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Trying New Things
Winslow the Wizard is a delightful, heartwarming picture book filled with whimsical magic, lovable characters, playful humor, and imaginative fun for young readers. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The idea for Winslow first came up during COVID lockdown when Lucy was in middle school. We thought about writing a book as a fun project and talked about a character named Winslow. We then decided that alliteration would be fun, so he became Winslow the Wizard. Winslow the Wizard stayed in our minds and in casual conversations for many years until last year, when we decided to create an entire series of characters based on the letters of the alphabet, starting with Winslow the Wizard, of course.
What made you decide to focus on ordinary activities rather than grand magical adventures?
We thought it would be fun to tell a story about a wizard doing regular things instead of magical things, and we wanted it to be a story about everyday life but told in a way that would be clever and funny for little children.
What strengths did each of you bring to the creative process?
We did the entire thing together, which meant that every line of the story and every illustration in the book was done by both of us. One of Jessica’s strengths is that she has the benefit of being a mother and having read hundreds of children’s books many times over, so she could envision what lines would make children laugh and what would be fun for adults to read out loud. One of Lucy’s strengths is that she has a great eye for quickly identifying what is “off” in an illustration, whether it is the angle, perspective, or size of the characters or objects. Even better, she is great at fixing it.
What would you most like children to remember when they encounter a difficult or unfamiliar task?
We would like children to remember that difficult or unfamiliar tasks are a great way to learn and grow, and they are also very often fun and funny! Life would be boring if we only did familiar or easy things every single day. Some of the most fun parts of life are in trying new things and making a mess.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Kids Picture Book Review calls Winslow the Wizard a “sweet and accessible story for young children, particularly those who are learning to become more independent and trying unfamiliar things for themselves.”
Join Winslow the Wizard as he spends an entire day without magic, learning how to paint, bake, and deliver the mail with the help of his friends Peter the Painter, Charlotte the Chef, and Max the Mailman!
In Winslow the Wizard, Winslow, who usually relies on magic spells, decides to spend one full day without using any magic. Readers will follow Winslow on a wacky and whimsical day starting first thing in the morning as he figures out how to get dressed, make breakfast, and brush his teeth without using his magic wand. Follow Winslow’s adventures throughout the rest of the day as he helps his friends with their projects, having fun while learning, getting messy, and trying again.
With clever, easy-to-read text and personal, hand-drawn illustrations, Winslow the Wizard is ideal for:
– A unique way to learn about letters, jobs and community;
– Subtle life lessons that are great for kids, like trying new things, being okay with something messy or out of order, and working together with friends
This is the first book in a series about Winslow and his friends where each character’s name and occupation correspond with a different letter. Hand-drawn illustrations where each character reflects their trade give a warm and personal touch. Keep an eye out for each new book in the series, and collect the whole alphabet!
Winslow the Wizard
Winslow the Wizard, by Jessica and Lucy Egan, is a delightful, heartwarming picture book filled with humor, imagination, and plenty of opportunities for young readers to giggle. Created by a mother-and-daughter duo, this charming story radiates warmth and creativity. Its whimsical premise and lovable main character captured my attention from the very beginning.
The story introduces Winslow, a wizard accustomed to relying on his magical wand for practically everything. One day, he decides to set his magic aside and experience life without its convenient shortcuts. The result? A hilarious series of mishaps and unexpected discoveries! Winslow attempts ordinary activities, including brushing his teeth, preparing breakfast, painting, and baking. Not a single spell is allowed. Watching this well-meaning wizard struggle with simple tasks is thoroughly entertaining. Young readers will especially enjoy knowing how to accomplish things that leave Winslow completely bewildered.
What I appreciated most was the book’s clever ability to transform silly situations into meaningful life lessons. Winslow’s adventures encourage children to embrace independence, attempt unfamiliar activities, and recognize the value of learning through experience. Mistakes are part of the journey, and a little mess can lead to wonderful discoveries. An equally touching message about empathy also emerges. Without his magical advantages, Winslow gains an appreciation for everyday challenges and experiences beyond his own. Best of all, these valuable lessons unfold naturally through humor rather than overwhelming the story.
The hand-drawn illustrations are another wonderful highlight. Their cozy, homemade appearance adds personality and perfectly complements the playful atmosphere. Each comical misadventure comes alive through expressive artwork and imaginative details. I can easily envision young readers grabbing their crayons to create magical characters of their own. One of my favorite details was Winslow’s adorable W-shaped house. Even more amusing, his friends live in houses shaped like their initials! This imaginative touch gives children something entertaining to discover and discuss.
The writing is simple, clear, and perfectly suited to younger audiences. Short, accessible sentences maintain a lively pace while allowing the illustrations and amusing situations to shine. This is an excellent read-aloud choice, complete with laughter, curious questions, and enthusiastic requests for another reading.
This enchanting picture book offers a wonderful combination of whimsical magic, entertaining moments, and meaningful messages about independence, perseverance, and kindness. I recommend it to families with young children. With its endearing illustrations, gentle lessons, and irresistible charm, Winslow the Wizard is a delightful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0H73MVY44
Grit, Courage, and Heart
Alex the Bull Rider-Riding Bulls from A – Z follows a fearless young rider who takes on a thrilling bull-riding adventure filled with challenges tied to the letters A to Z. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration came from several places that are close to my heart: my love for storytelling, my respect for the Western way of life, and my nephew, Alex, who inspired the character himself. Alex has always had this outgoing personality and a rambunctious spirit about him. He’s curious, fearless, full of energy, and the kind of kid who isn’t afraid to jump into something new. Watching him grow and seeing that spark in him became a big part of the motivation behind these books. I wanted to create a character that captured that same spirit. At the same time, I’ve always admired the grit, courage, and heart of bull riders. Bringing those worlds together felt natural. This book became a way to combine adventure, learning, and life lessons into a story kids could connect with, while also honoring the spirit of a young boy who helped inspire it all.
Each bull represents a different letter. Was it challenging to match names, personalities, and visuals to every letter?
Absolutely, it was a challenge, but honestly, it was one of the most enjoyable parts of creating the book. I didn’t want the bulls to just be names on a page. I wanted each one to have its own personality, attitude, and presence, almost like they were characters of their own. Some letters came easily, while others made me sit back and really think. I’d ask myself, What kind of bull would this letter be? Would he be wild, smart, stubborn, explosive? Bringing each bull to life with a name, look, and personality took time, but that creative process is what made the story special.
Alex falls, gets back up, and keeps trying. How important was it to include that message for young readers?
That message was probably the most important part of the entire book. Life is going to knock all of us down at some point, kids included. I’ve lived enough life to know that success usually doesn’t come without setbacks, failures, and moments where you question yourself. But what defines us isn’t the fall, it’s the decision to get back up. I wanted kids to see that Alex isn’t fearless because he never falls. He’s brave because he keeps climbing back on. If a child reads this book and walks away believing they can keep going after a hard day, then I’ve done my job as an author.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Without giving away too much, I can say Alex’s journey is far from over. My vision for this series has always been bigger than one book. I want to take young readers on adventures that entertain them, teach them, and open their imaginations. Alex may step into new worlds, whether that’s the circus, the ocean, the skies, or even becoming a young detective solving mysteries. Wherever he goes, one thing will stay the same: Alex will keep showing kids the value of courage, curiosity, character, and believing in themselves. That’s the heart of every story I plan to tell.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
An Interesting Learning Experience
Addison’s Canadian Caper follows a young girl during a family trip across Canada for a writing contest, who must find her cousin’s lost cat amidst the excitement and mystery of their adventure. What was one thing that got you excited to write this book?
First, I had to decide on a location for the “c” book, and then research information about that location. Reading about Canada was interesting, exciting, and informative, and I was eager to share Canada’s culture in an amusing children’s tale. The icing on the cake was to create an entire story using as many words as possible that start with the letter “c.”
How did you develop the character of Addison, and what qualities did you want to highlight through her journey?
Addison’s character has the “typical” traits of a big sister, but she excels in problem-solving, and her responsible attitude helps her keep a close eye on Albert, her little brother. Albert’s character matches his age and curiosity and leads to many of their adventures. During her journey, Addison works to achieve her goals, helps her cousin gain self-confidence, learns valuable lessons, and encounters situations that young readers easily relate to.
Can you share more about your decision to weave educational elements, like vocabulary definitions, directly into the story?
Including unfamiliar vocabulary words came about when I created a unique way of storytelling that focuses on one letter of the alphabet from beginning to end. I included some unfamiliar vocabulary words and wanted to make it easy for them to learn the definitions without struggling to search at the back of the book. To make it easy for young readers, I included brief definitions on the bottom of each page. This new format delights and empowers young readers and allows them to continue reading without timely disruption.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Addison’s Delaware Discovery is my next book in the Addison series. It is nearly ready to get reviewed, then it goes on to the illustrator. When she has finished, it will be published and become available. Working with other people and their availability makes an exact time difficult to state, but I’m hoping by the end of the year.
In Addison’s Delaware Discovery, Addison meets a young girl named Daisy, who wears dandelion-colored shoes, loves dreamsicles, and has a disability.
This story is an interesting learning experience as Addison has never met anyone with a disability and is not sure what to say or do. Addison becomes determined to help Daisy make friends, and when she discovers that Delaware was once famous for having a swamp monster, she devises a plan!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
During their visit with the Clemens’ clan, Corby’s cat disappeared with clues pointing to a Cat Burglar! Corby grew concerned, and called in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which created a big commotion. The children remained confident that with the Mounties on the job the Cat Burglar would soon be caught, or would he?
Addison books marry entertainment with education, using a unique format that both delights and empowers young readers.
Ignite Curiosity
Momma Llama’s ABC Book of Latin America immerses young readers in the culture of Central and South America one letter of the alphabet at a time. Why was this an important book for you to write?
We looked at other ABC books and realized we had a job to do because there wasn’t one quite like this yet.
This is such a unique setup for a children’s book that teaches cultural aspects. What made you decide to use this particular format?
Some of the topics featured in the book span multiple countries and regions. We wanted to provide extra context and make the book interesting and enriching for parents and teachers who use it. We’ve had a few grown-ups comment that they learned new things from our ABC book.
What is one thing you hope young readers and their families will take away from your book?
Whether our images make children want to draw their own or the animals and places ignite curiosity in biology or geography, Momma Llama and Friends hope to inspire children!
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Two books are in development; one is for active readers and the other deals with fear and anxiety. Production begins this summer. If readers want more Momma Llama, we have other offerings like Momma Llama’s Enchiladas, Momma Llama’s Road Trip Activity Book, and coloring and workbook versions of our ABC book. All of which can be accessed through www.mommallamaworld.com.
We also have some freebies, like coloring pages, to share.
Author Links: GoodReads | TikTok | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Kiddable Award Winner for “Best ABC Book” 2023 & Literary Titan Gold Winner 2024
Momma Llama’s ABC Book of Latin America is both fun and educational. This multicultural adventure includes people, places, and things from Central and South America – from Mexico to Argentina. The charming illustrations will make you and your child smile. Additionally, each page names the country or region of the subject; parents might learn something too.
Content
The alphabet A to Z
Learn about new words, animals, places, foods, and customs
Colorful images will help children retain more multicultural knowledge
