Blog Archives
Pesky Penguins
Pesky Penguins follows two sisters, Becky and Sonya, who get whisked away by a magical beam of light to all sorts of places after they wish for different things. It starts with them landing in Antarctica, where they meet a group of smelly penguins and end up bringing a baby penguin, Petey, back home by accident. From there, things just get wilder. They try to return Petey, but instead end up in castles, deserts, water parks, forests, and even on the moon. Through all these adventures, the sisters learn about friendship, courage, and what it means to care for someone, even if that someone is a mischievous penguin who never sits still.
I loved how imaginative this children’s book was. It felt like being a kid again, playing pretend and not worrying about anything making perfect sense. The writing has a lot of warmth, and you can tell the author really understands the way kids think, how every moment can turn from ordinary to magical in an instant. The story keeps moving, and I never got bored. There were parts where I laughed because Becky and Sonya get into such funny situations, and other times I just felt my heart melt a little, especially when they tried so hard to get Petey home. The relationship between the sisters feels real, with their teasing, teamwork, and love for each other shining through.
The story keeps a fun rhythm, with the magical “beam of light” showing up again and again to whisk the girls away. That little pattern actually makes it easy for kids to follow and gets them excited to see where the light will take Becky and Sonya next. The writing is simple and clear, perfect for younger readers who want to dive right into the adventure. It’s a story that keeps things light and full of heart, reminding you that imagination doesn’t need to be complicated to be magical.
I’d recommend Pesky Penguins to kids around 7 to 10 years old, or to parents who love reading whimsical adventure stories with their children. It’s perfect for bedtime reading because each chapter feels like a mini adventure. It’s sweet, simple, and full of lessons about kindness, family, and letting go when the time comes. Plus, who doesn’t love a story with a pesky little penguin?
Pages: 53 | ASIN : B0FRH86V82
Adapt and Persevere
The King’s Ascent follows the rightful ruler of a kingdom that has been taken over by an insane man craving power and control, who, with his loyal friends, must find a way to regain his throne. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story, and how did that help you create the ending?
I believe people are drawn to the timeless clash of good versus evil. While it is a familiar trope, its enduring appeal lies in its reflection of real life—where both good and bad exist. The battle between Barrett and his friends against evil mirrors the struggles we face in the world today.
As for the ending, I wanted to convey that life is never a straight path. Like Barrett and his friends, we are often guided by unpredictable twists and turns, many of which are beyond our control. Yet, to survive, we must adapt and persevere. While this lesson is difficult and sometimes painful to learn, Barrett’s journey reflects the challenges we all face in life.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Do you think this is intentional or incidental to the story you want to tell?
The theme of transformation is intentional. Every moment, we are changing—shifting in ways both big and small. We are never the same person we were yesterday, last week, or even last month. Barrett and his friends undergo a similar evolution, growing before our eyes. They make countless mistakes, but it’s through these trials and tribulations that they ultimately become stronger and better equipped to reach their goal
What is your background and experience in writing and how did it help you write The Ruinous Curse series?
I have been writing since I was a child, creating short pieces of fiction as early as nine years old. Over the years, I have honed my craft as an outdoor columnist, taken writing courses, and learned the art of editing and storytelling. I have never looked back. My time in the military, where I had the opportunity to travel the world, deepened my understanding of diverse cultures and people. I strive to weave those experiences—the sights, beliefs, and emotions—into my writing, enriching my stories with a global perspective.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
That’s a great question, and honestly, I’m not sure there’s a clear answer just yet. I’ve been toying with the idea of extending the series into another trilogy, featuring a more mature and wiser cast of characters. However, I haven’t taken that step yet, as I’m currently immersed in a new project titled The Library Between Worlds. Stay tuned, there’s much more to come.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed my work. I truly appreciate each one of you.
Author Links: Website | LinkedIn
To save their home, the friends must remove the tyrants. But the task will be harder than imagined as their plans fail at every attempt. Making things worse, the wizard Elimar is nowhere to be found and the sorceress, Trishar, is confined to her house under the watchful eyes of Bureau Agents.
Now, Barrett must use all his cunning and powers to free Westmore from the vile grasp of the Bureau, regain his throne, and rebuild the city. Standing in his way are an evil wizard, armies of hired killers, Mystical Affairs, and Grimes himself, who has more secrets than anyone could have guessed.
I Bet I Can Make You Yawn
This cute children’s book is all about a playful challenge. The narrator talks directly to the reader, daring them not to yawn while they say the word over and over again, stretching arms and legs, and even bringing in a sleepy sloth at the end. The whole thing builds like a little game, with the text teasing and testing whether the reader can resist yawning until, of course, it’s almost impossible not to give in.
I had a lot of fun with this picture book. The writing feels light and cheeky, almost like a friend poking your side just to see if you’ll laugh. It’s repetitive in the best way, because that’s what makes the joke land. I caught myself smiling at how simple the trick was, yet it actually worked. The author clearly knew what she was doing by leaning into the contagious nature of yawns, and I think kids would get a kick out of feeling like they’re “losing” the game.
What I liked most was the pacing. Each page adds a little more, like stretching one arm, then both arms, then legs too, until finally you’re right there with the sloth, half-asleep yourself. It’s clever without being complicated. It just leaned into silliness, and that makes it work. The artwork is super sweet. The sloth shows up in different little poses, each one cuter than the last, and it adds a playful charm to every page. The colors are warm and inviting, making the whole book feel cozy. The illustrations are just as fun as the story.
I’d recommend this children’s book to parents looking for a funny bedtime read that actually helps settle kids down. It would also be fun for teachers who want a quick laugh with a group of kids. If you enjoy books that invite the reader to play along and don’t mind yawning a lot while reading, this one’s perfect.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0F1C7LZXJ
The Ruinous Curse: The King’s Ascent
The King’s Ascent is the third book in The Ruinous Curse series and brings Barrett’s long and bruising journey to its peak. With his friends by his side, he faces the final push against Apadora’s curse, the treachery of those he once loved, and the crushing weight of decisions that could end or save entire worlds. The story picks up where the last book left off and wastes no time plunging the companions into the Outerworld, where trust splinters, love is tested, and the line between sacrifice and survival grows thin.
What struck me most while reading was how much darker and heavier this installment felt. The writing carried more bite, more despair, and yet more raw urgency than before. Sometimes that worked brilliantly, especially when Barrett’s doubts mirrored my own unease. I loved how the story kept its momentum, never letting up for long, and the constant clashes and arguments gave the book an energy that pulled me through without pause. I was hooked by the constant turmoil between the characters, particularly the fraught tension with Zanora. Those confrontations sparked with real venom, and I found myself torn between pity and fury every time she opened her mouth.
At the same time, there were moments of beauty that kept me grounded. Gaia’s voice of calm and her warmth gave the book its balance, and the loyalty between the companions, frayed as it was, always pulled me back into caring. I can’t deny the sheer emotion McClain poured into this tale. I caught myself smiling in places and even shaking my head in frustration when Barrett stumbled into old mistakes. That mix of reactions is what made the book feel alive.
The King’s Ascent is a grim, emotional, and fitting conclusion to the saga. It’s a book for readers who crave fantasy that doesn’t shy away from sorrow, who enjoy characters wrestling with their worst selves as much as their enemies, and who want the messy, tangled finish to a story about love, loyalty, and the high cost of leadership. If you’ve made it this far in the series, you’ll be more than pleased with this third entry in the coming-of-age fantasy series.
Pages: 351 | ASIN : B0FC6YKL3C
The Curious Quest of Little Luna
The Curious Quest of Little Luna by JWoodall.Art Publishing is a delightful and visually enchanting tale that captures the magic of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery. From the moment Luna the Fox stumbles upon a mysterious treasure map in the woods, readers are swept into a whimsical journey filled with excitement, challenges, and meaningful moments.
Luna’s quest is anything but solitary. She’s soon joined by a lovable cast of characters, Benny the wise Owl, Fin the cautious but loyal Turtle, and Tilly the joyful Rabbit. Together, they navigate a beautifully imagined world where the real treasure isn’t gold or gems, but the friendships they forge and the truths they uncover about themselves.
Told in playful rhyming verse, the story has a lyrical charm that adds a sing-song quality to Luna’s journey. While the rhyme occasionally strays from perfect rhythm, the effort to infuse the narrative with musicality is commendable and adds to the storybook feel, especially for young readers when read aloud.
The anime-inspired illustrations are vibrant and imaginative, bringing Luna and her companions to life in creative and expressive ways. While the art style shifts throughout the book, these changes add a dynamic energy to each page, keeping the visuals engaging and fresh. Luna and Tilly embody a soft, bishojo-inspired aesthetic, while Benny and Fin have a more traditional anthropomorphic design, a mix that adds visual diversity and charm.
At its core, this is a story with a beautiful message. Luna’s final choice, valuing wisdom and inner truth over magical gain, is both touching and profound. The narrative handles the classic “the journey is the treasure” theme with sincerity and emotional depth, making it resonate rather than feel cliché. Even chapters that revisit familiar ground reinforce important lessons, enriching the overall arc.
Each character brings something special: Tilly’s effervescent energy, Benny’s gentle guidance, Fin’s steadfastness, and Luna’s quiet growth. These personalities give young readers someone to root for on every page.
Perfect for ages 7 and up, The Curious Quest of Little Luna is an uplifting, beautifully illustrated tale that’s best enjoyed together, especially by families who appreciate imaginative stories with strong messages. It’s a journey worth taking and a book worth cherishing. Luna’s adventure reminds us all that the greatest treasure lies not at the end of the path, but in the hearts we touch along the way.
Pages: 94 | ASIN : B0DXCM9K5X
Krystal Winkle and Galloping Giuseppe
Most emergency room doctors seek details about a patient’s accident to provide the best care possible, and most patients willingly share this information. However, Krystal is not a typical patient. She harbors secrets that her grandmother has urged her to keep hidden—secrets that, if exposed, could reveal her powers and her family’s extraordinary heritage. Krystal must carefully guard this knowledge, even from her own father.
Krystal Winkle and the Galloping Giuseppe, by Carolyn Roth-White, is the captivating sequel to Roth-White’s children’s adventure novel, Krystal Winkle and the Peacemaker of Kigali. In this brilliantly penned fantasy, Krystal is hunted for her exceptional powers, which include enlisting the help of animals from all over. Young readers will be enchanted by the mystique surrounding Krystal as a member of the Cristalli. Her secret life, hidden from outsiders, the Cristalli Huntsmen, and even her own family, unfolds amid the Roman catacombs, revealing fantastic creatures and remarkable connections with nature.
Roth-White excels at crafting memorable characters and weaving adventure plots with the perfect blend of chaos, mystery, and suspense. Krystal is a vibrant character, and the first-person narrative creates an engaging reading experience. The use of the present tense throughout Krystal’s adventures adds immediacy and pulls readers into her world with ease. As an elementary teacher, I value chapter books that balance narration and dialogue while challenging young readers. Roth-White’s writing alternates between vivid descriptions of Rome, action-packed sequences, and clever, quick-witted exchanges between Krystal and her unique companions. This sequel strikes the perfect balance, keeping readers engaged from cover to cover.
Roth-White’s continuation of the Krystal Winkle saga promises to thrill young readers and offers a fantastic opportunity for novel studies in literature classes. I eagerly anticipate the announcement of a third installment in Krystal Winkle’s adventures.
Pages: 232 | ISBN : 978-0-568-35975-5
LITERARY TITAN 