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!

DID YOU EAT THE PARAKEET?

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. 

GOODREADS 

Waiting on Wednesday #127: TONIGHT THE STREETS ARE OURS by Leila Sales (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!!

The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

TONIGHT THE STREETS ARE OURS

by Leila Sales

Expected release date: September 15th, 2015

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

From the author of This Song Will Save Your Life comes a funny and relatable book about the hazards of falling for a person you haven't met yet.

Seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley is recklessly loyal. Taking care of her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But she's tired of being loyal to people who don't appreciate her — including her needy best friend and her absent mom. 

Arden finds comfort in a blog she stumbles upon called "Tonight the Streets Are Ours," the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter. When Peter is dumped by the girlfriend he blogs about, Arden decides to take a road trip to see him.

During one crazy night out in NYC filled with parties, dancing, and music — the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does — Arden discovers that Peter isn't exactly who she thought he was.
And maybe she isn't exactly who she thought she was, either.

Why I'm waiting on TONIGHT THE STREETS ARE OURS...

First... sounds like a fun, quick and quirky contemporary! Just the way I like them :)

Second... the bookcover is AMAZING!!!

And last... I have to admit, I really do love stories that take place in NYC!
I live nearby, but don't get to travel in often - so, I'm always so intrigued with all the stuff that goes on... so close, yet so far away!

SO, what are you waiting for this week???

Blog Tour: WHAT'S YOUR WINNER'S CURSE???

http://www.macteenbooks.com/ya/whats-your-winners-curse/

Today I'm joining in with MacTeen and a bunch of awesome bloggers that loved The Winner's Curse and are willing to discuss how high we are willing to pay for the thing(s) we want... need... or love... 

The ‘Winner’s Curse’ is an economics term that means you've gotten what you wanted –

but at too high a price.

What would you pay too much for?

Ah, this is one of those "million dollar" questions - how much are you willing to pay for something? And, surprisingly, not only is the answer not the same for everyone, but even each individual person can have different answers for different things.

So here are a few things that I wish I would definitely overspend on...

First - there is no amount in the world that I wouldn't pay if something were to happen to one of my children or family members. I would do whatever is humanly possible to find a way to help any of them if the occasion should arise. I pray everyday for everyones health and for all to always be safe. Recently we have all been very sick, and it was a struggle to get back on our feet and we are still a bit under the weather. I would do anything to not see my children suffer even with the mildest cold - it breaks my heart to see them go through anything, even a stuffy nose because they're too little to figure out how to blow their noses out.

Second - I would pay anything in order to have one more day with certain loved ones that have passed on. There are a few that I not only didn't get to say goodbye to, but didn't get to see them before or after they became ill. It would be amazing to have just one more day - just to see them smile, tell me more about their past... and to tell me, one more time, that everything is going to be alright. 

Third - I would give a lot in order to find a way to read peoples minds. There are quite a few people in my life right now that always assume things and just expect me to know what they want and accept it. I'm too tired to keep and would like things to be as simplified as possible right now - I can't hide from them... plus! My oldest has become a tween overnight and even though he is still my sweet, loving boy, we have had a few moments where I just don't understand what he is thinking or trying to tell me, lol! I have a feeling things are about to get really interesting around here; and the power to be able to read his mind would be SO helpful!

And lastly - I would probably pay a lot for a really, really good pillow! I have had no luck with pillows for a long time now! I have been having a lot of sleepless nights, headaches and neck pain. Please! If you have a brand that you can recommend to me, please do!!!

P.S. - and yes, there are quite a few books that I would love to divulge in! But, I have learned in the past that books, amongst other physical things, can easily be acquired at the right times. I would do anything right now to have the original manuscript to Peter Pan. Or all of the original manuscripts and/or ARCs to the Harry Potter series. But these are things that maybe can one day be found on ebay... let the betting begin! ;) 

See my review of THE WINNER'S CURSE here!!!

THE WINNER'S CURSE is now available in paperback too!!!

THE WINNER'S CURSE

The Winner's Trilogy #1

by Marie Rutkoski

Release date: March 4th, 2014

Published by Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Format read: Hardcover I purchased.

SUMMARY

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart. 

THE WINNER'S CRIME

The Winner's Trilogy #2

by Marie Rutkoski

Release date: March 3rd, 2015

Published by Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

SUMMARY

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Visit the WINNER'S TRILOGY website HERE!!!

PLAY Kestrel's game, "Bite and Sting", HERE!!!

If you win, you can an exclusive reading by Marie Rutkoski from The Winner's Crime!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Marie Rutkoski

Marie Rutkoski is the author of the YA novel The Shadow Society and the children's fantasy series The Kronos Chronicles, including The Cabinet of Wonders, The Celestial Globe and The Jewel of the Kalderash. Her next project is a YA trilogy that begins with The Winner's Curse, which is scheduled to be published in March 2014. 

Marie grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the oldest of four children. She holds a BA from the University of Iowa and a PhD from Harvard University. Marie is currently a professor at Brooklyn College, where she teaches Renaissance Drama, children's literature and fiction writing. She lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.

Goodreads / Website / Tumblr / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

TUCK EVERLASTING 40th Anniversary Blog Tour: What if You Could Live Forever???

I am so thrilled to be a part of the TUCK EVERLASTING 40 Days For 40 Years anniversary blog tour! More excited that this book is finally being re-released in a hardcover format! And even happier to know that this is a book that will always, continuously, be shared with younger generations for many, many more years to come! A small book that will live on forever, and ever!!!...

2015 marks the 40th anniversary of Natalie Babbitt’s celebrated, ground-breaking title Tuck Everlasting (Anniversary edition on sale January 20). In celebration of the anniversary, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group will publish a special anniversary edition featuring an introduction from Wicked author Gregory Maguire.

Natalie will be in conversation with Gregory Maguire at Symphony Space in New York City on Sunday, January 25 at 1:00 PM. Alexis Bledel, star of the 2002 movie adaptation, will read from the book.

Tuck Everlasting asks readers “What if you could live forever?”
Doomed to, or blessed with, eternal life after drinking from a magic spring, the Tuck family wanders about trying to live as inconspicuously and comfortably as they can. When ten-year-old Winnie Foster stumbles on their secret, the Tucks take her home and explain why living forever at one age is less of a blessing than it might seem. Then complications arise when Winnie is followed by a stranger who wants to market the spring water for a fortune.

Upon the book’s publication in 1975, Natalie was greeted with concern from parents and educators who were stunned to read a book about death written for children. She is an author who challenges her readers and thinks the best questions are the ones without answers.

This 40th anniversary will introduce a whole new generation to this timeless classic. The book has sold over 3.5 million copies in the US alone, and has never been out of print since publication.

TUCK EVERLASTING

by Natalie Babbitt

Foreword by Gregory Maguire

Original release date: 1975

New 40th Anniversary Edition release date: January 20th, 2015

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult Fantasy (Classic Literature)

Format: Hardcover (New 40th Anniversary Edition), eBook, Paperback

Format read: Paperback and Hardback from the publisher.

SUMMARY

Blessed with — or doomed to — eternal life after drinking from a magic spring, the Tuck family wanders about trying to live as inconspicuously and comfortably as they can. 

When ten-year-old Winnie Foster stumbles on their secret, the Tucks take her home and explain why living forever at one age is less of a blessing than it might seem. Complications arise when Winnie is followed by a stranger who wants to market the spring water for a fortune.

A brand-new introduction from Gregory Maguire, the author of Wicked, and additional bonus materials make this special edition of Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting a must-have for lovers of the book and a great way to introduce a new generation to a classic. 

WHAT IF YOU COULD LIVE FOREVER???

Ah, the question that has been asked over and over again for many, many years - what if I could live on forever and ever??? A question that will eternally be asked. A question that will always be answered in many different ways. And these some of these answers will differ for each person... and some persons will have more than just one answer. Like me. Let me explain...

If you were to ask me this question when I was Winnie's age, I would have giggled and said...

"Of course I would want to live forever! I would travel the world! Have all the toys in the world! Play with other children. Learn other languages and cultures. And never have to worry about anything, because I am just a kid. Which means, that I would always have someone to take care of me. But I would be free to do what I want to do... forever!"

Of course, I would expect my parents to be the ones by my side, for eternity. The innocence of not knowing, or caring, what the future may hold - no worries. The Peter Pan sort of life! I was sold! And also, why Peter Pan is one of my all-time favorite stories!

Now ask me again, ten years later... 

The first time I read TUCK EVERLASTING, I was a senior in high school. At this age, I had never read anything like this book. I instantly had much love for the Tuck family. For Jesse. After a few days, I reread their story. And couldn't help romanticizing the concept of being able to live forever... 

At seventeen, I would have said...

"Of course I would want to live forever! How stupid was Winnie to have done what she did. Poor Jesse. I would have done what he asked and found him - go on adventures and see the world. Nothing would get in our way! No one to tell us what to do. We'd live for each other and see everything until the end of time."

The idea of being carefree and seeing the world was a dream of mine. How wonderful it would be to live forever with your first love and do all the things everyone has always said that you couldn't do.

Another ten years go by. I'm now newly married and a first time mommy. Ask me now...

"Of course I would want to live forever! I would love to be able to go through life knowing that I don't have to worry about losing a minute of it because I know that I will always be around. I want to see my child grow up, get married, have children of his own and watch as each generation comes. With my knowledge and expertise, I would be helpful and one-of-a-kind. I would love, and be so loved! Endless love..."

There is nothing like the love of a child! A sweet baby snuggled in your arms, knowing that his love for you will be eternal - you don't want that feeling to ever go away; to never end!

Another ten years go by. Presently, I have been married for over 10 years, 3 kids, a nephew... family and friends, that are so very loved, and cherished. Ask me now, today, if I would want to live on forever... 

"All these years I have quickly answered YES, I do want to live forever! And I would give you a million and one reasons as to why I would want to. However. After reading TUCK EVERLASTING again for the umpteenth time, I've finally come to realize what Winnie saw when she was just a child. 

No. I no longer want to live on for forever. I want to cherish however much time I have; whether it may be just a few more minutes or fifty more years. I believe that if I were to live on, I would not appreciate what I have now because there will always be a tomorrow. If I was to have chosen to live forever before this time, I would have missed out on so much! I would not have my children, I would not be living my life as I am now.
I feel that I may take advantage of my time, since it would be eternal. And knowing that my loved ones may not have that same amount of time, I cannot live on and forget about them. The thought of being without them is so painful. I hope to get to see my children grow up and have families of their own - my grandmother lived until she was 104, it is quite possible that I may too. I will see plenty, witness many loving moments and little miracles. Why should I expect more than that? Why should I deserve more than that? It just doesn't seem natural to me not to experience old age. It is frightening to think of and face - especially when I'm supposedly halfway done with my life now. But as I look upon the elders in my family, and see so many of them so happy, and embracing what they've learned and experience. I feel that I am now prepared to do the same thing.
I am honored and proud to have earned my greys and wrinkles. And I finally feel brave enough to say that I am ready for my future and whatever it may hold. I will not run away from it anymore."

So, my final answer is... no. But, thank you for asking.

If you had the opportunity to live forever, would you??? 

Review: IF YOU WERE A DOG by Jamie A. Swenson, Illustrated by Chris Raschka (C)

IF YOU WERE A DOG

by Jamie A. Swenson

Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Release date: September 30th, 2014

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: ARC from the publisher.

SUMMARY

If you could be any kind of animal, what would you be? 

Would you be a dog that goes ARRRROOOOOOO? 

Or maybe you would be a sharp-toothed dinosaur that can CHOMP, STOMP, ROAR! 

Perhaps you might want to be a hopping frog that goes BOING, BOING, RIBBET! 

But maybe you would want to be the best kind of animal of all: a child!

With joyful, impressionistic illustrations from Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Chris Raschka and spare, rhythmic text from author Jamie A. Swenson that invites playful interaction, If You Were a Dog is the perfect read-aloud for your favorite little animal.

MY REVIEW

Another sweet picture book to add to our favorite shelf! Sweet and captivating, IF YOU WERE A DOG easily captivates its young audience with an engaging repetitive storyline and recognizable pictures.

Numerous animals are introduced asking the child what they would do if they were this animal, and then proceeds to give them examples of what they might do. For each animal, the same questions are asked and the answers are enjoyably interactive.
For my boys and me, the funniest part of the book is when they ask us: If you were a dinosaur...? How silly, since dinosaurs are extinct!
And then the book concludes with how we are not any of these animals, but we can still do similar things as they do. And most importantly, we are who we are, and that is the best that we can be.

The illustrations are adorable, imaginative and nostalgic - they have a watercolor-feel to them. Simple, yet engaging and sweet. Children will definitely be drawn in and will relate to since the pictures embody the way a child would draw animals and their surroundings. 

Super cute and fun! Definitely a playtime sort of read for everyone to enjoy together!

*An ARC was sent to me from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Jamie A. Swenson

Goodreads / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Chris Raschka

Goodreads / Twitter / Tumblr

Giveaway: ADRENALINE CRUSH by Laurie Boyle Crompton (YA)

I am so very excited to be able to share this giveaway today!
Laurie Boyle Crompton has become one of my favorite contemporary authors!
Her books are unique and refreshing with strong female main characters and memorable storylines...
ADRENALINE CRUSH is a page-turning adrenaline rush! Seriously, this book totally lives up to its title :)

ADRENALINE CRUSH

by Laurie Boyle Crompton

Release date: September 23rd, 2014

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format: Hardback, eBook

Format read: ARC from the publisher.

SUMMARY

When a daredevil teen pushes herself too far, she must choose between two boys: the one who wants to keep her safe, and the one who dares her to return to her old self.

Seventeen-year-old Dyna comes from a family of risk takers and is an avid thrill-seeker herself, until the day she splinters her ankle in a terrible fall. Her whole life goes from mountain biking and rock climbing to sitting at home and attending group sessions at the bizarre alternative healing center that her hippie mother found. 

The boy who witnessed Dyna’s accident believes her injury is a wakeup call and he encourages her mild new lifestyle, but a young Afghanistan War veteran she meets at the healing center pushes her to start taking chances again. 

Forced to face the consequences of her daredevil impulses, Dyna finds herself in danger of risking the one thing she’s always treated with caution — her heart.

Read my review of ADRENALINE CRUSH here!!!

GIVEAWAY

- Sponsored by Macmillan.

- Must be 13+ to enter. 

- U.S. only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Laurie Boyle Crompton

Laurie Boyle Crompton is the YA author of BLAZE (or Love in the Time of Supervillains), THE REAL PROM QUEENS OF WESTFIELD HIGH (Sourcebooks, 2013 & 2014) and ADRENALINE CRUSH from Farrar Straus Giroux.

Laurie graduated in her class from St. John's University with a major in English and minor in Journalism. She's written for national magazines like ALLURE as well as numerous trade publications and has appeared on Good Day New York several times as a Toy Expert. Yes, that is an actual thing that people sometimes get to be.

When she is not writing, Laurie enjoys hiking, cycling, reading, cross-country skiing, running, going to the movies and drinking tea by the gallon.

She lives near NYC, but loves to escape to the mountains in New Paltz, NY where she and her family can often be found climbing over rocks or tromping through the forest.

Official Website / Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Review: ADRENALINE CRUSH by Laurie Boyle Crompton (YA)

ADRENALINE CRUSH

by Laurie Boyle Crompton

Release date: September 23rd, 2014

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format: Hardback, eBook

Format read: ARC from the publisher.

SUMMARY

When a daredevil teen pushes herself too far, she must choose between two boys: the one who wants to keep her safe, and the one who dares her to return to her old self.

Seventeen-year-old Dyna comes from a family of risk takers and is an avid thrill-seeker herself, until the day she splinters her ankle in a terrible fall. Her whole life goes from mountain biking and rock climbing to sitting at home and attending group sessions at the bizarre alternative healing center that her hippie mother found. 

The boy who witnessed Dyna’s accident believes her injury is a wakeup call and he encourages her mild new lifestyle, but a young Afghanistan War veteran she meets at the healing center pushes her to start taking chances again. 

Forced to face the consequences of her daredevil impulses, Dyna finds herself in danger of risking the one thing she’s always treated with caution — her heart.

MY REVIEW

Another amazing story from one of my favorite authors! Laurie Boyle Crompton has a gift for creating strong female characters, realistic and relatable relationships and swift story-lines...

Dyna is an adrenaline junkie - without a second thought, Dyna throws herself into the most life-threatening adventures you can ever think of. It's in her blood; her parents are hippie-like seize-the-day on-the-whim, and her brother is an avid mountain biker and sky-diver. Dyna loves nature and all the hidden thrills in it and beyond... until one day, while on a personal dare and mischievous high, while flirting with a cute boy from school that she found on the bike trail, she miscalculates her latest show-off adventure and suffers a tragic fall. 

During the tragedy and while in the hospital, there is an instant connection between Dyna and her flirt from the tail, also her rescuer, Jay. Jay is exactly who Dyna needs right now to keep her grounded and safe. They click together; Dyna needs someone who is grounded and likes to play by the rules. Dyna depends on him to help her stay calm, focused and out of trouble. Because of Dyna's injuries and traumatic experience, Dyna's mother has decided that she cannot go back to school - she will be home schooled so she can concentrate on healing. However, due to her mother's unconventional ways, the rehab center a sort of new age wellness center that will not only focus on helping her heal physically, but mentally as well, by attending group sessions with other who have also had traumatic accidents that have left them with fears and doubts. And this is where Dyna meets Pierce.

Pierce is unlike any other person Dyna has met. Inspite of the ghosts that haunt him, he emits a carefree way of being - he remains strong and dependable. Yet, we catch brief moments of Pierce's vulnerability and wariness. His struggles are real, and heartwrenching. Dyna can't help herself, she is pulled to him for so many reasons. 

Now Dyna's biggest struggle is with herself - will she stay safely grounded and never attempt fate again? Or will she allow herself to comes natural to her and find a way to seize the moment and live up to her family's motto again? 

Although the book is extremely short and a really quick read, the author is able to give us Dyna's whole story without missing out on any important details. The beginning of the story, we see Dyna on a bike racing through the woods without a care in the world - the woods is all hers to rule and there is nothing that will keep her away from it. Nothing that will take her away from the thrill of being out there and seizing every opportunity to feel that adrenaline rush. I was able to feel that rush! I was nervous for her - worried, scared. With every dare that she took, every little dangerous move that she made and her unforgettable accident was heart stopping - I felt it and lived it with her. 

Also, the relationships between all the characters, especially between Dyna and her family members, were so spot on and believable. And the way that Dyna was torn between Jay her protector versus Pierce her antagonist - it was amazing to me how different Jay and Pierce are, and how Dyna was able to relate to both and find strength within both relationships. And all that without the typical love-triangle that everyone seems to cringe upon. This was really well developed and all was accomplished in less than 200 pages. 

I highly recommend this quick page-turner to all contemporary lovers (especially to those who like Trish Doller's writing) and adrenaline junkies! This is definitely one book not to miss out on!

*An ARC was sent to me by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Laurie Boyle Crompton

Laurie Boyle Crompton is the YA author of BLAZE (or Love in the Time of Supervillains), THE REAL PROM QUEENS OF WESTFIELD HIGH (Sourcebooks, 2013 & 2014) and ADRENALINE CRUSH from Farrar Straus Giroux.

Laurie graduated in her class from St. John's University with a major in English and minor in Journalism. She's written for national magazines like ALLURE as well as numerous trade publications and has appeared on Good Day New York several times as a Toy Expert. Yes, that is an actual thing that people sometimes get to be.

When she is not writing, Laurie enjoys hiking, cycling, reading, cross-country skiing, running, going to the movies and drinking tea by the gallon.

She lives near NYC, but loves to escape to the mountains in New Paltz, NY where she and her family can often be found climbing over rocks or tromping through the forest.

Official Website / Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Review: THE POUT-POUT FISH GOES TO SCHOOL by Deborah Diesen (C)

THE POUT-POUT FISH GOES TO SCHOOL

by Deborah Diesen

Illustrated by Dan Hanna

Release date: June 24th, 2014

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Children (2yo+)

Format: Hardcover (Board/Picture Book)

Format read: ARC received from the publisher for an honest review.

SUMMARY

Turn little pouts into big smiles!

Mr. Fish is nervously awaiting his first day of school, and he frets about not knowing how to write his name, how to draw shapes, and how to do math — 

until he’s reassured that school is the perfect place to learn how to master all of these new skills,

in this new Pout-Pout Fish book from Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna.

OUR REVIEW

Pout-Pout Fish does it again, and now he's going to school! 

A funny little rhyming game that Mr. Fish plays with himself that encourages your child to discuss why they are hesitant about starting school. 

Mr. Fish is scared and worried he is not ready for school. He does not know where to go and finds himself in different classrooms trying different things, like writing and math, that he does not know how to do. This overwhelms him and he gets upset because he does not know how to do these things yet and he wants to leave school. 

His teacher finds him and explains that when you're a new fishie, you're not suppose to know these things yet. You start in a classroom that will help you and one day you will learn how to write, do math, and much more. Don't be discouraged, just try and you'll succeed. 

I have to admit, the beginning of the book felt a little discouraging. But, we must remember, Mr. Fish is a pouty fish that sees the negatives first and needs help seeing the positives to in order to turn his frowny face upside down! Like most little kids around the age 3-5, they want to do so much, but because they are so little, they get discouraged very easily and need all the guidance and support that they can get. Mr. Fish and his teacher are sure to give them a much needed boost in realizing that they're not alone and that they will get to where they want to.

Again, the illustrations are wonderfully done in a mystical underwater setting that is fun and relatable. Adorable as always! Looking forward to more books in the near future. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Deborah Diesen

Deborah Diesen is the author of The Pout-Pout Fish, a rhyming children's picture book illustrated by Dan Hanna and published by Farrar Straus Giroux. Her book The Barefooted, Bad-Tempered Baby Brigade was published by Tricycle Press. She lives in Michigan.

Goodreads / Website / Blog / Twitter

Review: SMILE, POUT-POUT FISH by Deborah Diesen (C)

SMILE, POUT-POUT FISH

by Deborah Diesen

Illustrated by Dan Hanna

Release date: January 7th, 2014 

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Children (6mos+)

Format: Hardcover (Board/Picture Book)

Format read: Board book I purchased.

SUMMARY

No need to be worried! No need to be sad! Toddlers will love swimming along with the Pout-Pout Fish as he turns little frowns into big smiles.
 
Debbie Diesen and Dan Hanna's much loved Pout-Pout Fish comes flippering and swishing into the hearts and minds of very young children with this compact and comic new tale sure to delight.

BOOK TRAILER

OUR REVIEW

Adorable, short, sweet and little baby hands friendly! Pout-Pout Fish is a new favorite in this house!

My older boys, 8 and 10 years old, found Pout-Pout Fish to be quite amusing. They enjoyed the simple story and amazing illustrations. And the trailer, is quite catchy. They have been singing it non-stop for their baby brother for weeks now.
My youngest is almost 8 months old - the board book is small enough for him to sit with and easily flip the pages. He stares and giggles, especially when we read the one line sentences on each page with a funny voice to fit Mr. Fish's mood.

What I love most about Deborah Diesen's books is that they're so easy for small children to follow along and remember. After a few reads they're sure to memorize the story and can follow along by pointing to the words, helping them to learn how to read at an earlier age.
We also love Dan Hanna's whimsical pictures that fit the story perfectly without too much detail or overwhelming colors.

Remember, no matter what, you can always make a pouty face smile - especially with Mr. Fish around!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Deborah Diesen

Deborah Diesen is the author of The Pout-Pout Fish, a rhyming children's picture book illustrated by Dan Hanna and published by Farrar Straus Giroux. Her book The Barefooted, Bad-Tempered Baby Brigade was published by Tricycle Press. She lives in Michigan.

Goodreads / Website / Blog / Twitter

Waiting On Wednesday #76: SECOND STAR by Alyssa B. Sheinmel (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I'm waiting on... 

SECOND STAR

by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Expected release date: May 13th, 2014

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Genre: Young Adult

Format: Hardback, eBook

SUMMARY

A twisty story about love, loss, and lies, this contemporary oceanside adventure is tinged with a touch of dark magic as it follows seventeen-year-old Wendy Darling on a search for her missing surfer brothers. 

Wendy’s journey leads her to a mysterious hidden cove inhabited by a tribe of young renegade surfers, most of them runaways like her brothers. Wendy is instantly drawn to the cove’s charismatic leader, Pete, but her search also points her toward Pete's nemesis, the drug-dealing Jas. 

Enigmatic, dangerous, and handsome, Jas pulls Wendy in even as she's falling hard for Pete. 

A radical reinvention of a classic, Second Star is an irresistible summer romance about two young men who have yet to grow up--and the troubled beauty trapped between them.

Why I'm 'waiting on' SECOND STAR...

IT'S A RETELLING OF PETER PAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PETER PAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PETER!!! PAN!!!

Do I need to say anything more?!?! 

SO, what are you waiting for this week???

Waiting On Wednesday #72: LOVE LETTERS TO THE DEAD by Ava Dellaira (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I'm waiting on... 

LOVE LETTERS TO THE DEAD

by Ava Dellaira

Expected release date: April 1st, 2014

Published by: Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

It begins as an assignment for English class: 

Write a letter to a dead person. 

Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May did. 

Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to people like Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Amelia Earhart, Heath Ledger, and more; 

though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. 

She writes about starting high school, navigating new friendships, falling in love for the first time, learning to live with her splintering family. And, finally, about the abuse she suffered while May was supposed to be looking out for her. Only then, once Laurel has written down the truth about what happened to herself, can she truly begin to accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was; lovely and amazing and deeply flawed; can she begin to discover her own path.

Why I'm waiting for LOVE LETTERS TO THE DEAD...

This had me at LOVE LETTERS TO THE DEAD, and then the mention of Kurt Cobain's name.

Seriously, how morbid this sounds, but yet, sad, lethargic, healing and hopeful.

I have never heard of a book like this before...

So many feels already!!!

I need to read this!!!

SO, what are you waiting for???