Blog Archives
Open to Diversity
The Mystery of the Vanishing Fish follows a three-legged cat detective as he and his brothers embark on a hilarious investigation to uncover the truth behind their humans’ disappearing pet fish. What inspired you to write from a cat’s perspective?
I think it was really about showcasing the cute personality of the narrator, even though they were special with three legs. When I write, I find that it comes out with a first-person narrator. However, I think that is the best thing for my type of stories. Getting to see from the individual’s perspective or the cats, I think helps readers to understand them better.
What do you hope young readers take away from Bender’s adventure?
I want readers to see that even though he has three legs, he can still do anything and everything other cats can. I want the readers to relate to Bender and think he’s cute and silly in wanting to find where his fish friends went. Understanding and relating to him on a level as a child would can make the child more open to diversity and possibly adopting a cat too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the use of Bender’s difference in that he had three legs. I want this series to focus on each brother’s difference and show it in a positive light. The use of a detective mystery was to gain attention from the readers. Then they could read the story and see that even though he has three legs, it does not stop him from running, jumping, and exploring to find where his friends went to.
Do you have plans for more mysteries featuring Bender, Beau, and Bones in the future?
Yes I do =) There will be at least one more book, possibly two more in the series. The next one will be narrated by Beau, whom we were introduced to in Purrrfect As I Am but never got to be the head of solving a mystery. We will see if that is the final book in the series or maybe the brothers have found more mysteries to solve.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Tiktok | Amazon
In this tale, Bender and his brothers engage in one of their favorite activities – solving mysteries. The family owns a fish tank, which often catches Bender’s interest as he tries to interact with the fish. On this particular day, Bender notices that all of the fish are missing from the tank. Puzzled but excited, the feline brothers jump into action. Using his keen sense of smell and touch, Bender leads the investigation. He’s determined to find out what happened to their missing fish friends.
Where did the fish go? Will Bender and his brothers be able to find them? Come find out in this sweet mystery.
A Divine Calling
Bella Brown’s Messier than Messy Room follows a creative but messy girl who wants to go to the butterfly garden she finds out she can not till she cleans her room. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Bella Brown’s Messier than Messy Room came through an unexpected series of events in November 2021. I woke to a divine calling to write a book about butterflies for children. I wiped sleep from my eyes. “Write a book about butterflies for children?”
“Yes, write a book about butterflies for children,” boomed in my head.
I shrugged it off, went to work, and that same day received my second divine calling when my director insisted I take two weeks of vacation, which led to a zany butterfly research road trip across America. I visited butterfly farms in seven states – Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Texas. Each stop added layers to my understanding and vision for the story.
In Texas, I was pulled over for speeding. After explaining my cross-country butterfly research mission and showing the officer my GPS history of butterfly farm visits, he offered to waive the ticket if I promised to include a police officer in my butterfly book. Of course, I said “Yes.”
When I returned home, an author I didn’t know contacted me on Facebook asking if I wanted to participate in their online writing class.
I said, “Sure, I can always learn something new, and might be able to incorporate what I learn into the next book I’m writing. So, what’s your online class about?”
“Erotica” was their response, which I declined.
A story about a girl named Bella who has to clean her room if she wants to visit a butterfly garden is one thing. But a story with a plot twist where Bella and her Grandma Yetta disappear in a hail of bullets as they get caught in the middle of a shoot-out between law enforcement and a drug-dealing cult of strippers may send the wrong message to kids and their parents.
Ironically, it was the third divine calling, a near-death hospital stay that became the catalyst for revisiting and revising the manuscript that previously sat gathering dust over two-and-a-half years, that would become the first two books in the Bella Brown series.
This dedication paid off when Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room became a Golden Book Award Finalist, with its book trailer garnering 5.1K views in just eleven days. The book has also received five-star reviews from both Chanticleer Reviews and Literary Titan Reviews.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
At its heart, the story addresses a universal challenge: feeling overwhelmed. Eight-year-old Bella faces the seemingly impossible task of cleaning her room before she can visit the butterfly garden. Through her journey, I wanted to share an important life lesson: large, overwhelming tasks become manageable when broken down into smaller, controlled steps.
The story demonstrates how Bella, with her grandmother’s guidance, transforms an intimidating challenge into achievable goals. This approach resonates not just with children facing messy rooms, but with anyone encountering seemingly insurmountable tasks in their lives. It’s about building confidence through strategic problem-solving and celebrating small victories along the way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Anastasiia?
The collaboration with Anastasiia was facilitated through Get Your Book Illustrations, where all communication went through a project manager. While I never directly communicated with Anastasiia, her methodical approach to bringing the story to life was impressive.
The process began with character development, where Anastasiia created and refined illustrations of all the story’s characters. She then moved on to draft storyboards, which underwent revisions before establishing the final layout.
The last stage involved creating individual illustrations and two-page spreads. Interestingly, it was only after adding color that minor revisions were needed, and the final illustrations turned out uber-awesome-fantastic.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series, Bella Brown—Grandma’s Missing Butterfly Locket, follows Bella and her Grandma Yetta on a journey through memories of their butterfly adventures around the world.
When Grandma calls asking for help finding her missing butterfly locket, they reminisce about their incredible experiences: witnessing ten thousand Red Wing Butterflies take flight in China, encountering a mystical white butterfly at a Japanese temple, meeting a curious Blue Morpho butterfly in Colombia, and dancing among migrating Monarchs in Arkansas.
The story weaves together their precious memories while building to an unexpected and heartwarming surprise.
All eight books in the Bella Brown series will launch between September 2025 and January 2026 on the following dates:
Wednesday, September 03, 2025 – Book One: Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room
September 27, 2025 – Bella Brown—Grandma’s Missing Butterfly Locket
October 27, 2025 – Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm
November 19, 2025 – Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi
January 14, 2026 – Bella Brown–Dragonfly-Dragonfly-Dragonfly
January 21, 2026 – Bella Brown–Pip’s Perfect Purple Present
January 28, 2026 – Bella Brown’s Ten-Moon Mysteries
January 31, 2026 – Bella Brown’s Baking Bedlam
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
With Grandma’s loving guidance, what starts as a dreaded chore becomes a delightful adventure. One mountain of clothes, four stuffed animals, a tower of games, and a bed to make – can Bella conquer the mess before butterfly garden time? Together, grandmother and granddaughter discover that even the biggest tasks become manageable when broken into smaller steps, sprinkled with love and encouragement.
This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren while teaching valuable lessons about responsibility, persistence, and the joy of accomplishment. Through Bella’s journey, young readers learn that sometimes the best help comes from someone who loves you, and the sweetest rewards are those you earn yourself.
Perfect for children ages 4-8, this beautifully illustrated picture book:
*Shows how to tackle overwhelming tasks one step at a time
*Demonstrates problem-solving with a positive attitude
*Highlights the special connection between grandparents and grandchildren
*Encourages independence while showing it’s okay to ask for help
*Features warm, engaging illustrations that bring Bella’s world to life
Join Bella on her clean-up adventure and discover that with a little help, determination, and love, even the messiest room can become a masterpiece!
Bedtime Worries-The What-If Kid
Bedtime Worries is a sweet and rhyming children’s book about Kale, a curious boy whose overactive imagination keeps him up at night. Through a series of heartfelt and often funny exchanges with his patient mom, Kale voices all the “what-ifs” racing through his mind, from fears of monsters under his bed to worries about strange noises in the dark. By the end of the book, Kale not only manages to fall asleep but wakes up feeling confident and self-reliant.
I loved how relatable Kale’s worries were, especially for kids. His questions like, “What if monsters are waiting under my bed?” or “What if a bird taps on my window, wanting to spy?” reminded me of my own childhood fears. The author captures these anxieties vivdly. His mom’s soothing responses, like describing dreams of “lollipops, sugar clouds, and loads of ice cream,” were so tender. It’s clear that she’s trying to build trust while easing Kale’s mind.
I absolutely loved the colorful and expressive artwork that brought every page of Bedtime Worries to life. The illustrations were vibrant and full of personality, capturing Kale’s emotions perfectly. Each page felt warm and inviting, with little details like the soft glow of the nightlight making the story visually appealing.
The writing flows like a lullaby, and the rhymes make it a joy to read aloud. I also appreciated the subtle humor in moments like Kale’s mom yawning and snapping her fingers to signal bedtime rules. Those little touches made her feel real. The ending tied everything together nicely. I loved seeing Kale’s transformation in the morning, waking up confident and eager to take on the day. The last reminder that “worries are normal” is a reassuring message, not just for kids but for adults too.
This picture book is a gem for parents of young kids. It’s perfect for bedtime, especially if you’ve got a little one who’s full of questions and “what-ifs.” Bedtime Worries is a comforting hug of a book, reminding us all that fears can be soothed with love, patience, and a little imagination.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0DG45JFM5
A Common Childhood Struggle
Leo Gets His Nighttime Zzzs follows a busy boy and his diverse group of friends as they discover the power of teamwork and relaxation to overcome sleepless nights. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
All our Kids Can Club Collection stories are inspired by the fact that children often face difficult problems and emotional struggles as they grow up. They can feel helpless and believe no one else shares their challenges. We felt it was important to introduce young readers to characters who are experiencing the same issues they are and then find the strength and motivation to seek solutions and share these solutions with others.
Leo’s problem, his losing sleep at night because his mind fills up with Important Things to Remember and Worries, reflects a common childhood struggle. A review of literature reveals that up to 25% of children experience difficulties with sleep. Research studies have demonstrated that the Progressive Relaxation exercise (our “Scrunch Up Five – Unscrunch”) is an effective relaxation-promoting tool.
We want young readers to see themselves in the Kids Can Club kids. Leo, Clementine, Clara, Iris, and Nico are each unique, with varying ethnicity, backgrounds, skills, interests, and styles, and are also relatable to so many real kids. Both the child and adult characters in our book series are based on people we know, our own experiences, families, and friends.
What was the process of collaborating with Dana Regan to create illustrations that enhance the story?
We worked with Dana on our first book, Clementine Gets UNSTUCK! (published in 2022) and were so excited she partnered with us again in 2024 for Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs! Dana is an amazing artist and has so much experience with the book printing and publishing process. She not only illustrated our stories, but she also developed the layout and created the final files to the publisher’s specifications for both Paperback and eBook versions.
For both stories, we connected with Dana and provided her with a detailed character background/description document and the manuscript, along with our general thoughts about pagination and visuals. We also discussed font choices and variations for emphasized words and phrases. Dana provided us with an initial sketch version, then, after we reviewed, color versions with pages and text outlined, adding so many of her own amazing ideas! We had multiple rounds of reviewing, proofing, and commenting, with Dana always open to feedback. Due to busy schedules, it took about eight months from when we sent the initial manuscript to Dana to the date each book was published.
We are so appreciative that Dana takes the time to really understand our characters. This is reflected in the wonderful details she includes in her illustrations. We are lucky to have Dana on our Kids Can Club Collection team!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Through the personal experiences of the Kids Can Club kids and their club Missions, described in the first pages of Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs, we wanted to engage young readers and introduce them to multiple themes: 1) Universality-that we all share similar challenges, thoughts, feelings and are not alone with our struggles; 2) Empowerment and Agency-that we have the strength and ability make positive changes in our lives and environments; 3) Empathy-understanding and considering the feelings of others; and 4) Teamwork-learning that we can do so much for others and our community if we work together.
Can you share more about the Kids Can! series and its mission to empower young readers?
Our Kids Can Club Collection will continue to grow, with characters facing additional childhood challenges and finding THEY CAN find solutions for themselves and others. We are planning for a series of at least five books. Our series mission currently expands through our KidsCanClub.com site. Here we offer free activities, games, and additional wellness exercises. We also show kids (with the participation of their trusted adults) how to start their own Kids Can Club.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Strong Connection to Nature
A Freezing Ski Trip follows siblings Liam and Lily on an exciting yet challenging ski trip through the snowy woods to Pine Cottage. What was the inspiration for your story?
There are many exciting things to tell about winter and skiing in Finland. Our winter can look incredible with thick, powdery snow and glittering ice, and snowy terrain is the best place for recreation and winter sports.
However, freezing and icy conditions can surprise even the most experienced skier or camper, and even light outdoor activity can turn into a fight for survival, as in this story.
In this fairy tale, I wanted to highlight how nature can offer different experiences and circumstances. We should take them into account and take sufficient precautions to prevent damage.
I always hope that my stories inspire children to be brave, not reckless, and to believe in their ability to survive. I also want to point out that when people find themselves in difficult situations, it is essential to cooperate and avoid panicking to survive – just like Liam and Lily did!
The siblings encounter a variety of mishaps while skiing. Did you take any inspiration from your own life when developing this book?
As a child in Eastern Finland, skiing and snowy winters were familiar to us. I have attached two memories to this story, one from my childhood and the other from a dangerous skiing trip I later made as an adult with my family.
In Liam and Lily’s story, they find themselves on a steep hill that is too icy to ski down. I encountered that myself from time to time on my childhood ski trips. The result could be a broken ski—fortunately, no broken bones! Once, my mother accidentally fell off the slope and sank from tip to toe into the soft snow. Other family members laughed, but she didn’t when she got up covered in snow, but luckily in one piece.
However, this book’s primary inspiration is an icy ski trip my husband and I took with two small children to a remote island miles from any settlement. I still get chills when I think about the long route back after sunset and the freezing temperatures. It took all our strength and courage to finally make it across the dark and vast ice fields to the beach where our car was parked. There were no cell phones back then, and no one knew to expect us! The incident inspired a decent book, but I would never do a similar trip
again!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In this story, I have focused on three main themes: connection to nature, confidence in one’s abilities, and the power of cooperation.
I grew up close to nature having the opportunity to wander freely in the nearby forests and fields as well as row and swim in the lakes. Both summer nature and winter snow and frost became familiar, and I learned to act alone even in demanding situations. This is how I developed a strong connection to nature, which has always been my strength. I hope that as many children as possible can experience this.
I was lucky to be surrounded by wise adults who trusted my abilities. A child must have the right balance of freedom and safe boundaries. Encouraging independent decisions is good as long as the child gets enough security when it’s needed.
One of life’s important lessons is that we don’t live alone. Most people have someone close to them with whom they can share activities and experiences. Working together and finding solutions is easier than just coping alone. When the situation is challenging and your abilities are insufficient, it’s better to admit that a helping hand is needed. There’s no shame in being weak or incompetent. Besides, solving difficulties together with a trusted person can be fun!
Making mistakes and failing isn’t the end of the world, as long as you overcome the situation and learn something for future attempts.
What is the next book in the I Did It series that you are working on, and when will it be available?
In addition to the four books already published in my I Did It Series and illustrated by Catty Flores, I have at least two more planned. Those books are already ready-made packages in my mind, and I could turn them into books at any time. I must arrange a suitable time to write them down and agree with my trusted illustrator on the continuation. Right now, we are working on a completely different book with her, which we will publish in the spring. But we may embark on these new adventures soon after that.
I still need to name the next I Did It! books, but I can tell you both are related to bicycles. A bike meant a lot to me as a child. It was a symbol of freedom and independence. It took me to places I couldn’t have visited otherwise, kilometers away from home. I was lucky to have safe surroundings.
In one story, the main character participates in a traffic race at school, facing surprising challenges and disappointments. In the other story, the hero overestimates his own abilities as a road cyclist, and because of that, he gets into great trouble. Both stories tell about not giving up and the satisfaction that comes with it: I Did It!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Eventually they make it home in the dark and cold, with empty stomachs and broken gear. But they are full of pride over their courage during the difficult trip.
TIP’s Magical Birthday
Barbara C. Mishkin’s TIP’s Magical Birthday enchants young readers with its delightful storytelling and meaningful life lessons. Set against the backdrop of TIP’s 10th birthday party, the story introduces a colorful cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and diverse backgrounds. Through their interactions, the book seamlessly weaves themes of friendship, acceptance, and the transformative power of community.
This charming addition to the TIP series invites children into a world filled with magic, optimism, and connection. The vivid illustrations, a standout feature, captivate young readers and enhance their understanding of the narrative. Each drawing complements the storyline, helping readers imagine the vibrant scenes of games, presents, and the joyful atmosphere of TIP’s celebration. Mishkin’s storytelling is immersive and engaging. Readers will feel as though they’re part of TIP’s party, meeting his unique group of friends and reflecting on the beauty of their differences.
Mishkin’s book subtly encourages children to embrace diversity and recognize the positive influence of friendships in their own lives. As a role model, TIP inspires a mindset of gratitude, inclusivity, and positivity. The narrative fosters a sense of belonging, teaching children that building strong, diverse communities is essential for personal growth and happiness.
Perfect for elementary-aged readers, TIP’s Magical Birthday combines entertainment with a powerful message, making it a must-read for children in their formative years. It’s a delightful and impactful story that leaves a lasting impression on young hearts and minds.
Pages: 58 | ASIN : B0DGG7WPWR
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift, by Istvan Sanyi, is a charming holiday story that takes us to a humble village where a poor family struggles to make Christmas magical. The narrative focuses on two children, Oliver and Francesca, whose heartfelt plea to their late grandfather brings about an extraordinary miracle. Through an angel named Elsa, their grandfather grants them the joy of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, thoughtful presents, and a feast to remember. The story culminates in a heartwarming moment of gratitude and familial love, reminding readers of the spirit of giving and the strength of family bonds.
The writing feels wonderfully nostalgic, almost like a bedtime story from another era. I loved how the snowy setting was described, it really made me imagine a cozy Christmas scene. The story’s central message—that love and kindness can create miracles—is beautifully conveyed. Grandpa’s intervention from heaven and Angel Elsa’s generosity show how even the smallest acts can change someone’s world. The scene where the angel decorates the house and leaves a note from Grandpa made me smile. It was a little predictable, but that’s part of what makes it feel like a classic Christmas tale.
Chloe Nyiri’s illustrations added a lovely charm to the book. The pictures matched the cozy tone of the story and brought the snowy village and the little family to life. One particularly endearing image was of the children dancing in the snow. It was so sweet that I found myself lingering on that page.
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift, by Istvan Sanyi, is a delightful story that will resonate with families looking for a wholesome holiday read. Its simplicity is both its charm and its limitation, but it shines brightest in its earnest message of love, faith, and generosity. I’d recommend it to young readers, parents who enjoy reading aloud, and anyone needing a little reminder of the magic of Christmas.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CP9JJR1Q
Rich Sensory Imagery
Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape follows two spirited Border Collie puppies who are eager to explore after a rainstorm and wind up lost in the woods. What was the inspiration for your story?
Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape was inspired by my border collie puppies and their absolute zest for life. We adopted both of them from a rescue in upstate New York. They made me smile every day and brought much joy and gratitude to my life. I was training them to be off-leash in the woods and fields around our farm. For the most part, they were attentive and easy to train. However, being puppies, they could be impulsive at times. After being cooped up in the house for a couple of days because of bad weather, they took off into the woods on their own. This was the incident that inspired my story.
Sadly, Charlie became sick when he was barely five years old, and the problem remained undiagnosed. We had to let him go just four months after he became ill. Losing him broke my heart. Eventually, I decided to write about some of our dogs’ adventures so Charlie would live on in the pages of my book and bring joy to those who read about the two puppies. Charlie and Sophie inspired me, but Charlie’s death was the impetus to actually write the book.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I was fascinated by the intensity of concentration my dogs displayed when exploring their surroundings. I wanted to show how dogs use their senses and how their senses differ from ours. Rich sensory imagery, conveyed through words and illustrations, makes the sights, sounds, and smells of the woods more real for the reader.
I include two pages of backmatter that discuss a dog’s five senses and encourage the young reader to compare those with our own human senses.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing the part where Charlie discovers the goose nest and is attacked by an angry mama bird. Describing the scene’s energy with all the involved sounds and emotions was fun!
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Charlie and Sophie and the direction of the next book?
Charlie gets jealous when another dog comes to stay. Rocky is big and used to being a solo dog. In our house, however, Rocky has to share attention with Charlie and Sophie, while Charlie has to accept less attention from Mom! An encounter with a porcupine is a turning point in their prickly relationship!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Will the big bird attack them?
Will they ever see their boy again?
Join the two puppies on their wild adventure as they try to find their way back home!
LITERARY TITAN 