Book Review & Giveaway of Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound! 

Can you believe we’re at the halfway point this year? I’m also shocked to say that as I write this I’m wearing a sweatshirt. It’s been a slow start to the warmer weather and I’m so glad for it. As I’ve gotten back into my reading groove, I’ve come across some wonderful gems. The most recent is Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound by Drew Palacio.

Before I get to my review, here’s a bit about the book:

Julien ran, full of excitement and glee, and tucked himself under a big oak tree. The school day was through, and his homework was done. Finally, he could read Bluebullet (Issue 161)!

All Julien J. wants to do is read his comic book in peace, but when distractions interrupt him time and time again, his frustration boils over. Julien kicks at the ground, he yells, he cries, and when the dust settles, he can’t believe what he sees-Bluebullet, the hero from his comic book, is standing right in front of him!

Learn what Bluebullet has to say about working through the most frustrating moments like a true superhero!

My Review

I loved this book! It had a great rhythm to it, and I loved all the pictures too. That’s one of my favorite parts of children’s books actually. It also had a wonderful message of finding peace and quiet. It’s the lesson that peace comes from within! It’s a great subject to bring up with your child: that even with the sounds around us, it’s the peace coming from within that gives you the ultimate calm. Of course, it’s a challenge that is difficult for adults to find. So, it’s a great time to talk about your own foibles and triumphs looking for quiet.

I highly recommend it!

About the Author

Dr. Drew Palacio grew up in Mendocino County, California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco and currently practices in Kansas. Dr. Drew practices a variety of evidence-based treatments (child-centered play therapy, parent management training, parent-child interaction therapy, and child-centered cognitive therapy for anger and aggression) for a wide range of child diagnoses. Dr. Drew develops curative pathways for children that are both flexible and systemic. He implores the partnership and efforts of family, school, and community.

To maintain a child-like wonder, Dr. Drew regularly immerses himself in comic books, video games, anime, and toys. His pocket-sized notepad is always near and ready when inspiration for a new tale arises. Colleagues have remarked on his ever-unique mind, and children delight in Dr. Drew’s assortment of bow ties.

Through a collection of brightly illustrated stories, along with qualifications derived from more than ten years of providing compassionate care and therapeutic interventions to children and families, Dr. Drew is eager to help as many households as he can.

About the Illustrator

Apolline Etienne is a French illustrator, who specializes in tabletop and children’s book art. She studied animation at the Brussels School of Art and has been a full-time illustrator since 2016. When she isn’t busy illustrating, she enjoys traveling and creating stories of her own. Based in the Loire-Atlantique region of France, she can often be found with her friends in the many tabletop bars and cafes of Nantes.

I’m excited to share that I’ll be giving away a copy of this book to one lucky reader! You’ll receive a print version signed by the author. US only entries, please. Giveaway ends 6/20.

If you liked this, check out these:

My Review of Beneath the Surface by Trey Everett (+ Giveaway) Review of A J Kormon’s Halloway Hills Middle School Mysteries (& Giveaway!) The New Husband by DJ Palmer: A Book Review