Blog Archives
June’s Big Wave
June’s Big Wave tells the story of a little girl named June who is spending a fun day at the beach with her family. Everything seems perfect until worry sneaks up on her, turning her sunny day into a swirl of “what-ifs.” June feels scared and anxious. What if the wind blows everything away? Through her imagination, she learns how to handle her worries by comparing them to waves. She learns to breathe, float, and swim through them rather than fight them. The book ends with June feeling proud and calm, and there’s even a caregiver’s guide in the back that gives parents tips for helping kids deal with anxiety too.
I really liked how this story makes something as complicated as anxiety feel easy to understand. June feels real. Her worries sound like the ones I had as a kid. The “what-ifs” idea is so clever and relatable. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the feelings, but she also doesn’t make them scary. The tone is gentle and warm, and the way June learns to face her fears feels empowering. The breathing exercise and the idea of swimming with the wave are just so smart. It’s practical, but also imaginative enough to keep a child’s attention.
The caregiver’s guide at the end caught me off guard in the best way. It’s full of real advice that makes sense, not just fluffy “stay calm” stuff. It talks about what anxiety looks like, what not to do, and how to actually help a kid work through it. I love that the book treats both the child and the adult as part of the same team. You can feel how much the author cares about kids and families. The writing is calm and kind, and it feels like a hand on your shoulder saying, “You got this.” The illustrations evoke a gentle and peaceful atmosphere, perfectly suited for a children’s picture book. The soft watercolor technique, combined with a colorful palette, creates a warm and inviting scene.
June’s Big Wave is a sweet and meaningful children’s book that balances story and support perfectly. I’d recommend it for kids ages 5 to 9 who struggle with worries or big emotions, and for parents, teachers, or counselors who want to help them. It’s not just a picture book; it’s a tool that makes you feel seen and understood. A great book to keep on the shelf for those days when the “what-ifs” roll in.
Pages: 56 | ISBN : 1968996001
The Visitors
A few years from now, Earth faces total annihilation, unless two determined aliens can rewrite its fate. Bjorn and Zorn, shapeshifting observers of our troubled planet, are horrified by what they see. Determined to save humanity from itself, they leap back through time to intervene. Their unlikely allies? A ragtag band of cynical animals: Dax, a chicken-nugget-loving Maine Coon; Penelope, an irreverent Adélie penguin; Florence, a thoughtful cow; and Ptoni, a prehistoric Pteranodon with attitude. Saving the world is serious business, but with this crew, chaos comes laced with comedy.
The Visitors by Andrew Cahill-Lloyd targets a young adult audience, though its wit and inventiveness easily appeal to older readers as well. Fans of Artemis Fowl will recognize the quick pacing and mischievous tone, while admirers of Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett will find familiar notes of absurdity and satire.
Cahill-Lloyd excels at weaving eccentric characters and outrageous scenarios into a cohesive, fast-moving narrative. Beneath the laughter, however, pulse weightier themes, homophobia, racism, and the perils of blind faith. These serious undertones are handled deftly, introduced with humor and humanity rather than heaviness.
Each brisk chapter feels like an episode from a gleefully bizarre television series. The jokes land fast, the dialogue crackles, and amid the hilarity, flashes of insight remind us what’s at stake. Bjorn and Zorn’s advanced technology allows for wild journeys through time and space, yet it also highlights a sobering truth: humans, given such power, might not use it for good.
For all its zany energy, The Visitors is more than intergalactic farce. It’s sharp, funny, and oddly poignant, a whirlwind of wit and wonder that never overstays its welcome. Cahill-Lloyd writes with the kind of gleeful abandon that invites readers to laugh, think, and maybe cringe a little at their own species.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0FS6Y7YDK
Finding Happiness
Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers follows a spirited boy whose bad day turns into a journey of discovery and lessons in mindfulness and emotional balance when his grandfather takes him for a walk by the sea. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As the mother of an anxious child, I was inspired to write this story to help children learn healthy ways to manage strong emotions and navigate life’s challenges.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to teach wellness concepts while fostering an appreciation for animals and the natural world. I hope children can take away lessons in mindfulness and finding happiness in everyday life.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing the scene showing the cooperation between the clown and sea anemone because it beautifully illustrates how two very different creatures can rely on each other for survival and support.
Do you have more books planned for the Animal Teachers series? If so, where will they take young readers next?
I am considering a picture book about the valuable lessons we can learn from insects for the third installment of this series, tentatively titled Smallest Creatures – Wellness Teachers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day
This delightful children’s book tells the story of Bluebird and Songbird, two feathery friends celebrating their engagement in the middle of a rainy day. The forest becomes a stage for their love as their woodland companions, Harry the Hedgehog, Sally the Squirrel, Maurice the Magpie, and others, gather to help. Despite the grey skies and splashing puddles, the day brims with warmth and excitement. The story builds from the drizzle and gloom of the forest to a radiant, sunlit ending that feels earned and joyful.
Reading this story made me smile more than once. There’s a gentle rhythm to the writing that sounds musical when read aloud, almost like a lullaby mixed with laughter. I loved how each animal had its own moment to shine, bringing a sense of community and celebration. The rhymes are simple but sincere, and the pacing keeps young readers hooked. What struck me most was how the author found beauty in the rain. The gloom never felt sad, just patient, waiting for sunshine. It’s a small but sweet reminder that happiness often grows from unexpected days.
The playfulness of it all works perfectly for younger readers. There’s a sincerity to the story that’s hard not to love. It doesn’t try too hard; it just feels genuine, like a story told by someone who remembers the wonder of being small.
Rayner Tapia’s Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day is a charming read for children who adore animals, rhymes, and gentle lessons about love and friendship. Parents will enjoy reading it aloud, and kids will enjoy repeating the sounds and rhythms. It’s a cozy and heartwarming tale. I’d recommend it for ages four to eight, especially for families who love bedtime stories that leave everyone smiling.
Pages: 29
Obesseus The Mighty Muncher
This book is wild. It starts at a dumpling festival where this big-hearted, big-bellied hero named Obesseus is just vibing with his snacks, living his best life, when suddenly, bam! His old friend Monica Mango shows up, leading a “Juice Regime” trying to outlaw solid food. From there, it just explodes into this over-the-top food war, with dumpling battles, fruit villains, and a ton of ridiculous snack puns. Every chapter feels like watching a Saturday morning cartoon. There’s action, betrayal, friendship, and some surprisingly emotional burping.
I didn’t expect to get as invested as I did. At first, I thought it’d just be silly jokes about food fights and belly bumps, but the writing actually sneaks up on you. Obesseus might be goofy, but he’s got heart. He misses his friend, he doubts himself, he tries to do what’s right even when he’s covered in pudding. And Monica? She’s not just a bad guy. She’s complicated, hurt, a little tragic even. The story swings between absurd comedy and weirdly touching moments about loyalty and self-worth. The pacing is quick, and the dialogue has that kind of chaotic rhythm that feels alive. The author clearly had fun writing this, and iyou can feel it.
Sometimes the jokes go on a bit long, and a few parts get overstuffed with food gags. But even then, I was grinning. There’s a sincerity hiding under all the slapstick. The world of Snackland might be ridiculous, but it’s built with love and creativity. You can tell this story believes in joy and in standing up for what you love, no matter how squishy or saucy you are.
Obesseus: The Mighty Muncher made me laugh and even feel a little warm inside. It’s loud, messy, and surprisingly sweet. I’d recommend it for middle-grade readers who like their stories packed with adventure, humor, and heart —or, honestly, for any grown-up who still secretly laughs at food fights. It’s pure, unapologetic fun.
Pages: 98 | ASIN : B0FPMGQGZF
Sam and His Amazing Flying Crib
Sam and His Amazing Flying Crib follows a little boy named Sam, who decides one night that he can visit the magical island from his favorite bedtime book. He ties blankets to his crib, turns it into a flying ship, and soars into the night. Along the way, he meets angels who give him moon dust, and he lands inside his story where he befriends two children living in a camp. Together, they face misunderstood “beasts” who turn out to be enchanted creatures in disguise. With a sprinkle of magic and kindness, Sam helps reveal their true forms, the Unicorn and the Dragon, and learns about hope, friendship, and compassion before returning home.
I loved how this story mixed dreamlike adventure with real emotion. It’s whimsical in the way only a child’s imagination can be, but it also has this gentle message about displaced families that hits differently once you realize who Jennah and Naitham are. The writing feels soft, like a lullaby, and the pictures paint such cozy chaos. It’s got that genuine childlike wonder that feels authentic.
What really stayed with me was how the story blends fantasy and empathy. The magical parts are fun, sure, but what really makes it special is the kindness at its core. You feel the ache of kids far from home, yet the story never gets heavy, it keeps this bright, hopeful tone that says, even in strange places, magic and goodness can still find you.
The illustrations have such a wonderfully warm and nostalgic feel, like a scene pulled directly from a classic children’s book you’d cherish forever. The soft, textured art style and muted colors create a cozy, dreamlike atmosphere that’s instantly comforting. I particularly loved the scene early in the book where the baby is staring at the moon. It lets us share in the quiet moment of wonder as they gaze at the friendly, smiling moon. All the little details, like the teddy bear companion add so much charm and story to the piece, making it feel magical.
I’d recommend this picture book to parents, teachers, or anyone reading to a child who loves adventure but also needs gentle reminders about kindness and hope. It’s perfect for bedtime, because it’s magical enough to dream about but meaningful enough to talk about after. It’s a sweet and heartfelt little journey that young readers will enjoy.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0F8FWS4RL
Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers (Animal Teachers)
Annie Yu’s Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers is a tender, thought-provoking story that invites young readers into a world where wisdom flows like the tides. The book follows Riley, a spirited boy whose bad day turns into a journey of discovery when his grandfather takes him for a walk by the sea. What begins as frustration unfolds into reflection, as Riley learns timeless lessons in mindfulness and emotional balance from the creatures that inhabit the ocean’s depths.
Through encounters with lobsters shedding their shells and sea otters basking playfully under the sun, Riley begins to see his own struggles mirrored in nature. Each animal becomes a gentle teacher, revealing how resilience, patience, and adaptability can transform challenge into growth. A particularly memorable moment features the sea jellies drifting peacefully with the current, an elegant reminder that not everything in life can, or should, be controlled. Sometimes, peace comes from surrendering to the rhythm of the world around us.
Yu’s storytelling is as soothing as it is insightful. Her calm narrative tone encourages reflection and emotional awareness without ever feeling didactic. Young readers will easily connect with Riley’s emotions, while adults will appreciate the book’s subtle invitation to slow down and breathe. The illustrations, rich with color and texture, offer endless opportunities for conversation between parents and children, each page a spark for curiosity about the ocean and its many wonders.
What makes Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers truly special is its power to teach emotional wellness through storytelling. In a world where children often feel pressure to move quickly and succeed constantly, Yu’s message of calmness and presence feels vital. By the end of the book, Riley has not only learned to manage his emotions but has rediscovered joy in the activities he once resisted. His transformation is gentle, believable, and inspiring, a testament to the strength that comes from self-awareness.
This book deserves a place on every child’s shelf. It nurtures empathy, encourages mindfulness, and reminds young readers that wisdom can be found everywhere, even in the quiet whispers of the sea.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0FL81CRH9
Vidge Floyd and the Secret Frequencies
John Davis, Jr.’s Vidge Floyd and the Secret Frequencies follows a young boy named Harrison Floyd, nicknamed “Vidge,” whose obsession with radio scanners and secret transmissions pulls him into a strange web of intrigue, paranoia, and truth-seeking in early 1990s Florida. Told through his log-like diary entries, the book moves between the humdrum of small-town life and a surprisingly complex mystery involving arson, corruption, and self-discovery. It’s a coming-of-age story disguised as a conspiracy thriller, written in a voice that’s both sharp and painfully vulnerable.
Vidge’s voice is so vivid that I could almost hear the static from his scanners buzzing in my own head. His thoughts race, skip, and circle back in ways that feel real and a little heartbreaking. The kid is smart, misunderstood, and caught between the comfort of his secret world and the chaos of reality. I found myself rooting for him, even when he made me uneasy. The writing feels raw in the best way, Davis doesn’t clean up the messiness of adolescence or mental confusion, he leans into it. The pacing sometimes slows, but that roughness actually fits the story. It mirrors Vidge’s mind, restless and crackling with energy.
There’s also something deeply nostalgic about the way Davis paints the era. The static, the dial tones, the small-town boredom, it all hums with an eerie beauty. At times, I caught myself feeling both comforted and unsettled, like I was remembering something I never lived through. The book has moments that feel almost cinematic, then others that sting with loneliness. It’s rare to find a story that captures isolation and obsession without turning them into clichés.
If you like slow-burn mysteries mixed with emotional grit, this book is worth your time. It’s perfect for readers who grew up tinkering with radios, computers, or anything that hummed and blinked in the dark. It’s for those who see beauty in static and meaning in noise. Vidge Floyd and the Secret Frequencies isn’t just about sound, it’s about being heard, finally, after a lifetime of listening.
Pages: 151 | ASIN : B0FVD89MDP
LITERARY TITAN 