Winter Reading 2022 The Last Gifts of the Universe

 

I sent my family this text when I reached the end of the book: I have been totally wrecked and cried so hard I couldn't breathe because of a book with killer aliens, greedy corporations, galactic archaeologists, a cat in a space suit, and talk of "an amazing, terrible, impossible movie with robot vamipires." After that, what else can I say? Quite a few things actually. This book is a quick read, but manages to include sibling relationships, the lengths we are willing to go to save a loved one, the conflict between the common good and corporate profits, and what makes a well-lived life. 

Scout, her brother Kieran, and their cat Pumpkin are on a mission to recover records from ancient civilizations for the Archivists. The scholars hope to find details about what caused the death of all the other worlds ever discovered. "Seven hundred years ago, technology gave us the keys to the cosmos ...What we found was a graveyard." In a data cache on one of these planets could there be a way to save the Home worlds? 

Opposing them are galactic distances, unstable ruins, and Verity Co. which "stands in the way of everything the Archivists are trying to sow...They'd put the cure for death behind a paywall if they could." I picture them as a combination of Weyland-Yutani and the Umbrella Corporation. They have the best in equipment, reconnaissance, and motivation - and they don't care who they trample over to bring home the goods.

There are incredible moments of humor (remember, cat in a spacesuit), heartbreak, pulse-pounding danger, and downtime with silly movies and pizza. Due for publication April 7, 2022, this is a read that can appeal to fans of Sci-Fi, YA coming of age stories, and knowledge quests. 

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The True Story of Nick the Firedog Virtual Book Tour

The True Story of Nick the Firedog: Book Giveaway

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The True Story of Nick the Firedog autographed by Timothy P. Dexter, Jr. and Nick's personal pawprint stamp!

Three (3) winners receive:

An autographed paperback copy of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

ABOUT THE BOOK

The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Written by Timothy Dexter, Jr.

Ages 4-8 | 24 Pages

Publisher: Independently Published | ISBN-13: 9798746907578

Publisher’s Synopsis: The True story of “Nick the Firedog” is a true story about a pit bull puppy that was left abandoned and tied to a fire hydrant a block away from the firehouse. The puppy was rescued by the local firefighters where he quickly became a permanent fixture at the firehouse and a local celebrity. He goes on calls, teaches fire prevention, and even has his own fire coat.

MY REVIEW

Books about pets finding their forever homes are popular with young readers - they have the double appeal of a happy ending and an animal as the main focus of the story. When it is also a true story, that makes it even more appealing. Since fire trucks and firefighting are also hot topics in books for young readers, this book is sure to find a wide audience. Nick’s story of being left by an owner that couldn’t care for him and being rescued by the firefighters at the nearby station house has been written by one of Nick’s new firefighter family. The illustrations show Nick as a frightened puppy tied to the fire hydrant, then his change to a happy dog in his fire coat helping to teach fire safety to children. The text explains that the crew at the fire station brought Nick in, fed him, bathed him, and gave him affection. For those who are worried that their child may begin bringing home every animal they encounter, the story points out that Nick was a good fit at the fire station and that the crew asked the chief if they could keep him. This would be a good book to give a child who enjoys true stories, animal books, or tales of firefighters. It could also be used to talk about fire safety by reviewing the things Nick and the crew discussed with the schoolchildren they visited (fire drills, smoke alarms, etc.). And for those who are having a bad day, the lesson Nick learned - that things don’t always turn out as badly as we fear - is a good one to share.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3skWaor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Timothy Dexter, Jr. is a 20 year veteran of the Fire Service. The author currently holds the rank of Assistant Fire Chief of the City of Newburgh, NY Fire Department where the real Nick the Firedog lives. This is the first book he has written which tells the true story of how an abandoned puppy got a new lease on life as a firehouse mascot.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, February 14, 2022 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 The Fairview Review A book review of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers A book review of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Thursday, February 17, 2022 icefairy’s Treasure Chest A book review of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Monday, February 21, 2022 J.R.s Book Reviews A book review of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 Crafty Moms Share A book review of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Because I Said So A book review of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Tuesday, March 1, 2022 The Momma Spot A book review of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Wednesday, March 1, 2022 Tales of a Wannabe Superhero Mom A beyond the book activity for The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Thursday, March 3, 2022 Confessions of a Book Addict A book giveaway of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

Friday, March 4, 2022 Lisa’s Reading A book review of The True Story of Nick the Firedog

The Fairview Review is participating in the virtual tour in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Timothy P. Dexter, Jr.

Winter Reading 2022 Our World Is a Family

 

Anyone looking for a simple introduction to why families relocate to new homes in unfamiliar places should pick up a copy of this book by the founder of Miry's List (a nonprofit organization that helps refugee families resettle in the U.S.).  The book begins by pointing out that families live in a variety of places and speak many different languages around the world, but sometimes conditions become unsafe and they must find a new home. It shares the long journeys, leaving behind possessions or even relatives, and arriving tired and unsure in a different place. But then it moves into how we can help a new neighbor to feel welcome and settle in - things as simple as a smile, a wave, or a housewarming gift. 

Illustrations throughout the book depict families of many backgrounds and cultures. Even the endpapers are covered with the phrase, "I am here" in various languages. The unsafe conditions are represented by scenes such as families being rescued from a flood or children waving to each other from their windows because they can't go out to play - there are no horrific details that would be too frightening for young readers. The characters themselves have a wide range of skin tones, clothing, and other distinguishing features. The visual presentation along with the text make the entire book feel welcoming and supportive.

For more information about Miry's List, visit the website at https://miryslist.org/ or watch Miry's TEDTalk on How to Be a Good Neighbor.

Winter Reading 2022 Sunflower Sisters

"The skin we are in is EXACTLY as it is meant to be." That message comes through in the story of friends Amrita and Kiki as they both prepare for family weddings. When Aunty arrives for the wedding and begins handing out skin-lightening creams and advice about staying out of the sun and avoiding certain foods, Amrita is puzzled and turns to her mother for guidance. Mom explains that some people see lighter skin tones as more beautiful and try all sorts of methods to change the color of their skin. 

Luckily for Amrita, her parents make sure she feels loved, valued, and confident. After attending her sister's wedding in a beautiful golden outfit that makes her feel like a lovely flower, Amrita peeks in to see her friend Kiki's family celebrating with Kiki's brother Yemi and his new bride. The two friends swear to always "make each other feel like sunflowers every day." A final montage shows the friends as they grow up and open a boutique together.

I was fortunate enough to see the author and illustrator talk about their book. Monika has a doctorate in psychology and also designs clothing. Michaela has a background in textile design and is also a children's book illustrator; she surprised the author by including some of Monika's designs in the  last spread of the book, which depicts a fashion show. 

Back matter explains what colorism is, how it can be harmful, and what we can do to change it.

Winter Reading 2022 You Are Not Alone

 

In a time when there is increasing notice of which voices are being heard or silenced and which faces are being shown or neglected in children's literature, Alphabet Rockers are moving their message into picture books. This "intergenerational group creates brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip hop" and has now written a book addressing some of those inequities.

Young people from different cultural backgrounds, racial and gender identities, and other characteristics that society uses to pigeonhole individuals are shown in the pages as their challenges are addressed. Situations that arise every day such as having their names mispronounced or laughed at, invasive questions asked about their gender, or the struggle of indigenous youths to claim their history and culture are illustrated in vibrant colors throughout the pages. Repeated refrains of "you are not alone" transition readers from one scene to the next. 

The characters speak directly to the reader asking, " Have you ever felt like people didn't get you?" Questions like that pull the reader in, encouraging them to empathize by remembering their own hard times. The most powerful may be "When I say something is unfair to me, but you say it's fair to you, what does that make it?" Just that one sentence can open up a dialogue about fairness and equity that could lead to better understanding between friends and classmates.

 

For more information about the Alphabet Rockers, visit their website   https://www.alphabetrockers.com/ and don't forget to check out the You Are Not Alone video.

My Butt Is So Silly! Virtual Book Tour

 

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a prize pack that includes three hilarious stories in one NOISY book with a sound button!

Five (5) winners receive:

A copy of I Need a New Butt!, I Broke My Butt!, My Butt is So NOISY!: 3 Hilarious Stories in one NOISY Book

The giveaway ends February 27, 2022, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

My Butt is So Silly: Book Giveaway

My Butt is So Silly 

Written by Dawn McMillan

Illustrated by Ross Kinnaird

Ages 6-10 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Dover Publications | ISBN-13: 9780486849768

Publisher’s Synopsis: Everyone’s favorite character from I Need a New Butt!, I Broke My Butt!, and My Butt is So Noisy! is back in a hilarious new story about a silly butt that won’t stop moving! The talented duo of children’s author Dawn McMillan and illustrator Ross Kinnaird have created another delightful, laugh-out-loud tale of a bothersome backside that leads to all kinds of amusing adventures. The fun never stops, from the first page to the last of this newest book in the best-selling series.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KeW5Ld

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780486849768

Dover Publications: https://store.doverpublications.com/0486849767.html

OFFICIAL LINKS

doverpublications.com

https://www.facebook.com/doverpublications

https://twitter.com/doverpubs

https://www.instagram.com/doverpublications

https://pinterest.com/doverpublishing/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dawn McMillan writes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and storybooks for children. She is also the author of Woolly Wally and Holy Socks. Dover also publishes her collaborations with illustrator Ross Kinnaird including everyone’s favorite character, the boy with the troublesome backside from bestsellers I Need a New Butt!, I Broke My Butt!, and My Butt is SO NOISY! Additional Dover publications include Doctor Grundy’s Undies and Seagull Sid and the Naughty Things His Seagulls Did! She lives in Waiomu, New Zealand.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

In addition to his collaborations with Dawn McMillan, Ross Kinnaird has illustrated such children’s books as 50 Body Questions and the animated poem “Smaller,” winner of the People’s Choice Award at the World Parkinson Congress. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

ADDITIONAL BOOKS BY DAWN MCMILLAN

I Need a New Butt! 978-0-486-78799-2

A boy suddenly notices a big problem — his butt has a huge crack! So he sets off to find a new one. Will he choose an armor-plated butt? A rocket butt? A robot butt? Find out in a quirky storybook that children and parents will love, no ifs, ands, or butts about it!

 

 

I Broke My Butt! 978-0-486-84273-8

The inventive young hero from the bestselling I Need a New Butt! is back and this time he has accidentally glued a serving tray to his behind — and he’s tickled pink! See, it’s great for sliding down hills, surfing big waves, and other booty-full fun and games. Now all his friends want one too! Another cheeky farce from Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird.

 

My Butt is SO NOISY! 978-0-486-84731-3

Everyone’s favorite character from the bestselling I Need a New Butt! and I Broke My Butt! is back with a new problem — his butt is too noisy! The latest and loudest sequel follows our hero’s hilarious adventures caused by the hooting and tooting, humming and strumming, and clicking and ticking of a bothersome backside. Can the noises be put to good use? Find out in this latest cheeky tale from Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird.

 

I Need a New Butt!, I Broke My Butt!, My Butt is So NOISY! 978-0-486-84863-1 – Hardcover bindup with sound button

Brimming with fun, this hilarious collection combines all three bestselling books about the boy with the troublesome backside: the original I Need a New Butt!, its sequel I Broke My Butt!, and the latest addition to this series of silly stories, My Butt is SO NOISY! The children’s book duo of author Dawn McMillan and illustrator Ross Kinnaird offers laugh-out-loud humor in these delightful rhyming stories, now with an interactive sound button that will keep preschoolers and kids—and grown-ups, too—giggling from the first page to the last.

 

Doctor Grundy's Undies 978-0-486-83248-7

A strong gust of wind sweeps Doctor Grundy’s best undies off the clothesline and out to sea. Who will get their hands on these unusual undergarments? A cracked crew of pirates? A silly Scottish bagpiper? Find out in this fun-filled and irreverent world tour by the bestselling team of McMillan and Kinnaird, the cheeky creators of I Need A New Butt!

 

Seagull Sid 978-0-486-83247-0

The bestselling creators of I Need a New Butt are back with more wisecracking rhymes and side-splitting illustrations! Seagull Sid and his fine feathered mates are sick of looking at all the rubbish that people leave behind at the shore. But how can the seagulls reclaim their beach from the trashy humans? No worries, Sid has a mischievously messy plan of attack — watch out below!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 27, 2022 The Children’s Book Review A book series review including My Butt is So Silly

Friday, January 28, 2022 The Children’s Book Review An author interview with Dawn McMillan

Monday, January 31, 2022 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers A book review of My Butt is So Silly

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 The Momma Spot A book series review including My Butt is So Silly

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog A book review of My Butt is So Silly

Friday, February 4, 2022 Lisa’s Reading A book review of My Butt is So Silly

Monday, February 7, 2022 Shooting Stars Mag A book series review including My Butt is So Silly

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 Because I Said So A book series review including My Butt is So Silly

Wednesday, February 9, 2021 The Fairview Review A book giveaway including My Butt is So Silly

Thursday, February 10, 2021 icefairy’s Treasure Chest A book review of My Butt is So Silly

 

The Fairview Review is participating in the virtual tour and giveaway in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Dover Publications.