Links of Interest
A state-by-state listing of children's book authors
and illustrators who do school visits : www.authorbystate.blogspot.com
Jen's Agent, Anna Olswanger : www.olswanger.com
"Pig Kahuna"...released May 2011
Kirkus best children's books of 2011
* "Surf’s up! Pig Fergus and his baby brother, Dink, spend their time beachcombing for treasures–and, in Fergus’s case, avoiding the “lurking, murky ickiness” of the water. When they discover an unclaimed surfboard, the siblings give it a face and name it “Dave.” But when Fergus goes off to get ice cream, Dink decides that Dave needs to be wild and free and tosses it back into the sea. In an effort to save the board, Fergus plunges headlong into the water, swims out to it, and climbs on–just as a huge wave launches them back toward the beach. In the satisfying conclusion, the triumphant pigs continue their treasure hunting as newly minted and obviously happy surfers. The big-eyed, big-eared porkers, one in a loud Hawaiian shirt and the other in his dinky diaper, carry the story along against the sand and sea backdrops. The full-color acrylic and colored pencil illustrations have a sketchy, active feel that bounces merrily along and keeps the focus squarely on the expressive porcine pair. Children will appreciate the imaginative play that the pigs engage in as well as cheer when Fergus overcomes his fear to become the Pig Kahuna.”
~School Library Journal, starred review
* "The world is full of treasures. Concern for a friend trumps personal fears. Sometimes little brothers know best. Imagination is everything. Any of these might be the message behind this offbeat adventure, but none quite captures its goofy charm. Fergus and his baby brother Dink are anthropomorphized pigs—pink, plump and extremely expressive. They enjoy searching the beach, where they find interesting seaweed, oddly shaped rocks and bits of shell. Then they discover something extraordinary: a gleaming surfboard. Fergus is reluctant to ride it (he's afraid of the water and what "lurking, murky ickiness" might be hiding in it) but they manage to have fun anyway, tap-dancing across it, using it as a pretend boat and even giving it a name—"Dave." In a scene sure to give some parents fits, Fergus leaves Dink by the water's edge to fetch some ice-cream cones. That's when Dink decides that Dave should be returned to the ocean. Attempting to rescue his friend, Fergus discovers just how fun surfing can be. Sattler's bold, bright paintings add emotion and humor. They also carry some parts of the narrative, as in an almost wordless double-page spread that accompanies Dave's first appearance. The briskly paced text, meanwhile, offers alliteration and deadpan humor. Together words and pictures create an utterly engaging picture-book experience—eye-catching, thought-provoking and just plain fun.”
~Kirkus, starred review
“Sattler's whimsical acrylics and colored pencil illustrations adeptly show Fergus's horror when Dave floats out to sea… Sattler (Chick 'n' Pug) offers visual gags aplenty and an evocative beachside setting that makes it clear that while the ocean can be scary, it's also pretty tubular.”
~Publishers Weekly
Beach fun and an exciting water rescue will draw children to this bright picture book, as will the elemental theme of overcoming scary scenarios. Along with his baby brother, Dink, piglet Fergus likes to collect the treasures that the waves leave on the sand. But Fergus is always scared of a “lurking murky ickiness” in the water, and the pictures, in acrylics and colored pencil, show the scowling, neon-colored big-toothed monsters he imagines in the deep. When a big surfboard washes ashore, it becomes the star of the boys’ collection—a pet of sorts that they name Dave. Then Dink thinks Dave wants to return to sea, and after he frees the board into the waves, Fergus swims out to save their pet. The exciting pictures show Fergus clinging to the board in the huge waves—and then he surfs. Young kids will enjoy the triumphant turnaround even as they recognize the truth of how hard it is to face fears.
~Hazel Rochman (Booklist)
“Chick 'n' Pug”...released September 14, 2010
“So adorable! So clever! Love this book! The main character, Chick, loves to read about the adventures of Wonder Pug and then finds his veryown Wonder Pug to befriend. Warm, charming characters, easy language, clever concept, and funny climax. It's got everything!”
~Julie Stiegmeyer jottingsandsuch.blogspot
“Cuter than your average duck. Able to sleep through just about anything. It's a bird...It's a pug...It's...Chick 'n' Pug!
Chick lives for adventures. Pug lives for, well, sleep. In Chick's eyes, however, Pug can do no wrong. In fact, he is WONDERPUG! But with danger around every corner and a hero who's a little low on energy, it may be up to Chick to save the day and earn the prized role of sidechick (er, sidekick . . .) From an exceptional new talent, this is a funny, heartwarming story of misplaced hero worship as well as the beginning of both a beautiful friendship and a new picture book series.”
~247moms.blogspot
“The antics of this mismatched, odd couple from the animal world will have young readers giggling with glee as they see how misplaced hero worship can create a very funny situation.
... this tale about Pug and Chick will delight young readers who will find Chick's attempt to ignite his new buddy and get him motivated to do something (actually, anything!) very amusing.”
~bookideas.com
“This story about friendship will resonate with children who find their heroes in unlikely places. A small yellow chick sets off to find the kind of excitement seen in his favorite book, The Adventures of Wonder Pug! When he meets a barrel-chested pug who's more interested in sleeping than adventure, Chick still thinks he is "magnificent." Much of the book's humor revolves around Chick's misinterpretations of the dog's actions. When Pug yawns, Chick is "aflutter with excitement. ‘Let the adventure begin!' " And when the pug tears at the striped sweater his owner has saddled him with, Chick is the ultimate cheerleader: "Look at him go! He must have trained vigorously to bear such an opponent!" Sattler (Sylvie) is particularly adept with the characters' facial expressions. Chick is determined, baffled, surprised; Pug is long-suffering, worried, grateful. When a placid cat, Mr. Snuggles, intrudes and Pug continues to sleep ("Clearly Pug's strategy was to play dead"), the bird enters the heroic fantasy he's created, chasing the cat away with a "WOOF!" and crowing, "Mr. Snuggles didn't count on Wonder Pug having a sidekick, did he?” Ages 3-6. (Sept.)
~Publishers Weekly
“Sattler is back with another clever yarn. Preschool fans of dogs, chickens, superheroes, and humor will all find something to like here, as will librarians looking for something to freshen up storytimes, Delightful.”
~School Library Journal
“Chick ‘n’ Pug is a delightful story about an energetic duck and a sleepy pug. Chick is such a lovable character! I smile with every word Chick says. Jennifer Sattler, the author ofChick ‘n’ Pug, did a great job of creating a fun and heart warming story. I find there are parts of this story that actually appeal to adult readers, so both you and your child will enjoy the experience of reading Chick ‘n’ Pug! The illustrations are excellent as well. Chick’s facial expressions are great! They capture my toddler’s attention every time we read this book. In fact, I think this book does an excellent job of helping me teach my son about facial expressions and what they mean.”
~thechildrensnook.net
“Sylvie”...released May 26, 2009
Winner Mockingbird Award 2011
“... Sattler’s punchy text and expressive paintings convey Sylvie’s ample personality with panache (the leggy flamingo strikes bold—and rather coquettish—poses as she delights in each of the colors) against paint-smeared beachy backdrops. Though she finally decides to be true to herself, the heroine displays her spunkiness at the story’s end, as her tail duplicates the stripes of the rainbow lollipop she indulges in for dessert, leaving kids with a fittingly whimsical parting image. Ages 3–6. (May)”
~PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (May 18, 2009)
“Meet Sylvie, a young flamingo definitely in the “why” stage. “Mama,” she asks, “Why are we pink?” It’s a great question and when Mama answers that it is because the shrimp they eat are pink, the curious Sylvie gets an idea. What happens if she nibbles items of other colors? (Sylvie has obviously heard of the scientific method) Of course, as Sylvie samples she turns a variety of hues from chocolate to purple paisley. Sylvie’s tummy rebels and Sylvie decides it is better to be her pink self after all—with just a touch of panache. Sattler’s whimsical watercolor illustrations are perfect for the Preschool-Kindergarten set, with simple text and a single color element on each page. My twins are crazy about this book—the tummy ache page is their favorite—and the humor works equally well for five-year-olds AND those of us in (late) middle age! The boys give Sylvie (Random, May 2009) a multi-chromatic two thumbs up.
Who knew a flamingo could pose in so many funny positions or turn “rather stripey?” The artwork delighted me from the googly-eyed pink shrimp and the vibrant use of color to the wide swaths of brushstrokes of the backgrounds. The natural history lesson is humorously delivered, but young researchers might want to delve deeper to find out what the shrimp are eating that causes them to turn the flamingos pink. Sylvie delivers a good lesson about the perils of overeating and poor nutrition for the current focus on children’s obesity, but done in a fun way that won’t single out overweight children in the classroom. And, for those of us who just can’t stay away from sweets entirely, the cautionary ending allows for a little dessert in moderation!”
~BOOKLIST ONLINE (May 2, 2009)
“You are what you eat” is more than just a saying for Sylvie the flamingo. Dissatisfied with the sameness of her family when contrasted with the rest of the world, she asks her Mama why flamingos are all pink. The answer—“the little shrimp we eat are pink”—leads her to seek more colorful things to eat, with hilarious results. Sylvie is one endearing flamingo, sure to capture readers’ hearts with her exuberant style. The artwork masterfully captures each of Sylvie’s emotions in both facial expression and body language. Sattler’s message is delivered effectively without being preachy. This will
be a hit in just about every setting.” (Picture book. 3-7)
~KIRKUS REVIEWS (April 15, 2009)
“There is a surprise ending that will surely induce giggles from kids. Sattler’s art steals the show; the colors are eye-popping and vibrant, right to the swirling bright endpapers. As Sylvie changes colors the background changes hues as well. This title is sure to create storytime magic.”
~SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (April, 2009)
