Blog Archives
I Learned to Love Myself
The Puzzle Piece is a heartwarming and insightful children’s book that beautifully illustrates the idea of individuality and self-worth. What was the inspiration for your story?
As is the case with many of my books, The Puzzle Piece was inspired by conversations with my daughter. I love finding ways to explain difficult concepts, such as authenticity and self-love. I used the image of a puzzle of the world to discuss these topics with her, and later decided to write the story to share with other children.
I found the message about trying to fit into the wrong space, which can lead to negative feelings, insightful and critical for both children and adults. What were some of the ideas you felt were important to share with young children in your story?
Like many people around the world, I sometimes struggled to fit in when I was growing up, and at some point I believed I needed to change myself to fit in. It indeed felt very uncomfortable. With time, I learned to love myself just the way I am, and it feels great! I am trying to help children to see themselves with loving eyes and to embrace all of themselves. I dream of helping to raise a generation of children who love themselves and know themselves enough to be able to contribute positively to a world that desperately needs them to be able to do so.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
With this book, which is the third book in the Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness series, I aimed to create another insightful book to facilitate discussions of important topics with children. From early editorial and customer reviews, I am excited about the impact that this book is having in helping parents and educators to navigate discussions of self-love and authenticity.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, what topics will the next story be about?
This is the third and last book in the Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness series. It feels appropriate to end this particular series with this book. Nevertheless, I will continue writing and publishing other books and other series in the future. Some topics I have written about and will look into publishing in the future, albeit not as part of this series, include: our interconnected nature (i.e., we are part of the world and are thus all connected to each other and to the natural world); accepting our imperfections and apologizing for our mistakes; and maintaining our sense of awe alive as we grow older.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The Puzzle Piece guides children as they imagine that the world is a gigantic puzzle and that they are unique pieces in that puzzle. The book explains what it might feel like to change ourselves to fit in versus staying true to ourselves. Readers are encouraged to listen to their intuition, to find their space in the puzzle, and to be able to contribute their unique gifts to our world.
With Love, From Mom: The Journey of Dreams
With Love from Mom: The Journey of Dreams by Gel See is a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the bond between a mother and her daughter. The narrative centers on the mother reassuring her daughter that she will always be there for her, both in life and perhaps even in dreams. Together, they embark on various adventures, whether in the real world or the realm of dreams, exploring and sticking together no matter what.
The illustrations perfectly complement the story, showcasing the joyful moments they share, which adds a beautiful visual dimension to their journey. Mother and daughter are vividly depicted, highlighting the mother’s profound love and the daughter’s happiness. The tone of the story is gentle and loving, creating a soothing reading experience. The beautifully illustrated settings enhance the narrative, adding depth and warmth. The pacing is perfect, ensuring that there are no dull moments throughout the story. The story is wholesome and sweet, making it an excellent read for mothers and daughters to enjoy together. The rhyming adds a delightful dynamic, which children will love, reinforcing the story’s clear message: a daughter should always know her mother will be there for her. The illustrations are simply gorgeous—otherworldly and vividly colored, they suit the story perfectly and deserve special credit to the illustrator. The visual appeal adds an extra layer of charm to the already captivating tale.
With Love from Mom: The Journey of Dreams by Gel See is a beautifully crafted story that encapsulates the unconditional love and bond between a mother and her daughter. Its gentle tone, engaging rhymes, and stunning illustrations make it a delightful read for both children and parents. This heartwarming tale not only entertains but also reassures young readers of their parents’ unwavering support and love. Perfect for bedtime reading or any bonding moment, this book is a must-have for families who cherish heartfelt stories.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0D79KFSMJ
Do You See Me Playing Sports?
Ever wondered how a young kid perceives their first sports experience? Do You See Me Playing Sports? is a delightful children’s book that takes you right into the heart of that journey. It’s a charming tale of a young child, affectionately part of the Chipmunks sports group, navigating the big, noisy, and often intimidating world of sports.
Author Tuula Pere’s use of simple language and relatable situations makes it easy for young readers to connect with the protagonist’s feelings of excitement, fear, and eventual joy. The narrative flows smoothly, capturing the child’s emotions brilliantly as they face various challenges. One moment that stood out was when the child felt overwhelmed by the huge stadium and the idea of competing on such a large field. It’s so relatable for anyone who’s ever felt out of their depth in a new environment.
The illustrations by Majigsuren Enkhbat are vibrant and playful, perfectly complementing the story. Each page is a visual treat that keeps things fun and light. I particularly loved the sequence where the Chipmunks are encouraged to jump over a stretchy band instead of a high bar. It’s a great example of how the book encourages adapting sports to fit the needs of younger kids, making the experience less daunting and more enjoyable.
What I appreciate most about this picture book is its gentle approach to introducing sports. It acknowledges that sports can be scary and overwhelming for young children but also offers solutions to make them more accessible and fun. The idea of starting races with a clap instead of a pistol or playing barefoot soccer are fantastic ways to ease children into sports without the pressure of competition and noise. This book has the ability to make children feel less intimidated by sports, instilling a sense of reassurance and comfort in parents.
Do You See Me Playing Sports? is a heartwarming read that would be a fantastic addition to any child’s library. I think it’s perfect for parents who want to introduce their kids to sports in a gentle, fun, and supportive way. Highly recommended for ages 3 to 7, and a must-read for any parent looking to make their child’s first sports experience a positive one.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9528200370
Black Girls Count
Black Girls Count takes readers on an inspiring journey through the eyes of Janet, a 9-year-old Black girl who learns to embrace her unique hair and create art with it. When Janet’s guitar string breaks, she discovers that the cost of a new guitar is $500. Disheartened, she soon learns about a local hair show for girls aged 9-13, offering a $500 grand prize. The competition challenges participants to showcase hairstyles that reflect their unique personalities.
At the heart of the story is Janet’s journey of self-discovery, guided by her parents, who introduce her to the rich diversity of her natural hair texture. This newfound knowledge allows Janet to embrace her natural hair, fostering a deeper sense of self-happiness and satisfaction. Shertena Caicedo Hardman’s writing is engaging and educational, deftly weaving themes of cultural identity, self-acceptance, and the beauty of natural hair. Janet’s character is wonderfully relatable, and her determination to win the hair show and buy the guitar serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader journey of self-acceptance and empowerment. The depiction of Janet’s parents is particularly heartwarming. Their support and teachings about natural hair provide Janet—and readers—with a valuable lesson in appreciating and embracing one’s heritage. The story’s focus on the diversity and beauty of natural hair is a refreshing and necessary perspective that will resonate with many readers.
Black Girls Count is a delightful and meaningful read that I highly recommend for young readers and their parents. It’s an excellent book for those who enjoy stories about personal growth, cultural pride, and the journey to self-acceptance. Janet’s story is a powerful reminder that true happiness comes from embracing who we are, inside and out.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0D4YKWCDS
A Reflection of My Childhood
Stella and the Berry Bay follows a little girl about to start school who finds out her family is moving to a new house and town. What was the inspiration for your story?
Stella and the Berry Bay like the other books in the Stella Series, are very dear to me. They contain many things that I have experienced myself.
Stella is not just a character but a reflection of my childhood. Many events and places from my past have found their way into the books about Stella and her friends. This story is a journey back to the time when I, like Stella, enjoyed the freedom of riding a little red bike in a safe country village.
But before I reached that point in my life, I had to experience the same challenges as Stella when she unexpectedly had to move. Writing a book about families moving to new places felt important because it has become increasingly common. Many children have to experience leaving their roots. As parents or educators, we must know how to treat the pain and discomfort associated with moving. Rooting in a new environment needs support.
It’s not easy for all children to get to know new schools, classmates, friends, places, and hobbies. In the worst case, a family move can instantly turn everything familiar upside down, making the child feel insecure. Parents don’t always pay enough attention to a child’s troubles because they might change jobs simultaneously. Also, making everything work in a new home takes time and energy.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Many things in this book are essential to consider when a family moves.
The children must be included in the preparations as early as possible to have enough time to prepare for a significant life change. This includes practical tasks like packing and arranging new living situations, which are important. However, the utmost importance lies in the mental transition from familiar surroundings to new experiences.
Primarily, it revolves around fundamental safety, focusing on whether the family remains united and addresses core family concerns. The subsequent consideration involves friendships, anticipating adjustments, especially with long-distance moves.
This book aims to emphasize the indispensable role of adults in the family’s moving journey. They contribute at various stages—from preparations and farewells to embracing the new chapter. Even seemingly insignificant keepsakes and memories can hold profound sentimental value.
Initially portraying Stella’s poignant challenges, the book gradually shifts focus towards the opportunities and friendships awaiting her in the new locale. These connections provide her with the strength to confront another hurdle, particularly the strict teacher overseeing her class at the new school.
Did you include any memories or emotions from your own childhood in the character of Stella?
I have used plenty of my childhood memories and personal experiences in all three Stella books I have published so far. Writing them gives me lots of fun because I can relive the best moments of my early years—not forgetting some challenges I had to conquer. I hope that both the ups and downs are something the young readers can enjoy and also use as building blocks in their own lives. Stella reminds me a lot of myself as a child. She loves independent nature trips, makes a lot of friends of all ages, and enjoys her little red bike.
In the first Stella book, Stella and the Magic Stone, I describe a particular summer in her life. She enjoys the freedom her little red bike represents and is not particularly intrigued by her parents’ constant blueberry picking – both very familiar elements in my childhood. Trying to find valuable or at least beautiful stones by hitting them to pieces was something I used to do. Thunderstorms with lightning were common in Eastern Finland’s lake district; they even burnt houses and destroyed forests and fields. However, the most prominent theme in this book is Stella’s relationship with her Grandpa, which reflects my Dad, who ended up in the hospital decades later and had to be woken up.
This book, Stella and the Berry Bay, is also very personal. As a child, I experienced the same situation as my main character. I was looking forward to getting into a nearby school, but things changed when our family moved to a country village twenty-five kilometers away. I said goodbye to my friends and headed towards the unknown. In my hand, I was tightly holding the teddy bear postcard given by the club aunt. I didn’t meet her ever after. Fortunately, the change turned out well for me in the end, and I have many good memories from that small village and a lot of inspiration for children’s books.
Also, the third book, Stella and the Spiky Friend, is based on my childhood and focuses particularly on one of my extraordinary adult acquaintances in the village—namely, the pharmacist who was feared by children and adults as well!
To put it short, Stella and her environment reflect, in many respects, my person and my life. I guess that village and its people meant to me the same as “Noisy Village” with its people meant to Astrid Lindgren.
Is there a topic you have always wanted to write about but have not yet found the right storyline for?
As for the children’s stories, I have been lucky to publish over sixty books in English already and even more in Finnish. The flow is constant, and new ideas keep developing smoothly in my mind.
The challenges of unfinished book plans and ideas mainly relate to my dreams of writing even more for adults. So far, I have published primarily short stories. But it would be wonderful if I could sometimes write something “longer” for adults. My life experience and the winding road from a small village to completely different environments and responsibilities would undoubtedly help me with this task. I feel that even we adults are all surprisingly small in front of the greatness of life – we carry inside us birth and death, joy and sadness, dreams and disappointments from the beginning till the end.
At least, that’s how I feel, although I tend to offer children the brighter side of life and encouragement for surviving even the more challenging days.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
In her new neighborhood in Berry Bay, Stella makes some new friends. But at Berry Bay School, Stella has more trouble getting used to things–especially Casserole Day in the cafeteria and her strict new teacher.
The Wheels on the Trucks
Step onto the construction site and immerse yourself in the world of mighty machines! Dumpers, trenchers, and more are hard at work, with people operating these massive vehicles to accomplish impressive feats. In The Wheels on the Trucks, by Jessica Lee Anderson, young readers are treated to a delightful rhyming tale that showcases their favorite construction vehicles in action.
Adapted to the familiar tune of “The Wheels on the Bus,” this versatile book can be read or sung, providing endless enjoyment for children and parents alike. The vibrant illustrations by Praneeth Madushanka bring the story to life, featuring highly-detailed and realistic depictions of various construction vehicles. These illustrations strike a perfect balance, offering storybook charm without being overly cartoony, making them appealing to young readers who appreciate quality art.
One of the standout features of this book is its commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the additional pages that provide even more information about the vehicles featured in the story. This attention to detail enhances the educational value of the book, making it a truly exceptional addition to any child’s library. The Wheels on the Trucks is the perfect read for its educational content, diversity, accessible text, and captivating illustrations. If your child loves learning about vehicles, this book is sure to become a favorite that you will read together time and time again.
Ideal for readers of all ages, The Wheels on the Trucks combines fun rhyming text with stunning visuals, creating an unforgettable adventure in the world of construction. Don’t miss out on this remarkable book – it’s a must-have for any young fan of big construction machines. I eagerly anticipate more outstanding children’s books from this talented author and illustrator duo.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D5FNHM5V
ARTY
In the vast expanse of the ocean, Arty the Betta Fish yearns for companionship. As a misfit among his fellow bettas and shunned by nearly everyone he encounters, Arty finds himself profoundly alone. Determined to find answers, he seeks the wisdom of an old snail, embarking on a journey fraught with dangers. Alongside Slug, his unexpected companion, Arty discovers the true essence of friendship as a new adventure unfolds.
ARTY by Penny Schneider is an utterly charming graphic novel for children. The illustrations are captivating, with each character bursting with life and humor, drawing readers into a vibrant underwater world. The narrative is compelling; Arty’s unwavering determination to find a friend despite his differences is heartwarming. Slug’s optimistic outlook on life and the delightful interactions between the two characters are consistently laugh-out-loud funny. The story concludes satisfyingly yet leaves ample room for future adventures. An added bonus of “bloopers” following the main story amplifies the humor, and interspersed pages encourage young artists and authors to envision the story’s next steps.
ARTY contains a heartfelt message of friendship, hilarious storytelling, and vividly joyful characters. This graphic novel is ideal for readers aged six and up. It is perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted stories about unlikely friends. A delightful read for a hot summer day, the adventures of Arty and Slug are bound to enchant readers as they continue to explore their enchanting world.
Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0CZYNXF3G
Let’s Work Smarter
In Let’s Work Smarter, by Katharine Mitropoulos, the delightful setting of Harmony Lane comes alive as a group of industrious animals gather at the farmer’s market. Each animal sells their goods to raise funds for renovating their worn-down playground. Mole’s delicious apple pies fill the air with a sweet aroma, Bunny offers fresh, crisp carrots, and Mouse’s stand features a variety of tiny treats, each vendor contributing to the collective goal. As the day comes to a close, the town meeting brings thrilling news from Mayor Zebra: the fundraising goal has been achieved, and playground renovations can commence immediately. The animals are ecstatic, eager to start their much-anticipated project. Plans include planting a vibrant flower garden, painting the fence, and adding new toys to the sandbox. However, they soon realize the task is more daunting than expected. Despite their hard work, progress is slow and challenging.
Mouse suggests a different approach, proposing, “Instead of working harder, let’s try working smarter.” This sparks a collaborative effort where the animals brainstorm innovative solutions to streamline their work and complete their projects more efficiently. The narrative leaves readers wondering if Mouse’s advice will lead them to success in revitalizing their playground.
I found this story utterly charming. It beautifully illustrates the power of community and teamwork, showing young readers that by working together towards a common goal, great things can be accomplished. The diverse roles the animals take on offer relatable examples for children, reinforcing the message that everyone has something valuable to contribute. The story also serves as an excellent model for inspiring children to become active, responsible citizens in their communities. The animals’ dedication to improving their playground encourages young readers to think about ways they can participate in community service and collective efforts.
Laura Watson’s illustrations are a vibrant and delightful complement to the narrative. Her colorful, whimsical artwork captures the essence of each animal character, making the book visually engaging for both children and adults. Watson’s talent extends beyond children’s books; she also creates charming textiles, stationery, toys, and puzzles, adding an interesting layer to her creative profile.
Let’s Work Smarter is a thoroughly enjoyable read that imparts valuable lessons on citizenship, teamwork, and problem-solving. It’s a wonderful addition to any child’s library, destined to be read and cherished repeatedly.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CW19SJVP
LITERARY TITAN 