Who? What? Where? (8)

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the place that aims to be the bookish break in your day each and EVERY day....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today we're taking a break from the reviews to explore my current read in progress (or rather the book I'm about to open gingerly to avoid breaking the spine) in a NEW and FUN way.  If you haven't heard of this MEME before, be prepared to share because it's a whole lot of bookish goodness in a neat and tidy little blog post package.  Ready?  Here we go!

Hosted by Melissa at My World...in Words and Pages it's time to explore...

Who are you with?

Where are you at?

What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

Otis Dooda:  Strange But True
by
Ellen Potter



I'm with Otis Dooda in New York City hearing all the plays on his name he's suffered through over the years and anticipating more of the same in his family's new home.




Okay, so not much to go on yet.  Just why we moved isn't apparent but then again I did JUST open the book.  (Finished the other last night which ironically had something to do with New York as well...hmm.  Fate?  Is that YOU?)

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

So....who/where/what are YOU this week?

Do tell...and feel free to check out the others participating in this MEME as well as link to your own post over at Melissa's site.

Until next time...happy reading!

^_^

BLOG TOUR: Nalah and the Pink Tiger by Anne Sawyer-Aitch

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the place the encourages the reader in you to be active at least once a day, but really suggests you let them out to play AS LONG AS YOU CAN EVERY DAY....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  

What can I say?  Time with a great book is time well spent and today's blog tour guest courtesy of Pump Up Your Book is no different.  We're featuring a children's picture book that utilizes all the colors of the rainbow in full flamboyant displays to tell the tale of one little girl and her VERY active imagination.  Yep...if I had to guess, she's a reader.  We have been proven to have rather active imaginations after all.  ^_^  Please join me in welcoming today's blog tour guest and book of choice...

Nalah and the Pink Tiger

by

Anne Sawyer-Aitch

If the title didn't catch your attention, than the cover surely had to...if not, adjust your monitor because trust me, it's definitely something to see (more on that later).  The story itself invites readers to set free their imaginations as Nalah shares her world of interesting critters.  You should feel honored because it's not often she shares them with the world...for some reason or another her parents (friends, and relations in general) can't see them.  *blink*  _rubs eyes_  Well, I'm not sure what they are looking at because they are as plain as day to me!  (^_^)

We start out with Mad Tooth the Mouse, a perpetual sock eater and force to reckon with despite his small stature, continue with Percival Prong.  He's a bit hard to sum up in a few words, but I love his character!  He's a polka dotted piggy that prefers not to go to market but to lounge around in the bath all day singing pork-ified tunes and reading (Yay!) novels we know (well sorta...though I do believe that the author's last name of "Thickens" may not be accurate...hehe) and love.  What's not to like?  Next up is Ernestina the Emu, who loves nothing more than to help Nalah with her vegetables (interesting coincidence seeing as how they aren't her favorite thing), and then finally we meet Tico...at the zoo of all places!  Let's just say things get pretty interesting (if they weren't enough already) when you you introduce a pink tiger to the mix. The adventure that follows, tops the cake!  But that's not even the BEST part of the book...

Author Anne Sawyer-Aitch

The piece de resistance though is actually at book's end when you learn about the author's process for creating the imaginative, fun and beautiful illustrations throughout the book.  In it's most basic form, it can be summed up as paper art.  She utilizes two copies of the same drawing with similar colors/shading, separates the details from one and allows a source of light to back-light the whole creation while snapping picture for all the world to see.  It's quite intricate and the results are astounding.  The layered look of each 2D drawing makes each page POP with color and unexpected texture.  Fabulous touch!  I love'd just about every page but especially the one at the zoo of the roller coaster.  It resembles a Chinese Dragon in all its glory and the coloration of the image is just wonderful!

In conclusion, a great story about the power of imagination that showcases the artistic talents of the author herself.  From puppet creator to illustrator and stilt-walker according to her bio, she's certainly a creative mind that has many things to share with the world...so glad she's chosen picture books to be one of those outlets.  The images will delight young and old while the story encourages readers to use their imaginations to explore their world...with a gentle reminder to not let them get TOO out of control, like when Tico wreaks havoc upon coming home.  (*-*)  All good things in moderation.

Review copy received courtesy of Tracee at Pump Up Your Book.  (THANKS!)  To discover more about this tour as well as those forth coming, be sure to visit them online, friend them on Google+, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter. To learn more about author/illustrator Anne Sawyer-Aitch, stop by her official site, or like her Facebook page.  To extend the creative fun even further, be sure to check out the worksheet options on the book site for such goodies as coloring pages and a make-your-own Tico Mask.  Then, for a little more digital fun, check out the app for this title - according to the author's site it's interactive AND bilingual!  This book was released last year via Scarletta Press and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  Now this tour has only just begun, so be sure to check out yesterday's stop over at Sincerely Stacie and tomorrow's visit to My Book Addiction for even more fun!

Until next time...happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. 

On the menu this week...a title that I am having SO much fun with, I even laughed out loud during my lunch break yesterday from an image created in the story that just tickled me...and yes, I had to stop reading to explain the outburst to by lunch buddy.  Luckily, she's a reader too...totally understand and proceeded to laugh along with me!  ^_^  Though I shan't be sharing THAT particular scene, there are plenty of others to choose from.  Let's see what the random-page-fairy turns up today.

Ready?  Set?  Sample!

Okay...wait a second...consider that a false start.

The random page I turned to was indeed HI-larious...but I shan't be sharing that one either.  Let's try this, I'll pick a page with today's date in it...*rummages through book*...eureka!

Bicoastal Babe

by

Cynthia Langston

The energy in New York is like a jolt of electricity, whereas here it's more like a soft, steady breeze.  I heard once that people can be put into two categories:  In the depths of your heart, you're either a New York person or a California person.  As if three thousand miles of in-between material for constructing a personality don't exist.  But now I understand what it means.  It's about the environment that feeds your lifeblood, which kind of energy makes you feel alive and which kind makes you feel sedated.

-- pg 111-112

True, no?

Okay, so maybe not like life-altering truth but still...definitely a valid point.

As for me, I'm still torn between the two because they are certainly very different beasts and really, home is where the heart is not simply what locale makes your pulse race...and our lead character has reason for her's to race in BOTH!  (Lucky gal! ^_^)

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

So...what book are you lost in this week?

Oh come on...just a little tease?

^_^

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

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read 

*Open to a random page 

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

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

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo - Interview + Giveaway!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to start your week off right, and by right, I do mean bookishly.  ^_^

Today, we are playing host to a blog tour brought to you by the fab folks over at Blue Slip Media and starring a title perfect for the upcoming holiday.  That’s right!  Father’s Day is just around the corner and whether looking for a gift for dear old Dad or helping little ones select something for your other half, today’s picture book has got you covered.  Don’t believe me?  For shame…doubting me after four years together after all.  ^_^  Just kidding!  Seriously though, this one has got it all in a short span of pages that will not only entertain the kiddos but bring a smile to the big “D”’s face as he realizes it’s not just a book about their son or daughter, but about their aspirations to be JUST LIKE THEM.  Let’s give a great big “aww”….ready?  One…two…three…

…perfect!  Now, are we ready to check out the featured title a little more closely?  Don’t mind if I do.  Today’s blog tour guest and book of choice is…

Just Like My Papa

By

Toni Buzzeo

Illustrated by

Mike Wohnoutka

As you can see, it’s all about the big guy, the little ones and the special relationship they share.  The beauty of this particular title is that it has everything you need to celebrate Father’s Day (or any day for that matter) in one package.  You’ve got wild animals, adorable illustrations, lessons learned, and “training” received.  We go from a story about little Kito following his Dad around to his imitating his every move and by book’s end, evolve into a reaching of common ground and a loving understanding between both father and son of each others goals and desires.  A nice progression if I do say so myself…and certainly an easy recommendation for readers (and gift recipients) of all ages.  Anywho…

A review was not all that I promised you today, though I do hope you enjoyed it.  When this blog tour rolled around, I was given the opportunity to interview the author and with the focus of Father’s Day high on the calendar, I thought….why not make it personal?  Ready to see how that panned out?  Allow me to introduce, author Toni Buzzeo!

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

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:  Toni Buzzeo

Kito wants nothing more than to grow up to be JUST like Dad.  What is your fondest memory of time spent with YOUR dad?

More than my dad, it was my Grandpa Don who was the maker of fond memories for me. What I remember more than anything else are his stories. He was a grand weaver of tales, my grandpa. Born into a family of NINE children, he was the third in the lineup, the first to be born in the United States to immigrant parents in the Finnish-settlement town of Kaleva, Michigan. Money was tight, and all the tighter when his father disappeared and never returned. But my great-grandmother was the stalwart type, and she did her best to raise all nine on her own! Grandpa told stories of her baking 48 loaves of Finnish rye bread every Thursday. As young teens, the boys would swoop through the kitchen, each grab a loaf of bread and a bread knife and high tail it away to consume a whole loaf each. When he was fourteen, Grandpa Don left Kaleva to join the cavalry in Texas and lived to tell many a tale. Red-haired and freckled, he was a fun-loving guy and was just the sort of storyteller I wanted to become!




Throughout the story, Kito learns what it is to actually be King. Some of those lessons are more fun than others.  Tell us, what was the most valuable lesson you feel your grandfather imparted to you?

The most important lesson I learned from Grandpa Don was that a life well-lived is a life of service. For all his fun-loving nature, the most important thing to him was helping others and sharing what he had, whether his storytelling skills, the apple harvest from Grandma Mae‘s ancestral Bear Lake, Michigan farm, or his talents. When he was in his mid-seventies, he came two summers in a row from Michigan to Maine to tear down—from the roofline to the cellar—two brick chimneys on our antique Maine farmhouse. Brick by brick he shared his love. While I don’t have his physical strength or stamina, I share my love word by word, as a story weaver.





What inspired you to become a writer...and on the flip side, what would you have been had you not become one?

This time, it wasn’t Grandpa who inspired me, but Grandma Mae. Oh did she love to read! Between her and my mother, they took me to the Dearborn Public Library every week of my childhood. And Grandma was always ready to read to me, and read and read and read. I always tell my young readers that it was READING that inspired me to be a writer. Of course, it was also reading that inspired me to become a school librarian, which was my profession before I became a writer and would have continued to be my profession forever had I not found it impossible to continue to do two jobs simultaneously. I loved being a librarian too!




Quid pro quo...

...favorite color?
Blue, blue, blue!

...favorite animal? 
Giraffe—tall and beautiful—especially as they wander the African savanna.

...place you'd love to travel to someday? 
I’ve been to the continent of Africa three times and have spent time in Ethiopia, Morocco, and Kenya (twice). But it’s a huge continent with 54 countries and there are many more trips in my future.

...favorite book at the moment?
Adult: When We Were the Kennedys by Monica Wood
Children’s: Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan

Closing thoughts….
One of the greatest pleasures of being a children’s writer is sharing those stories with my young readers. Perhaps it’s because I‘m also a librarian, but having young readers is so important to me, watching their excitement as the lionesses chase the wildebeest, hearing their laughter as Papa Lion sends Kito sailing through the air time and time again and hearing their voices chiming in when Papa proclaims himself the protector and the king. These are the ways I know that I’ve touched their hearts. My book in a children’s hands makes the work complete for me and allows me to live the lesson I learned from Grandpa Don. A life well-lived is a life of service—and my stories are the way I serve.

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

Toni Buzzeo is a former school librarian, so she comes by her love of books and kids quite naturally. In fact, it was while teaching at Longfellow School in Portland, Maine that she began to write for children, right after her first trip to Kenya in 1995. She has published nineteen picture books thus far, with two more under contract, including  My Grandma Always Remembers. Toni’s book One Cool Friend, illustrated by the distinguished illustrator David Small, won a 2013 Caldecott Honor. Many of her other books have garnered award attention as well. Toni and her husband live in Buxton, Maine from May through December, where she writes in a lovely writing cottage above the brook. But just after the winter holidays each year, she high-tails it down to sunny Sarasota, Florida where she can listen to the birds singing outside her office window during the days and zip over to walk the beach at sunset.

Find Toni online at www.tonibuzzeo.com and watch the video of that sweet writing cottage being built!

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

Thank you so much for sharing a bit of yourself with us Toni!

Your Grandfather and Grandmother both sound like AMAZING people and I’m sure their legacy lives on in you and your work as you intended.  It’s always great to learn a bit more about the mind behind the writing and sometimes getting personal is the BEST way to do it.  My sincere thanks for your wonderful response.

Now my friends, you’ve read about the book, learned a bit about the author’s family life and are good and ready to celebrate a little more, right?  Right!  Thanks to the great folks at BlueSlip Media, you now have the chance to win a copy of this book to call your own!  All you have to do to enter is FILL OUT THIS FORM….AND….answer the following question in the comments below.  Seeing as how the author shared a bit of themselves with you, tell me….

….WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY OF THE FATHER FIGURE IN YOUR LIFE?

Whether Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, etc, share a memory with us and you’re in it to win it!

Details:  Chance to win (1) SIGNED copy of JUST LIKE MY PAPA by Toni Buzzeo from Disney Hyperion Books via Blue Slip Media!  Open to US/Canada residents only, no P.O. Boxes please.  Entries accepted through midnight Sunday, June 16th, 2013.  Winner will be selected and contacted on Monday, June 17th, 2013 and have 48 hours to respond with their FULL NAME and MAILING ADDRESS to be passed on to the publisher for prize send out.

Good luck to one and all!

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

Special thanks to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the chance to host this tour as well as the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their upcoming promotions, be sure to visit them online, or check out their Facebook page.  This title was released via Disney Hyperion Books and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  Don’t forget to check out the rest of the tour as it winds its way through the blogosphere!  Tomorrow, catch them over at There’s A Book with Danielle, Turkeybird and Little Bug!

Until next time…happy reading!

The Roving Reader

Well now...doesn't this little beauty look intriguing. ..and what a question posed? I suppose the answer depends on the consequences.

How about you?
What did you discover when out and about?
Do tell!

Emily For Real by Sylvia Gunnery

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when the need to read strikes and you're looking for a few good books.  (Speaking of which, don't forget to check out the right hand side bar for your chance to win a few titles currently up for grabs!) Take today's for example...

We have a Young Adult choice that deals with real life in a REAL way.  Ups, downs, and everything inbetween are housed within the pages of this short read and they come together to an ending that is almost anything but.  Allow me to introduce you to today's book of choice...

Emily for Real

by

Sylvia Gunnery

About the book...

Seventeen-year-old Emily’s world crumbles when her boy friend dumps her, and when she thinks her life can’t possibly get any worse, a series of secrets are revealed that threaten to tear her beloved family apart. Emily’s heart has been broken into a hundred pieces and she feels like there is no one to turn to, until an unexpected friendship blossoms with a troubled classmate named Leo. Sometimes moody but always supportive, Leo is Emily’s rock in an ocean of confusion and disbelief.
But Leo doesn’t have an easy life either. He struggles to be both mother and father to his little sister while his mom battles her alcohol addiction. His deadbeat dad darts in and out of the picture, and Leo would rather he stay away, permanently. The two friends lean on each other, and in the end discover the inner strength to face whatever life throws at them.

It all starts with a death in the family...a simple enough start it would seem and yet the tragedy itself it not what has Emily all torn up on the inside.  Nope.  In typical teenage fashion, it's the ironically timed break up from her long distance boyfriend (over the phone no less!) that has her heart in shambles.  You can't truly blame her, after all she wasn't really close to her grandfather and yet with all that's about to be uncovered, apparently, NO ONE really was.

Author Sylvia Gunnery

The secrets begin to reveal themselves at the funeral with an unexpected (and at the time, unknown) guest and continue through books end when more than one person's whole world will be shaken not stirred.  How does Emily deal with the news?  Well, the immediate revelation has more to do with her parents than with her but with the emotional hurricane she's rolling through at the moment, that's probably best.  She decides to take the "lets-try-to-focus-on-someone-elses-problems-not-mine" route and in turn meets the new guy in school that seems to be a walking add for anger management.  Don't worry, he's not completely self destructive or about to turn his blossoming friendship with Emily into a Jerry Springer episode but he does have his issues as well as a few good reasons for their existence.  I'm not excusing his acting out (including a stolen/misplaced incident with his Dad's truck) but it certainly is understandable.  The yin and yang of these two seemingly polar opposites aids in them both rectifying their situations to the best of their abilities but if you're looking for a neat and clean tidy type of ending, think again.

This is not the story of what once was, what could have been and what will be with wishes becoming horses and the less fortunate riding.  This is a story of the crud that life can deal us and how our story is not written by its appearance but by our reaction to it.  The author does a good job of getting us inside the heads of Emily and Leo....even Emma and Dana whom me meet more in-depth later on and have their own stories to share.  If we choose to breakdown and hide away from the world, then our downfall becomes our ending.  If we choose to accept the change, muddle through our feelings and move on, then our recovery and new found stronger self will be our victory song.  Emily is dealt a rather LARGE load of...problems.  Some are typical teenage land stuff, others not so much...and one still felt a little "added" much like the straw on the camel's back in lieu of actually being needed, but the way she finds her way back, the way she picks up the pieces to put things not back together but to form a new masterpiece are real.  The decisions are filled with drama.  Emotions are spent time and time again yet still ready for another go round. With the somewhat help of her new friend, she comes to terms with what happened and what's happening, realizing that the grass is not greener on the other side, just simply another shade of mixed up and confused.

Recommended read for YA fans of all ages though I think those literally living in the moment of their later teens will be spoken to most clearly.  At times, it might even take a page out of your own diary....but that's okay, life happens in reality and between the pages.  Review copy courtesy of Erin at Pajama Press.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to visit them online, catch up on their blog, pin them on Pinterest, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title is distributed by Orca Book Publishers and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

The Laughing Reader

Word.
^-^
Happy Friday everyone!

BLOG TOUR: Taeh Goes to the Vet by Wendy Healy-Hindmarch

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the place that aims to please the reader in you...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to an As You Wish Blog Tour starring a storybook all about our furry friends and their ingrained fear of one particular place...the VETS.  *-*  Don't worry readers, this isn't a horror story but a tail...I mean tale that shows how even the places we fear can be filled with people that have our best intentions, and those of our fur babies, at heart.  Shall we take a peek at today's title?  Without further adieu, meet today's blog tour guest and book of choice...

Taeh Goes to the Vet

by

Wendy Healy-Hindmarch

Illustrated by

Daniela Frongia

About the book...

In the first of many humorous books in this series we see through the eyes of Taeh the Dalmatian as she tries to conquer her fear of the vet. Come along on this adventure and see what awaits her. See as she tries to outwit her pets (humans) as they have a battle of wills to see who will triumph. Once read you will be hooked on Taeh's adventures and want to read more in the Taeh the Dalmatian series.

Release Date:  April 1, 2013
Genre:  Children's Book
Length:  26 Pages
Publisher:  GMTA Publishing LLC

AMAZON   |   Books-A-Million   |   Barnes & Noble   |   Indiebound   |   Smashwords



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


About the author...

Wendy Healy-Hindmarch is married with 2 children, 4 dogs and a bird.  She lives in South Australia and has been writing children’s and young adults books since 2004.  'Taeh Goes to the Vet' is her first children's picture book in print.


Amazon Page   |   GoodReads   |   Facebook   |   Twitter

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

Yes, you read that correctly.

This is the first book of a planned series that will star this lovable pooch and his adventures with his human pets.

Gotta say, I LOVED how Taeh thought of his humans.  I mean, it only makes sense, right?  After all, we take care of each other in our own ways, so in fact we ARE their pets to come degree as well...we just happen to have to make the HARD decisions sometimes in the name of love.  That's what this book is all about.  It takes a day that starts with a trip to the park, turns into a sneezing fest to end all sneezing fests (though I don't believe many would have been in attendance to a fest like that *-*), and ends up with a trip to the VETS.  Most dogs DO NOT enjoy visits such as this, after all their first experience with them is a series of pokes and prods and sometimes snips...would you welcome a trip there?  Highly doubtful.  So, Taeh is expecting the worst...but, he learns that not all trips to the V-E-T-S bring on the pain, some may include a stick or two but help alleviate a BIGGER problem, like his sneezing.  You can bet he was THRILLED when all that stopped...*checks book page*...yep, the smile on his Dalmatian face says what words can not.  Just check out this excerpt and image from the book below...

My humans went to the front desk to tell them we were there; I attempted to make myself as small as possible which isn’t an easy thing for a Dalmatian to do, but I was trying my hardest.

In the end, this is a story for all current pet lovers and those seeking to become a human pet one day soon.  It helps make the world of VETS a bit less scary, bringing to light the GOOD that they do in the name of animals every day.  The story is easy to relate to and the illustrations add a warmth and whimsy that would otherwise be missed.  I could see this being a comfort read for little ones that don't quite understand why Sparky or Spark-ette need to go somewhere they don't seem to want to as well as a way to help calm an anxious pet when it happens to be their turn to pay them a visit.  (Hey, don't knock it if you haven't tried it!  All of my dogs LOVE to be read to.  ^_^)  All in all, a great read.

Review copy courtesy of Julia at As You Wish Tours.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, be sure to check out the rest of the tour.  To discover what's on the horizon for them next, see thee out their official site, like them over on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This book was released just last month and is available now in both print and ebook options.  Be on the lookout for it on a store shelf or online retailer near you!

Now, to continue the fun...time for a contest!
Enter below for your chance to win...


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Good luck!

Until next time...HUGS TO ALL YOUR FUR BABIES...and happy reading!

Adventure Kids: Campfire Crisis by Blake Hoena - Review + Giveaway!

Hi there!

Welcome back to the place that's right after your bookish heart...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  

*knock knock*

Are you there?

It's me, the Insatiable Reader.

Haven't seen you for a while...or at least it feels that way.

I know, I know...life gets in the way sometimes but to all of you still making SFIR a part of your day....my eternal THANKS.

*hugs*

Today, we play host to a blog tour celebrating a newish release to the Children's Fiction world but written in a particular style many have come to love throughout the generations...choose-your-own-adventure.  Who DOESN'T like to get in on the action and help (or not...*gulp*) the characters make the right (or wrong...*double gulp*) decisions?  It adds another element of fun to a pasttime that is already brimming with entertainment...but this one puts a little twist on it all that readers of all ages (but especially the younger kiddos itching for adventure) are gonna love.  What is the twist?  You'll see but before the reveal, allow me to introduce today's blog tour guest and book of choice...

Adventure Kids:  Campfire Crisis

(A Choice Chapter Book)

by

Blake Hoena

You’re camping with your parents and two best friends. Pick your supplies, pack your bags, and have fun. But your outing turns dangerous when you’re caught in the middle of a forest fire! Do you know what to do? Put your survival skills to the test. If you make good decisions, you will rescue your friends from the Campfire Crisis!

No pressure or anything; you just have to save your friends from a raging forest fire.  *-*  Have you doubting the appropriateness of the book for the younger set?  Don't.  It's all a part of the twist I mentioned above.

Here we have a chapter book style adventure that places you, the reader, front and center in the decision making chair as you choose everything from what to pack to which way to go to who to send (or not) for help.  It's a perilous place to be, yes....but, should you make the wrong decision, you're not written out of the story.  Nope.  Surprised?  I was too when I first started reading because that's how all of the one's I've read in the past have been. One wrong page turn and the whole thing is over.  Not so here.  The author allows readers to make a mistake, expand their knowledge on a more applicable course of action, and continue forward in their journey.  It makes it almost an edutainment choice because after all, you are learning survival skills along the way and many kiddos flock to the appeal of a camping trip, so talk about real world application opportunity!  It also makes this a great option for those younger readers that are just starting to read books on their own giving them a chance to steer the story's course and yet not feel defeated if a wrong turn is made.  A great balance indeed.

As for the story itself, Carla and Mike are definitely a great pair to have as friends as well as wood traipsing companions.  Everyone gets a chance to shine as events unfold and strengths are put to good use.  There's even a chance to save a life...unexpected but once again, emphasizing the know-how that's important to a successful and fun night/day under the stars.  The author made sure to cover all the basics here while imparting little gems of wisdom along the way...and all at a level that will peak interest but not endanger should they wish to try the newly found skills at home.   A small warning for adult readers...you might want to have a good campsite picked out for your little adventurers because after this read, I see the potential for a trip in your future.

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

About the author...

Blake A. Hoena grew up in central Wisconsin, where, in his youth, he wrote stories about robots conquering the Moon and trolls lumbering around in the woods behind his parents house, and the fact that the trolls were hunting for little boys had nothing to do with Blake’s pesky brothers. Later, he moved to Minnesota to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Since graduating, Blake has written more than fifty books for children, including retellings of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Perseus and Medusa myth. Most recently, he’s working on a series of books about two space alien brothers, Eek and Ack, who are determined to conquer our big blue home and adapting classic stories, like Treasure Island and Swiss Family Robinson, into chose-your-path books.

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

Review copy received courtesy of author Blake Hoena.  (THANKS!)  For more information about this title as well as his growing body of works, be sure to visit his official website, like him on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This is the first book in his new Adventure Kids series, released a few weeks back via Lake 7 Creative and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  

For all those adventurers in the reading audience, I've got a special treat just for you.  Think your survival skills if put to the test would be up to par?  Now's your chance to find out.  Thanks to the author's generosity, YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN a copy of this very title to call your own!  Pretty cool, right?  I definitely agree.

To enter, just fill out THIS FORM and you're in it to win it!

Open to US residents only; no P.O. Boxes please.  Entries accepted through midnight June 14th, 2013.  Winner will be contacted no later than Monday, June 17th, 2013 and have 48 hours to respond with their full name and mailing address.  If a response is not received within the given time frame, a new winner will be chosen.

Until next time...GOOD LUCK...and happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. 

On the menu this week...an author whose work I've read once before whose proving thus far to have a real knack for emotionally infused reads without the overheated drama that can plague some stories.  Ready to take a peek?  Your wish is my happily obliged command.

Goodnight, Brian

by

Steven Manchester

Breakfast was a team effort, with each kid taking his or her assignment very seriously.  Heidi set the table and then fed Brian, while Steph worked the toaster, lathering each burned slice of bread with globs of butter.  Ross worked slowly at the counter, mixing plastic tumblers of flavored milk.  Mama scrambled a frying pan of fluffy eggs and watched as one mess after the other was being made.  It would have been easier for her to do it all herself - but what would that teach? she thought.

-- pg 79 

Like I said....the author has a way of putting you in the scene and allowing you to feel what's happening without things getting over the top.  It's a "when life hands you lemons" sort of story but with a lot more faith injected by Mama (who is actually the grandmother).  You have to love her character.  *chuckle*  Anywho, before I start going too much into my eventual review, suffice it to say that thus far, I am enjoying it.

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

So...what book are you lost in this week?

Oh come on...just a little tease?

^_^

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

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read 

*Open to a random page 

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

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

Until next time...happy reading!

SING by Joe Rapaso

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you every day of the week, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we are kicking the week off with a feature starring a Children's Storybook that just celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY last week.  It stars a boy, a bird and a song, the latter of which was made infamous by the popular children's show, Sesame Street.  Most (in the states at least) have heard it since childhood and if you're like me, it continues to inspire you today regardless of age or culture.  It is my pleasure to introduce you to today's book of choice...

Sing

by

Joe Rapaso

Illustrated by

Tom Lichtenheld

I'll keep this review short and sweet, much like the book just minus the GORGEOUS illustrations.  For those that remember the song, you're in for a treat.  For those just being introduced to its simple beauty, be prepared to be amazed.  The timeless lyrics of singing your song, being true to who you are, speak to generation after generation breaking through any barricade one could think to put in its way.

The story adds a visual element to the whole kit and kaboodle as we watch a young birdie attempt his first flight.  His siblings each tweet and fly in turn but when he's on the launching pad, he finds himself song-less (stage fright...catches the best of us off guard) thereby unable to take flight...until a young boy comes along, with a guitar, a smile and a few well sung words of wisdom.  How do I know they were well sung?  Because...I heard them with my heart as did our little feathered friend and you know how uplifting something like that can be.  ^_^

In conclusion, a simple storybook that is truly anything but simple.  It carries a message good for all ages regardless of background, race, monetary achievements or lack there of and speaks to the soul with it's inspiring tune.  You can't make it through the book without a smile on your face as well as your heart...or at least I couldn't...and for that reminder alone, that each of us is perfect in our own way, I am grateful for the read as well as the chance to share it with all of you.  So, SING.  SING your song and by all means, make it loud enough and strong enough to be heard round the world because YOU ARE SPECIAL, you are someone to be counted, you are just what the world is looking for so go out and make your mark.

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  To learn more about the author, check out his official site.  To discover more about the illustrator, pay a visit to his site, catch up on his blog, or follow along on Twitter.  This beautiful, collectible edition was released the last week of May 2013 via Henry Holt and Company, Christy Ottaviano Books and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  BONUS INFORMATION:  The hardcover edition of this book includes a CD containing not only the title song but two others that children of all ages are bound to enjoy.

Until next time...happy reading!

Firmoo June - Classic & Chic Models, Free for New Customers!

Hi guys!

Welcome to the weekend, hope things have been going smashing for you.  Just wanted to update you on a program we talked about once upon a time here on the site that's handled by Firmoo.com.  Don't remember them?  It's the site that I obtained my current pair of glasses from and might I say, I've received many a compliment on the style.  ^_^  Anywho, back to the news...

Firmoo has updated their New Arrivals for June AND they're making them available for the Firmoo First-Pair-Free-Program. Pretty cool, right?  Right!  Now you have the chance to get yours for FREE!  With so many different frames to choose from, you're bound to find the perfect fit for you.  But where to begin?  Let's take a gander at some of the basic styles, shall we?

Oversize frame:

Oversized glasses have won a wide following and endorsement from celebrities due to their flamboyant and bold impression. The large frames and sleek lenses give you that superstar vibe the moment you put them on. Are they for everyone?  No, but there's plenty more where that came from.





Rectangle frame:

Rectangular glasses are the most common style you can see on the street. For a simple look, you can never go wrong with these. They are traditional in style, and the slim rims outline a precise profile helping you make the statement you want to make at first glance.





Vintage style:

We are always fond of wearing stylish and chic glasses but we often ignore one particular type - vintage glass. Sometimes it's fun to go back in time and have a feel of what fashion was then...plus they are also the perfect way to complete your vintage outfit if your fashion trends that way!





Nerdy style:

A medium sized, round eye frame shows a charmingly studious look. If you want that "I'm-pondering-the-mechanics-of-the-world" or Harry Potter-esque look, these are the frames for you.

From fashionistas to your average Joe and Jane, there's something for everyone in the new collection at Firmoo.  New Customers, check here for more products to get your first free pair at Firmoo right now! You just need to pay shipping. First come, first served! 

(The above model photo is derived from Firmoo+.)

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

Firmoo is the World's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store. We have always committed ourselves to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices which start at $8 - 80%-90% lower compared to that in a local store.

Author Signing: Anna Banks!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the weekend edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...where you never know what well cover next but you can best believe it will be bookish.

So, this is more of an after party post.  Now don't get all excited...I did not manage to sneak to NY, attend a random BEA event and score major pictures, swag, and more.  *sigh*  What I DID do is have the chance to host a mini-BEA if you will at job 2!  How so?  Easy....

...we had YA lit author Anna Banks in store for a book signing!

Excited?

We sure were...as were the fans that stopped by to say hello and grab their copies of book 1 (Of Poseidon) and book 2 (Of Triton).  We had ...

...your typical YA fans...

...to mother daughter duos...

...to your top so typical but still ROCK-TASTIC that they showed interest!

We had those that we happy to see Ms. Banks...

....and those that were so happy, they brought their own pen to the signing!

All in all, I think it's safe to say that fun was had by all.

As for me, unfortunately I was having a bit of a shyness attack.  Yeah, bad timing; trust me I know.  I have to give myself some credit though...as I was the one that got the wheels turning when she showed interest in stopping in AND did all the advertising (in store posters, flyers around town, online boards and social media, etc).  So, as for my PR-type role in it all, I think I did rather well.  *pats self on back*...but what's a book signing without a little swag?

Yep.

There's my loot!

A signed copy of book 1 and signed ARC of book 2...plus a matching bookmark for each.  (Yay!) 

Oh, and those extra bookmarks below that you see?  Totally scored them for all of you!  That's right!  Just enter your info below and the first FOUR entries WIN!  (Open to US only!)

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

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

Until next time...HAPPY READING!