STORYBOOK SUNDAY... takes a walk on the wild side!

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 roundup of titles takes a walk on the wild side with THREE selections out now (or coming soon!) that all feature animals. So if you're ready for lions and tigers and... wait, wrong animals. 😳  *ahem* If you're ready for dogs 🐕, and cats 🐈, and... whales 🐋 (oh my!), then KEEP READING because today's trio was made for you (and me!)...

Don't Trust Cats

LIFE LESSONS FROM CHIP THE DOG

By

Dev Petty

Illustrated by Mike Boldt

9780593706787

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Release Date: JANUARY 2024

This darling book is the second installment in the LIFE LESSONS series featuring our canine pal, Chip. He's a lean, not mean, puppy dog full of knowledge, and while he has a lot of wisdom to spare, his biggest emphasis is to not trust feline counterparts. Sounds like a single focus story then, right? It's actually not because while imparting that strong sentiment, Chip also tells of all the wonderful things to be friends with, try out, play with, etcetera...to the point that he might actually kinda sorta forget his own words of wisdom in the process and... you can see where this is going 😳.

Suffice it to say that I'm a big fan of CHIP, and his exuberant life choices, for better or worse! A great pick for the wee ones and those simply young at heart with artwork that never fails to dazzle, conveying humor, joy, and even second thoughts with ease. 

🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 

This Little Kitty in the Garden

By 

Karen Obuhanych

9780593435175

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Release Date: JANUARY 2024

This book was a much an adorable feline frenzy celebration of cuteness as it was a beginning gardening guide for wee readers! It shows the kittens at play as they go about their day while they also accomplish seeding, weeding, watering, and more with their two human counterparts lending a hand with a paw simply won't do. I loved the gentle instructions used because I think it'll spark an interest in how our gardens grow, and even lead to conversations about the importance of continuing that circle of life. I adored the curious little kitties, and their helpful little ways that not only got the job done, but added (if possible!) to their innate cuteness. 

A great pick for feline fans of all ages, and a wonderful way to introduce the next generation to the concepts of food sustainability!

🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 

Soren's Seventh Song

By 

Dave Eggers

Illustrated by

Mark Hoffmann

9781951836733

Cameron's Kids

Release Date: FEBRUARY 6TH, 2024

This one was a big surprise to me, and not just because of leading fellow is rather big himself! It's a storybook, but it has a lot more story, and a lot more reading than your average pick, so I'd definitely suggest this one as a read along with a more experienced reader, or solo for a kiddo in the same boat to avoid any frustrations. That being said, I really liked this whale of a tale! It emphasized whether what it was imparting was fact or fiction, had great big full size illustrations, made a ginormous point of saying BE YOURSELF no matter what the world may say, and still reminded us of how far a great friendship can really take us. I really felt for this little, well... big guy, and totally respected what he was trying to do! Following the same old same old because it's the status quo... where's the appeal, especially when following your dreams is TOTALLY an option!

A great story to read and share with those you love that might need a little boost to keep reaching for the stars 🌟, as well as a fun animal story that'll have wee ones excited about imaging each new song!

🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 🐋 

Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to the publishers for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the authors, illustrators, or publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above.

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

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY starring... Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari by Karen B. Winnick

Ever wanted to go on an African Safari?  Ever dreamed of seeing all the different animals in their natural habitats as they go about their days? Now you can without ever leaving your living room.  Today's featured title is on an AWARENESS TOUR with The Children's Book Review and it's much easier to spot in the social media wild than the animal itself!  Let's take a closer look at this Picture Book filled to the brim with excitement...

 

Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

by

Karen B. Winnick

9781626349759

Greenleaf Book Group

About the book...

Can You Spot the Leopard? is author/artist Karen B. Winnick’s newest picture book, an adventuresome African safari presented through poems and full-color paintings. Readers begin at sunrise, climbing into a jeep for a bumpy ride to view the wondrous animals as they would on a real safari. All the poems are based on real observations of what animals do in the wild, related in an accessible way. There’s even a sighting, finally, of the elusive leopard, before returning to safari camp under a starry night. At the back of the book, further information is related about each animal. A fun, informational, educational adventure to read and reread.

Ms. Winnick is an animal enthusiast, president of the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, and author of more than a dozen picture books, including Gemina: The Crooked-Neck Giraffe, How Lucky Got His Shoe, and Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers.

Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes and Noble

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Right from the start, you are captivated by the artwork...just look at that cover!  It's certainly not one you'd want to turn away from...nor would you want to turn from the subject matter in person either!  With every turn of the page, you get another full color display of another animal that makes its home on the safari.  From elephants to meerkats, lions to hyenas, guinea hens to ostriches, it's a menagerie you won't soon forget.  You'll see each animal represented in full color, in their natural habitat, often times, doing their favorite activities.  The elephants play in the water spray from mother's trunk.  The hippos roll in the cooling mud to escape the heat of the day.  The meerkats soak of the sun as they sunbathe.  The cheetahs stalk their prey to gain food for their family.  You may be asking where the jaguar is.  Well, he comes a little later in the story, despite pulling the title spot, and don't worry, you'll definitely be able to spot him!

All in all, it was edutainment that the whole family can have fun with while learning a thing or two along the way.  Never say Picture Books can't be a source of knowledge because often times, I've found, the combination of information and imagery leave a longer lasting impression with most readers!  Take a trip you won't soon forget without every having to leave your favorite reading spot!

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About the author... 

KAREN B. WINNICK is the author of more than a dozen picture books for children, most of which she illustrated. An animal lover, she serves on several boards devoted to the well-being of animals. She’s a graduate of Syracuse University, mother of three grown sons, grandmother of eight, and minder of five pups.

For more visit, karenbwinnick.com.

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Enter for a chance to win an awesome Dooney Press Gift Pack of books and more fun goodies!

Ten (10) winners receive:

- A signed copy of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari Book Giveaway 

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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for 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. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

The Children’s Book Review

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Life Is What It’s Called

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Dad Suggests

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Friday, October 21, 2022

Library Lady’s Kid Lit

An interview with Karen B. Winnick

Monday, October 24, 2022

Crafty Moms Share

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Book Zone Reviews

An interview with Karen B. Winnick

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Thursday, October 27, 2022

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Friday, October 28, 2022

The Momma Spot

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Monday, October 31, 2022

Lisa’s Reading

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Because I Said So

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Heart to Heart

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

Friday, November 4, 2022

The Fairview Review

A book review of Can You Spot the Leopard? An African Safari

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

AWARENESS TOUR: Oi Gets Lost by Lorna Likiza - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, the blog is getting a little wild, a little furry, as we shine the review spotlight on a few titles that feature our furry friends. First up, a Children's Fiction Early Chapter Book currently on tour with The Children's Book Review. It tells the story of little Oi and though an adorably cute kitten, his tale is filled with adventure, a few scary-ish challenges, and ultimately, a happy ending in spite of it all. Ready or not, fair readers, gather round as we share today's book of choice...

Oi Gets Lost

The Oi series

by

Lorna Likiza

Illustrated by

Yevheniia Melnyk

9781739985318

Bright Lights Books

About the book...

Set in Kenya, Oi is a naughty kitten who lives with his Mummy and siblings in an outdoor shed. Despite Mummy’s warnings, Oi has a tendency of wandering off and exploring. But one day, after nearly being attacked by a dog, Oi ends up in an unfamiliar neighborhood. And this time, he’s not sure he’ll be able to find his way back home…

Oi’s adventure is sure to delight children and cat-lovers alike.

AMAZON  |  BRIGHT LIGHTS BOOKS

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

This is the story of little Oi.

He's a curious little kitten that lives outdoors with his mother and siblings.  They may not live plushy lives like housecats, but they're happy, and that's not something to simply shrug at.  Thing is, as happy as Oi is at heart, he's CURIOUS...insatiably so...which can lead to some unintended adventures, and the bigger escapade of our story.  Mother has always told them not to stray too far for it's easy to get lost, and one day...well, Oi does just that.  He ends up on his own in the great big world, and while it sounded grand in theory, this little guys had a lot more to learn before leaving home for good.  There are dangers he was protected from by his mum.  There are techniques to survival that he could have learned more about before having to hunt for the first time on his own, cold turkey.  There was just so much more that in the lonely nights he wished he had paid closer attention to...but don't fear, dear readers, for all is not lost.  Where there is a will, there is a way, and with a little luck on his side, as well as some kindly encounters, and new friends, he just might make it back to see his family once again...

When I received information regarding this book, I was pulled in by the curious title, and the adorable image of little Oi.  I simply had to know that although he obviously was lost, that he was eventually found!  Turns out, he finds himself in some ways, as well as his way back to his family, and I think they are all better for it in the end.  While some moments were scarier than I imaged they would be, the lessons shared were certainly from the heart.  You've got everything from the very basic mother knows best to never give up echoing from start to finish!  It reminds us that everyone deserves a chance to show their true colors, and not all people (or animals) are the same, so avoid judging them as such.  I think the kiddos will be on the edge of their seat as Oi gets lost and found again, while older readers will enjoy the happy reunion three fold more.

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About the author...

Lorna Likiza is a Kenyan writer, tutor of French, and Founder of the Heroe Book Fair. Oi Gets Lost is her first published book. She considers Literature as one of her passions and lives in Mombasa.

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Enter for a chance to win a copy of Oi Gets Lost!

Ten (10) winners receive:

A copy of Oi Gets Lost

Oi Gets Lost: Book Giveaway

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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the ecopy 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, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

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

STORYBOOK SUNDAY has gone to the animals!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Sunday! For those not up to speed on the post, I read a lot of great storybooks and thought, why not give them their own day in the sun. Hence, Storybook Sunday! Feel free to join the fun and create a post on your own site with the same name. I'd love to see any linked up in the comments! Anywho...back to the matter at hand.

Today, the post is going to the ANIMALS.  That's right!  The animals...in the sense that ALL THREE TITLES featured star animals of one variety or another.  So, get ready to be all warm and fuzzy (or even sticky and slimy) because our menagerie of critters are ready for the spotlight!  First up...

There's Nothing to Do!

by

Dev Petty

Illustrated by

Mike Boldt

9780399558030

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Release Date:  09/16/17

Once upon a time, there was a frog who didn't want to grow up.  Now, Frog is back and this time... he's got nothing to do! Yep, bored as a log in a mud pit...as a flower in a field...as a windmill in Holland...as a, well you get the picture. Oh sure, he's got ideas but what good are they when he doesn't want to do any one them?! Good thing his friends can show him the way while reminding us all that sometimes nothing is the best thing to do!

SPECIAL NOTE:  This title will be on TOUR with Random House Children's Books September 26 - October 6!  Don't miss out!

- - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - -

Papillon (the Very Fluffy Kitty) Goes to the Vet

by

A.N. Kang

9781484728819

Disney Hyperion

Released:  09/05/17

Every time I see this one I almost roll on the floor from the sheer pleasure its images bring.  I'm sorry (not really) but it is really JUST THAT CUTE!  Papillon is an ADORABLE kitty who (we learn in his first adventure) is so fluffy that he FLOATS.  Yes, floats!  He's just THAT FLUFFY!  Well, this time around, Papillon isn't really feeling like himself, in fact, with a *HIC* here and a *HIC* there, he's downright under the weather.  Good thing his human knows what to do and rushes our friend Papillon to the Vet, on the double!  There he discovers that while he may feel down and out, he is not alone...nor is it a permanent condition.  With the help of a few other magnificent felines on the mend, Papillon comes to realize that while his fluffiness and floatiness are certainly extra special qualities, they are not all that make him who he is.

A wonderful story to lift the spirits of kiddos having their own bout of down-to-earthiness or even that of pets on the mend from their own misadventures.

- - - - - -- - --- -- - - - -- --- -

Found Dogs

by

Erica Sirotich

9780399186417

Dial Books for Young Readers

Released:  07/18/17

An adorable book that not only encourages learning (works great as a counting primer) but adoption as an option for your next pet!  What starts as 1 dog soon grows into 2...and then 3...and then, well, you get the picture...but while the types and number of dogs is growing, so is the love on every page, until finally, these patient pooches have their rightful day, finding their way to their new homes.  It's silly and fun while still tugging on the heart strings and reminding us that everyone deserves to be needed, and loved.

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Special thanks to the publicity teams at Penguin Random House and Disney Hyperion for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the titles featured above, the authors, illustrators, or publishers, feel free to click on the links provided.  The release dates of each book are listed for your convenience...and calendar marking needs.  I know, I do the SAME thing.

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

Saving the Spooniverse one bark at a time...: Space Dog by Mini Grey

HI there!

Welcome back to another exciting edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

As the Halloween holiday continues its fast approach, we press forward with our themed reads perfect for whiling away a blustery afternoon.  Today's selected title may not seem like an instant match but bear with me because I'm seriously seeing the potential for bookish costumes here for both the little ones AND the fur babies...and I mean ALL the fur babies, from the big to the small.  Don't believe me?  Well then, let's get to proving it shall we?  Coming in for a landing is today's book of choice...

Space Dog

by

Mini Grey

9780553510584

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Bark date...October 21st, 2015.

Time...something o'clock in the AM or PM.

Place...SPACE.

Destination...Home Planet, or at least it WAS.

Space Dog was a canine of the first class.  Tried and true, he wasn't a dog to leave a man down...or anyone else for that matter.  Having made his rounds of the galaxy saving this planet, rescuing that race, and introducing himself to a Spaghetti Entity, he was ready to head home once again.  After all, life is space is nice but it can get lonely being a crew of one.  Little did he know that soon his numbers would be multiplied by THREE and that the "sworn enemy" would become his newest friends.

This read was highly addictive, much like milk with cereal or ketchup on your fries.  Okay, well not on MY fries, I'm actually not a ketchup-on-fries kinda girl, but you get the point.  Once you open the cover, the exploration and adventure begins, starting with Space Dog's Official Spacemap and continuing through a glimpse at the Spaceforce Official Training Handbook.  In between, we get to travel the galaxy, rescue fellow astronauts and discover that though we might be told one thing, it's best for us to truly decide how we feel.  Take Space Dog versus the Astrocat.  When push came to shove, Space Dog wasn't thinking that this was his sworn enemy nor did he even consider NOT helping him out.  Indeed, the first thing on his mind was MUST SAVE HIM...to which his four paws responded post haste.  A few lightyears away, yet another galactic disaster occurs, placing a Moustronaut in peril but never fear, the newly formed duo is here to save the day...and make a new friend.  That to me is the best part of all.  Showing the power of acceptance, of inclusion to the next generation can only spark the togetherness we need to help bring us all one step closer to truly understanding one another.

Overall, it may sound cliche but I would say this read was out of this world.  The story was both humorous and sweet, with the unexpected message of inclusion and acceptance for one and all.  The illustrations were top notch and kept the tale moving nicely, adding yet another layer of enjoyment and extending the reach of the story to even the wee ones.  A great balance, if I do say so myself, and a must read for your wish list.  Oh and back to the costume thing....can't you just see your fur babies dressed as astronauts or your kiddos dressed the same but with puppy ears or a cat tail? Come on!  It'd be adorable and one of a kind!

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About the author...

MINI GREY is the creator of the Boston Globe–Horn Book award-winning picture book Traction Man Is Here!, as well as Traction Man Meets TurboDog and Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey. Her brilliant, quirky humor can also be seen in Toys in Space, Hermelin the Detective Mouse, Three by the Sea, The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon, and Ginger Bear. Mini’s books have received 23 starred reviews. She is a former elementary school teacher. Visit her at MiniGrey.com

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Special thanks to Cassie at Random House Children's Books for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release October 27th, 2015, via Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Straight from the horses mouth....Audrey (Cow) by Dan Bar-el

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we stepping off the agreed to review path and featuring a title I won a short while ago on one of my favorite bookish social sites, LibraryThing.  If you've never checked them out, I'd highly suggest you do.  Anywho, I was perusing the newly listed titles available to win and stumbled upon a Children's Fiction selection that sounded curious indeed.  One entry later, and the rest is history as it became one of the fun arrivals in my mailbox.  Today is the day it reaches the blog limelight as I get to share it with all of you.  Get ready for a curious read that's going to get the story straighter than straight because each and every aspect comes right from the horse's, I mean cow's, I mean dog's, I mean...a variety of animal's mouths.  ^_^  Ladies and gents, today's book of choice is....

Audrey (Cow)

by

Dan Bar-el

Illustrated by

Tatjana Mai-Wyss

9781770496026

Tundra Books

About the book...

Audrey is a cow with poetry in her blood, who yearns for the greener pastures beyond Bittersweet Farms. But when Roy the horse tells this bovine dreamer that she is headed for Abbot's War, the slaughter house, Audrey knows that she must leave her home and friends sooner than she ever imagined. With the help of a whole crew of animals and humans alike, Audrey attempts to escape the farm she lives on--and certain death. Cleverly written as an oral account, this unique illustrated tale of an animal on the run, told "to camera", uses over thirty narrative voices, including six humans, four cows, three sheep, two sheep dogs, one pig and a very silly rooster.

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First surprise....this is actually based (somewhat) on a TRUE story!  I had NO IDEA until the final pages when the author shares this tidbit with readers and we get to read what happened to the real life "Audrey".  Pretty cool stuff, if I do say so myself.  Now, back to the story...

Every bit of it is as true (in a fictitious sense) as can be.  Scouts honor.  How do I know?  Because...because the author shares this heroic and dashing tale of life, love, and friendship through the eyes of those that lived it...the animals.  Yep.  Each animal that was involved in helping Audrey escape her fate gets to be heard, from her friend Eddie the dog to Buster the pig, Roy the horse to June the deer...even a few humans.  (Whoa...)  What starts as the story of a cow on her way from a wee little one to prime market value, takes shape into a tale you won't soon forget.  You have board balancing cows, truck stopping dogs, gate opening pigs, chaos creating sheep and so many other things that break loose, or set their fancy free that if not for the driven direction of the story, one could easily lose their way.  Worry not though my fair readers, no one will be lost that is not intending to be and by book's end, all is sorted into perhaps not their natural order but the one they chose for themselves that's better fitting, leaving us with the distinct impression that all things are possible and to never stop reaching for your dreams.

My favorite?  Hmm, that's a hard one.  I could easily say Audrey for her plucky nature and never-say-die attitude.  I could definitely pick Eddie because really, he's a pup that knows right from wrong and stands by his friend despite what his pop thinks.  Wanna know who I really pick though?  Boris...the skunk.  Yep, the lonely little skunk.  He tries SO HARD to help Audrey escape the clutches of those trying to track her down and pretty much by his lonesome brings their search to a screeching halt time and time again.  He made me laugh, he made me smile, and he even warmed my heart (you'll see when you read it).

In the end, it was a SURPRISING read not only for it's real life tethers but for how things played out.  I started out as a skeptic thinking there was no way I would be able to read an entire book broken up into different voices so frequently that it almost read like an interview (which it sort of is...now that I think about it), and wound up really enjoying myself by book's end.  It's a touching tale that covers a variety of topics, making them all kid friendly and easier to discuss with adults if further questions are raised. Recommended for Children's Fiction readers of all ages and animal lovers too.

Special thanks to Tundra Books for the review copy won via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site.  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!

Unleash the Artist in You: Lost for Words by Natalie Russell

Why hello there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place that never learned how to say no to a book that captured my attention, which might explain the MOUNTAIN of books constantly cycling through my "to-be-read" list.  *ahem*  What can I say?  I LOVE BOOKS!

Today, we're diving into a Children's Picture Book that is perfect for readers of all ages.  It stars an animal cast that is ready to share their creative talents (and inspiration) with all of you...all except one little guy.  You see, he's having a bit of trouble uncovering his creative side.  One might even say that he's....

Lost for Words

By

Natalie Russell

9781561457397

Peachtree Publishers

This is the story of a young tapir named Tapir (a fact which I found simple yet remarkably adorable) who is, simply put, at a loss for words.  You see, he and his animal friends all have these new nifty notebooks and pencils just waiting to be filled with what their overflowing imaginations produce.  Giraffe has his poems, rather crafty ones too!  Hippo has his stories, which when considering the extent of his travels outside the jungle as rather imaginative.  Flamingo has her songs, taking her to greater heights than her own wings.  Tapir has…well, Tapir has a little tantrum because he just can’t seem to find his own talent, his own creative niche.  In seeking a break from it all, he unknowingly welcomes a new viewpoint into his life…and that view will change his outlook on the world as well as empty status of his shiny new notebook.

I gotta say it, I’m a fan of story books and picture books in equal turn.  There’s just something about their (usually) simplistic natures combined with either bigger messages or grander-than-at-first-seen tales that captures my own imagination.  What can I say?  I’m a kid at heart if not in numerical age.  That being said, I do believe that while this book is aimed at the younger set, and they will certainly appreciate the adorable artwork and story in general, the older set can also partake of this adventure.  While Tapir is searching out his own talent, his friends talents are on display for both him AND readers.  That’s right.  We get a poem straight from the…giraffe’s mouth.  There’s a short story from none other than Hippo himself!  Even Flamingo gets her day in the sun (pun intended) with a lyrical share…and musical one too if you can read/play sheet music.  Though the kiddos will enjoy these inclusions as well, I think the message of everyone having a talent is a great share for one and all plus a welcome reminder for those of us that have had to perhaps shelf our own creative sides while in pursuit of making ends meet.

In conclusion, a wonderful tale from F to T and even the G and H in-between (that’s Flamingo, Tapir, Giraffe and Hippo…just in case I lost you there ^_^).  It’s sure to bring a smile to both your face and your heart while also reminding you to take your own creative nature off the shelf every now and then because the exploration of such endeavors can bring about true beauty in its most natural form.  Recommended for all ages, shapes and sizes; this one is for the multifaceted soul in each of us.

Review copy received courtesy of ­­­Niki at Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, friend them on Facebook, catch up on their blog, or follow along on Twitter.  This title was set for release Spring 2014 (aka NOW), so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!

Dashing through the snow, in a ....One-Dog Sleigh by Mary Casanova

Why hello again!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place where “walkin’ in a winter wonderland” is not merely a lyrical string, but a daydream traipsed after each and every day of the season for this reader.

 Yes, although I live in the “sunshine state” (*cough* LIQUID *cough*), I’m dreaming of a white Christmas too.  *le sigh*  If only, right?  Hey, one can DREAM…and dream I shall thanks to a vivid imagination AND today’s featured title!  Ready to get in on the winter time fun?  Grab your scarf and hat, and make room in the sled.  It’s time for today’s book of choice…

One-Dog Sleigh

By

Mary Casanova

Pictures by

Ard Hoyt

9780374356392

Farrar Straus Giroux

Dashing through the snow,

In a ONE DOG open SLEIGH;

Over the fields we go,

Giggling all the way!

Each woodland creature seen,

Every furry friend we meet;

Their little eyes do glean,

Hoping to procure a seat.

But oh, our sleigh is small,

With only so much room;

However will we fit them all,

Avoiding wintery gloom?

The secret my dear friends,

Lies in our heart of hearts;

For love, it knows no ends,

Nor friendship, at it starts.

Such is the case in this adventure,

Through the white and snowy drifts;

One friend and dog set out as two,

For a merry little day trip.

Upon the way, their passenger count,

Grows and grows some more;

With each new member of their posse,

Bulging out the sleigh door.

Small sleighs won’t slow us down,

Nor all the extra weight (*ahem*);

We’ll pull together, no need to frown,

Shan’t even hesitate.

The more the merrier, I always say,

Though the going may be slower;

You’re paid by way of kindness,

Happy times and friendly shoulders.

Our girl and pup prevail,

On this fateful wintery day;

In bringing cheer to others,

As they go their merry way.

So, this winter season,

I beseech of each of you;

Spread some holiday cheer

Enough to last the whole year through.

Lend a hand, share a smile,

Delight in a great read;

For to give the gift of reading,

Brings many happy returns, indeed.

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

Recommended read for all ages.  With delightful illustrations and a smile worthy rhyming scheme, there’s much to treasure this season and many more hereafter.  ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their site, friend them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title celebrated its book birthday this past September, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!