Book Review And Giveaway- BOB THE BANANA GOES BAD by Steve Petzinger and Selai Akbar-Hussain on tour with IRead Tours

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  BOB THE BANANA GOES BAD by Steve Petzinger and Selai Akbar-Hussain
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   June, 2021
Format available for review:  print-hardback (USA), pdf
Tour dates: June 14 to July 9, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

In this heartwarming story, Bob the banana goes on an emotional journey as he worries about going bad before he can be of any use to Mr. Abbot. With the help of his friends, he learns to hold on to the hope that he will get picked by Mr. Abbott before it is too late. Through their combined support and perseverance of his refrigerated friends, Bob may be just the right item for Mr. Abbot someday.

Buy the Book:
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Mascot Books
author website
add to goodreads

Meet the Authors:

Steve Petzinger first created the concept for Bob the Banana when he was just twelve years old. His mother kept the original version, and over the years, his family urged him to publish it. In 2020, he decided to finally take their advice.

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Petzinger sought help from his close friend, Selia Akbar-Hussain, who has been teaching preschool for eight years. She has read hundreds of children’s books and is knowledgeable about children’s books content. After months of hard work, their dreams of publishing a children's book came true.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Guest post 

Creativity

 

By Steve Petzinger

 

I was a very creative kid.  I remember being a kid and loving to draw,  write, and play music all day long.  I loved being creative because it was an outlet and made me happy.  I would get lost in the creative process and not think about anything else.  Of course back then I had all the time in the world and no responsibilities.  As an adult it’s harder to make time to tap into that creative part of myself.  I work full-time and  do usual adulting things and it seems like there’s not enough hours in the day for even  that.  But there is a burning desire in me to be creative still so I make time.  I play the piano when I get off work. I have a poetry hobby where I use poetry magnets and create short poems on the fridge.  I usually do that late at night before bed.  I write instead of watching tv a couple nights a week as well.  

 

I still have that creative side of myself.  I didn’t outgrow it.  For me, I make time because it’s even more important today to have that outlet.  When I wrote Bob the Banana, life was busy, but I made time and I’m so happy I did.  I felt so proud of myself for fulfilling a creative dream.  I’ve accomplished a lot in life but there’s nothing that compares to seeing out a creative vision to the end.  

 

My Thoughts 

Bob the Banana goes bad is written by Steve Petzinger. It is a fun and beautifully illustrated story about a fridge that is run by Bernie the Bagel who is the mayor. Mr. Abbot owns the fridge. The food friends know that at some point they will be used to make a meal for Mr. Abbot. However before he could be used, Bob turns brown. He feels like he will be no use to anyone and develops a bad attitude.  The other vegetables cheer him on and give him positive encouragement but he feels like he has let them down. Bernie the Bagel notices Bob is missing. The other fruits and vegetables try and find him. During this time Bob realizes that he does have a special purpose and when he reveals it the whole fridge cheers. 

This is a well written and beautifully illustrated story. My children pointed out that when our bananas go bad we bake with them.  I read this story with my 10 and 8 year old sons and we all enjoyed it very much. I received a copy of this book through IRead book tours. All thoughts are my own. 

Enter the Giveaway:

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Book Review and Giveaway - Pint of No Return Author: Dana Mentink On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  Pint of No Return

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release date: May 25, 2021

The first in new dessert cozy mystery series! A murder in town is bound to shake things up…

After her divorce from her thrice-married embezzler husband, Trinidad Jones is finally ready for a fresh start. So when she’s left one of ex’s businesses in Upper Sprocket, Oregon, she decides to pack up her dog, cash in her settlement, and open her dream business: the Shimmy and Shake Shop, introducing the world to her monster milkshakes. And even with a couple sticky situations underway, namely that the other two ex-wives also call Sprocket home, Trinidad’s life seems to be churning along smoothly.

That is, until she discovers her neighbor, the Popcorn King, head down in his giant popcorn kettle. When one of Trinidad’s fellow ex-wives is accused of the murder and Upper Sprocket descends into mayhem, it’s going to take a supersized scoop of courage to flush out the killer.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

Freakshakes. The name says it all, right? Allow me to explain. A freakshake is a milkshake festooned with so many extras (sprinkles, cookies, candy, donuts, cake, slabs of pie) that it is hardly liftable. It is the stuff my sugar fantasy dreams are made of! Now picture a freakshake shop called the Shimmy and Shake in the quaint and quirky town of Upper Sprocket in Eastern Oregon. Known as the “Swiss Alps” of Oregon, this fictional place is the new home to a woman named Trinidad Jones, a lady starting out on the second phase of her life after her husband’s betrayal. Sprinkle in a dose of Papa Luis, her darling Cuban grandfather (inspired by my own Cuban grandfather) who drives a classic Buick, and a devoted service dog flunk out named Noodles. You know what’s missing? A murder, of course! That happens shortly after Trinidad opens her new shop, and from there on out it’s a sticky, spine tingling, sweet and satisfying and slightly funny adventure in mystery land. I had an absolute blast writing the first installment in this series, and I’m knee deep in the second as I write this. Thank you for coming along on the adventure and I hope it’s as satisfying as a monster milkshake!

My Thoughts

Pint of No Return is written by the talented Dana Mentink. This is a cozy mystery and a fun easy read. Dana Mentink is one of my favorite authors and I have been fortunate enough to read her releases from the last 4 years. She is not only a great writer, but she is super reader friendly and her Facebook reader group she is always posting fun videos. 

Pint of No Return is the first book in the Ice Cream Mystery Shop. We meet Trinidad. She is recently divorced and as part of her settlement gets a business in  Upper Sprocket, Oregon. She packs her life up and moves to sell some monster shakes. (Side note, I had to make a milkshake while I was reading this book). Sprocket seems like a super fun small town. However, her ex's other previous wives live there also. Which, could prove awkward. This is the type of town that everyone seems to know everyone. 

Trinidad stumbles upon Kevin the Popcorn King. One of the ex wives are accused. Trinidad wants to prove that she is innocent and sets out to prove that others may have wanted Kevin dead. Why would someone want a popcorn king dead? There are a lot of characters to be suspicious of. You will have to pay attention to the clues that the author leaves. 

The author has created a fun lighthearted cozy mystery. The characters are fun and quirky and my most favorite character was Trinidad's dog, Noodle. The author always creates great mysteries. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, All thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 25

The Avid Reader, June 25

The Write Escape, June 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26

Texas Book-aholic, June 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 27

Blogging With Carol, June 27

Inklings and notions, June 28

Genesis 5020, June 28

Among the Reads, June 29

Daysong Reflections, June 29

Bigreadersite, June 29

For Him and My Family, June 30

Betti Mace, June 30

Worthy2Read, July 1

deb’s Book Review, July 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 2

Through the Fire blogs, July 2

EmpowerMoms, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 3

Lighthouse-Academy, July 4

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 6

Vicky Sluiter, July 6

Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, July 7

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 7

KarenSueHadley, July 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a a signed copy of Pint of No Return, an ice cream bowl and spoon set, and a $30 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10e05/pint-of-no-return-celebration-tour-giveaway

Audiobook Review and Giveaway - Christmas on Breakers Point Author: Chautona Havig and Christa DelSorbo on tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  Christmas on Breakers Point

Author: Chautona Havig and Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 1, 2020

One man’s last Christmas wish might change two lives forever.

Mallory Barrows has one last Christmas with her uncle. She’s determined to make it the best one he’s ever had.

She knows when she asks what he wants as his final gift, it won’t be a tie or a new mug. He won’t need those where he’s going, and he’s quite happy about that.

Mallory just didn’t think he wanted a miracle wrapped in paper and tied with a shiny red bow!

In a twist on a “last chance romance,” Christmas on Breakers Point introduces a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

Christmas on Breakers Point is the introductory book to the Independence Islands Series.

The Independence Island Series: Beach listens aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chautona Havig

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

Christa DelSorbo

“The voice of a friend.”

Christa has a great sense of humor and extensive experience with accents, particularly those of the Southern United States and Great Britain. Her most recent credits include: local live musical theatre actress and choreographer, regional radio commercial voice actress, and speaker for national business events.

 

More from Christa

My Thoughts

Christmas on Breakers Point is written by  Chautona Havig and Narrated by Christa DelSorbo. This is the kick off to the Independence Island Series. This book is part of a series written by multiple authors. I was blessed to be able to listen to this via audio book. I don't listen to a lot via audio books. However, this one was perfect to listen to with all of the traveling that I have done recently. It was also fun to read/listen to a Christmas story during the warm summer months. 

In this story we meet Mallory Barrows. She finds out that her uncle does not have much time to live and wants to give him a Christmas that he will never forget. She returns to the island where she spent her summers determined to make it the best holiday ever. You can tell that Mallory and her uncle are close. They had a close bond. My heart broke to think that this was the end for them. 

I love that the author was able to tackle a tough subject such as cancer. This book is not completely light hearted. It does deal with heavy subjects. The author handles it all beautifully and tactfully. Her descriptions of the island makes you feel like you are sitting there with the wind blowing in your face. 

I am a huge fan of this author. She is able to write across many genres. This story is filled with action, suspense, mystery, and a smidge of romance. As always the author has written a unique story. If you have never read a book by this author  you are missing out. 

As for the narration, I can listen to Christa DelSorbo speak all day. Her voice is calming and flows nicely. I love the way she read this book. She has a gift of speech. I hope to hear more from her in the future. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 3

Cats in the Cradle Blog, July 4

Inklings and notions, July 5

For Him and My Family, July 6

deb’s Book Review, July 7

Remembrancy, July 8

Texas Book-aholic, July 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 12

Splashes of Joy, July 13

Mary Hake, July 13

Blogging With Carol, July 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in the winner’s preferred style (Audio/Paperback/eBook)!!

*Only U.S. residents may receive a paperback copy. If the winner lives outside the U.S., then the winner is limited to an audiobook or eBook.

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10e72/christmas-on-breakers-point-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - Beneath the Forsaken City Author: Carla Laureano On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  Beneath the Forsaken City

Author: Carla Laureano

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: June 8, 2021

With a storm on the horizon, who will stand against the darkness?

Conor and Aine have barely escaped Seare with their lives. Conor knows he must return to find the harp that could end the Red Druid’s reign of terror, but he must first see Aine safely to her family home on the isle of Amanta. When an unnatural storm tears them apart, they find themselves in even more danger than that which they fled.

Because magic is not the only thing to fear in Aine’s homeland, where the Sofarende invaders harry the coasts and shifting clan alliances make it impossible to know who to trust. Conor and Aine must cling to the whispers of Comdiu’s plans for them and their enduring love for one another, even when the future looks darkest.

But with betrayal at every turn, will they give into fear? Or will they learn to depend on Comdiu completely … before all hope is lost?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carla Laureano is the two-time RITA® Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy.A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales andmarketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind towrite fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.

More from Carla

Fictional Magic… and Why It Matters to Us

The first book in the Song of Seare series introduced the culture, religion, and characters of my fictional universe, but it’s this second book, Beneath the Forsaken City, that really delves into the magic of the world, both light and dark.

The light magic in the series comes directly from Comdiu (their version of the Christian God), given as gifts to his people to be used in His service. I approached the creation of this magic much as the real-world church views spiritual gifts: everyone might have a different gift, some people may have more than one, but all of them are meant to be used within the context of God’s commands and promises. They come from a purely good source, but when used for our own glory or for selfish ends or even just without full understanding, they have the potential to be twisted into something that’s harmful or ineffective. In Beneath the Forsaken City, Aine learns how carefully she must wield her powers in order not to sow discord in those around her; Conor must come to grips with the limits and the boundaries of his own abilities, battling the ever-present temptation of pride.

The dark magic, on the other hand, comes from the Adversary either in the form of sorcery or in the powers of the sidhe, the spirits who haunt the isle of Seare and beyond. For this, I delved both into the Celtic myths and fairie tales as well as neo-pagan rituals, particularly for details on scrying. I approached the topic thinking it was a somewhat harmless, if ineffective, practice and left with a deep sense of spiritual unease—this is the type of thing the Bible warns against when it forbids divination and witchcraft. Consequently, when Conor is approached with the opportunity to scry for an answer he desperately needs, he battles the temptation of his own desires against his very clear understanding that it’s dark, forbidden magic.

Some of this may seem academic to the modern Christian reader—most of us aren’t going to be tempted by dark magic or pagan rituals. But I meant it to reflect a warning and a lesson in our larger walk with Christ. Things that come from darkness can never be used for light, even when our intentions are good—God has forbidden them for a reason, because of their danger to ourselves, others, or the integrity of our own souls. Even the gifts and abilities that have been God-given for the use of His kingdom can be corrupted by sin if we’re not anchored to the heart and purpose of Christ.

That’s why my deepest wish is that readers of Beneath the Forsaken City will look beyond the fantasy elements of Seare to the real-world lessons beneath—and be both warned and encouraged in their own spiritual walks.

My Thoughts

Beneath the Forsaken City is a Fantasy book that is written by the talented Carla Laureano. This is book 2 in the Song of Seare series. I have read book 1, and I would recommend reading them in order so that you grasp the full effect of the series. The first book in the series looked more at Conor's training to be a warrior and the battle of good and evil. You can read my review for that book: HERE. In this book Conor will use his knowledge and training and will rely on that warrior training. Aine has grown from the first book also. Aine will channel and use the gifts she has been given. 

Conor has to fine the harp to end the nightmare that has been brought on by the  Red Druid’s reign of terror. First Aine and Conor encounter a storm that separates them. They are now having to navigate separately and its full of danger. I love how many twists and turns there were in this book - I did not know what was going to happen next. I love how the author ended the story - I cannot wait until the next story to come out. The author has done a great job weaving in the Christian faith into this Celtic - era inspired book. I look forward to the other books in the series. I would say this is appropriate to high school kids and up, possibly upper middle grade. It has well written characters. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 27

Worthy2Read, June 27

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 28

Inklings and notions, June 29

Texas Book-aholic, June 30

For Him and My Family, July 1

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

deb’s Book Review, July 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 6

Blogging With Carol, July 7

Labor Not in Vain, July 8

Mia Reads, July 8

A Baker’s Perspective, July 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carla is giving away the grand prize package of a limited-edition hardcover of Beneath the Forsaken City and a sterling silver Celtic pendant!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10e08/beneath-the-forsaken-city-celebration-tour-giveaway