Blog Archives
The Owl and the Shepherd Boy
The Owl and the Shepherd Boy by Tuula Pere follows young Nicky, a shepherd boy who is tasked with managing the cottage and goats for one week while his father goes back down the mountain to the valley where the family lives. Unfortunately, a large storm comes thundering through, destroying the cottage and scaring his goats away. Now Nicky is left with nothing but a torn blanket and must find his way down the mountains back home.
This story teaches children the importance of responsibility and ownership of one’s life. Nicky is now of age to where he must help the family with shepherding duties, and with that comes the responsibility for the goats’ overall well-being and being able to live on one’s own even when fear is present. The author shows this with Nicky’s problem-solving and survival skills. Of course, accepting a little help from a friendly owl would aid in the journey down the mountain but allowing to be helped is also another life lesson that is taught in this story.
I enjoyed the illustrations by Catty Flores immensely. I felt the artwork was vivid and colorful, even in the parts that were dark and stormy. Nicky was venturing down the mountain, the wind was blowing his hair, and the tattered blanket came to life through the well-crafted art. The author and the illustrator had great vision when bringing this story to life.
The Owl and the Shepherd Boy is a heartwarming picture book that teaches children the value of accepting help when offered and learning to trust. It also teaches kids that it is okay to be afraid of things like the dark and that you can overcome your fears. This inspirational story is a great starting point for families and teachers when discussing concerns and what to do in a natural disaster.
Pages: 16 | ASIN : B07HYLRWN2
Saved From the Flames
Young Sunita and her family have lost all their possessions in a house fire. As well as lost their beloved dog Taro. The story opens with Sunita living with relatives nearby, where her family home has burned down while the parents and neighbors rebuild. This story spans over a few weeks as the rebuilding is happening and follows Sunita through her depression and struggle over this traumatic event. Can things be rebuilt when things seem hopeless?
Saved from the Flames by Tuula Pere is a story with a profound message of rebuilding not only from physical tragedies or traumas but also internally, emotionally, and mentally. After the fire, Sunita is clearly being affected internally by what was lost. The home wasn’t filled with gems or jewels but was a modest home filled with things that held priceless meaning to herself and her family. Add on top of that, her parents argue and blame one another instead of comforting each other and caring emotionally for Sunita. Leaving her feeling detached, abandoned, and isolated.
What the author does well in this children’s book is properly convey to young readers in a simplistic way a rather deep and sometimes emotionally overwhelming real-life trauma. I love that the author knew how to incorporate the sense of community with the neighbors helping rebuild their home by donating their time and supplies. Also, the importance of family and being there for one another through the good and especially the bad times. The author also made an amazing choice by bringing in help from teachers and doctors because sometimes those people can be intimidating to children or someone they wouldn’t even think to ask for help from. I feel the author has a great sense of what it takes to heal inside after trauma, as well as the kind of outside help that is needed as well.
Pages: 16 | ASIN : B07HYW4C3S
Traveling Companions
When a mountain village is destroyed by a mudslide, the villagers must relocate to the bottom of the mountain. A young boy is injured in the mudslide and has a broken leg. He can not walk with the rest of the villagers, so he remains in what is left of the village with the old village elder and the blind blacksmith. They face the choice of waiting there with little water and food or trying to reach the valley on their own. Together they form a plan to try and reach safety relying on one another.
Traveling Companions by Tuula Pere is a beautiful children’s book about working together and realizing each person’s strengths and values in life. While each of the three companions has a significant physical challenge, they can work together and put their skills to use to survive.
I love how the weakest and most vulnerable are brought into focus for this story. It teaches compassion to those that need it and shows that even when old, sick, or disabled, people still have value and can contribute. Children will learn that everyone has value, even if you can not see it immediately. Each member of the traveling group has an important job. The young boy had food and water that the other two did not, as well as good eyesight, the blacksmith had strength that hey other two lacked, and the elder had knowledge of how to safely get down to the valley.
Traveling Companions is a heartwarming picturebook for classrooms and families that teaches children about diversity and acceptance and that everyone has value in society. The message of teamwork and persistence shines, though, and kids will see that when they work together, they can accomplish things they would not be able to on their own.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B07HYXSPYV
A Special Sweater
Eddy is creative and enthusiastic about knitting. After making a pot holder decides he will knit a sweater. He starts by looking at designs in a magazine, then he draws up a plan. Unfortunately, he hits roadblocks towards his goal. His family thinks this project is too much for him and that he can’t get the right yarn and needles to make a project this large. Rather than giving up, Eddy finds ways around these problems and never gives up on his vision. Even when it takes him months to complete the project, he keeps going and finding solutions to every problem he encounters. In the end, Eddy is proud of his hard work and dedication; nothing anyone says will diminish his happiness.
A Special Sweater by children’s author Tuula Pere is a heartwarming children’s book about dedication and determination. Eddy learns to knit, and even when everyone around tells him making a sweater is too much work or trouble, he refuses to give up. Instead, he makes the best of the supplies he is given, even if they are not what he needs or wants for his vision. The ability to adapt to his situation and the make the best is a valuable lesson that children can learn from.
I love how Eddy keeps going, takes every obstacle, and finds a way around it. So many books have things work out easily. This one really showcases how important a good attitude is to turning something into a magical experience. When things don’t work out how he wants he adjusts his vision and perspective to see the project through.
A Special Sweater is an inspirational picture book that will show children that they can achieve their dreams even when there are obstacles in the way. They will learn that having a good attitude is key to finding a way through challenges in life. This is an excellent book for families and classrooms to have.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09K6M3CHL
Not Just a Writer, an Author
My Sunflowers follows a young girl that wants to grow sunflowers despite being told she is too young to do it herself. What was the inspiration for this story?
Often children have fun ideas that adults don’t support. The reasons are many; it’s dangerous, takes too much time or money, or disturbs the others. However, we must give space for the child’s natural curiosity and desire to experiment. They must be encouraged to try new things and trust their abilities.
Sometimes children make mistakes – as we all do, and their actions involve a certain amount of danger, but coping with risks is essential for the learning process. Once the children have received basic information and instructions from their parents, it’s gradually time to face the outside world more widely. I was lucky to live in the safe freedom of my childhood. It included many bike rides, forest exploration, and other outdoor activities.
I still remember how exciting it was to go out alone to try new things. Luckily, I never hurt myself worse, even though I climbed tall trees and steep cliffs. I learned to take a suitable number of risks and to survive with odd tasks, people, and places. All those skills have been beneficial later in my life. Without that kind of childhood, I wouldn’t be the person I’m today.
Why did you choose sunflowers for this story over another type of flower?
I have always loved sunflowers, even though I have not grown them myself. They have a lot of energy, both in terms of their name, color, appearance, and height. The sunflower is a positive and proud plant that can be used in many ways. In my story, the size of the sunflowers has its special meaning.
The girl has the challenge of getting the tall flowers to cope with two obstacles. First, large flowers are difficult to grow unnoticed by others. The more significant threat, however, is a storm rising overnight. Long stems and heavy flowers are in danger when a storm blows and rain hits the yard.
The help and advice of a friendly gardener are crucial for the child. With the support of some sticks, the plants withstand the storm and rain.
After My Sunflowers was already published, growing sunflowers and their intense yellow color under a blue sky have become a symbol of staying strong in difficult times. If my book helps somebody keep their head high and trust themselves, I appreciate that.
When did you first call yourself a writer?
First, I’d distinguish between calling myself a writer or an author. I have felt like a writer much earlier than I dared to call myself an author.
Writing has been an essential part of my legal studies and my work as a lawyer and the head of corporate communication in large companies. But that has been non-fiction writing of articles, contracts, and presentations.
I have always written a lot in my free time, too. Those texts have been only occasionally published in some local newspaper or taken part in some competition. The turning point was 2010 when I published my first children’s book Stella and the Magic Stone. At first, I was a little shy to call myself an author because I had started publishing independently through my company Wickwick Ltd. Becoming a member of The Finnish Youth Writers Association and The Association of Finnish Nonfiction Writers encouraged me nationally though my focus has always been mainly international.
Now, after twelve years of active publishing, I finally feel not just a writer but an author, too! I have written and published over 50 original children’s books in several languages and sold translation rights to many international publishers. I still have some connections to my previous professional past, e.g., I recently worked as a contributor to a “Research Handbook on Contract Design” by writing an article about contracts and the human factor.
To sum up. In a broader sense, I have been a writer – also professionally – for about forty years and an author for over a decade. As you can see from this answer, we, lawyers, often make simple things very complex. I may be a little too serious here, but writing is such an important and responsible task for me. I feel privileged because I have the opportunity to reach people through it and try to make a difference in their lives.
What advice would you give to help others create plotlines?
I don’t feel like advising other writers as storytellers. It’s best for everyone to find their individual style and way of telling stories. Of course, anyone can constantly improve their written expression in a linguistic sense. But as a storyteller, one must take responsibility for having enough to say and being able to do it properly.
Having a genuine voice is the key. I don’t think anyone should listen too much to the instructions of others about the story itself. It may result in trying to please the publisher or, at worst, mimicking the way others tell stories.
Of course, books often have their natural narrative rhythm. But a skilled writer can and should be brave enough to break these rules if needed. However, besides interesting stories and captivating plotlines, the readers deserve that the language has been used correctly.
It’s beneficial for children’s writers to test their way of telling stories in front of their actual audience. When you tell or read the stories face-to-face to the children, you immediately see and feel the reactions. It’s wonderful to see on their faces that the story also reaches the heart. It’s best if a compelling story leaves a profound impact and gives its listener or reader something helpful in growing as a person.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
The Tree House Night
Emma and Oliver are best friends that live next door to each other. They decide they are going to build a treehouse in the backyard between their homes. Oliver is apprehensive, but Emma encourages him to help her make it. At one point, Oliver decides he is uncomfortable with the treehouse and refuses to climb up and leaves Emma to finish the job herself. Once it is finished, she proudly shows her work off to her parents and tells them she wants to spend the night up in the tree. They tell her no, it is not safe. Later, Oliver climbs up the tree to talk to her and tells her he heard what she said and wants to support her plan. That night when Emma sneaks out to stay in the treehouse, Oliver watches over her from his bedroom window.
The Tree House Night, written by Tuula Pere, is another fantastic work by this author. This excellent picture book focuses on friendship. Two friends who do not always agree still find a way to remain friends and focus on what matters, supporting each other in their dreams and goals. Even though Oliver disagrees with Emma’s plan, he supports her in the only way he can, shining light and watching over her as she sleeps in the treehouse. Knowing her best friend is watching over her gives Emma the strength to overcome her fears of the dark and the noises she hears.
So many children’s books on friendship focus on the good times children have. I like that this book showed that friends do not have to always agree on the same things or have the same goals. Even with these differences, they can still support one another and help each other make their dreams come true. This is the beauty of people. They don’t all have to be the same or have the same ideas and goals to be kind and be friends. This excellent picture book shows children they can be friends with people different from themselves and support one another.
The artwork done by Catty Flores is genuinely superb. The characters have so much personality children who can’t read will still be able to feel Oliver’s mood as he is concerned about things happening. But, equally, Emma’s excitement and confidence radiate off the pages as she builds her dream treehouse. The bond they share shines through the pages, and children will relate to the images presented in this captivating story.
The Tree House Night is a beautifully written picture book with an inspirational message about friendship and supporting those you care for. Children, teachers, and parents will all enjoy reading this remarkable story and will be able to relate to the message that the author has presented.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09K6MNF52
Heart, Brain, and Love
The Wild Waves follows a young boy that is terrified of boats because of the noise and speed and how a patient Grandpa helps him overcome those fears. What was the inspiration for your story?
I lived my important childhood years in the lake district of Eastern Finland. I have spent a lot of time in the waters – swimming, fishing with my father, adventuring on a rowing boat along the nearby lakes – so this subject is familiar to me.
As for swimming, I was one of the bravest and loved diving, too! But I must admit, I was afraid of fast motorboats. Our family only had a small rowing boat that I could use whenever I wanted. But I hated situations when someone took us for a ride in a motorboat. I would have preferred to have escaped the whole situation, but I tried to be polite! The feelings of such experiences now flow into my stories for children and their families.
The Wild Waves story is part of my book series, The Little Fears. I have built the series on the importance of a child’s experience. All the stories draw attention to the role of the adult as a listener and supporter for the child.
The adults easily underestimate the importance of the child’s concern. My experience is that the little fear quickly grows too big if you don’t get help with it in time.
When I present my Little Fears Series at book fairs in different countries, I often hear very personal confessions and childhood memories from adults. The message is the same: If only someone had taken my worries seriously, I would have coped easier with my fears even as an adult!
What books did you grow up reading?
As a child, I enjoyed living next to a small village library for a decade. There was enough to read for the curious child. I gradually went through most of the library department by department and subject by subject. Of course, I liked fairy tales at first, but soon I started reading longer novels and nonfiction.
In fact, nonfiction was my passion. Whenever I wanted to find answers to questions that preoccupied my mind, I browsed various encyclopedias and books about nature, geography, or history. My passion for information was great, and we didn’t have such literature at home. So, I spent a lot of time in the library and borrowed loads of books to read at home.
In elementary school, I quickly did all the other tasks, so the teacher let me read any books freely for the rest of the lesson. There, I became acquainted with Finnish folk tales and the stories of the Thousand and One Nights – both of which are still my favorites.
If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would those be and why?
This is a difficult question. Sometimes it feels like one person can hold so many things that an entire dictionary would be necessary to describe them. I would rather divide the question into two parts: the words that describe my most important roles in different areas of life and those that define me as a person.
But let me try to stick to the assignment and choose the words heart, brain, and love.
The three words I have chosen are significant to me. I try to combine them all into a harmonious entity because I think they reinforce each other’s influence.
The things I find most meaningful in my life always follow me in my heart. It represents the human factor in everything I do. I am a very family-oriented person, but I try to extend the same warmth of my heart beyond the close circle and influence the well-being of others, too. I’ve noticed that incorporating the warmth of the heart into everything you do opens surprising doors and creates unexpectedly rewarding connections with others. Writing books for the world’s children is very well suited for this purpose, too!
Good goals are easier to achieve if they involve not only the heart but also the brain. I greatly appreciate people’s ability to learn, acquire knowledge, and use their own brains to weigh things up. The brain, used wisely, also effectively promotes soft values. The use of the brain is also related to a person’s self-confidence. With the help of education, it is possible to develop both the knowledge base and the ability to use it for the common good. For this reason, I want to combine my work as a children’s author and publisher also to support children’s education.
When my father died, and I had to choose the text on his tombstone, the choice was easy. Now it reads freely translated: The greatest of all is love. I feel that love has incredible power everywhere, not just in the family. If I can sense that a person truly loves and respects other people – even strangers and distant ones – it is easier to find common ground to start cooperation. Love cannot be pretended. When it includes genuine respect and interest in life, it has irresistible power. We can transmit that power in many ways. It goes along with everything we say or write, sometimes in words and on lines, sometimes between them. Even silence can contain love.
I hope that all these words – heart, brain, and love – say something about me. At least, I value and need them in everything I do.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I hope I understood the question correctly. One of my special traits and skills in writing is remembering in detail very old experiences, feelings, and scenes from my childhood. I also bear in mind events told by others and their emotional states. I combine all of these with my books, which are thus authentic and vivid.
After more than sixty years of living, I have a vast collection of stories in my mind. Just give me a keyword, and I’ll tell you a story about it. Let me work with the illustrator, and we will have a children’s book ready. I don’t mean to brag; there’s no reason for that. The world is full of more advanced authors. But I’m honestly doing what I truly believe in. That’s the best guarantee for my writing, and it doesn’t need any tricks!
Author Links: Facebook | Website
“The Wild Waves” is a story about the fear of high speeds and waves.
Otto dreads his family’s boat trips. He’s afraid of speeding over the water in the motorboat. But Grandpa is a patient teacher, and in the end, Otto dares to go aboard Grandpa’s old boat as assistant captain.
The waves are splashing, and the wind is howling. Otto is sitting stiffly in the cabin while the rest of the family is enjoying the boat trip. “What if the motor dies during the storm, and we never get back to shore?” Otto worries.
With Grandpa, Otto tries to get used to fast speeds on a new carousel. Thumb signals are a great help! In the end, Otto boards Grandpa’s old boat as assistant captain.
The Wild Waves
The Wild Waves is a short picture book whose protagonist is Otto, a young boy who goes on a boating trip with his family during rough weather. Otto is taken aback by the loud motor roaring, the boat’s erratic movements, and the sheer size of the sea waves that crash against it. On the other hand, his family is having a terrific time encouraging the father to go faster and faster. Finally, they arrive at the island, and the rest of the family enjoys the peace and quiet of an island picnic after the exciting journey.
Completely scared off by the experience, Otto decides not to sail again. His Grandfather visits the following days, and they talk about the trip. Together they develop a system for Otto to tell him when he wants to go faster or slower on a carousel. Grandpa then suggests that Otto go out on his boat and use the system they just created to make sure Otto is comfortable.
Author Tuula Pere and illustrator Catty Flores’ encouraging book is about overcoming fears and respecting other people’s boundaries. The protagonist, Otto, had a poor experience sailing because his father was steering the boat at high speeds as they sailed through a storm. His fears, disregarded by his parents and sister, continued to grow and prompted him to avoid any future trips sailing. His Grandfather, however, listens to his fears and comes up with a plan to help him come to terms with his fear in a way that he feels safe and heard.
His compromise with his Grandfather, who volunteers to take him on a more tranquil trip, is a prime example of how consent from all involved parties is fundamental in any shared experience. This is a moral that any child should take with them.
The Wild Waves is a heartwarming picture book about overcoming fears, respecting boundaries, and problem-solving. Teachers and caregivers can use this to help younger children learn that it is ok to be afraid and give them steps to learn how to overcome fears.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9523573047
LITERARY TITAN 