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Finding Happiness
Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers follows a spirited boy whose bad day turns into a journey of discovery and lessons in mindfulness and emotional balance when his grandfather takes him for a walk by the sea. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As the mother of an anxious child, I was inspired to write this story to help children learn healthy ways to manage strong emotions and navigate life’s challenges.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to teach wellness concepts while fostering an appreciation for animals and the natural world. I hope children can take away lessons in mindfulness and finding happiness in everyday life.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing the scene showing the cooperation between the clown and sea anemone because it beautifully illustrates how two very different creatures can rely on each other for survival and support.
Do you have more books planned for the Animal Teachers series? If so, where will they take young readers next?
I am considering a picture book about the valuable lessons we can learn from insects for the third installment of this series, tentatively titled Smallest Creatures – Wellness Teachers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers (Animal Teachers)
Annie Yu’s Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers is a tender, thought-provoking story that invites young readers into a world where wisdom flows like the tides. The book follows Riley, a spirited boy whose bad day turns into a journey of discovery when his grandfather takes him for a walk by the sea. What begins as frustration unfolds into reflection, as Riley learns timeless lessons in mindfulness and emotional balance from the creatures that inhabit the ocean’s depths.
Through encounters with lobsters shedding their shells and sea otters basking playfully under the sun, Riley begins to see his own struggles mirrored in nature. Each animal becomes a gentle teacher, revealing how resilience, patience, and adaptability can transform challenge into growth. A particularly memorable moment features the sea jellies drifting peacefully with the current, an elegant reminder that not everything in life can, or should, be controlled. Sometimes, peace comes from surrendering to the rhythm of the world around us.
Yu’s storytelling is as soothing as it is insightful. Her calm narrative tone encourages reflection and emotional awareness without ever feeling didactic. Young readers will easily connect with Riley’s emotions, while adults will appreciate the book’s subtle invitation to slow down and breathe. The illustrations, rich with color and texture, offer endless opportunities for conversation between parents and children, each page a spark for curiosity about the ocean and its many wonders.
What makes Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers truly special is its power to teach emotional wellness through storytelling. In a world where children often feel pressure to move quickly and succeed constantly, Yu’s message of calmness and presence feels vital. By the end of the book, Riley has not only learned to manage his emotions but has rediscovered joy in the activities he once resisted. His transformation is gentle, believable, and inspiring, a testament to the strength that comes from self-awareness.
This book deserves a place on every child’s shelf. It nurtures empathy, encourages mindfulness, and reminds young readers that wisdom can be found everywhere, even in the quiet whispers of the sea.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0FL81CRH9
Joy and Contentment in the Simple Things
In Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo, two bird friends enlist the help of a new neighbor with magical powers to help them become the majestic birds they have always dreamed of being. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Miss Sapphire’s role would be the best supporting actress. She has a small but significant role. I have always thought Blue Jays were beautiful birds. So, I knew instantly that Miss Sapphire had to be a Blue Jay. I wanted my story to possess an element of magic because many children love magic. I love all the scenes with Miss Sapphire. When she transforms Sophie into a flamingo, I wanted the reader to see the slow progression of Sophie becoming a flamingo. As a teacher, I envisioned children repeating the rhyming spell with Sophie to encourage engagement with the book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Often, children, as well as adults, wish to be someone else. On the outside, someone else’s life looks perfect and very appealing. I wanted to portray this idea through my sweet main character, a common sparrow. Sweet Sophie wishes to be a beautiful flamingo. After all, they have pretty pink feathers, can balance on one leg, and dine on shrimp all day. Once she has an opportunity to live the life of a flamingo, Sophie realizes that her life as a sparrow was the perfect life for her. I hope Sophie can help children realize that they are special just the way they are, embrace their lives, and find joy and contentment in the simple things life has to offer. In Sophie’s case, that would be eating a worm dipped in chocolate and covered with rainbow sprinkles, perching on her favorite branch with her best friend, frolicking in her favorite bird bath, and spending time with her family.
I think the illustrations in your book are phenomenal. What was the art collaboration process like with Nicholas Child?
Nicholas is a joy to work with. This was our second book. He also illustrated my debut book, Juliette’s Web. I gravitate toward illustrations oozing with whimsical charm. I also like a more vintage look. Nicholas has a flair for creating charming characters and scenes with captivating details. Initially, I sent him my manuscript and gave him time to read and process it. Then, we have a phone conversation and discuss initial thoughts. I then sent him the manuscript with my ideas for each illustration. I can envision each scene. Unfortunately, I’m not talented enough to execute them on paper. Nicholas, on the other hand, is a gifted illustrator, and I never object when he puts his little spin on something. The illustrations for Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo are a collaboration of our creativity and imagination. I’m always excited to see the black-and-white sketches. However, when the illustrations are done in color, it is like unwrapping a beautiful gift. The amazing feeling you get when you see your book come to life through gorgeous illustrations never gets mundane.
I love the vertical flip illustration. I’m a first-grade teacher, and my students adore books with a vertical flip illustration. So, I really wanted to incorporate one in the book. I wanted the reader to feel that they were flying with Sophie to the penthouse and along the way see some whimsical sights. There aren’t any words on the page because I wanted the reader to focus on all the fun intricate details.
Can readers look forward to more books featuring Sophie Sparrow and friends? What are you currently working on?
As sweet Sophie Sparrow would say, “Holy Feathers! I’m in another book!” Sophie Sparrow will be making her encore performance in my next book, Sophie Sparrow and Friends to the Rescue. The beautiful illustrations were done once again by illustrator extraordinaire Nicholas Child. It will make its debut before the end of this year. There are some new friends, Cora and Charlie Cardinal, Finnigan Goldfinch, Miss Ruby Robin, Olivia Owl and her owlets, Sir Winston Woodpecker, and Percy Parakeet, who will be joining the charming ensemble. I would describe this book as “Habitat for Humanity” bird style.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
“If you could be any bird in the world, what would you be?” asked Sullivan, Sophie’s best friend.
For Sophie Sparrow, that is an easy question. She would be a beautiful flamingo named Pinky with a long, graceful neck and feathers the color of pink cotton candy, and she would eat delicious shrimp ice-cream sundaes. Luckily, Miss Sapphire, the new, young Blue Jay who moved into the penthouse suite on Maple Lane, had magical powers.
”Hold the pink feather, and say the magic words, Bingo, Lingo, Ringo, I want to be a Flamingo, three times, ” said Miss Sapphire.
Poof! Sophie disappeared into a cloud of pink smoke. Will Miss Sapphire’s magic spell make Sophie Sparrow’s dream come true, or will it be a nightmare?
This amusing and heartwarming story will remind you that the perfect life you wish for is often in front of you and found in the magic of friendship, family, and simple delights like a chocolate-covered worm with rainbow sprinkles.
Raccoons Go Rafting
Raccoons Go Rafting by Rachel Vogel is a charming little tale that’s like a splash of cold river water on a hot summer day – refreshing and invigorating. It’s a cute picture book that follows a group of adventurous raccoons on their rafting escapade. The simplicity of the narrative, with its short and snappy phrases, makes every page a delightful turn for young readers.
Vogel’s writing style is playful and energetic, perfectly capturing the essence of a child’s adventure. Phrases like “Raccoons rush” and “Raccoons flush” are not only fun to read aloud but also vividly portray the raccoons’ antics. The rhythm gets little minds racing with excitement. The brevity of the text per page makes it an excellent choice for beginner readers or a quick bedtime story.
The illustrations by Anthony Richichi are absolutely charming and match the book’s fun tone. They are windows into the raccoons’ world, rich in color and life. The raccoons’ expressions as they surf and swim bring the story to life. Kids will love pointing out the little details in each picture, from the raccoons’ mischievous grins to the vibrant river scenes. It’s a visual treat that complements the story beautifully.
Raccoons Go Rafting is a splendid pick for young readers and parents alike. This children’s book is very entertaining, even with just a few words. The book is an invitation to explore the outdoors, fostering a love for adventure and nature in its readers. I’d recommend this picture book to anyone with young kids, especially those who are just starting to read or have an affinity for animals and nature. I’m sure it will be a book that will be reached time and again at bedtime, becoming a cherished part of any child’s book collection.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1955568278
Empathy and Humanity
The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot: In the Realm of the Twelve Moons follows three bunnies with a sick father and a missing mother who set out on an adventure to solve the mystery of what happened. What was the inspiration for your story?
It started as a bedtime story I told my kids, about a rabbit that lived at the bottom of the garden. Slowly over time, the story developed each night I told it. Eventually, I decided to develop it into a novel, it was my way of being able to pass the story down the generations.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
Initially my garden. In fact, the front cover is a picture of the garden with the playhouse my children would play in growing up. So, for me, that location was key to how the story develops to intertwine the realms. Given my original audience was my children, I developed the locations in a way that would feel more real to them. The realm of Bunovia itself developed as the story expanded, and each district became shaped by key historical events – there might be room for a prequel in there.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The bonds between siblings are quite important to me, that each may have a different path, but it is important that bonds do not break. There is also a theme around empathy and humanity, you cannot look away when you see people in trouble, even when those in power want to pursue their own agenda.
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 following story?
It is part of a trilogy; I have just started penning the second book. On timelines, it is always a juggle between other work, family, and trying to promote the book. What I can say is that the next book delves deeper into the mythology, and not everything is how it appears.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Website
In a desperate attempt to find their mother and save their father, they’ll have to navigate a splintered society at the mercy of those who want to intimidate and control them. They must uncover a past that those in power want to keep buried, while others are eager for redemption.
As they unravel the mystery of their mother’s disappearance, they will unlock a world beyond their wildest imagination. But a darkness emerges that will ensure the realm of Bunovia will never be the same again.
The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox and Carrot In The Realm of the Twelve Moons
Fairy tales aren’t merely the realm of children; they resonate deeply with adults, weaving intricate moral lessons through captivating stories. Such is the case with The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot: In the Realm of the Twelve Moons, penned by NP Rayner. This enchanting tale transports readers to the tranquil district of Meadowfall in Bunovia, where the protagonists, three endearing bunnies named Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot, reside.
Their idyllic world is disrupted when their mother, Flora, ventures out to find a cure for their ailing father but doesn’t return. This spurs the trio into a quest, not just for family but for the fate of Bunovia itself. As they traverse through various realms, dark revelations emerge, forever altering their understanding of their homeland.
Beyond the rich tapestry of the main plot, this narrative shines in its allegorical depth. Even as these characters are bunnies, their struggles and emotions resonate on a deeply human level. The journey is spellbinding, making each page turn a tantalizing moment of anticipation. Rayner skillfully infuses the story with elements of mythology, introducing readers to whimsical creatures of Bunovia like the Bundusa and the Canidog, further enriching the world-building.
I was captivated by this book, absorbing its magic while traveling, juxtaposing the tale with vivid landscapes outside. It brought back cherished memories of being introduced to fairy tales in my youth. As an adult, revisiting the genre has been a rewarding experience. I eagerly anticipate my next reading, perhaps in a new setting or the comfort of my garden, rediscovering the lessons and charm it offers.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0C4CH3LCW
Sparky’s Night Adventure
Readers will embark on a journey into a mesmerizing realm with Sparky’s Night Adventure. Meet Sparky, a daring firefly with an insatiable curiosity who thrives on exploring the mountains of Tennessee under the cover of the night. One fateful evening, beneath the radiant glow of a brilliant moon, Sparky stumbles upon an uncharted path, leading him to an encounter with other kindred fireflies. Together, they set off on a celestial dance of play and delight across the night sky.
Sparky’s Night Adventure, by Christal Majestic, is an exquisitely crafted children’s book that beckons young readers to embrace the unknown with open hearts. I couldn’t help but share in Sparky’s exhilaration as he discovered companions who mirrored his adventurous spirit. Sparky’s lust for life is contagious, and I found myself admiring his unwavering character. This picture book is a treasure trove of life lessons, gently teaching young minds that stepping out of their comfort zones can lead to unexpected and joyous discoveries. Majestic’s endearing story is tailor-made for budding readers eager to test their literary wings.
In Sparky’s Night Adventure, you’ll find a narrative that is not only visually stunning but also brimming with a spirit of adventure that resonates with readers of all ages. It’s a moving reminder that life’s greatest treasures often lie just beyond the horizon of our comfort zones, waiting to be explored. Dive into the magic of Sparky’s world and watch as young hearts are ignited with the same spark of curiosity and courage.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0C8RBJV9D
We All Have Spots
Logan is a young leopard that wakes up late, and the rest of his herd is gone. He wants to set out to find them on his own, but he doesn’t know where to look, so he just heads off to see who he can find. He is drawn to animals with spots like him. First, he found cows, then bunnies and birds. Over and over, Logan found more animals with spots, but none were like him. Eventually, he does find his family. But the events of his day stay with him. He thinks about how everyone is different, but in the end, he decides what matters is how they are all the same.
We All Have Spots by author M. J. McDonald is a beautifully written story about acceptance of others and friendship. Instead of focusing on all the ways he is different from the other animals he meets, Logan focuses on what they have in common and feels that it is enough for them to be friends. It is an excellent message for children to hear.
I loved the positive way Logan approached each animal, explaining how if they did something different than him, like rolling in mud or hanging upside down, he was very friendly about it, never putting the differences down. A positive attitude and open mindset are great examples for preschoolers and young elementary students.
We All Have Spots is a thought-provoking children’s book that gives young readers much to consider. In an easy to understand manner, children are shown that just because people look different from one another, they can still be friends and that it is important to find the things that are the same between people.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B09YNNL227
LITERARY TITAN 