Blog Archives
And The Trees Talked Back
And the Trees Talked Back, authored and illustrated by Frederick J. Burns, is a delightful journey into a world where nature speaks. In this story, Amanda, a young girl with the unique ability to communicate with trees, embarks on an adventure in a mystical forest accompanied by her cat, Daisy. The narrative unfolds as Amanda searches for her lost cat, leading to her encounters with ancient trees that impart wisdom and life lessons. These interactions are pivotal in shaping Amanda’s understanding of good and evil, marking a significant growth in her character.
The book’s length, while brief, adequately encompasses the story arc, leaving readers desiring more time with the charming duo of Amanda and Daisy. Burns’s dual role as the illustrator enriches the experience with illustrations that beautifully capture the essence and atmosphere of the story, from the characters to the mystical woods.
Burns’s writing style is accessible and engaging, appealing to a broad audience. The language is simple enough for children to grasp yet possesses a depth that adults can appreciate. This balance makes And the Trees Talked Back a rare gem in children’s literature that resonates with readers of all ages. It is a heartwarming read that I enthusiastically recommend for its universal appeal and the enchanting journey it offers.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0CL5JY7V3
The Presidents’ Tailor
The President’s Tailor, written by Kathleen Smith and illustrated by Nimali Udugama, is a vivid, cheerful biography of a brilliant Frenchman, Georges de Paris. Beautifully illustrated on each page, the book tells the true story of the rags-to-riches life of this man, who, despite the challenging beginning of his life, managed to become the trusted tailor of nine different presidents. Carrying a hopeful, bright feeling on every page, this story inspires everyone, reminding them that nothing is impossible.
Filled with funny anecdotes and awe-inspiring artwork, the author tells the story of this protagonist in a simple, poetic narration. Born in France, Georges de Paris moved to the United States and struggled to survive, even being homeless for a period of time. But he mastered his craft and became a famous tailor who personally dressed nine American presidents– from Lyndon B Johnson to Barack Obama. Through the years, he came to be known as “the President’s Tailor,” who passed away in 2015. As the story progresses, the author gives a brief sketch of each president and what Georges de Paris thought of them. The writing, paired with lively illustrations, makes the nine presidents and their tailor come alive, with their own quirks, right in front of your eyes. His humorous interactions with the presidents will give you more insight into the kind of people they were. While he was merely five feet tall, Georges de Paris was quite a character with skillful hands and witty comments.
The President’s Tailor is easy to understand and well-illustrated; the target audience of this story can be anyone from curious children to adults wanting to know more about the inspirational story of Georges de Paris. I highly recommend this short, fun read to everyone– it might be a cute bedtime story or an inspirational one that motivates you to chase your dreams.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0CJHRPWJ1
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Finding Friendship in Unlikely Places
Partners in Time follows two boys from London who use a secret underground tunnel to travel through time and have to fix the broken timeline before all of history is altered. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always loved time travel stories and time travel movies. And the idea of travelling back into the past and seeing some amazing historical events (and people from history!) unfold right before your eyes has been an idea that has thrilled me since I was a kid. So when I decided to write a middle-grade novel it was a no-brainer that it would feature two kids time travelling through history.
Harry and Jett become unlikely friends, and their bond deepens as they travel through time to repair the historical timeline. What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
I’m not sure there is one inspiration for their relationship. Both those characters are very close to my heart and once I started to write them into scenes together, the friendship between them just evolved. Maybe having a best friend you could travel in time with would have been my dream when I was their age? I’m not sure…
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
To me the book is really about two boys, each with hardship in their lives (especially Harry) finding each other and becoming friends. The plot is what they are doing while becoming friends, but the story itself is about discovering friendship in unlikely (impossible) places. And the courage that having a true friend by your side gives you.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The post-credits scene at the end of Partners in Time gives a big hint as to where Book 2 will go. Suffice to say – time travel is never quite straight forward and it’s really important to close doors properly. The only other clue I can give is that the next book explores a part of history completely different from in Partners in Time. With luck I’ll have book 2 ready to launch mid way through 2024.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Jett was just happy to make a new friend.
He honestly didn’t mind that Harry claimed to have time travelled via a secret underground tunnel from wartime London all the way to twenty-first century New Zealand.
Nothing wrong with a kid having a great imagination.
Except Harry wasn’t lying or making it up.
There really was a tunnel.
An impossible link between the past and the future.
But tampering with time travel, even by accident, has unintended consequences.
Now Harry and Jett have to race against time to mend what was broken or nothing in the past, the present or the future will ever be the same.
An unlikely adventure that will make… or break… history.
Partners in Time is a story of fixing history and making friends, a most unexpected (and sometimes smelly!) time travel tale.
With cheese toasties.
“If I wasn’t in this book, I’d definitely want to read it.” – Harry, aged 11. England
“Such a good story, I hope they make a movie, and I get to play me!” – Jett, aged 11, New Zealand
There Is Always Room For Hope
Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle follows the story of a young girl who loses her festive mood upon accidentally overhearing a puzzling conversation. Abbie and her friends in the Cozy Chess Club embark on a quest to unravel the mystery and restore her joy for the holiday season. What was the inspiration for your story?
This story draws from a multitude of sources that have deeply touched my life and shaped who I am today. First and foremost, it blossomed from the cherished moments I spent with my elementary students, who never failed to amaze me with their innocent hearts, boundless curiosity, and imagination. Their bravery and care for each other inspired me to capture that magic in the pages of this book.
The holiday season, with its emphasis on love and forgiveness, also played a significant role in shaping this tale. I wanted to remind readers of the hopeful and transformative nature of the Christmas spirit, infusing the narrative with elements of Scrooge’s revelations and the power of embracing positive thoughts.
Furthermore, my studies in cognitive behavioral therapy, teaching, life coaching, mentoring, and chess (all of which I hold certificates in) influenced the deeper, underlying themes of this book. Abbie, the protagonist, is encouraged to explore the power of shifting perspectives. She is reminded that, as in chess, she has options and can choose how to view her circumstances and move forward. Also, the plot underscores the importance of parents/guardians providing their young charges with honest and age-appropriate information about family circumstances (otherwise children tend to fill in missing information with negative guesses that are harsher than the truth itself.) In this case, surprising secrets are revealed at the end of the story, bringing about a truly satisfying resolution for Abbie, her friends, and family just in time for Christmas.
It is my sincerest wish that this tale brings a smile to your face, ignites your imagination, and inspires you to embrace the holiday spirit. Remember, there is always room for hope, resilience, and growth, even in the face of uncertainty.
The spirit of Christmas and the holiday season is different for everyone and is realized in many ways. What brings out your holiday spirit the most?
For me, what brings out my holiday spirit most is being a part of my church choir and its Christmas concerts. This has been a cherished activity I’ve participated in for decades. It fills my heart with joy to express my faith through music and share the true meaning of Christmas with others. Additionally, I respect the celebrations of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as they bring joy to countless individuals including many of my students past and present, and those holidays are included in this book as well.
What themes were important for you to explore in this book? Is there anything else you want to mention?
Themes include the power of the holiday spirit, perspective and positive thinking, the importance of clear communication with children, chess as a metaphor for choices, and the value of community and connections.
And of course, a winter holiday-themed chess activity is also included in this book for my readers to enjoy!
What will the next books in this series be about, and when will they be published?
I have two additional Cozy Chess Club Mysteries coming up in 2024! One will revolve around Cinco de Mayo, while the other will delve into the Lunar New Year and the legendary dozen animals that are a part of its history.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals
Michele Monaco delivers a touching narrative that brings the essence of friendship and holiday cheer to life in Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals. This charming children’s book weaves a tale of three of Santa’s reindeer—Prancer, Vixen, and Dasher—as they set off on an adventure to find new friends to write to. Their quest brings them to a quaint street in Pennsylvania, where they stumble upon three spirited sisters engrossed in play. Captivated by the girls’ unique charm, the reindeer watch from afar before leaving behind personalized notes, igniting an exchange of lively, decorated letters and the start of an endearing pen pal exchange.
Monaco’s creation is a seasonal picture book that plunges young readers into the heart of Christmas, urging them to embrace their artistic side and express themselves uniquely. The art of letter writing, featured prominently here, is presented as a fun way to hone writing abilities and stretch the imagination. Monaco’s storytelling is accessible and vivid, making this book a top pick for family storytime. The bonds between the characters, their cheerful pursuit of new friendships, and their embodiment of warmth and generosity provide an excellent example for young minds.
The sisters and their reindeer friends are portrayed as lovable and considerate, setting the stage for lessons in compassion and goodwill. Coupled with illustrations that bring the story’s vivid scenes and emotions to life, Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals is an entertaining read and a tool for nurturing young readers’ emotional intelligence. It’s a festive children’s book that captures the enchantment of Christmas and the joy of forming new bonds, ideal for sparking a love of reading and social interaction in children.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0CLNJ64J7
Partners in Time
Partners in Time by Nicholas Hodgson offers readers an exhilarating journey through the realms of mystery and time travel. Dive into the heart of an enigmatic tale, where an unseen door within a secluded chamber reveals the path to alternate dimensions. Two companions propelled into a bewildering quest, land in an unfamiliar future. A chilling, distorted reality awaits when they return to their known world. They embark on an urgent race, navigating the secrets buried within the globe’s most celebrated landmarks. The tale seamlessly blends the boundaries of past and future, delving deep into the tenacity of friendship, the emergence of unexpected bonds, and the fate of destinies teetering on a fragile edge.
Merging the intricate elements of mystery with the allure of time travel requires a deft hand. Nicholas Hodgson not only achieves this blend but truly shines in his execution. From the outset, readers will find themselves ensnared by the gripping narrative.
A distinguishing feature of this novel is Hodgson’s distinctive voice. He animates his characters with depth and nuance, constructing a tale that’s smartly laid out. The plot is rife with unexpected turns that fit organically into the story, a testament to the author’s prowess in foreshadowing and weaving a tale.
A standout aspect of this book is the vibrant portrayal of its characters—they leap off the pages with authenticity and vigor. The narrative flows effortlessly, yet the suspense continually beckons readers to turn one more page.
Hodgson’s narrative talents shine brightly, captivating his audience from start to finish. The tale is so enthralling that one simultaneously dreads its conclusion yet eagerly anticipates each new development—a testament to the book’s magnetic pull.
For fans of mystery and time-travel genres, Partners in Time is an essential addition to your reading list. Hodgson’s knack for spinning a riveting tale and his meticulously crafted characters assure a mesmerizing voyage through time.
Pages: 219 | ASIN : B0CDY5K9KM
Milo Savage and The Gargoyle Hunters – The Curse of the Chimera
Returning from their enigmatic encounters in the gargoyle dimension, Milo Savage and his cadre of allies find little time for reprieve as they are thrust into a new challenge. Their quaint town is on the brink of peril, a menace looming that threatens to disrupt the much-anticipated Dance of the Gargoyles. The clock is ticking, and it’s up to Milo, Sammy, Suzy, and Kat to unravel the mystery and neutralize the threat before chaos ensues.
In Milo Savage and the Gargoyle Hunters Book Two: Curse of the Chimera, author D.S. Quinton delivers a thrilling follow-up to The Secret of the Moonstone. This fantasy novel brims with suspense and is beautifully paced, weaving through dramatic encounters with ease, striking a balance between light-heartedness and gravity. The characters remain true to their origins, with Quinton offering just enough background to welcome new readers into this fantastical world. Gorp, the latest ally, emerges as a standout, bringing a fresh dynamic to the group. The cantankerous Grimlo and the evolving camaraderie among the youths, particularly Sammy’s character development, are highlighted. Although Kat’s antics may wear thin, the book excels in maintaining intrigue and excitement.
As a fan who anticipated this sequel, I found myself yearning for more on Gertie’s fate, a narrative thread ripe for future exploration. Nonetheless, Curse of the Chimera captivates, weaving a tapestry of adventure suitable for young readers and beyond, especially those drawn to mythical quests and the spirit of cooperation.
Milo Savage and the Gargoyle Hunters Book Two: Curse of the Chimera strikes an enjoyable chord with an engaging narrative and a seamless blend of joyous and intense moments. An accessible yet electrifying escapade, Quinton’s latest offers a page-turning experience, leaving readers eager for the next chapter in Milo’s unfolding saga. Don’t let this one slip by; it’s an adventure that’s sure to enthrall. Here’s to the anticipation of book three!
Pages: 164 | ASIN : B0CKSCNJLH
The Snow Child: A Winter Miracle
In The Snow Child: A Winter Miracle, young siblings James and Clara find themselves in the midst of a snowy diversion as their father is away at war, leaving their hearts heavy with longing. Seeking refuge from their loneliness, the siblings embark on an imaginative journey, fashioning a lifelike snow boy, complete with the most striking blue marble eyes. Within the realms of their young hearts, this ephemeral creation takes on a profound reality, and they devote themselves to nurturing it until the arrival of spring. Little do they anticipate the enchanting and miraculous reunion that awaits them.
This narrative, both heartwarming and emotionally resonant, possesses the potential to enrich the emotional intelligence of young readers. What truly captivates the reader is its ability to beautifully encapsulate the innocence and fortitude inherent in childhood. In the face of adversity and separation, James and Clara’s decision to craft a snow child serves as a poignant testament to the solace that can be found in unexpected corners of our lives. The snow child becomes a symbol of their unity, a symbol of hope amidst a world overshadowed by the turmoil of war and an uncertain future. Without delving into the intricacies of the plot, I must emphasize that the manner in which the snow child finds his way back into the lives of James and Clara is nothing short of enchanting and heartwarming.
With a vocabulary that includes terms like “sentinel” and “semblance,” this narrative transcends the realm of early readers. Its prose and writing style, I think, are most suitable for readers aged 9 or 10 and beyond. Moreover, the story unfolds beautifully when shared aloud, making it an ideal choice for storytelling sessions or bedtime tales. The Snow Child: A Winter Miracle stands as a humble yet captivating fairy tale set against the backdrop of a very real and challenging historical period. It is a concise, endearing, and meticulously crafted tale that resonates with readers of all ages.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B0CKS3LLLP
LITERARY TITAN 