Bumbles and Fairytales: Farrar Straus and Giroux

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

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!

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!