Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers: friendship

Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: Tiki Time: It's My Turn, by Creator JJ and illustrated by Humouring the Fates Animation Studio - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Welcome back friends!

Today, we're heading out on another adventure with The Children's Book Review as we take part in their AWARENESS TOUR featuring Tiki Time: It's My Turn. Now, before you say anything, you're not experiencing deja vu. I did feature this title once upon a time (last year, here's the post), but THIS celebration isn't just about the story...although I will be sharing my thoughts in a moment. THIS POST is about the fact that the story now has a READ ALONG feature to make it even more interactive for kiddos! That's right! You can join the read along fun over on YouTube, so check out my post, explore the other sites participating in the tour, ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, and then head over to the read along for more fun!

Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Written by

Creator JJ

Illustrated by

Humouring the Fates Animation Studio

Ages 6-8 | 38 Pages

9798218341381

Tiki Toons Publishing LLC

About the book...

Tiki is an honest, fun, and adventurous boy full of integrity. Lately, his behavior has been too rambunctious and he needs guidance. He meets a magical spirit who gives him the guidance he is looking for and much more. The spirit grants him magical powers and sends him on a quest to save the village of TikiTown from the evil King Lauia. Come join Tiki and his friends as they go on a magical time-traveling journey to save TikiTown. Tiki and his friends must find King Lauia, take back the sacred magical Toku Mask, and return the mask to Tiki Town to unfreeze the town. If Tiki doesn’t succeed, TikiTown will remain frozen forever…

Amazon

Tiki Toons Publishing

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

Tiki is all the things he thinks and more, though a little slice of humble pie goes a long way. What I mean is that while confidence is grand, accepting the fact that we can't do it all on our own helps us grow....and that's a GOOD thing! Friendship builds strong bonds. Helping others realize the best in themselves not only lets them shine, but allows us to share the spotlight too. Teamwork makes the dream work, and this group of vastly talented friends are about to make the ultimate dream come true as they quest to save their village!

It was a great adventure with obstacles to overcome, challenges to conquer, and realizations to be made, but overall, it was a story that while infused with magic, it's not so otherworldly that kiddos won't relate. ON TOP OF THAT, we've now got that READ ALONG version I mentioned, and, by jove, they've really got something there! I checked it out, and, honestly guys, it added another unexpected element of fun to enjoy! A great pick for wee readers and beyond, and the read along part exposes new readers to the beauty of audiobooks too!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Creator JJ and Fates are the creative duo bringing you this fun and magical adventure.

Fates has been making cartoons for over 30 years, bringing stories to life through drawing and imagining. Fates wants the world to draw and dream just a little more every day.

Creator JJ is the creative writer who dreamed up the storylines and characters in their stories. By using their imagination, he believes that everyone can create characters, worlds and stories of your own.

Together, the goal is to use their creative talents to create fun stories and ignite the hearts and minds of young children for both educational and self-development purposes.

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

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win one of three copies of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn! Plus, one lucky grand prize winner will receive a signed copy of the book along with a $200 Amazon gift card to fuel even more adventures.

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

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 Creator JJ. 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, June 23, 2025

The Children’s Book Review

Tour Kick-Off for Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Monday, June 23, 2025

My Reading Getaway

Guest Post about Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Froggy Read Teach

Book Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Book Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Thursday, June 26, 2025

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Guest Post about Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Friday, June 27, 2025

@nissa_the.bookworm

Book Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Monday, June 30, 2025

Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Author Interview with Creator JJ

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Deliciously Savvy

Guest Post about Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog

Book Spotlight on Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Monday, July 14, 2025

One More Exclamation

Book Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Cover Lover Book Review

Guest Post about Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

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

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: Bunnies to the Rescue! by Jeff Verney, Illustrated by Melissa Bailey - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hopping right along the bunny trail as the Easter holiday approaches. For those of you who celebrate, wishing you the best; for those that do not, wishing you the best too! Today, we're playing host to a stop along the AWARENESS TOUR circling the blogosphere with The Children's Book Review featuring an adorable Storybook that speaks to friendship, fun, and found family. Ready or not, fair readers, let's join this tour already in progress as we shine the book spotlight on...

Bunnies to the Rescue!

Written by

Jeff Verney

Illustrated by

Melissa Bailey

9788218528928

PHT Publishing (2025)

About the book...

The Nantucket Bunnies think that a toy bunny has been captured by a boy and his family. It seems that the bunny is in constant danger as the family travels across Nantucket. But a surprise awaits the Nantucket bunnies when one of them finally gets to talk to the bunny!

Author’s Website

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

When a bunny is at risk, the Nantucket Bunnies are on the case! The reports coming in put this floppy eared friend in potential peril, and investigative hops all around the area reveal...the situation isn't dire, but incredibly sweet!

I love the fact that no matter where the family traveled, they followed suit. No museum too small, nor beach too big; there wasn't anywhere they could go that would prevent these bunnies from saving the day, not the network from pinpointing their location! Once they confirmed with their stuffy friend that things weren't exactly as they seemed, they knew the right thing to do was leave this found family exactly as is. They knew that friendship doesn't look the same for everyone, and could see that although they did go to "dangerous" places, his friend was taking great care every single time. They could see there was no REAL danger here and even made friends with the bunny's young boy in the short time they had to meet.

It's a wonderfully illustrated story that takes us on a visual tour of the island while providing adventure and edutainment on the beauty of friendship. Our differences are what make us, well...US...and variety adds spice to life AND friendship. This duo may look different from each other, but they are a match made in FRIENDSHIP. A great tail, I mean...tale...to add to any reading library, and a wonderful story for all ages.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Verney, the Troubadour of Happiness, lives in an enchanted house in Connecticut where he creates stories and songs that bring happiness, hope, joy, and positivity to the world. Gratitude Abounds!

For more information, visit jeffverney.com.

OFFICIAL SITE

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

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Melissa Bailey, an award-winning illustrator of 60 books, lives on a dirt road in rural Michigan. There, she takes daily walks, dreams of ways to make the impossible possible, and always looks for silver linings.

For more information, visit mbaileyart.com.

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

Special thanks to Bianca of The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Jeff Verney. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this author, her other works, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

@pagesforpaige

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Friday, April 4, 2025

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Froggy Read Teach

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Monday, April 7, 2025

Deliciously Savvy

Behind the Scenes: How Nantucket Inspired Bunnies to the Rescue!

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight on Bunnies to the Rescue!

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

One More Exclamation

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Cover Lover Book Review

Author and Illustrator Interview with Jeff Verney and Melissa Bailey

Friday, April 11, 2025

The Tiptoe Fairy

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Monday, April 14 2025

Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Author Interview with Jeff Verney

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Lisa’s Reading

Book Spotlight on Bunnies to the Rescue!

Thursday, April 17, 2025

A Blue Box Full of Books

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Friday, April 18, 2025

Sybrina’s Book Blog

From Manuscript to Published Book: The Journey of Bunnies to the Rescue!

Monday, April 21, 2025

Country Mamas With Kids

Author and Illustrator Interview with Jeff Verney and Melissa Bailey

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Me Two Books

Author Interview with Jeff Verney

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Mrs. Makes Reading Fun

Book Review of Bunnies to the Rescue!

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

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Time to show your green and gold!: IT'S NOT EASY BEING A LEPRECHAUN by Marilyn Sadler, Illustrated by Steph Laberis - REVIEW!

Time to show your green and gold!

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and while today's Storybook selection can be read anytime, why not shine the spotlight on it when four leaf clovers, pots of gold, and LEPRECHAUNS are the talk o' the day? 🍀 Ladies and gents, let's step between the pages of today's featured title...

It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun

Marilyn Sadler

Illustrated by

Stephanie Laberis

9780593810330

Random House Books for Young Readers

The outfit.

The color choices.

The clover.

The gold.

So many ways being a leprechaun can be challenging, and make that life on the other side look greener (ironically), but would it TRULY be? I mean, the life of a fairy seems flight filled and carefree, until you think about the HEIGHTS you'd have to travel to. Beavers seem to have community, be burly, and active, and yet all that BUILDING seems pretty energy consuming! The life of a King can certainly be grand, but what about the BIG castle with SO MANY rooms...empty. Connor O'Connor, our leprechaun in question, is truly considering all his options, after all, what better way to discover what he really wants to be. What he comes to find out in the end is that it's not so much about being someone else, but about being yourself...and that's also the secret to being a good FRIEND.

A clever way to get a timeless message across to readers of all ages, filled with wonderful illustrations that POP right off the page. It's a story that you'll reach for during the holidays, but also any time you need a little moral boost. I can definitely see it being a favorite during story time, and LOADS of fun to act out with all the voices...because really, what other way is there with a FUN story like this? 😉

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

About the author...

Marilyn Sadler is a children's book author, television producer, and screenwriter. Among the dozens of books she has written are the bestselling Random House Beginner Books It's Not Easy Being a Bunny, It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus, It's Not Easy Being a Ghost, and It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun. Her picture book Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century inspired the classic Disney Channel movie of the same name. Ms. Sadler's work has received many honors, including an IRA Classroom Choice Award and a Parents' Choice Award.

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

Special thanks to Alessandra for copy for review as well as the chance to bring this title to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author or the illustrator, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now wherever books are sold.

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

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

AWARENESS TOUR: Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends by Jen Kirkley, Illustrated by M. Brayer - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hello friends!

Welcome back to another day of bookish fun here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today on the docket, we've got TWO tours coming in from The Children's Book Review, so be sure to come back later for more....but first, we've got a storybook gem to explore! It stars one of our favorite four-legged friends, a pupper, as he stumbles into several new situations where he gets to put his teacher's methods to the test. Ladies and gents, let's call this classroom to order as we welcome The Children's Book Review and our first AWARENESS TOUR of the day...

Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Jen Kirkley

Illustrated by

M. Brayer

9798822920149

Palmetto Publishing

About the book...

Willard DoGooder has trouble making friends in his new class. Things are just … different. One day, he spots a magical trail and sets out on an adventure, where he meets four new friends along the trail. Through these friendships, Willard remembers his teacher’s advice on how to think through differences and appreciate each other just as we are.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

- = - = - = - = - = - = - = -

Just in time for back to school, and the perfect addition to any kiddo's library, with lessons that go with you from page to real world. Willard shows us that anyone can have trouble making friends, but when we take the time to appreciate others for who they are, and what they do, that acceptance opens the door for a lasting relationship. It lets both parties feel comfortable being themselves, builds confidence that is carried with them wherever they go, and simply helps make the world a better place. Imagine if everyone allowed others to be themselves, and we were shown the same courtesy, the same respect. Imagine how GOOD that would feel to receive as well as give to others. It doesn't have to end with our imaginations though. It starts with realization, and acknowledging that things need to change. It continues with our individual commitment to share those ideals we've learned with others. It grows as those we've shared it with find the same happiness and acceptance we've discovered as they continue the chain reaction started.

When you take the magically infused story with the lovely illustrations, you've got a great addition to the storybook world as well as a tender-hearted work of edutainment that will delight readers young and young at heart. Take the time to get to know Willard and his new friends, and you'll see how beautiful the world could really be.

- = - = - = - = - = - = - = -

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jen Kirkley is a wife and mother of four who works as a physician assistant in cardiothoracic surgery. She lives in Louisiana with her family in a house they have enjoyed renovating over the past ten years. On a daily basis, someone in her home is usually dressed up as a superhero or ninja. Jen enjoys running, reading, tea lattes, and road trips.

For more information, visit dogoodbookseries.com

- = - = - = - = - = - = - = -

Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends: Book Giveaway

- = - = - = - = - = - = - = -

Special thanks to Bianca of The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Expound Publicity. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this author, her other works, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, August 19, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

@pagesforpaige

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Me Two Books

Book Activity for Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Cover Lover Book Review

Interview about Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Friday, August 23, 2024

The Fairview Review

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Monday, August 26, 2024

One More Exclamation

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Friday, August 30, 2024

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Thursday, September 5, 2024

It’s Free At Last

Book Activity for Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Friday, September 6, 2024

A Blue Box Full of Books

Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

Monday, September 9, 2024

Deliciously Savvy

Guest Post about Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends

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

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Celebrating Happiness Happens Day with... INVISIBLE ISABEL by Sally J. Pla, Illustrated by Tania de Regil - REVIEW!

It's National Happiness Happens Day and we're celebrating it bookish style with a new Children's Fiction title available now from Quill Tree Books. It's a story that explores themes of friendship, growing up, embracing our differences, active listening, family, and, ultimately, HAPPINESS. So, ladies and gents, readers young and young at heart, please join me as we get between the pages of...

Invisible Isabel

Sally J. Pla

Illustrated by

Tania de Regil

9780063268852

Quill Tree Books

About the books...

Isabel Beane is a shy girl who lives in a home full of havoc and hubbub and hullabaloo. With five siblings, there is always too much too much-ness.

At school, there’s a new girl who is immediately popular, but she’s also not very nice to one person—Isabel.

Isabel has never felt more invisible. She begins to get bombarded by fears, like being abandoned by her classmates and taking the upcoming Extremely Important standardized test. Her fears feel like worry-moths that flutter in her belly. With every passing day, they seem to get stronger and stronger. How can Invisible Isabel make people listen?

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

Growing up can be hard to do, but it gets THAT much harder when the comfort and support you're used to having just isn't there. Our gal Isabel isn't having much luck at the moment. Her house is chaotic, and she's really not a fan. At school, there's a new girl in town, and for some reason, she's decided she doesn't like Isabel. On her own, she likes the quiet, but her body and mind won't let her be. She's become invisible to those around her, but not in the literal sense. This sort of invisibility can hurt very much because while we don't need to be the center of everything, we all deserve to be seen. When you take that away, it can make you second guess everything, including what your body is trying to tell you, which leads Isabel down a slippery slope.

I really felt for Isabel. While I understand the extremes of her condition, we've all experienced some level of her feelings at one point or another in our lives. It makes us insecure, withdrawn, and simply move to getting through the day instead of actually living it. It's not enough to just survive. We want to make connections, but on our terms, and for some, that requires a little extra thought, or the planning of the actual moment to make it more comfortable for BOTH parties. When the girls left Isabel out, my heart was breaking for her. When her family life was so overwhelming, I wanted to provide that room of silence for a moment's peace. When her feelings were being looked over instead of looked at, I was dismayed, and hoping for a happy ending. Don't worry, one comes, but not without a wake up call to all involved.

All in all, we get to see what it's like being neuro-divergent from the inside out, and how we can help those with this condition by simply giving them the grace they need to be themselves. It's a great big wonderful world out there, but the differences between everyone are what help make it wonderful. We need those different colors, those different feelings, those different ways of being in order to make the world go round. There's no wrong way to be, unless it's you as anything other than yourself. YOU DO YOU...and allow others that same chance. You'll be amazed by the ripple effect it can have in the world around you, just like Isabel.

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

About the author...
Sally J. Pla is the ALA Schneider Award-winning author of THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE McGINN, as well as the Dolly Gray Award-winning THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and several other popular novels and picture books. Her books have starred reviews and appear on many state awards lists and “best books” roundups. Sally, who is neurodivergent, has appeared on television and radio as an author and autism advocate. She also runs the website resource A Novel Mind (anovelmind.com). Sally believes in kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights! Visit her at www.sallyjpla.com.

About the illustrator...
Tania de Regil is an author and illustrator from Mexico City. She is the creator of the ALA Notable Children’s Book A New Home as well as Something About Grandma, and she is the illustrator of Welcome to the Big Kids Club, written by Chelsea Clinton. She studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York City and finished her studies in her home country of Mexico. She lives in Mexico City with her filmmaker husband, her son, and her two cats. For more information, visit: taniaderegil.com.

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

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

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

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Storybook Sunday... SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN by Laan Cham - REVIEW!

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 featured title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY this Tuesday via Random House Books for Young Readers and features a story about friendship, and walking that middle ground between opposing views, yet still finding a common place to call "home". Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice...

Somewhere In Between

Laan Cham

9780593651568

Random House Books for Young Readers

Release Date: 07/16/24

Pink is a sweet little girl who has inadvertently traveled from far and away, landing in the Land of Sunshine. There she meets Fireball, and discovers all the wonders and joys to be had in this shimmery bright, and light land. As she explores, she catches sight of an area across the water she hasn't yet seen. Fireball warns her away from the scariness to be found over there, but, as with most children, those things she was to be wary of simply made her more curious, so she sets out to see what's what for herself. Imagine her surprise when she finds a wintry wonderland called the Land of Snow, and it's welcoming committee of one that goes by the name of Snowball. Things don't seem as scary as she was told they would be, in fact, they're fun, just in a different way, but what starts as a fun day sharing experiences with newly made friends, turns into a virtual tug of war over that new friend that Pink wants nothing to do with...so she comes up with a solution to meet them both halfway, showing them how much fun can be had if we give things (and others!) a chance, and how beautiful our differences can really be.

This is a fun tale from start to finish with brilliantly colored illustrations that really get things across. We get to experience the fun of both lands, and then the middle ground discovered, while catching all parties in the act as they bicker, misunderstand, and eventually come to the realization of how much they were really missing out on. Young readers can easily follow the pictures to get that first taste of conflict resolution that'll hopefully help them keep their cool in real life, while older readers will appreciate just how similar these two at odds really are with a chuckle and a smile. A great addition to a classroom or family library for story time again and again.

📕 📗 📘 📙 📘 📗 📕

About the author...

Laan Cham is a first-generation Singaporean-British-American illustrator from New Jersey who currently lives in Vancouver. Somewhere in Between is her author-illustrator debut, and she is the illustrator of the forthcoming chapter book series Camp Scream. To learn more, and to download a free coloring sheet, visit laancham.com.

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER/X

📕 📗 📘 📙 📘 📗 📕

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

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

BLOG TOUR: Rock, Scissors, Paperbag by Elizabeth Godley, Illustrated by Akanksha Tyagi - REVIEW!

It's almost turkey day! Are you ready?

Whether you have a family meal with people crossing the country to make it to the dinner table, or a small celebration with a few friends and family you hold dear, the US of A is presently going made for the upcoming holiday. I should know...I work retail...hence the slightly more sporadic posts at the moment, but that doesn't mean reading isn't happening, or that there isn't anything to recommend because there most certainly is, and today's featured Blog Tour guest might just be the book you're looking for!

Today on the menu, we've got a Chapter Book filled with imagination, lessons to be learned, and some good old fashioned fun. Sound like your cup of tea? Well then, ladies and gents, I give you today's ebook of choice...

Rock, Scissors, Paperbag

Elizabeth Godley

Illustrated by

Akanksha Tyagi

9788989108800

Nobody's Banana Publishing

About the book...

Rock, Scissors, and Paperbag are the bestest of friends! Paperbag is afraid of everything, Rock is a talented musician, and Scissors is an excellent Orange Ball player. After the school bullies, The Bucket Kids, steal Scissors’ fake orange-ball, the kids decide to get back at the bullies. What if they could get a real orange-ball from The Great Orange Tree? That would show The Bucket Kids!

Recalling the local legend, they embark on a fantastic adventure to find The Great Orange Tree. However, while solving the riddle within the ancient map, they encounter a cave monster, a tornado of rapping cooties, and the horrid Land of Smells. How will they face each challenge? Will they end up back home with a real orange-ball? And if they do, will they share it?

AMAZON | GOODREADS

✀ ✂ ✄ ✁ ✀

Rock, Scissors, and Paperbag were the best of friends. There wasn't one among them that was perfect in every way, but they complimented each other, aiming to be their best and bring out the best in their friends, and isn't that what having a true friend is all about?

The story itself takes us into a imagined land filled with animated, living objects that are no longer content to simply lie about, but have lives, dreams, and aspirations. Rock wants to be a rockstar. Scissors wants to be a world famous Orange Ball player. Paperbag wants...to simply be a bit less scared, and a bit more content, but he's working on it. When bullies come a calling, they lost something precious to them, but end up on a mission to get something even better. No, not a real Orange Ball, although technically that is there initial mission, but the missions BEHIND the mission it to cement their friendship, have a good time, overcome the bullies, and share their wealth with the world...or at least their classmates. The ups and downs they experience, the curious trail they are lead on, and even the strange portions of their world they encounter will spark imagination, if not turn a stomach because hello, THE LAND OF SMELL? With a few described smells? Eww...no thanks...but at least it was made bearable with friends, such is the lesson of life! It can get stinky sometimes and make us want to walk away, but it moves on, and, with the help of a few good friends, it's that much easier to trudge on through.

In the end, this was a curious beginning to a magic infused Chapter Book series that has a lot of potential, a few hidden humorous moments, and a whole lot of love. Life in Orange Orange may have started out rather boring and humdrum, but how can anything stay that way with good friends by your side? A great read for the kiddos, whether on their own or with a friend, and a fun way to spark imagination while instilling the importance of kindness, sharing, and supporting one another.

✀ ✂ ✄ ✁ ✀

About the author...

Elizabeth is a writer, actress, and elementary school teacher living in Los Angeles. The bulk of her work and training is in classical theatre & Shakespeare, balanced with clown, voice over, TV & Film experience. She grew up on a farm in Louisiana and graduated from LSU. A world traveler, always up for an adventure, Elizabeth is a joyous observer of the beautiful, a collector of tiny things, a caretaker, mentor, fairy, clown, friend, and kid magnet. Seriously, she cannot go into a park without at least 3 kids around her wanting to join in on the fun. Her favorite children’s authors are J.M. Barrie and A.A. Milne

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

✀ ✂ ✄ ✁ ✀

Special thanks to author Elizabeth Godley for the ecopy for review and the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via Nobody's Banana Publishing, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today!

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

Thursday, November 9, 2023

AWARENESS TOUR: All the Small Wonderful Things by Kate Foster - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

The reading season is kicking into full gear and I'm happy to play my part in keeping you up to date on titles you need to read. Take today's next tour guest for example...it comes to us via The Children's Book Review from the folks at Candlewick and features a story all about friendship, being yourself, and puppers. Sound interesting? Well then, let's take a closer look!

All the Small Wonderful Things

Kate Foster

Ages 8+ | 240 Pages

9781536225808

Candlewick

About the book...

In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last.

Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the Cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought—unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity.

This charming story, told through Alex’s clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn’t one-size-fits-all—maybe it’s found in the small things where you least expect it.

Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes and Noble

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

Alex is a lovely young lad just looking for a friend. He's about to make the transition to middle school next year, so it's imperative it happens NOW. No one likes being the small fish in a big pond, especially when you don'y have another small fish to swim with...am I right? But, as the synopsis points out, friendship is most definitely not one-size-fits-all, and it's most definitely more quality than quantity.

Alex went looking in all the wrong places for a friend, as most of us do at some point or another, and was missing the dear friendships right in front of him. He was so laser focused on what it should look like that the fact that it might appear in any way different from that imagined mold wasn't something he could fathom. It was heartbreaking for me as a reader to see him struggle with this issue so much. You just wanted to reach between the pages and give him a hug, though for him, it'd definitely be better to ask first so as not to surprise, offend, or invade personal space. You see, that's another aspect of the book to note...Alex is autistic, and I love how the topic was handled. It wasn't kid glove treatment, and everyone on eggshells, but rather what felt like a REAL look at day to day life with this as just another facet of a person, the challenges it can present, but also ways in which those challenges are managed. It's made clear that the path is different for everyone, but it felt like a great moment of representation in literature for kiddos that might identify with him. Back to the friendship mission...once he sees himself clear of the obstacles he originally placed before him, Alex gets his moment, as do his newly minted friends, and his beloved four legged one that's always by his side...unless he's run off again to visit Vinnie, but that's a tail for another time.

A touching story that will entertain and educate, while sharing the true value of friendship in a person's life. It reminds us to hold dear the ones we let into our lives, cut loose those that don't enhance that experience, and embrace our true selves because our real friends will too.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Foster is a children’s author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the southeast of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks.

For more information, visit www.kfosterbooks.com.

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

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an autographed hardcover copy of All the Small Wonderful Things—a $100 donation will be made to a rescue dog charity of the winner’s choice!

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

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!) This post is sponsored by Kate Foster. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The Children’s Book Review

Book Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Fairview Review

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Life Is What It’s Called

Author Interview with Kate Foster

Friday, October 27, 2023

Confessions of a Book Addict