Blog Archives
Building a Relationship
A Father’s Love follows a little girl enjoying an outing with her father, her biggest hero, as she receives his advice and encouragement about her upcoming ballet performance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was inspired to create a story that is based on a positive connection between a child and her father. I had the desire to showcase a young girl who receives motivation because it demonstrates that she can achieve whatever she sets her mind to. She is building on her personal courage, and she is learning to become a self-directed learner.
Is there anything from your own life included in A Father’s Love?
The story is not related to my life but it’s a constant reminder that a father’s presence, time, and consistent effort is required when you’re building a relationship with your child.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Olivia Smith H.?
The art collaboration process was smooth and easy with Olivia. I shared my thought process by explaining and being detailed on how I would like each picture to look. She provided me with sketches and colors, asked me questions, and we used a great amount of teamwork. I’m pleased with the outcome of the book.
Can young readers look forward to more stories featuring Rachelle and her father? What are you currently working on?
I’m currently thinking about my next book. I have topics in mind, and I plan on starting the writing process very soon. I may do a series from my first book, then I will create another book that features Rachelle.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Empowering Young Readers
Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure follows a young elementary school girl who decides to sign up for her school’s talent Show and perform a Hip-Hop song she has written herself. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure comes from my deep love for Hip-Hop music. It’s always been a huge part of my life, helping me get through tough times and celebrate happy moments. Because it means so much to me, I wanted to bring that into Peyton’s story. I wanted to show how powerful and inspiring Hip-Hop can be, and how it can help kids express themselves and find their confidence. By weaving Hip-Hop into Peyton’s adventure, I hope to share that same sense of empowerment and joy with young readers.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
When I was creating my characters, especially Peyton, I really wanted to make sure she embodied confidence and perseverance. It was important to me that she came across as someone who doesn’t give up easily and believes in herself, no matter what challenges come her way. I think it’s essential for young readers to see characters who inspire them and show them that with a little confidence and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. Peyton is all about not quitting, and I hope she encourages kids to keep going, even when things get tough.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Peyton and the direction of the next book?
Sure! Peyton will be embarking on more exciting adventures and living her best life with her best friend Kaya and other friends. She’ll be navigating both the fun and challenging moments of growing up, being open about some of the not-so-fun things she deals with to help other kids feel less alone. Her next adventure is set around the holidays, so there’s a lot of festive fun to look forward to. Keep an eye out for her new story!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
When Peyton eagerly signs up for the school Talent Show, excitement fills the air. From her bedroom walls to the stage, witness Peyton’s journey as she confidently takes center stage, overflowing with raps, rhymes, and beats.
Throughout her adventure, Peyton learns invaluable lessons about self-expression, determination, and the power of embracing her unique style. With the unwavering support of her best friend Kaya and her mom’s encouragement, Peyton discovers the true magic of hip hop – sharing it with others.
Get ready to groove along with Peyton as she captivates the stage with her infectious beats and attitude! “Dream Big” is a heartwarming tale that inspires young readers to embrace their passions, express themselves through music, and chase after their dreams with unwavering determination.
A Father’s Love
A Father’s Love, by Alicia Smith, is a heartwarming story that beautifully captures the bond between a father and his daughter, Rachelle. The narrative follows little Rachelle as she enjoys a day of fun and adventure with her biggest hero—her dad. From playful outings at the playground to indulging in sweet treats, Rachelle’s day is filled with joy. However, as evening approaches, she begins to feel nervous about her upcoming ballet performance. With her father’s unwavering love and support, Rachelle must summon the courage to face her fears and step onto the stage for the first time in front of a large audience. The question lingers: Will Rachelle find the confidence to shine, or will her doubts hold her back?
This tender story is a touching portrayal of a father’s supportive role in his child’s life. I was particularly moved by how the father instinctively knew when to let Rachelle take charge and when to offer reassurance. The narrative seamlessly illustrates the powerful connection between love, support, and self-confidence. The gentle pacing of the story, coupled with Olivia Smith H.’s lovely illustrations, enhances the emotional depth of the tale. Each page is brought to life with soft, vibrant colors that add another layer of warmth and charm to the book.
A Father’s Love is as sweet as summer strawberries—a delightful read for all ages. The story’s message of love and support is perfectly conveyed, making it a comforting and uplifting choice. It’s a beautiful depiction of gentle parental guidance and familial love, leading to a conclusion that leaves the reader feeling cherished and embraced. This exceptional collaboration between author and illustrator has created a book that resonates deeply, and I eagerly look forward to more from this talented duo. Alicia Smith’s engaging tale makes a wonderful addition to a family library.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0C9FNBNZV
Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure
Peyton has big news: she’s decided to enter the school’s talent show. She quickly realizes that writing and performing her own rap song is the perfect way to showcase her talent. With the unwavering support of her mom and best friend, Kaya, Peyton throws herself into preparations, eager to share her love of music. However, as the big day approaches, nerves start to creep in, making her question if she truly has what it takes to succeed.
Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure by Paula Banks tells the inspiring story of Peyton, a young girl whose positive outlook is infectious. Peyton’s confidence shines through even when she faces significant challenges, making her a relatable and admirable protagonist. As the talent show looms, Peyton’s anxiety grows, and she candidly expresses her fears. This honesty about her emotions makes Peyton an especially effective and memorable character for young readers. As an educator, I believe Banks has crafted a story that should be included in elementary school curriculums, particularly by school counselors. Peyton’s journey teaches an essential lesson about perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Her pride in her achievements is almost tangible, leaving readers with a warm and lasting impression.
Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure features a charming main character who is sure to win the hearts of young readers with her confidence and sparkling personality. I highly recommend Paula Banks’ latest book to both parents and teachers for its engaging story and valuable life lessons.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0CW1CSS15
A Diver Like Me
Dive into the exciting world of Sanaa Chege’s newest release, A Diver Like Me, a fantastic children’s book about Sanaa, a young Black girl with a passion for diving. We follow along as Sanaa learns the ropes, competes in thrilling diving competitions, and faces the unique challenges of being one of the few Black divers in the sport. With tons of practice, dedication, and a great deal of support from her awesome family, Sanaa hopes to inspire other children of color to take the plunge and join the diving community.
The way Sanaa tells her story is engaging and full of heart. Readers can feel her excitement and determination, especially when she describes her first dive and the joy of winning her first competition. In Chapter 3, for example, she shares how thrilled she was to hear her scores and how proud she felt snagging first place. Her enthusiasm is infectious and make readers want to cheer her on every step of the way.
One of the most enjoyable parts of Chege’s story is how she details the importance of representation and inclusion in sports. Sanaa’s thoughts on why there aren’t many Black divers and her dreams of seeing more diversity in the sport are both eye-opening and inspiring. In Chapter 5, she addresses the special connection she feels when she sees other Black families at diving meets, illustrating the importance of visibility and community.
The illustrations by Nils Britwum are just as delightful as the story itself. They capture all the energy and excitement of Sanaa’s adventures, from her focused moments before a dive to the sheer joy of her victories. These vibrant pictures are sure to catch the eyes of younger readers.
A Diver Like Me is a must-read for young readers, especially those who love sports and stories about chasing dreams. It’s perfect for any child who has big goals and wants to see them come true, no matter what. I highly recommend this picture book to young athletes, teachers, and parents who are looking for a story that celebrates diversity and perseverance. Sanaa’s journey is an awesome reminder of what you can achieve with hard work and support, making A Diver Like Me a fantastic addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CMCQ5DY8
Unique and Special
Jewel’s Curls: Being Me follows a four-year-old girl who notices the differences in appearance between herself and her parents. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration was my childhood friendships of different races helped me to value others, and the importance of children of mixed race to value their inner beauty as much and accept their natural self-image to be unique and special.
The art in this book is fantastic, bringing Jewel’s emotions and struggles to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator K. Stone?
Each illustration I described to the illustratrator to bring to life relatable characters’ style, emotions, environment, and multicultural connection within families and societies in a fun social environment.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For parents to help their children to value themselves and self-image and to be okay with being different from other children.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Jewel and the direction of the second book?
My Jewel books are an emerging series of fun heartfelt relatable stories that will help children see themselves in the world as unique worthy and of great value and to show other children and people the same respect, as they continue to grow in their adventures in life to be their best selves in their own skin.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
She has a pure heart and one day, she became curious about her curly hair. Later, she learns to value herself.
Jewel’s Curls: Being Me
In Jewel’s Curls: Being Me by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis, we meet Jewel, a four-year-old girl navigating the complexities of racial identity with innocence and curiosity. The story opens with Jewel grappling with the differences in appearance between herself and her parents. Her mother is White, her father is Black, and Jewel is a blend of both. Her distinct curly hair and unique skin tone raise questions about identity and beauty, questions that many children might ponder.
The narrative is tenderly crafted to address these inquiries through the family’s interactions. Jewel’s mother plays a pivotal role in teaching her daughter about the beauty of diversity and self-acceptance. She explains that Jewel’s unique appearance is a beautiful combination of her parents. To celebrate this, they go on a shopping trip for hair accessories that complement Jewel’s vibrant curls, reinforcing the message of self-love and pride in one’s appearance. Dr. Lewis excels in creating a narrative that is both educational and endearing, perfectly suited for young children aged 2-6. This age range is critical for introducing concepts of diversity and self-acceptance, and Lewis handles this with a gentle yet affirmative touch. The character of Jewel is particularly relatable; she is portrayed as smart and engaging, qualities that will endear her to young readers. The illustrations by K. Stone add a dynamic layer to the tale. Bright and engaging, each illustration not only captures the essence of the moments but also enhances the storytelling, making the book a visual delight that complements the text wonderfully.
Jewel’s Curls: Being Me serves as an excellent resource for children, especially those of mixed heritage, to see themselves represented in children’s literature. It is also the promising start to the “Jewel’s Values” series, offering young readers further adventures with Jewel that promise to be as enriching as they are enjoyable. This book is not only a delightful read but also an important educational tool that comes highly recommended.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CYW7GJYZ
Empower Children
Octavia Can Do It! follows an independent little girl who wants to make cookies her way, which leads to a big mess, and she questions if the cookies will be good. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for my story was watching my granddaughter, Octavia, make cookies with her mom. She always wanted to measure the ingredients by herself. Although she was guided by her mom, there was always a mess to clean up afterwards.
The art in this book is fantastic and really brings this story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Amariah Rauscher?
The collaboration process was amazing! I love Amariah’s illustration style and how she represented the characters and story in the book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the ideas was to empower children to do things on their own and ask for help when they need it.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
In my second book, Octavia and Ludovic Welcome Baby Brother, Octavia and Ludovic must find ways to adapt to a new sibling. It was not as easy as they thought.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Mama steps out of the kitchen, Octavia takes over with an “I can do it” attitude. But as flour and cocoa cover the walls, cabinets, and countertop, she starts to question herself.
Will her cookies turn out as good as Mama’s cookies?
Octavia Can Do It! is the humorous story of a young girl as she discovers that even the most independent people need a little help sometimes.
Octavia Can Do It! is a Mom’s Choice Award Winner.
LITERARY TITAN 