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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
My Sunflowers
My Sunflowers is a book written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Catty Flores. Targeted towards children, the story circles around headstrong Millie, a girl who enjoys gardening but is not fond of her parents’ preference towards growing vegetables for their own sustenance instead of cultivating flowers and other plants. She is particularly drawn to sunflowers and, after getting seedlings from a friendly vendor, takes on a secret endeavor to grow the flowers hidden from her parents, who do not believe she should be trusted with gardening activities by herself.
The beautifully written book My Sunflowers is a quick but meaningful read. Millie is an independent girl who does not stop at the hurdles imposed on her, and one whom young female readers will be able to look up to. Her strong personality and refusal to let others tell her what she is capable of will draw in the attention of children that often want to prove they can do things that adults feel they are still too young for. Millie doesn’t let the doubts of others stop her from doing what she knows she can do.
This is an illustrated children’s book about independence, problem-solving, and standing up for what you want in life. Millie’s determined attitude and dedication to her flowers, when her parents had no faith in her abilities, shows great inner strength for believing in herself. To add to the story’s emotional words, Flores’ artwork does not let its readers down; the drawings are remarkable, with cold and warm contrasting tones in a noteworthy palette. Together this is a story that will bring forth emotions of pride and perseverance.
My Sunflowers is an engaging picture book for children to learn about inner strength, problem-solving, and how hard work pays off. Teachers and families will find the message in this book positive and encouraging and children will enjoy the motivational story and artwork.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B09K6KYPSW
Diversity and Inclusion, Seeking Acceptance
The Only Blue Crow follows a lone blue crow that wants nothing more than to be included. What was the inspiration for your story?
I love birds! I often observe their lives, how they find a spouse, make a nest, and defend their space and their little ones. What intrigues me most are their songs! In this book, the blue crow misses many of these elements as he is too alone and feels miserable.
I’m a person with two opposite sides. I feel very happy and comfortable to be connected to other people and enjoy their company, but I also need a lot of private space and time. I have noticed that a balance of these spheres is vital to me.
Like many people, the crow in my book has too much loneliness. He has difficulties in finding his place and trusted friends. He also lacks the confidence of being what he is and compares himself to others to be accepted.
I have met many “lonely crows” in real life, and I’d like to encourage them! I would like to send my greetings to a special little boy whose mother I was talking to some years ago. She was worried about how her son would be accepted at school as he had a physical difference compared to the others. Until then, he had been happy with it, but now he was going to another environment with all new people and had already started to think more about it.
This discussion with that mother is still in my heart. With books like The Only Blue Crow, I try to make children and adults think about and express acceptance and empathy every day. It can make a big difference in many lives.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Catty Flores?
Catty Flores is a wonderful artist and illustrator. We have been working together for many years. We communicate well, and we trust in each other’s professional skills. I am the author, and she wakes my stories alive in pictures!
Our first project together – ”The Survival Stories Series”– was published six years ago. She lived in New Zealand at that time, but the distance didn’t prevent us from working closely together. Modern technology and connections are amazing in connecting people!
Since then, we have made many other books – even series – together. It has always been smooth and positive. We have worked with many sensitive subjects like poverty, loneliness, illness. Welcome home, Pearl, from a series talking about the family life of a disabled child, was chosen even for to latest international IBBY collection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities, and they included the whole series in their exhibition.
We share a similar understanding with Catty about both the every day “tragedies” and the happy highlights. The message is: there is always a way, and there is always somebody to be by our side! There is a positive and fun way of encouraging children in our “Little Fears Series” and “I did it! Series”, which is important to both of us.
It’s always a pleasure for me to see Catty’s ideas for a new story and start developing the book together with her. I also admire her flexibility and ability to find new ways and styles for various stories.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The Only Blue Crow is a book of diversity and inclusion, seeking acceptance and connection to others. It’s also a book of finding the strength in yourself, trusting your own wings, and discovering the world!
I feel strongly connected to the lonely blue crow in his search for happiness. My crow is a symbol of many ways of being different from others. I hope it gives comfort and encouragement for children and adults who suffer from discrimination or are left out for any reason.
In real life, many significant issues in society can cause problems – poverty, culture, religion, gender, to name a few. But even more, minor everyday things can start the difficulties – such as differences in a person’s looks, thoughts, taste, and behavior. It’s essential to understand that these experiences of being included or left out are very individual and personal. They are often secrets, and the others do not notice that something is wrong. Still, they can affect a person’s whole life!
My message is simple. We are individuals, and we should be accepted as individuals! But we also need the others around us. Tolerance and acceptance are crucial to making life happier for everybody.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m always working simultaneously with several books. Stories are developing in my head, and texts are edited, translated, and illustrated by artists all the time. I love all the steps but working with the illustrator has a unique creative touch!
I just received the finished illustrations from Catty Flores for Noise All Over, which is the next book in my “Little Fears Series” this spring. And now, she has just started working with The Giant Legs, probably published before summer, too. These are books about various troubling situations that children meet, sometimes without the others noticing it. My message is that parents, relatives, teachers, and other adults close to children, can do a lot by listening and giving space to children. The little ones have deep feelings under the surface, too. After solving the minor problems and fears, life will be easier all along!
Another of my trusted illustrators, Andrea Alemanno, has just finished illustrating The Stone Garden, which has a unique atmosphere and mysterious visual interpretation. He could surprise me again, although we have worked together many years, too. I love layers of history and the present day, memories and plans, fantasy, and real life. The Stone Garden captures this all in Andrea Alemanno’s pictures.
There is no end to it when I talk about my following books! I am pleased to be inspired repeatedly and find fresh ways to express significant issues – even the most delicate ones – together with other artists. I have had a lot of time to think and write during these special times – suitable for an author! I’m glad to show the newest results soon and hope to meet readers in person again.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
“Luckily in my home valley there are blue flowers, blue butterflies and a blue sky,” he ponders. The blue crow feels even sadder when the new neighbors, black crows, mock him.
On the advice of a wise owl, the bird embarks on a journey across the sea. There are plenty of things to see. Will there also be other blue birds, and perhaps even another blue crow?
The Only Blue Crow
A lone blue crow wants nothing more than to have friends. He tries to make friends with a flock of black crows and they do nothing but make fun of him. Discouraged, the blue crow sets off to find things that make him happy. When bluebells fail to lighten his mood, a wise owl calls him over. The owl tells him he should set out on a journey, that the world is large and perhaps he will find another blue crow on his search. So off the crow flies, hoping to find a reason to be happy and even some new friends.
The Only Blue Crow by Tuula Pere is a picture book that tackles the topics of loneliness, depression, and self-worth through the life of a blue crow. This crow is different from all the other birds he encounters and struggles with the reality that it seems no one will accept him for who he is. In the world today, this message is important as depression and fear of being different are impacting children at younger ages than ever. This thought-provoking story will guide young readers in realizing that different is not wrong or bad. The message of going out and finding those that appreciate you and not staying where you are unwanted is a powerful one.
Illustrator Catty Flores does an amazing job showing the emotions of the blue crow in her artwork. Children will be engaged with the whimsical watercolor style. The illustrations add depth to the story as young readers will be able to see the emotions on the blue crow even if they do not understand the words being used to describe his loneliness.
The Only Blue Crow is an inspirational read for young children. Teachers and parents will find this picture book is a great resource for introducing the tough topics of loneliness and inclusion.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 9523573101
LITERARY TITAN 