Blog Archives
Many Types of Families
Pesky Penguins follows two adopted sisters who get whisked away by a magical beam of light to all sorts of places after they wish for different things. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Becky and Sonya’s adventures were originally written as short-story drafts with the intention of making a picture book series about the girls. I decided against that model after publishing The Dee Lanson Series, which is for middle-grade readers. I love writing chapter books! So, I tossed around the idea of combining the adventures into the fantasy novel now known as Pesky Penguins and went with it!
What was your inspiration for their characters’ interactions and backstories?
At first, I imagined Becky and Sonya as friends and neighbors, but I felt the story would have greater depth if they were sisters. Being one of three sisters, I know how important and strong the bonds can be. Also, there are many types of families, so I wanted to show that adopted siblings can have a strong connection even if they come from different backgrounds.
Family, responsibility, and helping others are virtues that are highlighted throughout the story. Why are these important to telling the story?
Becky and Sonya are presented with a challenge when the baby penguin follows them home. They feel sad for Petey because he is separated from his family. The strong bonds within their own family fuel their desire to return Petey to his, even though they would love to have him for a pet. They assume the role of caregiver while they figure out what to do. It is a great learning experience for them and for the reader also.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
I would love for The Adventures of Becky and Sonya to become a series, but at the moment it is a stand-alone book. The future of The Adventures of Becky and Sonya is yet to be decided!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Two adopted sisters, Becky and Sonya, get a big surprise when a beam of light transports them to Antarctica! They are surrounded by penguins as their adventure begins! When a baby penguin follows them home, they see just how fun and wacky life can be. Their attempts to get him back to his penguin family don’t go as expected; they never know where the light beam will take them next. Join Becky and Sonya on their exciting, magical journey!
Pesky Penguins is a heartwarming story of the importance of family, developing responsibility, and helping others.
Janice Laakko is the award-winning author of “Gloppy”, the first book in “The Dee Lanson Series”
Explore Life’s Adventures
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery follows three friends living in a new part of the woods who hear a strange sound in the dark, leading them to embark on a quest to discover its source. What was the inspiration for your story?
Bunny and Fawn are based on my two rescue dogs, Lulu and Pixie. I’ve drawn from their quirks, personalities, and even some of their funny habits to shape the characters and their adventures.
This second book picks up where the first one left off. After being separated during a storm, Bunny and Fawn find each other again with the help of their new friend, Bear. They decide to stay near Bear’s home by a pond, a perfect spot since swimming is one of their favorite activities.
As for the mysterious creature they meet later in the story, I won’t spoil the surprise, but the character was inspired by Pixie’s love of burrowing into blankets and making playful noises. This new addition will return in future books as part of the continuing story.
Much like my first book, I’ve woven in themes that children can relate to, but that also resonate with readers of all ages. Diversity is a central idea, shown through different species of animals sharing the forest and learning from each other as they explore life’s adventures.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For all my books, I intentionally include themes that are applicable to children. In Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery, several main themes include friendship, resilience, and discovery. All three themes are truly universal. Our lives are shaped by those around us. We seek guidance from those who have the experience, like Bunny in my first book, when Fawn taught her ways to be safe in the forest. Life is unpredictable, and we need to be ready for various opportunities and obstacles that come into our lives. I want readers to understand that it’s important to learn from experiences, be it good or bad, and that taking away those experiences makes us stronger. Also, specifically related to discovery, there’s so much to our world, and to simply ignore opportunities to meet someone new or experience a new adventure will only serve as a disservice.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Damien Hall?
I’ve worked with Damien on both books, and the process has been wonderful. I shared my manuscript along with a short description of what I pictured for each illustration, but I encouraged him to bring his own creativity to the art. The process usually went from sketches to final renderings, with my feedback at each stage. Many times, he suggested changes that ended up making the illustrations even better than I imagined. Collaborating with him was smooth and inspiring.
Will this story be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature is the second book in the Bunny and Fawn series. I’m currently writing the third book in the series, which will be revealed in January of next year, marking the start of the illustrations phase of the process. I have no plans to stop writing books in the Bunny and Fawn series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A Message From a Butterfly
Marty and the Dragon follows a little butterfly out enjoying a sunny day at the park, who ends up meeting a lonely dragon and teaching him about friendship and kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration was unique, in that one of my favorite songs talks about a crow chasing a butterfly. This made me think of the high contrast between the two entities. Since I am in SW Florida, I thought about “a hurricane and a butterfly”, but how would I give life to a hurricane. So, I then thought of a dragon. And seeing as how I am a huge advocate of anti-bullying, I thought that a children’s book using these two characters would be a nice contrast. This lead me to also write the other 6 stories, all giving easy teachable life lessons.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to help teach simple life lessons for young children. Sometimes, a message from a butterfly will make an impact better than that of elders.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The playground scene with the arrival of Drako, was alot of fun, even though at first it could be scary.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
There are 8 books in total, that have all been launched at the same time- 7 stories and 1 free coloring book. All of the stories are different and fun adventures with a fun life lesson. All of these stories will be available on Martysfantasticadventures.com, around July 15.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
What would you do if a giant dragon landed in your favorite park? Marty the butterfly loves adventures, making new friends, and having fun at the park. But one day, just as Marty enjoys the swings and slides, a dark shadow covers the sky. With a loud thud and a roar, a huge dragon named Drako appears, scaring all the animals! Drako isn’t like other dragons—he’s big, loud, and… lonely. He thinks being a bully is the only way to get noticed. But Marty isn’t scared. He’s brave enough to fly up to Drako and discover the reason behind the dragon’s roars. Can Marty help Drako find friends and show him that kindness is the greatest strength of all? Join Marty on this heartwarming adventure filled with bravery, friendship, and a little dragon-sized fun! Perfect for kids who love exciting stories with an important lesson about kindness and understanding.
Will Marty’s courage turn the dragon’s roar into a smile? Open the book to find out!
Marty and the Dragon
Marty and the Dragon is a bright and cheerful picture book about a bold little butterfly named Marty who sets out to enjoy a sunny day at the park and ends up changing a dragon’s life. At first, Marty simply wants to have fun, riding swings, watching bees, and enjoying the sunshine. But when a scary shadow appears and the animals panic, Marty shows his real courage. The shadow belongs to Drako, a misunderstood dragon who just wants friends but doesn’t know how to ask. With warmth and bravery, Marty talks to Drako, learns his story, and helps him become part of the group. What starts as a potential disaster turns into a heartwarming lesson in kindness, empathy, and the power of one small voice.
The writing is playful and sweet, full of rich imagery that paints the day in vivid color, which perfectly complements the accompanying artwork. The rhythm of the story has a gentle bounce to it, and the language is inviting, like a storyteller chatting directly with a child at bedtime. The part that really stood out, though, was how naturally it moved from silly fun to a deeper message. Marty doesn’t fight the dragon or run away—he talks.
The beginning lingers on the beauty of the day for quite a while before the real adventure kicks in. The rhyme at the end ties things up nicely. I loved how the book didn’t shy away from talking about things like loneliness, misunderstanding, and how being mean is sometimes just a mask for wanting to belong. There’s a lot of heart in this children’s book, more than some adult books, frankly.
Marty and the Dragon is a charming, feel-good story that’s perfect for young kids, especially those who might struggle with confidence or fitting in. It’s also a solid pick for parents or teachers who want to gently introduce themes like bullying, empathy, and making friends in a way that’s hopeful, not heavy. If you’re looking for something light and lovely with just enough depth to start a meaningful conversation, this one’s a winner.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0DWLTCNSX
Wonderment
Animals are Great is a playful, rhythmic children’s picture book, structured like a song, that invites young readers on an imaginative journey through the animal kingdom. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration started with a silly song that was interactive for children. We wanted to explore different parts of the voice by using animal sounds and thought it would be fun to have Animals Are Great as a book that kids could read and listen to at the same time.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
We are real-life musicians and teachers. Teaching kids voice and movement while pretending to be an animal is a great way to explore different parts of their voice.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
“Walking through the woods thinking all the time, animals are great, they really blow my mind. Some are furry, some are big, and some are kind of small, animals, oh animals, I like them all.” We love the silliness of this verse and the wonderment it creates.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
We are actually working on 2 more sing-along books — I Love That Train and No More Sugar. Also, we are excited to share that the audio track for Animals Are Great is available on Spotify, iTunes, etc. as a single. I Love That Train and No More Sugar song tracks will also be available when the books come out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
Animals are Great
Animals are Great is a playful, rhythmic children’s picture book that invites young readers on an imaginative journey through the animal kingdom. Structured as a song, the book follows a simple repeating pattern: each spread introduces a different animal through short, catchy verses, with a recurring chorus that celebrates the wonder of animals in general. Whether it’s a wolf howling at the moon, a bird flying through the sky, or a monkey swinging through the trees, the animals come alive with a joyful voice and a sense of childlike curiosity. The story is peppered with gentle observations and ends on a high note of imagination, encouraging kids to think freely and dream big.
What I loved most about this book is how much fun it is to read aloud. The repetition, rhyme, and rhythm make it feel more like a song than a story, and that’s a huge win for group read-alouds or bedtime routines, especially when paired with the sing-along video on YouTube. The writing is cheerful and bouncy, and even though the words are simple, they convey a great deal of charm. It maintains a light and upbeat mood from start to finish.
The illustrations are bursting with color and energy. Each page features bright, cheerful animals that are irresistibly cute, with big, expressive eyes and playful poses that perfectly match the upbeat tone of the text. The vibrant backgrounds and friendly designs make the animals feel alive. Adding to the experience, the sing-along song available on YouTube is a fantastic bonus. It brings the book to life with music and movement, making it even more engaging for little ones who love to sing, dance, and explore the animal world in a fun and interactive way.
Animals are Great is a bright and joyful ode to the wild world around us. It’s ideal for very young children, especially those who love animals, singing, or imaginative play. Parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking a lively book to read aloud will find this a welcome addition to their collection.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0DKT8CDDC
A Deep Love For Protecting Wildlife
Endangered Animals ABC is a colorful and heartfelt picture book that introduces young readers to a wide variety of endangered animals, organized alphabetically from Armadillo to Zebra. What was the inspiration for this children’s book?
This book was born from my deep love for wildlife and a strong desire to protect it. After years of working on conservation projects and witnessing firsthand how quickly our oceans and ecosystems are changing, I find it heartbreaking to think that so many incredible animals are on the brink of extinction and could disappear forever.
I believe the future of these species depends not only on our actions, but also on how we raise the next generation. That’s why I created this book: to help children connect with the natural world early on, to care about these animals, and to understand that even small choices can make a meaningful difference.
The structure of the book, presenting animals alphabetically, makes it easy for young readers to follow and meet each animal while enjoying the illustrations. For those ready to dive deeper, there’s also a section with more information about each animal. This makes the book ideal for children who are learning their ABCs and beginning to read, as well as for those who are already reading. It serves as an engaging early introduction to the issue of endangered wildlife and conservation. Our kids are the future leaders and decision-makers, and the values we teach them today will guide them to protect the planet tomorrow.
What I loved about this children’s book is that it goes beyond teaching the alphabet with fun animals; it explains what makes an animal endangered and the conservation efforts that go into saving them. What was your process to teaching this important information while still keeping it accessible to young readers?
My goal was to introduce big ideas like extinction, conservation, and environmental responsibility in a way that feels gentle and age-appropriate. I did this by choosing simple, clear explanations and focusing on just one or two key facts for each animal. Each animal is so fascinating, I felt like I could write a whole book about each one! That was actually the hardest part: deciding what to include and what to leave out.
To support parents and educators, I also included a special section that briefly explains what “endangered” means, introduces the IUCN, and outlines why animals become endangered. This part is designed to help adults start deeper conversations with their kids, at whatever level feels right for them. In addition, I offer free educational worksheets, extended information, and craft ideas on my website to help families continue the learning journey together.
I really enjoyed creating the illustrations, they are colorful and vibrant to draw kids in and help them enjoy discovering each animal. Some they may already know, without realizing those animals are endangered, while others will be completely new to them.
Unfortunately, there are so many endangered animals that I couldn’t include them all in one book. I had to make tough choices about which species to highlight. But my hope is that this book is just the beginning, that it sparks curiosity and opens the door to learning more.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers come away with a sense of connection, that these animals aren’t just distant creatures, but part of the same beautiful world we all share. Each one is unique and faces real, often urgent, challenges. My goal is to spark curiosity in young readers and help them understand that without action, these endangered animals could disappear forever. I truly believe it all begins with education, and if this book inspires children to learn more, or take even a small step toward helping, then it has accomplished what I hoped it would.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
I’m currently working on a new book focused on ocean conservation and the vital role coral reefs play in the health of our planet. It will introduce kids to the wonders of underwater ecosystems and inspire them to protect our oceans. The release is planned for later this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website
Each page showcases an endangered animal from A to Z with vibrant, gorgeous illustrations. From Armadillo to Zebra, explore lesser-known species like the Monjon and Vaquita, or discover familiar creatures you didn’t know are endangered, like the Bumblebee and Whale shark.
Join the movement to protect our planet’s wildlife with this must-have addition to your library and ignite a love for nature in the next generation!
Endangered Animals ABC
Endangered Animals ABC is a colorful and heartfelt picture book that introduces young readers to a wide variety of endangered animals, organized alphabetically from Armadillo to Zebra. Each letter of the alphabet showcases a different animal, alongside charming illustrations. At the end of these ABC-style entries are thoughtful educational pages explaining the causes of endangerment, what conservation means, and how kids—and their families—can help. The tone is gentle but urgent, blending love for animals with a quiet call to action.
I found this book both educational and thought-provoking. The writing is simple but purposeful, clearly crafted for little ears while still managing to carry real weight with it’s message at the end. Medalsy doesn’t shy away from big ideas like extinction or habitat loss, but she frames them in a way that feels hopeful instead of heavy. A mix of delight and awareness. Also, any book that makes “X” work with “Xenosaurus” gets extra points in my book.
The illustrations are truly something special—vibrant, bold, and full of life. The use of rich, textured colors and dramatic lighting gives each animal a larger-than-life presence, making them feel majestic and unforgettable. It’s art that doesn’t just complement the words—it amplifies them, pulling kids (and adults) right into the heart of the wild.
Endangered Animals ABC feels like a love letter: to wildlife, to curious kids, and maybe even to the author’s own children (as the dedication suggests). I’d recommend it to parents, teachers, and caregivers looking for a way to introduce conservation early on, without doom and gloom. It’s a great pick for preschoolers through early elementary schoolers that are learning the alphabet and who already have a soft spot for animals.
Pages: 78 | ASIN : B0DZ68JG4M
LITERARY TITAN 