illustrations, giving little ones fun time with their red, furry friend, and more reading time with dear old Mom.  You can't help but smile when you see Elmo trying his hardest to hide.  You can't help but giggle as Mom gets closer, and closer to finding him.  You can't ignore the expression of love on Mom's face when she discovers Elmo's present to her.  It's a book I can see being cherished by new parents as well as the little ones they share it with, but also being passed on down the line for the next generation of readers to enjoy as well.  

A great addition to any home library, but also a great gift for those with young kiddos at home, or from a child to their mom!  

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Special thanks to Sarah at Random House Children's Books for the ecopy 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. 

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

Merry Bookmas! DOUBLE your holiday reading fun with Random House Books for Young Readers! - REVIEW

Hi guys! 

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Well, it’s that special time of year when everyone feels the warmth of the holiday spirit enveloping them and merriment is just a regular part of your scheduled day. Okay, so maybe I overstated that a little bit, but it IS said to be the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR and a strong case can be made for that bigger than average feeling (three sizes bigger, in fact!) if we take a closer look at books featured today! 

It’s a duo of Children’s Fiction titles from Penguin Random House that’s a perfect fit for the holiday season. For the big to the small, the young and young at heart, readers of all ages will delight in rediscovering a classic in a new way as well the board book addition to the family featuring a character long overdue some time in the spotlight. Ladies and gents, Who’s, Grinch's, and puppers alike, gather round as we share the joy of the reading season with today’s TWO books of choice... 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 

by 

Dr Seuss 

9780593434383 

Random House Books for Young Readers 

What’s this? Confusion as to why I’m shedding some light on a title that’s been around the block more than a few times? Well, let me set your mind at ease. I’ve not lost my marbles, or been conked on the head by some random Whoville instrument falling from the sky. THIS EDITION IS IN FULL COLOR! 

That’s right! The story you know and love is all there with its Grinchiest moments of stealth and sneekery, as well as it moments of glory as Christmas still arrives despite all the store bought wonders being gone...BUT NOW, every scribble, every doodle, every who-whatzit or who-dingle is in full color so your imagination can continue to go wild as you and yours immerse yourself in this favorite holiday classic. It’s a great way to continue the holiday tradition while adding something memorable to your holiday reading stash. Can we say, instant gift giving idea?! 

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I Am Max 

by 

ASTRID HOLM 

9781524718015 

Random House Books for Young Readers 

This is the story of the Grinch’s little unwitting cohort and long time companion….Max! You know...the cute little doggo that dons the reindeer antler in order pull the seriously overweight sleigh in a misguided attempt at stealing Christmas? Yep, that’s the pup! Max is here to tell us that while yes, the Grinch wasn’t always a happy fellow to be around, ever since that magical day, he’s been a delight! They play together, eat together, and just plain have fun together in more ways than ever before. It’s a delightful treat that pays homage to the original story, while letting readers back into Mt. Crumpit territory with characters we all know and love. You might find your own heart growing a size or two in delight! 

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Special thanks to Sarah at Random House Children’s Books for the copies for review! For more information on these titles, feel free to click through the links provided above. BOTH are available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today or share the love for the holidays! 

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

It's Summertime and the READING is fine!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Hope you and yours are enjoying the long weekend (well, if you actually get one...), celebrating with friends, family, and taking a moment to remember those who are unable to attend, giving the ultimate sacrifice to ensure freedom. 

We're about at the end of the month and I find myself in a quandary that plagues many a reader/blogger; so many books, so little time! Grant it, considering my offline life (i.e. work and family, I think I've been doing pretty good this year, but no matter how many pages fly, or posts become live, there's always more that you want to share. Today's post is a conglomeration of a few of those titles, mainly focusing in on Children's Fiction and even more specifically, Storybooks and Picture Books. There's a little of this and a little of that. Some titles that have already hit bookstore and virtual shelves, while others are just about to join them this June, so KEEP READING, and see what treasures you might discover today!

Those Are Not My Underpants!

by

Melissa Martin

Illustrated by

Troy Cummings

Random House Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: June 2021

In what could be a rather un-BEAR-able situation, the author and illustrator duo create a walk through the underclothes of the forest creatures filled with determination, information, and heart. The full color illustrations bring Bear Cub's tale vividly to life as he sets out to uncover exactly who's underpants were hanging outside his den. From Squirrel's logical reasoning as to why they couldn't possibly be his to Owl's bright shining example of why they most certainly aren't his, and a few other FUN-tastic examples in between, eventually we get to the BOTTOM of the mystery, and discover that the actual owner wasn't very far from the very start. It'll give readers the giggles, while perhaps making them more comfortable in their own undergarments because while THESE may not be your underpants, there's a pair out there that just screams YOU!

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Moon Camp

by

Barry Gott

Viking Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: May 25, 2021

Jake was all ready for summer...but when Mom and Dad throw a MOON wrench in his plans, things may be headed in an upward direction, but his mood is anything but. With the prospect of no video games, no friends, and no oxygen on the horizon, what's a boy to do? Upon landing on the moon, things aren't looking any better as mishap after mishap befalls our leading lad. Nothing could possibly make up for such a rotten trip...or can it? Sometimes bad times or unfortunate circumstances can take on a whole new spin and are a far lesser concern when a friend is there to share the load...and when Jake sees himself in one of the newly arrived campers, things finally start to look up. 

It's a great reminder that things are never quite as bad as they seem and that approaching them from a new angle can make all the difference. The perspective Jake got when he made his new little friend was all he needed to turn his frown upside down and view the obstacles in his way as challenges to be conquered. Don't forget to explore the images along the way to discover the far out ways the simplest things in life can change when zero-gravity and a lack of oxygen are in the mix!

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Ship in a Bottle

by

Andrew Prahin

G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2021

Mouse lived in a house with Cat. Mouse had dreams of sailing away on his ship filled with gingersnaps to new lands. Cat had dreams too...of eating Mouse. So, when the dreams didn't mesh, away Mouse went on an adventure with unknown dangers and treasures to discover! Along the way, Mouse gets caught up in stormy seas, fickle “friends”, and desperation, but by journey's end, he finds his place in the sun with a land that's a sight to behold, and friends that aren't chased away by rough seas. It speaks to the soul of a traveler and those who embarked on journeys for better opportunities, while reminding us that sometimes those wayfaring individuals need a helping hand, and what better way to give that than to share kindness, understanding, and heart. 

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Dino-Gro

by

Matt Myers

Random House Studio

RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2021

Cole just got a new dinosaur, but he's so very small! His mom comforts him, saying to give it time because he'll grow. You remember those toys that you put in water and they grew...same concept here, only much MUCH bigger! Once Cole starts getting his new little blue friend wet, he creates a monster, or at least a rather BIG problem! It seems Dino-Gro can't get enough of growing bigger and BIGGER, so if there's water, he's bound to find it, and OOPS! There he grows again, until one day, he's too big for inside anymore, and though outside is a big BIG world, he's not happy there, so Dino-Gro gets up and goes. Cole is sad to see his friend is gone, but when trouble strikes, putting Cole in a VERY bad situation, someone big, someone tall, someone BLUE comes to the rescue, and this time size is definitely not an issue!

I loved how it showed both the ups and downs of size change. It made your short time with these big friends all the sweeter, and the emotional times that harder hitting. Watch for the ending that will bring not only Mom's wisdom full circle, but a chuckle worth the wait!

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T. Rexes Can't Tie Their Shoes

by

Anna Lazowski

Illustrated by

Steph Laberis

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: June 29, 2021

It's an A to Z book with Jurassic amounts of pizazz as we go through the alphabet learning not only our L-M-N-O-P's, but what tricky for all different types of animals, in this hilariously remarkable piece of edutainment! From alligators that can't pick apples to monkeys you can't do magic tricks, there is something to smile, laugh, or guffaw at on every page, between the featured letter laden sentences to the ridiculously goof-tastic illustrations! My favorite, or at least one of them, had to be the one that shares the title itself. I mean, it's sad in a way, but still oh so funny! Readers will love teaming up with their animal friends to discover the wacky side of the English language while learning their letters in no time flat! 

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Special thanks to the all the publishers for the ecopies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on the titles listed above, the authors, illustrators, or publishers, feel free to click through the links provided.  Be on the lookout for the titles available now, and mark your calendar for those forthcoming for a summer of fabulous reading!

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

RHCB presents... THIS IS NOT THAT KIND OF BOOK by Christopher Healy!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining a Random House Children's Book tour already in progress to bring you the skinny on the LATEST RELEASE from author Christopher Healy.  It's a Picture Book that has a little trouble defining itself...and while that may cause a little mayhem, it brings A LOT of fun!  So, if you're ready, willing, and able, join me as we try to uncover just what type of book is taking center stage today...

This is Not that Kind of Book

by

Christopher Healy

Illustrated by

Ben Mantle

9780525580294

Random House Books for Young Readers

Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived a little girl who loved her red riding cape.  She skipped along the path to her ailing family members abode only to discover...a robot hiding in the woods?  *ahem*  Okay, well...she sets off with the new found robot, who isn't as scary as he first seemed, on their way to the city, only to discover....a stowaway talking apple, cute as can be mind you, but a stowaway nonetheless.  *uh-huh...I see, or rather now*  Let me tell this story my way...

There once was a reader that started a Picture Book adventure only to discover that while it DID fit nicely into the general genre of things, there was no sub category that could contain it, thereby making it a GREAT READ for all ages, boys and girls alike.  Whether they dream of being a princess, pirate, or spending time with talking forest creatures in cute clothing that may be a tad stubborn, there is something in here for everyone, and, in fact, a little bit of everyone in this something.  It's a book the defies boundaries, invites inclusion, and above all else...reminds you that while not every story is for every person, there is a perfect person for every story...with the exception of this book because it is QUITE LITERALLY for every one.

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About the author...

Christopher Healy is a prolific freelance journalist who has contributed to such publications as Salon, Cookie, The Washington Post, Child, Cargo, Glamour, and Real Simple. He lives with his wife and daughter in Brooklyn.

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Alex at Random House Children's Books for the copy for review as well as the chance to bring this tour to you. (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 via Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.


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