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Joy is a Timeless Companion
I Am NOT That Cat is a delightful, illustrated collection of poems, each one a whimsical ode to the feline mystique. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Like all of my children’s books, happiness, compassion, kindness, and empathy are always in the forefront of my mind when writing children’s literature; each poem a different kitten with a lesson to share. I want children to enjoy my books, yes, but I also believe that beyond the cheerful mood, small, positive, encouraging life lessons should be the underlying tone.
While the book is considered a children’s book, it appeals to cat owners, young and old. Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
Creating children’s poems about cats holds a delightful charm that bridges generations, uniting both the young and the young at heart in a shared experience. Cats, with their playful antics and mysterious nature, naturally lend themselves to the imaginative world of poetry. Writing about them in a way that appeals to everyone is like opening a window to a world where age is but a number, and joy is a timeless companion.
For children, a poem about a frolicking feline can spark curiosity and empathy, teaching them about companionship and the simple joys of life through the relatable antics of their furry friends. It’s in these tales they find laughter and lessons, wrapped up in a rhythm that dances in their minds long after the story ends. The whimsical style captures their imagination, inviting them to explore and dream.
For adults, these poems offer a warm nostalgia that reminds them of their own childhood or perhaps the pets they cherished. The playful language can stir a sense of light-heartedness, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s about recapturing that sense of wonder and allowing oneself to pause, smile, and remember that magic exists in everyday moments.
Bridging this gap between young and old, these cat poems become a shared secret, a universal language of affection and joy. They celebrate the silly and profound, anchor us in the present, and remind us of the beauty found in both the simplicity of a child’s perspective and the rich tapestry of life experiences that adults carry. In the world of cats and poems, age fades away, leaving only the joy of a purring heart.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
My favorite poem in I Am NOT That Cat is the true story about the newest member of our household, a once malnourished, tiny abandoned kitten, now called Itty Bitty Kitty. When I first saw her shivering in the rain it was a sight that tugged at my soul. I knew in that moment that I had to help the poor thing who was quite literally howling in desperation.
As I brought her into our house, my thoughts swirled with emotions. I was angry that someone could do such a thing to a helpless creature, but I also felt a mix of compassion empathy and a determination to right this terrible wrong. That’s when the idea struck me: why not capture this experience in a poem? Writing has always been my way of processing the world around me, and this little creature deserved more than just my help; she needed her story told.
Through my poem, I wanted to express the journey we shared—from the initial fear and uncertainty in her eyes to the eventual spark of trust and love. Each stanza became a tribute to her resilience and spirit, a reminder that even in abandonment, hope can bloom.
Ultimately, my poem is a celebration of our bond. It serves as a reminder to others about the importance of kindness and compassion toward all creatures, big and small.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book that I am working on, is, no surprise, another rhyming poetry book for children. This will be the third in the That Cat series and is titled Silly Cats. This book, however, is not just about cats as I have introduced a little blue spider called Jack! Like the previous two titles in the series, Silly Cats boasts full-page artwork accompanied by humorous rhyming poems. I plan on releasing this book in late October or early November, this year.
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“Oh our wonderful felines, both regal and wild, in their world of enchantment, we’re forever beguiled. For the love of a cat is a treasure that’s rare, a gift in our lives, beyond compare. From tabby to tuxedo, each one a delight, with whiskers that twitch and hearts pure as light.”
Get ready for a PURRFECTLY delightful bedtime experience that will spark joy and laughter in every household!
Bringing Joy to Everyone
Charlie Gets Glasses follows a sweet little dog who starts having trouble seeing, so he visits the eye doctor and learns he will need glasses leading him to worry about what others will think or if he will like them. What was the inspiration for your story?
My sweet book is based on my real-life pup Charlie who does in fact wear glasses. At one of Charlie’s vet visits the doctor told me that due to his age he was starting to get cataracts. Since we go out to a lot of dog friendly places and he is always in the sun I wanted something to help protect his eyes. He had a pair of dog googles but didn’t seem to really like them much. So, I went online and looked for another pair to try with him. When I found this brand, I was super excited to see that they had clear lenses and thought that maybe having clear lenses may be more comfortable for him. They do have a UV coating to help with sun rays. And to my surprise when I got them Charlie kept them on. I got asked a lot about how he keeps them on, if they are really prescription, does he need them, and how cute he looks. But the best part was seeing how happy Charlie made kids and adults alike. I wanted to write this book to continue to bring that joy to everyone and give children a furry friend to look too when they are feeling different.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Since I grew up wearing glasses it was sometimes hard to feel like I fit in. I tended to get made fun of but now as an adult I love to be different. I have a lot of different color frames and embrace the difference. So, it was important to bring in that small detail that Charlie was scared of how he will look and to also show that not everyone will be mean. That people will embrace how cool it is to wear glasses.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I don’t think there was one particular part I had the most fun writing. The whole book itself was a labor of love. Something that I will be able to look back on when Charlie passes. The memories made and the friends we have created through this experience.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This book is not part of a series but more of an introduction to Charlie’s character and how he got his glasses. I had many people ask if more was coming and since Charlie and I have had many adventures over the years I thought why not create a series! I am in the middle of writing my second book which will be part of a series. Each book will also have one of Charlie’s real-life doggie friends in them. I am hoping to have this done by the end of the year and start on the next book in series right after.
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Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is a young adult fantasy adventure wrapped in mystery, myth, and self-discovery. The story kicks off with a tragic prologue, Mica’s family torn apart by something dark and unknown, then leaps ahead to present-day Mica, a smart, brave, and often sarcastic boy caught between reality and something more magical. From the Thunder Cycle to ghost encounters, ancient feathers, and secret portals, the book spins a fast-paced and emotionally charged journey through the Arizona desert and into realms unknown.
Right away, I was pulled into the story by the way M.S.V. Walker mixes vivid desert landscapes with a strange, almost dreamlike tension. The first chapter, “Be Brave My Little Mica,” hits hard. The writing is cryptic and frantic, almost like reading a memory on fire. You can feel Mica’s confusion and pain as his father tries to save her, and that emotional punch stays with you. Honestly, the disjointed text at the start threw me off at first; it felt chaotic, but once I realized it mirrored the trauma Mica was going through, it clicked. That rawness became part of the charm.
What I really loved was the world-building. Places like the “Thirst No More Oasis” and “Imperia 101” were just fun to imagine. Walker has a knack for names that sound both ridiculous and mysterious, like “The Channel of Light” or “Wakinyan.” And the characters! Estee Bradford, with her fierce loyalty and cutting wit, is probably my favorite. She and Mica have this banter that feels real and unforced. There’s this scene in “The Banquet Part Two” where they crack jokes while dodging literal chaos; it’s wild but also kind of hilarious. Walker manages to keep things emotionally grounded, even in the middle of fantasy madness.
There are chapters where the plot moves at a thrilling pace, sweeping you along so quickly that it’s easy to get caught up in the momentum. “Invasion” and “The Weapon” are especially fast-paced and packed with action. Mica’s voice is witty, sharp, and deeply heartfelt. He’s flawed, afraid, and constantly questioning, but he never stops moving forward. And I was with him every step of the way, through the dust, the danger, and the magic.
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is a heartfelt, sometimes messy, but deeply imaginative ride. It’s perfect for teens and adults who love fantasy with a beating heart and don’t mind getting a little weird. If you liked Percy Jackson but wished it had more ghosts, mystery, and desert heat, this one’s for you.
Pages: 260 | ISBN : 9798992339109
The Girl Who Sold Time
V.S. Nelson’s The Girl Who Sold Time is a wild, clever, and surprisingly heartfelt ride through a world where time is not just something you experience—it’s something you can dig up and trade. The story follows Violet, a tough and resourceful young girl who mines for time marbles, which hold the power to freeze time for varying lengths. Alongside her sarcastic, robot-like companion Jackdaw, Violet navigates a dying world filled with desperate refugees, brutal thugs, and eerie mechanical beasts, all while searching for a way to fix the unraveling ecosystem. It’s a story about survival, ingenuity, and the consequences of power, and it wastes no time (pun intended) throwing you into its intricate world.
Right from the start, I was hooked by Nelson’s writing style. It’s fast, it’s sharp, and it knows exactly when to linger and when to push forward. The opening scene in the time mine, where Violet digs through dirt hoping for valuable marbles, sets the tone perfectly—it’s harsh, sweaty, and full of quiet desperation. I loved how Violet’s frustration builds, her hunger gnaws at her, and her friendship with Jackdaw is instantly clear in their banter. Jackdaw, by the way, is an absolute gem—think of the best sassy sidekicks in fiction, then make him a mechanical boy with a bit of a superiority complex, and you’ve got Jackdaw. There’s a moment where he sulks after an argument, and Violet says, “I was sulking,” to which he smugly replies, “It was a very good sulk, actually.” The dialogue feels natural and often hilarious, breaking up the bleakness of their world.
Speaking of bleak, the world-building is fantastic. The forest is mutating, trees are growing too fast to support their weight, and even the food is turning poisonous. The desperation in the village of Dean is gut-wrenching, especially when the refugees arrive, starving and hopeless. But it’s not just a grim dystopia—it’s layered with mystery and wonder. The time marbles themselves are an incredible concept, and the scene where Violet finds a year-long marble was one of my favorites. The way Nelson describes the eerie time confusion—how Violet sees herself pulling it from the ground before she even touches it—gave me chills. And, of course, there’s the terrifying moment when a sleek mechanical Pinscher appears out of nowhere, turning what was already a dangerous scavenging trip into a full-blown chase for survival. The action is intense, but it never feels over-the-top or exhausting. Every scene serves a purpose, either deepening the characters or pushing the plot forward.
The book left me craving more answers. The time marbles are fascinating, but the mechanics behind them remain a bit of a mystery. Maybe that’s the point—some things are just unknowable—but I kept hoping for a clearer explanation of their origins. And Caleb, the ruthless, manipulative antagonist, is chillingly well-written, but I wanted even more of him. His scene with Violet, where he recounts what happened to his ex-girlfriend in a casually horrifying way, made my skin crawl. He’s the kind of villain who gets under your skin, the one you love to hate, and I wish we got to see him even more unhinged.
The Girl Who Sold Time is a must-read for fans of imaginative sci-fi, strong female leads, and razor-sharp storytelling. If you like stories with survivalist grit, fast-paced adventure, and a touch of dark humor, this one’s for you.
ASIN : B0DXRFQ53R
I Am NOT That Cat
I Am NOT That Cat by August E. Allen is a delightful, illustrated collection of poems, each one a whimsical ode to the feline mystique. The subject is cats, of course, and Allen introduces readers to an array of distinct personalities: a lunar adventurer, a mischievous trio befriending a St. Bernard through a window, and many more. Despite the book’s emphatic title, each poem paints a vivid picture of exactly that kind of cat we’ve all encountered or wished we had.
Rhyme is the engine that drives these poems. Allen’s rhythmic precision gives the text a musical lilt that practically demands to be read aloud. The verses are buoyant, clever, and meticulously crafted, never faltering or falling flat. At moments, the style evokes the playful genius of Dr. Seuss, particularly in lines like, “NO WAY I’ll wear that hat! I am NOT that sort of cat!” It’s humorous, yes, but also sharply observed.
Ideal for children, the book offers both entertainment and gentle wisdom. Allen occasionally steps out of the verse to deliver messages of kindness and compassion: “Treat animals with kindness, It’s the right thing to do.” Yet, it’s far from juvenile. Adults especially those familiar with the capricious charm of cats will recognize the species’ signature behaviors: the aloofness, the flair for drama, the unapologetic chaos. One poem, featuring a cat nudging a vase to its inevitable doom, captures this perfectly.
While the poetry is undoubtedly engaging, it’s the illustrations that elevate the book into something truly special. Each cat is rendered with precision, personality, and an unmistakable feline attitude. They’re not just drawings; they’re portraits. Expressive, dynamic, and visually captivating, the illustrations would hold their own as standalone art.
I Am NOT That Cat is a charming, beautifully illustrated gem that delights on every level. Whether shared with a child or enjoyed solo, it’s a small book with a big heart and a purr to match. The only downside is that it leaves you wanting more, more pages, more poems, more cats. It’s a testament to how enjoyable the book is that you’ll find yourself wishing it didn’t end so soon.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DXFTBHPL
Charlie Gets Glasses
Charlie Gets Glasses is a sweet and simple story about a little dog named Charlie who starts having trouble seeing clearly. Through a visit to the eye doctor and a bit of self-doubt, Charlie learns that wearing glasses isn’t something to be ashamed of, it’s something that helps him see the world better. It’s a lighthearted tale with a strong message about self-acceptance, told through warm illustrations and gentle storytelling.
What I really liked was how relatable Charlie’s experience was, especially for kids. When Charlie realizes he’s bumping into things and not seeing clearly, it’s both funny and a little sad. That moment when the doctor tells him he needs glasses? It’s such a turning point. I felt for Charlie when he worried about looking different. That kind of fear is so real, especially for children. But the way his friends support him and how cute he looks in glasses! made my heart smile. It’s a kind, encouraging message that doesn’t come off as preachy.
The writing is accessible and flows naturally. The author keeps the language easy and playful. The part where Charlie thinks glasses are only for people, not pups, cracked me up. It’s these little moments that make the story stick. The illustrations are absolutely adorable. Charlie’s expressions say a lot. There’s a cozy charm to each page that makes you want to linger a little longer before flipping.
I also liked that the book gently touches on the idea of embracing change. Charlie doesn’t like the idea of being different at first, but he grows. There’s a lovely moment when he looks in the mirror and realizes that glasses don’t change who he is; they just help him see better. That’s the kind of message that sticks with kids. It’s just simple, honest storytelling that hits home.
Charlie Gets Glasses is a heartwarming pick for kids who might be nervous about getting glasses or any change that makes them feel “different.” It’s also just a charming read for any child who loves dogs or needs a little boost in self-confidence. I highly recommend this book.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DJQ2HVQM
The People That Keep Communities Safe
The Dreamlighters Put Out a Fire follows a group of kids who dream of being first responders and with the help of a magical Dreamlight Genie, they are transported into a fire station, where they learn about different roles, from dispatchers to paramedics to firefighters.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This book introduces children to the different roles within a fire department, beyond just firefighters. It highlights dispatchers, paramedics, and other essential team members who work together to keep communities safe. Through an engaging story, young readers learn about emergency response, fire safety, teamwork, and the importance of communication in high-pressure situations. We also included a glossary and a fun career navigation activity to reinforce learning in an interactive way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Ishika Sharma?
It was incredible to see our ideas come to life—not just once, but twice. We would sketch out our vision, and Ishika would transform it into a vibrant, living masterpiece.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
No, this is actually the second book in The Little Careers Universe, but it offers a fresh perspective. This time, I took on the role of author, incorporating my own life experiences into the story.
My New Home
Nick Baker and Tristan Klein’s My New Home is a heartwarming and wonderfully weird children’s book about change, adventure, and the magic of finding where you belong. The story follows Alex and his family, who are forced to leave their cozy seaside home on Earth after some pesky intruders make life unbearable. With a bit of glue and a lot of courage, they blast off into space in search of a new place to call home. Their journey takes them through bizarre worlds—planets where toothpaste talks and it rains jelly—until Alex finally starts to settle in, making an unexpected friend who helps him see that maybe, just maybe, this strange new place could be home after all.
This book is a delightful mix of silly and heartfelt. The rhymes keep things light and bouncy, making it fun to read out loud. I loved how the story captures that feeling of being the odd one out, especially when Alex starts school on his new planet. One minute Alex is floating through space, the next he’s making friends, and boom, he’s eating shoes and socks like it’s the most normal thing in the world. For a kid’s book, it works. It keeps the energy up and doesn’t dwell too long on the sad parts.
Tristan Klein really nailed the weirdness of space with his fantastic illustrations. The smelly food, the honking cars, the jelly rain—it’s all so playful and packed with detail. Every page feels like an explosion of color and imagination. I loved the art style. There’s a kind of wild unpredictability in the artwork that makes every page feel alive, like you could step right into the madness. The aliens have this quirky, exaggerated look that wouldn’t feel out of place in an intergalactic episode of Rick and Morty, and the weird little details fit right in with that surreal, sci-fi aesthetic. The exaggerated features, the wacky color palettes, and the slightly chaotic energy all give off that same vibe.
My New Home is a fantastic picture book for kids who love adventure, quirky humor, and a bit of heart. It’s perfect for kids who’ve ever felt like they don’t fit in, whether that’s moving to a new school or just feeling a little different. The mix of goofy fun and real emotions makes it a great read for bedtime or classroom story time.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0DJY927C1
LITERARY TITAN 