Blog Archives
A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs
Scott Sollers’ children’s book, A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs, transports readers to a distant, fantastical land divided by a ridge and inhabited by two distinct communities: the resource-poor No-Haves led by Chief Nobody, and the prosperous Have-Alls under Chief Somebody. The stark contrasts between these groups—one struggling on barren land without water or wildlife, the other thriving among lush greenery, abundant water, and playful creatures called Squatz—sets the stage for a tale of envy, conflict, and ultimately, resolution.
Sollers’ narrative shines with creativity, particularly in the invention of the Squatz, adding a layer of whimsy to his portrayal of societal disparities. The plot revolves around the No-Haves’ ill-fated attempt to steal Squatz, leading to a pivotal moment of confrontation and the exploration of themes like fairness and justice. Without revealing too much, the story cleverly explains the mythical origins of ostriches’ distinctive features in a way that is bound to captivate young imaginations.
The moral lessons are clear and thoughtfully integrated into the storyline. Children are shown the pitfalls of envy and the repercussions of theft, alongside the virtues of seeking compromise and collaborative solutions. Such messages are delivered through a narrative that encourages understanding and empathy, even when characters initially falter. Alejandro Echavez’s illustrations are another highlight, with each page presenting vibrant, mural-like drawings that draw readers deeper into the story’s richly painted world. The visual storytelling complements Sollers’ words beautifully, enhancing the magical and educational experience.
Suitable for readers aged 4 to 8, A Tall Tale is more than just an entertaining read; it’s a book that imparts valuable lessons through a delightful narrative. It is a commendable addition to any young reader’s library, promising both enjoyment and educational value.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1637557736
Bernard’s Lesson Sharing Feelings in a Classroom World
Bernard’s Lessons Sharing Feelings in a Classroom World, the latest entry in a charming children’s book series by the dynamic husband-and-wife team known as R.S. Shepherd, introduces young readers to Bernard, a little bee enthusiastic about his first day of school. The story unfolds in a classroom setting where Bernard and his diverse animal friends experience a range of emotions, from happiness to sadness. Their teacher, Miss Waddles, encourages each student to share their worries, leading to a heartfelt exploration of feelings.
The narrative effectively portrays how open dialogue can help manage and overcome fears and frustrations, offering a valuable lesson for young minds. This theme is particularly resonant, as it encourages children to articulate their feelings, thereby promoting emotional health and empathy among peers. The book sets a gentle yet impactful tone that could facilitate meaningful conversations between children and their caregivers about personal concerns or challenges.
The illustrations in this book are as thoughtful as the text. Presented in vibrant, crisp colors, they beautifully complement the story, enhancing the reader’s engagement with each page. These visuals not only capture the essence of Bernard’s journey but also make the book a visual delight, likely appealing to children and adults alike. R.S. Shepherd has not only crafted an engaging tale but also provided a platform for young readers to see the importance of being open and honest with oneself and others. This book is an excellent resource for parents and educators looking to encourage emotional development and communication skills in children.
Bernard’s Lessons Sharing Feelings in a Classroom World is a delightful read that effectively combines storytelling with life lessons. It is a recommended addition to any young reader’s library. The book not only entertains but also inspires, and I look forward to seeing how Bernard’s adventures continue to unfold in future installments.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0CX1K1WMW
The Mountain of Gold
In The Mountain of Gold, Fred Fisher presents a unique children’s book set in ancient Japan. The story, enriched with cultural references and artwork, begins with Kaeri’s ordinary life being disrupted by the raven, who tempts him with unimaginable wealth. As they delve into the mountains, the story evolves into a thrilling adventure, culminating in a lesson about the true worth of wealth and happiness.
Fisher’s writing skillfully interlaces a rich tapestry of cultural references and vivid imagery, bringing each scene to life. The dialogue is engaging and filled with wit and a sense of foreboding that keeps the reader engrossed. One standout moment is the eerie encounter with Akabo, the Alchemist, whose pursuit of transforming things into gold encapsulates the timeless human folly of greed. The moral, subtly woven throughout the adventure, resonates deeply without being moralistic.
Stephanie Cotta’s illustrations in The Mountain of Gold are not just visual aids but integral parts of the storytelling. Her artwork, reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints, enhances the narrative and grounds the story in its cultural context. Each illustration is meticulously crafted, enhancing the mood and tone of the story.
The Mountain of Gold is an excellent picture book for children’s libraries. Its enchanting narrative and charming visuals will likely captivate children and adults alike. Schools and parents looking to enrich their storytelling sessions with tales that entertain and impart significant life lessons will find this book a valuable resource.
Pages: 47 | ASIN : B0CW2RNYRY
Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling
In her latest book, Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling, Ms. Smith delves into a day at the annual county fair with Mama, Mimi, and Baby-Sis, where young Mimi’s excitement about fair treats and fun rides takes an unexpected turn due to a toothache. This leads to an impromptu visit to Dr. Jason, the local pediatric dentist, setting the stage for a gentle exploration of a child’s first experience with dental care.
Ms. Smith, a dental hygienist with considerable experience working with children, brings authenticity and a palpable affection for her field to her narrative. She narrates Mimi’s story in a melodic tone that not only captures the attention of young readers but also eases their potential anxieties about dental visits. The narrative is crafted to show, through Mimi’s bravery, how a visit to the dentist can be a far less daunting experience than often perceived. The illustrations by Sameer Kassar complement the story beautifully with their vibrant and engaging visuals. They play a significant role in making the dental visit come alive, helping young readers visualize themselves in Mimi’s shoes—comfortably seated in the dentist’s chair, undergoing a routine checkup. What truly sets this book apart is its ability to transform what could be a scary experience into a reassuring adventure. It’s a narrative that not only entertains but also informs, ideal for children aged 4 to 7 years. This being Ms. Smith’s third children’s book with a focus on dentistry, it confirms her commitment to educating young minds about dental health in a fun and engaging way.
Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling is a delightful read and a valuable addition to any young reader’s collection. It promises not just a fun story but also a lesson in bravery and oral care. Kudos to Ms. Smith for another successful foray into children’s literature about dentistry.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0CJHCX7Z4
Finding Footprints
Finding Footprints: A Sasquatch Saga written by the team of Erik Daniel Shein, Melissa Davis, and Karen Fuller, is set in the lush Pacific Northwest, where protagonist Lily Evergreen, a hearing-impaired girl with a deep connection to her Native American roots, explores the enchanted forests accompanied by her service dog, Malachi. The narrative takes a fantastical turn as Lily uncovers a portal to another world and meets Winston, a young Bigfoot. Faced with the choice of embarking on a daring quest or returning to her familiar world, Lily grapples with the decision, her journey exploring themes of courage and cross-species friendship.
The story’s strength lies in its portrayal of Lily, who transcends her hearing impairment to engage with her environment in unique and insightful ways. Her friendship with Winston, characterized by non-verbal communication, beautifully illustrates the power of understanding beyond words. This narrative is a celebration of overcoming obstacles and forming unbreakable bonds. While the treatment of time in the story can sometimes seem fluid, with transitions between scenes that move swiftly, akin to a video game’s dynamic cutscenes, this narrative style adds a layer of briskness and excitement to the unfolding events.
The book’s concise length allows for a fast-paced journey that hints at deeper scenes and character developments, suggesting a broader world and story that could be expanded upon in future installments. This brevity ensures that readers are continually engaged, always anticipating more, and leaves them eager to explore more of the potentially epic moments and evolving friendships that lie within this rich narrative tapestry. The core of the story— the profound friendship between a girl, a Bigfoot, and a loyal dog—resonates deeply, emphasizing emotional connections without reliance on dialogue. The narrative is like a finely brewed cup of tea that has yet to reach its full flavor, yet it remains a commendable read for those interested in tales of adventure, cultural richness, and magical realism.
Finding Footprints: A Sasquatch Saga will engage young readers who are looking for an exciting and meaningful adventure that is rooted in folk tales and myths. It celebrates the beauty of diversity and the importance of friendship, especially those that are unexpected, and is sure to inspire and delight readers of all ages.
Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CZ7WNG57
Carmel Goes To School
Barbara Vokatis, PhD, presents a charming and educational tale in Carmel Goes to School, which follows a golden doodle named Carmel, trained as a therapy dog, on her visits to local schools. One particularly impactful visit takes place on a Wednesday at Mrs. Jenkins’ classroom, where Carmel not only brightens the day but also imparts important lessons on interpersonal behavior and empathy among students.
During this visit, Carmel observes a troubling interaction between two students, Jakob and Gianna, where Jakob pushes Gianna. Swiftly intervening, Carmel gently educates Jakob on appropriate behavior, leading to a heartfelt apology. This episode highlights the influence and value of therapy animals in educational settings, reinforcing positive behavior among students. What sets this book apart is the author’s creative decision to give Carmel her own narrative voice, adding a unique and engaging perspective to the story. This narrative choice effectively draws readers into Carmel’s world, enhancing the emotional impact of her interactions with the students.
The book is visually enriched by the hand-drawn illustrations by Ms. Kiskis, which are both colorful and expressive, capturing Carmel’s essence as depicted in a photograph at the book’s end. These illustrations beautifully complement the text, making the story accessible and appealing to readers of all ages. Based on a true story, Carmel Goes to School not only offers a delightful read but also serves as a gentle educational tool that showcases the benefits of therapy dogs in school environments—a concept I found particularly enviable, having never experienced such visits in my own schooling.
This is the fourth standalone book in Vokatis’s series about therapy dogs, each illustrating the profound impact these animals can have in educational settings. I eagerly anticipate future additions to this series and highly recommend this book for its heartfelt storytelling and educational value. It’s a wonderful read for both children and adults, providing a window into the world of therapy dogs like Carmel, who make a difference one school visit at a time.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CYSXDG4K
Ailie’s island
Ailie’s Island is a heartfelt exploration into the imaginative world of a young girl named Ailie, set against the rugged backdrop of Tanera Mor, a remote Scottish island. Ailie’s transition from the isolated simplicity of island life to the uncharted waters of the mainland school system forms the core of this tale. Author Antal Khripko’s storytelling, which is rooted in the stories he spun for his own daughter, offers a genuine and whimsical dive into childhood wonder, resonating deeply with anyone who remembers the pangs of growing up.
Khripko’s narrative style marries simplicity with depth, crafting a world seen through the eyes of a child yet filled with the complexities and emotions familiar to an adult reader. The book does a great job of portraying Ailie’s inner turmoil as she grapples with leaving her familiar environment for the unknown. The juxtaposition of Ailie’s imaginative realm with the real world underscores a child’s ability to find magic in the mundane.
The book does a fantastic job of illustrating the vividness of a child’s imagination. Ailie’s conversations with the ‘queen lizard’ of her island encapsulate a pure, innocent perspective of life, often lost in adulthood. This communication with nature represents a universal yearning for connection and understanding, which I think is a theme that resonates with readers of all ages. The narrative frequently revisits themes in Ailie’s interactions with the natural world. This stylistic choice offers a thorough exploration of these elements, though it may vary in appeal to different readers.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book was the portrayal of the emotional landscape of childhood – the fears, joys, and sorrows that come with stepping out into a larger world. The story beautifully captures the essence of childhood’s end: the loss of innocence and the dawning of a more complex understanding of the world. Yet, I think the book could benefit from more character development, especially of the secondary characters, who I felt were underexplored.
Ailie’s Island is a charming tale that beautifully captures the essence of childhood wonder and the bittersweetness of growing up. It’s an excellent read for children transitioning to new phases in their lives and for adults nostalgic for the days of youthful imagination. Parents might find it a delightful bedtime story for their young ones as well. I found this story to be a celebration of innocence and imagination, a reminder of the magic we all once saw in the world around us.
Pages: 53 | ASIN : B0CQYVPVC2
Never Give Up On A Dream
River follows a young boy with a unique lineage who has big dreams and learns how to navigate challenging situations and how he can impact the world and people around him. What was the inspiration for your story?
My struggles in my life and the struggle of finding success writing children’s books, novels, music, establishing a brand, and running a business. I’ve written fifteen children’s books to date. Three have been released. I hope to continue releasing one a year in the future. My first novel will be released this year. I released an album, CITY, under my own label, Climax Records, Inc. in 2005. I’ve produced music videos, written hundreds of songs, and yet I may not reach the level of success I dream of, despite talent, hard work, and perseverance. But I want to ensure I pass down all the knowledge and experience I’ve learned to my sons. I want them to know that sometimes what they want is not meant to be, regardless of the work put in. It does not mean you are a failure, because success can not be achieved without failure, learning from your mistakes, and applying those lessons in the future.
The art in this book brings the story to life, drawing children into the story and helping them relate to Renly. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Jordan Pizzuti?
I have been very fortunate to have Jordan on my team. I’ve learned through my music collaborations that when you’re working with professionals, they need little direction. So our collaboration process is simple. I give her the story and let her have free rain to create the vision that she sees. I do this because sometimes, an outside perspective can see aspects of a story the creator can’t and come up with something better. Jordan is great at that.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
- Never give up on a dream: When you’re tired and you want to quit, rest, but don’t stop. What you’re looking for might be closer than you think. So I want children to listen to their hearts, follow their dreams, and not let others steal their enthusiasm.
- Sacrifice: But that means working harder and risking more than others to achieve your dream.
- Family: Renly could have never strived for his dreams without the encouragement of his mother, the values she instilled in him, and the generations that came before him to lay down a path to reach success.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
So the next book is not a continuation of RIVER, but another story about a mother and son called, LONG, LONG TIME. That will be a sing-a-long book, which will be my second that I’ve released so far. Here is an excerpt of the story:
She drove home in the pouring rain.
I knocked on the window and called her name.
She came in. She looked so tired.
She said to me, “Baby, I need to rest a while.”
Now I can’t keep pretending that she’ll be ok.
But I don’t want to believe what I’m trying to say.
In my heart something tells me she’s losing this war.
I don’t know how long she’ll hold on.
I pray that I’m wrong.
And she’ll be here a long, long time…
You can read excerpts from all seven of my upcoming books at my website under the “READ” section. My first novel, THE WHITE, will be released this year, HALLOWEEN 2024.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 