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...

Thursday, November 9, 2023

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


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




by
Kate Foster
Ages 8+ | 240 Pages
9781536225808
Candlewick


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

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

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





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

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

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




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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


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

For more information, visit www.kfosterbooks.com.



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




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


TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Book Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Thursday, October 26, 2023
Author Interview with Kate Foster

Friday, October 27, 2023
Book Spotlight of All the Small Wonderful Things

Monday, October 30, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Author Interview with Kate Foster

Friday, November 3, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things and Little Free Library Drop

Monday, November 6, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
An Article by Kate Foster

Thursday, November 9, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Friday, November 10, 2023
An Article by Kate Foster

Monday, November 13, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Book Spotlight of All the Small Wonderful Things

Thursday, November 16, 2023
Author Interview with Kate Foster


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


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RRR presents... The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn - REVIEW!


Once upon a time, there was a girl who loved BOOKS.  She loved the feel, the look, and the magic they contained.  She loved the fact that the characters came to life every time she began a story, and, long after she turned the final page, they whispered promises of meeting once again.  That girl was...or rather IS, me...and this story...this story was a perfect match.  Ladies and gents, please welcome Rachel's Random Resources as we turn the book review spotlight on...


The Door-to-Door Bookstore
by
Carsten Henn


About the book...
There's a book written for every one of us...

Carl may be 72 years old, but he's young at heart. Every night he goes door-to-door delivering books by hand to his loyal customers. He knows their every desire and preference, carefully selecting the perfect story for each person.

One evening as he makes his rounds, nine-year-old Schascha appears. Loud and precocious, she insists on accompanying him - and even tries to teach him a thing or two about books.

When Carl's job at the bookstore is threatened, will the old man and the girl in the yellow raincoat be able to restore Carl's way of life, and return the joy of reading to his little European town?

THE DOOR-TO-DOOR BOOKSTORE is a heart-warming tale of the value of friendship, the magic of reading, and the power of books to unite us all.

Translated by Melody Shaw






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This book was pure magic.
There wasn't a defining moment when it made that connection with me, or garnered that one word description, but rather every moment, ALL the moments went into making it the beautiful work it truly is. 

 The good ones like when he finds a somewhat kindred spirit in his new little companion.  The bad ones like when we discover what's truly behind Essi's bleak reading habits.  The everyday ones like traditions, and habits, where Carl goes through the motions of gathering and wrapping the chosen tomes, and setting out on his rounds to make his deliveries.  The scary ones like when he visits the dark alley that's always seemed so sinister, and proves itself, in a fashion, to be.  The surprising ones like when Schascha seems to be harder to find than Dog...which is actually a cat, but I'll let you unravel that story between the pages for yourself.  The bookish ones like when Carl explains how everyone in his 2 km radius,  especially his customers, has a literary name, not from birth, but given by him to bring his world into fine print focus.  The astounding ones where you as a fellow reader and lover of the written word really GET where he's coming from.  Even the tragic ones where all seems lost and tears are streaming down your face, but you keep turning pages or flicking the screen to carry on alongside your newfound literary friends.  ALL the moments, mentioned and beyond, go into making this a truly remarkable book.

For me, it's now on my VERY short list of books that I think all true book lovers should read.  Don't get me wrong, there are PLENTY of stories out there that will resonate with readers, but two from my point of view are THIS ONE, and Dash & Lily's Book of Dares.  Very different works, different genres, and different story lines, but they both speak to the bookish soul.  This story certainly gets a high recommendation from me, and I would definitely suggest if you love reading as much as I, you make haste to add this to your MUST READ list.



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About the author...

Carsten Henn has worked as a radio presenter, wine and restaurant critic, and has published a number of successful novels. He lives in Germany.





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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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


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Wednesday, November 8, 2023

AWARENESS TOUR: Twenty at Bedtime series with Dover Publications!


Have you ever looked for something to read?  Okay, let's be more specific.  How about something to read at BEDTIME?  You know, it has to have a bit of story to catch your interest, but something to calm and soothe the mind?  I know what you're thinking, why not count sheep?  Well, sheep aren't everyone's cup of tea, no offense to our woolly friends, and quite frankly, they could probably use the night off once in a while!  Today's featured trio of books are just the ticket!  Available now from Dover Publications, they have a little something for every little reader!  Catch a glimpse below, then catch me for the review...




by
Mark Sperring
Illustrated by
Tim Budgen
Ages 3+ | 32 Pages
9780486851891 
Dover Publications

About the book...
Who wants to count sheep when you can count pretty, prancing UNICORNS?

This rollicking, rhyming bedtime story with unicorns on every page is a fun and easy way for children to practice counting — and is sure to become a favorite part of every family’s bedtime routine.

Step into a world of adventure and wonder with the Twenty at Bedtime series, featuring Twenty Unicorns at Bedtime and other delightful stories with cute, cuddly characters that both children and parents will look forward to snuggling up with at the end of every day.








by
Mark Sperring
Illustrated by
Tim Budgen
Ages 3+ | 32 Pages
9780702304231
Dover Publications

About the book...
Who wants to count sheep when you can count stomping, roaring DINOSAURS?

This rollicking, rhyming bedtime story with dinosaurs on every page is a fun and easy way for children to practice counting — and is sure to become a favorite part of every family’s bedtime routine.

Step into a world of adventure and wonder with the Twenty at Bedtime series, featuring Twenty Dinosaurs at Bedtime and other delightful stories with cute, cuddly characters that both children and parents will look forward to snuggling up with at the end of every day.






by
Mark Sperring
Illustrated by
Tim Budgen
Ages 3+ | 32 Pages
9780702304231
Dover Publications

About the book...
Who wants to count sheep when you can count busy, boisterous North Pole ELVES?

This rollicking, rhyming bedtime story with elves on every page is a fun and easy way for children to practice counting — and is sure to become a favorite part of every family’s bedtime routine.

Step into a world of adventure and wonder with the Twenty at Bedtime series, featuring Twenty Elves at Bedtime and other delightful stories with cute, cuddly characters that both children and parents will look forward to snuggling up with at the end of every day.



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So...which one is your favorite?
Hard to decide, right?
Exactly my thought!


I love the BRIGHT and COLORFUL images that each title contains.  I love the fact that they are all inclusive so that no little reader has to feel anything other than AMAZING choosing any of the three books to count away to dream land!  I love the clever riddles, and rhymes that fill each page, giving us a few words for our journey, but not too much to kick start our minds once again.  I love that each book as a who's who as it were in the very beginning, so that as you meet up with each unicorn, dinosaur, or elf along the way, you can recognize them as they play their part in the story!  I love how each one contains a little pearl of wisdom regarding the importance of a good night's sleep, whether it be for the big man in red, paleo adventurers, or those kissing unicorn's goodnight.


Each book is filled to the brim with enough imagination and creativity to usher wee ones off to sleep, while stoking the fires of their subconscious to create a dreamland of their own...not to mention the extra practice with numbers because SOMEONE has to count all those AMAZING friends we're introduced to on each page!  A great addition to family libraries to give a new spark to their bedtime reading routines, but I do believe the brilliant nature of the illustrations just might have little ones asking for these outside of nighttime hours as well!  Whether you're a fan of unicorns, dig dinos, or want to get in the holiday spirit, you can't go wrong with this cute and clever trio of stories!




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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Sperring is the creator of several bestselling children’s book series and has more than 45 books in print. Author of The Naughty Naughty Baddies, Hot Dog, Four Silly Skeletons, and many, many more, Mark is influenced by all things wonderful. He hopes to one day borrow Max’s boat and go and live with the Wild Things. Until then, he resides in Bristol, UK.


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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Tim Budgen is a freelance illustrator who can usually be found with a pencil in one hand and a sketchbook in the other. Illustrator of When You Adopt a… picture book series and Little Shark, Big Shark for Random House’s Step into Reading Series, Tim has also published many whimsical works with Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Disney/Lucas Films, Highlights, and others. Tim lives by the sea on Hayling Island, UK, with his wife and their pets, Baxter and Alfie.




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Enter for the chance to win a 3-book set of the Twenty at Bedtime series!

Five (5) winners receive:

- A paperback copy of Twenty Unicorns at Bedtime
- A paperback copy of Twenty Dinosaurs at Bedtime
- A paperback copy of Twenty Elves at Bedtime




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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 Dover Publications. 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

Friday, October 13, 2023
Twenty at Bedtime Tour Kick-Off

Monday, October 16, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Book Giveaway of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Thursday, October 19, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Book Spotlight of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Thursday, October 26, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Friday, October 27, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Monday, October 30, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Friday, November 3, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Monday, November 6, 2023
Book Spotlight of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Thursday, November 9, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Friday, November 10, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series

Monday, November 13, 2023
Book Review of the Twenty at Bedtime Series


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



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Monday, November 6, 2023

WHAT'S THE BUZZ: Romance Edition featuring Virginia Heath and Mariah Stone!



What's better than ONE post featuring new releases coming soon to a bookstore shelf near you? Why, TWO of course! WHAT'S THE BUZZ is back for round two today with a special HISTORICAL ROMANCE EDITION. That's right! Where are my HR fans at? Let's see those hands in the air...or you may raise your hand all dainty like, though the female leads in today's featured titles would DEFINITELY choose the former! Speaking of those titles...both release TOMORROW, both are the third book in a series (with yellow covers!) though reading them standalone would work as well (but really, WHY! Read them all!), both are by author's that write feisty, strong willed, independent female leads that still desire love despite all protests to the contrary...and I was honored to be a part of the advanced reading team for each author. (THANK YOU!) So, let's get between the epages, shall we?


The Merriwell Sisters, Book 3
by
Virginia Heath
9781250787804
St. Martin's Press


About the book...
Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is selfless, academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door.

For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn’t just his life, it’s in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather’s knee in a tavern on the far away banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He’s spent five years making a success out of his gaming hell in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams—and where better than in the capital’s sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he’s just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago…

While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble—and learn to love thy neighbor?




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If you ask me to name one of my go to authors, one of my auto buy picks, Virginia Heath is right there at the top of my list.  There's not a work she's written that I've read thus far which I haven't fallen completely in love with it!  My first exposure to her work was her Warriner's series and while we've come a long way from a flash of an ankle being a scandalous moment, the stories never fail to enchant, the characters never miss leaving an impression, and I've never turned the final page without a smile on my face.

Venus and Galahad were a story waiting to happen...or a volcanic eruption of passion waiting to come forth, but, in any case, it was a welcome event!  We followed the paths to love for her sisters, and now it was the youngest's turn.  Though saddled with a beautiful name that caused her nothing but torment from the male species, she was a lady not to be toyed with.  She learned from her mistakes, and chose to take her love life by the reigns to guide it where she wanted it to be.  Ah, if only matters of the heart were that simple...but then the story wouldn't be as delicious, the banter so hard hitting, the distractions so tantalizing, and the build up so filled with anticipation!  

I loved how much Venus was truly herself.  She knew who she was, what she wanted, what she hadn't gotten in the past, and the way to procure it in the future (well, sort of).  When Galahad stepped in as an obstacle not to be simply gotten around, her heart took a misstep, but she wouldn't let it sway her mission.  It wasn't selfish, in fact she was fighting for those less fortunate in need of education, a roof over their heads, and a chance at a successful future, but it was narrow sighted, and though stubborn, even she couldn't deny the truth once all the masks of the "gallant knight" were seen through.  I adored Galahad for everything he was, everything he made it through, and the golden heart that shined in every dark moment despite his best efforts to hide it from the world.  It wasn't selfish either, he'd been hurt BIG TIME by those that should have been his protectors, but he found his way, and eventually his heart had its say.

A FABULOUS READ once again from an author who knows her craft, and shares it with the world!  I can't say enough about this release, or those prior, except that if you've yet to read her work, and are a fan of Historical Romance, you don't know what you're missing!
   




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Dukes and Secrets, Book 3
by


About the book...
Overprotective rake. Daring bluestocking. A marriage of convenience between opposites…who fall head over heels.

Marriage? “No thank you, sir!” has always been Lady Calliope Seaton’s answer. But she needs access to naval documents to rescue her brother Spencer. And she’ll do anything to get them—even wed disreputable navy officer Nathaniel Fitzgerald, the Duke of Kelford.

Nathaniel has been obsessed with the daring bluestocking since she broke into his office. And to claim his inheritance, he needs a wife and an heir. So he proposes a marriage of convenience.

Moving into Nathaniel’s decaying Mayfair mansion and taking on his three untutored sisters would challenge even the bravest new bride. But it’s not long before Calliope is fixing up his home, winning over his sisters and claiming his heart.

Falling hard for his adventurous wife ignites Nathaniel’s fierce protective instincts. Especially when he learns there may be a baby on the way—and a threatening stranger sends knife-wielding attackers.

Calliope will never allow herself to be caged, and trying to keep her safe is turning Nathaniel into a tyrant he loathes. Will their differences destroy them, or can love win over fear?




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My love for this series has grown with each installment, and this one continued the trend!  We're still on the hunt to discover what happened to the missing member of the Seaton house, Spencer, but they are getting closer and closer to the truth...some might say DANGEROUSLY close...and the dogged tracking of the events that transpired are putting our new leads in the cross hairs of some dangerous foes.  Grant it, this is definitely a story line that pulls us forward, it's not the only one.  There are matters of the heart to contend with too!

Calliope was a force to be reckoned with; no apologies or excuses.  It mattered not to her the danger she might be in.  It mattered not that the things she did were not the things done by ladies of her status, or women in her time at all.  It mattered not if a man found her becoming or likable otherwise because she was fine being a bluestocking that followed her own mind, morals, and heart.  Would she have liked a companion to walk with in life?  Sure...but she wasn't willing to squeeze herself into the ton's box to make it fit.  SO MUCH RESPECT FOR HER...and the love she eventually finds is just as dazzling as the woman deserving of it.  OH, and the whole showdown with a shadow of her past was SO worth it!  (He really deserved far, far worse...)

Nathaniel was the man for her, whether either knew it from the start!  He carried a title, but no fortune, as it was locked up tight thanks to his deceased father...however, what first looks like a strike of vengeance from beyond the grave might actually turn out to be a stroke of genius to uncover a heart hurting for so long, and expose it to the love it truly deserves.  Anywho, let we wax less sentimental because Nathaniel is definitely ALL man, doing manly things, and making sure his sisters and limited staff are taken care of until the will and pending fortune can be sorted.  He's rather remarkable, if I do say so myself, and while I can't say I didn't want to box him about the ears a time or two with his stubborn ways, and flare ups of small mindedness, it all stemmed from experience without guidance, so it was understandable, and he eventually comes round.

All in all, so many reasons to celebrate this release and the characters within, if I keep listing them, we'll be here all day!  Do yourself the favor and catch this release as well as the previous two!  Recommended for adult readers as there are a few scenes not intended for younger eyes, but a definite MUST for fans of the genre!




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Special thanks to the authors (and their publicists!) listed above for the chance to read and share these amazing works (as well as the copies for review!). (THANK YOU!) For more information on any of the books featured, feel free to click through the links provided. Both are set to celebrate their book birthdays TOMORROW (November 7th, 2023), so be sure you don't miss out on all the bookish love!


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


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WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: Duel by Jessixa Bagley, Illustrated by Aaron Bagley - REVIEW!


We've been doing a lot of pre release reading recently, and so our WHAT'S THE BUZZ feature is getting a workout!  Ready to get EXCITED about another upcoming release?  FABULOUS because it's definitely ready and waiting in the wings for you.  Middle Grade fans, this one is in your court, and technically it will have a larger audience than that due to the format (Graphic Novel!), and content (siblings at odds with each other!).  Fair warning, the loss of a parent is an underlying topic here, and how it can affect relationships beyond the one between the departed and themselves, but I think it's handled rather well...showing both the progress towards taking that next step, as well as the hard times that can be had even trying to get there.  But I digress, let's get between the pages of today's book of choice...


by
Illustrated by
9781534496545
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date:  11/07/23


About the book...

Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade (as well as everything else she does). They’ve only got one thing in common: fencing. Oh, and they’re sisters. They never got along super well, but ever since their dad died, it seems like they’re always at each other’s throats.

When GiGi humiliates Lucy in the cafeteria on the first day of school, Lucy snaps and challenges GiGi to a duel with high sisterly stakes. If GiGi wins, Lucy promises to stay out of GiGi’s way; if Lucy wins, GiGi will stop teasing Lucy for good. But after their scene in the cafeteria, both girls are on thin ice with the principal and their mom. Lucy stopped practicing fencing after their fencer dad died and will have to get back to fighting form in secret or she’ll be in big trouble. And GiGi must behave perfectly or risk getting kicked off the fencing team.

As the clock ticks down to the girls’ fencing bout, the anticipation grows. Their school is divided into GiGi and Lucy factions, complete with t-shirts declaring kids’ allegiances. Both sisters are determined to triumph. But will winning the duel mean fracturing their family even further?




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I don't indulge in Graphic Novels very often, but when I do, they usually make quite an impression. Such was certainly the case here!

These two siblings used to be close as close could be, tethered together by their love of family. Grant it, when they started growing up and attempting to compete for the attention of their Dad, things got a bit heated, but that's life in a family with siblings. The thing is... their parents loved them both equally, but tragedy struck and a wedge was driven between them all they just can't seem to break free from, nor muster the desire to even try. No, it's much easier to lash out at the ones left behind. It's much easier to blame others for missing things you should be doing. It's much harder to face the truth and admit how painful the loss truly is, how it's tearing you up, and how you just don't know how to get around it. 💔  

As angry as these two were, it was hard to see their confrontations as anything other than a cry for help they didn't know how to truly voice. Their mom was just as lost, trying her hardest, but adrift from grief. Losing someone you love is traumatic. It takes time to resurface and what that looks like on the other side of happiness can be completely different than what you started with... and that's okay. It's the getting through it that's important. It has to be felt. It has to be talked about, and allowed into the light. No two people grieve the exact same way... even sisters... but that doesn't mean we can't be there for each other, something these girls eventually figure out by book's end. 

Aside from the emotional dynamic of the story, we also get a lot of instruction in regards to fencing! Between the girls' interests, their father's instruction, and the great big duel the story is building to, just try walking away without picking up a few new words, or a better understanding of the sport. Betcha can't! A great read for genre fans, those with siblings, and those who've experienced loss.




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About the author...

Jenny Jiminez

Jessixa Bagley is children’s book author-illustrator with a background in fine art and comics. She has had work featured in publications such as New American Paintings, The Chicago Reader, Nickelodeon Magazine, and Highlights Magazine. Her first picture book, Boats for Papa, received numerous awards and accolades including the 2016 SCBWI Golden Kite Award for picture book text and a 2016 Washington State Book Award. Her picture book Laundry Day received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for writing. Many of her picture books are also Junior Library Guild Selections. In her work, she’s drawn to animals and emotional themes often inspired by her own experiences. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. She often illustrates for other writers and artistically collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa lives in Seattle with her husband and son.




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About the illustrator...

Jenny Jiminez

Aaron Bagley is a human man who draws for a living. He likes to draw what he observes (people, boats, cats) and what he experiences (dreams, feelings, life events). His work has been featured in The Virginia Quarterly Review, The Stranger, The Seattle Weekly, The Seattle Review of Books, and many more. Above all else, Aaron loves collaborating with his wife, Jessixa. Together, they’ve created picture book Vincent Comes Home and middle grade graphic novel Duel.




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Special thanks to Antonella at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the chance to share this title with you and for the copy for review! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY November 7th, 2023, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!


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

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Sunday, November 5, 2023

STORYBOOK SUNDAY: Fraser the Forest Ranger by Matthew Schufman - REVIEW!



We're celebrating another day of bookish fun with Storybook Sunday! For those not up to speed on the post, I read a lot of great storybooks and thought, why not give them their own day in the sun. Hence, Storybook Sunday appears every now and then!

Today's featured title is a NEW Picture Book COMING SOON to a bookstore shelf and virtual retailer near you from Random House Studio and Matthew Schufman!  It's a story that explores the beauty of nature, the peace in solitude, and the need for friendship.  Curious?  Well then, let's get between the pages of today's title on deck...



by
Matthew Schufman
9780593648278 
Random House Studio
Release Date: 11/14/23


As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to see more.  It's a simple picture, but it conveys so much without any words!  At first glance, I knew we were peering at Fraser, and he was obviously in his element perched high above the forest in his Ranger Station, but I needed to know more!  What would the story give us beyond the time with nature and eye catching illustrations?  As it turns out, it presents a whole lot more than first glances give away!

We get to meet Fraser and see him well at home, but we also get to meet him at a time that a conundrum has presented itself, for he has realized that while he enjoys nature, and the animals that live in that which surrounds, he's a bit lonely, so he sets off to find a friend.  He travels near and far, yet in each space he ends up, something doesn't feel quite right.  It's sort of a Goldilocks affect...you know, the too-hot-too-cold bit?  The people and places he travels to end up being too loud, too self-involved, too different than what he's used to, or comfortable with, and in lieu of being thrown off balance completely, he makes his way back home through the forest and that which surrounds.  Simple and straightforward, and yet one wrong turn may actually have helped him discover just what he was looking for.

I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I will say it is a happy ending for our friend Fraser; in fact, I'd say it's a PERFECT match!  I loved meeting this little guy, reading about his love of the forest, eating pancakes for dinner, and seeing him get the chance to make a friend that really gets him.  It's a wonderful story that will remind readers that solo time is wonderful, as is indulging in our interests, but those connections we build with others, that circle of people we keep close, feed another part of our hearts to help us feel whole.





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About the author...

MATTHEW SCHUFMAN is a graphic designer and a K–4 art teacher who works creatively with hundreds of students every week. He’s also a musician who writes and performs original music in the band Graveyard Club. They have been featured in the New York Times, on Netflix, and HBO. Matthew enjoys camping and taking long hikes through the forest. He lives with his wife, Lauren, and their corgi, Archie, in St. Paul, Minnesota.




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Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to Random House Studio for 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 celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY November 14th, 2023, so mark your calendar or pre order today!  Keep an eye out for more celebrations featuring this title throughout the blogosphere and social media!


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


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RRR presents... Santa's Early Christmas by Lily Lawson - REVIEW!



Ready for the influx of holiday reading? Need a few suggestions to kick things off? Today's Rachel's Random Resources tour features a storybook title with a dash of humor that's perfect for all ages. 🎄 So, if you've been naughty or nice, this is a family friendly read you won't have to think twice about! Ladies and gents, today's ebook of choice is...




Santa's Early Christmas
by
Lily Lawson


Last year Santa was hungry and thirsty by the time he delivered all the presents. But when he came home there was no food and drink left! This year Santa decides things are going to be different.





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A quick story time read that plays off the children's holiday classics of old by utilizing clever rhymes and meter to share the tale of just why Santa started his own holiday early! It's not what you think. He's not hijacking Christmas, but rather choosing to not miss out on all the tasty goodies made at this time of year! He indulges in many yuletide favorites, snags a nap, and is ready to ride with Rudolph guiding the way. It's a tale of responsible holiday indulging with a chuckle and a grin to spare. Speaking of which...

There's a follow-up poem or two that comes directly after our little tale, and I gotta say the 'You Better Watch Out' one definitely brought on a case of the giggles! Let's just say, this time it's not about Santa watching you, but rather you watching out for reindeer who might not be all that experienced in the flying bit, if you catch my drift. (DUCK!) 😆 

A fun addition to your holiday reading this upcoming season!




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About the author...


Lily Lawson is a poet and fiction writer living in the UK.

She has poetry, short stories, and creative non-fiction published in anthologies and online in addition to her poetry books My Fathers Daughter, A Taste of What’s to Come, and Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry and her kids’ books Santa’s Early Christmas, The Palm Tree Swingers Island Band and If I Were Invisible…

You can find out more about Lily and read more of her work on her blog.
Subscribers to Life with Lily are the first to hear all her writing news.
You can sign up here.






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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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



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