Blog Archives
Janny the Junco Learns about Faith: Faith is a Fruit of The Spirit
J. M. Ashmore’s Janny the Junco Learns about Faith is a children’s book that introduces Christian faith through a small bird’s experience of a frightening storm. Janny’s questions give young readers a familiar way into the subject: she wants to understand what faith means when the world feels loud and unpredictable. The park setting keeps that conversation grounded in things children can picture, from swaying millet stalks to rain collecting on leaves. There’s a clear teaching purpose here, and Ashmore builds it around a recognizable childhood feeling. That makes the book particularly suited to families looking for a gentle starting point for conversations about God and worry.
The friendship between Janny and Lindy gives the story much of its warmth. Their exchanges are simple enough to follow aloud, and the physical details of their companionship make the care between them tangible. A shared perch, close company, and help tending wet feathers all give young listeners something concrete to connect with. I especially appreciate how the book makes room for fear within a conversation about belief. Its understanding of faith includes bringing difficult feelings to God, which offers adults a useful opening for listening to children’s own concerns. The repeated reassurance creates a steady rhythm, while the noisy weather adds some energy to a shared reading.
The illustrations give this picture book a bright and inviting personality. Janny and Lindy have rounded bodies, expressive eyes, and rosy cheeks, with pink and yellow bellies that make them easy to distinguish. Large green leaves, glistening drops of water, and sweeping lines of rain bring the birds’ surroundings close enough to feel almost touchable. The contrast between their tiny bodies and the oversized foliage helps convey how imposing the weather feels to them. Several images return to similar views of the birds on a branch, keeping attention on their expressions and closeness. Full-page artwork alternates with uncluttered text pages, giving children plenty of room to study the pictures as someone reads.
The material after the story extends the book’s usefulness for parents, caregivers, and church teachers. Questions and answers invite children to revisit its ideas, while open questions leave space for their own reactions. A page of junco facts adds a welcome connection to the natural world, and the passage from Galatians places the book within Ashmore’s Fruit of the Spirit series. The stated preschool-through-third-grade audience makes sense, though younger listeners may benefit from an adult pausing to explain unfamiliar words or discuss faith in their own family’s language. With its affectionate bird characters and straightforward Christian focus, Janny the Junco Learns about Faith offers an approachable read-aloud that can lead naturally into a thoughtful conversation.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 1489754229
Corvus: A Crow’s Story
Shallen Anne Chitwood’s Corvus is a warm and accessible children’s novel about courage, friendship, grief, and personal growth. Set among a community of crows living near a family farm, the story follows Corvus, a young crow whose fear of flying separates him from his siblings and threatens his place within the flock. His unlikely friendship with Clarence Silkwood, a proudly theatrical monarch caterpillar, gives the narrative its humor and emotional center. Together, their parallel journeys show that transformation can be physical, emotional, or both.
Clarence’s lively first-person narration makes the natural world feel immediate and entertaining. His elaborate titles, comic confidence, and conversational asides create a playful voice that should appeal to young readers, while his observations introduce facts about crows, monarch butterflies, migration, metamorphosis, and animal behavior. These educational elements are integrated into the characters’ experiences. The book’s central idea is expressed clearly when Clarence tells Corvus, “We all grow and change in our own way.”
The novel also gives meaningful attention to loss and responsibility. Valia’s devotion to Corvus, the Cedar Clan’s communal mourning, and Clarence’s acceptance of his limited lifespan allow the story to address death with honesty and tenderness. These scenes carry genuine emotional weight without losing sight of the intended audience. The book’s strongest moments often arise from simple acts of loyalty, as when Clarence observes, “Sometimes that is the best thing you can do for a friend. Just be there.” Such passages give the story a compassionate understanding of how friendship can sustain someone through fear and sorrow.
Corvus presents bravery as a quality developed through love, experience, and purposeful action. Corvus’s eventual flight is satisfying because it grows from everything he has learned about himself, his family, and his responsibility toward others. The conclusion brings the novel’s themes of metamorphosis and self-knowledge together while preserving the wonder and humor of Clarence’s narration. With its memorable animal characters, gentle instruction, and sincere emotional arc, Corvus offers young readers an engaging story about discovering the strength to become fully themselves.
Pages: 143 | ASIN : B0H4HTLL98
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!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
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
