Blog Archives
Candace’s Big Audition
Candace’s Big Audition, the second installment in Joan Enockson’s Adventures on Apple Orchard Farm series, is a delightful exploration of the challenges and joys of farm life through the eyes of its animal residents. Set against the backdrop of the bustling preparations for the May Day Festival, the story follows Candace, a young cow with aspirations to join the Cow Quartet at the festival’s concert. Alongside her friend Marny, Candace navigates the complexities of competition and friendship, presenting young readers with a relatable and engaging narrative.
Enockson’s storytelling is both accessible and engaging, capturing the essence of life on Apple Orchard Farm. The narrative adeptly tackles the theme of decision-making, highlighting the importance of weighing options and understanding the impact of choices. This book goes beyond simple entertainment, offering insights into emotional intelligence. Candace, with the support of her friends, learns to understand her feelings and make choices that align with her values.
Abra Shirley’s illustrations enhance the story with their realism and charm. They vividly depict the rural setting, adding depth to the narrative and bringing the characters to life. Shirley’s artwork complements Enockson’s writing, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the reader. Candace’s Big Audition stands out for its depth and the warmth with which it portrays everyday farm life. The story strikes a balance between being instructional and entertaining, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. It’s particularly effective in conveying real-world skills like problem-solving and emotional understanding, themes that resonate with readers of all ages.
Ideal for both individual reading and group discussions in educational settings, Joan Enockson’s book offers valuable lessons in friendship, selflessness, and personal growth. Candace’s Big Audition is a heartfelt celebration of life, love, and the small yet significant moments that define our experiences.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0CN3Y92FR
The True Meaning of Christmas
Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish follows a young bunny enjoying the first snow of the season who encounters a pair of cardinals, and together, they plan a tree decorating for all the animals of the forest. What was the inspiration for your story?
After writing the third book in the series, Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift, which takes place in the fall with the characters preparing for winter, Hunnie Bunny wanted to tell a story about how the woodland animals would celebrate Christmas. It was important to show the true meaning of Christmas through her eyes and actions by decorating the tree with items from the woods and spending quality time with friends. Also, I wanted to include the possibility that wishes can come true during the holiday season.
If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?
I would choose Mrs. Owl for a spin-off book because she is wise and would offer counsel and support to the woodland animals who come to her for help. Also, children love owls and find them fascinating. (She will appear again in the book Hunnie Bunny’s Great Escape.)
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
When I was in college, I did a mini-term project with the head of the Creative Writing department. He gave me some advice that I have never forgotten: “After you write your first draft, put it aside for a few days and come back to it with a fresh set of eyes and perspective. Also, be prepared to edit and re-edit your work many times until you are confident that it has been completed to the best of your ability.”
What types of questions do you ask yourself when planning a new book?
In the Hunnie Bunny series, Hunnie Bunny has guided me on the journey for each book. I ask myself what Hunnie Bunny would do in a particular situation, what types of characters children like, and then Hunnie Bunny takes the story from there. For example, there are two books with new characters, a woodland fairy and a unicorn, which can ignite a child’s curiosity and imagination. Also, I want the books to be educational as well as entertaining, so I make sure that a lot of the content is factual whenever possible, and most of the books offer a moral lesson that parents can discuss with their children. This is important to me since Hunnie Bunny seems to have become a positive role model.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Learning Can Be Fun
Squirrels in Antarctica takes young readers on a whimsical journey where creatures and insects find themselves in delightfully improbable scenarios far from their natural realms. What was the inspiration for your story?
Squirrels in Antarctica was inspired by a word game my young son came up with at the family dinner table. We would go around and everyone would think of the silliest or most unexpected animal/location combo they could imagine. It was perfect for all ages and so much fun! But the true win for me as a mom, was that it was engaging the two younger kids to stay in their seats and eat dinner – something the littles normally struggled to do. About a year later, I was on a long drive on my own, and all of a sudden, a bunch of these new funny combinations kept coming to me. I was so busy cracking up, I had to pull over and jot some of them down. Before long, with so many fun ideas, I wondered, “Could this be a book?!” And the answer eventually became a resounding “Yes!”
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
While Squirrels in Antarctica is certainly intended to entertain and inspire creativity, I wanted it to have an educational aspect that aims to expand the reader’s knowledge of animals and geographical locations. The book introduces a vast cast of animals – many of whom may be brand-new to young children. While they may know what a squirrel or a hippo looks like, this might be the first time they see a blobfish, a meerkat, or zooplankton. Geographically, the book does something similar. Many of the pages give the reader a peek into exotic locations around the world like Peru, Paris, Tibet, New York, Hollywood, and beyond! For kids to be able to explore our expansive world in this way while having fun, is an incredibly valuable learning tool.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process with illustrator Todd Wilkerson like?
Working with Todd has been phenomenal! He is so naturally talented and funny that he really elevates the humor with his work. Like with the “sloth who runs a marathon but isn’t ever done,” I gave him an example of how we could have the sloth making his way to mile one. But it was all Todd’s idea to have the seasons pass and the sloth age, making the concept even more wonderfully comical. Todd fully understood what I was going for, and when I would say things like, “Can you draw a giraffe with a bowtie?” He’d respond, “That is my specialty.” And not to be outdown, that giraffe got the red carpet treatment with a tuxedo, a top hot, and a monocle! Todd’s work and work ethic are awesome. With our busy lives, it took us nearly a year from start to finish to lock in all of the illustrations, but it was totally worth it. The art in this book goes above and beyond to bring the words to life, in the most charming and hilarious fashion.
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?
We are in talks about if this could be a series. Stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
This fantastical book of animals in unusual places will tickle your brain, leading readers of all ages imagining their own silly combos.
You’ll see a skiing seal in Switzerland, a pufferfish piloting an airplane, a sloth who runs a marathon (but isn’t ever done), and so much more!
With fun illustrations and an educational twist, this book encourages readers to embrace their limitless imagination, explore the world, and experience animals big and small in their not-so-natural habitats.
Perfect for bedtime reading or as a classroom favorite, Squirrels in Antarctica sparks boundless imagination. So, come along on this epic journey and “Let your thoughts fly limitless like snails on shooting stars.”
Is it a book? Is it a word game? Can it be both?!
Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish
Deborah Carter Martin’s Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish is a charming tale that introduces young readers to the values of sharing and the spirit of Christmas. The story unfolds with Hunnie Bunny, the protagonist, who is thrilled to see the first snow of the season. Her ensuing adventure through the forest is depicted with a sense of wonder and excitement. As she encounters a pair of cardinals, a simple conversation about a tree leads to a heartwarming endeavor of decorating it for the community to enjoy. This act of collective decoration, with items like berries and pinecones, becomes a focal point for the animals to gather and celebrate.
Hunnie Bunny, with her endearing and friendly nature, becomes a catalyst for bringing the forest animals together. Her character exemplifies kindness and the joy of sharing, serving as an inspiring figure for young readers. Martin’s narrative style is both cheerful and engaging, effectively conveying the message that the essence of Christmas transcends receiving gifts and lies more in the joy of giving and harmony. The book’s illustrations complement the story beautifully, with vivid colors and expressive characters that add to the playful and enthusiastic atmosphere of the story. The story skillfully interweaves themes of friendship, tradition, and kindness.
Martin’s writing displays a deep understanding of positive concepts for children, showcasing that acts of helping can be as fulfilling as play. The plot, imbued with tenderness much like its protagonist, offers a captivating and enjoyable reading experience for children. Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish is a celebration of camaraderie, good manners, and the joy found in assisting others.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CQ256DG3
Explore Courage and Bravery
The Adventures of Danny the Discus follows a spirited discus fish named Danny, who seeks to understand his new world while navigating the challenges of acceptance and survival in a diverse aquatic community. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration came from my childhood experiences of being bullied and learning to stand up for what I believe in. At a young age, I went from being bullied at school to growing taller than most children at a young age and protecting those children around me from being bullied themselves. In addition, I am a Discus Fish hobbyist, and I thought it would be great to put my knowledge of the hobby into a children’s book that would also teach kids about the discus fish but also incorporate my country’s culture and moral values.
The artwork in the book was charming. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Wazim Mohammed?
Well, the collaboration with Johnny Hossain, who was the illustrator was fantastic; he was able to capture what I had in my mind in terms of the storyboards to tell this wonderful story. The communication was excellent with little rework, so it was a joy to work with him.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main themes in my book look at the spirit of adventure, explore courage and bravery, and have a moral lesson at the end, which I believe is important for children to learn.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is The Adventures of Danny the Discus Volume 2 – Love of a Mother. It’s available now on Amazon and was published in October 2023. This book was meant as a tribute to all mothers and was inspired by my mother, who I lost in April 2023. Currently working on my third book in the series, which will be available in 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
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.
Tales From Brook Meadow – The Tale of the Autumn Fall
Tales From Brook Meadow – The Tale of the Autumn Fall, by Kevin Richardson, transports young readers to a whimsical world where Oak and Birch, two adventurous hedgehog brothers, venture beyond the safety of their home to explore the enchanting riverside. Their escapades in the water and playful frolics among the autumn leaves capture the essence of carefree childhood adventures. However, their journey takes a turn when a wise fox imparts a crucial lesson about stranger danger, and a thoughtful owl reminds them of the importance of informing their parents about their whereabouts. These interactions lead the brothers to a moment of realization about their oversight, prompting a heartfelt decision to return home.
The book’s illustrations are a standout feature, with each page bursting with the warm hues of fall, beautifully portraying a variety of woodland creatures. These visuals not only complement the story but also immerse young readers in the vibrant beauty of nature. The narrative imparts two significant life lessons: the importance of parental permission and the need to be cautious around strangers, offering a gentle yet effective way for children to learn about safety and responsibility. The dialogue and narrative are clear and accessible and enrich the story with an imaginative spark and engaging wordplay to captivate a young audience fully. The visually-driven and concise storytelling approach enhances the book’s appeal to deeply engage its intended audience.
Tales From Brook Meadow – The Tale of the Autumn Fall contains a meaningful message with delightful illustrations making it a valuable addition to any child’s library. It’s a charming picture book that will enchant and educate young minds.
ISBN : 978-1-922358-65-3
Squirrels in Antartica
Squirrels in Antarctica by Sari Karplus serves as a delightful portal into the vast and varied realms of animals and geography, sparking a child’s curiosity and imagination. This enchanting book takes young readers on a whimsical journey where creatures and insects find themselves in delightfully improbable scenarios, far from their natural realms. From a porcupine strolling through Paris clad in pink to a skunk endeavoring to remain odorless, and from a narwhal seeking rest in New York to a piglet dining with a spork, Karplus brings these scenes to life with lyrical rhymes and vivid, dynamic illustrations.
Karplus’s writing style is exceptionally child-friendly, featuring succinct, engaging sentences that captivate both young readers and adults. The book’s structure, while not following a traditional narrative, offers an educational exploration of a wide range of animals, actions, and locales. It encourages children to expand their understanding of the world, introducing them to diverse environments from the Earth’s landscapes to the cosmic expanse of Saturn’s rings. The illustrations are a standout feature, with each scenario depicted in rich, colorful detail, creating a unique and immersive visual experience. The book encourages children to think creatively and embrace the boundless possibilities of their imaginations, fostering an environment where the extraordinary is not just possible but celebrated. What makes Squirrels in Antarctica particularly captivating is its embrace of the fantastical. Each page turn is an adventure, filled with anticipation for the next delightful absurdity.
Karplus’s humor and lively pacing make the reading experience both entertaining and engaging, ideal for nurturing a lifelong love of reading. This book isn’t just a reading experience; it’s a journey into a world where the unexpected is the norm, making it a brilliant choice for inspiring young minds to learn, laugh, and dream.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9798986029757
LITERARY TITAN 