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 

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! 

DRAWN TOGETHER

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. 

LINKS:  GOODREADS / 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. 

LINKS:  GOODREADS / TUMBLR / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM 

FACEBOOK / YOUTUBE

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!

GOD BLESS AMERICA: The Story of an Immigrant Named Irving Berlin

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. 

GOODREADS

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Rob Polivka 

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

GOODREADS / WEBSITE

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 

Review: THIS STORY IS FOR YOU by Greg Pizzoli (C)

*An Advanced Reader's Copy of THIS STORY IS FOR YOU by Greg Pizzoli 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!

THIS STORY IS FOR YOU

Written and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli

Release date: April 3rd, 2018

Published by: Disney-Hyperion

Genre: Children's Picture Books

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: ARC 

SUMMARY

A simple "It's nice to know you" holds so much power in this tender picture book by acclaimed author-illustrator Greg Pizzoli.

Finding value in others as a matter of course, the narrator accepts and appreciate difference as the foundation of a life-long friendship. THIS STORY IS FOR YOU celebrates moments of kindness throughout, from the small to the grand in a heartwarming tale of human connection.

The warm, comforting text shares the tone of a Ruth Krauss classic and is balanced by Greg's energetic color palette and signature visual humor. This book is sure to be a special read for parents, children, and their friends for years to come. 

MY REVIEW

*An Advanced Reader's Copy of THIS STORY IS FOR YOU by Greg Pizzoli was sent to me for free by the publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own.

THIS STORY IS FOR YOU is such a kind, soothing and heart-warming book! 
A book about friendship and never forgetting those you love...

The narrator gently "speaks" to the child telling them how they're unique by pointing out all the things that make everyone different from each other. How we all see and interpret people and things differently. And no matter where they go, they will know how to recognize them and remember who they are, because they are unique and special to them. 

It's the perfect book to read to the children in our world today. A reminder that no matter what you look like, where you came from and where you are going - you are loved and someone special. 

It's also a great book to give to a child who will be moving away, especially to a different place where they may feel a little out of place at first and may get homesick. 

The illustrations are vibrant, yet simple. They fit the story and mood very well. Lots to look over and engage in conversation pertaining to the story!

This sweet book just oozes love, reassurance, and comfort! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Greg Pizzoli

Greg Pizzoli is the author, illustrator, and printmaker from Philadelphia. 

He is the author of GOODNIGHT OWL, a Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor book, TEMPLETON GETS HIS WISH, NUMBER ONE SAM, and THE WATERMELON SEED, which received the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. 

LINKS:  GOODREADS / WEBSITE / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM 

FACEBOOK / TUMBLR

Review: THE BACKUP BUNNY by Abigail Rayner and Illustrated by Greg Stones (C)

*A finished hardcover copy of THE BACKUP BUNNY was sent to me for free by the publisher NorthSouth Books via its publicist company, Nicole Banholzer LLC, 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!

THE BACKUP BUNNY

Written by Abigail Rayner

Illustrated by Greg Stones

Release date: March 6th, 2018

Published by: NorthSouth Books

Genre: Children's Picture Books

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: Hardcover

SUMMARY

Everybody needs a backup plan, especially when you lose your favorite toy.

When Max loses his favorite toy - Bunny - his clever mom brings out the "backup bunny" - Fluffy - to save the day. Fluffy is thrilled to have the chance to play with Max but is soon rejected by the observant child who notices that his ears are too new and perky.

Can Fluffy find a way into his favorite boy's heart?

THE BACKUP BUNNY will keep you laughing and inspire you to make room for another favorite story.

OUR REVIEW

*A finished hardcover copy of THE BACKUP BUNNY was sent to me for free by the publisher NorthSouth Books via its publicist company, Nicole Banholzer LLC, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. 

This is such a sweet, thoughtful, tender-hearted book! 

THE BACKUP BUNNY is about an adorable stuffed "backup bunny" named Fluffy that secretly lives inside Max's Mom's sock drawer just in case something is to happen to Max's current bunny (named Bunny). Fluffy has been dreaming for the day when Max's favorite stuffed toy goes missing and he can be the one to play and comfort Max... and when that time finally comes, Fluffy is ready! However, Max isn't too happy having a replacement. And now Fluffy has to prove that he's just as good as Bunny ever was, if not more - he's waited long enough and he deserves a chance! But when Max is still upset over losing Bunny, Fluffy only wants what is best for Max and helps him out in the best way... you'll have to read the book to find out how!

We enjoyed Fluffy and Max's story so much! It was completely relatable and reminded us to take special care of our favorite treasures...


 My 4 1/2-year-old has a little-stuffed monkey named Baby and she has been with him since he was just a few months old. And I knew right away that this was going to be his best friend... One night, we misplaced Baby and couldn't find her. I knew then that I waited too long to go back to our local store for a replacement. Luckily, we found her the next day (behind the couch) and I immediately went onto my social media and asked my amazing Instagram followers for help. Within the next few days, we were so lucky to not only have one backup monkey but THREE! And four years later, we have only lost one backup; we still have the original and TWO other backups. Recently, my son discovered the backups and found it extremely funny to have so many. He gifted one to his youngest cousin who is only a few months old, the same age he was when he received his first one!... 

What I'm rambling on about is - I feel that there is a time and place for young children to learn lessons about "love and loss". And as a seasoned mother who has been through this a few times now (my older sons are now 12 and 14 1/2), having to explain this lesson at this tender young age is too hard and devastating! When your little one loses their "stuffy" it is heartbreaking and there is hardly a way to get them to understand that "it was meant to be", or that it is "time to grow up", or that it was "time to let him go" and that "he's gone home", etc. It is a life-changing moment where your child's confidence will be shaken up, his belief, his imagination, etc. are all being questioned and falling apart. They're still too little to be put through such turmoil. Just like they need their parents/loved ones there for them, they are depending on this inanimate object to also be there for them when they need comfort, love, and trust.

When Max has what looks to be a tantrum, Max's mom tries her best to make him feel better, gives him Fluffy (the new replacement) and tries to comfort him. I 100% do not feel that she is rewarding tantrum behavior (I've seen a few reviews mention this), I feel that she is doing what needs to be done to comfort her heartbroken child. He has lost something extremely important to him, losing something that may have been by his side since birth is crushing. How else would he react to all of a sudden not having it by his side? How would you feel, even as an adult, losing your "comfort thing"? 
 
This is the perfect book to give to new parents, as a heads-up for what they may encounter through the toddler years. A helpful hint to prepare themselves in case of a Bunny/Fluffy situation... the book will also help bring the subject up with your/the child in case anything were to happen to their "lovey". It will help them be more responsible in caring for their things. However, if they still lose it, I'm sure that the outcome will still be the same, but the book can help ease the pain when introducing the new "dolly" to the family... and if you find the original, be prepared to probably be naming and playing with both from now on!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Abigail Rayner

Abigail Rayner was born in England where they have lots of history and rain. She spent her childhood visiting castles, picnicking in cars, and getting told off for writing stories during math. When she grew up, she became a reporter and moved to New York City. It was her job to write stories, but not the made-up kind! These days she lives in New Jersey, with her wonderful husband, two brilliant kids, two terrible cats, and an ever-growing collection of stuffed rabbits. She never gets in trouble for writing stories.

LINKS:  GOODREADS 

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Greg Stones

Greg Stones was born in Glocester, Rhode Island where a man is a man, a woman is a woman, and babies are sent into the forest at the age of six months to be raised and educated by squirrels. he eventually broke free and went to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. While at school, he majored in Studio Art, learned to paint photo-realistically, and was the cartoonist for the school paper. Two years after graduating, he began combining his pretty landscapes with his cartooning skills - adding penguins, zombies, and now bunnies to his work.

He lives and works in Rhode Island.

LINKS: GOODREADS 

Review: SUPER SAURUS AND THE EGG by Deborah Underwood and Illustrated by Ned Young (C)

*An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of SUPER SAURUS AND THE EGG 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!

SUPER SAURUS AND THE EGG

Written by Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by Ned Young

Release date: May 22nd, 2018

Published by: Disney-Hyperion

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: ARC 

SUMMARY

When Arnold's parents bring an egg home and tell him he's going to be an older brother, Arnold is not convinced. Arnold knows the egg could be anything... maybe even an EGG OF DOOM!

If a vampire-saurus flies out of the egg, Super Saurus will be ready!

If a plant-crushing robot stomps out of the egg, Super Saurus will be ready!

If Maud the Marauder jumps out of the egg, Super Saurus will be ready!

But what happens if the Egg of Doom turns out to be Arnold's new little brother or sister?

With the same wit, humor and charm that shines in SUPER SAURUS SAVES KINDERGARTEN, readers will be captivated by Arnold's super imagination.

See our review of SUPER SAURUS SAVES KINDERGARTEN here!!!

OUR REVIEW

*An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of SUPER SAURUS AND THE EGG 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!

SUPER SAURUS AND THE EGG is one of the most clever and unique stories to share with your little ones when they are expecting a new sibling! Especially if your kid is unsure about what to expect or feeling overly emotional or unsure. This book can help break the tension and make things a little fun, while slowly putting the situation into perspective too (by the parent/reader).

Arnold's parents have brought home an egg and share the news that he is going to be a big brother soon. Arnold is quite unsure as to what can be inside the egg and starts to explore other possibilities just in case they're wrong. What happens if it's the "egg of doom"? He goes on quite an adventure to prepare himself for what's to come... and in the end, he has quite a pleasant surprise and manages to get accept all the new things that happen once the egg hatches and reveals who was in there all along.

Arnold is so full of life and what I like to call innocent-sass, where he just tells you exactly what he thinks no matter what, and I totally support that! Especially in new situations where it is often difficult for a small child to express themselves with what is happening around them. Letting get creative and cope with how they feel on their own terms is really important. And I love how Arnold can help encourage a child to open their mind and explore their feelings.

The illustrations are SO COLORFUL AND FUN! Even as an adult, I couldn't help myself from getting caught up in Arnold's wild imagination - I felt like getting up with my 4-year-old and zooming around the room with him with every idea that Arnold came up with of what could possibly happen when the egg hatched!

SUPER SAURUS AND THE EGG is a super fun interactive book that will promote a huge amount of imaginative play! Definitely for the little ones who love "big stories" and want to create their own along with their own matching vibrant pictures.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Deborah Underwood

Deborah Underwood has written numerous picture books, including Interstellar Cinderella, SUPER SAURUS SAVES KINDERGARTEN, Part-time Princess, Part-time Mermaid, and the New York Times bestsellers The Quiet Book, The Loud Book, and Here Comes the Easter Cat.

Deborah lives in northern California

GOODREADS / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK 

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Ned Young

Ned Young is a self-taught painter and illustrator.

He illustrated SUPER SAURUS SAVES KINDERGARTEN, Jamie A. Swenson's Big Rig, and is the author and illustrator of the Zoomer series.

He lives in Brigham City, Utah.

GOODREADS / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK 

My March Book Haul, Wrap-Up, and April TBR (2018)

Hello, bookish friends!!! 

I'm sure you've heard this way too many times this year already, but it must be said again - time is going by too, too fast! It's already April, and where I live, it is still snowing and doesn't look like it is going to stop snowing for at least another week or so! I am very fond of winter and snow. However. If I'm starting to complain about it too, then we are all in trouble, lol! We were supposed to start clearing out our backyard and preparing our spots for different gardens this week *throws hands up in the air in a dramatic way*

Another thing to prove that the year is moving along to fast for me to keep up - how much my to-be-read pile has grown! I need an extra 6 to 12 hours to my days in order to catch up, lol! Oh well, at least they all look so pretty on my shelves, right???

Now - let's talk about all THE books I have received, read and plan to read for March and April!!!

I am participating in Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews :)

*My MARCH Book Haul

*REVIEW BOOKS:
- THE UNBINDING OF MARY READE by Miriam McNamara (YA/ARC) from Sky Pony Press 
- THIEF OF HAPPY ENDINGS by Kristen Chandler (YA/eARC) from Penguin via Flutter Communications 
- BRIGHTWOOD by Tania Unsworth (MG/PB) from Algonquin Young Readers 
- BE PREPARED by Vera Brosgol (MG/PB) from First Second (Macmillan) 
- THE BACKUP BUNNY by Abigail Rayner (C/HB) from Nicole Banholzer LLC via North South Books 
- PETRA by Marianna Coppo (C/HB) from Tundra Books (Penguin Randomhouse)
- DOG DAYS OF HISTORY: The Incredible Story of Our Best Friends by Sarah Albee (MG/HB) from Media Masters Publicity/National Geographic 
- TURN THIS BOOK INTO A BEEHIVE! by Lynne Brunelle (E/PB) from Workman Publishing 
- GET MONEY: Live the Life You Want, Not Just the Life You Can Afford by Kristin Wong (A/ARC) from Hatchette 

From Disney-Hyperion: 
- THE STORM RUNNER by J. C. Cervantes (MG/ARC) from Disney Hyperion 
- A FRIENDLY TOWN THAT'S ALMOST ALWAYS BY THE OCEAN! (Secrets of Topsea #1) by Kir Fox and M. Shelley Coats (MG/HB) 
- CHARLIE AND FROG (A Castle-on-the-Hudson Mystery #1) by Karen Kane (MG/HB) 

From Entangled Teen:
- RISEN (Blood Eternal #1) by Cole Gibsen (YA/eARC) 
- BRING ME THEIR HEARTS by Sara Wolf (YA/ARC) 
- UNRAVELED (Perfected #3) by Kate Jarovik Birch (YA/HB) 

From Book Sparks:
- THE SUMMER OF NEW BEGINNINGS by Bette Lee Crosby (A/PB) 
- THE OPPOSITE OF NEVER by Mary Kathleen Mehuron (A/ARC) 
- SHUNNED by Linda A. Curtis (A/ARC) 
- RUDY'S RULES FOR TRAVEL: Live Lessons from Around the Globe by Mary K. Jensen (A/PB) 

From Peachtree Publishers:
- THE PRINCESS AND THE PACKET OF FROZEN PEAS by Tony Wilson (C/PB) 
- A PLACE FOR FISH by Melissa Stewart (C/HB) 
- THE KING OF BEES by Lester L. Laminack (C/HB) 
- NEVER FOLLOW A DINOSAUR by Alex Latimer (C/HB) 

From NetGalley:
- THE GIRL AND THE GROVE by Eric Smith (YA/eARC) from Flux 
- BRAVE ENOUGH by Kati Gardener (YA/eARC) from Flux
- WHAT YOU LEFT ME by Bridget Morrissey (YA/eARC) from Sourcebooks Fire 
- FURYBORN (Empirium #1) by Claire Legrand (YA/eARC) from Sourcebooks Fire
- BRUJA BORN (Brooklyn Brujas #2) by Zoraida Cordova (YA/eARC) from Sourcebooks Fire

*BOOKS I RECEIVED FROM GIVEAWAYS OR AS GIFTS OR THROUGH A TRADE: 
- THE WICKED DEEP by Shea Ernshaw (YA/HB) 
- A MAN CALLED OVE by Fredrik Backman (A/PB) 
- MY GRANDMOTHER ASKED ME TO TELL YOU SHE'S SORRY by Fredrik Backman (A/PB) 
- BRITT-MARIE WAS HERE by Fredrik Backman (A/PB) 
- I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith (HB) from Wednesday Books 
- THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END by Adam Silvera (YA/signed HB) 
- MOONRISE by Sarah Crossan (YA/ARC) 

*BOOKS I PURCHASED: 
- CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE (Legacy of Orisha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi (YA/HB) 
- OPAL (The Raven Cycle #4.5) by Maggie Stiefvater (YA/eNovella) 

*My March BOOK OF THE MONTH Pick:
- THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER by Emily X. R. Pan (YA/HB) 

What I read in MARCH*

It was a very slow reading month for me; I allowed myself to get distracted with so many things - when I could have been reading I'd either binge-watch a show, watch movies, draw/paint... hoping to get back into my reading groove in April!

- THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS by Tae Keller (MG/ARC) 
- THE FAIRY TALES OF CHARLES PERRAULT by Angela Carter (Classic/PB) 
- LOVE by Matt de la Pena (C/HB Library Book) 

- COME WITH ME by Holly M. McGhee (C/HB Library Book) 
- GIVE THANK YOU A TRY by James Patterson (C/HB Library Book) 

- ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME (Pandava Quartet #1) by Roshani Chokshi (MG/ARC) 
- THE BACKUP BUNNY by Abigail Rayner (C/HB) 
- THE TIGERS AND THE EXCITING INVITING MEAL by Nick Cutelli (C/eBook) 
- TURN THIS BOOK INTO A BEEHIVE! by Lynne Brunelle (E/PB)  
- GET MONEY: Live the Life You Want, Not Just the Life You Can Afford by Kristin Wong (A/ARC)
- THE WINDOW by Amelia Brunskill (YA/ARC) 

*My APRIL TBR*

First, I hope to finish reading: 

- RISEN (Blood Eternal #1) by Cole Gibsen (YA/eARC) 
- CHARLIE AND FROG (A Castle-on-the-Hudson Mystery) by Karen Kane (MG/HB) 

And then, I hope I have enough time to read all of these: 
- ASH PRINCESS by Laura Sebastian (YA/ARC) 
- AIRPORTS, EXES, AND OTHER THINGS I'M OVER by Shani Petroff (YA/ARC) 
- THE GAME CAN'T LOVE YOU BACK by Karole Cozzo (YA/ARC) 
- TOKOYO, THE SAMURAI'S DAUGHTER by Faith L. Justice (MG/ARC) 
- BRIGHTLY BURNING by Alexa Donne (YA/ARC) 
- THE GIRL AND THE GROVE by Eric Smith (YA/eARC) 
- THE OPPOSITE OF NEVER by Mary Kathleen Muhuron (A/PB) 
- SHUNNED by Linda A. Curtis (A/ARC) 
- BE PREPARED by Vera Brosgol (MG/PB)
- DOG DAYS OF HISTORY: The Incredible Story of Our Best Friends by Sarah Albee (MG/HB)
- A FRIENDLY TOWN THAT'S ALMOST ALWAYS BY THE OCEAN! (Secrets of Topsea #1) by Kir Fox and M. Shelley Coats (MG/HB) 
- THE PRINCESS AND THE PACKET OF FROZEN PEAS by Tony Wilson (C/PB) 
- A PLACE FOR FISH by Melissa Stewart (C/HB) 
- THE KING OF BEES by Lester L. Laminack (C/HB) 

- NEVER FOLLOW A DINOSAUR by Alex Latimer (C/HB) 
- PETRA by Marianna Coppo (C/HB) 

Please let me know in the comments what you're reading... 
and leave your blog or book haul links too - I'd love to visit and see what you all have been up to!

P. S... Do you like/use book sleeves for your books? 

Then you should definitely go and check out BOOKKEEPER BOUTIQUE's Etsy shop!

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Use code BUMBLE10 to save 10% off your entire purchase now :) 

Thanks again - Happy reading!!!