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Owl B. Blue on Valentine’s Day
Owl B. Blue on Valentine’s Day, authored and illustrated by Rob Sudano, is a delightful children’s book that explores the theme of friendship with a gentle touch. Set against the backdrop of a snowy Valentine’s Day, the narrative follows the journey of a solitary and endearing owl, Owl B. Blue, who longs for companionship. This quest is sparked by a serendipitous encounter with a mysterious feather, leading him on a heartwarming adventure.
Sudano’s dual role as both the author and the artist enriches the story. His illustrations are vibrant and engaging, effectively bringing to life the expressiveness of Owl B. Blue. The character’s emotions are vividly portrayed, particularly in charming details like his fluffed-up feathers in the cold. The introduction of a new character, who complements Owl B. Blue’s introverted nature, adds depth to the narrative. The book also features an array of animal characters that contribute to the story’s quaint and wholesome atmosphere, reminiscent of the warmth felt from a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day. The rhyming text of the book is fluid and adds a unique charm to the story. The book’s simple yet endearing message of friendship, combined with its appealing illustrations, makes it an accessible and engaging read for young children. It’s a charming choice for families to share during the Valentine’s season, offering a narrative that radiates warmth and cheer, much needed during the cold winter days.
Owl B. Blue on Valentine’s Day is a heartwarming tale that effectively captures the essence of friendship and companionship. Rob Sudano’s skillful combination of engaging storytelling and captivating illustrations make this book a delightful read for young audiences. Its charming characters and simple, yet meaningful narrative are sure to resonate with children and parents alike, making it an ideal read for family time. This book is a sweet reminder of the joy and warmth that friendships bring, even on the coldest of days.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CSXJH5YC
Hunnie Bunny’s Positive Influence
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery follows a dedicated gardening bunny who becomes confused when her vegetables start to disappear, and she has to discover what is happening. What was the inspiration for this story?
The inspiration for Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery is based on a real event that happened to my son and his girlfriend when they were living in San Francisco many years ago. They had put in a lot of time and effort planting a wonderful garden in their back yard, and one day watched several of their vegetable plants disappear into the ground. It turned out that their neighborhood had a gopher infestation which destroyed most of the gardens in the area. Obviously, Hunnie Bunny handles the situation in the book differently and with compassion.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
That is an interesting question. I would have to say that Hunnie Bunny’s positive influence on their children and the bond they have developed with her not only surprises me, but is very humbling as well. That realization has made this journey even more special.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
From a young age, I liked to write stories about animals, and the first author to inspire me to become a writer was Anna Sewell and her incredible book Black Beauty. I still have a copy of that book in my library.
What adventures do you have in store for Hunnie Bunny next, and when can your fans expect the next story to be out?
After the first book, Hunnie Bunny’s Garden, was finished, Hunnie Bunny decided that she had many more stories to tell. The third book that was recently published was Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish, which was released in early December. It was actually the fourth book written in the series, but we wanted to get it out before the holidays, so it was finished before the book that is now being illustrated, titled Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift. This book should be published and available sometime in January 2024.
There are a total of ten books in the Hunnie Bunny series. The stories that follow Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift are Hunnie Bunny and the Lost Fairy, Hunnie Bunny’s New Neighbors, Hunnie Bunny and the Magic Flute, Hunnie Bunny and the Unicorn, Hunnie Bunny’s Great Escape, and Hunnie Bunny – A New Beginning.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Discover how Hunnie Bunny and her friends solve the mystery of the disappearing vegetables from her garden.
Willow the Skunk Gets Schooled: On Why It Is Good to Be Different
Willow the Skunk Gets Schooled: On Why It Is Good to Be Different, by Joshua Evan Roig, is a charming children’s book that effectively explores the anxieties and challenges associated with new experiences and being unique. The story centers around Willow, a young skunk apprehensive about his first day at a new school. His concerns about being accepted and fears of inadvertently using his natural defense mechanism are vividly brought to life, resonating with the universal worries of standing out or making a misstep in unfamiliar settings.
The narrative is enhanced by vivid illustrations that draw readers into Willow’s world, offering an engaging visual experience. This aspect of the book is particularly effective in showcasing the diverse array of animals present in the story, making it not only a joy to read but also a delight for the eyes. A significant strength of the book lies in its relatable characters. Willow’s conversation with his mother about his nervousness mirrors a common experience for many children, providing a sense of connection and understanding. Additionally, the character of Luna, a friendly squirrel, adds a layer of warmth to the tale. Her carefree demeanor and willingness to befriend Willow play a crucial role in transforming Willow’s day, offering a message of hope and the importance of kindness.
This book is a gentle reminder to young readers that it’s okay to be different and that the first day of school, despite initial fears, can be a starting point for new friendships and positive experiences. The story of Willow serves not only as a comforting read but also as an encouraging lesson in embracing one’s uniqueness and the value of inclusivity.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0CFCVYNGM
It Started with a Turtle
Where Do Animals Go for Vacation? explores the humorous notion that animals, like humans, deserve a little downtime of their own. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The original idea came to me several years ago with just one animal, the
turtle. I decided turtles must lead rather uninteresting lives, with one very
low vantage point as they plodded slowly across the ground. So, I thought if they could go anywhere to change their situation, where would that be? Of course, it would have to be high on a mountain, standing up on skis, plummeting at breakneck speeds down the slopes. And their hard shells make them perfectly suited to survive any wipeout totally unscathed.
After I retired from my career as an advertising agency creative director, I decided to research other animals that might, for various reasons, need a break from their daily routine. I edited the list of animals down to the most “deserving.” Their individual stories and images were then created.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Where Do Animals Go for Vacation?
I studied journalism and design at Drake University. Both forms of creativity, words and images, interested me. As I worked my way through a career in advertising, from designer to associate creative director to creative director, I found that I was working more closely with copywriters and ultimately, doing a great deal of copywriting myself. Writing became a very satisfying and rewarding part of my career. I became very confident at putting my words on paper.
The artwork in this book is fantastic. Can you share with us a little bit about your illustration process?
Well, I appreciate the “fantastic” comment. I’ve enjoyed drawing ever since I can remember. It’s an interest I believe I got from my father, an electrical engineer who was a very good renderer.
In my first book, “A Very Chilling Mystery,” all the illustrations were done in watercolor, a medium I was quite familiar with. For “Where Do Animals Go for Vacation?” I decided it was time to try going completely digital.
Once I’d decided which animals to include, I looked for reference photos of each one. Then I did multiple small sketches of every animal until I was satisfied their locations and positions reflected the text properly. From there, I did a large pencil drawing of each one, modifying them as needed. When those were complete, I scanned them into Photoshop … redrew their outline … and applied color and textures in the appropriate watercolor brushes.
It was quite a lengthy learning process, but I loved the fact that I could quickly move or delete anything I didn’t like … and be able adjust colors, saturation, and sharpness. None of which is doable using standard watercolor on illustration board.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
That’s a good question. I have seeds of ideas but nothing I’m ready to commit to yet. I do think any further books I write and illustrate will be in narrative form, with a beginning, middle, and conclusion. That will be another bit of uncharted territory for me.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
If they did, where would they go?
Can you guess where a turtle would travel?
Or what a kangaroo might do?
Each animal would surely choose someplace perfect for them.
Let’s find out…and learn a surprising fact about each animal!
Where Do Animals Go For Vacation?
Where Do Animals Go For Vacation?, by Steve A. Erickson, is a delightful and imaginative book that promises to engage young readers with its whimsical premise. The book explores a playful question: If animals could take vacations, where would they go, and what would they do? Erickson takes readers on a humorous journey, showcasing various animals indulging in leisure time activities.
The narrative is filled with creative scenarios, such as a beaver swapping its construction endeavors for Lego-building, and an ostrich enjoying hang gliding. This approach not only entertains but also has the potential to ignite fun discussions between children and adults. The book’s illustrations are another highlight, characterized by their vibrant and eye-catching nature, making them a talking point in their own right. What I found particularly enjoyable was the way Erickson connects each animal’s natural behavior to their chosen vacation activities, adding an educational layer to the humor. This book was a surprising read in the best way and is a worthy addition to any young reader’s library.
Where Do Animals Go For Vacation? is an inventive and engaging book that strikes a perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Erickson’s unique take on animals’ vacation activities, coupled with the vivid illustrations, not only captivates but also educates young readers. It’s a book that can easily become a favorite for bedtime stories or classroom reading, sparking imagination and curiosity in children. Whether read alone or shared between adults and kids, this book is a charming addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CKM4685R
LITERARY TITAN 