Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...
Showing posts with label rhyme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rhyme. Show all posts

Monday, November 13, 2023

AWARENESS TOUR: Coloring the Rainbow: The Power of Connection by Catherine Rose, Illustrated by Jeff Dale - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Time to bang on the drums, and blow the trumpets!  Today's AWARENESS TOUR is all about celebrating what makes you YOU and what makes everyone else special as well because together we create a pretty magnificent picture.  Don't believe me?  Well then, let's take a closer look between the epages of today's book of choice on tour now with The Children's Book Review...


by
Catherine Rose
Illustrated by
Jeff Dale
Ages: 3-8 | 32 Pages
9781643436371
Beaver’s Pond Press (2023)


About the book...
Coloring the Rainbow: The Power of Connection tells a story of the magic created when the unique talents of a diverse group of children are shared in a colorful adventure.

The adventure begins when we see through a boy’s window to find a young trombonist pausing his practice to wonder if other musical voices exist. When an alluring treble note wafts through his window, he begins an excited quest to find the answer. Playing his horn through his neighborhood, the boy draws other curious children to play their unique instruments along with him.

Together, they played:
“Lend your voice, play your part!
Something grand is beginning―
join us for the start!”

The procession of music makers is touched with magic when their combined voices, raised in harmony, orchestrate a colorful miracle.

The ease of poetry and vibrant illustrations make this book a perfect keepsake for any gift-giver wishing to explore the values of diversity and inclusion with young, loved ones.












This is a beautiful and heartwarming story the begins with a shared moment between a grandfather and his grandson.  His aim is to impart how big a mark one person, such as himself, can make on the world at large, and how much further that impact goes when we include others.  Obviously, the boy would seem skeptical, however, grandpa knows just how to share the message, and that leads us to the wonderfully illustrated, music filled story that follows.

How can a printed work be filled with music?  Ah, good question...but it's more a song you listen to with your heart, than your ears.  With every turn of the page, we see the young lad, who started gathering those that would become friends, add girls and boys from all walks of life and backgrounds into his makeshift parade turned celebration of all the colors of the rainbow...representing the spectrum of colors that we all represent metaphorically.  It's not simply red, blue, and yellow, but a young boy with a trombone, a young girl with a piccolo, bagpipe players, and string strummers, all playing together to create a beautiful, colorful song that celebrated the differences in all, while acknowledging that we're not all that different as well!  We all have hopes and dreams, fears and likes, darkness and light, but the more we come together, the more we seek to understand one another in lieu of changing each other, that's when the true HARMONY happens, and the song played is sweetest!

A great story time pick for young readers of all ages to remind us to celebrate the uniqueness that is YOU as well as ME, and to look for the ways we can come together to create a song worthy of remembrance for all the best reasons!





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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Catherine Rose is enjoying that time of life when one thinks of creating a legacy. What are the lessons learned from living life’s adventure that would benefit generations to come?

As a pediatric nurse, she wrote therapeutic stories to help children cope masterfully with injury and illness. Her present stories weave tales with similarly empowering messages to support children’s development of resilience, confidence and empathy. 

Rose writes from the back porch of her log home, inspired by the profile of Mount Jefferson in North Carolina. Married to her high school sweetheart, they now enjoy perpetual recess with their two grandchildren, whose favorite activity is to read a book written by Nana!

For more information, visit www.catherinerose-childauthor.com.


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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR


Jeff Dale’s foray into artistic design began when his boss at a printing shop asked him to design a logo for a client. While the logo was an impressive design, creating the art had an even more impressive effect on motivating a true passion for creative design.

Educated in the design world of Washington, DC, Jeff’s wide scope of interest and talent has inspired him to design, create, and build just about anything one can conceive of creating, including this debut as an illustrator of a children’s book. Jeff is the founder of Dale Design, situated in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he resides with his wife and two grown children.

His varied talent in artistic design can be appreciated by visiting his website: www.daledesign.com.




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Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Coloring the Rainbow and a $100 Amazon gift card!




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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Catherine Rose. 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

Monday, October 23, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Thursday, October 26, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Friday, October 27, 2023
Author Interview with Catherine Rose

Monday, October 30, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Author Interview with Catherine Rose

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Friday, November 3, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Monday, November 6, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Tuesday, November 7, 2023
A Book Activity Paired with Coloring the Rainbow

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Thursday, November 9, 2023
Book Giveaway of Coloring the Rainbow

Friday, November 10, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Monday, November 13, 2023
Book Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Tuesday, November 14, 2023
An article by Catherine Rose


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


Tuesday, May 15, 2018

BLOG TOUR: Mr. Snuffles' Birthday by David Greaves

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on a Children's Picture Book title that celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY earlier this month with Clink Street Publishing.  Ironically, it's about a birthday of sorts, or rather one in particular, that of Mr. Snuffles, and how it's plum forgotten by everyone...or so it seems.  Ready or not, grab your party horns and don your hats, it's time to meet today's book of choice...


by
David Greaves
Illustrated by
Emily Wallis
Clink Street Publishing

About the book...
'It was a wonderful day for snuffling for truffles,
'What a birthday treat!' thought Mr Snuffles…’

Adults and children of all ages will delight in following Mr Snuffles' frustrating woodland quest for his beloved truffles. But is Mr Snuffles on the right scent?

Beautifully illustrated by Emily Wallis, David Greaves' Mr Snuffles' Birthday is a glorious celebration of language, friendship and truffles: a tale to be treasured and to read aloud together time and time again.





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It's time for a party,
Of one, it would seem;
As we meet Mr Snuffles,
With eyes all a gleam. 

For who wants to celebrate,
Their birthday alone; 
Truffle less, friend less,
And with a thief to bemoan. 

Not Mr Snuffles,
That simply won't do;
So he's off to sniffle,
A birthday treat or two. 

But when those escape him,

As do the thieves whereabouts; 
He can't help but ponder,
Why his friends are all out.

Decked to the nines, 
With ties and balloons;
Spouting something about,
Teas, parties, afternoons?

So a saddened Mr Snuffles, 
Shuffles along;
Feeling lonely, left out,
Like he doesn't belong. 

But things are not always,
As we believe them to be;
And Mr Snuffles is in for,
A surprise he simply can't see. 

A charming tale, 
Of Mr Snuffles and friends,
And how all things truly,
Work out in the end.

Though the rhyming meter falls,
Off track a time or two;
The story and illustrations,
Make it shine like new. 


And so my dear friends,

I shall draw to a close;
Recommending this title,
For both its highs and its lows. 

For you see in life,
We take the bad with the good;
Mr Snuffles learns a lesson,
As we all in time should.

Always look for the best,
In those that surround;
For in their heart of hearts,
True friendship can be found.




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About the author...

Image result for pen and paper

Born in Yorkshire in 1985, David Greaves’ warmth and generosity of spirit, and his love of travel and adventure led him to make friends around the world with people from all walks of life. His strength of character and devotion to achieving his goals was shown in his achievements as an ultra-marathon runner and Iron Man triathlete. It was also shown by his determination to finish this book, and nine others, after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (ALS) in June 2015, just after his thirtieth birthday. In the fifteen months after his diagnosis he got married to the love of his life, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, raising over £12,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and traveled through East Africa before settling in Newcastle upon Tyne. As David lost the use of his arms and speech he finished his collection of children's books using revolutionary Eye Gaze technology which allowed him to type by tracking the movement of his eyes. David passed away peacefully at home in September 2016. Mr Snuffles is David's first book and his wife Philippa and family intend to honour his memory by eventually publishing all of his completed works.


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About the Illustrator...


Emily Wallis is an illustrator who uses traditional hand-drawn techniques. She completed her MA in sequential design and illustration at the University of Brighton. She lives in London, UK.


SITE  |  INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK



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Be sure to check out the previous stops on the tour for more bookish fun...





Monday 30th April


Tuesday 1st May

Wednesday 2nd May

Thursday 3rd May

Friday 4th May

Saturday 5th May

Sunday 6th May

Monday 7th May
Tuesday 8th May

Wednesday 9th May

Thursday 10th May

Friday 11th May

Saturday 12th May

Monday 14th May

Tuesday 15th May









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Special thanks to Faye Rogers for the ebook for review as well as the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Clink Street Publishing, so click on over to your favorite online retailer and order yours today!

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


Thursday, August 6, 2015

There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight by Penny Parker Klostermann

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
 
Today, we're exploring a new twist on an old classic with medieval flavor, fire breathing foes, and a quick lesson in manners from a source readers aren't likely to forget.  Having just celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY this week, I thought we'd throw it a little belated party!  Are you game?  Good!  Then let's get going!  Today's book of choice is...
 
 
 
by
Penny Parker Klostermann
Illustrated by
Ben Mantle
978-0-385-39080-4
Random House
 
 This is the story of one hungry dragon on a quest to feed his belly!  Only thing is, once he gets started, he has a hard time knowing when to call it quits.  He eats everything from the titled knight to a princess, a cook to a horse, and washes it all down with a MOAT no less!  Along the way, he realizes his folly and decides that enough is enough.  He returns things to the way they were (well, most things at least) leaving readers entertained AND well trained.  How so?  Ah well you see...
 
It is recognized rather vehemently along the way that all the carrying on the dragon is doing is quite simply NOT POLITE!  Yes, indeed.  Instead of the usual "I don't know why, I think she'll..." you know, we get a little reminder on good manners and why it's in everyone's best interest to think before acting as it is much harder to rebuild a village we've turned to ash than it is to deal with whatever is REALLY bothering us.  Kinda nifty if I do say so myself and with the colorful illustrations leading the way, you simply can't go wrong.  My favorite character?  Well aside from the dragon, I'd have to say the knight's horse.  He adds a little extra merriment with his clippity-cloppity actions throughout each scene.
 
Recommended read for all ages, great and small; there's enough in here for all to love.  Speaking of which, once I was done devouring the read and exploring the pictures, I hadn't quite had MY fill.  No, I wasn't following the dragons initial example or anything, I just wanted to know more and Cassie over at the publishing house was kind enough to extend the opportunity for me to explore things a little deeper.  How?  Why with an AUTHOR INTERVIEW of course!  So fair readers, I give to you our special guest of the day, author Penny Parker Klostermann...
 
 
 
 
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 Author Interview:  Penny Parker Klostermann
 
The classic is the “old lady who swallowed a fly,” not that I ever understood why she’d swallow a fly, but that’s a discussion for another day. Tell me, where did the idea for the medieval theme of your book come from?
In this case, my desire to write my own version of “the old lady who swallowed a fly” came first. While searching for the perfect main character, I headed over to Tara Lazar’s website and opened her list of 500+ Things That Kids Like. Dragons were on that list. I thought the perfect thing for a dragon to swallow would be a knight. From there I thought of a knight’s life and what items would logically follow the knight if a dragon happened to be on a swallowing spree. I knew, too, that I wanted a twist or two. I had no idea what the twist would be, but I think my dragon knew all along. He has great pacing, and he seemed to know when readers might tire of his swallowing spree and need a change. He spoke up, and the rest of the story fell into place.

I gotta say, I love the change you made from the slightly morbid theme (“I guess she’ll die”) to the more manner-driven message repeated throughout the story. The question begs to be asked, though . . . why not follow the same lines as before? Was it merely a creative exercise, or the desire to bring things to a happier end?
I’m so glad you love the change I made. I would say it started as a creative exercise. When I set out to write my manuscript, I kept in mind that there are many versions of “the old lady who swallowed a fly.” I knew if I wanted mine to stand out from the crowd, I would need to make it fresh and unique. I carefully strayed from the same lines to work in a twist or two while keeping the flavor of the original cumulative tale.
 

Speaking of “the end,” I must tell you, I wasn’t expecting what was delivered . . . in a GOOD way! Was this how you always intended to draw things to a close, or did it change along the way?
I have to admit that I wasn’t sure what the ending would be until I was about three-fourths of the way through the first draft. When I had him swallow the moat, it just came to me . . . what if the old dragon realized he’d gotten carried away and that one “good” knight was all he needed to be satisfied? I found humor in that, and so that gave me my twist and my happier ending.

 
Curious minds want to know . . . if you weren’t an author, what would you choose to be? 
That’s a great question. Being an author is my second career. My first career was teaching. If I were to have a third career, I would love to be on a team that brainstorms and invents toys. Years ago I actually wrote down some ideas for toys but never took it any further. I think since I was a physical education teacher for the bulk of my twenty-six-year teaching career, inventing toys for play and exercise would be a nice fit for me.
 

Last but not least, what have you learned along your path to publication that you wish you knew at the start?
 
Oh goodness. That’s a tough question because I knew nothing when I started except that I wanted to get published. I guess my best answer would be that each stage of development as a writer is necessary and important. There is no shortcut. I had to immerse myself in picture books. I wrote first drafts and moved forward by reading and analyzing more picture books. I read books on the craft of writing. I read blog posts about picture books. I was critiqued and learned to critique. I revised. I took classes. Each of these steps enhanced my understanding of what makes a great picture book. If I hadn’t embraced each one, I don’t think I would have a book coming out in just a few days.

 
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About the author...
 
 
Penny Parker Klostermann is the author of There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight. She loves all kinds of  books, but especially loves very silly picture books that make her laugh. She has been known to hug her favorite picture books and seriously hopes that someday her books will gain huggable status too.
 
Penny is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). She was named the 2012 Barbara Karlin Grant Runner-up. She is represented by Tricia Lawrence of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.
 
Penny grew up in Colorado and now lives in Abilene, Texas-the Storybook Capital of Texas!
 
 
SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER   |   PINTEREST
 
 
 
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Special thanks to Cassie at Random House Children's Books for the review copy as well as the chance to connect with the author and a THANK YOU from me to the author herself for taking the time to indulge my inquiring mind.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or those books forthcoming, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title was released August 4th, 2015, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.
 
Until next time...happy reading!
 
 
 

Monday, July 27, 2015

BLOG TOUR: Angels, Angels, Everywhere by Michelle Beber

Hi there!
Welcome back to the Monday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
 
Today, we're kicking off the week with a visit from a tour currently rolling through the blogosphere via Pump Up Your Book.  It stars a Children's Picture Book that aims to uplift spirits, comfort the lost, and explain the heavenly beings that surround us...all from a child's perspective.  Intrigued?  Well then, I guess we better get on with the show!  Ladies and gents, children of all ages, prepare to come face to face with those winged beings of religious infamy.  Today's eBook of choice is...
 
 
 
by
Michelle Beber
Balboa Press
 
About the book....
Angels, Angels, Everywhere is a non-denominational, multiracial book written in delightful rhythm and rhyme and accompanied by charming illustrations. The themes of constant support and unconditional love are designed to help children deal with everyday experiences in life.
By developing children’s faith in knowing that they are not alone and building their trust that they are consistently watched over, cared for, and loved, children will become empowered to deal with life’s challenges. The book also lets children know that angels are there in good times as well, sharing in their joy.
 
 
AMAZON   |   B&N
 
 
 
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With picture books, it all comes down to a balance between written word and imagery.  Here, I found the feelings and ideals shared a good fit for the target audience.  They conveyed how much our angels are rooting for us in every situation as well as how their hearts break with our own.  Aside from the jubilant scenes of excitement at accomplishments achieved, my favorite scene was when the angels was providing comfort to a lonely child.  Sad but touching.  Now, over to those pictures...
 
The illustrations worked well with the messages being shared but they did leave something to be desired in the details.  I can't really explain it, it was more of a feeling.  I did however find it wonderful to glimpse angels of all shapes and sizes.  I mean really, can anyone think of a story where angels of various nationalities/races were represented with child charges as assorted as they?  Exactly.  Often times it's pale faced winged cherubs hanging around in the clouds while here, they are more accessible, easier to relate to especially for the children that are so curious to understand their existence in the first place.
 
Overall, I can definitely see little ones being caught up in this story on a rainy day or even as a nightly bedside read.  It can help answer those hard questions that curious minds want to know at their tender age like what angels are and where do they come from...with a healthy dose of reassurance for those times when they're feeling less than their bright sunny selves and need a friend of the spiritual variety. 
 
 
 
 
 
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About the author....
 
 
Michelle Beber has certifications as an Angel Intuitive and Angel Oracle Card Reader from renowned "angel lady," Doreen Virtue, as well as certifications as a Spiritual Teacher and Archangel Life Coach from Doreen's son, Charles Virtue.
In 2008, Michelle's life changed when she attended a spiritual retreat and learned about angels and how they communicate through repetitive number sequences known as "angel numbers." Little did she know that this insight would lead her on an amazing spiritual journey that would directly connect her with angels and result in the discovery of her life purpose.
Always grateful for the spiritual guidance she has received, Michelle looks forward to sharing the knowledge she has gained to inspire others, especially children. Michelle is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Her latest book is the juvenile fiction/children’s picture book, Angels, Angels, Everywhere.
 
SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER   |   BLOG
 
 
 
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Special thanks to Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book for the eBook for review as well as the chance to participate in this tour.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the tour, the author, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links included above.  This book is available now via Balboa Press, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.
 
Until next time...happy reading!
 
 

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