NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WEEK: Big Shark, Little Shark and the Christmas Tree by Anna Membrino, Illustrated by Tim Budgen - REVIEW!

Hi again!

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

Big Shark, Little Shark and the Christmas Tree

by

Anna Membrino

 Illustrated by

Tim Budgen

9780593807828

Okay, I gotta say, I'm really feeling a FIN-ship with Little Shark and Big Shark.  I mean, hello...they LOVE TO READ!  Friends from the word go!  Anywho, they start out enjoying a day of reading until a mysterious shadow lands something in their midst.  But wait, is that...a Christmas tree?  Seems to be, but things aren't exactly as they should be, bringing fishy frowns instead of smiles.  Good thing our sharky duo has a plan to make it merry and bright once again...and the end result is SEA-tacular!

The coral-filled and colorful illustrations are brilliantly done to entice little readers' eyes.  The easy read story style makes it less intimidating and therefore the perfect holiday pick for early readers just getting their feet wet...so to speak.  It allows kiddos to take center stage during story time not only to share their skills, but a tale of Christmas time fun to be enjoyed by all!

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

Special thanks to Alessandra at Random House Children's Books for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the illustrator, feel free to click through the links provided above. This story is available now, wherever books are sold.

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

AWARENESS TOUR: Odette's Alphabet by Sandrine Marlier - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Ready for another story to spark your interest?  Time for our second tour of the day, once again brought to us by The Children's Book Review, but this time starring an interesting Picture Book that's something just a bit more.  Curious?  I don't blame you, and what's more, there's no need to wait any longer!  The star of our post is front and center as we dive between the pages of....

Odette’s Alphabet

by

Sandrine Marlier

Ages 5+ | 64 Pages

9781953021519

Belle Isle Books

About the book...

One day, Odette the ant wakes up feeling stressed. After realizing that all she does is work, Odette decides to leave her anthill in search of the freedom to create her own world. Along the way, she meets Marcus, a lost mouse, and together they discover simple ways to feel better. Inspired by her journey and this wonderful new friendship, Odette finds her way back home to the colony with a new sense of being.

Odette’s Alphabet is a mindful story that offers a map to handle big emotions with kindness, unity, and courage. Fun and easy activities support each of the chapters, along with letters of the alphabet to provide additional opportunities for learning while encouraging young readers to explore meditation practices.

Amazon  |  Bookshop  |  Barnes and Noble

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

Sometimes a Picture Book is not just a Picture Book, and the same can be said about alphabet books too.  Surface level, this one looks like a cute story about an ant name Odette, and, from the second half of the title, we deduce that it will include the alphabet, at least according to her.  A curious concept, but not as unique as the actual product.  

This is in fact not a simple Picture Book or Alphabet Book, but rather a learning tool disguised as both, filled with friendly images of our little ant friend, and her friends, to draw the eye and the attention of little readers.  It is in fact a story containing an alphabet journey, but only as it applies to the progression of Odette's story.  It is in fact a cute way to make the concepts explored relatable to younger readers.  What concepts?  Ah, and that is the million dollar question, now isn't it?  You see, the story takes us along Odette's journey from stressed to blessed, so to speak, as she finds balance, understanding, and inner peace, while making a few new friends along the way.  

Have you guessed it yet?  The big reveal is that it introduces little ones to yoga, meditation, and other mind quieting techniques, and invites them to try out some of the things Odette learns along the way.  For example, K IS FOR KINDNESS has you breathing for specific counts, and reminiscing on kindness you've been the recipient of, as well as things you might be able to do for others...and the other moments are just as special, just as mindful to not only entertain, but help kiddos build healthy tools to get them through some of the harder things life may bring.  A great read as a story in one go, or as a progressive tale shared one letter and activity at a time at the end of a busy day.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandrine Marlier woke up one day in her New York apartment feeling out of sorts. She realized that no matter how many trips she would take around the world, thanks to her modeling career, only a journey within could bring her peace. Eventually, she trained with world-renowned meditation teacher davidji. That training inspired this book, as she found herself drawing an ant and a sound: A, the beginning of all beginnings. Sandrine is a mother, meditation teacher, transformational coach, and Reiki practitioner. She shares free meditations about healing and empowerment on Instagram (@sandrinemarlier).

You can connect with her through her website, www.sandrinemarlier.com.

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

~~~   GIVEAWAY   ~~~

Enter the giveaway below for the chance to win a paperback copy of Odette’s Alphabet and a $25 Amazon gift card!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A copy of Odette's Alphabet

A $25 Amazon Gift Card

Two (2) winners receive:

A copy of Odette's Alphabet

Odette's Alphabet Book Giveaway

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

Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the copy for review. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Sandrine Marlier. 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, April 10, 2023

The Children’s Book Review

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Writer with Wanderlust

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Cover Lover Book Review

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Thursday, April 13, 2023

The Fairview Review

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Friday, April 14, 2023

Confessions of a Book Addict

A book giveaway of Odette’s Alphabet

Monday, April 17, 2023

Life Is What It’s Called

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Barbara Ann Mojica

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Shooting Stars Mag

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Friday, April 21, 2023

My Reading Getaway

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Monday, April 24, 2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Lisa’s Reading

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Me Two Books

A book activity paired with Odette’s Alphabet

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Joanasbookshelf

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Friday, April 28, 2023

Crafty Moms Share

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Monday, May 1, 2023

Because I Said So

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

The Momma Spot

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

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

TCBR AWARENESS TOUR: If I Were Human by W.B. Tyler - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining The Children's Book Review for an AWARENESS TOUR starring a DOG gone good story filled with tail wagging fun for readers of all ages.  It's a Picture Book aimed at early readers that runs heavy on the adorable illustrations taking us on a journey through not one, but TWO pups minds as they pose the question of what they would do...

If I Were Human...

by

W.B. Tyler

Illustrated by

Vic Maxwell

9781543972351

wbtyler.com llc

About the book...

Brina, a Scottish Terrier, has lots of fun thinking about what she would do if she were a person! But when she shares those ideas with her friends, she begins to realize just how special it is to be a dog. The simplicity of If I Were Human makes it ideal for early readers, but with its imaginative story and entertaining illustrations, adults and children alike will love it. And who knows―you just may discover that you’d rather be a dog!

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  IndieBound

🐕    🐾    🐕    🐾    🐕

Okay, in case you didn't know, I'm a DOG LOVER through and through!  My fur babies are my kids so I love them to bits, spoil them to my heart is content, and get aggravated with them when they are less than their stellar selves, but hey...what are "kids" for, right?  😉  Anywho...

The moment I saw this one cross my path, I knew I had to participate.  I mean just look at that cover.  No, really...LOOK!  Aren't Brina and Winnie simply ADORABLE?  Well, this is definitely a time you can judge a book by its cover.  Once we turn the first page, we jump right into the title question...what would these little pups do if they were human?  Just as you are different than I, Brina's plans (school) differ from Winnie's (work), and while both sound like a mighty fun time (and present ridiculously cute illustration opportunities that are fully taken advantage of!), in the end...they agree.  If they were human, they'd...well, you'll have to read it to see, but I whole-heartedly agree with their train of thought.

Two hands up from me -in appreciation for this remarkable little bookish wonder that dazzles the eye while dancing through the heart...and two paws up from my little pupperoo because really, how could I NOT read this to one of them at the very least?!

🐕    🐾    🐕    🐾    🐕

Enter for a chance to win...

...a signed copy of If I Were Human by W.B. Tyler...

PLUS

a set of 2 adorable plush toy dogs!

One (1) winner receives:

An autographed copy of If I Were Human

An 8″ plush toy Scottie dog

An 8″ plush toy Westie dog

Nine (9) winners will receive:

An autographed copy of If I Were Human

Giveaway begins June 24, 2019, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends July 24, 2019, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

Open to the legal residents of Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are thirteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.

W.B. Tyler is responsible for prize fulfillment.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

🐕    🐾    🐕    🐾    🐕

>>>   Connect with the author...   <<<

SITE  |  INSTAGRAM

🐕    🐾    🐕    🐾    🐕

Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review 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, 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 retailer to snag a copy today. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

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

Storybook Saturday: How the Witch Got Alf by Cora Annett

Hi there!

Welcome back to Storybook Saturday here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're diving into an Early Reader once again, that combines all the charms of a Storybook with a bit more length tale wise allowing it to reach a wider audience than possibly at first intended.  I was going to wait until Fall to feature it but I simply couldn't hold it back.  Ladies and gents, lads and lasses, today's book of choice is...

How the Witch Got Alf

by

Cora Annett

Illustrated by

Steven Kellogg

0531027910

This is the story of little Alf, the donkey.  He is a proud member of a little farm with a "mom" and "dad" that keep the joint hopping, but lately, he's feeling a little down.  He can't understand why his caretakers don't want to spend as much quality time with him, or in the same ways they do with others members of the farm.  I mean, the farmer plays fetch with the dog.  The farmer's wife coddles the cat.  The caged bird sings beautifully for the enjoyment of them both.  What's left for poor little Alf?  More time to stand around chewing his lunch all by his lonesome?  Why isn't he viewed as useful and fun?  So, he makes a decision that will change all of their lives...with an outcome that reminds us all of our unique importance.

I must say, when I picked up this little gem, I expected a good story, no more no less.  What I got was MUCH more than anticipated and in the best possible ways.  Little Alf is such a charmer and his attempts at getting the same attention as his farm friends is endearing.  The sadness he feels over his perceived lot in life is heartbreaking but you're soon belly laughing at his antics (he runs away, but to the roof!  A donkey, on a roof!) as you smile and grin your way to the heartwarming end.  The pencil drawing illustrations add charm to each passage.  They work WITH the story without overwhelming it.  One of my favorite images depicted is also one of the saddest.  It's a scene that places Alf at the duck pond, gazing in at his reflection, as he comes to realize that he is simply unlovable.  Now, of course we all know that this is simply not the case, but the downtrodden little chap nearly broke my heart.  I wanted to reach into the page and give him a great big hug!  Luckily, after his misguided journey fraught with misunderstandings, he's back to his happy place with a family that loves him, understands him, and perhaps most felt of all, appreciates him.  

Dedication

Recommended read for both the young and young at heart.  Who couldn't use a reminder that though we are all different, we all have our place in this world?  It may be up to us to find it, and own it but that niche is ours for the taking.  Simply reach for the place that feels right to your heart and your forever home won't be far behind.

Review copy came from my own personal library and was discovered on a trip to the second chance bookstore at my local library.  The original release is listed as 1975 via Franklin Watts for the Weekly Reader Children's Book Club, so search carefully if you care to add it to your own collection.

Until next time...happy reading!

Storybook Saturday: Fish Head by Jean Fritz

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

 

Sorry for the late post as life has been a bit hectic here lately (what's new...I know) but I took a shine to my idea of having a Storybook Saturday feature and couldn't let this one pass us by.  Today's selection technically falls into the Early Readers category but it IS part storybook so I'm making the call.  The day's spotlight shines on an oldie but a goodie with spunkiness to spare entitled...

 

 

Fish Head

by

Jean Fritz

Illustrated by

Marc Simont

Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc

 

I say it's an oldie because it's original print date is 1954, HOWEVER it's a goodie because the story is just that....GOOD!  It tells the tale of a dock wise street cat that is the uncrowned king of his neighborhood.  He knows where to go to stay out of the weather when things get rough.  He knows how to score the BEST scraps of fish when his belly grumbles.  Yes, the Waterfront Market was kind to him, even if it didn't actually intend to be....hey, no one likes a thief! 

 

Anyway, one day good old Fish Head was chasing a rapscallion little vermin out of his territory when goodness me, things took an unexpected turn!  He lands on a boat and before he knows it, out to sea it sails putting him in less than familiar territory.  Before he gains his sea legs, a few two legged boat dwellers have a little fun at his expense...which he repays in kind (or rather not-so-kind but hey, they deserved it!).  A few ports later and Fish Head is now the four legged scourge of the seven seas but in his heart, he still longs for home.  One day the familiar sights and scents of where it all began roll back around but our dear little Fish Head is about to discover the ultimate lesson.  Home is not where we rest our heads, but where we feel most welcome and loved.

 

 

 

 

This review title came from my own personal library by way of a used bookstore find at my local library.  I was quite taken by the spunky little cat on the cover and though obviously not intended for my age group, I have an active imagination and couldn't wait to dive into Fish Head's story.  Was it worth the read?  Absolutely!  I do believe that little ones will get into the adventure of it all while enjoying the simplistic yet fitting artwork that adorns each page.  The limited use of color just drives the story home even more and sets the stage for the high seas adventure awaiting our feline friend.  Recommended read for all ages looking for an adventure with heart.

 

Until next time...happy reading!

 

 

 



Claude at the Beach by Alex T Smith

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that’s never said no to a book simply because the target audience was below their reading level (Hello?!  It’s called imagination guys!)….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re skipping over to the Children’s Fiction side of things, with a new addition to a chapter book series you have you simply have to read.  It stars a beret wearing pup and his trusty sidekick as they explore the seashore and all it has to offer.  Grab your swimsuits and shades, it’s time to greet today’s book of choice…

Claude at the Beach

By

Alex T. Smith

9781561457038

Peachtree Publishers

It’s SUMMER!

The perfect time to take in the cooling ocean breezes and warming sun at a favorite hotspot… for most that equals a trip to THE BEACH!  Claude is not immune to a good dose of cabin fever  and thus embarks on a new adventure with his trusty companion and friend, Mr. Bobblysock but as often does with this enormously amusing pair, what starts as a simple day trip to take in some rays, and some stellar waves, turns into something a little bit MORE.  Can anyone say buried treasure, or PIRATES?  Oh yeah.  Hi ho, hi ho, it’s over the seas we go!  Who’d have imagined coming across pirates on the beach?!  Goodness….one truly never knows what adventure will you’ll undertake with this fun pair in tow.  One thing you CAN count on though…it will be fun with a capital “F”. 

This is another great addition to the Claude book series.  Aimed at younger readers just stepping out on their own, they hold qualities enjoyable by a much wider age group.  Little ones will definitely enjoy the illustrations…Claude with his little red beret, Claude decked out in Mr. Shineyshoes’ boxers (What? He had to have a bathing suit at the beach…where else was he going to get one in a pinch?), and of course, Mr. Bobblysocks sporting a killer pair of shades while working on his tan.  The target audience will enjoy the images breaking up the story into smaller, bite sized pieces, allowing them to further practice their reading skills.  Older readers….well, I’d say they’d enjoy the whole kit and caboodle, or at least I know I did.  The color scheme consisting of shades of red, white, pink and black remains a the same as in previous releases, continuing to amaze with how well it all works together.

So, in conclusion, an adventure tail…I mean, tale….for young and old-er alike with it’s multi-faceted appeal.  It’ll bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart with every turn of the page.  Trust me, it’s as cute as the cover leads you to believe with just as much whimsy and a touch of wisdom.  A great read, indeed.

Review copy received courtesy of Niki at Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the growing series of Claude’s adventures, or any of their other bookish wonders, be sure to stop by the official site, catch them on their blog, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!