Beauty in Nature with... WILLOW AND BUNNY by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Christopher Denise - REVIEW!

Today's a two-fer post sort of day!

Our first one was for the teen and adult readers, while this time around, we've got a Storybook newly available from Two Lions that'll draw readers of all ages for more reasons than you might suspect.  Ready to take a closer look between the pages of today's featured title?  Let's do it!  Ladies and gents, the title you've been waiting for...

Willow and Bunny

by

Anitra Rowe Schulte

Illustrated by

Christopher Denise

9781542025690

Two Lions

About the book...

From a Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestselling artist and a Christopher Award–winning author, a beautiful, heartfelt tale of friendship, community, and hope after a difficult experience.

Bunny needs a new home. After a long journey, he meets Willow and knows he will be safe beneath her branches. Every day is theirs to share. Just Bunny and Willow, Willow and Bunny.

Then, one evening, an angry spiral whips through the wood. Every creature in the forest runs to Willow for shelter. As the storm rages, Willow shields and protects them with all her might. But when the calm returns, Willow’s beautiful branches are tattered, twisted, and forever changed. Bunny and the other creatures know it is their turn to help.

This beautifully told tale by a Christopher Award–winning author and a Caldecott Honor artist offers messages of friendship, community, and hope after a difficult experience.

This beautifully illustrated tale of a bunny looking for shelter, and finding so much more, really speaks to the heart.  If you've ever experienced any type of traumatic event in your life, I guarantee you, this will bring you to tears.  Grant it, they are momentarily tears of sadness for the change that was brought on both bunny and willow, but it soon passes to those of simple happiness, if not joy, as you come to realize that the strength and resilience born from those unexpected alterations just help their bond grow stronger.  If you've not had those life experiences just yet, I can definitely see this being a story that helps  you and/or younger readers understand change more easily.  It's not often easy to accept, but what we get out of it, and the lessons we learn can go a long way towards finding our own happiness once again.

A tale of a willow and a bunny, yes, but ultimately so very much more.  This is a story that will be held near and dear to my heart, as I not only revisit the story for that boost of strength, but reflect on the gorgeous images that grace every page.  A great addition to any personal or public library that will appeal to readers of all ages.

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About the author...

Anitra Rowe Schulte is the author of Dancing with Daddy, which won the Christopher Award and the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award. She has worked as a journalist for The Kansas City Star and the Sun-Times News Group, as a staff writer for Chicago Public Schools, and as a publicist. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and their three daughters. Visit her at www.anitraroweschulte.com, @anitraschulte on Twitter, and Instagram.

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About the illustrator...

Christopher Denise wrote and illustrated Knight Owl, a 2023 Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestseller. He is also the illustrator of many critically acclaimed children’s books, including Anika Aldamuy Denise’s Bunny in the Middle, Alison McGhee’s Firefly Hollow, and Anne Marie Pace’s Groundhug Day, as well as several in Brian Jacques’s award-winning Redwall series. Christopher lives with his family in Rhode Island. Visit him at www.christopherdenise.com, @christopherdenise on Instagram, and Twitter.

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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 Two Lions 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. Keep an eye out for more celebrations featuring this title throughout the blogosphere and social media!

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

Celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month with THE UNSTOPPABLE JAMIE by Joyce Givens, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson!

Did you know October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month?  I was this-month-years-old when I learned this fact (thanks Blue Slip Media!), but was fascinated to learn more!  Any time we can celebrate people is a GOOD thing, and when those being celebrated are often times overlooked, or thought of less than kindly...I say all the MORE reason to shout about it from mountaintop to sandy beach!  

Today's featured title does just that by bringing awareness to this cause while informing, educating, and entertaining all at the same time. Don't think it's possible?  You don't know what you're missing...but I'm a tender heart so you're about to find out!  Ladies and gents, let's get between the pages of today's featured title...

The Unstoppable Jamie

by

Joyce Givens

Illustrated by

Courtney Dawson

9781662505768

Two Lions

About the book...

Inspired by the author’s son, the story of a boy with Down syndrome who goes on a superhero’s journey to New York City and learns what truly makes him unstoppable.

Jamie likes to pretend he’s a superhero. With his cape and gadgets, he feels like he can face anything. When his picture is chosen to be shown in Times Square for the NDSS Buddy Walk®, his family travels to New York City to see it. As he makes his way through the loud, busy, unfamiliar city, Jamie discovers that he doesn’t have all his special tools. But he soon realizes that it isn’t what he wears or the gadgets he uses that make him brave—it’s who he is inside.

This uplifting story includes an author’s note with information about Down syndrome.

Little Jamie is UNSTOPPABLE, or so the title says, but underneath all the bravado, Jamie is a little boy with a BIG secret.  He's a SUPERHERO...but his BIGGER secret is the fact that each of you are too!  Let me explain...

We get to traverse through a few days with Jamie as he has some family time, has a great moment captured on film, and is selected to have it displayed alongside other participants in the NDSS Buddy Walk in New York City!  Quite the feat, but the even bigger one is getting there to enjoy the five minutes of fame, and being able to handle the challenges in front of our little hero.  No two people are exactly alike, nor are the ways they deal with stress.  For Jamie, being able to focus in on a task, block out excess noise, and indulge in tight bear hugs really grounds him, but it's his cape that really helps him turn from Kent to Super...Jamie!  The Big Apple isn't named so because it's small, and when the going gets too tough, it can all be overwhelming.  Through that experience, Jamie comes to understand that his methods of handling the day are great tools, as is his beloved red cape, but the real hero is the boy beneath it all...himself.

It was eye opening to learn how something as simple as headphones can provide a modicum of comfort, allowing those feeling like their senses are being overloaded to gain their footing once again.  Jamie was such a sweetheart!  He had such a great outlook on life, and his family was so very supportive, you can't help but have your heart melt just a little at their interactions.  The joy he finds in each day just brings a smile to your face, or at least it did to mine, and while I didn't like seeing him stressed over all the hubbub around him, it was REAL.  THAT'S something that people deal with on the day to day, and this story gives readers a way to understand a little better what they are experiencing, and perhaps how to help if able.  When Jamie comes into his own and realizes just how POWERFUL he is, I could've hugged him.  It was such a sweet moment.

All in all, a great book for readers of all ages to celebrate the people around us and spread awareness with oh-so-much heart.  Insider fact...the story was inspired by the author's very own son (Joshua), so that he could have more books where he can see himself as the characters represented.  Just goes to show you why we need diversity in books because everyone deserves the chance to find themselves between the pages.

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About the author...

Joy Givens is the author of several award-winning short stories and the lucky mother of four young superheroes, including her son Joshua, who inspired this book. She also works as a coordinator of after-school programs that serve refugee and immigrant youth. Joy lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her family. This is her first picture book. Follow her @joyeilene on Instagram or visit her at www.joygivens.com.

On Facebook: Joy Eilene Givens

Joy Givens: @joyeilene

On Twitter/X: @joyeilene

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About the illustrator...

Courtney Dawson has illustrated a number of children’s books, including There’s a Rock Concert in My Bedroom by Kevin and Danielle Jonas, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School by Alexandra Alessandri, and Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson. Prior to illustrating picture books, she worked in animation. She lives with her family in California. Follow her @courtneyjdee on Instagram or stop by www.courtneyjdawson.com.

On Instagram: @courtneyjdee

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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 Two Lions 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. Keep an eye out for more celebrations featuring this title throughout the blogosphere and social media!

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

'Mistakes make us great.': MARKER by Anna King - REVIEW!

We've put away pencils,

We've put away books (well, SCHOOL books at least);

We've waved goodbye to teachers,

And changed up our looks (for summer!).

The summer holidays have arrived, and with it, the freedom that the months away from the hallowed halls of learning bring...BUT, that doesn't mean the learning ends, ESPECIALLY when you have such great "teachers" to get the point across.  SO, are YOU ready to see what's in store as the Teacher Supplies prep for the coming year?  Let's DO this!

Marker

by

Anna King

Illustrated by

Christopher Weyant

9781542039611

Two Lions

About the book....

Marker is one of the teacher’s go-to school supplies. Her work is tip-top, and she always makes a lasting impression. That is, until Pinking Shears, a.k.a. Pink, arrives and dazzles everyone with her sharp creations. No longer the star of the desk, Marker begins to make mistakes. The trouble is, they can’t just be erased; her work is permanent, and she’s not allowed to fail. Or so she thinks…until a realization helps her rediscover her Marker magic

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Meeting Marker and friends was darling.  I mean, I always wondered how the teacher got her stuff all prepped and ready to go for the new year, and, seriously, who DOESN'T love new school supplies?  Am I right?  I mean, every school year, I looked forward to getting just the right backpack, folders, binders, pens, pencils, markers... *sigh*...good memories.  Nowadays, I still look forward to that time of year...they're just OFFICE supplies instead of SCHOOL, but the learning never stops at any age, despite the setting.  Take this book...

It's a title that I'm well outside the target audience of, but the messages ring loud and clear as if I was just starting out.  The Classroom Rules that evolve throughout the course of the story... be respectful and kind...include others, don't exclude...listen...to name a few.  Spot on, and insightful.  The Failure Fun Day that's thrown for the supplies to try new things, make a mess, and make mistakes!  AS eraser so aptly says... Mistakes make us great.  (LOVE THAT ONE!)  

So you see, Picture Books can be enjoyable for readers just starting out to those seeing their golden years out, and leave just as memorable an impression.  Outside of the fun story, and memorable characters, the illustrations really tie this one all together.  The expressiveness of each supply, the happiness, the worries, and everything in between that you'd never expect to see is shown, and really brings you into their world, while still reminding you that the pearls of wisdom shared are equally as applicable in our every day lives.

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Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant are the creators of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small and five more books in that series, as well as Christopher Award winner Eraser, Hudson and Tallulah Take Sides, Can I Tell You a Secret?, and Will You Help Me Fall Asleep? Christopher’s work can also be seen in The New Yorker and the Boston Globe, and his cartoons are syndicated worldwide. This husband-and-wife team lives in New Jersey with their two daughters and their dog, Hudson. Visit them at www.annakang.com and www.christopherweyant.com.

Twitter: @annakang27 @ChristophWeyant

Instagram: annakangbooks; christopherweyant

Facebook: Anna Kang - Author; Christopher Weyant

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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 Two Lions 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.  Keep an eye out for more celebrating the BOOK BIRTHDAY of this title throughout the blogosphere and social media!

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

PRE BOOK BIRTHDAY BUZZ: The Rescue Rabbits by Eric Seltzer - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're spreading some pre book birthday BUZZ about a NEW Picture Book title coming to you THIS WEEK via Two Lions! It's set to take the kiddos on some high flying adventures as imagination takes flight with this unique crew of companions. So, if you're ready, buckle in for adventure as we set our sights on the pages of today's book of choice...

The Rescue Rabbits

by

Eric Seltzer

Illustrated by

Roland Garrigue

9781542042635

Two Lions

RELEASE DATE:  11/10/20

Who's got a problem?

Anyone need a rescue?

If you've got so much as a thorn in your paw or itch that can't be scratched, they are down for the job...for they are THE RESCUE RABBITS!  This foursome of furry, cotton-tailed wonders are ready and willing to take on whatever task needs doing, and they've got the knowledge, the technology, and the heart to make it work.  Honestly, they remind me of a much calmer version of a particular quartet of turtles...with perhaps less ninja skills, sewer lairs, and pizza consumption, but I digress.

One day, they are called in for a job beyond all jobs, involving a Prince, a tree, and some unfortunate consequences of particular actions taken by same said prince.  *ahem*  Anywho...when the task seems insurmountable, can THE RESCUE RABBITS pull out all the stops to get their man...err, I mean, rhino?  Or will he be up a tree for good!?  Guess you'll have to adventure between the pages to find out, but let me say this...it's not just a story about super problem fixing bunnies.  It's a tale about helping others, working together, and utilizing your resources...including calling for reinforcements when necessary!

A great story for the kiddos at story time, or even as they adventure into dreamland...

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About the author...

Eric Seltzer received his BFA from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. He worked as a TV graphics designer and an advertising art director before writing and illustrating children’s books. His book Four Pups and a Worm was an IRA/CBC Children’s Book Choice, and The Long Dog was named a Gryphon Award Honor Book. He recently published the board book Arf! Buzz! Cluck! illustrated by David Creighton-Pester. Eric lives with his family in Michigan.

About the illustrator...

Roland Garrigue is a prolific children’s book illustrator from Paris who attended art school in Strasbourg, France. His recent books include Cavekid Birthday, written by Cathy Breisacher, and Mother Ghost: Nursery Rhymes for Little Monsters, written by Rachel Kolar. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @rolandgarrigue.

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

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

What If Everybody Said That? by Ellen Javernick - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining Blue Slip Media for a stop along their current tour featuring a Storybook release that's not simply about telling a good tale, but about TEACHING something along the way.  It takes a lesson that can be hard learned, turns it into something relatable with a dose of fun, and leaves you with a mission to carry forth from the page into real life.  Sound good?  Alrighty then, let's do this!  Ready or not, today's book of choice is on deck...

What If Everybody Said That?

by

Ellen Javernick

Illustrated by

Colleen Madden

9781503948952

Two Lions

About the book...

What if everybody chose to be kind?

If you tell someone that they can’t play with you, there’s no harm done, right? But what if everybody said that? What if everybody forgot to be kind…and made fun of other kids’ artwork at school, or told a fib, or refused to share with a person in need? The world wouldn’t be a very nice place to live. But what if everybody thought before they spoke, so the world would be a kinder place?

AMAZON  |  B&N  |  INDIEBOUND

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Right from the start, you can't help but be drawn in.  I mean, the title alone would do it with all the ponderings it brings to mind, but combine that with the cover, you just know something is about to go down, and you want to be a part of it...or perhaps not.  You see, our little leading lady is being anything but angelic.  Now don't get me wrong, people should be free to be themselves, but that goes for EVERYONE, and ridiculing, picking on, or name calling is for the birds...well, okay, not even them, but you know what I mean.  No one likes to be on the receiving end of things in that type of situation, and no one should be.  If only we would all take a moment to think about the other person's feelings, consider how our words might be taken...or pose the question, what if everybody said that?

It's a real eye opening story, and the illustrations really give it that 1-2 punch.  You can see the feelings on both their faces when comments are made, almost hearing the judgment being passed, the hearts/dreams being broken.  It really reminds us to CHOOSE KINDNESS in all our daily actions and reactions.  Honestly, you never know how those words said in the heat of the moment, or without a passing thought, are going to impact the person they are being said to.  You might stop the next Picasso from becoming the artist they were meant to be, the next scientist in training from discovering the cure to incurable diseases, or even simply put the extra dose of lighter fluid on someone's already "stellar" day that could have used your moment of kindness, encouragement, or even simply...silence.  Hey, I don't know about you, but I was always told "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all"...certainly can't go wrong there, but reaching out that helping hand, or extending that kind word is definitely a step up too.

Recommended read for kiddos of all ages because really...who couldn't use a reminder to think before we speak...especially in today's world? 

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About the author...

Ellen Javernick is the author of more than twenty books for children, including the Children’s Choice Book Award finalist The Birthday Pet, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley, and the bestselling picture book What If Everybody Did That?, illustrated by Colleen Madden. She has been an elementary school teacher for more than twenty years and currently teaches second grade. She lives in Loveland, Colorado.

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About the illustrator...

Colleen Madden is the illustrator of numerous children’s books, including the picture book adaptation of All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey and the bestselling picture book What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two sons. To see more of her work, visit her online

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Special thanks to Barbara and Sarah at Blue Slip Media 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, the illustrator, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

BEFORE YOU GO...

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

UP FOR GRABS...

(1) COPY OF WHAT IF EVERYBOY SAID THAT? by Ellen Javernick


*Open to US/Canada residents; no P.O. Boxes please.
Entries accepted through midnight, August 7th, 2018.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!

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



A Home for Leo by Vin Vogel

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining the folks at Blue Slip Media for the final stop along their current tour featuring the latest from author Vin Vogel.  You may already know (and love!) his previous works, such as The Thing About Yetis and Bedtime for Yeti, but this time around, we're heading much further south to a destination filled with sun, sand, surf...and sea lions?  Yep, sea lions...and one of these particular "lions" is not exactly like the others.  Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice...

A Home for Leo

by

Vin Vogel

9581503902602

Two Lions

This is the story of how one little boy ended up with two VERY different families.  You see, one day a trip out to sea turned into something oh-so-much more when little Leo was lost among the crashing waves.  His family thought him gone forever, until one day some time later, on their latest trip to the shore, they saw a couple of sea lions playing with something particularly un-sea-lion-like.  GASP!  It was Leo...and yet not Leo...for time had changed the little guy and shaped his youthful mind.  Eager to have their wee one back, they welcomed him with open arms, and while Leo was also anxious to get to know his human family, things didn't go quite as smoothly as one would hope.  It seemed in finding himself, he was having to lose another part of himself again...or was he?  With a little ingenuity, a stroke of pure genius straight from the heart, and a little understanding, perhaps both families could be in the picture at the same time....

A sweet, simple story featuring a lively and original cast of characters just trying to care for their little one the best way they know how.  My stomach bottomed out when Leo went for an unexpected swim, only to warm once again when the sea lion family welcomed this flipper-less little fellow into their harem (that's a group of sea lions, in case you didn't know!).  I couldn't help but smile when little Leo and the sea lion pup were imitating each other, proving that while we're all different, we can still find common ground if we use our hearts.  Along the way, his journey is detailed with  many illustrations bursting with brilliant colors and delightful imagery that will dazzle the eye, while keeping you right in the story.  In fact, don't be surprised if you find yourself barking along with Leo in unexpected moments of exclamation!

All in all, a delightful read that will entertain wee ones while spreading a message of love and acceptance...two things this world could certainly use more of.

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About the author...

Vin Vogel is the author-illustrator of The Thing About Yetis and Bedtime for Yeti and the illustrator of Bob and Joss Get Lost! and Bob and Joss Take a Hike! by Peter McCleery, Music Class Today by David Weinstone, and Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt, which won a Christopher Award. Vin grew up near the ocean and always wanted a sea lion as a pet. He also wanted to write a story about the idea of home and the feeling of being a fish out of water. When he heard about the sea lion population crisis in California, Vin knew this was the story he needed to write. After having lived for a time in New York City, Vin’s back in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he can be found with his two cats and his single-fin surfboards.

Learn more about Vin at www.vinvogel.com...and don't miss the BOOK TRAILER!

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Special thanks to Barbara and Sarah at Blue Slip Media 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, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Two Lions, an imprint of Amazon Publishing, so click on over to snag your copy today!

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