Blog Archives
Beyond the Maps
Legends Unearthed follows young adventurers as they decode a wartime notebook, evade dangerous treasure hunters, and discover that the true test is not finding a legendary hoard, but deciding what to do with it. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always thought it was incredible that there are real lost treasures in the world. I kept wondering, What if I actually found one? Around the same time, I wanted to challenge myself to write a fun adventure novel and prove to myself that my dyslexia wouldn’t stop me from becoming an author.
At first, I imagined one person finding a lost treasure, but I realized it would be much more interesting if a group of friends discovered it together. Then I started thinking about how that could realistically happen. A family trip with close friends traveling together seemed like the perfect setup, giving the characters opportunities to explore different locations, solve puzzles as a team, and face challenges together. From there, the story just kept growing until it became Legends Unearthed.
How did you develop the distinct personalities and complementary skills of Sam, Riley, Ava, and Jonah?
The four friends are really different parts of my own personality. I think everyone has different “voices” in their head depending on the situation, and I thought it would be fun to turn those into separate characters. Jonah is the part of me that’s always thinking about snacks and would rather avoid anything involving ghosts. Ava is the tech genius with skills I wish I had — she’s the one who keeps the adventure moving. Sam is the planner who likes to think everything through before taking action, and Riley is the brave one who’s willing to take risks.
Putting those personalities together made the team feel balanced and made the adventure a lot more fun to write. Sometimes we’re cautious like Sam, sometimes we’re adventurous like Riley, sometimes we’re curious like Ava, and sometimes we’re just hoping there’s food nearby like Jonah.
What research did you conduct to portray Filipino landscapes, foods, transportation, family terms, and cultural heritage authentically?
One of my favorite parts of writing the book was spending hours on maps of the Philippines, trying to find terrain and locations where the treasure could realistically be hidden. I wanted readers to feel like the adventure could actually happen — that the places were real, the routes made sense, and the landscape matched the clues the characters were following.
Beyond the maps, I researched Philippine history, animals, famous landmarks, local foods, common transportation, family terms, and cultural traditions. I also watched travel videos and read firsthand accounts to better understand what everyday life actually looks and feels like there. The goal was always to make the setting feel as authentic as possible, because the Philippines itself is such an incredible backdrop for this kind of story.
Why was it important for the treasure to become an ethical dilemma involving looted cultural property rather than simply a reward for the characters?
I wish I could say I planned that from the very beginning, but it actually came out of trying to make the story realistic. If I found a huge hoard of gold on a family vacation, my first thought would probably be, “This is amazing — I want to keep it!” But then I started asking practical questions. How would you even get it out of the country? The parents would have to get involved, and suddenly the story would become about a family trying to take cultural property that didn’t belong to them.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized the right thing for the characters to do would be to turn most of the treasure over so it could be preserved and shared — maybe in a museum where everyone could appreciate it. My original ending was actually for the kids to simply hide the treasure again so another group of adventurers could find it someday. But I ended up liking the final ending much better because it felt more believable. I think real kids might keep a small souvenir, but they’d eventually realize they couldn’t keep the rest — and that doing the right thing was the real victory.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Amazon
Most kids spend summer vacation playing video games, sleeping late, and trying not to get sunburned.
Sam, Riley, Ava, and Jonah accidentally start a treasure war.
When Sam discovers a hidden notebook connected to the legendary lost treasure of General Yamashita, the four friends are pulled into a dangerous hunt across the Philippines filled with secret tunnels, hidden maps, ancient booby traps, pirate chases, and clues buried since World War II.
At first, it feels like the ultimate adventure.
Until they realize they are not the only ones searching.
A ruthless treasure hunter has spent years hunting for the lost gold, and now he is following the kids’ every move. With armed pirates, deadly caves, mysterious maps, and hidden enemies closing in, the friends must solve clues before the treasure and its secrets disappear forever.
Perfect for fans of fast-paced middle-grade adventures, Legends Unearthed: The Hunt for Yamashita’s Gold combines real historical mystery and unforgettable friendship into a thrilling treasure-hunt adventure.
If you’re ready to uncover hidden secrets, survive deadly traps, and join the adventure of a lifetime, then scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now.
The Rishi Trilogy
The Rishi Trilogy, by Mark Miller, is an illustrated children’s fantasy adventure that combines magical travel, family relationships, humor, and gentle lessons about responsibility. The collection follows Rishi, a curious boy from Wellington, New Zealand, whose life changes after he meets King Montamahilla, the warmhearted gorilla ruler of Gorillia. A glowing staff connects their worlds and eventually gives Rishi and his friend Kiri remarkable abilities, but its only instruction is simple: “Use it wisely.” That idea gives the three-book collection a clear foundation while leaving plenty of room for safaris, experiments, international travel, soccer matches, and royal surprises.
The first story, Rishi and the King, has the cheerful rhythm of a children’s travel adventure. Rishi meets the King during a parade, watches his doctor father help him recover from an illness, and receives an invitation to visit Gorillia. The royal banquet and African safari create an energetic introduction to the series, especially as Rishi encounters flamingos, crocodiles, lions, giraffes, and elephants. Miller tells the story in Rishi’s casual voice, so his excitement, nervousness, and occasional confusion feel natural. King Montamahilla’s fondness for songs, green bananas, grand entrances, and affectionate hospitality also gives the book an appealingly playful personality.
In The Wisdom of the Staff and Kiri and the Cousins, the series grows into a children’s magical adventure about curiosity and good judgment. Rishi and Kiri test the staff by ripening apples, producing a few coins, communicating through television screens, transporting luggage, and eventually carrying their families across oceans. Their experiments are fun, but they also reveal the emotional intelligence at the center of the trilogy. A wish involving Kiri’s absent father carries more weight than a wish for money, and the children gradually learn that genuine needs, thoughtful intentions, and patience matter. The later trips to Canada and Paris expand the story without losing its family focus, while Kiri’s emerging ability to understand and repair the staffs makes her an especially interesting partner for Rishi.
The book’s many illustrations give this picture book a bright, cinematic quality. The parade crowds, glowing green staffs, palace banquet, wildlife encounters, cozy family rooms, Paris landmarks, and packed soccer stadiums help younger readers follow the action and provide visual pauses between sections of text. King Montamahilla is particularly expressive in the artwork, whether he’s greeting a crowd, singing with his staff, imitating Rodin’s The Thinker, or appearing at someone’s front door. Overall, The Rishi Trilogy is a friendly children’s fantasy series with the scale of an international adventure and the warmth of a family story. Its strongest moments come from watching Rishi and Kiri discover that wisdom isn’t a power the staff gives them. It’s something they build together, one choice at a time.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0H4M9LB57
Saltarico e Carmel: Aventuras no Mar/Chesty and Carmel: Adventures by the Sea
Saltarico e Carmel: Adventures by the Sea follows Chesty, a book-loving squirrel from Boston, as he travels with his friend John to California. Along the way, he meets Posso, a gentle grizzly bear who teaches him the quiet power of asking permission, and later Carmel, a surfing shark who shows him that the sea can hold stories just as beautifully as any book. It’s a bilingual adventure about friendship, curiosity, courage, manners, and the way new places can open a child’s heart.
What I liked most was the book’s tenderness. As a parent, I’m always drawn to stories that teach without tightening their grip too much, and this one has a sweet, earnest spirit. The lesson about saying “May I?” could have felt stiff, but Posso makes it feel warm and relational. It’s not just about rules. It’s about respect, patience, and making room for someone else. I also loved how the story connects reading with travel and imagination. Chesty sees books as companions, and by the end, he’s able to see the ocean itself as a kind of living library. It’s a lovely way to remind children that stories aren’t only found on pages. They’re in places, friendships, fears, and first tries.
The writing is gentle and full of wonder, with a classic picture-book sweetness that feels especially suited for children who enjoy animal adventures with a moral center. The story takes its time, moving through Boston, Yellowstone, San Francisco, and Carmel-by-the-Sea with an almost travel-journal rhythm. The bilingual format gives the book an added richness, especially for families who value language learning or cultural connection. The artwork is bright, expressive, and inviting, with glowing forests, sunny beaches, and cheerful animal characters that give the story an imaginative, almost storybook-postcard feel. I was especially drawn to the scenes by the sea, where Carmel’s playfulness and Chesty’s smallness against the waves create a real feeling of awe.
I found Saltarico e Carmel: Adventures by the Sea to be a warmhearted, thoughtful children’s book with a unique spirit. It blends friendship, travel, literacy, and manners into a story that feels sincere and full of affection. I’d recommend it for families with children who love animals, books, ocean adventures, and gentle lessons about kindness, especially bilingual families or young readers learning Portuguese and English side by side.
Pages: 111 | ISBN : 978-1962185868
Meaningful Journey
Truth Seeker traces the life of Zoroaster, blending legend, humor, and moral reflection as readers watch him grow into a teacher who challenges superstition and fear. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Toni Morrison once said, “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” I was searching for an accessible, engaging book about Zoroastrianism for young readers, and I realized there weren’t many resources that introduced this ancient faith in a way children could connect with.
I wanted to create a story that would open a door for young readers—not only for those interested in Zoroastrianism, but for anyone curious about wisdom, kindness, and the search for truth. This book took me nearly 20 years to complete, but I am grateful that I was able to finally bring this story to life.
Why did you choose to frame the story as playful historical fiction instead of a more straightforward biography?
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest faith traditions, but it is still unfamiliar to many people. My goal was to introduce young readers to its values without making the story feel like a lesson or a lecture.
I chose historical fiction because stories allow children to connect emotionally with a person and a time period. Through humor, imagination, and adventure, readers can experience Zoroaster’s curiosity, his questions, and his journey toward wisdom.
Joy and laughter are important elements of Zoroastrian thought, and I felt that a playful approach reflected both the spirit of the tradition and the curiosity of young readers.
Was it important to show Zoroaster as someone who grows into wisdom gradually, through questioning and discomfort?
Definitely. I wanted young readers to see that even people who become great thinkers and teachers are not born with all the answers. They learn, question, struggle, and grow.
Zoroaster’s journey shows that asking difficult questions and seeking truth requires courage. I hope young readers understand that uncertainty is part of every meaningful journey, and that one person’s choices can help create a better world.
When young readers finish Truth Seeker and remember one lesson from Zoroaster’s life, what do you hope it is?
I hope they remember the importance of seeking truth, thinking independently, and staying true to their values.
Zoroaster’s message reminds us that truth is not always the easiest path, but choosing honesty, kindness, and wisdom can make a meaningful difference in the world.
Most importantly, I hope readers leave the book feeling inspired to ask questions, think deeply, and practice Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds in their own lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Blending history with a dash of magical realism and plenty of warm, kid-friendly humor, Truth Seeker: The Story of Zoroaster follows one of the world’s greatest thinkers as he discovers ideas far ahead of his time—freedom of choice, kindness toward all living beings, nature of divine and caring for the earth (long before recycling bins were cool).
Perfect for curious kids ages 8–12 who love adventure, big ideas, and stories that mix history, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Great for classrooms, libraries, and anyone who’s ever wondered where our earliest ideas about truth, wisdom, and justice came from.
Plus, at the back of the book, kids can test their wits with fun word games, scavenger hunts, and puzzles inspired by Zoroaster’s world.
Whether you’re a young reader, a teacher, a history nerd, or a grown-up who secretly loves middle-grade books (no judgment), this story is packed with courage, laughs, and the reminder that determination—and a brave heart—can make all the difference.
Teaching Through Action
Babies on Board Part 2 follows an iguana, a parrot, a squirrel, and a mouse who band together to visit the beach in the middle of the night to help sea turtle hatchlings safely reach the ocean. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I moved to Florida in 2013, and I started to take notice of all the wonderful wildlife and sea creatures that live here in this amazing state. My first residence was right on the beach, and it just happened to be sea turtle nesting season, which occurs May through November ( also Hurricane season). I first noticed the poles with yellow tape all along the beach, and then I met actual volunteers who sit next to the nest at night and wait for the hatchlings to break free from their shells. This occurs exactly two months after the female turtle lays her eggs. The baby sea turtles must make the long trek from their nest to the water, where they will swim to freedom. Only half of the baby turtles survive because there are many predators on land ( crabs, snakes, birds) and sea (sharks, dolphins, barracuda, grouper) waiting to gobble them up. Also, the babies do get confused by the street lights, if there are any around. They instinctively crawl toward the moonlight, which is always over the ocean. This magnificent journey inspired me to educate children about these adorable little sea creatures who are the greatest of survivors.
How did the concept of teamwork among such different animal characters first develop?
The concept for my series started out with a friendship between Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot. Afterwards, neighbors in Flamingo Park were introduced into the storyline, like Mr. Squirrel and adopted friend, Little Mouse.
Do you have a personal favorite character to write scenes for?
I love all the characters because they each have their own individual personality. Grumpy is the brains. Green Parrot brings sensibility. Mr. Squirrel is a perfectionist, and Little Mouse is a kid who used to be scared but is now fearless.
How do you balance storytelling with factual environmental education?
I try not to preach, and by teaching through action, I think children will be more willing to absorb the message.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Babies on board (part 2) continues the story. Grumpy and friends return to the beach, only this time it is in the middle of the night. They are there to make sure that all of the baby turtles make it safely to the sea where their father anxiously awaits their arrival. But as we all know, nothing ever goes smoothly when it comes to
Grumpy the Iguana, the Green Parrot, Mr. Squirrel and Little Mouse. Follow along and watch as our heroes fight against time and a street light to help the baby sea turtles find their dad..
Babies on Board Part 2 (A Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure)
Babies on Board Part 2, by Susan Marie Chapman, follows Grumpy the Iguana, Green Parrot, Mr. Squirrel, and Little Mouse as they return to the beach in the middle of the night to help a giant sea turtle’s babies make it safely to the ocean. What begins as a moonlit rescue mission becomes a gentle lesson about sea turtle hatchlings, artificial light, teamwork, and the quiet courage it takes to do the right thing when small lives are depending on you.
I liked how the story balances adventure with tenderness. There’s a real sweetness in watching these four friends hold hands in the dark, admit they’re scared, and still keep going. It’s such a small moment, but it says something lovely about bravery: children don’t have to be fearless to be helpful. The writing is simple and earnest, with bits of humor from Mr. Squirrel and Little Mouse that keep the story from feeling too serious. The book feels like it’s trying to comfort and teach at the same time, and mostly, it succeeds.
I appreciated that Chapman introduces children to sea turtle conservation without making the lesson feel cold or lecture-heavy. The danger of artificial lights confusing hatchlings is woven into the plot in a way that children can understand, and the instruction not to touch the baby turtles gives the story a nice sense of responsibility. Natalia Loseva’s artwork has a soft, hand-drawn charm that suits the nighttime setting beautifully. The deep blues, sandy browns, moonlit water, and tiny turtles create a calm, watchful mood. Some pages are sparse, but that openness works, especially when the beach feels wide and dark, and the baby turtles seem so small against it.
I found Babies on Board Part 2 to be a warm and thoughtful picture book with a sincere environmental message and a tender emotional core. It feels like the kind of children’s book I’d read aloud slowly at bedtime, letting my child linger over the moon, the ocean, and the little turtles finding their way home. I’d recommend it for young animal lovers, families who enjoy gentle adventure stories, and parents looking for a sweet way to start a conversation about helping wildlife and caring for the natural world.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B09GV6TCNQ
I Have a Voice
“To all those who have silenced their inner voice, remember that it is never too late to rediscover it.”
Heidi Solomon-Orlick’s I Have a Voice is a rare children’s book with the power to resonate with both children and adults. Warm, empowering, and genuinely moving, this is a “book of listening” in the truest sense. It invites young readers to turn inward, recognize the voice they were born with, and understand just how deeply it matters.
The story’s message is simple yet profound: every voice matters. Some children have been told to be quiet. Others have felt unseen. Some may have lost touch with their own inner sense of self. I Have a Voice gently reminds them that it is never too late to rediscover what has always been there. The book teaches children that their voice is not only the sound they make. It is the part of them that knows they are loved, that they matter, and that they have a place in the world. It is also the quiet guide that helps them move through life. When we stop listening to that inner voice, we can lose our way. Still, we can always find it again.
One of the most memorable aspects of the book is its surprisingly immersive artwork. I expected charming illustrations that would pleasantly accompany the words. Instead, the visuals do far more. Each page is filled with rich, detailed, and lush imagery that draws the reader directly into the story. The illustrations do not simply echo the text. They deepen it. They add emotion, texture, and meaning, making each page feel less like something to read and more like something to experience. This is the kind of artwork children will want to linger over, returning to favorite pages just to look a little longer.
The activity pages at the end are another brilliant touch. They encourage children to explore their own emotions and discover their own voices in ways that feel playful, thoughtful, and engaging. This creative addition extends the reading experience beyond the story itself. It transforms a beautiful book into something children can carry with them, revisit, and use as a gentle tool for reflection.
I Have a Voice is highly recommended for parents, caregivers, and educators looking for a children’s book that does more than entertain. This is a meaningful story for young readers learning about themselves, their minds, and the quiet power of the voice within them. It is also, quite honestly, just as valuable for the grown-ups reading alongside them.
Pages: 54 | ISBN : 978-1965541982
A Boy and His Lion
A Boy and His Lion follows Kadence, a young boy from Indonesia, as he invites readers on a jungle adventure with his best friend, Jay the Lion. Together, they meet a lively cast of animals, including an orangutan, a sea turtle, an elephant, a chimpanzee, a tiger, and a Komodo dragon, while taking time to rest, share jackfruit, and dream about a future safari in Africa. It’s a simple, friendly journey built around curiosity, companionship, and the joy of noticing the natural world.
I liked the book’s open-hearted sense of wonder. The story doesn’t rush toward a dramatic conflict, and I actually found that gentle pace comforting. It reads like a child telling you about the best day ever, where every creature is a discovery and every stop matters. The writing is direct and easy for young readers to follow, with a conversational rhythm that makes the book feel like an invitation rather than a lesson. Some of the animal facts are tucked in lightly, which gives the story an educational spark without weighing it down.
The artwork gives the picture book much of its warmth. The bright jungle greens, soft blue rivers, and cheerful animal expressions create a safe, welcoming version of adventure, one that feels imaginative. I liked the sweetness in Kadence’s friendship with Jay the Lion, especially in the quieter picnic scenes, where sharing jackfruit becomes a small but meaningful moment of closeness.
A Boy and His Lion is a tender and colorful children’s book with a sincere love of travel, animals, and friendship at its center. It has the feel of a bedtime adventure, calm enough to soothe but bright enough to stir a child’s imagination. I’d recommend it for preschool and early elementary readers, especially children who love animals, jungle settings, and gentle stories about exploring the world with a trusted friend.
Pages: 25 | ASIN : B0GHZ7GTG4
