Blog Archives
Jewel And The Big Pumpkin
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis is a heartwarming children’s book about a little girl named Jewel and her adventure to find the perfect pumpkin. The story starts with Jewel’s excitement over her preschool teacher, Mr. Banks, discussing pumpkins and a planned trip to a pumpkin farm. Jewel becomes determined to pick the biggest pumpkin and win a prize—a turkey for Thanksgiving. The book follows her journey from school to the farm, and ultimately, she finds the biggest pumpkin, winning both the turkey and the pride of her parents.
One of the things I liked about this children’s book is how it presents simple lessons for young readers without feeling preachy. Jewel’s determination to find the biggest pumpkin showcases her ambition and eagerness. The writing effectively reflects the inner thoughts of a child, and it’s easy to imagine how young readers might connect with her sense of adventure and curiosity. The writing is simple yet effective, with just the right amount of descriptive language to draw children in without overwhelming them.
I appreciated how the book emphasizes the importance of family involvement. Jewel’s parents are supportive throughout, from listening to her talk about the pumpkin farm trip to helping her pick out the right pumpkin. This sense of closeness and parental encouragement is touching. There’s a charming moment where her dad asks, “Why the biggest pumpkin?” and Jewel replies, “Because Momma can make more pumpkin pies with it.” That line captures Jewel’s innocence and sense of purpose, which adds to the book’s appeal.
The illustrations complement the story beautifully, bringing the scenes at the pumpkin farm to life. The vibrant pictures of the pumpkins and Jewel’s excitement as she explores the farm help keep the story engaging for young readers. I could easily picture a classroom full of children being captivated by the colorful pages.
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin is a delightful picture book for young children, especially those in preschool or early elementary school. It’s perfect for fall reading, especially around Thanksgiving, and would resonate with children who love stories about farm adventures, family bonding, and achieving goals.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0DBZRRH2Q
Happy Makes Me Happy
Happy Makes Me Happy by Michael Barnes is a delightful story that beautifully illustrates the bond between a child and her pet, capturing the joy of giving and receiving affection through caring for animals. The story follows a little girl and her dog, Happy, as they share simple yet meaningful moments together. She loves watching Happy run and play, and through her love for him, she learns valuable lessons about kindness and affection—lessons that extend to her friendships. Whether lying in the grass or spending time with family, the girl’s day with Happy showcases the special moments that come from the deep connection between pets and their owners.
This book is an excellent choice for young children who are just beginning to read. The short, rhythmic sentences are easy to follow, and the straightforward language perfectly captures the happiness that comes from having a pet. The story emphasizes the fun of playing with your dog, while also subtly teaching lessons about sharing and the importance of friendship. One of the most charming aspects is how the entire narrative unfolds outdoors, encouraging children to get outside, play with their pets, and enjoy nature. The illustrations add to the book’s appeal, with vibrant colors and a simple, engaging style that brings the story to life. Happy’s design is particularly delightful, and his joy is contagious—his cheerful energy radiates from the pages, drawing young readers into the story. The plot is light and centers around the girl playing with her dog. Considering the age group the book is aimed at, the simplicity of the story works well to keep young readers engaged.
Happy Makes Me Happy is a sweet and uplifting read that will resonate with children and foster their love for animals. It’s a perfect introduction to the joys of reading and will help strengthen the bond between kids and their pets, all while teaching the importance of kindness and respect.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0BZZVXP4P
Jaimie’s Magical Words
Jaimie’s Magical Words by Amarie Jelly is a delightful introduction to the concept of positive affirmations, perfect for young readers. Each morning, Little Jaimie begins her day with a series of uplifting affirmations, setting a positive tone as she embarks on her daily adventures. As Jaimie navigates her world—whether playing at the park or helping with chores—she continuously reinforces these affirmations, tackling each task with confidence and grace.
This charming book invites readers to join Jaimie on her journey, offering a simple yet powerful lesson on the importance of positivity. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, the ability to find and foster positivity in everyday moments is a crucial skill, and this story beautifully demonstrates just how easily affirmations can be woven into daily life. Jaimie’s kind and courageous spirit shines through as she consistently speaks words of encouragement to herself and others, illustrating the transformative impact of positive thinking. The vibrant illustrations by Katerina Voytes perfectly complement the story, brimming with life and warmth. Together, the engaging narrative and colorful artwork create an irresistible combination, making Jaimie’s Magical Words a must-read.
This is a heartwarming tale of empowerment, self-love, and the magic of positive words, making this story enchanting from start to finish. Suitable for readers of all ages, Jaimie’s Magical Words is a wonderful reminder of the power we all have to bring a little more kindness and love into the world each day. Whether enjoyed independently or read together, this beautiful storybook encourages everyone to unlock the magic of positivity within.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D6XQZHYB
Sammy’s Voyage to a New Home
Sammy’s Voyage to a New Home by Debra Siraco and Zareen Wilhelm delivers a message of hope, illustrating how it sustains us through life’s challenges. Sammy, a special-needs cat born on a reservation in the harsh deserts of the American Southwest, faces difficulties from the start. Without a tail and with hind legs slightly longer than his front ones, Sammy is made to feel different by his siblings’ unkindness. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is taken far from his family and home to an unfamiliar animal shelter. Initially frightened, Sammy soon meets Tangerine, a compassionate woman dedicated to finding better homes for all the animals. This encounter marks the beginning of Sammy’s transformative journey, where he ultimately forms a large and loving family with a diverse group of animals.
The plot of Sammy’s Voyage to a New Home is rich in detail and emotional depth, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges a cat like Sammy might face. The narration, while straightforward and composed of short, accessible sentences, effectively conveys the nuances of Sammy’s emotions. Sammy emerges as a unique and endearing character, demonstrating that what truly matters is not physical appearance but the kindness and love within one’s heart. The book imparts valuable life lessons, emphasizing the importance of compassion, kindness, and love. The vibrant illustrations add a touch of fantasy to the story, bringing to life the varied settings, from the vast expanse of White Sands National Park to the gentle prairies of Oklahoma. The story’s first half is notably somber, with Sammy’s distress portrayed in a way that is deeply felt. While the authors’ intent to reflect realism is evident, the intensity of these emotions may be overwhelming for some young readers. A stronger focus on Sammy’s journey or his life with his new family might have better highlighted the story’s positive aspects. Despite this, Debra Siraco and Zareen Wilhelm succeed in teaching empathy and compassion for animals. Their story has the potential to help children better understand social interactions and foster a sense of respect and care for others.
Sammy’s Voyage to a New Home by Debra Siraco and Zareen Wilhelm is a poignant and heartwarming tale that teaches invaluable lessons about hope, kindness, and empathy. While the story delves into some intense emotions, particularly in its early stages, it ultimately uplifts with its message of love and acceptance.
Pages: | ASIN : B0DFVY58VZ
Math is NOT Dry and Boring
What is the Shape of My Ears? follows a miniature horse and a miniature donkey as they discuss how the shape of their ears and find similar shapes around their farm home. What was the inspiration for your story?
What a great question!
In other words, why Pearl? Why Duke? Truth be told, I have a host of critters to choose from!
I knew prior to writing the storyline, it would be a challenge to explain the meaning of triangle, starting with the term angle.
With this in mind, I needed a character who is clever, someone who could “think outside the box” to break down the meaning of triangle then apply it in ways that make sense to early math learners.
Pearl—hands down—landed the part!
Duke, her faithful sidekick, may not be the perfect student, but he’s willing to follow Pearl’s lead.
Minus grazing!
Your stories focus on math concepts, a subject that not all children are excited about. What is about math that excites you and makes you want to write books for children on this subject?
Safe to say, I understand why many people across age groups find math to be dry, boring, and often question its relevance. However, I truly enjoyed math stemming back to my elementary years, and I enjoyed teaching it. I tutored starting in high school well into my first year of college. However, across domains, geometry was the one area that I did not enjoy. Oddly enough, this became a focus in my research program as a graduate student—not geometry per se but (in part) the challenges that US students often face in learning geometric concepts from an early age. As a new venture in my academic career, I decided to shift gears so to speak and apply what I learned in my research (and the work of others). As is the case with many children’s books on mathematical learning, the goal is to engage children: give them reason to believe that math can be fun, and how it is so much a part of our everyday lives. In the words of Silkie and Pearl, you just need “to look closely.”
The art in this book is fantastic and draws the readers in, making the math concepts less intimidating. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Gabriela Vega?
Unlike writing an article for an academic journal, there are many challenges to writing a children’s book, particularly for a debut, self-publishing author. The learning curve is nothing short of steep! That said, I credit Gabriela for our accomplishments with the series—What Is the Shape of My Egg? 15 honorable mentions and awards to date!
She is incredibly talented in addition to her outstanding work ethic and willingness to take on challenges.
Do you have more adventures and learning experiences planned for the Farm Friends? If so, what can young readers look forward to in the future?
We do! What Is the Shape of My House? is set to be published for 2025. This final book of the Shape Friends series focuses on squares and rectangles. Fern, a Nigerian dwarf goat, is the main character. I will be posting updates on my website by year end. A supplemental activity book that will feature all of the characters in the series is a possibility as well.
Author Links: Website
A horse’s ears?
A cat’s ears?
If you’re thinking triangle, that’s correct!
BUT … there are all sorts of triangles.
Triangles can be long, short, skinny, fat—even stubby!
In What Is the Shape of My Ears?, the second title in the Shape Stories with Farm Friends series, children are introduced to the properties of triangles. The storyline stars Pearl (a clever miniature donkey) and her sidekick Duke (a humble miniature horse) who questions why ears―whether long or short―can still be the same shape. Together, the “Minis” explore the basic elements of triangles and learn that when you look closely, you find triangular shapes are EVERYWHERE!
The Bird Prison
Living together allows us to learn from those around us. Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to embrace the diversity of others, making it crucial for children to learn this concept early on. In The Bird Prison, Tuula Pere introduces young readers to the idea that every action has consequences through the story of Griselda, who meticulously maintains her garden to perfection, even matching her clothes to the flowers. When colorful birds arrive, their singing and vibrant hues disrupt Griselda’s perfect world, leading her to increasingly push them away.
Tuula Pere effectively conveys essential lessons about intolerance and the lack of acceptance, illustrating how these attitudes can lead to loneliness and deprive us of the joy others bring. The somewhat somber yet realistic message is powerful: Griselda’s lack of empathy serves as a cautionary tale, encouraging children to be compassionate and consider others’ feelings and needs. The story also emphasizes the importance of respecting and caring for natural habitats and animals, teaching young readers about the necessity of coexisting with nature. The illustrations are delightful, enhancing the natural beauty depicted in the story. The bird designs are simple yet beautiful and expressive, adding a visual charm that complements the narrative. Tuula Pere’s writing is fluid and conveys much with few words, making it accessible and engaging for children. The language is straightforward and easy to understand. However, the moral might be slightly complex for younger children, as Griselda does not learn to live harmoniously or display positive traits throughout the story. Despite this, the interaction between the characters is unique and natural, highlighting the need to avoid rigid attachment to fully enjoy life. The Bird Prison is both entertaining and thought-provoking, showcasing the ingenuity of both the birds and Griselda as they strive to achieve their goals.
The Bird Prison is an engaging and educational story that I would recommend for children. It’s perfect for parents and educators looking to teach important lessons about empathy, acceptance, and the value of nature. While the moral complexity may require some guidance for younger readers, the book’s beautiful illustrations and compelling narrative make it a worthwhile addition to any child’s library.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 9528200052
Broaden Children’s Cultural Understanding
In Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?, readers learn alongside two children from America and Japan who discover fun differences in the way their two cultures express onomatopoeias. Where did the idea for this book come from?
When I first started studying Japanese, I was amazed by how much onomatopoeia is used in everyday conversations. In US English, we use words like “pop,” “meow,” “crackle,” and “bang” to add vividness to our language. However, in Japanese, there are thousands of onomatopoeia used that not only represent real sounds but also describe conditions, movements, and feelings. For example, “fura-fura” means dizzy, “waku-waku” means excited, and “noro-noro” means moving slowly. I found these expressions so colorful and funny that I thought they would be a fun way to introduce language differences to children. While teaching cross-cultural education at elementary schools in Kobe, Japan, one of my most popular lessons was about the differences in Japanese and US animal sounds. This experience inspired me to write my award-winning children’s book, Why Max MEOWS and Risa NYAAS?
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
Because Japanese and US English languages have different pronunciations, I wanted to ensure children learn the correct way to pronounce Japanese animal sounds. After consulting with several native Japanese speakers, I created a chart for the book that includes both Japanese and US English animal sounds with phonetic pronunciation and spelling.
What is one thing you hope young readers, their parents, and teachers are able to take away from Max and Risa’s story?
Having lived in Japan for over 25 years, the culture has profoundly influenced my life. Through my children’s book, I want to introduce young minds to the wonders of Japanese art, language, and culture. In my book, Max, an American boy, is intrigued when he hears Risa, a Japanese girl, mimic a cat’s sound as “nyaa” instead of “meow.” This curiosity leads to the discovery that animals might “speak” different languages in different parts of the world. I hope teachers and parents can use this universal concept of animal sounds to broaden children’s cultural understanding and even spark interest in learning a foreign language.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
In line with my mission to introduce children to the rich traditions of Japanese art, culture, and language, I am currently writing a book with a Kintsugi theme. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, celebrating imperfections, and embracing the beauty of flaws. Additionally, I am working on a second onomatopoeia-themed book that introduces the Japanese onomatopoeia used to express feelings and emotions.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Amazon
Max’s ordinary day takes an extraordinary turn when he and his friend Risa stumble upon a cage with a mouse in their classroom. They realize something peculiar – they hear animal sounds differently. Why does a mouse go “chu-chu”or a crow cry “kaa-kaa”? Max and his friend Risa embark on a mission to uncover the truth! Are dogs barking “wan-wan”? Is it “meow-meow” or “nyaa-nyaa” for a cat?
With vivid illustrations and an engaging storyline, get ready to giggle as Max and Risa reveal the hilarious differences between English and Japanese animal sounds.
Will Max and Risa ever agree on the horse’s sound? Grab your detective hat and join them on their whimsical journey to find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship, curiosity, and the magic of language.
Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure
Children, brimming with energy, often resist bedtime. However, if we can show them that bedtime can be as fun as reading a good book, their attitude may improve. Addressing this common issue, Kristen Puma presents Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure. Abby and Liam are siblings and best friends who love to play and imagine all sorts of exciting scenarios. After a long day, their parents signal that it’s time for bed. The siblings, still full of energy, try to resist. That’s when their dad steps in, transforming the bedtime routine into an adventurous challenge that even includes a volcano. Their mom also joins the fun, taking on the role of a daring dragon.
The energy of the whole family is delightful. Many children’s books focus solely on the perspective of the kids, but this story feels special because both dad and mom are involved and part of the game. This promotes the idea of family unity and encourages children to communicate with their parents and be honest about their feelings. Kristen Puma’s use of short, melodic phrases makes the reading experience enjoyable and keeps the interest alive. Additionally, the illustrations are adorable and endearing, featuring soft and cheerful tones, beautifully designed. The story is dynamic from start to finish, as the siblings move from one imaginative challenge to another.
Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure is perfect in every detail; it’s well-structured and presented. It’s designed to be enjoyed by both parents and children, with all characters actively participating. The main idea, although simple, is presented in a fun and enthusiastic way. It’s undoubtedly an excellent choice for parents to spend a beautiful moment with their children before bedtime and instill a love for reading.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CYCNJLGQ
LITERARY TITAN 