Blog Archives
MarlaGran- The Girl Who Wants to Live Creatively
MarlaGran is a whimsical and heartfelt picture book that follows a brave young girl named MarlaGran on a quest to discover what it means to live creatively. Born by the sea and drawn by a melody of imagination, she leaves home determined to find an answer to her burning question. Along her journey, she meets curious creatures, each showing her a version of creativity that doesn’t quite fit her. It isn’t until she dances to the rhythm within her own heart that she realizes the answer was always inside her. The story ends with her town joining in joyful self-expression, their hearts singing in unison with hers.
What I loved most about MarlaGran is how gently it offers big ideas. The writing is poetic and soft without ever talking down to kids, and it makes space for wonder. The bilingual text adds a rich layer. There’s something really moving about a story that trusts children to understand metaphor and emotion. It doesn’t hand you answers on a silver platter; it nudges you to feel them. The pacing is calm and unhurried, giving kids room to breathe and imagine.
The heart of the picture book, though, is its invitation. It’s not just a story, it’s a space. The drawing prompts and open-ended nature of the journey make this more than a read-aloud. It’s a kind of conversation. I found myself thinking about my own “innerscape” and how rarely books ask us to delve into it with kids. The message that creativity isn’t copying or performing, but tuning in to something deeply personal, is so needed right now. It reminded me of why stories matter in the first place.
I’d absolutely recommend MarlaGran to families, teachers, and therapists, especially those looking to spark emotional conversations or nurture imagination. It’s perfect for kids who dream big, who doodle on napkins, or who feel like they don’t fit into neat little boxes. Honestly, it’s also great for any grown-up who’s forgotten how to listen to their own melody. If you’re looking for a children’s book that doesn’t just tell a story but invites you to live one, this is it.
Pages: 66 | ASIN : B0FBS7RYF1
The Squirrel Who Loved Books – O Esquilo Que Amava Livros
Isabel Ricardo’s The Squirrel Who Loved Books is a sweet, bilingual tale about an unusually book-obsessed squirrel named Chesty (or Saltarico in Portuguese) and a Portuguese boy named John (João), who is struggling with homesickness after moving to Boston. Set primarily in the lush Boston Public Garden, the story unfolds around the unlikely but heartwarming friendship between the two. Chesty is no ordinary squirrel—he steals books from park visitors, always leaving an acorn or nut in return, until he discovers something far more rewarding: sharing stories and connection. Through their bond, both characters learn about empathy, culture, and the magic of storytelling.
I really enjoyed how playful and imaginative the writing was. Ricardo has a gift for wrapping meaningful themes in whimsical, colorful packaging. There’s an innocence to the narrative, but it’s never too cutesy. I cracked a smile more than once, especially during the squirrel’s mischievous book heists and his nut-throwing prank on the mean dog. The fact that the squirrel ends up with his own treasured book and even visits the Boston Public Library hit me right in my bookworm heart. The way the story folds in themes like immigration, bilingualism, loneliness, and curiosity without being heavy-handed is something I really liked.
The story leans into a lovely kind of idealism, like when the whole city starts leaving books out for the squirrels. It’s whimsical and full of heart, exactly the kind of joyful imagination that makes children’s books so magical. It embraces its message with sincerity, and that’s part of its charm. The bilingual format is a lovely touch, too. It’s not just practical for learning languages, it feels like an echo of the book’s deeper message: different cultures and creatures can connect through stories. Also, the illustrations help sell the emotional beats and playful tone of the book, although the style changes from scene to scene.
The Squirrel Who Loved Books is a delightful and feel-good story that would be a perfect read for children, bilingual families, or even nostalgic adults who still believe in the wonder of books. It’s cozy. It’s thoughtful. It reminds us that even the smallest creatures can feel big things.
Pages: 93 | ISBN : 1962185559
Matti and Anty. The Secret World of Icelandic Ants
What do you get when a quiet, curious little boy meets a tiny, equally curious ant? A charming, unlikely friendship that blossoms into a magical adventure full of fun facts and heartfelt moments. Marco Mancini’s Matti and Anty: The Secret World of Icelandic Ants is a bilingual story, written in both English and Icelandic, that gently teaches kids about the fascinating lives of ants through the lens of an imaginative friendship. Matti, more into bugs than roughhousing, stumbles upon Anty, a two-legged, talking ant who watches kids from afar and is ready to share her world. As their secret bond grows, so does the reader’s knowledge of how ant colonies work, all thanks to this unique storytelling twist.
I found myself smiling through most of this book. The relationship between Matti and Anty is just so sweet and sincere. There’s no drama, no over-the-top silliness, just two very different little beings connecting through curiosity. When Matti learns that there are ants in Iceland, the story takes a fun, informative turn. Anty explains how their hive works and even shows him around. I loved that part. It made me think back to my own childhood, when the tiniest things felt like huge discoveries. The writing is warm and friendly, and the tone stays playful while sneaking in real science in a way that doesn’t feel like a lesson.
The side-by-side translation is such a cool feature. I don’t speak Icelandic, but I loved seeing both languages on the page. It adds this extra layer of cultural richness that you don’t often get in children’s books. And the illustrations are gorgeous. Laufey Jonsdottir has such a gentle, expressive style. You can feel the emotion in Anty’s tiny face and the awe in Matti’s wide eyes. The visuals really help bring their little world to life. There’s one image of Matti peeking into the grass where Anty stands waving, it’s so tender and curious, it stuck with me.
This book also hits that sweet spot where education and storytelling meet. I came for a cute kids’ book, but I ended up looking up Iceland’s insect history afterward. Who knew ants in Iceland were so rare? That’s what I love about stories like this, they open doors to more questions, more learning. It’s not just about bugs; it’s about noticing the little things around us, respecting nature, and nurturing curiosity.
If you’ve got a child who loves nature, bugs, or just a good heartwarming story, Matti and Anty is a perfect pick. Great for reading together at bedtime or even for early school science units. It’s simple, sweet, and full of wonder. It left me wishing I had an Anty of my own when I was a kid.
Pages: 45 | ISBN : 978 9935 542 36 6
Giving Children Books From Their Culture
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest follows a boastful agouti who loves winning and challenges a cicada to a hunger contest, confident that he will triumph. What inspired you to write this folklore adaptation story from The Ngäbe Comarca in Panama?
The Ngäbe people do not have any children’s books about their culture per se, and they brought the original story to me to write a children’s picture book. I adapted it to my own story and gave names to their animals but kept their theme throughout the book. Created my own story. We work on the Comarca with the Ngäbe people. I wanted to have some books for the children of their own culture.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Yassibel Duque?
It was great, as usual. She is adaptable and comes up with unique ideas. She also lets me have my say, and we work well together. I appreciate the camaraderie with her.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to educate children on the agouti and cicada. The agouti is from Panama, and people know cicadas. I wanted to incorporate how cicadas get their food differently than the agouti. But the agouti didn’t realize how the cicada ate their “food”; the cicada only had to stay on the branch. The agouti had to hunt for his food.
I also wanted to bring out the pride, arrogance, and eventual defeat that enabled Nathan to change his perception of other animals. I wanted to keep that theme from the original Ngäbe folktale.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently waiting for my illustrations for another folktale from the Ngäbes. The title of my adapted story is Benny the Boa Meets His Match. I will then get it formatted and uploaded to Amazon, probably mid-March 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Nathan Ñeque : The Hunger Contest-El concurso del hambre
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest by Jane E. Ruth, with illustrations by Yassibel Duque, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) children’s story adapted from a Ngäbe folk tale from Panama. The story revolves around Nathan Ñeque, a boastful agouti who loves winning. Nathan challenges a cicada to a hunger contest, confident that he will triumph. As the days pass, Nathan’s overconfidence is challenged by the cicada’s quiet endurance, leading to an amusing conclusion that leaves Nathan humbled and wiser. This tale offers a playful, yet meaningful exploration of themes like humility, persistence, and community.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the way it brings an authentic cultural folk tale to life for modern readers. Nathan’s over-the-top confidence, shown through his loud boasts and exaggerated gestures like puffing on his pipe, made me chuckle. I could almost hear his voice declaring, “No one can catch me!” The contrast with the cicada, calm and still throughout, is not only funny but also thought-provoking. The author captures this dynamic beautifully without overcomplicating the language, making it accessible for kids while still entertaining for adults. It feels like being told a bedtime story with a moral tucked inside, which is exactly what folk tales should be.
The illustrations by Yassibel Duque are another highlight. They add so much charm and energy to the story, from Nathan’s frantic pacing on the third day of the contest to his dramatic, smoke-filled pondering on the stump. The visuals complement the text perfectly, bringing the characters’ emotions and actions to life. I especially loved the little details, like the swirling smoke from Nathan’s pipe or the serene look on the cicada’s face. It’s the kind of art that pulls you in and makes you want to linger on each page a little longer.
The story’s engaging structure uses repetition to emphasize Nathan’s growing hunger and frustration as the contest progresses, creating a vivid sense of time passing. This approach mirrors the endurance theme beautifully and helps younger readers connect with Nathan’s experience. While the steady pace might feel familiar in the middle, it builds anticipation for the satisfying conclusion, where Nathan admits defeat and learns a valuable lesson. The payoff is both heartwarming and impactful, making the journey feel truly worthwhile.
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest is a delightful read with a heartwarming message. It’s ideal for children who love animals, folk tales, or bilingual stories. The book would also be great for parents and educators looking for a fun way to introduce cultural stories from Panama. If you’re after a story that combines humor, wisdom, and beautiful artwork, this one is definitely worth adding to your collection.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0D8QG8JK3
Igniting a Love for Languages
Nuestra Hermosa Familia follows two siblings who take readers on a bilingual adventure to meet their family and celebrate diversity. What was the inspiration for your story?
Several things that I’m passionate about inspired this story: my family, my love of the Spanish language and my love of reading, teaching and learning. I firmly believe that in today’s world, being multilingual is a big advantage if not a necessity and according to experts the best time to introduce a foreign language is when a child is between three and seven years old. Being trilingual has enriched my life; it has expanded the conversations I can have, the people I can interact with, the places I can navigate; it has allowed me to gain an understanding of other cultures in a way only understanding the language can. My hope with Nuestra Hermosa Familia (and others to come) is to ignite a love for languages, culture and learning in young people.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Medie Big?
The collaboration with Medie Big was an amazing experience. I start by creating a dummy book complete with character profiles, indicating who’s on which page, what they are saying and what the scenes look like in my head. From these Medie does their magic, they are genius at turning my stick people and mishmash ideas into something special. They begin with several initial sketches to ensure we’re on the same page, once we agree on a direction, all the sketches are created and approved before Medie does the colouring. The whole process is very collaborative, Medie is a very talented artist who is also great at receiving and acting on feedback and delivering for her clients, wait till you see what she’s done for my new book!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This book was written around one of the units in the English KS1 & 2 Spanish national curriculum – (for children aged 4+ to 7 years old). I learnt (and continue to learn) Spanish as an adult. Drawing from this experience and from my experience as a teacher, I didn’t want my readers to simply have a compilation of pictures and words; I wanted them to understand and be able to use these words in context. There’s a lot of subtle repetition, keywords are used in sentences and then highlighted within the sentences, the illustrations really help bring it all to life. I have also created a several resources, including a read along video, flashcards and worksheets to complement the book. These are all available for free on my website: www.missjoseph.com
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?
Yes, Nuestra Hermosa Familia is the first of twenty planned books. My next book, Pelotas Deportivas, is all about sports and colours and it’s fab. Look out for it from July 2024. In this next book, you can expect more fun adventures with Juan and Maria as they explore the world of sports and learn about different colours in both English and Spanish. And of course beautiful illustrations from Medie!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Pinterest
‘Nuestra Hermosa Familia – Our Beautiful Family’ is a charming picture book that celebrates language diversity and the special bond of family.
This bilingual book features:
✓ Full sentences in context – not just a list of words,
✓ Engaging storytelling, and
✓ Lovely, vibrant pictures that capture the love and happiness of a family.
Open the door to a bilingual journey that fosters language proficiency and offers the priceless advantages of bilingualism such as cognitive growth, better academic performance, and Cultural awareness.
Buy ‘Nuestra Hermosa Familia – Our Beautiful Family’ today and give your child the gift of a brighter future!
Nuestra Hermosa Familia
Nuestra Hermosa Familia, by Miss Ayoku Joseph, is a bilingual picture book that deftly interweaves Spanish and English, presenting a valuable tool for young readers embarking on language acquisition. The book celebrates family ties through engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations. It distinguishes itself with an interactive method of introducing family member names in both languages, providing an enriching experience for young learners.
Readers meet Mary and her relatives, ranging from her brother to her grandparents, with names presented in both English and Spanish. This approach not only expands the vocabulary of young readers but also enhances their appreciation of diverse family dynamics. The artwork in Nuestra Hermosa Familia merits particular attention for its warmth and charm, capturing the essence of familial joy and intergenerational bonds. The combination of expressive illustrations and bilingual narrative makes this book an excellent selection for bedtime reading, educational activities in classrooms, and engaging family reading sessions. It also serves as an effective educational resource, fostering cognitive development within a multicultural framework.
For parents and educators looking to bolster a child’s linguistic abilities and expose them to cultural diversity, Nuestra Hermosa Familia offers a delightful and instructive addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0CQGWXXNS
Great for Bilingual Families
Chato, the Puppy-Cat follows a homeless puppy who is adopted by a loving woman who thinks he is a cat, and he is afraid to show her he is a dog. What was the inspiration for your story?
The story presented itself in my head one day, as if it wanted to be told. It wasn’t until later that I realized it came from childhood experiences, and from watching both children and adults around me having to conform and behave in ways that went against their grain.
Chato struggles with wanting to belong and with showing his true self out of fear of being accepted. Was there anything from your own life that you put into this emotional story?
I was born with a vision disability which affects various aspects of my life, and I often had to conform to fit in and not inconvenience others. I had a lot of trouble in school because I couldn’t see the board or read small print. The bright lights indoors and sunlight outdoors blinded me so recess and gym class were torture.
Also, I can’t see color. I debated about doing the illustrations as pencil sketches or ask someone to help me with the colors. I was told that black and white would limit the commercial appeal of the book, but I had to think of my brave main character, Chato. What would he do? And I knew I had to stay true to myself.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Going back to the previous questions, I think it is good for kids to see that they are not alone if they feel different. Also, it might be educational for them to learn about how someone can still think the world is a beautiful place without color vision.
As a language teacher, however, I love rhythm and rhyme and I believe it can help kids (and adults) learn and remember things. It helps them learn how words with the same sounds can have different spellings, and can also engage them while being read to; predicting the next words based on their sounds. The fact that the book is bilingual English/Spanish makes it great for bilingual families or for children learning one language or the other.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have just finished a collection of short stories for adults and a few more picture books, one of which helps kids learn to tell time. I hope they will be available soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Todostuslibros
Tú eres un perro, pero todo el mundo piensa que eres un gato. ¿Qué haces? Una fábula animalista sobre el derecho natural a la personalidad propia.
You are a dog, but everyone thinks you are a cat. What are you doing? An animalistic fable about the natural right to one’s own personality.
LITERARY TITAN 