May 2017 Book Haul, Wrap-Up, June TBR and Bonus!!!

Hi there! I hope you are all doing well :)

I am slowly getting back into reading regularly and preparing more reviews and blog posts to share with you! I've been able to get back in touch with some publishers and a few bookish people to collaborate on some fun projects and blog posts too! I'm very excited for all of this and cannot wait to begin to share it all with you!!!

To start, here are the books I've accumulated in numerous ways for May :) 
I truly believe that this is the most amount of books that I have ever had to list in a book haul - not gloating - just amazed and feeling very happy and blessed!

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

My MAY Book Haul

*What I received to review...
- BECOMING BONNIE (Bonnie #1) by Jenni L. Walsh (YA/HB) from Tor/Forge Books
- JUST ONE TOUCH (Slow Burn Novel #5) by Maya Banks (Adult/PB) from Avon Books

Finished copies from Disney-Hyperion: 
- LORD OF MONSTERS (Out of Abaton #2) by John Claude Bemis (MG)
- BOB, NOT BOB! by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick (C)
- NIGHT NIGHT, GROOT by Brendan Deneen (C)
- CARS 3: LEAD THE WAY by Ace Landers (C) 
- THE GOLDEN COMPASS (His Dark Materials #1) by Philip Pullman (YA/PB)

YA ARCs from Macmillan/Fierce Reads: 
- RENEGADES (sampler) by Marissa Meyer
- FLASHTIDE (Flashfall #2) by Jenny Moyer
- FOOLISH HEART by Emma Mills 
- MIDNIGHT DANCE by Nikki Katz
- MEANT TO BE by Julie Halpern 
- LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ by Antonio G. Iturbe and Lilit Thwaites 
- BACKFIELD BOYS by John Feinstein 

*I'm a #Tundra50 Summer Rep!!!... Finished copies from Tundra Books:
- THE ACB WITH HONORA LEE by Kate De Goldi (MG/PB)
- ADVENTURES WITH BAREFOOT CRITTERS by Teagan White (C/HB)
- ZOMBIE ELEMENTARY: The Real Story by Howard Whitehouse (MG/PB)
- SUPER NARWHAL AND JELLY JOLT by Ben Clanton (MG/HB)
- MR. ZINGER'S HAT by Cary Fagan (C/PB)
- THERE, THERE by Tim Beiser and Bill Slavin (C/HB)
- THE FOG by Kyo Maclear (C/HB)
- CARSON CROSSES CANADA by Linda Bailey (C/HB) 

*Books I received as gifts or from giveaways...
- I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY BUTT! by Martin Bruckner from Workman Publishing
- EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING by Nicola Yoon (YA/HB) from #llamabookswap

Books from Capstone Publishing Giveaway: 
- FALLOUT (Lois Lane #1) by Gwenda Bond (YA/HB)
- DOUBLE DOWN (Lois Lane #2) by Gwenda Bond (YA/HB)
- TRIPLE THREAT (Lois Lane #3) by Gwenda Bond (YA/HB)

*Books I received through #booksfortrade on twitter...
- UPROOTED by Naomi Novik (YA) - Macmillan paperback edition 
- ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell (YA) - Orion paperback edition
- FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell (YA) - Macmillan hardcover edition
- THE INEXPLICABLE LOGIC OF MY LIFE by Benjamin Alire Saenz (YA/HB)
- ROSEBLOOD by A.G. Howard (YA) - (YA/signed HB)

*Books I purchased this month... 
-  A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas (YA/HB) 
- THE LIGHT WE LOST by Jill Santopolo (A/signed HB)
- BONE GAP by Laura Ruby (YA/HB)
- MOO by Sharon Creech (MG/HB)
- WHERE AM I NOW? by Mara Wilson (A/PB)
- GIANT DAYS, Volume 1 by John Allison (YA/PB)
- BEE AND PUPPYCAT, Volume 1 by Natasha Allegri (YA/PB)
- LUMBERJANES, Volume 1 by Noelle Stevenson (YA/PB)  
- ALICE IN WONDERLAND by Lewis Carroll - Owlcrate paperback edition
- LITTLE WOMAN by Louisa May Alcott - Puffin in Bloom edition
- A LITTLE PRINCESS by Frances Hodgson Burnett - Puffin in Bloom edition
- THE MASTER AND MARGARITA by Mikhail Bulgakov - Vintage Classics Russians edition
- BEE JOURNAL (The Birds and the Bees) by Sean Borodale - Vintage Classics edition
- A STING IN THE TALE (The Birds and the Bees) by Dave Goulson - Vintage Classics edition
- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by William Shakespeare - Macmillan Collector's Library edition

From Book Of The Month May Subscription Box:
- THE LOVE INTEREST by Cale Dietrich (YA/HB) 
- THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon (YA/HB) 

What I read in MAY

- KISSES AND CURSES by Fierce Reads (YA/PB) - 3 stars
- A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas (YA/HB) - 3 stars 
 - ONE GOOD THING ABOUT AMERICA by Ruth Freeman (MG/HB) - 4 stars 
- RONIT AND JAMIL by Pamela L. Laskin (YA/ARC) - 4 stars 
- ADVENTURES WITH BAREFOOT CRITTERS by Teagan White (C/HB) - 5 stars 
- I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY BUTT! by Martin Bruckner (E/HB) - 5 stars 
- SUPER NARWHAL AND JELLY JOLT by Ben Clanton (MG/HB) - 5 stars 
- THIS SAVAGE SONG (Monsters of Verity #1) by Victoria Schwab (YA/HB) - 4 stars 
- THE ACB WITH HONORA LEE by Kate De Goldi (MG/PB) - 4 stars 
- MR. ZINGER'S HAT by Cary Fagan (C/PB) - 5 stars
-  7 ATE 9 by Tara Lazar (C/HB) - 5 stars 
-  BEE AND PUPPYCAT, Volume 1 by Natasha Allegri (YA/Graphic Novel PB) - 4 stars 

- HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE by J.K. Rowling (MG/HB) - reread - 4 stars 
- THE SECRET LOVE OF GEEK GIRLS by Hope Nicholson (YA/graphic novel PB) - 5 stars
- THE GOLDEN COMPASS (His Dark Materials #1) by Philip Pullman (YA/PB) - reread - 4 stars 

What I plan on reading in JUNE

I hope I have enough time to read all of these, plus a few others that I am not sure of just yet, lol!... Lots of picture books to get through :)
- OUR DARK DUET (Monsters of Verity #2) by Victoria Schwab (YA/HB) - preordered!
- BECOMING BONNIE (Bonnie #1) by Jenni L. Walsh (YA/HB) - for review! 
- THE DUKE OF BANNERMAN PREP by Katie A. Nelson (YA/HB) 
- MR. ZINGER'S HAT by Cary Fagan (C/PB)
- THERE, THERE by Tim Beiser and Bill Slavin (C/HB)
- THE FOG by Kyo Maclear (C/HB)
- CARSON CROSSES CANADA by Linda Bailey (C/HB) 
- THERE'S A MONSTER IN YOUR BOOK by Tom Fletcher (C/ARC) 
- EVERY HEART A DOORWAY (Wayward Children #1) by Seanan McGuire (YA/HB)
- MOXIE by Jennifer Mathieu (YA/ARC) - for review
- AMID STARS AND DARKNESS (The Xenith Trilogy #1) by Chani Lynn Feener (YA/ARC) - for review
- HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN by J.K. Rowling (MG/HB) - reread

Thank you sooo much for stopping by!

Please let me know in the comments what you're reading... and leave your blog or book haul links too!

Happy reading!!!

P.S. Just a reminder that I am a rep for Hey Atlas!!!
Hey Atlas offers amazing double-sided bookmarks, vinyl stickers and now, blank journals!!!

Use coupon code: thebumblegirl
to save 10% off your orders!!!

Please take a moment to check out @treehouseofbooks
to see more pics, info etc.

"Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous."
Quote from The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

"I'd rather die on an adventure than live standing still."
Quote from A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab

AND!!!


I am now a rep for GEEK AT HEART!!!
A monthly subscription box to feed your geeky-heart!!!
All things bookish, nerdy and more! 

Use coupon code: BUMBLEGIRL10 
to save 10% off your subscription!!!

Subs start this June, and there are less than 10 boxes left! 
Here is a promo sample of what's to come... 

HURRY! Don't miss out on GEEK AT HEART's first box!!!


xoxoxo

Review: SPILL ZONE (The Spill Zone #1) by Scott Westerfeld (YA)

SPILL ZONE

The Spill Zone #1

by Scott Westerfeld

Illustrated by Alex Puvilland

Color by Hilary Sycamore

Release date: May 2nd, 2017

Published by First Second (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi/Apocalyptic Graphic Novel

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: Hardcover from the publisher.

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. 

Photo courtesy of First Second Books.

MY REVIEW

An unexplained 'spill', creepy zombie-like puppet people, odd creatures and a creepy rag doll who seems to know it all... SPILL ZONE is an epic start to an intriguing and story!

Addison wasn't home when the 'spill' happened and no one knows exactly how or why it happened; and no one goes back to try to figure it out. Going into the zone is illegal and forbidden. And no one goes in. Except for Addison. She has been going back to her hometown whenever she can to take photographs of  what happened and what is there now - eerie talking cats, a form of electricity that glows and can chase after you and zombies that whisper warnings. It's how she makes a living to support herself and her little sister. However, she has quickly made rules for herself in order to get in and out of the spill zone safely - remain anonymous and unseen, never get off her motorbike, to stay on the main roads and never touch anything! Are just a few of her strict rules. But, when a collector of her pictures tracks her down and gives her an offer she can't refuse - an offer that can possibly help her sister who hasn't spoken since the incident. Can she risk her life in the spill zone to get what this "collector" wants?

The illustrations are quite amazing! Every frame supports the fast paced story, the creepiness, the danger and consequences that can happen if things go wrong while poking around. SO much world-building, all so naturally put together - realistic and memorable!

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading suspenseful mysterious with glowing rats, intuitive rag dolls, and post-apocalyptic worlds! Whether your a graphic novel reader or not, there isn't anything that should keep you from picking up this book!

*I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.

All thoughts here are my own.

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, he married fellow author Justine Larbalestier.

He is best known for the Uglies, Leviathan and Zeroes series, and his standaone book, Afterworlds.

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 the American Library Association.  

LINKS

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Book Review: I WANT TO GROW by Ged Adamson (C)

I WANT TO GROW

by Ged Adamson

Expected release date: March 7th, 2017

Published by Boyds Mills Press

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Format: Hardcover 

Format read: Hardcover from Creative Authors

SUMMARY

A dinosaur named Herb has noticed something about his friend Muriel: she's getting taller. 

Herb is not. 

Desperate to catch up to Muriel, Herb tries every method he can think of to grow. He plants himself in the dirt like a flower, but that just leaves him muddy. He has Muriel roll him out like clay, but that just makes him dizzy. He wears platform shoes and a top hat, but he just falls over. Nothing Herb tries works!

When will he finally grow?

This humorous approach to the topic of growing taller will resonate with many children who struggle with this same issue. 

MY REVIEW

I WANT TO GROW is about a small dinosaur named Herb who has noticed that his best friend is growing, but he is not. He tries numerous ways to force himself to grow and catch up, but does not succeed... or does he???

This book came at such a perfect and fun time! Not only did my kiddos recognize that this book is the same author and illustrator as DOUGLAS, YOU NEED GLASSES, but we also knew that this book was going to serve more than one purpose around here... 
My three year old has been telling us that he doesn't want to grow up, lol! Although this book is to encourage patience and understanding on how we are all different and how we all come into our own milestones at different times - sometimes on our own schedule, completely different than what is expected from others. But what my toddler took away from Herb's story is that it is okay to grow up too! It's okay to be scared and worried about growing up and doing things that he's never done before. And that it won't happen all at once, that he will learn as he grows too.

It is quite amazing to see how little minds grasp onto their own understandings - the book may look the same to everyone, but no one will ever read it in the same way!

A wonderful book to gift/read to little ones who are just starting to understand that their worlds will change and that it is okay to want more! A definite favorite in this household!

*I received a hardcover copy of this book from the literary agency as a gift.

All thoughts are my very own.

My 5-Star review of Ged Adamson's previous picture book about a dog who probably needs glasses - DOUGLAS, YOU NEED GLASSES, can be found HERE!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Ged Adamson

Ged Adamson is a writer and illustrator. His first two books, Elsie Clarke and the Vampire Hairdresser and Meet the McKaws, are both published by Sky Pony Press. A third, Douglas, You Need Glasses! will be published in May 2016 by Random House. He sees two books published in 2017 - Shark Dog in Summer 2017 and published by HarperCollins and I Want to Grow will be released in Fall 2017 by Boyds Mill Press. 

His cartoons have appeared in magazines such as Punch and Prospect, in books and on film. He's been a storyboard artist and a caricaturist. He also works as a composer for TV and film. 

He lives in London with his partner Helen and their son Rex. 

Links: Website / Instagram / Twitter

April 2017 Book Haul, Wrap-Up and May TBR!

Hello, Bookish Friends!!!

I'm very excited to get back into book-blogging, and what better way to start off than with a huge book haul :) 

These are all the books I've accumulated through April...

as you can see, I did splurge quite a bit on myself, lol! It's what I do to try to relieve myself from stress/anxiety - I go on Amazon and Book Outlet and fill my cart up to hundreds of dollars and then slowly delete the most expensive books until I get to under $20 and then I "treat myself", lol! Please tell me I'm not alone in this!

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

My April Book Haul

*What I received to review...
- ONE GOOD THING ABOUT AMERICA by Ruth Freeman (MG/HB) from Holiday House Publishing.
- A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GIRL NEXT DOOR by Jared Reck (YA/ARC) from Random House Teens.
- THE HISTORY OF BEES by Maja Lunde (Adult Lit/ARC) from Touchstone Books. 
- INTERNET FAMOUS by Danika Stone (YA/eARC) from Swoon Reads/Macmillan.

From First Second (graphic novels):
- SPILL ZONE by Scott Westerfeld (YA/HB)
- THE NAMELESS CITY by Faith Erin Hicks (MG/PB)
- THE STONE HEART (Nameless City #2) by Faith Erin Hicks (MG/PB)
- THE AMAZING CRAFTY CAT by Charise Mericle Harper (MG/PB)
- DECELERATE BLUE by Adam Rapp (YA/PB)

*Books I received as gifts or from giveaways...
- THE ADVENTURES OF RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY by Johnny Gruelle (Wordsworth Classic PB)
- STARTUP by Doree Shafrir (Adult Lit/HB) from Book of the Month Club

*Books I received through #booksfortrade on twitter...
- SINNER (Wolves of Mercy Falls #4) by Maggie Stiefvater (UK ARC)
- EVERLAND by Wendy Spinale (YA/ARC)
- OF FIRE AND STARS by Audrey Coulthurst (YA/HB)
- UPROOTED by Naomi Novak (YA/HB) 

*Books I purchased this month... 
- STRANGE THE DREAMER by Laini Taylor (YA/HB)
- SIX OF CROWS by Leigh Bardugo (YA/HB)
- SPINDLE FIRE by Lexa Hillyer (YA/HB)
- LAS CARRERAS DE SCORPIO (The Scorpio Races) by Maggie Stiefvater (Spanish HB)
- CINDERELLA, or THE LITTLE GLASS SLIPPER by Camille Rose Garcia (HB)
- EVERY HEART A DOORWAY (Wayward Children #1) by Seanan McGuire (YA/HB)
- KISSES AND CURSES by Fierce Reads (YA/PB)
- THE MERMAID'S DAUGHTER by Ann Claycomb (Adult Lit/PB)
- THE GIRL OF INK AND STARS by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (YA/UK PB)
- PETER PAN AND PETER PAN IN KENSINGTON GARDENS by J.M. Barrie (Wordsworth Classic PB)
- THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine De Saint Exupery (Macmillan Collector's Library HB)
- WE'RE ALL WONDERS by R.J. Palacio (Children's Picture Book/HB) 

My current collection of THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater :)

What I read in April

- WE COME APART by Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan (YA/ARC)
- OUTSIDE SHOT by Fred Bowen (MG/HB) 
- ZEBRA ON THE GO by Jill Nogales (C/HB) 
- PRINCE RIBBIT by Jonathan Emmett (C/HB)
- WE'RE ALL WONDERS by R.J. Palacio (C/HB)
- SPILL ZONE by Scott Westerfeld (YA/Graphic Novel)
- THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF CRAFTY CAT by Charise Mericle Harper (MG/Graphic Novel) 
- THE NAMELESS CITY by Faith Erin Hicks (MG/Graphic Novel)
- VAMPIRINA AT THE BEACH by LeUyen Pham (C/HB)
- THE STONE HEART (The Nameless City #2) by Faith Erin Hicks (MG/Graphic Novel) 
- THE NAMES THEY GAVE US by Emery Lord (YA/ARC) 
- DECELERATE BLUE by Adam Rapp (YA/Graphic Novel) 
- WINDFALL by Jennifer E. Smith (YA/ARC)

What I plan on reading in May

First, I hope to finish reading: 
- CARAVAL by Stephanie Garber (YA/HB) - I keep procrastinating finishing this; I'm so scared to see how it finishes and not like it :(

- KISSES AND CURSES by Fierce Reads (YA/PB) - I've only been able to read the first short story. I may just try to read at least one short story every weekend.

- THIS SAVAGE SONG (Monsters of Verity #1) by Victoria Schwab (YA/HB) - Only a few chapters in... and I am very intrigued!

And then, I hope I have enough time to possibly read a few of these: 
- A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas (YA/HB) (- SWOON!!!)
- STRANGE THE DREAMER by Laini Taylor (YA/HB)
- EVERY HEART A DOORWAY (Wayward Children #1) by Seanan McGuire (YA/HB) 
- STARTUP by Doree Shafrir (A/HB BOTM)
- ONE GOOD THING ABOUT AMERICA by Ruth Freeman (MG/HB)
... and probably a few more picture books and graphic novels!

Thank you sooo much for stopping by!

Please let me know in the comments what you're reading... and leave your blog or book haul links too!

And FYI, I have scheduled reviews for almost everyday in May!!!

Please remember to stop back and take a peek at my thoughts on all kinds of books that I have read this year - lots of YA, picture books, graphic novels and a book or two on adult lit as well!!!

Happy reading!!!

P.S. I am now a rep for Hey Atlas!!!

Use coupon code: thebumblegirl to save 10% off 
your orders of their amazing double-sided bookmarks and vinyl stickers!!!

Inspirational stickers and bookmarks.

"The head is too wise the heart is all fire"
quote from The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

"He mad her feel like more than the sum of her parts"
quote from Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Please take a moment to check out @treehouseofbooks to see more pics, info etc.

You can find more bookish, planner and sticker pics on my instagram too!
@thebumblegirl

xoxoxo

New Bumbles and Fairy-Tales Update!

Hello everyone!

It seems that I fell of the blog-o-sphere again, lol!

Truth is, between not having a computer/laptop since last November and trying to get in control of my anxiety issues - I just haven't been able to post any of my reviews, hauls, etc. It's not easy trying to do everything from an iPhone and small kindle... quite stressful and eye-straining. But, I'm happy to say that I finally have a home computer again - one that I LOVE! And I am really looking forward to FINALLY catching up! I can literally post a review every day for the next 3 months straight - that's how many books and notes I have written down, lol! I won't be able to post everyday, but I'm definitely going to try my best to share as often as I can - I really do miss blogging, so much!!!

I'm very thankful for everyone on Instagram! That's my favorite app and where I have been trying to keep up with the bookish world the most! (If we dont' already follow each other on Instagram, what are you waiting for??? I'm @thebumblegirl ;)

Other than Instagram, I have been reading, planning and writing! I never thought I would write more than poetry or short stories for myself, but I am attempting to outline 2 books right now... and I am in heaven! I'll probably share more when I have more of a solid idea as to where I'm going with my stories, etc. 

I hope you all are doing well! I miss you all so much!

I'm really looking forward to catching up with all of you really soon!!!

xoxo

Book Review: WHEN YOU'RE FEELING SICK by Coy Bowles (C)

WHEN YOU'RE FEELING SICK

by Coy Bowles 

Release date: January 10th, 2017

Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Format: Hardcover 

Format read: ARC

My rating: 4 1/2 stars 

SUMMARY

Sneezing? Coughing? Taking a sick day?

Don't worry, you'll be feeling better soon thanks to this hilarious picture book from Coy Bowles, guitarist of the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band. Full of encouraging - and super silly - rhyming advice on how to face sick days with courage and a positive attitude. 

When You're Feeling Sick is just what the doctor ordered!

Comes with a sheet of stickers to bring a smile to every sick kid's face.

MY REVIEW

A super fun, silly and interactive book that will cheer up the boogiest kid in the world!

A very funny story about the things that happen when you get sick and what you should and shouldn't do to get better. Full of hysterical anecdotes and matching colorful illustrations - your little patient will definitely crack a smile if not laugh out loud and shoot snot-rockets out of their nose! 

The rhyming is fun and oftentimes gets a bit off track with silly strings of no-nonsense tongue-twisting run-on sentences that will sure be fun to go over and over until you get it right. The illustrations are bright and cartoon-like making it seem like you're watching a tv show and in their world.

Written after the author and his father spent a long time at his mother's bedside at the hospital and meeting an old high school friend's sick daughter, he wanted to write something that would not only entertain children while they are sick, but to also encourage them to stay strong, to take their medicine and to be hopeful that one day they will be better. 

I do believe that this book is wonderful for any child going through any type of illness. It talks about not letting the germs win, doing the right things to get better and in the end, everything will be alright as it is intended to be. 

This bright and colorful book will definitely be remembered and very much requested whenever your kiddo is sick!

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Coy Bowles

Coy Bowles plays guitar and organ and writes songs for the multi-platinum Zac Brown Band. They have won three Grammys and since 2009 have earned 55 award nominations from the Grammys, Academy of Country Music, American Music Awards, Country Music Association, and Country Music Television. 

Born in Thomaston, Georgia, Coy was raised on love, support, and the idea that he could do anything he put his heart and soul into. 

After earning a degree from Georgia State University's Jazz Studies program, Coy formed the band Coy Bowles and the Fellowship. In 2006, they opened for the Zac Brown Band, and soon after Zac asked Coy to join his band full time. 

Coy's first book, the self-published Amy Giggles: Laugh Out Loud, teaches kids to accept themselves as they are. 

Links: Website / Goodreads

Blog Tour (Review): THAT'S ME LOVING YOU by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (C)

THAT'S ME LOVING YOU

by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Release date: December 27th, 2016

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Format: Hardcover

Format read/reviewed: Hardcover from the publisher.

My rating: 4 1/2 stars

SUMMARY

From the author of the New York Times bestseller I Wish You More, comes a book that promises continuous love and makes the perfect gift for fans of Emily Winfield Martin's The Wonderful Things You Will Be and those looking for something new to add to their shelves next to the classic The Runaway Bunny. 

Wherever you are, 

Wherever you go, 

Always remember 

And always know... 

That feeling you always have in your heart?

That's me loving you.

Amy Krouse Rosenthal captures parents' desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us - from a soft breeze to a shimmering star. 

MY REVIEW

A very sweet and gentle story to be read to little ones while snuggled up in their favorite jammies and blanket... the book is filled with colorful, warm and connecting illustrations that will encourage your child to interact and ask questions, and/or will give them the courage and peace they seek from whatever they may be feeling at that moment... 

The story itself flows and will bring serenity over everyone, the reader and whoever is listening. It gently soothes all involved; allowing everyone to believe that they're not alone. It encourages children that no matter what situation they may be, whether they are in school, with the babysitter, or if a loved one has gone away for a long time or has passed away, they are never alone. That a small part of that person is/will always be with them just as long as they take a moment to remember that they are. There are little ways to remind your child to seek through their surroundings to connect to you or whomever they are missing to find reassurance, safety and love.

It is often hard for young children to remember self-coping methods when they are feeling disconnected, lonely or suffering from separation anxiety... if there is anyway to remind them of a favorite line from their favorite book, an illustrations, a toy, etc. they can eventually learn to remember on their own that someone is always thinking of them, loves them for always - and eventually they will learn to work through their feelings themselves. 

An unforgettable story told from the heart! Definitely for those who adore The Kissing Hand, Guess How Much I Love You and I Love You Through and Through!

*I received this book from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Amy Krouse Rosenthal is the author of over 20 children's books. Her titles include Uni the Unicorn, Plant a Kiss, Little Pea, Spoon, The Wonder Book, Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons, and Duck! Rabbit!. 

A long-time contributor to NPR, she is currently the host and creator of MissionAmyKR.com produced by Chicago Public Radio. 

Amy lives with her family in Chicago.

Links: Website / Goodreads

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Teagan White

Teagan White is a freelance illustrator specializing in playful watercolors and illustrated typography.

Originally from Chicago, Teagan now lives and works in Minneapolis, where she received a BFA in illustration from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design in 2012. 

Links: Website / Goodreads

Hello friends!!!

Hello and happy (belated) new year to you all!!!

I have missed you! And, books, blogging, EVERYTHING! SO very much!

I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things this year... 

The last 2 years have been so hard to keep up with bookish things... during this time, I made quite a few mistakes with broken promises to read, review and participate in a few blog tours and challenges. On a daily basis, my introverted-self struggled to having to communicate with my bookish peers that I couldn't go through with my commitments. Many lessons have been learned! And I am so glad to have been able to keep in contact with so many understanding and caring people in the community - I am so very happy to be a part of it!

In the last year, my family and I have moved again, lol! But this time, it is OUR home! And hopefully permanent for many, many years to come! We have a lot of renovations that need to be done this summer, thankfully, the majority of it all is mostly just trying to make all of our space livable and usable... My boys are more active and have a lot of things going on - and as you all know, my family always comes first. I've also been dedicating more time to my other hobbies - planning, writing and sewing! 

With so much going on this year, I am keeping an open-mind but very realistic and flexible blogging schedule. Being more communicative with my peers and followers. And, most importantly, having fun!!!

On that note, a quick recap of my bookish things from last year... 

I was able to read a total of 50 books!
However, I do count ALL and ANY books that I have read - including picture books, graphic novels, etc. Out of those 50, only 2 were re-reads. And the majority of the books that I read were fairytale retellings and fantasy. 

The best book that I read in 2016 was AFTERMATH by Clara Kensie!!!
It's powerful, intense, heart-wrenching! A definite must read! If I could have given it more than 5 stars I would have!!!

And, you will all be so very proud of me!... I finally started reading the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy!!! I'm in the middle of book 2, Days of Blood and Starlight, right now.

There are a few books that I wish I would had read last year that I am determined to make time for this year... 
- Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

And, some books that I want to re-read this year...
- The Snow Child  
- Alice in Wonderland 
- Little Women 

And the books I am most excited for in 2017 are... 
- All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater (<--- already pre-ordered!!!)
- Caraval by Stephanie Garber (<--- reading this now!!!)
- RoseBlood by A.G. Howard (<--- already read this and gave it 5 stars!)
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Overall, I really do wish to get back into reading more and blogging regularly again. I am still trying to clear the cobwebs and figure out a doable schedule; but I have promised myself to be aware of what I can and can't do. Not to get intimidated by others. To stick with my favorite genres (young adult fairytales/retellings, fantasy contempoary... some middle grade retellings and magical realism... a lot more picture books and graphic novels... and for fun, a few adult lits and maybe a little romance, lol!). 
And to remember to keep things light, simple and fun!!! 

Thank your all for your love and support!!!