Blog Archives
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
Alphabet Parade: An Alliterative Alphabet Adventure
Alphabet Parade is a vibrant and imaginative trip through the alphabet, where every letter leads a whimsical procession of alliterative animals, vehicles, and wild surprises. Each page bursts with rhythmic, rhyming couplets and richly detailed illustrations that celebrate one letter at a time. The book flows like a colorful parade on paper, blending poetry with visual storytelling to create an immersive learning journey from A to Z. The alphabet doesn’t just stand for words; it becomes the adventure.
The writing is playful and clever, packed with wordplay that actually made me laugh a few times. The author’s use of alliteration never feels forced, and the rhymes keep things moving at a fun clip. I could easily imagine kids chanting along. What really got me, though, was the artwork. It’s not just cute or colorful, it’s layered, full of little hidden gems that make you want to linger on each page. I found my child pointing things out to me as we read. There’s real joy packed into these illustrations.
What impressed me most is how thoughtfully this children’s book is put together. You can tell Barany had fun making this, and that fun spills out onto every page. The vocabulary is rich without being overwhelming, and the parade format makes each new letter feel like a mini-event. It’s a picture book for kids learning letters, and it’s a book for anyone who loves words and pictures working together. The word list at the end adds even more depth for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
If you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, or just someone who loves books with personality, Alphabet Parade is a no-brainer. It’s tailor-made for read-aloud time, and I can’t imagine a kid who wouldn’t be at least a little bit enchanted by it. This is a whole world packed into 26 letters. I loved it.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 9798998946103
Adventures, Fun, and Lots of Love
Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog follows a bouncy, lovable rescue pup as she explores barns, meets baby animals, tastes honey, and even gets a ride on a big green tractor. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration is of course, Cadie. She had a horrible life before she was rescued and we adopted her. I wanted her to live out her days with adventures, fun, and lots of love! My other inspirations are my great nephews, who I originally wrote the books for!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to share the importance of farms. I try to include learning facts for the kids (and sometimes the adults) who read my books! Also, that rescuing a dog can give you so much joy- especially while taking them on adventures with you!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Although I love all of the farm animals, I loved writing the scene with Cadie wanting to ride the green tractor! Also, I was very happy to incorporate my parents as characters in the book as they are my biggest supporters!
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there another book planned?
Yes!!! Book #1 in the series- Awesome Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog is already out. This book-Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog– is book #2 in the Adventures With Cadie Kids Book series. We hope to have book #3, Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog, out later this year!!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Follow Cadie, a rescued pup from a high kill shelter in Texas, as she embarks on her next adventure at a farm. Meet different animals and learn all about farm life as Cadie explores alongside a farmer. She also will meet a veterinarian and the farmer’s wife!
With charming illustrations and lovable characters, “Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog” is the perfect read for families who love animals and adventure. Join Cadie on her journey to live happily ever after and order your copy today!
MarlaGran- The Girl Who Wants to Live Creatively
MarlaGran is a whimsical and heartfelt picture book that follows a brave young girl named MarlaGran on a quest to discover what it means to live creatively. Born by the sea and drawn by a melody of imagination, she leaves home determined to find an answer to her burning question. Along her journey, she meets curious creatures, each showing her a version of creativity that doesn’t quite fit her. It isn’t until she dances to the rhythm within her own heart that she realizes the answer was always inside her. The story ends with her town joining in joyful self-expression, their hearts singing in unison with hers.
What I loved most about MarlaGran is how gently it offers big ideas. The writing is poetic and soft without ever talking down to kids, and it makes space for wonder. The bilingual text adds a rich layer. There’s something really moving about a story that trusts children to understand metaphor and emotion. It doesn’t hand you answers on a silver platter; it nudges you to feel them. The pacing is calm and unhurried, giving kids room to breathe and imagine.
The heart of the picture book, though, is its invitation. It’s not just a story, it’s a space. The drawing prompts and open-ended nature of the journey make this more than a read-aloud. It’s a kind of conversation. I found myself thinking about my own “innerscape” and how rarely books ask us to delve into it with kids. The message that creativity isn’t copying or performing, but tuning in to something deeply personal, is so needed right now. It reminded me of why stories matter in the first place.
I’d absolutely recommend MarlaGran to families, teachers, and therapists, especially those looking to spark emotional conversations or nurture imagination. It’s perfect for kids who dream big, who doodle on napkins, or who feel like they don’t fit into neat little boxes. Honestly, it’s also great for any grown-up who’s forgotten how to listen to their own melody. If you’re looking for a children’s book that doesn’t just tell a story but invites you to live one, this is it.
Pages: 66 | ASIN : B0FBS7RYF1
Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog
Cadie, a bouncy, lovable rescue pup, takes readers on a warm and cheerful journey to the Kerp Family Farm in Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog. From splashing pigs to towering cornfields and buzzing beehives, Cadie experiences the charm and hard work of farm life through the eyes of a joyful dog seeing it all for the first time. Alongside her loving mom and friendly Farmer Bill, Cadie explores barns, meets baby animals, tastes honey, and even gets a ride on a big green tractor. The story wraps around themes of kindness, curiosity, and the everyday magic of nature and animals.
I really enjoyed this children’s book. It’s got a big heart. Cadie’s voice is bubbly and sweet without being over-the-top. It feels like a kid telling you about their favorite day ever, and that makes it infectious. The writing is straightforward and playful, with little bits of real information tucked in that kids will actually remember. Like how goats can climb because of their special hooves, or how bees help crops grow. That’s clever storytelling—fun and educational without feeling like a lesson. Also, the way Cadie cares about her cat siblings is adorable.It packs in a lot of animals, farm facts, and moments. And the positivity of the whole story is unshakable. It’s happy in a way that makes you feel good after reading it.
The illustrations are charmingly hand-drawn, full of warmth and personality. Each page feels like it was sketched with care, capturing the playful energy of Cadie and the cozy, down-to-earth feel of farm life. The soft lines and bright, friendly colors make the animals and scenery come alive in a way that’s fun and comforting. Kids will easily connect with the simple and expressive style—it looks like something they might try drawing themselves, which makes it all the more relatable and inviting.
This is a lovely picture book. I’d recommend it for young readers or for any family with a rescue dog of their own. It’s great for bedtime, classroom reading, or just a sunny afternoon snuggle. If you’ve got a kid who’s curious about farms, animals, or just loves a sweet dog story, Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog will hit the spot.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0C6Z8WLC3
Charlie and The Magic Tree
Charlie and The Magic Tree is a heartwarming celebration of wonder, imagination, and self-love. Set in a vibrant park where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, this beautifully illustrated children’s book invites readers into a world where magic lives in nature and in ourselves.
The story follows Charlie, a curious and spirited young girl who stumbles upon a magical tree. What unfolds is a whimsical journey filled with surprises, delightful creatures, and an enchanting bond of friendship. But what truly makes this book stand out is how it weaves visual and emotional richness together with a powerful message of representation.
From the first page, the illustrations shine. The characters, African American children in a lovely spectrum of brown skin tones, are depicted with care and joy. The colors are bold and lively, capturing the magic of the story and the magic of real-world diversity. Every page is a visual affirmation.
This children’s book doesn’t just entertain, it empowers. It speaks directly to children of color, offering them a mirror in which they can see their worth and their wonder. And for children of all backgrounds, it opens a window into the beauty of difference and the joy of shared humanity.
Charlie and The Magic Tree isn’t just a picture book to read, it’s a book to treasure, gift, and revisit often. Its artistry and message are both timeless and timely. A must-have for every child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0CLZRDRH2
Shining As I Am
Makida Arshi’s Shining As I Am is a heartwarming picture book that tells the story of Adam, a young autistic boy, from his own point of view. We follow Adam from birth through childhood as he navigates milestones, struggles, and joys with the unwavering love and support of his family and friends. The story captures his challenges—like sensory sensitivity, delayed speech, and social differences—but also celebrates his strengths, including drawing and visual learning. Most of all, it highlights what it feels like to be truly loved, understood, and accepted just as you are.
The writing is gentle and honest. It doesn’t try to sugarcoat autism, but it doesn’t frame it as something broken either. That balance is tough, and Arshi absolutely nails it. The rhyming lines give the story a soothing, musical rhythm that feels almost like a lullaby—perfect for bedtime reading but deep enough to start real conversations. The repetition of the phrase “as I am” builds a strong emotional thread. You can feel the compassion baked into every single page.
The illustrations by Siddhant Jumde are beautiful. They’re bright, expressive, and full of warmth. But what really stuck with me was the message. This isn’t just a picture book about autism. It’s a story about being human—about being different, misunderstood, and still deeply loved. It reminds you how powerful patience and kindness can be. There’s this bravery in Adam’s voice that made me want to be more aware and more empathetic. And the way it weaves in other kids on the spectrum with unique strengths and challenges—that really drives home the message that autism isn’t one-size-fits-all.
I’d recommend Shining As I Am to just about everyone—parents, teachers, kids, even adults who need a gentle reminder of how to love better. It’s especially great for families with autistic children, but honestly, it’s for anyone who believes in kindness. It’s the kind of book that leaves a little glow in your heart after you close it. Simple words, big feelings, and a whole lot of truth—this children’s book shines, just like Adam does.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0DRSK3LC1
The Kids’ Book of Sensitivity: A Gentle Book for Highly Sensitive Kids
The Kids’ Book of Sensitivity is a soft, steady hug in the form of a picture book. It gently walks young readers through what it means to feel deeply, notice little things others might miss, and live with a sensitive heart. Through calm words and playful illustrations, it shows how emotions live in our bodies, how to name them, how to ask for what we need, and how to take care of ourselves when the world feels a bit too loud. It’s part guide, part comfort, and entirely a celebration of noticing more, feeling more, and being okay with who you are.
I loved the tone of this children’s book. It didn’t talk down to kids—it talked with them. The language is simple but honest. I felt seen reading it, and I’m not even the target audience. The way it described emotions, from butterflies in your tummy to “tight ears at a party,” was so relatable. The “feelings thermometer” and “body map” ideas are brilliant. They don’t overcomplicate things. They’re practical, visual, and perfect for kids (and, honestly, for grown-ups too). It’s the kind of book that feels like it’s been missing from shelves for a long time.
But what really hit me was the kindness baked into every page. This book doesn’t try to fix kids or change them. So many books rush to teach or correct. This one pauses. It validates. I could see this being a lifesaver for sensitive kids who don’t always have the words yet. It also gently teaches adults to slow down and listen, too. The sections on change, making mistakes, and sensory overload were especially thoughtful—never dramatic, just honest and clear. And the watercolor artwork is absolutely fantastic.
If you know a kid who feels a little more, notices a little more, or just sometimes needs a break from the noise, this book is for them. It’s also for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to understand and support those kids better. It’s warm, wise, and truly one of the most empathetic children’s books I’ve come across.
Pages: 47 | ASIN : B0F6M3N8SY
LITERARY TITAN 