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Fear Is Normal
The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly follows a young sparrow who is afraid to fly, prompting him to embark on a journey that leads to self-discovery, quiet bravery, and ultimately, a leap of faith. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I have always had a crippling fear of falling. To me, it just seems obvious, like, I could die if I fall from this height, so clearly I’m freaking out. Of course, my friends are dancing on the edges of mountains, so it’s not quite the universal fear of imminent death, it seems to me! Anyway, I was spending a few weeks in Italy, and while visiting a friend in Siena, I was taken by the Torre del Mangia in the city’s main square, Piazza del Campo. I had never written a children’s book before, but for some reason, my imagination took flight (pun not intended!), and I couldn’t help but think about how terrifying it would be to be at the top of the tower. And at dusk, birds would circle above the piazza, and I don’t know when I connected it, but I realized I wanted to write about a bird who is afraid to fly. So when I got back home to Los Angeles, I set about writing it!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted it to be a lesson about understanding that fear is normal and even healthy. Fear is our mind’s way of protecting us when it perceives we’re in danger, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when you’re afraid. And I thought having Sam just work up the courage to take that first step out of his fear was obvious and easy and had been done a million times. So I wanted another lesson to be that it’s okay to accept help from others when we’re not strong enough to do something ourselves.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing about the different kinds of birds there are in the world. Birds who swim and birds who can’t fly, and how Sam is envious of bats because they can’t see well, and how he wants to flit with the fireflies, and how he imagines starlings to be like stars and bluebirds like patches of sky. I got to be really creative building the world through Sam’s tiny worldview.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I have two more completed children’s books. Up next is Violet’s Pretty Purple Playground, about a little girl who loves purple so much that she wishes for the whole world to be purple (I mean, it sounds lovely to me), and when her wish comes true, she finds that variety–not singularity–is what makes the world so rich. The second is about a young unicorn whose horn doesn’t change color to mark his passage to adulthood, and he worries that means he isn’t special. I also have a story about a tomboy damselfly and a Christmas story called Holly Jolly about a mischievous white cat, both of which still need to be written. And I’m working with a producer on notes for my mind-bending psychological thriller screenplay, The Alexandrite Ring, to get it into shape so he can start looking to attach a director. There’s always a lot happening!
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What are you afraid of?
Sam is afraid to fly.
Being a bird makes this awkward.
His parents don’t understand.
His brothers and sisters don’t understand.
Sam himself doesn’t understand.
He wants to bob with the bats and flit with the fireflies and soar with the starlings.
But he can’t even look over the edge of his nest.
What to do when fear stops you from living?
Suitable to be read to younger children, or read by ages 8–11, The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly will captivate readers with charming illustrations of Sam, his family, and the Italian countryside while they learn that it’s OK to be afraid and to accept help from others.
The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly
The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly is a touching story about a young sparrow named Sam, who is born in the heart of Siena, Italy. Unlike his siblings, Sam is paralyzed by fear when it comes to flying. He’s mesmerized by the world beyond, dreaming of starry skies, golden fields, and the thrill of the Palio horse race, but can’t seem to muster the courage to leave the safety of his nest. As his family encourages him in gentle and sometimes comical ways, Sam’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, quiet bravery, and finally, a leap of faith. Through poetic language and beautiful imagery, the book follows Sam’s transformation from a frightened hatchling into a soaring sparrow with stars in his eyes.
Harker Jones doesn’t just tell a story, he paints with words. The descriptions of Siena, of birds in flight, of Sam’s secret fears, are all so vivid and heartfelt that I felt swept into the story. There’s a real tenderness to the way the author treats Sam’s fear. It’s not mocked or rushed. It’s understood. Even the humor, especially from Hazel, the cheeky younger sister, is warm. I loved the way the family surrounded Sam with support but never forced him.
But what I loved even more was the idea behind it. This children’s book is a gentle nudge for anyone who’s scared to try. It’s not just a story about flying, it’s about growing up, facing your fears, and finding your own pace. The story reminded me that bravery doesn’t always look like boldness. Sometimes, it’s small and quiet. Sometimes, it’s just counting to four and taking a step. The sketch artwork is charming. The soft pencil textures and delicate lines bring warmth and personality to every character, especially Sam and his lively siblings.
I’d recommend The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly to parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a picture book with heart. It’s perfect for kids who might be nervous about new things, but honestly, it hit home for me as an adult, too. It’s sweet without being sappy, smart without being too clever, and filled with wonder. If you’ve ever stood at the edge of something big and needed just a little push, this book is for you.
Pages: 60 | ASIN : B0F8YFVHMC
Flamin-Go BOB
Cheryl Spears Waugh delivers an inspiring tale that invites readers to celebrate individuality and embrace creativity. At the heart of the story is a flamingo named Flamin-Go BOB, a free-spirited character who proudly stands out from his flock. While his peers prefer calm conformity, Bob is full of energy and eager to live life differently. He struggles to fit into their routines, building a sandcastle instead of a traditional dome-shaped nest or gleefully doing somersaults in the rain while the others seek shelter from a storm. It’s only when Bob meets a kind veterinarian named Aleta that he discovers his unique path and realizes his true potential.
Bob’s charm lies in his unapologetic embrace of his quirks. Though his choices can be a bit reckless, his cheerfulness and authenticity shine through. He knows he’s different but doesn’t let that stop him from building connections. Cheryl Spears Waugh’s writing strikes a delightful balance. Its short and simple sentences make the story approachable for young readers, yet the playful details and humorous moments keep it engaging. The characters embody warmth and inclusivity, and the story emphasizes the importance of respecting differences. An added bonus is the educational section at the end, which shares fascinating flamingo facts.
The illustrations, while fitting the story, could have been enhanced with brighter, sharper backgrounds to better reflect Bob’s lively personality. At times, the darker tones feel slightly at odds with the vibrant energy of the narrative. However, this does little to detract from the book’s overall appeal. Children will find meaningful lessons woven throughout the story. Themes of kindness, teamwork, and empathy towards animals are presented naturally. Bob’s journey also shows that stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to personal growth. His time at the veterinary clinic not only helps him make new friends but also helps him uncover his purpose.
Flamin-Go BOB is a delightful story of self-discovery, individuality, and the joy of exploring new possibilities. It’s an engaging children’s book that inspires children to be true to themselves while embracing the adventures that come with trying something new.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DN8X35R5
Frances Flamenco Prima Ballerina
En Frances Flamenco Prima Ballerina, Dottie Lee crea un encantador relato de aventura, amistad y la alegría de la danza. La historia sigue a Frances, una joven flamenco que vuela hacia el sur con su bandada, quien se siente tan cautivada por los paisajes que la rodean que ignora las advertencias de su líder y pronto se ve atrapada en una tormenta, separándose de su grupo. Buscando refugio, se topa con un grupo de jóvenes bailarines vestidos con tutús, confundiéndolos con flamencos compañeros. Las chicas reciben a Frances calurosamente y, a pesar de tener una clase a la que asistir, la invitan a unirse a ellas en su baile. A través de esta experiencia, Frances descubre la belleza y la disciplina de la danza mientras aprende sobre la resiliencia y la amabilidad de nuevos amigos antes de continuar su viaje migratorio.
Uno de los aspectos más cautivadores de la historia es su conmovedora representación de la amistad y el apoyo. Frances, aunque nueva en el mundo de la danza y propensa a cometer errores, recibe un apoyo inquebrantable de sus nuevos amigos. La paciencia de las chicas y la suave orientación de su maestra crean un ambiente de aprendizaje acogedor, ilustrando de manera hermosa los temas de camaradería y perseverancia. La escritura de Dottie Lee brilla con su evidente pasión por la danza, haciendo que la historia sea tanto informativa como divertida. Ella describe hábilmente los movimientos gráciles, destacando cómo la mejora llega a través de la práctica y la dedicación, un mensaje inspirador para los jóvenes lectores. Las encantadoras ilustraciones dan vida a la historia, mostrando la elegancia de las poses de baile mientras irradian la alegría y la emoción que Frances siente al aprender. Añadiendo a la interactividad del libro, hay una sección al final que invita a los lectores a practicar los movimientos de baile por sí mismos, animando a los niños a involucrarse activamente con la historia. La trama es alegre y edificante, infundiendo confianza en los lectores para que abracen nuevos desafíos y comprendan que los errores son una parte natural del crecimiento. Los mensajes centrales del libro sobre el trabajo en equipo, la perseverancia y la belleza de la danza son claros e impactantes.
Frances Flamenco Prima Ballerina es una lectura encantadora y educativa, perfecta para introducir a los niños en el arte de la danza. Destaca de manera efectiva el arduo trabajo involucrado, las recompensas de la perseverancia y la importancia de la amabilidad en un entorno de aprendizaje. Una lectura obligada para jóvenes bailarines y para cualquiera que busque una historia inspiradora de amistad y crecimiento.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0D5KWQG6R
Playful Spirit
The Turkey Hands follows a colorful paper cutout that comes to life when the school empties at night, engaging in playful mischief with the art supplies. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was a student in the same elementary school where my mother taught first grade. When school was dismissed at 3:30 I’d head to her room where she would have a list of chores for me. The big job was cutting out pictures for her bulletin boards. She loved student art and was constantly changing her bulletin boards as a way of ensuring art and student work were on display no matter where you looked.
Even after I moved on from elementary school, my mom would entertain my dad, sisters, and me at the dinner table with stories from her classroom—funny, sweet, quirky stories about her students. Though it’s been a long time since those days, I think these little turkey hands embody both the experience of helping my mom after school and the playful spirit of her students. The memories of those moments have sort of fused together, and that mix of nostalgia and silliness is captured in the mischievous, endearing little birds in the story.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some obvious themes in the book are curiosity, creativity, and taking responsibility for cleaning up after yourself. But a less obvious theme is the relationship between rules and creativity. The imperious shoes at the end — I mean, who hasn’t frozen in place when an authority figure comes marching in? And you feel for those little turkey hands doing their very best not to fidget. It reminds me of all the discomfort I felt when I was a kid when I got a little too excited about something and vacillated between being expressive while also trying to exercise some restraint and discipline.
I loved the idea behind this story, what was your favorite scene in this story?
There is that one very climatic scene in the story that I love (and that I don’t want to give away). That is definitely my favorite. But the other scene that I love is the moon scene. Everyone knows what a turkey hand is. Or do they? My hope is that when the reader turns the page to see the moon, they realize they might not actually know what a turkey hand really is — and that moment feels fresh and surprising.
What is the next book that you are working on and when is that book due out?
This is my first children’s book, and I’ve been fortunate to work with Camille Easton, the owner of Ao5 Gallery in Austin, Texas. She handled the production design and provided invaluable feedback throughout the process. She worked tirelessly to help bring this book to life. Moreover, Camille has an incredible eye, and the same level of curation she brings to her gallery, she brought to this book. Quality was a top priority, and it was important to both of us to bring these characters to life in the right way. With that in mind, we’re planning to collaborate on five more books in the Turkey Hands series, with the next one coming out next fall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Beneath the glow of a full moon, magic stirs within an elementary school classroom: turkey hands, the colorful paper cut-outs pinned up for Thanksgiving, come whimsically to life! As moonlight fills the room, these crafty creations embark on a night filled with mischief and mayhem. They dive into glue, splatter ink, and even peck the alphabet off the walls in their playful spree.
But carefree adventure takes a turn upon encountering the realities of the daytime world of teachers and students. Faced with the consequences of their nighttime antics, the turkey hands race against time to restore order to the classroom before the morning light reveals their secret lives.
“The Turkey Hands” is a charming tale that mirrors the vibrant and often untidy journey of creativity in children. Much like children, the turkey hands can get carried away when having fun. No magic, only recognition and hard work, will get the turkey hands out of a mess of their own making.
Kira The Kookaburra
Kira The Kookaburra, by Sharon White, is a charming children’s book set in the Australian bush. It tells the story of Kira, a kookaburra with a beautiful singing voice and a unique sense of style, marked by her impressive hat collection. The book weaves a story of self-discovery and self-love as Kira navigates her feelings of being different and ultimately finds joy in her own uniqueness.
Sharon White’s writing is both engaging and accessible, particularly for younger readers. White’s ability to create a vivid and colorful world is one thing I truly enjoyed about this story because it made the Australian bush come alive. There are sections where the dialogue appears to be more direct, possibly aiming to clearly communicate its messages to a young audience. While this approach has its educational merits, I feel it might also be observed that integrating these messages more seamlessly into the storyline could enhance the overall narrative flow.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its exploration of themes like self-acceptance, diversity, and the importance of friendship. The way Kira’s journey is portrayed, from feeling sad about being different to celebrating her unique traits, is both heartwarming and empowering. The inclusion of various animals, each with their own personality and opinions, adds to the richness of the narrative.
The illustrations, also by Sharon White, are charming and colorful. The vibrant colors and expressive characters complement the narrative well and capture the essence of Kira’s world and her emotional journey. The easy-to-read text and colorful images are effective in engaging younger readers.
Kira The Kookaburra is a delightful read for children, especially those aged four to eight. It offers an engaging story with important messages about self-love and acceptance. This picture book’s visual appeal and positive themes make it a worthwhile addition to any young reader’s library.
Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0DBM6XGKJ
Social Anxieties and Insecurities
In Owl B. Blue on Valentine’s Day, an owl learns to overcome his own fears and insecurities as he sets out to find the one thing he has always wanted but has never been able to find–a best friend. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My own life experiences and inexperiences reflect on a lot of the situations in which OBB finds himself. I grew up in a single-parent home, as an only child, and because of that, I am inherently an introvert. Shocker, right?! So, it was difficult for me to navigate social situations as a youngster. Unfortunately, it is still a struggle for me as I avoid crowds and have a fear of public speaking. Hopefully, numerous crowded book signings and school visits will cure me! My inspiration is to help kids learn coping skills early on to deal with their own social anxieties and insecurities. I want to show kids that they don’t have to be afraid in uncomfortable situations and, with the help of loved ones and friends, that they can become strong enough to overcome those obstacles!
This story seems like so much fun to create. What was your favorite scene in this story?
My favorite scene is when Blue finally lands on the branch next to Pink when everything becomes quiet and still. He is a hot mess and so nervous my heart just goes out to him. He is so out of his element and you want to cheer him on! I love the anticipation in that moment and having the reader wonder just what will happen next and what will Blue do?!
What is one thing you hope young readers can take away from Owl B. Blue’s experience?
I want them to see that being brave can lead to marvelous outcomes and WHOOO knows…you may just make a forever friend in the process!
Can we expect to see more adventures from Owl B. Blue? What are you currently working on?
YES!!! I have over 15 stories already written that I still need to illustrate. Blue’s next adventure will be at the beach! Do you think he might be a bit crabby?? Later this year, I will be putting out Halloween and Thanksgiving stories as well! And, of course, Blue needs to tell his birthday story which will be a perfect read for young ones on their birthdays!
Author Links: GoodReads | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
OBB lives up to his name once again in this Valentine’s Day love story! Read along as Blue searches to find a friend, and possibly more than that. Hopefully, Blue will find someone to warm his heart and melt away the chill of loneliness on this cold winter day!
Blue is a sometimes sad, always lovable, little owl that works hard to overcome his insecurities and fears. He faces many challenges on his path to find true happiness.
Join little Owl B. Blue on his many adventures and learn how he copes with, and eventually conquers, his fears. He learns that he can do anything with the help of family, friends and his own inner strength!
This is the second book in the Owl B. Blue Adventure series with much more rhyming fun to come!
Always remember…WHOOO LOVES YOU?! BLUE, THAT’S WHOOO!!!
Owl B. Blue on Easter Day
Owl B. Blue on Easter Day by Rob Sudano is a touching tale that seamlessly blends the joy of Easter traditions with the deeper Christian significance of the holiday. The story begins with the protagonist, Owl B. Blue, feeling gloomy on Easter morning, unable to find joy in the festivities due to his belief that Jesus is no longer alive. This changes when his mother explains the concept of resurrection, bringing a newfound sense of joy and purpose to Blue’s Easter celebration.
Sudano’s narrative effectively introduces young readers to the Christian aspects of Easter in an accessible and engaging manner. The story of Blue’s emotional journey, from sadness to jubilation upon learning about Jesus’ resurrection, is a gentle way to educate children about the holiday’s religious significance beyond just Easter bunnies and egg hunts. The character of Owl B. Blue is particularly endearing. His innocence and earnestness make him a relatable figure for young readers, who will likely find a friend in him as they explore the book.
The third installment in the Owl B. Blue Adventure series allows children to continue their journey with a character they have grown to love, deepening their connection to the series. Sudano’s dual role as both author and illustrator adds a unique charm to the book. His illustrations are fun and appealing and work effectively to complement the story, making the characters more approachable and enhancing the overall reading experience. The interactive Easter egg hunt Sudano incorporates at the end is an exciting addition to the book. This feature not only adds an element of playfulness but also encourages readers to engage more deeply with the story, fostering an interactive reading experience.
Owl B. Blue on Easter Day is a delightful read that balances the fun of Easter with its religious significance. It’s a recommended read for those looking to introduce young children to the meaning behind Easter celebrations, wrapped in a story that is both engaging and heartwarming.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0CSYRZHN4
LITERARY TITAN 