"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Blog Tour (Review) of SPILL ZONE #2: THE BROKEN VOW Written by Scott Westerfeld and Illustrated by Alex Puvilland (YA)


*A finished-hardcover copies of  SPILL ZONE and THE BROKEN VOW (Spill Zone #2) were sent to me for free by the publisher, Macmillan, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. Any problems, concerns, questions, etc. please contact me via email - thebumblegirl@rocketmail.com - Thank you!

Written by Scott Westerfeld
Illustrated by Alex Puvilland
Release date: July 10th, 2018
Published by First Second (Macmillan) 
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian/Sci-Fi Mystery 
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Format read: Hardcover


SUMMARY

All hell breaks loose in the second volume of New York Times-bestselling author Scott Westerfeld's visionary graphic novel duology.

Three years ago an event destroyed the small city of Poughkeepsie, forever changing reality within its borders. Strange manifestations and lethal dangers now await anyone who enters the Spill Zone. Addison got close enough to the Spill Zone to touch it, literally. She survived the encounter but came back changed.

It turns out she's not alone. North Korea has its own Spill Zone, and a young man named Don Jae is the only one who made it out alive. Alive, but changed. Now Addison, Don Jae, and, curiously, a rag doll named Vespertine, share an unholy bond and uncanny powers.

From Scott Westerfeld, the inspired imagination behind the New York Times bestsellers UGLIES and LEVIATHAN, comes THE BROKEN VOW, the second volume of our highly anticipated new graphic novel series. 


MY REVIEW

*A finished-hardcover copies of  SPILL ZONE and THE BROKEN VOW (Spill Zone #2) were sent to me for free by the publisher, Macmillan, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own.


Another page-turner! So much action and the story continues to flow effortlessly!

THE BROKEN VOW picks up right where book one left off... 
Addison has sold off the last of her pictures from the zone and now has enough money to "retire" and take care of her sister, Lexi. But. It seems that Addison may have spent too much time in the zone and she is feeling a bit off... and she not only learns that her Lexi's crazed doll has a huge role in why the Spill happened; there is also another survivor from a different Spill that happened in North Korea who comes looking for Addison for help. Together, they try to understand and figure out why the Spill happened and how to either control the Zone or end it all... 

And guys - the creepy doll, named Vespertine, is still creepy as all heck!
But she's also sassy and kind of grows on you. Trust me - you'll be rooting for her halfway through the storyline! 

Again, the illustrations are so vividly bright and yet still so eerie! The colors make the "monsters" look animated enough to jump off the page. And the style is just right - realistic enough to make the story creepier than it is already, but hard to look away. You really don't want to miss a single detail.

My one and an only TINY little bit of gripe with this book - I want more! 
Although we do get some answers and things seem to end on a well enough note, there is still potential for more and I still have a few questions...

I definitely recommend this series to those who not only enjoy graphic novels and comic books but to someone who really loves to immerse themselves into a new world with an open mind and vivid imagination. There is just so much that these books have to offer!


Check out the first volume in the
SPILL ZONE series now!


Written by Scott Westerfeld
Illustrated by Alex Puvilland
Release date: May 2nd, 2017
Published by First Second (Macmillan) 
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian/Sci-Fi Mystery 
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Format read: Hardcover

Paperback edition

SUMMARY

Nobody's ever really explained the Spill. 
Was it an angelic visitation? A nanotech accident? A porthole opening from another world?
Whatever it was, no one's allowed in the Spill Zone these days except government scientists and hazmat teams. But a few intrepid explorers know how to sneak through the patrols and steer clear of the dangers inside the Zone. 

Addison Merrick is one such explorer, dedicated to finding out what happened that night and to unraveling the events that took her parents and left her little sister mute and disconnected from the world.






ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Scott Westerfeld


Scott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He was born in Texas and now lives in Sydney and New York City. In 2001, Westerfeld married fellow author Justine Larbalestier.

He is best known for the Uglies and Leviathan series, and his next book, Afterworlds, comes out September 23, 2014.

His book Evolution's Darling was a New York Times Notable Book and won a Special Citation for the 2000 Philip K. Dick Award. So Yesterday won a Victorian Premier's Award and both Leviathan and Midnighters 1: The Secret Hour won Aurealis Awards. Peeps and Uglies were both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by th
e American Library Association.



ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Alex Puvilland



Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Review: STERLING, BEST DOG EVER by Aidan Cassie (C)


*A finished hardcover copy of STERLING, BEST DOG EVER by Aidan Cassie was sent to me by the publisher, Macmillan, for free for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. Any problems, questions, etc. please contact me via email - thebumblegirl@rocketmail.com. Thank you! 


STERLING, BEST DOG EVER
Written and Illustrated by Aidan Cassie
Release date: July 10th, 2018
Published by: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (Macmillan) 
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Format read: Hardcover from the publisher


SUMMARY

Sterling the dog has always wanted a home. But no home has ever wanted him.
So when Sterling sees a sign on the side of the Butlery Cutlery Company advertising free "shipping to homes around the world," he is determined to become the most terrific FORK ever! For what home doesn't need flatware?

Sterling is delivered on time and undamaged to the Gilbert family's front door.
He is not, however, what they ordered...
But he may be exactly what they need.

Here is a humorous, heart-tugging picture book about finding a family who wants you just as you are.

MY REVIEW

*A finished hardcover copy of STERLING, BEST DOG EVER by Aidan Cassie was sent to me by the publisher, Macmillan, for free for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own.

A timeless story about a pup trying to find a forever home, learning to be himself, and accepting himself and, once he can do that, also accepting the fact that everyone else will love him too!
Sterling trying to please his new owners in any way possible was funny and sad. His quirky antics in trying to be the best fork possible, and then trying to be anything else that the family could possibly need really made us smile and laugh out loud. However, the realization that maybe Sterling should just be himself brought on an endearing conversation on how sometimes we try to be something that we are not just to make someone happy when we should always be the best "me" that we could possibly be. When Sterling finally realizes that, happy smiles all around! We knew he could do it! 
This illustrated book has become one of our favorites! The details and relatable pictures are really well made and engaging. 
A wonderful book for all children to learn that people-pleasing is not the way to do things; a reminder to always be ourselves, the very best version of ourselves and no matter what!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Aidan Cassie

When Aidan Cassie was small, she drew dogs all the time and taped her pictures up everywhere. Then one wondrous day, her family got a dachshund. But the strange little pup didn't seem to know what she was.

She sat on the kitchen table.
She slept with the pillows.
And when Aidan clipped a leash to her collar, the dog just rolled on her back.

Like Sterling, Aidan's hound was confused, but Aidan loved her just the same.

Aidan grew up to become an author, animator, and illustrator. She earned her media arts degree at Emily Carr University of Art and Design and the Edinburgh College of Art. 

She lives on a small island in Canada's Salish Sea.

This is her first picture book. 

GOODREADS / WEBSITE / TWITTER 


Thursday, July 5, 2018

Review: DRAWN TOGETHER by Minh Le and Illustrated by Dan Santat (C)


*An Advanced Reader Copy of DRAWN TOGETHER by Minh Le was sent to me by the publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for free for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. Any problems, questions, etc. please contact me via email - 
thebumblegirl@rocketmail.com. Thank you! 


by Minh Le
Illustrated by Dan Santat
Release date: June 5th, 2018
Published by: Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Format read: ARC from the publisher.


SUMMARY

"Sometimes you don't need words to find common ground."

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens - with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.

With spare, direct text by Minh Le and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.


MY REVIEW

*An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of DRAWN TOGETHER was sent to me by the publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for free for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. 

There have been so many sweet and heartwarming picture books lately. But, DRAWN TOGETHER, is definitely the most endearing and inspiring story that we have read! 

DRAWN TOGETHER is about a little boy who often goes to visit his grandfather, but doesn't enjoy doing so because they don't speak the same language. It is awkward and uncomfortable to watch them try and fail to communicate, heartbreaking too. Until they find out that they have something in common! When the grandfather realizes that they may have something in common that can bring them together the boy starts to narrate their story from this point on. The slow build up to this point and how the story starts to unfold is so beautiful to witness.

The best thing about this book is that it truly lets the reader feel what the main characters are going through with each other. How uneasy they felt, and how upset they are with themselves for not being able to communicate easily with one another. 

As a person who has witnessed this first hand, it is truly frustrating and heartbreaking to see someone you love not be able to speak easily with someone that they could connect with and love unconditionally. (I'm speaking about my husband and his Italian grandmother, he never learned how to speak Italian, and she never learned English). Watching them struggle to communicate but still see the love that they have for one another is bittersweet. The stories that they could have shared would have been wonderful to witness... 
I have also experienced what a blessing it is to be able to communicate with loved ones in another language. I am forever thankful and grateful that my parents decided to teach me English and Spanish from the moment I was born. I was able to speak with my grandparents and relatives from the moment I was able to speak. Being able to form loving relationships with family and being able to embrace my family's culture is something that I will always cherish. 

The illustrations! Dan Santat one of our most favorite illustrators and authors and he has really outdone himself with DRAWN TOGETHER... not only are the illustrations of the story stunning, bold, and engaging, there is also a story within the story! When the main characters "takeover" with there own illustrations and show us not only their style of art but how they are feeling, what they are going through with each other - it is so endearing and eye-opening. There is so much to discuss, see and learn from. It is by far one of our favorite stories to go to; because every time we re-read the story and take another look, there is always something new that catches our eye or we learn more about the characters and what they've been through separately and with each other.

Definitely, a book worth picking up! Especially for a family that has aging family members that make it difficult for them to communicate with the younger generation, and vice versa. This book is full of hope! And the realization that there can be something that people can have in common and help bridge the gap to connect with one another. And, it definitely encourages everyone to embrace your family, cultures, languages and more. Don't let traditions disappear with the next generation - all it takes is a little love, determination, and devotion to keep it going. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Minh Le

Minh Le is a writer but - like his grandfather - a man of few words. 

A first-generation Vietnamese-American, he is a national early childhood policy expert, author of LET ME FINISH!, and has written for the New York Times, the Horn Book, and the Huffington Post. 

Outside of spending time with his beautiful wife and sons in their home near Washington, DC, Minh's favorite place to be is in the middle of a good book. 

LINKSGOODREADS / WEBSITE / TWITTER


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Dan Santat

Dan Santat is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Award-winning THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIENDS, as well as THE COOKIE FIASCO, ARE WE THERE YETI?, and others. He is also the creator of Disney's animated hit THE REPLACEMENTS.

Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and two dogs. 

LINKSGOODREADS / TUMBLR / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM 

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Review: GOD BLESS AMERICA, The Story of an Immigrant Named Irving Berlin Written by Adah Nuchi and Illustrated by Rob Polivka (C)


*A finished hardcover copy of GOD BLESS AMERICA: The Story of an Immigrant Named Irving Berlin was sent to me for free by the publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. Any problems, concerns, questions, etc. please contact me via email - thebumblegirl@rocketmail.com - Thank you!


Written by Adah Nuchi
Illustrated by Rob Polivka
Release date: June 5th, 2018
Published by: Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Format read: Hardcover from the publisher.


SUMMARY

An inspiring portrait of an immigrant and the gift he gave his new home.

Persecuted as Jews, Izzy Baline and his family emigrated from Russia to New York, where he fell in love with his new country. He heard music everywhere and was full to bursting with his own. Izzy's thump-two-three, ting-a-ling, whee tunes soon brought him acclaim as the sought-after songwriter Irving Berlin. He ignited the imaginations of fellow countrymen and women with his Broadway and Hollywood numbers, crafting tunes that have become classics we still sing today. 

But when darker times came and the nation went to war, it was time for Irving to compose a new kind of song:

A boom-rah-rah song.

A big brass belter.

A loud heart-melter.

A song for America.

And so "God Bless America" was born, the heart-swelling standard that Americans have returned to again and again after its 1918 composition.

This is the tale of how a former refugee gave America one of its most celebrated patriotic songs. With stirring, rhythmic text by Adah Nuchi and delightful, energetic art by Rob Polivka, readers will be ready to hum along to this exuberant picture book. 


MY REVIEW

*A finished hardcover copy of GOD BLESS AMERICA: The Story of an Immigrant Named Irving Berlin was sent to me for free by the publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own.


In 1938, Irving Berlin's song, GOD BLESS AMERICA, debuted on the radio. And so many people liked it so much, "they wanted to replace the national anthem with it." However, some people boycotted it because Berlin was an immigrant... 

The author narrates Berlin's journey from when he was a small child fleeing from Russia with his family, to coming to America and moving to New York's Lower East Side, to how Berlin, even as a small child, knew the importance of having to work hard to help the family... we get to see Berlin fall in love with America and music and how he was able to combine the two by joining the Army to help and do what he did best - create music! Music that most people, even now, sing and hum every day... I had no idea he had done so much for Broadway and the Army - this memoir was so insightful!

Surprisingly, this book spoke to me on so many levels! In the times that we are facing now, I feel that many of us need a book like this for ourselves and our children. A reminder of America's history; a time to reflect and really see where most of us came from and are going... This wonderfully written picture book is a great way to help us teach our children about the "good old days" and what that saying really means and how dreams were possible! And with the right mindset, how everyone's dreams are still possible!

The illustrations are so heartwarming and endearing capturing the time period and pieces of Berlin's life perfectly. The old retro look piqued my little one's curiosity and question after question started to pour out of him - he wanted to know what was happening then and why. Finding out that everything takes place in New York, where we reside in and having it look so different and noticing how things change was so surprising for him... I also truly appreciated that the author added a note summarizing Berlin's biography and a timeline of events in the back of the book. It truly helped to answer his questions quickly and easily; other facts were discussed in animated detail, a few things were also elaborated due to a 4 1/2-year-old's imagination - which made this book memorable for the both of us.

I highly recommend this book to all! It's come to us at the most perfect time. Those who are looking to introduce their little ones to America's history and how diverse and wonderful it was and still is will love everything about this book!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Adah Nuchi

Adah Nuchi is the daughter of immigrants. 

She has worked at the National Book Foundation, served as a children's book editor in New York, and currently works as a literary agent. 

This is her first picture book. 



ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Rob Polivka 

Rob Polivka is a children's book illustrator and cartoonist living in Texas with his wife and three children. 



Waiting On Wednesday: SHADOW OF THE FOX by Julie Kagawa (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've missed posting these on a weekly basis and have decided to start doing them again. 
Waiting On Wednesday is where I/we get to "spotlight" the books that we are most looking forward to reading soon! 



Today's pick is... 

by Julie Kagawa
Expected release date: October 2nd, 2018
Published by: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

Once every thousand years...

Every millennium, one age ends and another age dawns...
and whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers holds the power to call the great Kami Dragon from the sea and ask for any one wish. The time is near... and the missing pieces of the scroll will be sought throughout the land of Iwagoto. The holder of the first piece is a humble, unknown peasant girl with a dangerous secret.

Demons have burned the temple Yumeko was raised in to the ground, killing everyone within, including the master who trained her to both use and hide her kitsune shapeshifting powers. Yumeko escapes with the temple's greatest treasure - one part of the ancient scroll. Fate thrusts her into the path of a mysterious samurai, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan. Yumeko knows he seeks what she has... and is under orders to kill anything and anyone who stands between him and the scroll.

A wish will be granted and a new age will dawn.


MY THOUGHTS

I am SO happy that we are all getting another book/series from Julie Kagawa!!!
Although I have not been able to finish her TALON series yet (sorry! I plan to!), I have been a fan since the first book of the IRON FEY was released!

There are SO many good things that this summary has to offer! Some things that caught my eye are...
- "... ask for any one wish."
- "... unknown peasant girl with a dangerous secret."
- "Demons..."
- "... hide her kitsune shapeshifting powers."

I'm excited about this, are you???


What else are you dying to get your hands on soon???


Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Review: DID YOU EAT THE PARAKEET? by Mark Iacolina (C)


*An Advanced Reader Copy of  DID YOU EAT THE PARAKEET? by Mark Iacolina was sent to me for free by the publisher, Macmillan, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. Any problems, concerns, questions, etc. please contact me via email - thebumblegirl@rocketmail.com - Thank you!

by Mark Iacolina
Release date: July 3rd, 2018
Published by: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (Macmillan)
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Format read: ARC from the publisher.


SUMMARY

A little girl can't find her parakeet - her kitty must have eaten it!
Right?
Where else would it have gone?
It was just here!
She shouts, she accuses, and she laments her loss.
But her cat might be trying to tell her something...

With rhyming text and adorable art, DID YOU EAT THE PARAKEET? by Mark Iacolina, is a sweet and silly picture book that will have children laughing through the final page.


MY REVIEW

*An Advanced Reader Copy of  DID YOU EAT THE PARAKEET? by Mark Iacolina was sent to me for free by the publisher, Macmillan, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. 


Such a playful storybook! Told in an upbeat, quick, rhyming style - this book is sure to get the giggle-fest started on the first page... 

Right from the start, the little girl is looking for her pet parakeet and accuses the cat - 
of course, the cat would never do such a thing! However, the girl is convinced that the cat had something to do with the parakeet's disappearance. And the story just flows with her search and how the cat defends himself and helps her.

First of all, the little parakeet is quite the little clown - with it imitating the little girl's mannerisms with exaggeration while still having the ability to hide in plain site for quite a while... this parakeet is our new hero and we wish our parrot had its wit and charm!

Next, the poor cat getting accused of doing such an unthinkable thing! The patience and understand that it had for its poor little girl until it couldn't take it any longer and helped her realize the error of her ways... 

And lastly, look for the adorable little mouse hiding throughout the story but curiously peeking in just enough to keep up to date with the investigation - this was not missed and was just too cute! 

The illustration style is one that I hope to accomplish in my own work someday! With simple stick figure colorful drawings, the illustrator is able to portray so much of the story with facial expressions and mannerisms that it made it really fun, engaging and simple for my little one to keep up with and engage in more than just pointing to things and asking questions, but in helping tell the story too.

Quite a fun book to get even the shyest one to open up and have a good laugh!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Mark Iacolina

Mark Iacolina in New Jersey with his two children and a very furry cat.

This is his first picture book. 


Monday, July 2, 2018

Review: WINK POPPY MIDNIGHT by April Genevieve Tucholke (YA)


by April Genevieve Tucholke
Release date: March 22nd, 2016
Published by: Dial Books (Penguin Random House)
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Format read: ARC acquired from a book blogger friend.


SUMMARY

Every story needs a hero.
Every story needs a villain.
Every story needs a secret.

Wink is the odd, mysterious neighbor girl, wild red hair, and freckles.
Poppy is the blond bully and the beautiful, manipulative high school queen bee.
Midnight is the sweet, uncertain boy caught between them.
Wink. Poppy. Midnight.
Two girls.
One boy.
Three voices that burst onto the page in short, sharp, bewitching chapters, and spiral swiftly and inexorably toward something terrible or tricky or tremendous.

What really happened?
Someone knows.
Someone is lying.


MY REVIEW

*An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) was acquired from a book blogger friend for free to read and review. All thoughts here are my very own. 


This book has my brain all jumbled up! It was whimsical, addicting and... everything that you would want in a book that will leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused in such a good way... I'm advising you now, when you pick up this book, be prepared to be sucked in until the end. This is not a book that you could/should read in spurts or while reading other books. This book will demand your undivided attention and you should not go against it!

Wink, Poppy and Midnight are our three main characters and the story is told from all of their point-of-views... there is a love triangle here, BUT, it is not like anything you have probably read before. Their story is so complicated and full of unexpected twists and turns, revelations and more. No one who is who you think they are and then they are and then they're not again. Their story is full of manipulation, and puzzling thoughts... they're not here to make friends with you, to get you to connect with them and sympathize; they're here to tell a story, their story.

Wink is the new girl next door who believes in fairytales and feels that life should be lived like one, and feels that Midnight is the hero to her story. 

Poppy is purposely the villain. She admittedly has a black heart and enjoys playing with peoples emotions and their lives. And will do anything to claim what is hers and put people in their rightful place. Midnight is hers and she will play along, or until she grows bored.

And, Midnight. Midnight is our lost boy who is in love with two girls who may be exactly who he thinks they are and also knows that he doesn't. He's torn between the two, but he also has his own story to tell.

THE WRITING! Oh, my goodness - the writing is AMAZING! It is flawless and lyrical; some passages are so captivating and realistic. For me, while reading, I felt like I was there seeing everything first hand, smelling the strawberries and barn, feeling the sheets and the grass between my toes, seeing the dust and cobwebs. It is quite eerie the way the magic of Tucholke's writing had on me.

I highly recommend this book to those who want a quick read to fall into for a while and get lost in, to then take some time to find a way to climb out of. For those who love honest complex characters, mysteries and a mind-boggling experience. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - April Genevieve Tucholke

April Genevieve Tucholke is the author of BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, BETWEEN THE SPARK AND THE BURN, and WINK POPPY MIDNIGHT.
She also curated the horror anthology SLASHER GIRLS & MONSTER BOYS.
She has received five starred reviews and her novels have been chosen for the Junior Library Guild, Kids' Indie Next picks, and YALSA Teens Top Ten.

When she's not writing, April likes walking in the woods with her two cheerful dogs, exploring abandoned houses, and drinking expensive coffee.

She has lived in many places around the world and currently resides in Oregon with her husband.


 
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