Blog Archives
Life’s Most Important Words
You Are…Volume One is a collection of poems designed to help young children define and better understand some of life’s most meaningful concepts while providing parents with a tool for building connections through discussions. What inspired you to write this collection of poems?
After the birth of my first son, I realized the importance of speaking life into his life and reminding him of all the great things he can be and is in the world. I wanted to help him understand the meaning of these important words and believe the positive affirmations I was telling him. I developed the idea for the You Are series through these realizations and wanted to create the books to help myself and other parents and caregivers be able to share these inspiring words with the special children in their lives.
How did you decide on the unique title for this collection?
This title was derived from the “affirmations” in each virtue described in the books. Since each short poem within the books begins with “What does it mean when I say you are…?” It was only natural to name the stories “You Are…” Each volume of the series will have the same name with new virtues defined and described through poems and whimsical, watercolor illustrations.
What is one thing you would like both children and adults to take away from your book?
The mission of the You Are… series is to teach children (and adults) the meaning of some of life’s most important words. They are meant to help adults share these important truths with children to help them comprehend and believe all the wonderful things they are in life. It is a great way to build connection with your children, spend quality time, and have important, meaningful conversations. Through the descriptions and definitions, my hope is children and families can re-read these selections over and over and remember all the wonderful things they are through life with a deeper understanding of their significant meaning.
Can you tell us a little bit about what readers can expect in Volume 2?
Volume Two follows the same themes and formatting as Volume One, with new words and characters described and defined. Volume Two’s highlighted words are: Strong, Important, Courageous, and Creative. With the orange, yellow cover depicting the “strong” elephant walking in the savannah sunset, brown bears representing important, courageous lions, and creative dolphins. Each story also includes discussions questions for each word, as well as journal pages to reflect on what the words mean to the readers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Through the use of poems and discussions, it gives adults a tool to speak life into children, while building a connection, and increasing a child’s understanding of the world’s most meaningful words.
Characters Learn From Their Mistakes
Eira’s Book of Magic follows a young girl who discovers magic is real, and that she has magic inside her that she must learn to control. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
At some point, I was at a loss as to what bedtime story to read to my young daughter. Like many other parents, I looked back at the fairy tales I used to read in childhood, and it sent chills down my spine. Dead parents, wicked stepmothers, flesh-eating evil witches…ugh! And what do they teach our young? To passively accept any mistreatment in the hope a Fairy Godmother or a Prince Charming will show up and save you one day? To trick your way into wealth by stealing from the rightful owner? There had to be another way. Unable to find a fairytale that would pass my quality test, I decided to create one. That’s how the tale of Aella and The Weather Sisters, the bedtime story at the heart of Eira’s Book of Magic, came to be. And then the whole adventure of a girl for whom the fairy tale comes to life just popped into my head while cooking. It took me sixteen days to write it down. I felt as though my head were going to explode if I didn’t get it out onto (virtual) paper quickly enough.
As the future generation gains control over their magic, they must learn how to use it wisely and with care. What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My goal was to create a story that would inspire readers to be the best versions of themselves. It was to be magical without being dark, deep without being depressing, educational without being preachy. In Eira’s Book of Magic, you see characters learn from their mistakes and make difficult decisions for the greater good.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
There are indeed. In fact, most, if not all, of the characters are at least partially based on real people. I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that the memoir-fiction ratio in Eira’s Book of Magic is somewhere around seventy-thirty respectively. I might write a book about this book one day.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
The sequel is almost completed. When my sister read Eira’s Book of Magic, she said to me, “I take it as a promise!”
“Which part?” I asked her.
“The ending, of course!”
So, I had to write again, for my sister. She also suggested a male protagonist for a change. This is how The Vice Versa Island began to take shape. Ironically, the idea came to me five years ago, but only now Eira gave me the right setting to turn it into a captivating story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A 2023 FAPA President’s Book Award Winner
At five years old, Eira accidentally finds the mystical medallion from her uncle’s fairytale, and an exciting adventure begins.
Years later, she discovers magic inside herself, learns to use it, and does many good deeds while simultaneously navigating the day-to-day challenges. As Eira grows older and wiser, she realizes that choices go hand in hand with abilities and that what might initially seem like the only way is not always the right path to take…
Maestro Orpheus and The World Clock
Ten-year-old Fred is visiting his grandfather, who loves to repair old clocks. But Fred would rather be anywhere else in the world, as the constant ticking of his grandfather’s many clocks prevents him from sleeping! But as the clocks strike midnight, a strange adventure begins for Fred, as he encounters the elderly Maestro Orpheus, Winder of the World Clock. Entering a vast otherworldly dimension, Fred discovers the importance of time as he explores the stories of those who came before. Together with Maestro Orpheus and the singing Lyre, Fred must face his fears as they work together to protect time for everyone.
The audiobook Maestro Orpheus and the World Clock is created by Robert Pennee and Joanne Grodzinski. This gentle adventure story strikes the perfect balance of whimsy and reality. The audiobook version enhances the story and is simply splendid, with beautifully performed classical music, engaging sound effects, and wonderful voice acting, adding even more magic to this fantastic tale.
I love good stories about time travel, and I love music, so this adventure was a perfect one-stop-shop of wonder. The storytelling is well-paced, and although a few slightly serious themes are encountered, they are handled expertly, making them appropriate for children. I also loved that the importance of music was a keystone of the book, with stories of famous composers woven throughout the narrative. In addition, the kind yet mysterious Maestro Orpheus, the inquisitive Fred, and the magical Lyre all add their own special element to the story. I simply can’t speak highly enough of this magical tale.
At just over an hour long, Maestro Orpheus and the World Clock is suitable for all ages and a perfect fit for storytime together on a chilly winter’s eve. This is an incredible story with excellent narration, acting, and lovely musical accompaniment. This whimsical tale of music, magic and the importance of time is a classic sure to find a permanent place in your heart.
Listening Length 1 hour and 4 Min | ASIN : B09XWVW9XM
There’s a Monster on my Bed
Harvey is a master at hiding. There’s no place in his room he doesn’t like to hide. Only one thing slows Harvey down, the Monster who comes into his room every night. When the Monster falls asleep, Harvey decides tonight will be different. Tonight, he will be brave and allow the monster to see him. Is the Monster as scary as Harvey imagines, or is it no big deal? There is only one way to find out.
There’s a Monster on My Bed, written by Margit E. Macchia and illustrated by Olga Scherbakova is a new take on an age-old story. Macchia has produced a precious monster tale that turns the tables on the traditional versions. I love the fact that the story required me to back up, reread, and think more deeply about events. This is a fantastic way to inspire outside-the-box thinking in young readers–a much-needed skill in elementary classrooms and a great technique for parents to practice at home.
This picture book does a wonderful job of teaching children how to face their fears, especially when someone looks different from they do. This is a great way to show kids that you can make friends with people that look different and have different backgrounds or cultures. It is a heartwarming story of acceptance and friendship.
There’s a Monster on My Bed, written by Margit E. Macchia and illustrated by Olga Scherbakova, is a well-crafted children’s bedtime storybook that will entertain and educate children. I can see Macchia’s fun spin on the monster-under-the-bed becoming a favorite in classrooms. Scherbakova’s vibrant illustrations bring the tale to life. I recommend Macchia’s book to parents and teachers alike.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0BD54WYH4
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window
M.J. is a friendly and curious dog. She loves to look out the big kitchen window in her home and see everything that is going on. She will often bark to get her mom’s attention and show her what is happening outside. Today she sees a rabbit, a squirrel, and a bird all out front. M.J. wants to go out and say hello to these new animals. After barking some more, her mom takes her out on a walk where she can see them all up closer. After their walk, M.J. returns to her place in front of the window to await more new friends to look at and meet.
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window, written by Vera Harris and illustrated by Tania Ramirez Cuevas, is an enjoyable picturebook that any dog owner can relate to. This is a wonderful children’s book to read to babies and toddlers. It encourages pointing out and identifying different animals and repeats the animals to help reinforce the words and picture connections.
One of my favorite parts of this entertaining book is the illustrations. The expressions on M.J. and her mom are realistic, and I can actually visualize the conversations happening in my own home. While written for children, I could definitely relate to this entire book unfolding in my own home. For this reason, I think parents will enjoy having this book and it becoming a favorite read for bedtime or story time.
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window is a delightful picture book that families will be able to enjoy together. It would be an excellent addition to a classroom library as well.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B08JD3H24W
LITERARY TITAN 