Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... SPINELESS by Samantha San Miguel - REVIEW!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today's title in the BOOK BIRTHDAY spotlight is celebrating its release day via Union Square Kids and is ready to take you on an adventure!  Funny thing for me is that while I don't have to leave my favorite reading spot to take part, I also don't have to leave my current home state because all the STRANGENESS, all the MYSTERY, all the UNDISCOVERED THINGS NOW DISCOVERED take place in the land where reality is often times truly stranger than fiction...FLORIDA.  Yup.  Fondly known to tourists as the sunshine state, we actually get quite a bit of rain and less-than-phenomenal weather...but there is sun, and generally it's trying to fry you like an egg.  We are also home to pretty much every thing you can be allergic to, so please...pass the tissues!  Let us not forget the myriad of WILDLIFE that abounds, and that, my friends, is where this "story" gets a nice big jolt of that-could-probably-happen-or-exist from most Floridians...including this transplanted one.  So, without further ado, let's get this scientific exploration under way as we head between the pages of today's book birthday title in the review spotlight...

Spineless

by

Samantha San Miguel

9781454937623

Union Square Kids

About the book...

This exciting middle-grade adventure is Hoot for the Gilded Age—with scientific discoveries, secret plots, and surprisingly enormous fauna. 

When his asthma lands him at a health resort in the wilds of Gilded Age South Florida, twelve-year-old Algie Emsworth is over the moon. The scientific treasure trove of unexplored swamps may launch his dream career as a naturalist. But even Algie is startled when he happens upon a brand-new species and her brood in the karst springs surrounding the resort. Algie quickly realizes he must keep his discovery a secret: a famous collector of exotic animals is also staying at the hotel, and the new species is threatened by his very presence. An apparent curse has also descended upon the hotel, bringing with it a deadly red tide. But when the pool starts filling with ink and guests start getting mysterious, sucker-shaped wounds, Algie must pluck up his courage to find the truth about the goings-on at the Grand Hotel—and save the new species from destruction.

🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙

This is a story that has so many pieces going every which way, it can seem hard to catch at first glance, but the more you step into the story, the more you get into the characters, the more the adventure unfolds as well as the mysterious happenings...well, happen, the more enraptured you'll become.

The health resort Algie is venturing to is situated in the grand old southern state of Florida, as many are.  The thing is, he's going there to help build up his lungs...and yet, as I mentioned, Florida has SO MANY ALLERGENS at pretty much any time of year, not to mention red tide that can be rather irritating, the humidity that makes it sweltering is pretty much the only thing it has going for it.  The less dry the air, the easier for most asthmatics to breathe, so it's understandable that this is a place his mother sees as a chance for better health.  Algie, on the other hand, is more excited about the chance to pursue his naturalist dreams, and follow in the steps of his hero, Professor Champion.  Um, yeah...about that.  Let's just say that one forlorn octopus, a bad attempt at riding a wild boar, and the discovery of a secret species later...and Algie has learned a hard lesson; not everyone is as they appear to be, and the motives of some are less than honest.  The adventure that unfolds brings us new friends, new confidence, and more chances to just barely escape the jaws of death, but also the realization that sometimes the easy thing to do is not necessarily the right thing to do when all things are considered.

I so got Algie and his desire to rise above the limitations set before him.  I, too, had bad asthma as a child, and while I've conquered it for the most part, there is an ingrained scare factor that takes over when you're not able to take a breath.  Taking charge of the moment, and pushing through as best as you are able is SO HARD, but Algie handled it like a pro.  It doesn't go away, and he still needs his medicine, but he's able to do so much more by book's end than he was initially restricted to...even his mum is surprised!  Speaking of which, she had some surprises to reveal herself as the story progressed, even though it seemed she would be mostly a background character, so don't write the woman off just because she's enjoying the trip!  Lest I be lax in mentioning our daring sister duo, Frankie and Lulu definitely make an impression, as they should with their dashing about, adventure bound with nary a care in the world...except for their father, the resort, and a particular new friend they made this visit round.  They may be opinionated and have no qualms about taking the lead, but they are true of heart, and would never let a friend down...a great lesson at any age.

All in all, a grand story that will have readers on the edge of their seats, open young minds to the possibilities in the world surrounding...and hoping for a friendly discovery of their own, perhaps along the lines of Pulpy!  (So cute, but mischievous!)  

🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙

About the author...

Samantha San Miguelgrew up barefoot in South Florida. Living in this wild, diverse, and exuberant state taught Samantha a lifelong respect for the natural world with both its dangers and delights. Working there as an adult taught her a love for the colorful personalities that crowd the state’s borders. And leaving it taught her that whether in Florida, Cuba, or anywhere else in the world, you can never be an exile if there’s sunshine in your heart.

🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙   ~   🐙

Special thanks to Jenny at Union Square & Co for the chance to bring this title to you as well as the copy 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 your favorite online retailer or visit your local brick and mortar store today to snag your copy to join the adventure!

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

Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds by Tom Hoffman

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, I'm over the moon to be sharing a recent LISTEN I had of the first book in what promises to be an AMAZING series.  What's that?  You caught the "listen" part?  Well yes, I did in fact partake of the AUDIO version of this book (graciously shared by the author), and I'm not kidding in the least when I say...I absolutely ADORED it!  Seriously, as much as I LOVE my paper books (and the fact that I went out and bought the set via BAMM.com attests to that fact!), I can't imagine this one being done any better.  The voices were perfect, the narration speed wonderful, the emotions fully articulated in every scene...shall I keep going?  Well I will, just not in this vein because there's still the STORY to get to.  If you'd like a sample of the audio version though, keep reading...I've included the link/video from YouTube further down in my post.  Now then, it's time to make the acquaintance of Orville Wellington Mouse, Metaphysical Adventurer and his wonderful friends in Book 1 of the series...

Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Clockwork Glowbirds

Orville Wellington Mouse, Book 1

by

Tom Hoffman

Narrated by

Jason Zenobia

About the book...

Orville Wellington Mouse lives with his mum in the quiet fishing village of Muridaan Falls, Symoca. His life takes an unexpected turn when he learns his best friend, Sophia Mouse, is not only from another planet, but is also a member of the Shapers Guild, a group of powerful mice who are able to convert their thoughts into physical objects. 

When Orville notices a group of seven glowbirds exhibiting rather extraordinary behavior, he and Sophia attempt to uncover the origin of the unusual birds but soon find themselves enmeshed in a fiendish plot to embroil Symoca in a horrific war. 

Captured by the powerful and mysterious Red Mouse, the two adventurers are hurled through a spectral door into the terrifying world of Periculum, home of the dreaded giant, carnivorous centipedes. 

With help from the secretive Metaphysical Adventurers, Proto the Rabbiton, the Mad Mouse of Muridaan, a gigantic Gnorli bird, some ghostly Anarkkian warriors, and the enigmatic Monks of the Blue Robe, Orville and Sophia must find their way home and stop the evil Red Mouse before he destroys Symoca.

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



Creakers!  That was AMAZING!

It masquerades as a Children's or Young Adult novel, but is so SO much more of a grand adventure than you could possibly dream! With new friends to make around every corner, and dangers to face with abnormally large tentacles and many many rows of teeth, this is one story you won't want to miss. I'm not even generally a fan of audio books, seeing as my tally of those listened to leans towards about THREE in my lifetime, but the FANTASTIC tale itself combined with the narrator's telling was a PERFECT combination...complete with an assortment of voices befitting each of our new friends... and even our enemies!  It really and truthfully made this brilliant story come to life in a whole new way.

Seriously, by book's end, I was completely and utterly enchanted.  You'll come for the magic, stay for the adventure, and come clamoring back for more as you learn along with our wonderful leads all the fantastical wonders that exist, the magic...I mean, science behind the extraordinary, and the true source of unlimited power.  You'll also be left longing to meet Orville, Sophia, Proto, Master Marlowe, and the mysterious Blue Mouse...while snacking on an assortment of chocolate cremes and tasty little cakes!  Hey, when you hear/read about them, you'll want them too...good thing there shan't be a shortage any time soon.



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About the author...

Tom Hoffman received a B.S. in psychology from Georgetown University in 1972 and a B.A. in 1980 from the now-defunct Oregon College of Art. He has lived in Alaska with his wife Alexis since 1973. They have two adult children and two adorable grandchildren. Tom was a graphic designer and artist for over 35 years. Redirecting his imagination from art to writing, he wrote his first novel, The Eleventh Ring, at age 63. He recently completed the five book series, Orville Wellington Mouse Adventures. 

The Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy and the Orville Wellington Mouse Adventures are multi-leveled stories which have been compared to such classics as Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and The NeverEnding Story. The books were written for his grandchildren to first enjoy as thrilling adventure tales, then later on a deeper level the underlying themes of ethics, metaphysics, philosophy, quantum physics, and spirituality. The books were written to provide an alternate way to view the world we live in. To see magic as science we don't understand, to see all life as a single force, all equally precious, no matter the form. A world where violence is not necessary, a world where the protagonists are changed forever by their difficult choices, by their own sacrifices. A world of empathy, kindness, and love. And of course, ten foot tall ancient robotic rabbits and gigantic carnivorous centipedes living on post apocalyptic planets!

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  GOODREADS



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Special thanks to author Tom Hoffman for the audio edition for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, or the narrator, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title as well as the rest of the FIVE BOOK SERIES (yes, there are five, and yes, I now own them all in print!  Yay!) is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today. Also, before you go, I've got EXCITING NEWS!  Mark your calendars...



 BOOK 3 (Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Capricious Shadows) in the series is going to be FREE ON AMAZON A HBUGUST 9TH!  Spread the word!

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

Nick & Tesla's Robot Army Rampage by “Science Bob” Pflugfelder & Steve Hockensmith

Hi there!

Greetings and salutations my friends.

Welcome to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, your online outlet for bookish fun day in and day out.

Today, we’re burning up the blog waves with some scientific fun for the middle grade (and older) crowd courtesy of Quirk Books.  It happens to be book two in this particular series but can certainly be read as a stand alone and not only provides an entertaining mystery to solve, but the chance to get a little hands on fun too.  Curious?  You should be and for those that read book one (Nick and Tesla’s High Voltage Danger Lab) , you already have some idea of the adventure that awaits, so don’t use your insider info to spoil the fun, use it to taunt and tantalize!  (^_^)  Don’t worry friends, I won’t leave you in the dark for long, lest a mini-book-reading-robot roll your way and run off with your very best bookmark (*GASP*).  Today’s book of choice is….

Nick & Tesla’s Robot Army Rampage:

A Mystery with Hoverbots, Bristle Bots, and Other Robots You Can Build Yourself

By

“Science Bob” Pflugfelder & Steve Hockensmith

9781594746499

Quirk Books

About the book…

WARNING:  CONTAINS WALKING, BUZZING, AND FLYING ROBOTS YOU CAN BUILD YOURSELF!

When a rash of robberies hits the town of Half Moon Bay, 11-year-old sleuths Nick and Tesla are determined to catch the criminals = but to do so, they’ll have to build a host of new gadgets and gizmos!  In this robot-themed follow-up…the brother-and-sister duo build four different droids out of ordinary household objects – and illustrated instructions are included throughout the story, so you can build them too!  Can Nick and Tesla catch the criminal mastermind – and foil his army of rampaging robots – before it’s too late?

It’s a romping, stomping, one measured step at a time, Science Fiction story come to life as robots invade Nick and Tesla’s small town life.  How did these creations come to be in every Tom-and-Harry store in their downtown?  Simple…just ask one Dr. Sakurai.  She’s a mastermind when it comes to robotics and inventions, having followed the same path of schooling and work roles as the children’s charmingly eccentric guardian, and just as she has a way with electronics, she’s sparks a positive reaction in Uncle Newt.  Yep.  That’s right.  The kids have more to worry about this time around than simply their parents whereabouts (how long can you REALLY study the growth of beans?), a missing comic book of substantial value (which if it remains lost will leave DeMarco and Silas no longer local buds), mysterious activity at the jewelry store after lights out (dun dun dunnnn), or even Uncle Newt’s latest invention attempt (a vacuum that runs off decomposing bananas…two letters for you, P-U!)….they have to watch out for his little science loving heart.  Hey, even the geekiest of the geeky can fall in love, and there’s no faster way to his than brains AND beauty.  Anywho, back to the adventure of the mind not the heart…

The local rise in crime is suspicious to say the least, especially when taking into account the other new arrivals both of the flesh and metallic variety.  Fingers get pointed, assumptions are made and folks get painted as the red handed criminals….they might not actually be.  Oh, but wait…just like in book one there are twists and turns, some that involve bagel basketballs with curiously paper centers, while others give us that hands on option I mentioned before in actual robotics, but rest assured, they are FUN, they are CREATIVE, and they are guaranteed SATISFY. 

So, what am I saying?  What’s my final answer, the solution to my hypothesis, the experiments final outcome?  (hehehe)  It was a good addition to the series, and while lacking a bit of the danger that brought excitement to book one, still speaks well for the future titles to come…and really, how can you go wrong with the included option to build a ROBOT for crying out loud?  I’ve got my eye set on the hoverbot.  Yep.  If I get around to it, you’ll be the first to know.  ^_^

Review copy courtesy of Eric at Quirk Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog of quirky wonders, be sure to check out their official site, follow along on Twitter or friend them on Facebook.  This title celebrated its book birthday this past February, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.  Recommended read for Middle Grade fans of all ages, but the experiments should be done with adult supervision only.  OH!  One MORE thing…BOOK THREE in the series, Nick and Tesla’s Secret Agent Gadget Battle, will be brought to life this May! In the mean time, be sure to explore the series official site.

Until next time…happy reading!

Nick and Tesla’s High Voltage Danger Lab

Why hello there!

Fancy seeing you here on a beautiful day like today.  The sun is shining.  The birds are singing.  The turkeys are running for their lives.  What?  Well it IS almost Thanksgiving you know.  Mom’s already got our turkey bird purchased and waiting in the wings (Ha!  Wings…get it?  ^_^)…and I can’t wait!  How are you and yours planning on celebrating?  *curious*  Might I suggest for the family time portion of your day after the eating and merriment, a little reading time?  What?  Of course I would suggest that…hehe.

Today’s featured title is a great read for all ages and guess what?  It’s MORE than what it seems.  Curious?  Indeed you should be.  Let’s see, it’s the first book in a new Middle Grade series…it’s a FUN read with mystery to boot..oh and it’s interactive!  Ha, betcha didn’t see THAT one coming.  ^_^  That’s right, an interactive tale where readers can get involved in the action during or after the read with gadgets and gizmos galore.  But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s meet the today’s electrifying book of choice…

Nick and Tesla’s High Voltage Danger Lab:

A Mystery with Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, and Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself

By

“Science Bob” Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

9781594746482

Quirk Books

About the book…

WARNING:  CONTAINS MYSTERY, ADVENTURE, AND EXPLOSIVE PROJECTS YOU CAN BUILD YOURSELF!
An abandoned house at the end of the block.  A mysterious girl in an upstairs window. A strange black SUV lurking around every corner.  When Nick and Tesla Holt are sent to live with their eccentric Uncle Newt, they find their new neighborhood is full of secrets.  What the heck is going on?

To unravel the mysteries (and save their skins), Nick and Tesla must use everyday household objects to build electromagnets, rocket launchers, and other crazy contraptions – and instructions are included throughout the story so you can build them, too!

As I may have already said, this is an adventure and a half!  First off, the brother and sister duo are great.  They get along…most of the time…and are there for each other through thick and thin.  There’s been a lot more thin as of late, especially with their parents off studying soybean growth in Uzbekistan.  *blink blink*  Yep, that’s what they’re doing (well, maybe a little more complicated than that) and that’s where they be.  The siblings are shipped off to Uncle Newt’s house and thus their adventure begins.  What’s that?  How does a summer time shift constitute and adventure in the making?  Aww…but you have yet to meet Uncle Newt.

You see, Uncle Newt is not your traditional guardian, parent figure, or adult for that matter.  He’s an inventor.  From self mowing lawnmowers to clothes in a can (no, really!), dancing on the ceiling…no wait, that’s a song…I meant DINING on the ceiling, Newt is the man with a plan…whether or not it actually becomes something 100% useful.  *ahem*  Well, you know, inventors and hair brained ideas kinda go hand in hand…anyway...he is their parental type unit for the summer and while he’s getting into the swing of things, they get free reign of his, well most of his, okay SOME of his workshop…a dream come true for these two and something that comes in handy.  How so?  Aww, patience my friend…patience.

One day, while out exploring the lay of the land…and perhaps launching a bottle rocket to the great blue beyond…a precious item is inadvertently lost.  During it’s retrieval, a curious young girl is spied in an upper window of a supposedly abandoned yet currently being renovated home.  Hmm.  Can someone say M-Y-S-T-E-R-Y?  Well, I sure can…and it deepens when she seems to be telling them to GO AWAY for no apparent reason.  Anyway, back to my explanation.  The workshop comes in handy when the kids need to devise a way to distract a few teethy foes as well as a few semi-bumbling shady characters…and what they come up with will surprise, delight, amaze, and make YOU want to try them out for yourself!  No worries…the instructions are right there to satisfy your curiosity (just be sure to have adult supervision for the tricky parts).    Now back to that story…

A few inventions and mis-inventions later, and the Holt children are up to their eyeballs in trouble with a capital “T”.  It’ll take all their wit, all their know-how, and the help of their new found friends (and a few they didn’t even know that had until now) to get outta this one…which hopefully they will.  *ahem*  Hey, I’m NOT spoiling it for you!  It gets pretty hairy towards book’s end….but hold on tight and you’ll delight at the actual outcome along with a few clues that are revealed affecting the youngsters. 

In conclusion, a book with a little something for everyone from those simply seeking a good read to those that like a little more tech in their Children’s Fiction.  Personally, I’d recommend it for girls and boys, friends and foes, and Middle Grade readers of all ages!  There’s fun to be had between these pages and after the story, you get the hands on real life adventure utilizing the new skills and know-how you’ve obtained.  How cool is that!  Well, I’d say PRETTY DARN cool indeed but what’s even COOLER is that the NEXT installment in this series comes out in February 2014, Nick and Tesla’s Robot Rampage.  Guess what’s on MY wish list?  Oh wait…I bet it’s on YOURS too.  Final side note…I love how the Quirk Books (publisher) logo is presented on the back cover!  It shows up on the battery connecting the positive and negative forces that run the show (so to speak).  Well put indeed…and quirky, just like them.  ^_^

 

Review copy received courtesy of Eric at Quirk Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their ever growing quirky catalog of bookish fun, feel free to stop by their site, friend them on Facebook…oh go on, they are TOTALLY friendly…or follow along on Twitter. 

Until next time…happy reading!

READING is Amazing!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the blog site all about the books, all of the time.  Today, we venture back to school minus the “cheese wagon” (aka the school bus…gotta love the color of those things), plus a whole lotta fun….couple that with a myriad of facts to amaze and astound and presto change-o, you have yourself a bookish adventure!  Are you ready to embark on this learning expedition?  Grab your safari hat, put on your trusty hiking boots and grab your magnifying glass….we’re going on an exploration.  Today’s book of choice is…

Danny & Ester’s Fortunate Adventures:

Amazing Ants!

By

Renee McCuen

Art by

David Hemenway

Danny and Ester are curious, as most kids are, about anything and everything; from the sky above to the ground below, from leafy green plants to crystallized minerals…but most especially animals.  One day while they were finishing dinner at Lee’s Chinese Palace (which of course means FORTUNE COOKIE TIME!), this friendly duo stumbles upon a mystery...a most fortunate one at that...that seems to be foretelling of a most impossible adventure. “Scientists must take risks.”  “Prepare to get wet.”  “Go.”  With that final “fortune” revealed, that's just what they do….and embark upon an educational adventure beyond their wildest dreams. 

This book totally reminded me of the Magic School Bus series and come to think of it, Danny there on the front cover could totally be related to Ms. Frizzle.  Those were the days.  Saturday/Sunday morning cartoons that were not only entertaining but educational instead of some of the rubbish that airs today.  But let’s get back on the same station here…or rather page…

Author Renee McCuen aims to teach readers young (and old) about the interesting world of ants.  From their social structure to body makeup, the jobs they do and purposes they serve, if you walk away from this one NOT having learned something you’re either not paying attention or a myrmecologist (< - - that’s a scientist who studies ants…yep, just one of the factoids I picked up!).  Seriously!  Now I do admit, I’m not an insect person in any way, shape, or form…and there was a time or two where I was on the verge of saying “gross” or “blech” like any other girly girl (word to the wise…don’t read it while eating) but I curbed my initial reactions knowing that I was learning something about a creature I may not have taken a second glance at before, and as they say knowledge IS power.



Author Renee McCuen



Part of the whimsical aspect of the adventure is how even when the kids turn into ants (apparently the magic phrase is “Ants are so amazing!”) to better explore their world, they still retain parts of themselves both personality wise as well as their physical traits.  That’s right.  You can see their humanity still in the illustrations by looking at their eyes…and their hair.  *giggle*  Sorry, couldn’t help the little laugh, I mean really…Ester’s ant has dark hair with braids and Danny’s has red hair ala Ron Weasley.  It’s cute and funny but it just adds to the overall draw of the story and the ease of making the connection between their human selves and their ant selves.  At books end, we are treated to a mini-quiz (no need for number two pencils) to show you just how much you learned along the way.  Though short and sweet, don’t be surprised if you are tripped up a time or two…there’s a lot of information in this short story! 

Overall, it’s quite the adventure.  It’s length will be appealing to both readers and non, while the story’s content will ignite the scientist in you.  In fact, it might just be the first in a series of science based tales for young (or young at heart) explorers of this great big world….I know I’d like to see more and I think you will to.  To see for yourself, check out the first chapter, available online at the book’s official website.  So the next time you think something is out of this world, remember….it’s not “icky”, it’s “interesting”!  Turn that negative into a positive and you open up a whole new world of learning.

Review copy received courtesy of author Renee McCuen.  (THANKS!)  For more information about the book or to contact the author, check out the official website. 

Until next time…BOOKS are so amazing….and happy reading!

*POOF*