Blog Archives
Lost or an Adventure?
Coco Lost in Miami follows an adventurous fluffy little dog who gets lost in the city and makes a new friend with an energetic lady. What was the inspiration for your story?
Like all of our other dog books, Coco Lost in Miami was inspired by a true story. Our family dog, Nemo, disappeared one day during a family party, and Mr. Luna left the party to search for him. He was looking all over for the dog, but he was nowhere to be found. We all had a hard time sleeping that night thinking about his whereabouts, but thankfully, a nice lady found him and reached out to us the next day.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator TranDang?
It’s always a pleasure collaborating with TranDang. We love her art style and the way she brings our stories to life. We’ve worked together on a few other picture books from our catalog. She always seems to amaze us every time.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important for us to share both sides of the situation in the book. We wanted to show the family desperately searching for their beloved Coco, and we also wanted to show Coco safe and sound traveling throughout the beautiful city of Miami with an exciting rescuer and companion. If you have ever lost a pet, you know exactly how stressful it can be. At that moment, all you can do is search relentlessly, hope for the best, and have faith that there will be a happy ending.
I find a problem in well-written stories in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
It’s quite possible. You just never know what big city Coco might get lost in next. Stay tuned.
Author Links: Website | Instagram | Book Review
Choosing Animal Companions
Sally Mitts Finds A Home: The Story of A Shy Shelter Kitten follows a shy little kitten who is accidentally left behind when her family moves and must find a way to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since I was a child I have been rescuing cats and kittens from the streets and from shelters. I feel the suffering of abandoned animals acutely. And each one brought me so much happiness in return, with their love and their marvelous, unique personalities. But many had been traumatized. It took time, patience, and genuine commitment to win their trust.
When I wrote Sally Mitts Finds A Home, I wanted to show people that every animal, like every human being, comes with a formative backstory that we don’t know. And it’s important to approach them with compassion and humility.
The animals that people often bypass in shelters -the quiet ones, the seniors, the special needs animals – are so very deserving of love and attention, too. And they are often the most euphorically loving. I hope Sally Mitts’s story encourages people to look beyond the surface when choosing animal companions and consider them.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
That’s really a toss-up between when Sally discovers the wonders of a garden after always living inside a house, and when she is happy in her new home.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It helps children learn:
~How to cope with unexpected situations
~How to discern and trust good instincts
~To empathize with others’ experiences
~To understand the importance of adoption
~kindness to animals
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Sally Mitts and the direction of the second book?
The second book, Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination will be published on October 26, 2024. In it, Sally follows some shoes who are walking along without any feet in them to a mysterious red door with the word IMAGINATION written over it. Inside the door, she meets fantastical creatures, paints the sky, meets a shirty mole, engages a fog monster, and has many adventures and challenges.
Our imaginations fire the dreams that we long to come true. And Sally discovers that you can do what you really want to if you follow those longings.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website | Amazon
PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD
For fans of spunky heroines, Sally Mitts Finds A Home: The Story Of A Shy Shelter Kitten is a heartwarming tale about a lost kitten who finds her way back to love and home.
Accidentlally left behind, brave little Sally weaves her way though adventures on city streets and gardens. Ending up in ananimal shelter, she learns about the lives of other street cats, especially her good friend, the spirited Charlie the Tailless. But when Charlie is adopted, gentle Sally finds herself very shy with potential adopters. The shelter keepers worry Sally is too shy to ever be adopted. Until a quiet man offers her the chance to trust again.
From this warm and touching story, children learn about facing new situations, the power of friendship, learning empathy for others, and trusting good instincts.
Living Together Harmoniously
Come Home, Papa Jed! follows a family of bears and woodland creatures working together to search for Papa Jed, who did not return as expected from a fishing trip. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Come Home, Papa Jed! came from a memorable experience my husband Joe and I had some time ago. We visited a secluded fly-fishing resort nestled deep in the woods, where we were the only guests for two nights at a beautiful mansion with large, elegantly decorated rooms, including our own, which featured charming black bear-themed decor. While Joe embarked on a day-long fishing excursion with a guide, I decided to explore the estate. Despite my initial apprehension about walking alone in the woods, I was able to release my fears entirely and fully enjoy the experience. I spent hours wandering through the secluded acres and encountered an array of wildlife, one species after another, that seemed to welcome me into their world. As the sun began to set, I had a slightly anxious wait for Joe’s return, and I was so relieved and happy to see him come back safely after his adventure. The entire experience was so enchanting that I documented it for myself with a poem and photos I’d taken that day. That journal entry eventually blossomed into Come Home, Papa Jed!, a sweet tale where woodland creatures join forces to find Papa Jed and bring him safely back to his family.
One of the highlights of your children’s book is how you captured the emotions of the family, both their anxiety and fear and their relief and joy. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
When writing the interactions between the characters, I aimed to capture tender and genuine moments that reflect the natural world around us. I wanted to highlight the emotions of anxiety, fear, relief, and joy in a way that resonates deeply with readers. Observing wildlife, I’ve seen their fierce loyalty, emotions, and the hard work they put into staying together and caring for their young—qualities that mirror the best of our own and that I find deeply moving. In my book, these scenes are crafted to reveal the gentle and cooperative side of nature, emphasizing the beauty and harmony that can exist even among diverse creatures.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In Come Home, Papa Jed!, I aimed to convey several key ideas. One of the main themes is the beauty of the creatures that inhabit the Smoky Mountains, which I wanted to present through a lens that reflects my deep appreciation for them. Another important idea is the significance of family among animals, which I’ve observed throughout my life. To illustrate peaceful coexistence, I drew inspiration from my observations of the animals that visit my property, which I often watch through one of my security cameras. It’s fascinating to see foxes, skunks, raccoons, and deer all at a short distance from one another, peacefully sharing the same space despite their differences. This concept of living together harmoniously highlights the broader themes of cooperation and unity that I wished to convey in the story. As a gal from Brooklyn, I hope this story and its images reach kids in urban areas similar to where I grew up, giving them a taste of nature’s beauty and perhaps inspiring them to care about animals and visit a place like the Great Smoky Mountains.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, Come Home, Papa Jed! is the first book in my broader series, “Animal Adventures of the Smoky Mountains,” specifically under the subseries title “Bear Adventures in the Smoky Mountains.” Fans can soon expect additional adventures with Jed and his family. Currently in the works are a Thanksgiving adventure and a Christmas quest, with hopes of releasing them in time for the respective seasons. Following the “Bear Adventures,” the series will expand to include other subseries focused on different animal families and their unique stories within the Smokies. I’m eager to hear suggestions from my readers about which animals they’d like to see featured next!
Author Links: Goodreads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Penelope’s Peace Place
Penelope’s Peace Place is an adorable and heartwarming children’s book that tells the story of a young prairie dog named Penelope who lives in the bustling grasslands of central Wyoming. Penelope dreams of finding a quiet place to think her big thoughts away from her large and lively family. Her quest for peace takes her on a charming adventure that ultimately leads her to a surprising realization about the true nature of peace.
First off, Monroe’s writing is delightfully engaging and accessible for young readers. The vivid descriptions of Penelope’s busy Prairie Dog Town, filled with squeaks, chirps, and digging, bring the setting to life. The repetitive phrasing, like “Not today, no time to play!” effectively captures Penelope’s determination to find some quiet time, making it a fun read-aloud experience. One part I really liked was when Penelope finally finds a peaceful spot, only to have it quickly invaded by her sleepy little cousins. This scene humorously illustrates the challenges of finding solitude in a large family and adds a relatable touch for children with similar experiences.
The illustrations by the team from ‘Draw & Care’ are nothing short of fantastic. Their vibrant and expressive artwork complements the story perfectly. The details really bring out the characters’ expressions and make each page a visual treat. I especially loved the image of her younger sister Patty climbing on her, capturing the playful chaos of their daily lives.
Monroe’s story also carries a beautiful and important message about the value of sharing peace with others. Penelope’s journey of seeking solitude only to realize that peace is more meaningful when shared is a great lesson for children. The turning point in the story, where Penelope understands that the peace she found should be shared with her family, underscores the theme of community and togetherness.
Penelope’s Peace Place is a delightful picture book that I highly recommend for young children, especially those who enjoy stories about animals and family life. With its soothing narrative and charming illustrations, it’s perfect for bedtime reading.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0D7CWFPL1
Life Can Be Unpredictable
The Tales of Sophie Shenanigans: Sophie Takes a Trip follows a young rescue dog known for her playful antics who is embarking on a journey to her new home. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration was quite literally Sophie herself. The main character in this book is based on my dog Sophie. And how I imagined what it was like for her to come to a new home from a completely different place. Sophie from my first memory of her, when she got off the plane, seemed calm and content. She’s a very happy, energetic and sassy dog. I remember walking her a couple of years ago thinking about what her life was like, what the whole process could have been like for her in having no say in moving and adapting to a completely new life. Also I’m also a Social Worker and I have worked with alot of people who not only don’t know how manage feelings of anxiety they don’t know what it is.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Anniella Ragaza?
The art and illustrations really turned out exactly the way I wanted them to. It was such a fantastic and easy experience working with Anniella. I actually had to wait a little bit to get started, because I wanted to work with Anniella: she already had a couple of other authors she was working with, she is in high demand. But it was worth the short wait because I love the way she brings animals to life on paper. The process was actually quite easy and seamless; and that was partly because of my Project Manager Sem Delima; he was instrumental in keeping communication moving. And the interesting thing is, I’ve never actually met Anniella face to face, or even on ZOOM. Everything we did was online. In fact I live in Ontario Canada and she doesn’t. She seemed to be able to “get” Sophie, which was absolutely heartwarming to me. In fact just like Anniella had never met me, she’s never actually seen Sophie besides in pictures, not even video! She was able to see photos of Sophie and read my words and design what we have in the book. I was really fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with her.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There are a few really important ideas that I hope to get across with this book. One is the idea that life can be very unpredictable, we’ve all seen this in the last few years with the pandemic, sometimes we don’t have control over every aspect of our lives and if we can adapt, if we can manage our emotions, everything is a little easier, and definitely less anxiety provoking. I also wanted to get across the idea that sometimes, feelings like anxiety can be really scary and, for children but as well as adults if we’re able to recognize it, it’s easier to manage. I wanted readers to be able to empathize with Sophie, with what she was feeling, how she experienced anxiety and that it would help people recognize it in themselves. Lastly, the idea that it’s good to ask for support and ask for help. Sophie must leave the animal shelter and Ms. Jordan, and that’s difficult and I think we can all relate to that, sometimes, most times, something familiar feels safe. I wanted young readers to be able to understand that, sometimes when change happens we can manage it with the help of a friend, with the assistance of somebody who might know a little bit more about it than we do.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
The Tales of Sophie Shenanigans is definitely the first book in a series! In the few years that I have had the opportunity to have Sophie in my life she’s already done so many things that are inspiring future books. My plan is that my next book will be out in the next year.
Sometimes life is scary, and it doesn’t work out exactly like we think it will. But Sophie meets a friend who helps her see things differently . . .
The Tales of Sophie Shenanigans: Sophie Takes a Trip normalizes anxiety and educates young readers that there are ways to feel better when feeling scared. It also helps readers understand how anxiety can make us feel, emotionally and physically. The target audience is children ages 4–8 who suffer from symptoms of anxiety, as well as children who are embarking on a new experience; for instance: moving, starting/changing schools.
It is loosely based on cognitive behavioral therapy, using the model in a child-friendly way.
Come Home, Papa Jed: Bear Adventures in the Smoky Mountains
Come Home, Papa Jed! is a charming picture book that takes readers on a heartwarming journey through the Smoky Mountains. The story centers on a bear family; Papa Jed, Mama Daisy, and their two cubs, Huck and Lila. When Papa Jed goes fishing and doesn’t return as expected, worry sets in, prompting Mama Daisy and the cubs to venture into the mystical woodlands in search of him. Along the way, they encounter various woodland creatures who, despite not knowing Jed’s whereabouts, offer their help.
The story beautifully captures the anxiety of separation and the relief that comes with reunion. The forest setting, with its detailed and vivid depictions, plays a central role in evoking a sense of wonder and adventure. The idea that the natural world is teeming with life and community is gently woven throughout the story, making it a celebration of the Smoky Mountains’ wildlife and scenery.
The characters in the book, though anthropomorphized, retain their animalistic qualities, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. Mama Daisy is depicted as the caring and determined matriarch, while the cubs, Huck and Lila, embody the innocence and inquisitiveness of youth.
The pacing of the story is steady, with a mix of suspenseful moments as the family searches for Papa Jed, and light-hearted, whimsical encounters with other animals. The narrative builds tension effectively, making the final reunion all the more satisfying.
Victoria Winifred’s use of literary devices such as rhyme and repetition adds to the lyrical quality of the text. The chorus of animals calling for Papa Jed is a particularly powerful moment, both visually and emotionally. The recurring theme of community support is reinforced through the animals’ collective efforts to help the bear family, creating a heartwarming message of unity.
Winifred’s writing style is evocative and tender, perfectly suited for a children’s picture book. The fantastic artwork transports readers into the heart of the wilderness. The dialogue between the animals is both charming and clever, adding a touch of humor that will delight young readers.
One aspect of the book that stands out is its ability to blend a simple narrative with a deeper emotional resonance. The anxiety of the cubs and Mama Daisy is palpable, and their relief at finding Papa Jed is equally powerful. Winifred skillfully balances these emotions, ensuring the story remains accessible to children while also engaging adult readers.
Come Home, Papa Jed! is a delightful read for young children and their families. The story’s blend of adventure, emotion, and the celebration of nature makes it a perfect bedtime read. I would highly recommend this children’s book to parents, educators, and anyone looking for a beautifully illustrated and well-crafted story.
Pages: 57 | ASIN : B0DDCHHKFN
Coco Lost in Miami
On a lovely summer day in sunny Florida, little Joseph spends his time outdoors, unaware that his fluffy dog, Coco, has decided to go exploring. As Joseph worries about his missing pet, Coco embarks on a new adventure, finding a friend and journeying through the big city. The story revolves around whether Coco will find his way back home or remain lost amidst the urban hustle.
Coco Lost in Miami, authored by Mr. Luna and Mrs. Ani, is a delightful picture book for children. The illustrations by TranDang are both charming and vibrant, bringing the story to life with colorful depictions. Coco, the adorable dog, is sure to capture the hearts of young readers. Despite Coco getting lost, the story avoids any distressing scenarios, ensuring that young readers remain entertained and engaged. Coco’s adventure is filled with fun and excitement as he explores the city. While Coco’s new friend might have read his collar sooner, and Joseph’s worry is palpable, the story concludes on a positive note, highlighting the kindness and helpfulness of a true friend. This heartwarming resolution makes Coco Lost in Miami an ideal book to share at any time of the day.
For dog lovers, this book is a perfect companion for a warm summer day, as readers follow Coco’s spontaneous city escapade. Suitable for all ages, this whimsical tale earns four out of five stars for its enchanting story, delightful artwork, and soothing summer ambiance. Coco Lost in Miami is a wonderful choice for unwinding while sipping a glass of ice-cold lemonade.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0D46LRC8P
The Tales of Sophie Shenanigans: Sophie Takes a Trip
The Tales of Sophie Shenanigans: Sophie Takes a Trip, written by Jill Macdonald and illustrated by Anniella Ragaza, tells the heartwarming story of Sophie, a young rescue dog known for her playful antics, as she embarks on a journey to her new home. What should be a joyous occasion is instead filled with anxiety and uncertainty for Sophie as she navigates through the unfamiliar faces and smells of the airport, heading towards her adoptive family. With her hopes for a wonderful new experience tempered by fear, Sophie finds comfort and guidance from a newfound friend, police dog Maverick.
Macdonald’s story is not just a beautifully illustrated tale of new beginnings; it is also a valuable resource for young readers dealing with anxiety and change. Through Sophie’s experiences, readers are introduced to coping mechanisms and appropriate ways to manage stress. Macdonald skillfully breaks down complex terms into kid-friendly language, enriching the story with new vocabulary related to stress and anxiety. The unique blend of an engaging narrative with practical life lessons makes Sophie Takes a Trip a standout in children’s literature. The book provides a touching and relatable story while imparting essential skills for managing anxiety—skills that can be challenging to convey to both children and adults. This installment of Sophie’s Tales is an invaluable addition to family and school libraries, offering guidance for parents, teachers, and counselors alike.
The Tales of Sophie Shenanigans: Sophie Takes a Trip is a must-have for anyone seeking a heartwarming story that also teaches vital coping strategies. It is a beautifully crafted tale that promises to resonate with young readers and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of change and anxiety together.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CX2NNNH9
LITERARY TITAN 