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How Do Children Play
The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Golfing Around follows a young girl who has no one to play with, so she uses her imagination and toys to create a miniature golf course. What inspired you to write this story?
There is a small neighborhood park across the street from my home. It has a paved treeline oval path with a grassy field in the center. On any given non-school day, it is bustling with children playing. However, when walking the path during Covid lockdown, the park was eerily quiet. I knew the children were all home in their separate houses. So I wondered, how do children play when no one else is around? That was the inspiration for Golfing Around.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
When I wrote this story, I wanted a tale that could show kids that their imagination and creativity are magic and can turn any day into a very fun day. I also wanted to make the game inclusive, highlighting each animal’s strengths and ensuring everyone could join in.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I loved the scene of when Molly, Ollie, and the animals first met Lilly Frog, who liked playing LeapFrog. The imagery of Harry Hippo trying to leap made me laugh!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Playing Ball, which will follow Molly’s efforts to join a football game. I’m working to have it ready next year.
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Don’t miss the first book in the Molly & Ollie series, Moving Day, where Molly and Ollie first meet and become fast friends. And be on the lookout for their next adventure in book three, coming soon!
The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Golfing Around
The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Golfing Around by Sally Beale beautifully demonstrates that being alone doesn’t mean being bored, especially if you have a great imagination like Molly. When her friends aren’t available to play, Molly feels sad. To cheer her up, her mother suggests playing with her toys. Initially unconvinced, Molly returns to her room, where Ollie the owl swings his wings, bringing the animal-shaped toys to life. Together, they venture out and, with the help of their imagination and creativity, create a delightful mini-golf course.
The joy and enthusiasm of the characters are infectious, and their cheerful designs spread good cheer. The story is lovely and motivating for children, encouraging them to use their creativity to make the most of their day. Each toy contributes differently to the creation of the mini-golf course, showcasing the benefits of teamwork. Molly’s relationship with her mother is affectionate and supportive. Sally Beale narrates the story in a fun and engaging way, with well-structured and easy-to-follow ideas. The dynamic movement in the story helps maintain interest throughout.
The illustrations are beautiful and simple, complementing the narrative well. Children will have fun and learn valuable lessons, such as valuing and taking care of their toys and encouraging themselves to try new things. Sally Beale demonstrates great narrative ability with this simple and creative story. The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Golfing Around shows us that with a touch of magic and a good attitude, we can turn any day into a wonderful adventure.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1637556470
Tousled
Tousled, written by Rooney Lennon and illustrated by Andy Catling, follows a spirited young girl named Sunny, who has a head full of long and incredibly unruly hair. Sunny’s hair grows rapidly, collects various treasures, and is a perpetual challenge for her mother. Despite the trouble her hair causes, Sunny adores her luscious mane. She and her friends find creative uses for her locks, from jumping rope to climbing towers. However, when Sunny visits the hair salon with her mother, she discovers a profound purpose for her hair that she had never considered.
Tousled is a vibrantly illustrated tale where Sunny’s stunning head of hair seems to take on a life of its own. Young readers will delight in losing themselves in Andy Catling’s colorful and detailed illustrations. The attention to detail on each page is truly remarkable, inviting children to revisit Sunny’s story time and time again. The heartfelt message conveyed in Lennon’s engaging children’s book is one that parents and teachers will appreciate. When Sunny learns that she can donate her locks to children undergoing cancer treatment, readers will feel a significant and touching shift in the book’s tone—a true highlight in a children’s story. The humor and rhyme will capture readers’ attention, while the message of generosity and its impactful real-life connections will stay with them long after the last page is turned.
Tousled is a delightful and meaningful read, combining playful storytelling with a powerful message of kindness and selflessness. Rooney Lennon’s engaging narrative and Andy Catling’s enchanting illustrations make this a must-read for young children and a valuable addition to any library.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0CSZVP6DN
Two Communities Happily Uniting
A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs follows the residents of two communities living on opposite sides of a ridge who end up competing for resources. What was the inspiration for your story?
This story and another dozen stories I created when my younger daughter Stephanie was 6 or so years old. The idea was to relate bedtime stories that were family-oriented and had a challenge or obstacle to overcome with a successful resolution. The “Ostrich” story has two communities rather than a family involved, but there existed a disparate gap in the quality of life between the two communities and finally, the one community that was disadvantaged decided to do something about it. Rather than further divide the communities, their encounter resulted in the two communities happily uniting. My message was to promote a happy conclusion to an uneven situation.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Alejandro Echavez?
My publisher, Amplify Publishing has a portfolio of artists they initially recommend. They provide a list of 25 artists and we (the publisher and I) review their style of work to see what is compatible. We then select five to provide sketches of several scenes from the story and we narrow the list down to two to provide more in-depth illustrations. Alejandro simply stood out! Throughout the process, Alejandro was very responsive to suggestions and recommendations on the art panels. He is a true professional and very creative!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In all my work I have tried to introduce elements of sharing, hope, communication, sympathy, and successfully addressing challenges or obstacles in a collaborative fashion. I also try to include some mystical or fantasy elements to make to story interesting and entertaining.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book that is now in production is called Lake Omigosh which is a story about a mountain lake in New Hampshire where a large “creature” is occasionally sighted prompting an exclamation “Oh My Gosh” and the name stuck. The story is about two young boy camp attendees who went out on the lake and ignored the three rules of boating: Avoid bad weather, Don’t go out too late, and Always take your life preservers. The boys are capsized, and how they are rescued is the theme of the story. But, they were lucky!
The other book that has been edited and is having the artwork completed is The Dancing Shoes. It is about a young girl who is desperate to be an accomplished ballerina but lacks confidence and underperforms. Her Mother gives her a pair of ballet shoes she said were Mother’s shoes and she was an accomplished ballerina. The little girl puts them on and is immediately performing much better. Then, she loses the shoes on a bus. Her Mother went out and found some used ballerina shoes and scuffed them up to look like the originals and gave them to her daughter. With the “returned” shoes, she excelled and eventually became the principal dancer for the NY Ballet. The daughter thanked her mother for the shoes being the main ingredient for her success and the Mother said, “They were never my Mother’s shoes. You did this all your own!”
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The No-Haves, always jealous of the Have-Alls’ pets, decide to gather the Squatz for themselves. What results is a fierce tug-of-war that changes the two communities—and the Squatz—forever!
A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs
Scott Sollers’ children’s book, A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs, transports readers to a distant, fantastical land divided by a ridge and inhabited by two distinct communities: the resource-poor No-Haves led by Chief Nobody, and the prosperous Have-Alls under Chief Somebody. The stark contrasts between these groups—one struggling on barren land without water or wildlife, the other thriving among lush greenery, abundant water, and playful creatures called Squatz—sets the stage for a tale of envy, conflict, and ultimately, resolution.
Sollers’ narrative shines with creativity, particularly in the invention of the Squatz, adding a layer of whimsy to his portrayal of societal disparities. The plot revolves around the No-Haves’ ill-fated attempt to steal Squatz, leading to a pivotal moment of confrontation and the exploration of themes like fairness and justice. Without revealing too much, the story cleverly explains the mythical origins of ostriches’ distinctive features in a way that is bound to captivate young imaginations.
The moral lessons are clear and thoughtfully integrated into the storyline. Children are shown the pitfalls of envy and the repercussions of theft, alongside the virtues of seeking compromise and collaborative solutions. Such messages are delivered through a narrative that encourages understanding and empathy, even when characters initially falter. Alejandro Echavez’s illustrations are another highlight, with each page presenting vibrant, mural-like drawings that draw readers deeper into the story’s richly painted world. The visual storytelling complements Sollers’ words beautifully, enhancing the magical and educational experience.
Suitable for readers aged 4 to 8, A Tall Tale is more than just an entertaining read; it’s a book that imparts valuable lessons through a delightful narrative. It is a commendable addition to any young reader’s library, promising both enjoyment and educational value.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1637557736
Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo
Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo, authored by Andrea Hyatt, explores the whimsical tale of two avian friends, Sophie and Sullivan. The narrative unfolds as these two birds engage in a delightful conversation about their dream identities, with Sophie aspiring to emulate the elegance of a flamingo and Sullivan wishing to embody the strength of an American Bald Eagle. Their story takes a turn when Sophie learns about Miss Sapphire, a new neighbor rumored to possess magical abilities. This element introduces a sense of wonder and anticipation as Sophie contemplates the possibility of her wish being granted.
Hyatt’s storytelling is notably effective in illustrating a common childhood phase—envisioning oneself in different roles or identities. The character of Sophie, in her yearning to transform into another bird, mirrors the imaginative minds of children who often dream of being someone or something else. This narrative subtly conveys the message that while aspirations and dreams are important, embracing one’s true self is equally, if not more, valuable.
The illustrations by Nicholas Child are a standout feature, adding a vibrant and engaging dimension to the book. Every page is adorned with colorful and imaginative artwork, some intricately detailed, which significantly enhances the storytelling experience. These illustrations not only complement Hyatt’s narrative but also serve as an engaging visual treat for young readers.
This book, with its strong theme of self-acceptance and identity, resonates well with its intended audience of 6 to 8-year-olds, effectively imparting an important life lesson. Hyatt has done a commendable job in crafting a narrative that is both enjoyable and educational. Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo is indeed a delightful read that is likely to captivate its young audience and leave a lasting impression on them.
Pages: 44 | ISBN: 978-1035825813
Teaching Children to Care for Our World
Dressing for Dreamtime is a contemporary retelling of a traditional Dreamtime tale from Australia, delving into the sacred Aboriginal concept of the Dreamtime. Why was it important for you to turn this into a children’s book?
I believe that not enough information about Australia is available to children. The belief system of the Aboriginal community in Australia has remained in its ancient roots. They are very similar to our Native Americans, in that they were close to nature and had great respect for it, which they passed on to their children. It is our responsibility to teach our children the sacred in nature. The study of such ancient belief systems is a start. Our children will be next up to take care of the natural world around us.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I did study the Aboriginal culture and belief system. It is fascinating to me and I wanted to share what I had learned with young readers. I also researched the animals that played a key role in our story. My desire to teach leads to the glossary, which information was researched prior to its creation.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
As a youngster, I always loved animals of all kinds. The zoo was a mecca for me. I started writing at a young age making animals(especially those in Australia), the key characters in my tales. My greatest dream was to travel to Australia to see and experience their wildlife. I finally got there, and although I had written middle-grade novels which included much Australian flora and fauna, the trip made the most impact on my continuing to write in order to highlight endangered animals.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book is finished. It will be entitled; The Last Ayer, and will be available in late 2024. It will again feature some endangered animals of Australia and will be a cautionary environmental tale. It will be in my editors hands within the next month or so. 🙂
This is the proposed cover – a work in progress.
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Then, they have the brilliant idea of enhancing their own natural markings for ones they think are “extra special” rather than accept themselves for who they are, but it all turns a bit sour.
How do they learn to accept themselves rather than pretend they need to be different? The lizards soon discover that truth is more important, and also that forgiveness goes both ways in Dressing for Dreamtime..
Besides the story, the book contains a 38-page Glossary featuring color photos and descriptions of some mammals and locations in Australia and the Outback.
Dressing for Dreamtime
In the vast expanse of the Australian Outback, Dressing for Dreamtime, by J.E. Rogers, introduces readers to Nintaka, a young monitor lizard embarking on a pre-ceremonial walk. The Dreamtime Ceremony, a significant event in the outback, gathers all animals to express gratitude and celebrate. Nintaka’s journey takes a turn when he meets Milbili, a goanna lizard. Together, they decide to dress up for the occasion, but their plans quickly go awry, leading to unexpected challenges.
This book is a contemporary retelling of a traditional Dreamtime tale from Australia, delving into the sacred Aboriginal concept of the Dreamtime — the origin of creation and a nexus between the physical and the spiritual world. Through the adventures of two lizard friends, the narrative is infused with humor and a subtle moral lesson, making it both entertaining and informative. The story’s vivid structure and the accompanying bright, culturally respectful artwork pay tribute to Australia’s rich heritage. An extensive glossary at the book’s end, complete with full-color photos, extends the learning experience, inviting readers to explore Australia’s unique flora and fauna. The inclusion of user-friendly internet links provides an opportunity for further exploration, leading to discoveries like the enigmatic thylacine.
Dressing for Dreamtime is a multifaceted gem, offering cultural insight, educational content, and captivating storytelling. It’s an excellent resource for anyone interested in Australian mythology, zoology, and botany, appealing to a wide audience from curious youngsters to adults. The book offers an opportunity for a wonderful shared reading experience, whether in family settings or educational environments, inviting all to partake in the anticipation of Nintaka and Milbili’s Dreamtime Ceremony. This narrative is an invitation to celebrate the spirit of Australia and its ancient cultural traditions.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0C9GHHB3Z
LITERARY TITAN 