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The Missing Children of Blackwood
Brian Starr’s The Missing Children of Blackwood is the kind of book that grips you from the first sentence and refuses to let go. It follows twelve-year-old Daphne Elloise Planter (Daph for short), a sharp, quirky, and self-assured protagonist with a knack for storytelling, as she gets swept into the eerie legend of Blackwood, a town haunted by its dark past and the mysterious disappearances of children. As Daph, her writer-parents, and her massive dog Sparrow set off on a so-called “legend-hunting” adventure, they soon realize that some legends aren’t just stories. Strange warnings, supernatural occurrences, and an ever-thickening fog lead Daph to one terrifying realization: she may not make it out of Blackwood alive.
The book’s greatest strength is Daph herself. She’s witty, defiant, and full of personality, cracking jokes even when she’s in the middle of a terrifying situation. Her opening lines, where she nonchalantly talks about her inevitable death, set the tone for a darkly humorous and adventurous ride. She’s also a wonderfully unreliable narrator in the best way possible. She claims to believe in logic over myths, but her fascination with the unknown pulls her deeper into the town’s secrets. When she first sees the ghostly girl near Blackwood’s entrance, her reaction isn’t just fear; it’s excitement, curiosity, and just the right amount of sass. The mix of humor and horror is balanced so well that even the scariest moments never feel overdone.
The moment Daph and her parents arrive at the ominous fork in the road (with a literal blood-red sign pointing toward death), the tension ratchets up. The slow build-up, the weird trucker lady who bolts at the mere mention of Blackwood, and the way Daph describes the gnarled trees as an “express lane into Terrorville” all add up to a setting that feels alive, like the town is waiting, watching. The scene where the family enters the foggy tunnel, and suddenly, Daphne’s parents start floating, completely unaware, completely silent, had me chilled to the bone. The writing doesn’t just describe fear; it pulls you into it.
The book takes its time setting up the legend of Blackwood, making sure you know the gruesome backstory before the real horror begins. Some might find the first few chapters a little slow, but I actually loved the way it lured me in. It gave me a chance to really get to know Daph and her parents, to appreciate their banter, and to feel that false sense of security before things started unraveling. However, once the mystery kicks into high gear, the pages fly by. The moment Daph is separated from her parents and realizes that she’s truly alone, you feel the shift. The writing gets sharper, the danger more real, and the question of what’s really lurking in Blackwood becomes an obsession.
The Missing Children of Blackwood is perfect for those who love spooky mysteries, snarky narrators, and stories that feel like a campfire tale come to life. It’s got Coraline vibes but with more humor, a splash of horror, and a protagonist who refuses to be just another missing child. If you spook easily, don’t read this one at night, but if you’re up for an eerie, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt adventure, this book is for you.
Pages: 218 | ASIN : B0DNYQ34RT
Teaching Environmental Stewardship
Adele and the Whispering Garden follows a young girl who moves to a new home where she is excited to discover all the magic and mysteries her new home holds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To be honest, I originally set out to write a completely different book. But this children’s story kept nudging its way to the forefront, refusing to be ignored. At first, I thought, Why not? Writing a children’s book might be an easier way to get my feet wet. But as I dove into the process, the story took on a life of its own, and I soon realized—this was the book that was meant to be written.
My inspiration comes from a mix of my gardening knowledge, my passion for growing food organically, and my deep concern for children today. I want to encourage them to step away from their screens, connect with nature, and learn how to grow their own food while caring for our planet. We need to do better for Mother Earth, and I hope this book plants a seed of change in young minds.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One of the key educational aspects I wanted to include in Adele and the Whispering Garden was helping children understand where their food comes from and how it grows. In today’s world, many kids are disconnected from nature, and I wanted to spark their curiosity about gardening, plant life, and the environment in a fun and engaging way.
I also wanted to introduce organic gardening principles—teaching children that plants can be nurtured naturally without synthetic chemicals. Adele’s journey in the garden highlights important concepts like soil health, composting, and the role of beneficial insects in maintaining a thriving ecosystem.
Beyond gardening, the book explores themes of environmental stewardship, responsibility, and mindfulness. Adele learns that every living thing in the garden has a role to play, and by listening to nature, she can make a difference.
This book is just the beginning of Adele’s journey. Adele and the Whispering Garden is the first in a series that will expand on these themes, delving deeper into topics like pollination, biodiversity, and sustainable gardening. Future books will continue to blend magical storytelling with real-world lessons, encouraging children to step outside, connect with nature, and become caretakers of the Earth.
Is there anything about Adele that came from yourself or your life experiences?
Adele is very much inspired by my own experiences and love for gardening, but she’s also inspired by someone even closer to my heart—my daughter. Her name is Adele, and just like the character, she has a natural curiosity and a strong connection to the world around her.
Much of Adele’s journey in the book reflects my own childhood experiences—spending hours in my great aunt’s English-style garden in Chicago, helping my mother tend to her backyard garden, and discovering the wonder of growing food. Those moments shaped my love for the earth and my passion for organic gardening, and I wanted to pass that on—not just to my daughter, but to all children.
In many ways, this book is a love letter to Adele and to the lessons I hope every child can learn: that nature has so much to teach us, that we have a responsibility to care for the earth, and that magic can be found in the simplest moments—like planting a seed and watching it grow.
Will there be a follow-up novel for this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! Adele and the Whispering Garden is just the beginning of Adele’s journey. I’m currently working on the next book in the series, Adele and the Whispering Garden: The Bee Brigade.
In this next installment, Adele notices that while her garden is full of blooming flowers, the vegetables aren’t producing fruit. Lulu, the ladybug, helps her realize that pollination has been a challenge due to a decline in bees. As Adele investigates, she discovers that her neighbors’ use of synthetic chemicals is discouraging pollinators from visiting their yards. Determined to help, she embarks on a mission to educate her community about organic gardening and create a space where bees can thrive.
This book will introduce new magical elements, including Katelyn, the Blossom Spirit, who helps Adele and her neighbors see the vital role pollinators play in our food system. Naming this character after my niece and goddaughter, Katelyn Kelly, is a special way to honor her memory. Readers will also meet some delightful bee characters—Brick, the hardworking mason bee with a tiny hard hat, Snip, the leafcutter bee with her seamstress-like precision, and Queenie, the regal honeybee.
The Adele and the Whispering Garden series blends storytelling with real-world lessons in environmental stewardship, gardening, and sustainability. Each book will explore a different challenge in nature, showing kids how they, too, can make a difference.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Book overviewA brand new home, a forgotten garden, and a mysterious gnome statue.
When Adele first heard her family were moving house, she instantly started dreaming of all the fun she could have, uncovering the magic and mysteries her new home could hold.
So, when they finally moved in, it came as no surprise that she spent almost all her time exploring the backyard.
Little did she know just how much magic was in store for her when she stumbled across the forgotten garden.
Suddenly, Adele is given the peculiar task of reviving the garden’s magic to where it once was.
Join Adele as she embarks on this journey of a lifetime, befriending quirky creatures along the way.
If you are searching for a fun, exciting, and engaging book that gets your children interested in exploring the outdoors, you don’t want to miss Adele and the Whispering Garden.
The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil
Alan J. Hesse’s The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil plunges readers into an enlightening, action-packed journey through the Amazon and beyond. This fifth installment in the series follows Captain Polo, an outspoken polar bear, as he tackles environmental challenges and the human greed fueling climate change. Alongside Penguin, his silent yet clever sidekick, Polo faces off against Tex Greedyman, a caricature of corporate excess, and navigates Brazil’s diverse ecosystems, from mangroves to rainforests, all while advocating for conservation and sustainable practices.
What struck me first was how the book blended humor and gravity. Hesse doesn’t shy away from critiquing destructive practices like deforestation or illegal mining, but he presents them in a way that’s approachable for all ages. For example, Polo’s run-in with conservationists who explain the significance of reforestation (“Bird poop helps forests grow back naturally!”) had me laughing out loud, while simultaneously learning about nature-based solutions to climate challenges. The scenes with Penguin accidentally becoming a Brazilian soccer champion were as absurd as they were delightful, offering moments of levity amid the book’s serious undertones.
I particularly appreciated the depth Hesse brought to his environmental advocacy. When Polo discovers the role of mangroves in carbon storage, the comic format vividly illustrates how their destruction could exacerbate global warming. The conversation between Polo and a sustainable rancher about silvopasture and agroforestry also stood out. It was refreshing to see solutions presented alongside problems, which transformed the book into a call to action rather than just a critique. The visual storytelling here was dynamic and engaging, making complex topics feel digestible. The slapstick moments involving Tex stranded on an island, battling crabs and coconuts, made me chuckle but also highlighted the futility of greed when pitted against nature.
The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil is an engaging read that I’d recommend to anyone interested in environmental issues, particularly families and educators looking for a creative way to discuss climate change. It’s perfect for kids who love animals and adventure but also offers plenty for adults who appreciate witty storytelling with a purpose. Hesse masterfully balances humor, education, and advocacy, making this a memorable addition to the Captain Polo series.
Pages: 60
Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure
Yvonne M. Morgan’s Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure, is a heartwarming tale that beautifully weaves friendship, love, and the profound truth that we are all equal in God’s eyes. The story begins with Mary, a curious and compassionate girl, learning a Sunday school song about Jesus’s love for all children, regardless of their skin color. This moment sparks her curiosity about children in other parts of the world. Her interest inspires her mother to organize a family mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya. There, Mary visits a village, meets local children, and immerses herself in their customs, games, and daily life.
Mary’s character shines with charm and curiosity. She approaches the differences she encounters—like the lack of electricity and modern conveniences—with wonder rather than judgment. These new experiences teach her valuable lessons, such as finding joy beyond computer games and appreciating the beauty of simplicity. Even challenges like mosquitoes and unfamiliar bathrooms don’t dampen her spirit. Instead, Mary embraces her adventure with resilience, learning new words and forming bonds with the local children. Her time outdoors further deepens her appreciation for the blessings in her life.
The book carries a powerful message about empathy, generosity, and the joy of giving without expecting anything in return. The narration is vivid and engaging, painting a detailed picture of the village and its natural surroundings. These descriptions draw readers into Mary’s journey, though I feel that some sentences may feel slightly complex for younger readers.
Jack Foster’s illustrations add a unique dimension to the story, capturing key moments with a distinct style. Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure offers a delightful glimpse into a different culture. It encourages children to embrace diversity, explore the world with open hearts, and reflect on the richness of their own lives. This touching story is a celebration of kindness, curiosity, and the universal bonds that unite us all.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1962862526
Take a Look
Take a Look by DotDot is a charming children’s book that takes readers on a whimsical journey through forests, seas, and skies to meet a variety of animals. Each page invites young readers to “look and see” creatures like tigers, seahorses, and even octopuses while providing delightful rhymes and intriguing facts about each animal. With a heartwarming bedtime message, the book creates a cozy, educational atmosphere that ends on a sweet note, encouraging imagination and kindness.
The rhymes are playful yet simple, perfectly suited for young children. Lines like “With long curly arms, blue blood, and three hearts, / The octopus sure has some interesting parts!” manage to be both fun and informative. The rhythm flows smoothly, making it easy to read aloud, which I found to be a great way to engage kids. It felt like I was on a treasure hunt with every page turn. The illustrations—or the way the text paints pictures—are another highlight. While the book’s format leaves the actual visuals to the imagination, the descriptive words like “snowy white monkey” or “blueblue macaw” give vivid impressions of each creature. I loved how it made me curious and engaged without overwhelming me with too much detail. The tiger yawning in the moonlight and the black-bear family snug in their den left me feeling comforted and connected to nature. The closing message struck a chord. DotDot’s call to use our words and art for kindness, joy, and creativity felt authentic and inspiring. It wasn’t just about animals or bedtime stories—it was a nudge to see the world with wonder and share that positivity with others. While the book’s simplicity is its charm, I wished for a bit more variety in the creatures or habitats explored to keep the adventure even more surprising.
Take a Look would be a perfect pick for parents looking to enrich bedtime with a mix of learning and bonding. It’s also great for educators to introduce kids to the wonders of nature and animals. It’s a warm, imaginative read that leaves you smiling. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to instill curiosity and kindness in the little ones in their lives.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0DRGWVRT8
Adele and the Whispering Garden
Little Adele is brimming with excitement to explore her family’s new home, a whimsical cottage teeming with secrets. The house itself promises boundless adventures, but the true gem lies beyond it: an overgrown garden, alive with whispers of hidden magic. With the guidance of Albert, the enigmatic guardian of the garden, and a host of new companions, Adele embarks on an enchanting journey to restore the neglected sanctuary to its former splendor.
Polly Richards’ Adele and the Whispering Garden is a delightful introduction to the joys of gardening, effortlessly blending practical knowledge with a touch of fantasy. Adele’s unwavering determination to revive the garden, coupled with the charming camaraderie of her newfound friends, creates a captivating narrative. Though concise, the novella bursts with valuable gardening insights, making it both engaging and informative. Particularly noteworthy is the section on composting, which not only enriches the story but also provides readers with detailed, step-by-step instructions for building their own compost heap an excellent resource tucked neatly at the end.
The conclusion carries a bittersweet note, adding depth to the story. While the story offers a thorough overview of gardening, I feel it leaves certain topics—such as pollination, planting seasons, and environmental challenges—lightly touched upon. These omissions, however, pave the way for future installments, where these aspects could be explored in greater detail.
Richards’ engaging storytelling pairs beautifully with vibrant illustrations, creating a heartfelt tale that inspires readers of all ages. With its focus on environmental stewardship and the joys of nurturing the earth, this children’s chapter book is an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and children alike. Adele and the Whispering Garden is a story about reclaiming a magical garden and an invitation to protect and cherish our fragile planet. Readers will undoubtedly look forward to more adventures with Adele in this promising series.
Pages: 49 | ASIN : B0DPG7DPXZ
Harry the Hedgehog’s Christmas Cheer
Harry the Hedgehog’s Christmas Cheer, by Rayner Tapia, is a delightful children’s tale about Christmas, friendship, and the simple joys of community. Set in a magical forest, the story follows Harry the Hedgehog and his woodland friends as they prepare for a Christmas celebration. Through vivid rhymes and illustrations, the book conveys a heartfelt message about the true meaning of the holiday season; love and togetherness over material gifts.
Tapia’s writing feels warm and rhythmic, making it a joy to read aloud. I particularly loved the scene where Bella the Bunny hops over with cheer and Danny the Dog dashes down a snowy trail, barking with excitement. The author’s choice to use playful language like “boing, boing, boing” and “yip, woof, yip” added an extra layer of whimsy to the story. It’s clear Tapia has a knack for capturing the spirit of childhood wonder in her words.
The illustrations are another highlight. While the descriptions were placeholders, they hint at charming visuals, like Harry and his friends decorating the forest with pinecones and berries. The imagery of a sparkling Christmas tree under a starry sky is beautifully nostalgic.
One of my favorite moments was when Harry realized the greatest gift wasn’t shiny trinkets or treats but the company of friends, a message that feels timeless and touching. What stood out most was the simplicity of the story’s message. It avoided overly complex ideas or modern gimmicks, sticking instead to a classic theme, which I found refreshing. The heartfelt conclusion, where Harry reflects on love as the “true delight” of Christmas, left me smiling.
Harry the Hedgehog’s Christmas Cheer is a great picture book for young readers and families who enjoy traditional Christmas tales with a dash of humor and warmth. It’s a wonderful bedtime story that reminds us of what truly matters during the holidays. Families looking for a festive, feel-good book that sparks joy will find this a wonderful addition to their library.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0DRNNDJ3G
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks
Rayner Tapia’s Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks is a charming children’s book about bravery, friendship, and the joys of facing fears together. Set in a peaceful woodland, Harry and his animal friends learn about an upcoming fireworks display in a nearby town. While most of the woodland creatures are excited, Harry feels apprehensive about the loud noises and bright lights. The story follows Harry as he navigates his anxiety, ultimately finding courage and solidarity with his friends as they enjoy the dazzling display from a safe distance.
I loved the simplicity of the writing and how relatable Harry’s experience is for children. Tapia captures the mix of excitement and fear that big, unknown experiences bring. A standout moment is when Harry notices his friends are just as scared as he is, prompting him to offer comfort rather than hiding. This shift in Harry’s perspective feels genuine and heartfelt. It’s a subtle but important message for kids: when we support each other, challenges feel less daunting.
The illustrations, which complement the story beautifully, deserve special mention. The scenes of fireworks bursting across the sky are vivid and dynamic, making the reader feel the energy and wonder of the moment. These visuals bring the story to life and add a layer of excitement that balances Harry’s initial nervousness.
The characters also stand out. Danny the Dog, with his comical tail-chasing and barking, provides light-hearted humor that kids will adore. Meanwhile, the gathering under the oak tree, where all the animals find comfort in each other’s company, is a tender and memorable scene. It’s a reminder of how connection and understanding can transform fear into joy.
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks is a delightful picture book for children, particularly those who might be anxious about new or noisy experiences. The book would be a great fit for families, teachers, or caregivers looking to gently encourage children to face their fears. Rayner Tapia delivers a meaningful story wrapped in warmth, humor, and a splash of dazzling colors.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0DR1PNW5F
LITERARY TITAN 