RB Listening Circle: THE SISTERS 8: ANNIE'S ADVENTURE! - Audiobook Review!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. It's time for our monthly audiobook pick via the RB Listening Circle thanks to the RBmedia Team (THANKS!).  This time around, I went with a Children’s Fiction title that is the kickoff book in a series you may have heard of before, but have you HEARD it before? 😉

The Sisters 8:

Annie's Adventure

by

Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted

Narrated by Tina Wolstencroft

Publisher: Dreamscape

Published by: Tantor Media, Inc

Release Date: Jun 30, 2026

About the book...

A large problem has befallen the Huit girls. (Sisters, actually. Octuplets to be exact.) One particular New Year's Eve, the girls wait for their mommy to bring them hot chocolate and their daddy to return with more wood for the fire. But they don't. Mommy and Daddy, that is. They're gone. Poof! Maybe dead—no one knows for sure.

You must see the problem here. Eight little girls on their own, no mommy or daddy to take care of them. This is not a good thing.

So now these little girls must take care of themselves. Get to school, cook the meals, feed the cats (eight of them, too), and pay the bills. They can't ask for help, oh no. After losing their parents, being split up would be completely unbearable.

At the same time, the question remains: What happened to Mommy and Daddy?

The Sisters Eight (as they are called, affectionately and otherwise) are determined to find out. Luckily, they do seem to have someone or something helping them.

It's a good old-fashioned mystery with missing (or dead) parents, nosy neighbors, talking refrigerators, foul-smelling fruitcake (is there any other kind?), and even a little magic. Eight little girls, eight cats, and one big mystery—let the fun begin!

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This was a GREAT start to what sounds like a FABULOUS series for readers/listeners young and young at heart!

I had seen/heard of this work when it celebrated its print debut back in the day (hello Mount TBR!), but never got around to it. When I saw it was a newly minted audio option, and available as part of the RB Media Listening Circle, I knew I had to dive in! So glad I did!

The narrator does a wonderful job of bringing the cast to life, and that's no small task with EIGHT sisters (plus their make believe Mommy and Daddy voices!), their classmates, teacher, neighbor, and other adult types to voice! Each is distinct from the others, and easily identified so you don't get lost in the narrative. Speaking of the narrative...

The story is certainly something you'll remember and want more of! The styling reminds me of the Unfortunate Events series, both with the shorter books and the focus more on one character at a time, but the mystery of the missing parents, the mysterious appearing communications, the slippery neighbor, and the ever helpful and attuned handyman, all lend to its uniqueness in a way that's all it's own.

Aside from the mystery filled story, we also have valuable life lessons that the girls are inadvertently learning (and sharing!) along the way. From discovering your own "power" to working as a team, the basics of driving to the proper way to conduct one's self even if Mommy and Daddy aren't around, there's oodles to love and learn from these charming siblings. I know I'll be tuning in to find out what happens with Sisters 8, and highly recommend it to you if this review has peaked your interest in the slightest... because it's even better!

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About the author...

Lauren Baratz-Logsted is the author of over twenty-five books for adults, teens (including The Twin's Daughter and Little Women and Me), and children (The Sisters 8, a nine-book series she created with her husband and daughter). Before becoming an author, Lauren was an independent bookseller, freelance editor, Publishers Weekly reviewer, sort-of librarian, and window washer. She lives with her family in Danbury, Connecticut.

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Special thanks to the RB Media team for the audiobook to listen and share with you. (THANKS!) For more information, click on through the links above, and be sure to snag your copy to experience it for yourself!

Until next time, if it looks good, READ (or listen to) IT!

Walden Pond Press presents... DIVE by John David Anderson - REVIEW!

Hello there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today's featured title comes to us via Walden Pond Press and just celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY this past week 🥳, so you know it's out there in the great big blue...um, bookstore... just waiting to be discovered. By whom? Well, a reader like you. 

Someone who enjoys a good story, who doesn't shy away from heavy ideas, who revels in all the feels a tale can present, and walks away changed in some fashion by the impact of what they've read. Or maybe even someone going through just what these characters are in some way, and that sounding board, that visual reference can help them see the light through the intensity. Whatever your reason may be, I've read this author's works in the past, and haven't been led astray yet, so when I heard about this one, I knew I had to find out more. Ladies and gents, readers of Middle-grade fiction and perhaps beyond, let's take a closer look at what I've found between the pages of today's book of choice...

Dive

by

John David Anderson 

9780063279360

Walden Pond Press 

About the book...

From John David Anderson, the beloved author of Posted comes a powerful, poignant, and unexpected upper middle grade novel about the rules in life that box us in and the determination to break out. From the moment Kassandra Connor leaps from the diving board to the moment she hits the water, everything feels in control.

The rest of her life does not. St. Lawrence Academy is supposed to have everything Kass’s old school didn’t: safe hallways, small classes, and most important, a chance to dive. But since transferring, all Kass can think about is what’s missing. Like her best friend, Aleah, who’s starting to pull away. Or the comfortable life so many of her classmates enjoy while Kass’s family’s restaurant struggles to stay afloat. Even the excitement she always felt in the pool, now that she’s on the same team as Amber Moore—the best diver in the state, who’s barely said two words to her all year.

Kass feels like she’s drowning, until she meets a boy named Miles. He’s a diver, too—someone who searches through dumpsters in the posh side of town for things he can salvage or sell. Miles knows what it’s like to be boxed in by things you can’t control, and as Kass spends more and more time with him, she starts to wonder what would happen if she tried to break out of her own box—and what she might lose by doing so.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's the thing about this author's books...there's always something you can connect with. They deal with human emotions, situations that can happen in real life, and have characters that every reader can find themselves in. Take this story...

There are people that live like Miles, whether by choice or by necessity. They are no different than you or I, and to think otherwise does everyone a disservice. One isn't smarter, richer, or more benevolent, because they have everything they want, and never want for anything. One isn't uneducated, poor, or unkind, because they struggle daily or live a different lifestyle. Taking the time to get to know one another allows us the means to find the common ground on which to build. Understanding where the other is coming from, and what their needs might be, helps in making sure they can be met. Not everyone wants someone to fix their situation... sometimes just being acknowledged, being seen is enough. I'm afraid I got off on a tangent here... let me zone back in a little. 

Kass and Miles may seemingly live different lives, but that doesn't mean they're that far apart. He shows her how to notice things, and opens her eyes to the world around her that she didn't know she was missing. She shows him that anyone can feel boxed in within their own lives, and the ability to break out is entirely within ourselves. I loved seeing this friendship blossom, the usually unseen or ignored made known, and each of them reach for a better tomorrow, one moment at a time. There's not a quick fix that sticks for anything, but those goals and dreams worth the effort are something to put the work in for. 

A great read for Middle-grade Fiction fans of all ages, a great addition to the author's body of works, and a perfectly timed release for the kiddos heading back to school. We need more times when the line between classes is blurred, where the facade is seen through and the truth is left to shine. Maybe one day, we can all be our true authentic selves without shame or repercussions... but the only way to get there is one person at a time. 

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About the author...

John David Anderson is the author of some of the most beloved and highly acclaimed books for kids in recent memory, including the New York Times Notable Book Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, Posted, Granted, Sidekicked, and The Dungeoneers. A dedicated root beer connoisseur and chocolate fiend, he lives with his family in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can visit him online at www.johndavidanderson.org

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Special thanks to Debbie and the Walden Pond Press team for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ARC 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 available now, so click on over to snag your copy today, and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

August 19	Nerdy Book Club	@nerdybookclub
August 20	Teachers Who Read	@teachers_read
August 21	Maria's Melange	@mariaselke
August 22	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	@grgenius
August 23	Lit Coach Lou	@litcoachlou

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

Time to get your SUMMERWEEN READ on!

Carve the watermelons, and slip some sunshades on your ghostly decor.

Whether you're a pro at it and plan the yearly celebration in your neighborhood, or you're one of the newly initiated, SUMMERWEEN is a thing!  That's right.  Just when you thought you couldn't take another holiday, one comes along to let you celebrate the SPOOKY side of things with a little summer flair before the autumnal weather changes and the shorter daylight hours kick in.  So, with that SPIRIT in mind, I'm bringing you QUITE THE LIST of titles to check out now, then, and a little later on because when it comes to our TBRs, there truly is no limit!  😉

Ladies and gents, the incoming flood of bookish goodness contains both SPOTLIGHTS and REVIEWS, featuring spooky tales, witchy ways, autumnal celebrations, and even back to school traditions, so take in what you see, add to your reading lists, and let me know what struck your SUMMERWEEN fancy!

Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein

by Pádraig Kenny

Candlewick Press

On Sale: 07/15/2025

About the book...

An atmospheric retelling of Frankenstein, full of adventure and as thrilling as a lightning strike.

Stitch and his friend Henry Oaf were brought to life by the genius Professor Hardacre. But when his wicked nephew takes over the laboratory, they soon discover that the new professor's sights are set on Henry as his next experiment. Can Stitch and Henry escape his clutches and make their way in a world they were never built for—and that may only ever see them as monsters? Literary yet accessible, warmhearted yet chillingly gothic, this beautiful novel, described by the London Times as “exceptional,” explores themes of life and death, friendship and acceptance, all through a page-turning adventure about what it means to be human.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom

by Jessixa Bagley

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 07/15/2025

About the book...

In her town full of witches, Jazzy’s always been a little bit different. She’s not excited about magic. She forgets the steps to spells. And even though her parents run the town’s broom shop, she doesn’t want to fly.

Then, one day, she discovers what she was born to do: cycling! Now she just has to find a way to get a bicycle…and learn how to ride it. But will her new passion come between her and her best friend—and possibly get her in big trouble?

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Leila and the Voice

by Shahrzad Maydani

Kokila

On Sale: 07/22/2025

Now this isn't a monster story in the traditional sense of the word, but rather a tale that reminds us that we all have "monsters" to face, and it is in the facing of them that we grow stronger, more free, and more ourselves.  The little girl in the story is cultivating her inner voice so that one day she too can be strong enough to stand tall against the angry clouds of doubt and despair that can surround, and I think the visual aspect given to the journey will really help younger readers understand their own emotions that much more.  A unique story that truly has a place in any reading circle, aimed at not only sharing a story, but helping others to grow.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Fall is for Beginnings 

by Rajani LaRocca

Illustrated by Abhi Alwar

Abrams Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/05/2025

About the book...

Ravi can’t wait for the start of the new school year! Fall is for cool weather, new school supplies, and spending time with his best friend, Joe. But when a new girl named Ellie joins their class, Ravi and Joe’s duo suddenly becomes a trio.

Ravi’s not so sure about Ellie—she plays her horn too loud in music lessons and gets them lost on the way to class. Worst of all, she keeps saying she’s Joe and Ravi’s best friend.

All these big changes are challenging for Ravi, but with time (and a little help from his wise older sister) he realizes that fall is the perfect time to begin a new friendship.

From the award-winning team behind Summer Is for Cousins, this heartwarming picture book all about back-to-school fun celebrates the (sometimes complicated) joy of making new friends.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

The Wishing Leaf

by Kallie George

Illustrated by Paola Zakimi

Abrams Book for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/12/2025

About the book...

Bear knows that when the last leaf falls in the forest, whatever wish you make is sure to come true! Although it’s almost time to sleep, Mama allows Bear to watch and wait with his friends.

But it seems like the leaf is never going to fall, so one by one, the other animals grow impatient and start to head home. Bear, however, finds active ways to wait, all the while wondering what to wish for—until finally, he’s the only one left, and he’s growing tired. Will Bear see the last leaf fall? And if so, what wish will he make?

A story of patience, friendship, and awe, The Wishing Leaf is a picture book full of wonder for the changing seasons, with a perfectly cozy ending.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Bob the Vampire Snail

by Andrea Zuill

Random House Studio

On Sale: 08/05/2025

Okay, I gotta tell you, this one was FUNNY!  Seriously, a vampire snail?  Who'd have thought!  The how, the why, and the living (unliving?) with it part are all laid out so readers have no question as to his new found features, powers, and dietary needs (which are not exactly what you might be thinking!).  In the end, as SPOOKY-tacular as this one is, at it's heart it reminds us that friendship is a beautiful thing, and accepting others for who they are in spite of newly developed fangs or wings is important...although I don't exactly blame the other "Bobs" for holding a grudge about the whole "trying to eat them" thing.  Special note for readers!  Watch for the little bug narrator imparting pearls of wisdom, fun facts, and a few jokes from time to time!

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Pumpkin & Squash: #Squashgoals

by G.G. McQueen

Illustrated by Michael Slack

Doubleday Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/26/2025

You know the moment that FALL has hit, or even hinted at it, because suddenly it's PUMPKIN EVERYTHING.  Seriously, if you're a fan, you're in heaven; if not, it's a bit of a spicy HELLo until December when peppermint takes over, but I digress.  In this charming autumn tale, Pumpkin is the popular one, but longs for the days of the other three seasons when she's not bombarded with requests on her time, flavor, and scent.  On the other side of the gourd, Squash has been having trouble playing second (or lower) flavor to the season, and is going all out this year to become the GOURD KING they know they can be!  Only, it doesn't go exactly as planned for either of them, and yet in the end, they still get what they were BOTH looking for thanks to good friends, consideration for others...and a well timed distraction so they can enjoy each others company and all the fun Fall can bring.  A great reminder that having #Squashgoals is important, but it's the friends/company we keep that make them worth having in the first place.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Lost on Doll Island 

by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Sale: 08/26/2025

About the book...

Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine in this fast-paced debut middle grade horror packed with adventure about a Mexican American boy who starts hearing the voice of a haunted doll while visiting family in Mexico City.

Diego feels trapped. He’s confined in an arm cast, stuck with his tía and tío for a week in Mexico City, and smothered with the sickening fear that he’s the one who really caused his parents’ divorce. But most of all, he’s trapped in his own secret. Because ever since he got to Mexico City, he’s started having strange dreams of a doll calling his name.

Then Diego learns of La Isla de Muñecas, an island full of legendary magic that can make children’s wishes come true. If Diego can harness the power there, maybe he could fix everything that has gone wrong in his life.

So, with the help of two new friends, Diego takes a boat to the legendary island. From the moment the kids step ashore, nothing is as it seems—with dolls disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, Diego is more trapped than ever before, and as the night goes on, he’s not sure he can escape.

👻  💀  🧛  👾  🧛  💀  👻

Special thanks to the authors, publishers, and publicists who made this post possible.  (THANKS!)  For more information on any of the titles listed above, please feel free to click through the links provided.  Titles available now are listed, while others are waiting for your pre-order or wish list addition, so you know what to do!

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

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. 😌

📕 📖 📗 📖 📘 📖 📙

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.  😉

📕 📖 📗 📖 📘 📖 📙

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.

📕 📖 📗 📖 📘 📖 📙

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?

📕 📖 📗 📖 📘 📖 📙

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!

AWARENESS TOUR: Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light by T.J. Scripps, Illustrated by Dane Doubell - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there, readers!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Today, we're bringing you a stop along the latest AWARENESS TOUR for a title currently making its way through the blogosphere with The Children's Book Review.  It stars a work of Children's Fantasy and sounds quite fantastical, but with lessons that kiddos can use in their day to day lives.  So, take a peek at the title below, and then KEEP READING because we've got a special GUEST POST from the author sharing "the heart behind" the work!

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

by

T.J. Scripps

Illustrated by

Dane Doubell

9798991217477

Skybok Press

About the book...

Ruby, a regular 10-year-old girl with fiery red hair and wild green eyes, has her life turned upside down when her grandmother gives her a magical dreamcatcher. One night, it transports her to the dazzling planet of Starland, where she discovers The Aura Embassy, a magnificent glass castle floating in space. There, she meets alien kids and Royal Light Beings, who welcome her as one of their own. Excited to unravel Starland’s mysteries and connect them to her own world, Ruby faces danger as sinister Dark Beings threaten to extinguish all light, both on Starland and Earth. With thrilling challenges ahead, Ruby must maintain her disguise, uncover secrets, and stop the dark forces before it’s lights out forever. Join Ruby on her daring quest to save the world’s light!

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble

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~~~   GUEST POST   ~~~

Finding Light in a Fast-Paced World: The Heart Behind "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light" with Author T.J. Scripps

Isn't it scary that one in five children experience a mental health disorder each year? At a time when their worlds should be carefree and exciting, many children are living with anxiety and a fear that they aren't good enough. This alarming reality is what drove me to create "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light."

More than just a story of magic and adventure, this book was born out of a desire to give children a way to try and cope with some of life's challenges—a positive and hopeful approach that would help them to navigate the difficult moments in life and avoid turning to darker coping mechanisms, like addiction, as they grow older. It is my wish that all children feel uplifted after reading the book.

In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, children need encouragement and positivity more than ever. They need the help of stories that can light up their life and enable them to see the magic around and within them. 

The story introduces children to the empowering concept that the universe is always working in their favor, sending them signs to help them grow, heal, and find joy. Through the experiences of Ruby Diamond, the young heroine of the story, I aimed to show that even in dark times, there is light to guide us.

One of the most exciting aspects of "Glow in the Dark" is the novel way it merges adventure with a new awareness of the world around us. Natural themes are woven throughout Ruby's journey as she acknowledges the beauty of the bejeweled Aura Embassy and the incredible beauty of natural phenomena. The notion of glowing auras as a sign of well-being encourages young readers to realise that they have the power to strengthen themselves through their own attitude to life.

Ruby’s journey introduces a magical way to explore these ideas. She uses her prism to connect with the Light Beings of Starland and discover hidden clues which are, in actual fact, all around us. 

The character Leak, who has a condition where rainbow light leaks from his boots, was one of my favorite characters to write. Leak represents the beauty within us. Although Leak has issues, he is a valuable member of Starland and has so much to offer. I hope that by seeing this, children are encouraged to embrace their own flaws and understand that these unique parts of themselves are what make them truly special.

By incorporating this perspective into a relatable narrative, I wanted to give young readers the tools to understand and navigate their emotions—using light, refraction, and the excitement of discovering signs from the universe as a way to cope and deal with their own personal challenges (no matter how small). This will enable them to find their own strength.

Issues such as bullying and feelings of inadequacy will be dealt with in further books. I hope to offer tools which will strengthen positive character attributes of compassion for friends. Signs are also around us to promote a healthy competitive spirit and to celebrate the joys that life brings as well as dealing with obstacles that come along. 

My hope is that "Glow in the Dark" not only provides an exciting adventure but also becomes a powerful resource for nurturing resilience, encouraging a love for nature, and helping children connect to the magic within them. It’s about showing them that there is always a way forward and that they are never truly alone. The universe is on their side—ready to light their path, one glowing sign at a time.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.J. Scripps is an author and storyteller passionate about inspiring the next generation through magic, adventure, and meaningful life lessons. With a background in Journalism and Film Production from the University of Cape Town and further training at the New York Film Academy, T.J. has spent the past decade developing content through her production company, Skybok, bringing stories of people, events, and businesses to life.

Her life experience has seen her working with children worldwide, first through Rotary International and later through her own non-profit, “Imbeko” (meaning “Respect”), based in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. She is committed to making a difference for children in need throughout the world. This hands-on work with children has given her an understanding of how they think, process emotions, and cope with trauma, which she channels into her writing to create stories that resonate deeply with young readers. She strives to create hope in the lives of young readers - many of whom are living with real challenges.

Her first book, Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light, blends fantasy with inspiration, introducing young readers to the idea that the universe sends uplifting signs to guide and encourage. These signs are all found in nature and can be spotted on a daily basis. T.J. aims to encourage children to embrace their uniqueness, nurture their inner glow, and find strength by identifying these positive clues in their everyday lives.

As a proud UCT graduate and South African at heart, T.J. promotes the spirit of promise and strength to those younger people who are facing worry and struggles. She undertakes to give light so they can believe in their own ability. Every young reader will enjoy interpreting natural symbols as they go about their life. The overall message of this book is to be excited about life and its beauty.

For more information, visit https://glow-in-the-dark.com

INSTAGRAM  |  TIKTOK

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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Dane Doubell was born in the 1980s—back when computers were the size of microwaves and dial-up was the soundtrack of the future. As a child, he dreamed of drawing robots and building them to take over the world—so far, he’s nailed the drawing part.

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~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed paperback of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light! Imagine the thrill of being the one lucky winner who will receive a signed hard copy, a Montessori Toy Interactive Constellation card pack, a Scratch & Play Scripps National Spelling Bee activity book, and the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2025 “Words of the Champions”!

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light: 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 author for sharing a bit of themselves with the guest post. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by T.J. Scripps. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. 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

Monday, October 7, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Me Two Books

Author Interview with T.J. Scripps

Friday, October 11, 2024

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Monday, October 14, 2024

Life is What It’s Called

Author Interview with T.J. Scripps

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

It’s Free At Last

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Friday, October 18, 2024

One More Exclamation

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Monday, October 21, 2024

The Fairview Review

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

A Blue Box Full of Books

Instagram and TikTok Post about Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Friday, October 25, 2024

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight on Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Monday, October 28, 2024

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Author Interview with T.J. Scripps

Friday, November 1, 2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Monday, November 4, 2024

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Guest Post about Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light

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

CHANGE: Growing Up is Hard to Do (DOUBLE REVIEW!)

Welcome back readers!

Today's post is all about change.  Growing up is hard to do, and finding yourself in the mix can be difficult.  Sometimes what we find is amazing.  Sometimes what we find is confusing.  Sometimes what we learn about ourselves, and those around us, makes it that much more of a maze to traverse, but, if we're lucky, we have those around us that understand, and help us see the beauty in what we might've missed, and the strength in truth behind the hard decisions we might have to make.  Sound a bit heavy for Middle Grade Fiction?  Hey, LIFE is heavy, so why shouldn't that be reflected at times in literature?  Ladies and gents, let's take a closer look at two titles in this category, one that's out now, and one coming soon, that should be on your radar...

Greta

by

J.S. Lemon

9780374392178

Farrar Straus Giroux

Published:  09/10/24

I admit, this was a beautiful story in reflection, but during the read, I was a tad confused.  I was having a difficult time trying to sort out whether it was more reality based or fantasy based, and in the end I decided it was a little of both.  It's about the changes we all go through as we grow up.  It's about finding our true selves, accepting our true selves, and finding those that will do that for us as well.  It's about never shying away from our truth, and learning to let the opinions of others bounce off our outer shell because the one that truly matters is our own.  We'll find our crowd, eventually.  We'll form our inner circle, eventually.  We'll discover that the naysayers and the outspoken that were against us were really just lost on their own journeys and lashing out to try and feel comfortable in their own skin. Is it right?  No...but it doesn't make it any less a valid part of the experience.  

I felt for Greta and I think those things she struggles with resonate with younger readers, serving as a reminder that they aren't the only ones trying to figure things out.  Change is a constant in life, but finding that comfort zone comes with time, promise, and the moments that got you there will be flashcard memories that created the you that is you today.

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Rise of the Spider

The Web of the Spider series, Book 1

by

Michael P. Spradlin

9781665947213

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Release Date:  09/24/24

I love my Historical Fiction and this was a great way for younger readers interested in the genre to get their feet on the ground during this transformative time.  Was it hard to read?  In some ways, yes...I did think that unless the person going into it has an innate interest, it might be dry in some places, but the other half of the reading difficulty lies purely in the subject matter as it gives us a glimpse of how evil can rise, spread, and transform a people.  Hitler came at a time when Germany was down and out with messages of gathering their strength once again, but he also came with vile ideas of who should be allowed not only to reign, but to LIVE, and a whole assortment of other ugliness I won't get into here.

Rolf was a great character to see through because he was trying to take it all in, reason it out, and assemble just where he stood in it all.  His brother was taking one road, his father another, and his best friend another still, but he allowed himself to see the facts for the fiction, and discover his own path like we all have to at some point or another in our lives.  Most of our decisions will seem small in scale when compared to those the surround this time period, but, as the author points out, it's those small decisions along the way, the seemingly innocent side steps, and placements, that add up to a bigger picture in the end.  The moment we turn away from an injustice we could have prevented, an innocent that needed assistance we refused to give, that darker side of mankind gains another foothold in our world...and that's a place none of us truly want to live.  A great start to a promising series that will help the next generation to learn from the past and never forget.

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Special thanks to Cate at Nicole Banholzer PR, and Alex at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, for the copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on these titles, the authors, or the publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above.  As listed, one is available now, with the other coming soon, so grab your calendar and mark it down, or (pre)order your copies today!

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