Blog Archives
Just Be You
In Just Be You, Valerie Whetstone introduces readers to Pixie, a young fairy whose life is turned upside down when her parents announce they’re leaving the comfort of Fairy Town for the unfamiliar world of Humanville. For Pixie, this news is more than unsettling; it’s earth-shattering. Fairy Town is where she belongs, where she’s free to be herself without fear of judgment. In Humanville, she must conceal her wings and blend in with human children, a task that proves far more complicated than she expects.
Once relocated, Pixie begins attending a new school, and the struggle to hide her true identity intensifies. Every attempt to mask her wings ends in disappointment. Despite her best efforts, nothing seems to work. But Pixie isn’t ready to give up; she tries one final solution. Will it succeed? Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to discover whether Pixie’s bold move brings the acceptance she longs for or something even greater.
This charming tale is not only captivating but also imparts a resonant message. As Pixie wrestles with the pressure to conform, young readers are gently reminded of the power of authenticity. Her journey encourages children to embrace what makes them unique, reinforcing that trying to change who you are for others rarely brings true happiness. Instead, the story champions self-acceptance and honesty as the most empowering path.
The book’s back matter adds depth and interactivity that further enriches the reading experience. Whetstone includes a “Mirror Exercise” that encourages children to speak kind affirmations to themselves, an empowering activity that nurtures self-esteem. A whimsical recipe for Sprinkled Fairy Pancakes, introduced earlier in the story, adds a touch of fun and magic. Additionally, a Journal/Affirmations section invites young readers to reflect, draw, and express gratitude, promoting emotional awareness and self-love. Children can also create lists of “power words” to reinforce their inner strength.
The illustrations by Mel Schroeder are nothing short of enchanting. Every page bursts with warmth and color, pulling readers further into Pixie’s world. Schroeder’s talent shines through in each vibrant, full-page spread, harmonizing beautifully with the narrative.
Just Be You is a heartfelt and empowering picture book that encourages children to stand tall in their individuality. It’s an engaging, thoughtful read with endearing characters and stunning visuals, an excellent resource for parents and educators alike. A truly uplifting story with a timeless message.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DNQHFTTG
The Story of You
The Story of You is a heartfelt ode to human interconnectedness, identity, and the profound beauty within each of us. Through rhythmic prose and lyrical imagery, the author takes readers on a poetic journey that delves deep into our shared lineage, our cosmic origins, and the unending beauty of individuality. It speaks directly to the reader, offering a perspective that blends wonder, spirituality, and self-reflection. The narrative’s consistent themes of unity, boundlessness, and inner strength are a source of comfort and inspiration.
One thing I deeply appreciated was how the writing invited me to pause and reflect. Phrases like “You are one with All That Is and All That Was and Will Be” felt like gentle reminders of our vastness and significance. The author’s ability to weave simplicity with depth left me in awe. At times, the lines carried the soothing weight of a mantra, making me want to reread them out loud. The way the book connects humanity to the cosmos is nothing short of mesmerizing. Statements such as “We are enormous, we are small, we are a part of All” struck me deeply. I found myself pondering the infinite while simultaneously appreciating the mundane, like the microbes and atoms that make us up.
It’s rare for a book to simultaneously evoke feelings of humility and grandeur. What stayed with me most was the celebration of individuality as a symphony of collective history. “Galaxies, Geographies, and Peoples unique. Made up of countless stories you are.” This imagery resonated powerfully, making me feel both connected to others and wonderfully distinct. The metaphors of rivers and melodies painted vivid pictures, but the rhythm sometimes leaned too heavily into its song-like cadence, which may not work for every reader. For me, though, the book’s musicality was a highlight.
The Story of You is for dreamers and thinkers, for those seeking affirmation of their place in the universe. It’s perfect for anyone yearning to feel both connected to humanity and rooted in their individuality. If you enjoy poetic works that are equal parts meditation and celebration, this book will sing to your soul. I closed it feeling lighter, more expansive, and more in tune with the “Lovely Mystery” of being human.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0DMHL91J7
Self-Confidence and Resilience
Jaimie’s Magical Words follows a young girl who begins her day with a series of uplifting affirmations, setting a positive tone as she embarks on her daily adventures. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In Jaimie’s Magical Words, I wanted to emphasize the power of self-belief, positivity, and the importance of representation. It was important for me to share that words can shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions—especially for young children. I wanted children of all backgrounds, especially girls of color, to see themselves reflected in a story that encourages them to love who they are and to speak kindly to themselves. The affirmations in the book serve as a tool to help build self-confidence and resilience, which are crucial for navigating life’s challenges.
The art in this book is fantastic and brings your story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Katerina Voytes?
Collaborating with Katerina Voytes was a wonderful experience. We were both passionate about ensuring that Jaimie’s world was vibrant, joyful, and reflective of her spirit. Katerina has a gift for capturing emotions and expressions, and that was incredibly important to convey my message in a way that felt authentic and relatable to children. We worked closely on each illustration to make sure it aligned with the vision of the story and would resonate with my younger readers. I am so grateful for Katrina’s attention to detail, talent, and dedication to this project.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story, maybe a book of child-friendly affirmations? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, there will definitely be a follow-up book, but it won’t be focused solely on affirmations. While I don’t want to reveal too much just yet, I can share that the next project will continue to inspire and encourage my young audience—especially girls—that they can do and be anything. The new book will continue to build on the themes of empowerment and positivity that are central to Jaimie’s Magical Words while exploring new and exciting adventures. I’m excited to continue this journey and share more when the time is right! My hope is to create a series where each book becomes a tool that parents, teachers, and caregivers can use to nurture self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and more in children. Stay tuned—there’s more magic on the way!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Say hello to Jaimie, a cheerful little girl who relies on the power of daily affirmations to navigate through all of life’s moments. Jaimie’s affirmations become her guiding light – instilling confidence, kindness, and self-love. Through colorful illustrations and heartwarming storytelling, ‘Jaimie’s Magical Words’ inspires young readers to embrace positivity and the magic that lies within.
Quantum Love
![Quantum Love by [Adrea L. Peters, K P Weaver]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/611yo9ccy2L.jpg)
Quantum Love is a quote book by Adrea L. Peters and Karen P Weaver. It is a collection of twenty-two quotes by two of the best-selling authors in the genre of affirmations and quotes. With titles like Harmonize, Growth, Connect, the quotes follow an underlying theme of self-love and connecting to oneself before connecting to the world. Every quote follows an affirmation on the topic.
In a world filled with self-help books that are constantly asking us to work harder and longer and more efficiently, self-love and self-care often take a back seat. Thus, it is refreshing to find a book like Quantum Love that does not talk about getting twenty-five hours’ worth of work done in twenty-four hours. What I like about the book the most is that it feels relaxed. The layout, artwork and words beautifully combine to give a unified experience to the reader. The author’s note at the starting of the book sets a warm and welcoming tone for the book by talking about the “pure love for everything. Good and bad. Right and wrong.” Even though with every single page, the author tries to challenge and widen our definition of what love is and what it means to love oneself, however, they do so in a very gentle way where, rather than making us feel defensive of our views; they gently invite us to look inwards and come to terms with who we are. They invite us to look at ourselves for who we are, gently peeling away the layers we have built over our true selves, acknowledging it, and learning to love it.
Quantum Love has a calming and soothing effect that provides a retreat from the hustle culture of today’s fast-paced life. This is an exceptional affirmations book that can be read over and over again, as and when one needs to, in no particular order.
ASIN: B09H3WY85C
LITERARY TITAN 