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Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery is an engaging children’s tale that takes the reader on an adventure with Hunnie Bunny as she nurtures her garden with the hope of growing her favorite vegetables. As the story unfolds, Hunnie Bunny’s excitement is palpable as she witnesses the sprouting of her garden, only to be met with the puzzling disappearance of her vegetables. This leads her on a quest to uncover the mystery behind the vanishing produce.
Author Deborah Carter Martin provides readers with a delightful read and a subtle educational tool, imparting an important lesson about respecting others’ possessions. The inclusion of various animal characters adds depth to the narrative, each contributing uniquely to the resolution of the mystery. Particularly notable is the character of Mr. Gopher, who, despite initial apprehensions, becomes an ally to Hunnie Bunny, highlighting themes of friendship and sharing. The book’s vibrant illustrations are a standout feature, offering an array of visual stimuli that make the reading experience interactive and enjoyable for both children and their parents. These illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, adding to the overall appeal of the book.
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery is a commendable choice for young readers, effectively combining storytelling with moral lessons, making it a worthwhile addition to a child’s reading list.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0CM852TLH
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
Acceptance and Diversity
This children’s book feels like a modern-day telling of Aesop’s Fables dealing with contemporary issues and lessons. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Welcome to the Zoo?
I started writing as a way to heal from PTSD due to my career as a registered nurse in the ICU.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I think the themes of acceptance and diversity. In my writings I try very hard to be inclusive and supportive of all types of situations that kids experience when growing up. Like racism or the need to come out of the closet for examples.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I would say my nursing career. Writing is a great escape from my PTSD.
Will this collection be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
This collection is the start of “the zoo” series of short story collections written by myself. You never know what you will find at the zoo.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Educational, Encouraging, and Fun
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden follows a young bunny who, while on a stroll, finds some seeds and plants them in her garden to watch what grows. What inspired you to write this children’s book?
I wrote this story in 1985 when my son was two years old because I wanted to encourage him to like vegetables. It wasn’t until my grandson was born last year that I finally decided to find an illustrator to bring the book to life. Though I am active and healthy, it is important to me to leave something special behind for him to remember his grandma by. So, I formed my own publishing company, SimpleReadsBooks, and have begun my journey as a published author. I am thrilled that he loves Hunnie Bunny, Mr. Squirrel and Mr. Frog and wants the book to be read to him every day.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to make sure that the information contained in Hunnie Bunny’s Garden (and all the upcoming books) is factual, offering a learning opportunity about animals, nature, and the aspects of gardening. For example, all the herbs and vegetables that are planted in the garden grow from seeds and are foods that bunnies can eat and enjoy.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Sandamali Kamalchandra?
Sandamali is an incredibly talented illustrator, with a master’s degree in digital art design, among other skills. When I was searching for an illustrator for the book, I kept coming back to her because I liked the samples of her illustrations from books she had done for other clients. I feel that we were destined to work together. I am very detail oriented, and she is extremely gracious and cooperative with all the changes I ask for. Initially, I just gave her minimal ideas about the main characters and was blown away with her designs of Hunnie Bunny, Mr. Squirrel and Mr. Frog! In fact, when the book was finished, I was so overwhelmed to finally see my story come alive that I cried. And, because of her illustrations, Hunnie Bunny has taken on a life of her own, inspiring me to write nine more Hunnie Bunny books. Sandamali will, of course, illustrate them all. I can’t imagine doing any of my books without her!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
There are a total of ten books in the Hunnie Bunny series. The second book, “Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery,” is about to go to print, and I plan to release it by the first of November 2023. Sandamali is currently illustrating the third book, “Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish,” which will hopefully be available sometime in the middle of November 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden
On a beautiful spring morning, Hunnie Bunny embarks on a leisurely stroll through the enchanting woods. During her adventure, she stumbles upon a cluster of seeds thoughtfully left behind by a bird. Filled with curiosity and enthusiasm, Hunnie Bunny decides to bring these seeds back to her cozy home, where she diligently plants them in her garden. As she nurtures her garden with care and tenderness, she eagerly anticipates the bountiful results of her efforts. By the time summer arrives, her garden has transformed into a vibrant array of wholesome vegetables. After savoring the delicious produce and fragrant herbs, Hunnie Bunny wisely saves the seeds, paving the way for another fruitful garden the following summer.
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden offers a delightful reading experience, particularly suited for beginner readers. The book’s vivid and engaging illustrations are sure to capture the hearts of young readers, simultaneously encouraging them to develop a fondness for vegetables. Through this charming tale, young readers gain insight into the fascinating process of planting seeds, tending to them with care, and witnessing the magical transformation into delectable vegetables. This not only makes for an entertaining story but also provides a relatable experience.
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden is a concise and swift read. While its charm and educational value shine through, I think there is room for the narrative to expand. For instance, I would love to see Hunnie Bunny either counting the vegetables or sharing them with her friends, introducing an educational dimension and immersing readers further into Hunnie Bunny’s world. Nonetheless, this minor point does not detract from the fact that Hunnie Bunny’s Garden is a delightful and endearing read, perfectly tailored for budding young readers. It leaves a lasting impression, enticing them to explore the wonders of the natural world with newfound enthusiasm.
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden is a delightful journey that ignites young readers’ curiosity and leaves them eager to discover the enchanting magic of nature.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CG3V3J28
Life Lessons of Lucy Lu
Lucy Lu has done nothing wrong, but she is being punished in the worst possible way. When her owner decides she no longer wants to take care of her, Lucy Lu is left tied to the front door of the local animal shelter. At barely four months old, Lucy Lu soon finds herself dependent upon the advice of the other dogs as she waits day in and day out for her person to swoop her up and give her a loving home. Will Lucy be one of the lucky ones who finds a home, or will she continue to wait and watch while friends come and go?
Life Lessons of Lucy Lu: Lucy Lu Gets Adopted, written by Gwen Kelly and illustrated by Leo Brown, is the touching story of Lucy Lu’s experience as a puppy abandoned and left to begin her young life again in an animal shelter. Not only is Lucy Lu, a mixed-breed dog, but she is also a black puppy. A prevalent color and less likely to be adopted by shelter visitors, Lucy Lu does not stand much of a chance of making it out any time soon. Kelly has masterfully woven a terribly common issue into a moving narrative that is bound to change the minds of readers one by one. Kelly has gifted her audience with an accurate and impactful look at animal shelters by building awareness and educating readers.
Animal stories are the way to my heart. I am an advocate for pet rescue and adoption, and every dog I have owned has been a shelter success story. Lucy Lu’s touching tale reached right off the pages and wrapped itself around my very soul. This is a wonderful method for teaching young children about animal shelters, the work they do, and how dogs sometimes find themselves waiting years for the perfect home.
There are many books that desperately need to be written, and this is undoubtedly one of them. Brown’s illustrations are precious and evoke emotion with each turn of the page. I highly recommend every parent grab a copy of Kelly’s Life Lessons of Lucy Lu: Lucy Lu Gets Adopted. Some things in life are hard to teach our children, but Kelly is making this one thing much simpler.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B0C3XXY557
Change Is Neither Inherently Good Nor Bad
Queen Molly and Her Friends follows a young GSD puppy who finds her forever family and shares what her life is like living with her amazing humans. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have a summer cottage in PA, the ‘Summer Palace’ in the book. Molly and I spent all last summer there, and much of the time, we had the place to ourselves. I had a lot of time to really get to know how incredibly smart and unique she is. When she first came into our lives as a pup, she had to try to make sense of being taken from her mother and siblings and starting life anew in a whole new place with a whole new cast of characters. I tried to capture that experience and all that followed from her perspective but with a human slant as well.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to show that change is neither inherently good nor bad; our response to change is what matters. Molly chose to accept the changes in her life as positive experiences due to her strong sense of self-confidence. I hoped to show that change is not something to fear but rather something to embrace and grow with.
Also, the characters in the book all have a great deal of respect for each other and care deeply about each other despite being very different from each other. Molly the Mutt is a great example; some people look at mutts as ‘less than,’ but not Molly. She treats Lilly as an equal and a good friend. Despite thinking of herself as a Queen and privileged, she treats everyone in her life with dignity. I think that’s an important lesson for all of us.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Samantha Deir?
I realized that illustrations would be integral to the story, and I researched professional illustrators online. I was getting frustrated and shared that with my daughter, and she suggested that I reach out to her friend, Samantha. Samantha is a very talented tattoo artist but had never illustrated a book. She was looking to step out of her comfort zone, which I respect tremendously, so we decided to test some ideas out. I sent her photos of Molly, Lillly, the ‘palace grounds,’ etc., and explained where I thought they would fit with the text. She sent some sketches, which I absolutely loved. I fell in love with the cover illustration immediately and decided she was the perfect person to bring the book to life. She added some illustrations from scratch, no pics to work from, and added the crown and cape on her own. I fell in love with the cover illustration right away, of course. The process took a while since her tattoo business is very successful, and she is quite busy, but to me, it was well worth the wait. Interestingly, we have never met in person. It’s been a text and email-only collaboration.
Do you have more books planned featuring Molly and her friends? If so, when will it be available?
I have two more Molly books in mind. One will focus exclusively on her life at the Summer Palace. The other will focus on a huge change whereby Meghan has a baby, and her boyfriend, his dog Cooper and baby Ellie come to live at 300 Elm Street for a while, then move to their own ‘palace’, leaving Molly alone with me. I am writing the Summer Palace book now, but as for timing, that will depend on Samantha’s availability. I like her work so much that I want to keep our team together.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook
Queen Molly and Her Friends
Our pets rule our homes–let’s face it. Author Gary John and illustrator Samantha Deir know this well. They know it so well, in fact, that they have created a main character who is the queen of her home and well aware that she is in charge of her humans’ every move. Molly’s thoughts are communicated to young readers from the time she is a very young puppy leaving her home to late adulthood after living a full life of running the household. Molly’s antics keep both her owners and young readers on their toes as they follow her from one setting to the next.
Queen Molly and Her Friends, written by Gary John and illustrated by Samantha Deir, is a children’s picture book written from the perspective of a young German Shepherd who is learning, growing, and adjusting to life in a new home. What makes John’s book so special is its focus on Molly’s thoughts. Our typical reactions to our pets’ misbehavior are interpreted in a humorous way by the main character. Young readers will enjoy going along with Molly and her friend Lilly as they grow together. Deir’s illustrations are simple, colorful, and draw readers directly into the storyline.
As a pet owner myself, I appreciated the progression from puppy to adult portrayed in Molly’s story. While Molly’s story is sweet and strikes a chord with children who own pets, I feel that it lacks dialogue and is a bit heavy on narrative for young readers. The author has done an amazing job of showing young readers how a dog grows from an overactive puppy to an adult who is protective of her family and loyal to the very end.
Children and adults alike will enjoy John’s story and Deir’s sweet illustrations. The children’s book Queen Molly and Her Friends is an excellent resource for parents who are considering bringing a pet into the family.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0C63YD9B6
LITERARY TITAN 