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Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove
Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove by Whitnee Coy is a delightful and educational story that provides children with valuable tools for understanding and managing their emotions in a fun, engaging way. Elsie, with her big heart and radiant smile, enjoys playing with friends, reading, and exploring. However, like many children, she sometimes struggles with anger when things don’t go her way. She describes her emotions as a balloon growing inside her, threatening to burst. Fortunately, her grandmother recognizes her distress and takes her on a magical journey inside her mind to teach her about emotions and how to stay calm.
One of the standout aspects of the story is its clever use of allegory, particularly the metaphor of a house with different rooms to explain how the brain functions. This approach simplifies complex concepts, such as the role of the amygdala and the brain’s limbic system, making them easily understandable for young readers. As Elsie learns how her brain responds to emotions, she gains practical strategies to calm herself, and children reading along can adopt these same techniques. The charm of the story is matched by its stunning illustrations, which create magical, comforting visuals that beautifully enhance the narrative. The pacing of the story is excellent, with a variety of situations and settings that keep young readers engaged throughout. The tips provided at the end of the book are a thoughtful addition, offering further guidance for emotional growth.
Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove is a wonderful blend of imagination, education, and creativity. It sparks curiosity while promoting a positive mindset, making it an ideal tool for parents and educators alike. Whether for sparking conversation about emotions or simply enjoying a magical adventure, this book is a must-read for young minds.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0D92XFW72
The First Page
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell follows a young hermit crab living in Southern California who is swept away from home during a storm and must find his way home. What was the inspiration for your story?
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell came to me as a surprise. I am not a children’s author by any means—and I am still learning the ins and outs of writing a book for a younger audience—but writing a children’s book has always been something I’ve wanted to do. This story in particular was inspired by a stuffed animal that I’ve had in my room—a hermit crab! The story’s setting was greatly inspired by San Diego and Southern California in general, as that is where I live.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Particularly with children’s stories, I’ve always enjoyed writing the first page. To me, that’s the most important part of the story—at least for drawing in young readers. The same goes for this book as well. Writing the descriptions of the tide pools and the ocean waves, introducing the characters, was the best part.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To me, I felt that keeping the book as factual as possible was very important. I included details such as how hermit crabs find and replace their shells, as well as little references as to what they eat and how they live. Other than that, as the book is for a younger audience, I allowed my imagination to take forth!
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?
For now, I don’t have definite plans to write another book in this series—with that being said, continuing the journeys of Zeke and his friends is something I would like to do in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website | Book Review
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is the perfect adventure for budding readers, lovers of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, and those still trying to come out of their shells
On The Wings of Wishes
Ash, a magic seeker, spends her days searching for enchantment and hunting fairies, convinced that magic is the only thing that can solve her problems. As she continues her quest, she begins to discover that magic is everywhere, often found in the most unexpected places. But just as she starts to unravel these mysteries, disaster strikes. A Category 5 hurricane threatens her village, putting not only her family but her entire community at risk. Ash finds herself wondering if there’s enough magic to save everything she holds dear.
In On the Wings of Wishes: True Magic Still Lives, Angel Dunworth invites readers into a world brimming with magic, offering a story that feels timeless and appeals to readers of all ages. The book effortlessly taps into that childhood sense of wonder, where an ordinary girl can become a hero, and magic can be found in the most unlikely places. The journey Ash embarks on is one that feels familiar yet fresh—it’s not about being a superhero but about being a regular girl trying to save her home and the fragile state of her parents’ relationship. What stands out most is how Dunworth uses this magical narrative as a metaphor for a broken home. Seeing the world through Ash’s eyes, a child frightened that her world might fall apart, adds a layer of emotional depth to the story. Despite her fear, she discovers hope and magic along the way, which makes the book not just a tale of adventure but one of resilience and belief in the unseen. Dunworth captures that delicate balance of fear and wonder, making it easy for both children and adults to relate to the emotions and lessons within the story. I absolutely enjoyed the writing style. It’s beautifully simple, with a flow that’s easy to follow, making it accessible for younger readers while still captivating for adults. The language used is charming and fits perfectly with the magical tone of the story. The characters, including Ash, don’t feel fully fleshed out, so you don’t get the chance to truly connect with them on a deeper level. This lack of development sometimes keeps the reader at a distance from the story’s emotional core.
On the Wings of Wishes is a delightful read, filled with heart and imagination. It’s perfect for readers who long to recapture that childhood sense of wonder or for young readers ready to lose themselves in a world where magic is real, and hope is always just around the corner. Angel Dunworth has crafted a lovely, whimsical story that reminds us all that true magic still lives even in the darkest moments.
Pages: 107 | ASIN : B0D9GLX5X6
The Songbird and The Sunshine
The Songbird and the Sunshine is a sweet and heartwarming tale that captures the strength of family ties against the backdrop of dementia’s bittersweet reality. Amy, a young girl with a voice as radiant as a songbird’s melody, shares an unbreakable bond with her grandma, who is the light of her life. As dementia casts a shadow over her grandma’s memories, Amy’s songs shift from simple tunes to a lifeline that keeps their love alive. However, when Amy loses her voice, she faces a new challenge: finding another way to stay connected as her grandma’s memories continue to slip away.
Mandy Woolf handles the subject of dementia with a deft and sensitive touch. She crafts a narrative that is both educational and deeply moving for young readers. The story delves into the emotional world of a girl confronting the complexities of her grandma’s illness. Amy’s journey, moving from singing to exploring other means of connection, strikes a powerful chord. It highlights the enduring power of love and the need to adapt in the face of life’s difficult changes, no matter how challenging they may be. The writing in this book is straightforward yet deeply evocative, perfectly capturing the story’s poignant essence. Woolf paints vivid images of Amy’s bright voice and her grandma’s soothing warmth, creating a lasting emotional impact. The illustrations further enhance the story, visually echoing the love between Amy and her grandma, which is something that will resonate deeply with many readers. As an added bonus, Woolf provides a fun memory game at the end of the story.
The Songbird and the Sunshine is a beautiful and impactful book, especially for those affected by dementia. It tells a story of love, loss, and the creation of new connections when the old ones fade. I strongly recommend this book to families, educators, and anyone seeking a gentle yet powerful way to discuss dementia with children. This book shines as a beacon of hope, highlighting the enduring strength of family bonds, even in life’s most challenging moments.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1923020633
Hop’s Case of Being Different
Hop’s Case of Being Different is a heartwarming and poignant children’s book that tackles the themes of diversity and self-acceptance through the eyes of a frog named Hop. Written by Noah Bella Michaelis at just eight years old, the story follows Hop as he navigates life in Frog Jumping Lake, where he feels out of place due to his unique features. Despite his differences, Hop eventually learns that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated. The book, enriched with colorful illustrations by Angie Savoy, brings to life Hop’s journey in a way that is both accessible and deeply meaningful for young readers.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the way it addresses complex themes in a manner that children can easily understand. Noah’s writing is simple yet powerful, and it’s evident that she drew from her own experiences and challenges in life. The story’s narrative is engaging, with Hop’s struggles and eventual triumph resonating on a personal level. What stands out is Noah’s ability to convey the idea that diversity is a strength, and this is done with a sincerity that only a child could bring forth. The illustrations by Angie Savoy complement the text beautifully, adding a visual depth to the story that enhances its emotional impact. Each character is vividly portrayed, and the colors used are both vibrant and inviting, making the book a visual treat for its young audience. The imagery of Frog Jumping Lake, with its diverse inhabitants, serves as a perfect backdrop to the story’s message. What makes Hop’s Case of Being Different truly special is the context behind its creation. Knowing that Noah, a young girl living with Congenital Heart Disease, penned this story while facing significant health challenges adds an extra layer of depth and poignancy to the book. The foreword, written by her mother, gives readers insight into the love and determination that went into bringing Hop’s story to life. It’s impossible not to feel moved by the knowledge that this book was written by someone who, despite her own challenges, had a profound understanding of what it means to feel different and the courage to share that understanding with the world.
Hop’s Case of Being Different is more than just a children’s book—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. I would recommend it to parents, teachers, and caregivers who wish to introduce young children to the concepts of diversity and self-acceptance. The story of Hop will undoubtedly inspire and comfort any child who has ever felt out of place or different, reminding them that their uniqueness is something to be celebrated, not hidden.
Pages: 36 | ISBN : 1732525404
A Magical Array of Colors
Princess Iridescent and the Cloudy Day follows a princess in a magical kingdom of color and light who encounters a cloud trying to take their colors away and teaches him about kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this book all started with my favorite word: Iridescent. It’s a magical array of colors that always brings me happiness when I see it. One day I wondered, “What would iridescence look like if it were personified as a person? Obviously a colorful princess, of course!” But she needed to be more than that, I wanted her to be a role model for all young readers to aspire to be like. I thought this Princess should embody kindness, empathy, and wisdom. And thus, the Princess was born! And when it came time to give the Princess an obstacle that could be a great lesson for young readers, conflict resolution with someone who was the opposite of her seemed like a fun story to me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Patience was the most important idea I wanted to share with this book. While it’s not the main theme of the story, I wanted Princess Iridescent to show, not tell, how it can be used to handle conflict resolution. Patience is not once mentioned in the book, but you can see it throughout the Princess’ actions. No matter how many times King Cloudius dismisses the Princess she never gets frustrated, knowing that staying calm and kind will be what helps King Cloudius in the end.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Patrizia Diana?
Getting to work with Patrizia Diana was a dream come true. She is so knowledgeable and skilled at what she does. While I had the story and a vision of what I wanted the book to look like, I have absolutely no art skills. So it was wonderful being able to rely on Patrizia to take just my words and bring them to life with her art. I learned so much from her, one of the biggest lessons being to take a step back and see what new ideas the artist can bring to your vision instead of micromanaging.
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 is indeed the first book in the Princess Iridescent series! And I’m excited to announce the second book, Princess Iridescent and the Scary Night, will be coming to Amazon the first week of this October (2024)! This book is made for children who are afraid to go to sleep at night. We follow Princess Iridescent helping a young dragon pup face her fears of the creaks, bumps, and shadows in the night. The Princess will once again teach this lesson through patience, kindness, and empathy. You can expect this book to be just as colorful and magical as the first book! If interested, you can join the mailing list on my website below so you can be notified once it’s published!
Author Links: Instagram | X | Website | Book Review
Well, when King Cloudius rolls in to take all the color of the kingdom away, its up to Princess Iridescent to show him that true colors shine brightest when kindled by kindness.
Cleverly woven into a rhyming story, Princess Iridescent teaches us that the best way to handle someone mean is by being nice. This beautifully illustrated children’s book will help little princesses and princes learn how to resolve conflict in a magical way. You’ll encounter adorable creatures that live throughout the kingdom, magic that brings color to life, and a princess who believes that a little compassion can go a long way.
Cozy Critters on the Ark
Cozy Critters on the Ark is a delightful tale that follows Rufius, a mouse who enjoys spending his days in peaceful solitude, indulging in books and warm drinks. However, his tranquil life is disrupted when a leaky pipe in his treehouse proves too high for him to repair. Determined to build a new treehouse, Rufius’s plans are unexpectedly interrupted by a man named Noah, who has a monumental task ahead of him. Unable to find rest, Rufius takes on the challenge of building Noah’s big boat, joined by a group of cozy critter friends. As animals and people begin boarding the ark, Rufius finds himself puzzled by the kindness everyone shows him. When a pipe on the ark breaks and Rufius struggles to fix it due to his small size, it is with the help of his newfound friends that the leak is repaired, ensuring everyone’s safe journey to land.
This enchanting story takes young readers on an adventure aboard Noah’s Ark, where Rufius learns that a true home is created by the love and friendship shared within it. Rufius is a character many children will find relatable, especially those who, like him, are eager to accomplish things on their own, sometimes forgetting the value of asking for help. One particularly touching detail is the evolution of the artwork in Rufius’s home, which at the story’s start reads, “Hard work makes a happy home,” and later changes to “Happy hearts make a happy home.” This subtle shift reflects Rufius’s growing understanding of the power of friendship, as he comes to embrace his new critter family with love.
The story is further brought to life by captivating illustrations that blend whimsical fiction with gentle absurdities, all while conveying important lessons about belonging, kindness, and the resilience that comes from friendship. Through Rufius’s journey, young readers are encouraged to broaden their perspective on belonging, recognizing the supportive communities that surround them, ready to welcome them with open arms. The inclusion of a charming picture of Cooper, the inspiration behind the Cozy Critters World, adds a personal touch that enhances the book’s appeal.
Cozy Critters on the Ark is a heartwarming reminder that friendship and love have the power to transform even the most solitary lives. This book serves as an excellent tool for teaching children about the importance of connection and the reassuring truth that they are never truly alone.
Pages: 45 | ASIN : B0D6KZH1V5
Phoebe PhobiCat Versus Broccoli
Phoebe PhobiCat Versus Broccoli by Brianna Brown is a delightful tale that tackles a common childhood fear in a fun and relatable way. The story introduces us to Phoebe, a charming little cat who is absolutely terrified of broccoli. When dinner time rolls around, and she’s faced with the dreaded green veggie, Phoebe reacts with sheer panic, clambering onto the kitchen chandelier to escape. What follows is a sweet and clever exchange between Phoebe and her mother, who uses playful logic to help Phoebe overcome her fear. By the end, Phoebe takes a brave bite of broccoli and realizes that it’s not so bad after all.
I absolutely adored how this picture book balances humor with a subtle but important message. The exaggerated fear Phoebe shows is something that will resonate with kids, making it easier for them to see their own anxieties in a different light. The way Mama PhobiCat gently coaxes Phoebe into trying the broccoli through a series of comparisons is both clever and effective. Comparing the stinky broccoli to Daddy after yard work or the floppy vegetable to Phoebe’s favorite bunny was great because it’s a fun and accessible way for kids to reframe their fears.
The writing is simple yet engaging, making it perfect for young readers or a read-aloud session with parents. The repetition of Phoebe’s protests—“They’re stinky!” “They’re floppy!”—is sure to get giggles while also reinforcing the main point. The resolution is satisfying, as Phoebe realizes that trying new things isn’t so scary after all. I especially liked the way the story doesn’t just dismiss Phoebe’s fear but rather acknowledges it and works through it, making the lesson feel organic rather than forced.
On top of the story’s charm, the illustrations by Kashif Qasim are wonderfully vibrant and bring Phoebe’s world to life. The expressions on Phoebe’s face, from her wide-eyed terror to her eventual pride, are just priceless and add an extra layer of emotion to the narrative. The kitchen scene where Phoebe is clinging to the chandelier is particularly well done and will likely be a favorite among readers.
Phoebe PhobiCat Versus Broccoli is a must-read for any child dealing with the fear of trying new things. It’s a lighthearted yet impactful children’s book that would be perfect for kids aged 3-7, especially those who might be going through a “picky eater” phase.
Pages: 36 | ISBN : 1787883183
LITERARY TITAN 