Blog Archives
Addison’s Delaware Discovery
Addison’s Delaware Discovery follows ten-year-old Addison Anderson on an unexpected journey from her cozy, pet-filled home to the quiet, swampy corners of Delaware. What begins as a family trip for her father’s work turns into a heartwarming and sometimes hilarious adventure about friendship, disability awareness, and community connection. Addison and her younger brother Albert meet Daisy and Danny during their stay in Delaware. The kids come up with a wild idea to throw a party featuring a made-up swamp monster called the “Delaware Drooler.” Their goal is to help Daisy, who has Juvenile Disc Disorder, connect with other kids in a town that has mostly ignored her.
Laura James has a light and easy touch with her writing that makes it feel friendly and familiar, like you’re being let in on a secret by a good friend. The characters are vivid and full of life. Addison is a wonderfully curious and kind lead, and her brother Albert adds a good dose of comic energy. What I appreciated most was how gently the story introduced serious topics like grief, disability, and acceptance, without ever feeling preachy or heavy. Daisy’s journey, especially, felt real and moving. The author manages to strike that tricky balance between humor and heart, which is what makes the story so satisfying.
The constant use of alliteration (nearly every chapter focuses on “D” words) is clever and educational. The illustrations are charming and full of personality. They bring the characters to life in such a fun and expressive way, and really add to the playful tone of the story. I especially loved seeing the Delaware Drooler. It was just the right mix of spooky and silly, and matched the kids’ creativity perfectly. The artwork made the story even more enjoyable and gave it a whimsical touch that young readers will definitely appreciate.
Addison’s Delaware Discovery is a charming read that blends imagination, empathy, and just enough mystery to keep things fun. I’d recommend this book to kids, especially those who enjoy animal sidekicks, light adventure, or stories that include important life lessons. Parents and teachers looking for books that encourage kindness and inclusion will find a lot to love here, too.
Pages: 65 | ASIN : B0FGXW5M1X
Luella’s Library
Luella’s Library follows a young book-lover named Luella and her tech-obsessed best friend, Lino. While Lino would rather play games on his phone, Luella invites him to her magical home library. What begins as a reluctant visit quickly turns into an unexpected journey when a book literally opens a portal to a string of enchanted worlds. From leprechauns and giant flowers to pirate chases and Pegasus flights, Luella and Lino bounce through whimsical scenes to help a lost leprechaun find his pot of gold. With each chapter-like page jump, Lino inches closer to understanding the power of stories and, maybe more importantly, the joy of reading.
I really enjoyed this children’s book. The writing feels fresh and light, and it’s got this genuine warmth that pulls you in without trying too hard. Tara Lala keeps the pace quick and bouncy, which works beautifully for younger readers, but it’s the undercurrent of real friendship and curiosity that made me smile the most. Lino’s change from grumbly phone kid to wide-eyed explorer never feels forced. It happens in little moments, like when he chooses to paddle away from pirates or plans to rescue the leprechaun from cave bats, that feel earned and sweet.
The artwork is a real treat for the eyes. Every page bursts with color, from glowing portals to shimmering forests, and the level of detail in each scene adds so much depth to the story. You can spot tiny fairies dancing near fireflies, or catch the sparkle of a unicorn’s mane as it gallops. The illustrations feel alive. Each setting feels carefully crafted and full of charm. It’s clear a lot of thought went into bringing this magical world to life, and it absolutely pays off.
I think the book is strongest when it leans into that childlike sense of discovery. There’s something charmingly nostalgic in the way the story treats books like treasure maps. The dialogue stays simple, but never boring. It’s not trying to teach a lesson in a heavy-handed way. It’s just showing that reading can be magical, funny, and exciting.
I’d definitely recommend Luella’s Library to parents of kids who are hesitant readers or glued to their screens. It’s especially great for kids aged 5 to 8, and perfect for a read-aloud bedtime adventure. Honestly, it gave me that little rush you get when you remember why you fell in love with stories in the first place. It’s bright, fun, and just plain lovely.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F7NPYTC6
The Legend of the Silver Star
The Legend of the Silver Star is a thrilling children’s adventure that follows siblings Gabby and Anthony as they journey through time via a magical pine box in their Aunt Sophie’s attic. Transported to the Old West, they meet legendary U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves and find themselves embroiled in a mission to deliver a dangerous outlaw to justice. Along the way, they encounter blacksmiths, bandits, cattle rustlers, and a caring Chickasaw community, learning valuable lessons about bravery, honesty, and the power of standing up for what’s right. Full of charm, danger, and heart, the story weaves together history and fantasy into a compelling ride.
The book is written with such energy and warmth, and the pacing is spot-on. The dialogue feels real, the characters are instantly likable, and there’s a lot of clever humor woven in. Gabby, with her sharp wit and fearless spirit, is an absolute standout. And Bass Reeves? What a figure. He’s cool, wise, and full of grit. The writing isn’t flowery or complex, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s punchy and clear, the kind that makes young readers sit up and hang on every word. The story moves quickly but never feels rushed. It’s adventurous without being scary, smart without being preachy.
I enjoyed the depth packed into this short book. It introduces big ideas like racism, justice, and courage, without ever feeling heavy. There’s a real tenderness in how the story handles fear, responsibility, and teamwork. I found myself grinning at the kids’ antics one moment and getting choked up the next. The way the book highlights Bass Reeves, a historical figure often overlooked, is powerful. I felt genuinely moved by the ending, especially the moment with the silver stars. That got me.
This book is a gem. I’d recommend it to kids in upper elementary grades, especially those who love action, history, or stories with gutsy young heroes. It’s also a great read-aloud for classrooms or families. There’s something magical about how it mixes real history with fantasy. I walked away from it not just entertained, but inspired. If you’re looking for a story that makes kids feel brave and seen, this one’s for you.
Pages: 101 | ISBN : 1959110136
Liam’s Lost Sparkle
A young girl named Maya eagerly anticipates her favorite part of the day, going to school. It’s art day, and she can’t wait. But when she arrives at her usual seat, she finds Liam sitting there. Something is off. Liam isn’t his usual self; he’s quiet, withdrawn, clutching a toy spaceship, and unwilling to participate in class. Maya is frustrated at first; her spot was taken, and Liam didn’t even engage in the activity. Curious and concerned, Maya turns to her teacher and learns that Liam’s best friend has moved away.
Instead of staying upset, Maya chooses kindness. She offers to help Liam complete the rocket ship he and his friend had started together. Through this thoughtful gesture, she watches Liam slowly begin to regain his lost sparkle.
Liam’s Lost Sparkle is a tender, insightful story that offers a meaningful lesson in empathy and emotional awareness. Maya’s response to Liam’s sadness is not just compassionate, it’s proactive. Rather than focusing on her own disappointment, she seeks to understand and support a classmate in need. This kind of emotional intelligence, especially when portrayed through a relatable child character, resonates deeply with young readers.
The illustrations are bright, engaging, and brimming with warmth. Each image enhances the story, bringing its characters and emotions vividly to life. At the end of the book, readers are invited to reflect with thoughtful questions, encouraging deeper conversations between children and adults. Additional activities, like crafting “feelings glasses” or practicing small acts of kindness, extend the story’s impact beyond the page.
Liam’s Lost Sparkle is highly recommended for children learning to navigate their emotions and understand those of others. It would be a valuable addition to any classroom or pediatric waiting room, where empathy, understanding, and emotional growth are essential themes.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0FG3L929K
Listening To Your Heart
Your Heart’s Voice follows a young girl who realizes that when she stops to listen to the voice in her heart and not act on her feelings alone, she makes better choices. What was the inspiration for your story?
Me using my intuition most of my life-and being flabbergasted that there were no children’s picture books written and published on intuition. I decided to write my own. After being a School Counselor for 10 years in NYC, and now a mom of 3, my intuition has guided to me make some of the most important decisions of my life, and I wanted to teach children how they can do the same. When we make good choices we feel good about ourselves-I realized then this was part of my adult life’s mission.
Teaching children self-awareness is a challenging task, and I feel your book has made that job easier for families. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I tried to simplify it-by writing about 3 typical life lessons that most children could relate to-putting your toys away before you leave a room, asking before taking other’s things and eating healthy. Jade learns that when she listens to that whisper in her heart telling her the right thing to do-she is making a good choice and is happy, but when she doesn’t listen to it she is not making a good choice and doesn’t feel great. When she listens to it-she decides to draw a picture of an angel for her uncle-this was a tribute to my late brother, as he tragically passed away in 2022, he was always a big influence in me completing this book, by not only dedicating it to him, but by adding him as a main character-I completed it 6 months after he passed, as I realized writing was therapeutic for me during my initial stages of grief.
What experience in your life has had the most significant impact on your writing?
The loss of my brother as stated above…he was a magnetic light that brought his contagious smile to everyone’s face who were lucky enough to know him.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I plan on writing 2 sequels to Jade’s developmental journey. One as a teen and one as a young adult-navigating through life’s journey by trying to make good choices by listening to her heart’s voice!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
This book is a thoughtful approach to parenting to help assist your child to become intuitively aware, which helps create better choices or the right choice. This book will be a terrific addition to a school counselor’s library, any school teacher’s, as well as any parent or guardian of a child ages five and up.
Jade means “jewel of heaven,” “the stone of the heart.”
I hope you find your heart’s voice after reading this book.
Not Everyone Walks The Stage
At first glance, Not Everyone Walks the Stage looks like a simple children’s book about a girl named Sophia starting kindergarten, learning new things, dealing with tough moments, and preparing for graduation. But as the book unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more going on beneath the surface. We watch Sophia grow in confidence, navigate her struggles with school and classmates, and ultimately find her own strength. Then comes the twist: Sophia uses a wheelchair. That reveal adds a whole new layer to the story and makes the title resonate in a deeply personal way.
I found the storytelling refreshingly gentle yet brave. The authors let their message simmer quietly until you’re hit with it, and it stays with you. The writing is warm and simple in the best way. It invites kids in, and leaves space for adults to reflect too. I liked how real Sophia felt. She wasn’t a “perfect” kid. She was nervous, unsure, and sometimes afraid. But she worked through it. She learned. She helped. And she tried, even when she didn’t feel ready. That made her journey feel authentic and meaningful.
The book is also clever. It uses familiar moments like the nervous excitement of the first day of school or the build-up to a graduation ceremony to introduce bigger ideas about kindness, disability, and perseverance. I especially liked how it never made Sophia’s wheelchair the center of her identity. The reveal is subtle, and by the time it arrives, you already love her for who she is, not what she uses to get around. The bonus content at the end, including the author’s own story and Q&A, adds a lot of heart and insight. Every page is bursting with color and emotion, like a comic book. The characters’ faces are so expressive that you can tell what they’re feeling. The background is packed with fun little details too.
I’d recommend Not Everyone Walks the Stage to parents, teachers, and really anyone looking for a book that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and quietly powerful. It’s perfect for classrooms and storytimes, and it’s a wonderful way to talk with kids about differences, empathy, and determination. It reminded me that the bravest stories are sometimes the ones that start quietly and end with a cheer.
Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0DVLH26YH
Charlotte and Pip’s Italian Adventure
This sweet little children’s book tells the story of a curious six-year-old named Charlotte and her stuffed duck Pip as they take a big trip to Rome. It’s Charlotte’s first time on a plane, her first international adventure, and her first big moment of learning how to be brave. The story starts with excitement and wonder as Charlotte prepares for the journey, sees famous Roman landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and then gets separated from her parents while chasing a duck that looks just like Pip.
What I loved most about this picture book was how much heart it packed into a simple story. The writing feels warm and welcoming. There’s no over-complication, and that’s what works. Kids don’t need a plot twist, they need a moment they can imagine themselves in. The fantastic artwork also really helps children imagine themselves in Rome. Scenes are stunning, and Charlotte and Pip have a Pixar-like quality to them that makes them stand out from the scene. Charlotte is adventurous and impulsive in a way that feels totally real. Her pride when she finds her parents and tells them she was brave? That’s the kind of stuff that sticks with kids. Plus, the language is just right. It’s playful, honest, and filled with joy.
The illustrations are absolutely delightful. Bright colors, lots of movement, and that dreamy, wide-eyed feeling of being in a new place. The scenes of Rome feel alive. I also liked that this book sneaks in a little travel learning without being heavy-handed. A “ciao” here, a Trevi Fountain there, it gives a taste of Italian culture without ever slowing the story down.
Charlotte and Pip’s Italian Adventure is a gem for young readers who love to dream big, travel far, and imagine themselves in brave little shoes. It’s perfect for kids around 4 to 8, especially those getting ready for their own first big adventure or flight. Parents will enjoy reading it aloud, and kids will probably ask for it again the next night.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0DKFYTVTV
Your Heart’s Voice
In Your Heart’s Voice, Renee Greene Murphy crafts a gentle yet resonant story about a young girl named Jade learning to trust her inner voice, her intuition. When Jade finishes playing in the den and wanders off to draw and color in another room, she’s met with frustration from her mother for leaving toys scattered across the floor. To Jade, it seems like an overreaction, after all, she’s busy creating a heartfelt picture for her beloved Uncle Robert. But a quiet sense within nudges her: she knows she should have cleaned up.
Later, when dinnertime rolls around and her mom serves meatballs again, Jade hesitates. She doesn’t want them. Yet once more, her heart speaks up, gently urging her to eat and appreciate her parents’ efforts. These small moments of conflict mirror the larger lesson: learning to discern between thoughts driven by impulse and actions guided by inner wisdom.
Does Jade learn to truly tune in to her heart’s voice? Can she grow from her mistakes and lean into her intuition more than her fleeting thoughts? These are the questions young readers will explore alongside her.
Murphy’s story beautifully illustrates the importance of listening to that quiet, internal compass that tells us right from wrong. For children, this book offers a powerful takeaway: the voice of intuition is steady, kind, and trustworthy, unlike the mind, which can be clouded by emotion or distraction. Readers will not only enjoy Jade’s journey but also reflect on their own daily choices through the lens of empathy and self-awareness.
The Illustrations throughout the pages provide soft, muted visuals that complement the story’s tone. Each full-page image is thoughtfully paired with the text, simple in execution yet effective in reinforcing the emotional landscape of the narrative.
Your Heart’s Voice is a tender and meaningful children’s book that encourages young readers to slow down, reflect, and make choices that align with their inner guidance. With its relatable protagonist and sincere message, this book is both educational and heartwarming, offering timeless wisdom for readers of all ages.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0CM4HJ9Y8
LITERARY TITAN 