Blog Archives
Trapped
Trapped follows Ava, an inventive eleven-year-old who gets lured into a creepy metal facility after accidentally wandering off her route home. Inside, she runs into a mad scientist with spiky blue hair, weird clues scribbled on the walls, disappearing doors, sharks, collapsing rooms, and two other trapped girls who’ve been missing for years. The whole place feels like a massive puzzle box that keeps shifting every time she thinks she’s figured it out. The story jumps from trap to trap with wild energy, humor, and a ton of heart, and Ava has to rely on her wits, her inventions, and her stubborn bravery to escape.
Reading this book felt like riding a roller coaster. I kept thinking things couldn’t get any stranger, and then boom. A shrinking room. Boom. Sharks. Boom. A magic chicken firing cereal. The writing is playful, and I found myself smiling even when Ava was in real danger because her inner voice is so funny and chaotic in the best way. The way she talks to herself cracked me up. And the way she uses random stuff in her backpack as tools was so interesting, because it’s so kid-like and creative in a way adults forget to be.
What surprised me most was how sweet the story felt underneath all the madness. Ava’s fear of dark spaces, her loyalty to her best friend, and the way she misses her family during the scariest moments all gave the book a really warm center. Even the weird clues and puzzles felt like they were nudging her to believe in herself. I didn’t expect to feel proud of a fictional kid, but I did. And I’ll admit it. I got a little emotional when her beat up stuffed bunny basically became her tiny furry sidekick.
I’d totally recommend Trapped to kids who love fast-paced adventures, wild imagination, and stories where the main character thinks their way out of chaos instead of waiting for an adult to save them. It’s also perfect for readers who enjoy jokes mixed with danger and don’t mind things getting a little weird. Honestly, I think lots of grown-ups would have fun with it, too, because it brings back that feeling of being a kid who turns everyday stuff into adventures.
Pages: 208 | ASIN : B0D8547F6W
Woody Woodchuck: Adventure in the City
Woody Woodchuck lives with his mama in a small cabin, wrapped in quiet country beauty. He is a homebody at heart. The big city holds no appeal for him. One summer afternoon, curiosity gets the better of him when he notices a bakery truck stopped on the road, its driver busy changing a tire. Warm, tempting scents drift through the air, rich with memories of his mama’s wild berry and acorn pies. Woody gives in to temptation and hops inside. A sudden slam of the door changes everything. Trapped and frightened, he finds himself heading straight for the city.
Once there, Woody is completely out of his element. The noise, the crowds, and the unfamiliar sights overwhelm him. Fear replaces curiosity. The central question soon emerges: can a country woodchuck survive a bustling metropolis and find his way safely home?
Woody Woodchuck: Adventure in the City, by Steven Frank, is a children’s book aimed at readers roughly ages three to seven. The story echoes familiar themes found in films such as Babe: Pig in the City or Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, though it remains firmly grounded in a gentler, younger framework.
Because of its intended audience, moments of danger never become intense. A barking dog gives chase, but the tension stays mild. The tone remains reassuring throughout. This approach makes the book especially suitable for children who are not yet ready for higher-stakes adventures. The illustrations stand out as a major strength. Bright, expressive, and full of detail, they expand the story and help hold a child’s attention, whether at bedtime or during a quiet afternoon indoors.
The idea of a character becoming lost and relying on others is familiar, yet effective. Woody meets a wise owl and other city dwellers who guide him along the way. Their help proves essential. Longtime fans will also appreciate the return of old friends introduced in the first book of the series, which adds continuity and warmth.
Frank demonstrates a clear understanding of pacing and structure for young readers. The book never overstays its welcome. The problem-and-solution arc is clean and satisfying. The underlying message about seeking help and trusting one’s community comes through naturally. Taken together, these elements give the story lasting appeal and position it as a likely favorite for both children and caregivers alike.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FD7X2W6M
Ten Little Axolotls
Ten Little Axolotls is a simple counting picture book that follows a group of tiny lake-dwelling creatures as they wiggle, hide, hunt, drift, and play through their moonlit world. Each page adds another axolotl with its own small trait. Some are bashful, and some are sneaky, and some are wild at heart. The book moves like a soft lullaby with repeating rhythms that guide young readers from one number to the next.
The writing has a gentle rhyme that reminds me of bedtime stories I loved as a kid. The lines feel cozy. The rhymes are enchanting and give the book a handmade charm. The images have this soft glow with what looked like hand-drawn art on each page. I kept smiling at the tiny quirks of each axolotl. Each one was so cute on the page and I’m sure children will love looking at them as parents read this story to them. I also liked how the rhyming story slips in facts about their colors and habits without sounding like a lesson. It feels playful and light.
The book drifts from one description to the next, which is pleasant. The sense of calm and the watery world kept pulling me in, and I felt oddly relaxed as I read. There is something soothing about watching these creatures wiggle through their day and night.
I would recommend Ten Little Axolotls to very young children and to adults who love reading gentle nature-themed children’s books aloud. It works well for bedtime. It works well for early counting practice. It will especially charm kids who enjoy animals that feel a little magical.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0FTV74XHH
Cows Have Four Stomachs!
The Charms of US Farms: Finding Out How Things Work follows a class visiting two farms who discover how important farm work is to everyday life. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for the story came from my interaction with students around the time of the pandemic. I discovered children were befuddled when I asked if they knew where food came from. Most simply answered “the grocery story”. When I asked about clothing, the response was similar. They were interested, curious and often surprised to find how the natural world provides for us in so many ways.
The book teaches a lot without ever feeling like a lesson. How did you balance storytelling with information?
It was easy to see-saw facts with fun in my story line. For instance, cows are providers of meat and many other products for us, and the fun fact is they have 4 stomachs! Farm matters abound with those types of things. They are inherent to the theme of farming. Corn? Sure, we eat it, but it’s used to make our crayons, paints and paper, too!
How do you imagine teachers using this book in the classroom?
Farming is taught in elementary grades. Sometimes students have the opportunity to plant and grow their own vegetables or visit local farms for school trips and educational experiences. Reading The Charms of US Farms is an engaging way to further integrate lessons about farming in the Language Arts curriculum.
Elementary studies include science (i.e. animal life cycles) and math (i.e. measuring plant growth), both conducive times to introduce the book to students.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
The Charms of US Farms is the start of a series of early readers revealing how “extraordinary” the seemingly “ordinary” things in our natural world truly are.
Illustrator Ann Pilicer and I are thrilled to share The Charms book, and hope it sparks a little inspiration for younger generations and readers around the world.
Author Website
The Magic Collar; Pitty the Kitty Book 1
The Magic Collar follows Pitty, a confident tuxedo cat who tells his own story, from his scrappy street days to landing in a loving home with a kid named Mav. A shiny red collar turns out to be magical and pulls them into wild adventures together. They zoom through video games, fight villains as superheroes, and hunt treasure with pirates. Every chapter is a new jump into imagination, friendship, and play, all seen through Pitty’s smug and funny point of view.
I had a blast reading this children’s book. The voice hooked me right away. Pitty feels real and loud and full of attitude. I laughed a lot. The humor lands without trying too hard. It feels like listening to a cat who knows he runs the house. The writing is clear, smooth, and easy to follow. Each chapter moves fast and keeps the energy up.
The ideas really worked for me as well. I loved how everyday kid stuff turns into magic. Video games. Reading time. Playing outside. It all matters. Nothing feels preachy. The story celebrates imagination in a way that feels natural and warm. The bond between Mav and Pitty honestly made me a little soft. It captures that special kid and pet connection so well.
The artwork throughout the book is bright, playful, and full of personality. The colors pop without being overwhelming. I loved how Pitty’s expressions always matched his attitude. The pictures add so much charm and humor, and they really help pull you deeper into each adventure.
I would recommend this book to kids who love animals, games, and adventure. It feels perfect for early chapter book readers. It would also be great as a read-aloud. Parents and grandparents will enjoy it too.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0G2GV33YQ
The Charms of US Farms
When I finished The Charms of US Farms I sat back and smiled because the whole story feels like a warm class trip rolled into a picture book. It follows a group of kids as they head out to visit two farms where they learn about crops, animals, tractors, corn, cotton, and even how baseball connects to farming. The kids ask playful questions, the farmers share fun facts, and the day ends with everyone realizing just how much of their everyday life comes from the work done on farms.
I enjoyed the easy way the book explains big ideas. It feels light and friendly. Nothing ever gets bogged down. I also loved the characters and the way the kids react to everything. Billy starts out bored and grumbly. Then he slowly wakes up to how cool farming actually is. The writing made me feel like I was tagging along with the class. The artwork is bright, detailed, and reflects the charming nature of the story.
I also had a soft spot for the little moments that sneak up with charm. Ms. Della serving date cake. Farmer Dole casually pulling a baseball from his pocket like some kind of farm magician. The cow named Bessie leaning into scratches. These details gave the story a cozy feeling that stuck with me. The ideas in the book go beyond farms. They nudge kids to wonder where things come from. Paper. Crayons. Milk. Even clothes. I like that the book makes learning feel natural. You pick up facts without ever noticing you are learning them.
I would say this children’s book is great for kids who like field trips, animals, or anything hands-on. It would also be fun for any young reader who enjoys stories that mix real facts with friendly characters. Parents and teachers could use it to spark conversations about food, work, nature, or even history. I’d happily recommend it to early elementary kids and to grown-ups looking for a cheerful read-aloud.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0G1CK9BN8
Fun, Unusual, and Silly
Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog follows a lovable German Shepherd adopted from a rescue shelter who joins her family on a trip to the zoo and spends the day learning about the animals. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration was my niece who was a zookeeper and continues to work with animals in her current job. In addition, my love for animals!
In your story you packed in a lot of educational information, but still made it feel organic and not like reading a fact sheet. What was your thought process on deciding what facts to include?
I tried to include ‘fun’, unusual, and silly facts to make it fun for the reader- while learning- and not be boring!
The colorful artwork is dynamic and charming, especially the representation of Cadie. What was it like to work with Chris Schwink?
I absolutely love working with Chris. He really is talented in how he brings my stories- and visions- to light. Most people use digital illustrations where I like the raw talent of hand drawn ones, and Chris does an amazing job!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
This is our 3rd book of the Adventures With Cadie Kids Book series and it just was released in December 2025. I have ideas for the next one already, with some outlines but unsure of when it will be finished at this time!
Author Links: Instagram | GoodReads | Facebook | Website
In her latest escapade, Cadie explores a bustling zoo with the help of a kind zookeeper who introduces her to a parade of fascinating animals―from towering giraffes to mischievous monkeys. Join Cadie as she discovers new friends and finds joy in every pawstep!
Along the way, young readers will follow a colorful zoo map, answer playful questions, and learn fun animal facts without even realizing they’re learning. With vibrant illustrations, interactive elements, and Cadie’s lovable charm, this story is perfect for families who cherish animals, adventure, and stories that spark curiosity.
Whether read aloud at bedtime or explored independently, “Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog” invites children to laugh, learn, and believe in second chances.
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny by Jon Kaczka centers on Mari-chan, a fearless six-year-old whose life shifts dramatically after her adventurous father vanishes during a climb in Antarctica. Guided by her magical companion, Roboto Bunny, Mari-chan discovers a hidden passage inside her closet. It leads to a vibrant Underworld packed with playful obstacles and mysterious doors. Progress comes at a surprising cost. To move forward, Mari-chan must transform into a baby, reinforcing a powerful idea: bravery has nothing to do with size.
The story’s greatest strength lies in its boundless imagination. Every challenge feels intentional. Animal encounters bring warmth and humor. Whimsical trials unfold through clever riddles rather than danger. Kaczka layers the narrative with lighthearted song parodies and charming jokes, easing tension and maintaining a joyful tone. Even stressful moments feel safe. The scenes where constellations spring to life stand out most, adding a surreal, dreamlike quality that lingers.
Chapter-opening illustrations elevate the reading experience. Each image offers a visual pause, inviting readers further into the Underworld. These snapshots support the narrative without overwhelming it. Younger readers gain clarity. The world feels tangible, cozy, and inviting.
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny deliver a warm, uplifting adventure rooted in perseverance and love. It blends fantasy with emotional sincerity. The message resonates without feeling heavy. This book comes highly recommended for families and young readers drawn to imaginative journeys, gentle humor, and stories that celebrate courage in even the smallest heroes.
Pages: 82 | ASIN : B0FWZ82XWF
LITERARY TITAN 