Stocking Stuffer Time with Santa Mouse Makes a Christmas Wish based on Michael Brown's Santa Mouse !

Happy Friday! Doesn't that usually mean that a weekend of relaxation and freedom is here after a long week of work? Well, if it does in your world, enjoy it! In our household, this weekend....well, every weekend... means more hectic than during the week. Especially this close to the holidays.

That's why it's time for a....

 Today's review is super-duper-amazing-absolutely cute! And perfect for a little, Christmas surprise for young readers out there. Don't believe me? Well, let's read on!

SANTA MOUSE MAKES A CHRISTMAS WISH

based on Michael Brown's characters

Illustrated by Elfrieda De Witt

Little Simon

24 pages

ages 2 to 6

Santa Mouse searches for his true Christmas talent in Santa’s workshop in this magical 8x8 storybook about finding your own special way to celebrate the holiday.

Life at the North Pole is exciting and different for Santa Mouse, who has become Santa’s littlest helper. Santa Mouse is full of Christmas joy, so he can’t wait to find out the best way to help the others at Santa’s workshop. First, he tries his paws at toy making with the elves, but it’s not quite right. Then he joins the present wrapping station, but it’s still not a good fit. Can Santa Mouse find his true calling?

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /   KOBO   /    WALMART

MY TIDBITS

First off, I had no idea who Santa Mouse was before reading this book. (Gasp here in shock if you need to). Second, there was no way I was going to pass on the chance to review this one because...oh-my-gosh, that mouse is so cute!

This little mouse packs holiday cheer and tons of it, despite his small size. He wants to use it and heads up to the North Pole in hopes of helping Santa get ready for Christmas Eve. The elves are busy, busy, busy, and Santa Mouse does what he can to help get those gifts prepared, but things don't run quite as well as he'd hoped. Instead, his presents are a mess...but can he find a way to help out, anyway?

I'm going to start with the practical bonus of this book, and why I've add it to my 'stocking stuffer' list. Inside the book flaps (beginning and end), there are punch-out ornaments kids can use to help decorate the tree. These are easy to do (maybe, with a tiny bit of help) and add some fun. Plus, they are created in a way which doesn't ruin the book after use. As a fan of do-it books, I had to give this one kudos for that. Now, for the story itself.

The text is simple enough and follows Santa Mouse on his journey. This one flows along very quick, giving a short visit to each scene, which definitely keeps boredom from settling in. It's actually almost too quick, but I do see this one working very well for those young listeners with short attention spans (and the approaching holidays will definitely shorten attention spans). So, I'm taking that as a plus with this book. I was a little confused why it starts with an empty house on the first page, and then, jumps right into Santa Mouse heading to the North Pole. I assume...because it's not said...that Santa Mouse gets lonely???? As said, this is completely left up to readers' imaginations.

The illustrations are bright and cheerful and so holiday-ish. The elves are portrayed more realistic (well, human-like) than is often seen, which I appreciate. The illustrations are created with care in aquarelle and have a nice touch.

This is a sweet, little book with a bit of fun for the Christmas season...and a tiny mouse, who is hard not to like.

Cover Reveal: Of Kingdoms and Crowns by Cameo Renae

 

Of Kingdoms and Crowns
by Cameo Renae
 YA Dark Fantasy
Cover Designer: Jay Villalobos - Covers by Juan
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

COMING...

JANUARY 30TH, 2022!!!

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

 

Cameo Renae, was born in San Francisco, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and now resides with her husband and children in Las Vegas.

She's a daydreamer, caffeine and peppermint addict, who loves to laugh, and loves to read to escape reality.

One of her greatest joys is creating fantasy worlds filled with adventure and romance and sharing it with others. It is the love of her family and amazing support of her fans that keeps her going.

One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe and ride away on her magical unicorn. Until then...she'll keep writing!

Author Links:

Facebook | Blog | Website | Twitter | Fan Club | Newsletter

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

Review: Read Island by Nicole Magistro

Today's read sails masterfully into the theme of this blog...reading is amazing! When I saw this book, read the blurb, and take a quick peek, I knew it was one I had to share. If you take a glance at the small sail on the boat, you might notice that it's created from the page of a book. This tale celebrates the joy of reading, the adventure it can bring, and the magic of each and every journey. 

READ ISLAND

by Nicole Magistro

Illustrated by Alice Feagan

Read Island LLC

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

Join a very brave girl and her furry friends on an adventure to Read Island! Through the power of imagination and the pleasure of reading, this curious trio set sail for a magical island made of books. On their way they discover a joyful collection of animals converging by sea and land, just in time for an unforgettable story hour.

A rhyming celebration of nature, books and the importance of stories, Read Island invites you to experience the diversity and wonder of a hidden and wild place. In the company of sea wolves, humpback whales and spirit bears, readers will discover simple meditations that summon a magical destination - one filled with beloved friends, safe spaces and stories to be revisited again and again.

For make-believe though it may look,
There is an island made of books.
This world of stories, safe and true,
Is always here to welcome you.

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY   

MY TIDBITS

These pages combine a beautiful homage to literature, a sense of adventure, and an invitation into the imagination in a lovely way, which only the written word can bring.

Written in flowing rhyme, the tale follows a young girl and her friends as they board a ship and set sail to Read Island. The island holds sea wolves, bears, whales and more, while harboring more surprises as well. The island also holds a magical spot, where animals (and friends) can hold story time together. So, this one is a homage to tales and shows readers the beauty and imagination reading can hold.

The illustrations are well done and drift right along with the story, allowing each scene to come to vibrant life. Details make rediscovering each page fun (which does mean that this one will be visited more than one or twice). Plus, there's a pinch of secrets thrown in, which will need to be discovered. To say that this one can hold attention from beginning to end is an understatement. It's written for the age group and knows how to hold their interest the entire way through.

Perfect for the age group, the text and word choice make a wonderful read-aloud in a classroom setting or alone at home. It illustrates the wonder of the written word and demonstrates how enjoyable a reading journey can be. 

Sneak Peek: Double Negative by Susan Marshall with Giveaway!

Double Negative

by Susan Marshall

Evernight Teen

 November 12th 2021

YA Contemporary / Romance 

 

Injured competitive swimmer Reece never wanted to be Vice Prez of West Hill High. It was her brother Jamie’s idea, just something to do until she could get back into the pool.

She knew that Jamie—who led his campaign with a striptease “election speech”—would be a complete “President Dumbass.” But Reece didn’t foresee that she’d fall hard for Jamie’s Student Council rival, Zain.

Zain is hot and intense, plus an amputee and a basketball star. Between Zain’s disability and Reece’s surgery, they have their challenges, but that deepens their connection—until he drops a bombshell about his accident. Suddenly, everything important to Reece starts to implode.

Struggling with issues of family loyalty, secrets, and scars, Reece must decide if real relationships are worth the heartache.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

SNEAK PEEK

The atmosphere in the auditorium was near electric. The students were gobbling up the performance, knowing Jamie’s “speech” could be stopped at any second. As he started to lower his swimsuit, DiFran suddenly—finally—stomped onstage. I momentarily covered my eyes with my good hand, and when I peeked through my fingers, I exhaled in relief. His flesh-colored t-shirt was part of a unitard. No frontal nudity today, folks.

Fists and jaw tightly clenched, DiFran leaned in and whispered insistently into Jamie’s ear. But like a pole dancer resisting the grand finale, Jamie shook him off.

High-bun girl leaned forward as my brother turned ass backward to the audience. Large black letters were written across his butt—Free on the left cheek, Ice Cream on the right. High-bun girl— and pretty much the entire student body—went insane as the dance music morphed into a conga drumbeat.

As Jamie thrust out one butt cheek, everyone yelled, “Free!” He pulsed out the other one to a refrain of, “Ice cream!” Even my gym teacher Ms. Walker started shouting along, while Jamie wiggled one cheek and then the other. “Free ice cream!” I gripped the armrest with my good hand. Very presidential.

Moving to the speed of Jamie’s bum, the chanting accelerated to a fevered pitch. Riding an ice cream vendor bike, Dean blasted through the backstage curtain, skidding to a stop. He opened the cooler, pulled out a few boxes of cones, and lifted them up high like a trophy.

DiFran took center stage, waving his arms furiously, trying but failing to halt the deafening noise.

“Are you quite done?” he huffed into the mic. Jamie, who was suddenly in his trunks and at his side, shook his head. “Wrap this up pronto,” DiFran spat.

Jamie tilted the microphone toward his mouth as the auditorium quieted down. Here comes the big speech. Despite all the shenanigans, or maybe because of them, everyone seemed ready to listen. It was almost a dead silence when Jamie leaned in and spoke his first words, slowly emphasizing each letter.

“For free ice cream, vote Jamie and Dean.” He paused. Everyone sat quietly, waiting for more. But instead, Dean ripped open boxes as Jamie reached over and started firing ice cream cones at the audience. Even though I was way out of range, I ducked. A mad scramble ensued. The bull had been released.

And here she is...

A lover of libraries, Susan obtained a Masters Degree in Library Science but found that she was too disorganized for that field. Instead, Susan worked at The Globe and Mail newspaper and then Seneca College. Four kids later, she decided to stay-at-home, spending her quiet moments indulging her love of writing.

The old adage is to "write what you know." In Double Negative, Susan channels her experience as a parent of a teen amputee and her misguided belief that she was once an athlete. The inspiration for NemeSIS was the complicated sister dynamic in Susan's estrogen fuelled household in Hamilton, Ontario. An avid reader, she loves e-books and falls asleep nightly to the soft glow, oblivious to what happened on the last page.

Susan lives in Toronto with her husband, three sons, a daughter, rescue dog Bean and Indy the cat.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

Happy Book Birthday, Shadow of Light by Molly E. Lee!

We're starting out the month with a bit of paranormal and fantasy fun. A brand new title appeared yesterday, which is also the 2nd book in the young adult fantasy series, Ember of Night. It promises demons, angels, supernatural beings, and much more. 

SHADOW OF LIGHT

Ember of Night, Book Two

by Molly E. Lee

Entangled Teen

YA Fantasy

400 pages

Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Tracy Wolff, the second novel in Molly E. Lee’s angels-and-demons YA series will keep readers turning pages until the very end.

I just saved the boy I’m falling for from a gruesome death by a demon. And what does he have to say? I’m the key to opening the gates of Hell. I mean, a thank-you would’ve been nice. Or another scorching-hot, forbidden kiss. Either way, destiny will have to find someone else to torment, because I’m so done.

Or I was, until my little sister starts cackling exorcist-style and stares at me with eyes that aren’t hers. They’re Marid’s, the Greater Demon I just kicked back to the dark realm he came from. Possessing Ray whenever he wants is his ultimate revenge.

The only way to break the tether between them includes a road trip through Hell, aka the Ather. I quickly discover nothing is as it seems in this place. Yeah, there are realms of terror, greed, and desire, but there’s also peace, and a beauty I never knew existed...and it’s eerily familiar.

With each obstacle we encounter, I slip a little further into the chaotic energy of my growing dark powers. And when an unexpected betrayal hits me square in the chest, I freefall into them.

Fate painted me as the monster of nightmares, and after this? Destiny is about to learn just how monstrous I can be.

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N    /    KOBO    /    BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Tense moments mix with action pure to create a heroine, who will go to any length to fight for those she cares about and do what she believes needs to be done.

First off, this book cannot really be read as a stand-alone, since it picks off where book one left off. So, this should be read as a series. This one also holds some 'spicier' scenes. So, readers concerned with that area should be aware.

Hayley is determined to destroy the demon, who possessed her sister, and travels to Hell with her friends. There she must not only pass the circles of Hell but must overcome impossible dangers and deadly creatures. Every turn is more dangerous than the last, and success is definitely not guaranteed.

This book holds even more tension and action than the first. Hayley enters the stomach of Hell. The author has let her imagination take free flight and has created a very vivid and deadly realm. The world building captures with every scene and gives the tale the need darkness and grit. The reader sinks right in with Hayley as she crosses from one deadly situation into the next. Not only is this a quick-paced read, but the plot twists and turns, promising surprises and secrets in all the right places. In other words, it's not a read, which is easily put down.

The characters, especially Hayley, come across well. Often times, I find that personalities suffer as the action increases, but the author has managed to build in a lovely character arc for the heroine. She has a hard journey ahead of her and a lot to learn along the way. Her determination makes her easy to root for. But then, her friends...as well as the romance...aren't to be overlooked, either. It creates a rounded read with heart behind the adventure.

The ending of this book is a cliff-hanger, and while I'd love to know how things will continue, a little patience is required since book three isn't due out until this coming Spring.

DON'T FORGET BOOK ONE IN THE SERIES

EMBER OF NIGHT

Book One

by Molly E. Lee

I’ve never been a stranger to the darkness. But when darkness comes knocking and looks that good, who wouldn’t invite him in?

Draven is mysterious, evasive, and hot as sin. The only thing more infuriating than how much he won’t say is how obnoxious he is every time he does open his mouth. But when a group of strangers attacks me and he fights back, causing them to vanish into a cloud of black dust, I know Draven is more than he seems.

He finally shows me there’s a veil separating the world I know from a world of demons living all around us. Turns out, good and evil are just words. Some of the demons don’t fall into either category. And I’m realizing just how easily I fit in among the ancient warlocks, the divine soldiers, and the twisted supernaturals...

There’s so much more to me. To my past. And to what I am truly capable of than I ever thought possible. So when all signs point to me having the ability to unleash Hell on earth? I’ll have to decide if I want to do the world a solid and save it, or give it one hell of a makeover.

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON    /   B&N   /    KOBO

MY TIDBITS

Demons and angels clash in this quick-paced novel, where a teen battles against the threat of Hell on Earth.

This is the first book in a new series, which features demons and angels. The main character is a teen with a gritty past. Abuse, stronger language, and spicier scenes make this one for the upper end of the young adult group. Hayley is a strong heroine, who has a lot to figure out, especially when the paranormal end rolls in. Her reactions are understandable, and her hopes and determination make her easy to root for. She's fun to follow the whole way through.

The book did have a slower beginning and I did find myself skipping over a paragraph now and then, but still, I didn't really want to give up on it either. Which was a good choice. The pace quickly gains as the tale goes on until it's action pure by the end. As the last chapters hit, it was impossible to put the book down. So much is happening, and Hayley has more than her hands full. Add the journey of her figuring out herself and the new world opening up around her...along with the very deadly dangers, and there's simply a lot to enjoy.

It does end with a cliff-hanger, and I'd definitely recommend grabbing up book two, since that one is even better than this first one.