Blog Archives
There Is a Place for Everyone
The Kitten That Could Not Meow follows five kittens who are looking for their forever home, including one that could not meow. What was the inspiration for your story?
Last year, one of my daughters adopted a homeless cat, rescued in the streets of Tennessee after a terrible storm months before. He was frightened of everything, and he could not meow. No one wanted to take him home except my daughter. Showing us there is a place for everyone! Months later, I got a phone call, and what did I hear? “Meow!”
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I have always loved orange cats. My favorite orange cat, I named Bob, after Bill Murray in What About Bob? My friends at Draw and Care in Ukraine illustrated Maria and Clara from images of my daughters. I wanted to share their love for kittens and mine. Bob, of course, is the orange kitten. I believe one of the most precious sounds in the world is purring…it does not matter how we ‘hear’ it.
I felt this children’s story was well-written and intensely meaningful for today’s children. What experience as a writer helped you create this heartwarming story?
I just could not get the idea of my daughter’s cat, Simon, who could not meow out of my head. How many children would never hear a meow? How sad. I woke up in the middle of the night and envisioned how my little tale could end. It still makes me cry when I read the last page. When, as a writer, I can feel emotionally engaged every time, perhaps I have penned a meaningful story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Penelope’s Peace Place, is another precious and timeless ‘tale with tails,’ illustrated by my friends in Ukraine. It is a journey showing children the importance of family and sharing. Look for it in July.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Sir Flapalot’s Bubbly Bubble Blast
Sir Flapalot’s Bubbly Bubble Blast, by Charly Froh, is an enchanting children’s book set in the whimsical Emerald Kingdom. The story follows Flapalot, a dragon unlike any other, who can’t breathe fire but produces a delightful array of bubbles instead. Through his journey, Flapalot learns to embrace his unique abilities.
The writing in Sir Flapalot’s Bubbly Bubble Blast is wonderfully playful and imaginative. The vibrant and rhythmic language makes it a joy to read aloud. Phrases like “flippity-flappity flip-flap” and “bubbly-bobbly-wobbled” create a lively and engaging experience for young readers. The book’s humor is both clever and heartwarming, with Flapalot’s attempts to solve his bubble troubles adding a layer of delightful silliness that kids will love. The author’s skillful use of repetition and onomatopoeia makes the story memorable and fun to recite, adding to its charm.
The ideas within the book are impactful, especially for children navigating their own differences. Flapalot’s journey from feeling inadequate to embracing his unique gift is a powerful message about self-acceptance and the value of individuality. The turning point where Flapalot uses his bubbles to save the day underscores the idea that our differences can be our greatest strengths.
The fanciful illustrations by Zuzana Svobodová bring the Emerald Kingdom to life with vibrant colors and expressive characters, perfectly complementing the story and adding an extra layer of magic to the story. The artwork is detailed and engaging, capturing the whimsical essence of the story and making each page a visual delight.
Sir Flapalot’s Bubbly Bubble Blast is a delightful read for children aged 3 to 8. Its engaging narrative, heartwarming message, and enchanting illustrations make it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf. I think this picture book is particularly suitable for bedtime reading, encouraging young readers to embrace their uniqueness and find joy in who they are.
Joy and Contentment in the Simple Things
In Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo, two bird friends enlist the help of a new neighbor with magical powers to help them become the majestic birds they have always dreamed of being. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Miss Sapphire’s role would be the best supporting actress. She has a small but significant role. I have always thought Blue Jays were beautiful birds. So, I knew instantly that Miss Sapphire had to be a Blue Jay. I wanted my story to possess an element of magic because many children love magic. I love all the scenes with Miss Sapphire. When she transforms Sophie into a flamingo, I wanted the reader to see the slow progression of Sophie becoming a flamingo. As a teacher, I envisioned children repeating the rhyming spell with Sophie to encourage engagement with the book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Often, children, as well as adults, wish to be someone else. On the outside, someone else’s life looks perfect and very appealing. I wanted to portray this idea through my sweet main character, a common sparrow. Sweet Sophie wishes to be a beautiful flamingo. After all, they have pretty pink feathers, can balance on one leg, and dine on shrimp all day. Once she has an opportunity to live the life of a flamingo, Sophie realizes that her life as a sparrow was the perfect life for her. I hope Sophie can help children realize that they are special just the way they are, embrace their lives, and find joy and contentment in the simple things life has to offer. In Sophie’s case, that would be eating a worm dipped in chocolate and covered with rainbow sprinkles, perching on her favorite branch with her best friend, frolicking in her favorite bird bath, and spending time with her family.
I think the illustrations in your book are phenomenal. What was the art collaboration process like with Nicholas Child?
Nicholas is a joy to work with. This was our second book. He also illustrated my debut book, Juliette’s Web. I gravitate toward illustrations oozing with whimsical charm. I also like a more vintage look. Nicholas has a flair for creating charming characters and scenes with captivating details. Initially, I sent him my manuscript and gave him time to read and process it. Then, we have a phone conversation and discuss initial thoughts. I then sent him the manuscript with my ideas for each illustration. I can envision each scene. Unfortunately, I’m not talented enough to execute them on paper. Nicholas, on the other hand, is a gifted illustrator, and I never object when he puts his little spin on something. The illustrations for Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo are a collaboration of our creativity and imagination. I’m always excited to see the black-and-white sketches. However, when the illustrations are done in color, it is like unwrapping a beautiful gift. The amazing feeling you get when you see your book come to life through gorgeous illustrations never gets mundane.
I love the vertical flip illustration. I’m a first-grade teacher, and my students adore books with a vertical flip illustration. So, I really wanted to incorporate one in the book. I wanted the reader to feel that they were flying with Sophie to the penthouse and along the way see some whimsical sights. There aren’t any words on the page because I wanted the reader to focus on all the fun intricate details.
Can readers look forward to more books featuring Sophie Sparrow and friends? What are you currently working on?
As sweet Sophie Sparrow would say, “Holy Feathers! I’m in another book!” Sophie Sparrow will be making her encore performance in my next book, Sophie Sparrow and Friends to the Rescue. The beautiful illustrations were done once again by illustrator extraordinaire Nicholas Child. It will make its debut before the end of this year. There are some new friends, Cora and Charlie Cardinal, Finnigan Goldfinch, Miss Ruby Robin, Olivia Owl and her owlets, Sir Winston Woodpecker, and Percy Parakeet, who will be joining the charming ensemble. I would describe this book as “Habitat for Humanity” bird style.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
“If you could be any bird in the world, what would you be?” asked Sullivan, Sophie’s best friend.
For Sophie Sparrow, that is an easy question. She would be a beautiful flamingo named Pinky with a long, graceful neck and feathers the color of pink cotton candy, and she would eat delicious shrimp ice-cream sundaes. Luckily, Miss Sapphire, the new, young Blue Jay who moved into the penthouse suite on Maple Lane, had magical powers.
”Hold the pink feather, and say the magic words, Bingo, Lingo, Ringo, I want to be a Flamingo, three times, ” said Miss Sapphire.
Poof! Sophie disappeared into a cloud of pink smoke. Will Miss Sapphire’s magic spell make Sophie Sparrow’s dream come true, or will it be a nightmare?
This amusing and heartwarming story will remind you that the perfect life you wish for is often in front of you and found in the magic of friendship, family, and simple delights like a chocolate-covered worm with rainbow sprinkles.
The Adventures of Dori – A Rescue Pup
In The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup, authored by Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis, readers are introduced to Dori, a charming Maltese who resides in a quaint seaside cottage. Dori revels in her days along the coast, and it’s during one such day that an exciting adventure unfolds with her close friends, Jillian and Benito, by her side. As the trio plays by the ocean, they encounter a situation that tests their camaraderie and problem-solving skills.
What stands out in this narrative is the depiction of the deep bond shared among the three dogs. The authors effectively capture the essence of friendship, portraying a heartfelt connection that resonates with children, teaching them the significance of close relationships. The story also emphasizes teamwork, as Dori, Jillian, and Benito collaborate to navigate their seaside challenge, illustrating that collective efforts can lead to great achievements.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Tullip Studios, whose artwork enriches every page. These illustrations not only complement the story but also enhance the reader’s engagement, making the seaside adventures of Dori and her friends vivid and delightful for both children and adults. This book carries important messages about environmental stewardship and the virtues of helping others. It’s a narrative that encourages young readers to value and nurture their friendships while being mindful of the world around them. Adding an enriching layer to the story is its basis in reality—Dori is inspired by a real-life Maltese who found a loving home through the efforts of the Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue. Acknowledging this connection, the authors have committed to donating a portion of the book’s profits to assist in the rescue and rehoming of other animals. This philanthropic gesture adds a real-world impact to the book’s message, extending its influence beyond the pages.
The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup marks an impressive debut for Conway and Ellis in children’s literature, offering a story that is as educational as it is enjoyable. Readers of all ages will cherish this tale and may find themselves returning to its pages to relive the joy and lessons nestled within.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CPTNQMQF
Choose the Healthiest Response
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves follows a frustrated raccoon who awakens to find his favorite green leaves have all turned yellow. What was the inspiration for your story?
The idea for this book came to me when my son was about 4 years old, and we were going through a period of frequent tantrums and aggressive behaviors. Since I had studied developmental psychology, I knew the roots of this behavior and how to deal with it. At the same time, as a parent coach, I noticed that this problem is one of the biggest concerns among parents with kids aged 2-5 years. They would come to me completely devastated and lost: “I don’t know what I did wrong and why my sweet boy became so aggressive recently! He never saw violence in our family or elsewhere. I have no idea where he learned it and how to teach him to express his emotions in a peaceful way. So far, nothing has worked.”
At some point, I realized that I could create a story that could be therapeutic and teaching for both parent and child. This is how Tutti came into my mind.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Katerina Azarkina?
Since the idea for this story came to me, I knew it had to be a picture book. Illustrations can be very helpful in evoking emotions, helping kids and their parents tap into these emotions while reading a book. That is why, when I was searching through illustrators on different platforms, I not only looked at their style and the colors they use, but I also paid attention to my own feelings. I was looking for a specific response in my body. This is how I recognized ‘my illustrator’ when I came across Karerina’s profile. She also loved my story when I sent it to her, and this is probably another reason why the illustrations came out so beautifully.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to lead parents and their kids through a whole cycle of frustration and help them see that different responses we can choose in different situations. Tutti, the Raccoon, was frustrated because he didn’t like how leaves on the trees changed their color. He wanted to hit a tree, he demanded it to become green again, he was pleading and threatening… But the tree remained unchanged; nothing happened. Throughout our lives, we will have to deal with many situations that don’t go the way we want them to go. Our ability to process our feelings and choose the healthiest response is crucial for our emotional well-being. Sometimes it’s time to fight for what we want, and sometimes it’s time to cry and grieve. I wanted to show that tears are not something we should avoid by all means but rather one of the best ways to overcome situations which we can’t change.
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?
While my illustrator was working on this book, the ideas for the next ones started bombarding me. When I wrote the fifth story about Tutti, I had to say ‘STOP’ to my inner author! It was simply too hard and too expensive to self-publish so many books, considering that I made them in multiple languages.
By now, there are five books in this series. Each one is designed to help parents and their kids solve some of the most important problems in families with kids under 7 years old:
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves: A story about the ability to cope with aggression, frustration, and accepting situations that don’t go the way we would like them to. It’s about tears and tantrums. And at the same time, about the ability to find the good in any situation.
Why Tutti Doesn’t Like to Go to Bed: A book that creates a sense of connection with mom and helps to overcome bedtime anxiety so your child can fall asleep with a smile on her face.
Tutti Goes to School: It’s not just about school but about any separation. This book can help the child not to feel lonely in separation and to part with loved ones more easily when there is a need to do so.
Tutti, the One and Only: A therapeutic story about competition, believing in oneself, and the ability not to give up even when at first something does not work out. It’s about unconditional acceptance and self-love.
Tutti and the Vanillaberries: This is a story about one of the most difficult emotions – defensive alienation (in other words, ‘resentment’). It teaches how to repair connection when conflicts, upsetting situations, or long separation happen in relationships, or when we unwillingly hurt feelings of our loved ones.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Every one of us encounters situations where something doesn’t go quite the way we wanted it to.
Young children can get frustrated a 100 times a day which causes them a storm of emotions. They start fighting, screaming, falling on the floor, throwing tantrums, calling names and biting!
We can try to punish them for this, try to explain that this is not the way to behave. We can even threaten them with “natural consequences”… But we quickly learn that it simply doesn’t work.
This book can help a child understand their emotions and express them in a civilized way.
Find out what helped Tutti not to hit the tree when he had an impulse to do it, and how the wise forest elf helped him to overcome his frustration.
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.
Those Aren’t Eye Boogies
Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs follows a young puppy who has magical abilities to protect children as they dream and give them only happy dreams. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration to write Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs came from my my daughter’s Great Pyrenees pup, Luke. (My grandboy). Great Pyrenees were bred to be guard dogs, so they are inherently protective. Their instinct is to be kind to and patient with all vulnerable animals. Lukey has certainly lived up to his heritage and he takes great pride in protecting his flock (our family). One morning, as I was cleaning the ‘sleepies’ from Lukey’s eyes, I referred to them as ‘eye boogies’. My son, who was there, immediately said, “Mom, those aren’t eye boogies, those are dream crumbs.” And so Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs was born from there. And since children are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, who better to watch over and protect them, than Good Boy Lukey, ultimate guardian of the night.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Not only was Good Boy Lukey written for dog lovers (especially those who have Great Pyrenees), but for children who may have trouble falling asleep or who may need a little protection. Children can awaken and actually see the ‘dream crumbs’ (kind of like Santa’s disappearing cookies on Christmas morning.) This can hopefully give them the confidence to go to sleep again that night, knowing Good Boy Lukey is there magically protecting them.
I felt this story was very well written. What’s your experience as a writer?
I have no experience as a writer, and this was my first attempt at writing, illustrating and self-publishing a book. I’m a Director in Human Resources (Benefits) at a local university, where I’ve worked for the last 13 years.
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 is the only book so far, but my kids are encouraging me to continue the Good Boy Lukey story in a series, so we’ll see…….
Author links: GoodReads | Facebook | TikTok | Website
Within the pages of Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs, an endearing story unfolds—a tale of Lukey, a special puppy with magical powers, dedicated to safeguarding the dreams of children everywhere. From the creator of bedtime joy to the defender against nightmares, Lukey emerges as the ultimate guardian of the night.
As Lukey grows from a pup to a loyal companion, his mission becomes clear: to ensure every child’s sleep is filled with comfort and happiness. From watching over baby Grace to gently sprinkling dream crumbs over slumbering children’s eyes, Lukey’s presence guarantees a night of uninterrupted dreams.
Unlock the world of imagination and security for your little ones. Get your copy today and Embrace Lukey’s magical essence and make every bedtime a cherished memory filled with smiles, giggles, and dreams that come true.
Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs
Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs is an enchanting tale written by Linda Beck that masterfully blends the magical with the comforting. In this heartwarming narrative, we are introduced to Lukey, a remarkable dog bestowed with extraordinary powers. Lukey’s unique ability to sprinkle dream crumbs over children’s eyes, ensuring they slumber peacefully with only the happiest of dreams–a delightful twist on the traditional Sandman lore.
Beck’s narrative style is eloquently simple, yet captivating, making it an ideal choice for early readers. The book’s illustrations are a joy to behold, depicting Lukey in a charming superhero cape – an element that will resonate with young readers, especially those who have pets. The imagery of Lukey, consistently portrayed with an expression of joy, adds an extra layer of warmth and relatability to the story. This story takes readers on a gentle journey into a world where kindness and protection reign supreme, led by Lukey’s endearing character. This makes it a splendid read for young audiences, particularly as a calming bedtime story. The book not only offers an engaging narrative but also inspires young minds to view their own pets in a new, heroic light.
I highly recommend Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs to young readers and their parents. It’s a beautifully crafted tale that turns bedtime reading into a magical experience, celebrating the special bond between children and their pets. This book is not just a story; it’s a nightly ritual that could make any pet feel like a superhero in the eyes of a child.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0CJH4CG8P
LITERARY TITAN 