Blog Archives
Giving Kids Confidence
Sophie and the Swans follows a girl living by the lake who stands up to a bully throwing stones at the swans she has befriended. What was the inspiration for your story?
A few years ago, I made friends with a pair of swans I named Romeo and Juliet, who visited me at the shoreline below my house every day and brought their new family over every spring. They would greet me by nodding their heads and snorting to say hello. I was fascinated by their beauty, strength, and intelligence and started researching swan life and behavior. I already knew that swan couples stay together for life, but I was also struck by their loyalty to one another and hoped they never suffered from the often-thoughtless actions of human beings. They were still wild birds but recognized us and even followed us around the lake when we went out in our canoe. It was an extraordinary friendship and we grew to love them. I started writing a factual book about swans for children but decided it would be more useful to write a fictional book featuring the swans that gently taught a lesson.
Sophie has a chance to show the bully what it feels like to be mistreated but instead shows him kindness and compassion when he needs help. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Setting an example, giving kids confidence to stand up for themselves when confronted, learning that two wrongs don’t make a right, and some bullying behavior can be diffused with kindness.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Hearing my mother read poetry to us before bed was the origin of my love for poetry. My father made up stories all the time and would make up new ones when he was in the car with his 4 children—all fantastical and fun. I think an important moment was when he read me a poem by Robert Frost, “The Death of the Hired Man,” when I was about 10. I saw his eyes moisten and realized how moving writing can be. I’ve been writing since I can remember, and my first written poem according to my mother, was written when I was 5 or 6 and involved swans!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
2024 Purple Dragonfly Award tied First Place Charity/Making a Difference category
A portion of proceeds for the book will be donated to anti-bullying advocates
Sophie is a little girl who lives beside a lake and makes friends with a pair of swans who visit her every day. One day, when a bully starts to torment the swans, Sophie rushes to defend them not by attacking the bully, but by showing him kindness when he gets into trouble on the lake.
Attitude is Everything
In The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac, young readers will explore farm life with two grandparents who lovingly tend their animals and demonstrate the importance of hard work. What inspired you to write this story?
The answer to that question is simple, my parents. The characters in the series The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac are based on my mom and dad and the values, integrity, and importance of a job well done that they instilled in me and my brother. Mr. Mac, my father, Mr. McClure, is a retired veteran with the nickname Mac. My mother’s name is Jean Kingsberry and my father refers to her as Granny Jay Kay. When I was younger and growing up in the country we always had a large garden, animals, and chores that needed tending to. Looking back there were times the chores seemed never-ending yet my parents in no way swayed from the responsibility and taught us to do the same. They demonstrated the satisfaction of what hard work can bring. This is something I’ve carried with me throughout my life and feel the need to share and pass along as well. Although the other stories in the series move away from the farm, taking them on a variety of adventures, you will find underlying lessons in all the books. This first story, however, pays tribute to the love and respect I have for my parents and the deep values they taught me growing up. My hope is others will journey through their adventures and be encouraged to find their path and sense of belonging.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the main ideas I want to capture in my books and in life is that attitude is everything. If we keep an open mind and a positive attitude, all is better. From completing a simple task to the most difficult, we can determine how we react, positive or negative. In life there will always be a “chore” needing to be completed and venturing in with a negative attitude just makes things that much more unbearable vs. completing something with a positive mindset, giving it your all, and then allowing yourself to feel a sense of accomplishment when it is achieved can and will be so much more rewarding. I also wanted to share the importance of slowing down, resting, and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us like standing on a porch watching fireflies with your mom.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. What was it like to collaborate with illustrator Jenna Jordan?
Jenna Jordan is a kind, beautiful soul. I so enjoyed how she took the words from my head and portrayed them on paper. With her simple but impactful illustration style, she completely brought the characters and stories to life. She is a pleasure to work with, goes above and beyond, and I will always be grateful to her for bringing Mr. Mac and Granny Jay Kay into reality!
Can we look forward to seeing more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
As I shared, The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac is a series. As of now there are five adventures that either Mr. Mac, or Mr. Mac and Granny venture on. Each story stands on its own, yet also works together as they progress through the tales. For the most part everything is written and illustrated. Currently though, Jenna and I are fine tuning some of the illustrations for book two, The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac, The Magic Trap with The Poke-A-Dot Cap, and I hope to begin working with my publisher, Yorkshire Publishing, for its release soon. We are both excited and looking forward to seeing Mr. Mac and Granny continue their journey.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram
Broaden Children’s Cultural Understanding
In Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?, readers learn alongside two children from America and Japan who discover fun differences in the way their two cultures express onomatopoeias. Where did the idea for this book come from?
When I first started studying Japanese, I was amazed by how much onomatopoeia is used in everyday conversations. In US English, we use words like “pop,” “meow,” “crackle,” and “bang” to add vividness to our language. However, in Japanese, there are thousands of onomatopoeia used that not only represent real sounds but also describe conditions, movements, and feelings. For example, “fura-fura” means dizzy, “waku-waku” means excited, and “noro-noro” means moving slowly. I found these expressions so colorful and funny that I thought they would be a fun way to introduce language differences to children. While teaching cross-cultural education at elementary schools in Kobe, Japan, one of my most popular lessons was about the differences in Japanese and US animal sounds. This experience inspired me to write my award-winning children’s book, Why Max MEOWS and Risa NYAAS?
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
Because Japanese and US English languages have different pronunciations, I wanted to ensure children learn the correct way to pronounce Japanese animal sounds. After consulting with several native Japanese speakers, I created a chart for the book that includes both Japanese and US English animal sounds with phonetic pronunciation and spelling.
What is one thing you hope young readers, their parents, and teachers are able to take away from Max and Risa’s story?
Having lived in Japan for over 25 years, the culture has profoundly influenced my life. Through my children’s book, I want to introduce young minds to the wonders of Japanese art, language, and culture. In my book, Max, an American boy, is intrigued when he hears Risa, a Japanese girl, mimic a cat’s sound as “nyaa” instead of “meow.” This curiosity leads to the discovery that animals might “speak” different languages in different parts of the world. I hope teachers and parents can use this universal concept of animal sounds to broaden children’s cultural understanding and even spark interest in learning a foreign language.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
In line with my mission to introduce children to the rich traditions of Japanese art, culture, and language, I am currently writing a book with a Kintsugi theme. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, celebrating imperfections, and embracing the beauty of flaws. Additionally, I am working on a second onomatopoeia-themed book that introduces the Japanese onomatopoeia used to express feelings and emotions.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Amazon
Max’s ordinary day takes an extraordinary turn when he and his friend Risa stumble upon a cage with a mouse in their classroom. They realize something peculiar – they hear animal sounds differently. Why does a mouse go “chu-chu”or a crow cry “kaa-kaa”? Max and his friend Risa embark on a mission to uncover the truth! Are dogs barking “wan-wan”? Is it “meow-meow” or “nyaa-nyaa” for a cat?
With vivid illustrations and an engaging storyline, get ready to giggle as Max and Risa reveal the hilarious differences between English and Japanese animal sounds.
Will Max and Risa ever agree on the horse’s sound? Grab your detective hat and join them on their whimsical journey to find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship, curiosity, and the magic of language.
One-Of-A-Kind
In A Cat Named Puppy, a cat teased for his unusual name finds support from his brother and learns that his worth is not determined by others. Where did the idea for this story come from?
My real-life cat named Puppy was the inspiration. I wanted a dog but a friend of my brother’s cat just had a litter of kittens and she had to get rid of the kittens fast because her little girl was allergic to kitten hair so I took a cat instead of getting a dog. And I got my other cat Stitch about a year later.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Well, the real-life Puppy always had to deal with people commenting on his name and his weight he was a big boy. So I figured I could incorporate them into a story for children. And the idea is that although comments will be made in life as long as you realize you are special and one-of-a-kind. That should make you feel pretty good about yourself.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
When he chased the toy cars because he liked chasing hot wheel cars when he was younger. But all the scenes are special as Stitch passed away in July of 2023, and Puppy passed away in January 2024. It just makes the book more special to me.
What is next for Puppy? Do you have more books planned?
Well, I currently have a few like early reader first chapter book series they are A Cat Named Puppy Goes To School, A Cat Named Puppy Halloween Adventure, and A Cat Named Puppy And The Christmas Mystery. And I am currently working on another children’s book and it will be A Cat Named Puppy Learns About Colors.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A Positive Role Model
In Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift, an industrious rabbit with a special gift to share and her hard-working forest friends prepare for the long winter ahead. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since the first three books (Hunnie Bunny’s Garden, Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery and Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish) take place in the spring, summer and winter, I wanted to introduce a fall theme where I could show how the woodland animals in the story prepare for the cold months. For example, Mr. Frog hibernates, so he doesn’t appear in Hunnie Bunny‘s Christmas Wish. In this book, Hunnie Bunny’s fur gets thicker, and both she and Mr. Squirrel store food so they won’t go hungry when their food supply is hard to find or non-existent.
Do you have a favorite character? Is there one whose dialogue and traits are especially fun to craft?
Hunnie Bunny is my favorite because, through her, I can present a positive role model for young children by showing her compassionate, helpful nature and loyal friendships. Also, her leadership and problem-solving skills are fun to integrate into the stories, making her personality even more appealing.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from Hunnie Bunny’s latest adventure?
I hope young children will see how important and special it is to consider the needs of others, and be willing and happy to share, especially with those who are less fortunate.
Do you have more books planned for this series? If so, where can readers expect to see it take your colorful cast of characters?
Yes, indeed! There are eleven books in the Hunnie Bunny series so far. In the upcoming stories, Hunnie Bunny will encounter fairies, new neighbors, a magic flute, a unicorn, and a daring escape. She and her friends will also share in a new beginning and a rescue. The next book in the series, Hunnie Bunny and the Lost Fairy, is currently being illustrated and should be released sometime in August. A list of future titles can be found on my website: www.simplereadsbooks.com.
Even though the Hunnie Bunny books have been written sequentially, they can be read in any order. The purpose of these stories is to offer some education and learning in an entertaining way, while encouraging imaginative play. My journey thus far has brought me so much joy and happiness knowing that children all over the world are enjoying the adventures of Hunnie Bunny and her friends.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
How do Hunnie Bunny and her friends prepare for winter? Read the story and discover the reason behind her special gift.
Following Your Own Heart and Reason
A Butterfly’s Song follows a young plain butterfly who feels that there is nothing special about herself, making her feel all alone. What was the inspiration for your story?
The story of the Pupa butterfly has ingredients from the reality of today’s children and young people. From that world where often the loudest, bravest, and, in different ways, the most “colorful” personalities get the most attention.
Of course, not everyone is an extrovert who loves to show off and enjoys performing in front of others. Such persons are often idealized and presented as admirable role models in public, though. This perception quickly spreads, especially among children and young people at a tender age, putting their developing self-esteem to the test.
I wrote my story to encourage those who feel they can’t live up to the expectations placed on them. Sometimes, those expectations come from around the individual in the form of different requirements regarding appearance, behavior, or skills. Sometimes, the person is unsatisfied with himself and feels inferior to others, even if no one notices it.
Of course, those who feel alone, insecure, and without support are in the most challenging position with their insecurities. In my story, the wind represents the help that can sometimes come from a surprising direction.
We all have moments when we wish such a gentle wind would take us in its arms and blow our wings with new energy. It might help us regain confidence and trust in flying – or singing – our way.
Pupa worries about being plain and ordinary and not standing out. What were the driving ideals behind her development in this story?
In my story, A Butterfly’s Song, we follow Pupa’s first moments when she emerges from her cocoon as a butterfly. It is a shock to enter a new life situation and adapt to an unfamiliar environment. Just getting her wings open and ready to fly is challenging.
The first task is facing that initial shock. After figuring it out, Pupa is even happy and enthusiastic momentarily and tries to adapt to the company of colorful butterflies she admires. She fails.
An individual who is more modest than the others is overlooked and ignored. In addition to sadness, we can also notice some envy toward others in Pupa. She should get those feelings under control, but how? As the next step, she tries to imitate the nightingale, but the butterfly cannot sing. So, Pupa runs into her unrealistic dreams.
The encounter between the butterfly and the wind is a crucial moment in this fairy tale. The wind represents a gentle and understanding helper, and Pupa is lucky to find such help. Our modest butterfly overcomes her most difficult feelings of loneliness and inadequacy with the help of the wind, but she must eventually learn to accept herself as she really is.
At the end of the story, Pupa finds and accepts her own place and role in life. She even understands that being alive with all the beauty around her is a gift from life.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Through this butterfly’s life, we go through many growth phases and situations familiar to everyone – child or adult. The story highlights the difficulties one faces in new situations. The reason may be an unfamiliar environment and a missing support network. Our self-esteem and trust in survival may also be weak.
This little story helps us imagine and experience living in such situations by allowing us to see the unknown world through the eyes of a fairy tale character. Encountering anything new and unknown is always challenging. Even in a familiar place, you can face difficulties if the people around you change or the demands increase. Facing and mastering the changed situation takes energy and time.
Finally, I would like to emphasize two more educational aspects that must be remembered. The first is that in times of trouble, it is important to seek reliable help. Inadequacy of one’s skills or strength is not a shame. Equally important is not to let anyone outside define what we should be like. Following your own heart and reason usually shows the best way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will that be published?
I’ve just received the artists’ illustrations for several of my stories. So I can transfer them out of my hands for the next steps of book projects.
Of course, I still participate in the commentary of the layout stage. For example, I’m working on two stories about exceptional houses set in India – The Old Rose Villa and The Dream House. That pair of books is exceptional in many respects. Namely, I have received the stories’ subjects and a request to write them from an Indian friend.
I also wanted to find an Indian illustrator for the books because I want them to respect and reflect Indian culture. I came across Akanksha Priya, who interpreted the stories beautifully in hand-painted pictures. The results of our cooperation will be available for everyone to see later this year.
Finally, I would like to mention another story that is very close to my heart. I won’t even reveal the book’s name yet, but I hope the story fits in with UNESCO’s Indigenous Languages Decade (2022–2032). It would be great to work on this important issue. With my story, I want to bring out the uniqueness and sensitivity of human communities, nature, and different life forms. That is one of my dreams.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Lonely, Pupa tries to learn to sing. When her efforts are futile, the night wind feels sorry for her and wants to help. Can Pupa ever sing beautiful melodies?
Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift
Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift is the delightful fourth installment in the Hunnie Bunny series, a charming tale that captures the warmth of friendship and the spirit of giving. In this book, we join Hunnie Bunny, Mr. Squirrel, and Mr. Frog as they prepare for the approaching winter season.
The story is set in a beautifully depicted woodland, where the three friends ready themselves for the cold months ahead. The narrative is engaging, drawing readers into the heartwarming activities and the camaraderie shared among the characters. Central to the plot is the mystery of Hunnie Bunny’s special gift. The story gently unfolds, revealing how each friend contributes to the preparations and the significance of Hunnie Bunny’s unique present. The anticipation builds as readers are invited to discover not only what the gift is but also who receives it and why it holds such special meaning. The book excels in conveying themes of cooperation, kindness, and the joy of giving. Young readers will find themselves enchanted by the colorful illustrations and the relatable characters, while also learning valuable lessons about the importance of community and generosity.
Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift is a heartwarming addition to the series, perfect for children and parents to read together. It’s a story that celebrates the simple yet profound pleasures of friendship and the thoughtful acts that make the winter season special.
Page: 32 | ASIN : B0D3B6D5TR
The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac
Living with grandparents can profoundly impact children, fostering empathy, gratitude, and stronger family bonds while offering rich learning experiences. Vickilynn O’Donnell’s charming book, The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac, encapsulates these values through a delightful narrative centered around two loving grandparents and their serene farm life. Mr. Mac resides in a picturesque, bright yellow farmhouse surrounded by lush green grass, perfect for playing and exploring. The farm is home to a variety of endearing animals, including cows, pigs, and Mr. Mac’s faithful dog, Digs. While Mr. Mac enjoys the tranquility of farm life, it is Granny Jay Kay who diligently manages the daily chores. Together, they tend to the animals and meticulously maintain their tools, emphasizing the importance of care and organization.
O’Donnell’s storytelling is a celebration of simplicity and the joys of rural life. Her writing, characterized by melodious and succinct sentences, is ideal for young readers just beginning to read independently. The vocabulary is accessible, making the narrative both engaging and easy to follow.
The illustrations are vibrant and joyful, with characters constantly smiling and the animals depicted adorably. A notable feature is the inclusion of real photographs of the characters and animals at the end of the book, enhancing the connection between the reader and the story. Despite the book’s serene atmosphere and lack of conflict, it brilliantly underscores the value of hard work and the deep satisfaction that comes from completing tasks.
The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac is an excellent read for fostering a love of nature and a deep appreciation for the elderly. Vickilynn O’Donnell presents a heartwarming tale that highlights the rewards of a simple, well-organized life, making it a perfect tool for teaching children the significance of daily responsibilities and the pleasures of rest and accomplishment.
Pages: 24 | ISBN : 978-1960810632
LITERARY TITAN 