Seasonal Fun: Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli

Why hello there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place that's always ready to turn the next page, and the next, and the next, and the....

Today, we're celebrating the season with a book choice that's fit for girls and boys of all ages.  It's a storybook adventure that shares more than just the spooky spirit of the month but a lesson in patience, trust and belief.  So grab your Fall sweaters and boots, we're heading to the pumpkin patch for today's book of choice is....

Little Boo

by

Stephen Wunderli

Illustrated by

Tim Zeltner

9780805097085

Henry Holt and Company

This is the story of a tiny seed that wants to be so much more.  He dreams of being out in the swirling winds, experiencing the world on his own, while spookily scaring all those he meets.  Unbeknownst to him, he has a bit of growing up to do first; after all, it's what he'll finally become that puts the fun chill in Halloween.  Though he's impatient, he puts his trust in the wise wind.  He grows and grows, asking again and again if he's ready, until one day, his "boo" grows to the PERFECT size and he's able to put the spook in spooky as he's long dreamed.

It's a wonderful tale of life and growing up twinged with the seasonal joys we experience from those orange wonders....pumpkins, or in this case jack-o-lanterns.  It speaks of having patience and trusting in what's to come, believing you can do anything you set your mind to if you only give it the time it needs to be reached.  I love how the wise wind was like a mother to our "little boo", never leaving him without a word of encouragement or breeze of understanding.   The adored the illustrations that accompanied each scene taking us from tiny to "finally" and everywhere in between.  Their whimsy and wonder reach out from each page with a color palette perfect for the seasons it depicts.  

All in all, a fine addition to anyone's personal library but a perfect fit for the time of year.  Little ones will be encouraged by "little boo" as he makes his way from small to tall while older readers will be reminded of the simple things Autumn brings.

ARC for review courtesy of the fab team at MacMillan Children's Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their growing catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, or connect with them on Twitter.  This title was released earlier this year, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Pumpkin Time by Erzsi Deak + GIVEAWAY!

Why hello there!

Welcome back to the site that loves nothing more than to bring you bushels of bookish finds just ripe for the picking….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re playing host to another tour…yes, ANOTHER one…only this time we’re back in the Picture Book arena.  It stars a title of seasonal interest that’s going to put you in a Fall mood…now that’s FALL not FOUL.  I must say, I do LOVE the Fall.  The turning leaves, the cooler temps, the crisp air… *reminisces* Anywho…today’s featured title is not just another Picture Book though as it will engage audiences beyond the story both during the read AND afterwards.  Don’t believe me?  Surely you jest!  Have I ever steered you wrong?  Uh-huh.  That’s what I thought.  Well, before we get in too deep, let’s meet today’s book of choice….

Pumpkin Time!

By

Erzsi Deak

Illustrated by

Doug Cushman

9781402295263

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Sailing donkeys.

Barnyard animal sports.

Dancing pigs.

Hat-wearing cows.

All things that seem pretty remarkable, yes?  Pretty extraordinary?  Something to note, catch your eye or at the very least give you pause?  Yeah….everyone but Evy.  Our young leading Miss is intent on something that’s for certain, but it’s not on the goings on around her.  Why I do believe a heard of buffalo could migrate to her area in covered wagons, wearing coveralls, dancing the Macarena, and she’d miss the whole parade!  So…just what has concentration so hooked?  Ah, that IS in indeed the question now isn’t it…and the part of the story that makes it an interactive experience for readers!

As you follow the story, each page greets you with some curious happening, a wonderful illustration and the question of “what is Evy doing” in need of an answer.  That’s where YOU come in.  You’re invited to explore the page, giggle at the goings on, notice the small details and chuckles inserted throughout, AND figure out just what Evy is doing from image to image.  It might be for example, tending her garden or maybe working in the kitchen, but there is some change of activity for her from page to page all leading up to a grand celebration.  Think you know what it is?  Ah, you very well might…and you might be just off base, as was I my first read through.  Guess what though?  It was JUST as enjoyable with the actual ending versus my preconceived notions. 

So, in conclusion, a colorful tale that’s sure to put you in the right frame of mind for the upcoming season while allowing readers of all ages the chance to learn AND have some fun.  Once you discover just what Evy is up to, you might just be following in her footsteps in more ways than one (though the one certainly requires adult assistance for wee ones!)…and if not, you’ll still be no worse for wear because really, you DOESN’T enjoy a good picture book?

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Special thanks to ­­­­Katy at Sourcebooks for the review copy as well as the chance to bring this tour to you!  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, friend them on Facebook, follow along on Twitter, or pin them on Pinterest.  This title was released the beginning of this month via Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choice.  Speaking of being on the lookout....

Would you look at what we have here!

Why, it's a CHANCE TO WIN a copy to call your own thanks to the fab team at Sourcebooks!

TO ENTER...

...share with us what YOU love about Autumn.

Is it the changing leaves?

The cool crisp air?

Perhaps it's a memory you hold near and dear.

LEAVE YOUR ANSWER IN THE COMMENTS BELOW,

THEN SUBMIT YOUR NAME AND EMAIL VIA THE GOOGLE FORM..

...and you're in it to win it!

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Entries accepted TODAY through midnight CST July 31st, 2014.

Until next time…happy reading!

Fall Ball by Peter McCarty

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the place that puts the FUN in FALL reading…Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Today, I’m excited to share a recent storybook release from the great folks over at Henry Holt and Company, an imprint of MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  It’s the PERFECT fit for the season filled with chilly winds, swirling leaves, the first falls of snow…and the inclusion of a particular latter season sport that is sure to entice “Monday Night” fans of all ages.  Grab your pads and sport your favorite colors, it’s time for today’s book of choice…

Fall Ball

by

Peter McCarty

9780805092530

Henry Holt and Company

This is an adorably sweet and fun addition to any fall reading lineup for book lover's, autumnal addicts, and football fans alike!  From the illustrations to the blustery day shared with friends, the ball stealing dog to the desire for good times to never end, it’s a smile a page and a TOUCHDOWN overall for all ages.  If you can't get behind the simplicity of the story, you can surely be down with the quirky yet detailed artistic renderings.  I mean, come on....just look at them!  Don't Bobby and his friends look like a swell bunch?  I know I'd like to step into the pages and have a ball with them (pun TOTALLY intended) in their fall-to-winter wonderland....and I think you will too.

So if you're ready to celebrate the fun that is fall, if you love good times with friends, or if you're simply ready for some football, this is one storybook you should tuck and run with.  Oh...and if I got any of my football terms or references wrong, forgive me, k?  (^_^)  

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information about this title as well as their complete catalog of works, be sure to stop by their official website, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title is available now from Henry Holt and Company, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!