Blog Archives
Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle
Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle offers a heartfelt exploration of the holiday spirit. The narrative centers on Abbie, a Cozy Chess Club member, who believes that her parents lack the means to provide Christmas gifts and suspects they may have sold her cherished charm bracelet. Her schoolmates in the chess club attempt to console her, with mixed success. However, a transformative moment occurs when an angelic presence emerges, offering cryptic clues that propel them into an adventure within their school. Along this journey, Abbie and her friends encounter invaluable life lessons, challenging their preconceptions and revealing the actual state of Abbie’s parents’ situation.
The holiday season holds a special significance for children, symbolized by gifts, games, and the warmth of togetherness. Abbie’s candid portrayal of her emotional struggles, including anger and sadness, allows readers to empathize with her. Her friends’ unwavering support underscores the power of friendship in this narrative. The camaraderie between the characters, a recurring theme in the story, is a standout feature.
Victoria Winifred skillfully blends elements of magic with a realistic portrayal of the challenges Abbie and her family face, providing young readers with relatable lessons about companionship and familial bonds. The pervasive theme of chess adds an engaging layer to the story, culminating in an intriguing chess puzzle that imparts fundamental chess strategies.
The book features a few illustrations that depict the chess club’s enjoyable moments together, enhancing the reader’s connection with the characters. The narrative is captivating as the characters embark on various activities and locations, radiating a palpable love for family, Christmas, and chess.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0CKP2QXMP
Appreciating Differences
We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong follows the journey of a six-year-old as she explores the beauty and depth of human diversity, encouraging children to embrace and celebrate our differences. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have a 6-year-old, and I am bringing her up in a world that sometimes seems so divided. I wanted to create a book with a universal message that could bring people together.
To help my daughter and other children learn to accept themselves and to believe in themselves. I also wanted to teach them how to be tolerant and how to be kind, and how to truly have empathy for others.
I want children to be able to appreciate people who are different from them in some way and to be able to see how similar they are too. To be able to realize that the difference you’re aware of is only ONE part of a person’s unique story.
We really are the same, we’re different, and we all belong!
If every child in a classroom read this book, the world would be a different place.
I’d been waiting for someone else to write a book like this AND with a funny, honest, imperfect main character… Eventually, I consulted educators and psychologists and used my years of kids’ TV writing experience, and I wrote it myself!
The book balances illustrations and text to convey emotions and deliver messages; could you shed light on how you and the illustrator collaborated to ensure the visuals accurately represented the diverse characters and themes?
I had a clear vision of how I wanted the text and the illustrations to work together and how I wanted these characters to look. I used every tool in my arsenal to bring this book to life. Tried so many options and, in the end, achieved this vision by using my own artistry, and software and collaborating with amazing creatives. I want every child who reads this book to see themselves reflected somehow, to find a place for themselves within it. We are the same, we’re different, and we really do all belong…
How did your personal experiences or observations influence the portrayal of parental figures in guiding children through issues related to identity and belonging?
1) I am Jamaican. I come from an island in the Caribbean where the official national motto is “Out of many one people”. Because of our history from hundreds of years ago, if you’re of African, Indian, Chinese, or European descent (or any combination of these), you are completely Jamaican. We are one. There is no issue or division based on ethnicity. To have that instilled in me early on as the norm meant that when I came abroad, it didn’t feel natural to see people sometimes divided because of the color of their skin or whatever else.
For the last two years of high school, I went to a boarding school in the UK where the students flew from 80 different countries to be there. It was eye-opening! Every casual assumption one has, every prejudice, everything got explored. It was there, with people from all cultures, languages, religions, races, histories, and politics, I learned that… we really are the same, we’re different, and we all belong!
2) As a parent now myself, I’ve realized that learning to embrace and celebrate a difference in someone else actually helps you to accept yourself when you are perceived to be different. What seems to be a kindness towards others is actually something that saves YOU!
Quote from the book:
“Being different doesn’t make someone weird,
it just makes them different.
And be nice to them because, to them, you are different too!
We may seem soooooooo different… but deep down,
we’re kind of the same.”
So, now, when you think someone else is perceiving you as different, it doesn’t mean something negative about you because it’s absolutely OK to be different. It’s OK to be unique. It doesn’t make you weird, it just makes you different.
I wrote this book, using the power of story and an irreverent lead character, to help children open their minds to people’s shared humanity. To give us, as parents, a form of words to give our children another way of seeing the situation that helps them to accept themselves just as they are and that allows them to tolerate and celebrate other people’s differences with kindness and empathy.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Ha! Watch this space. I write social and emotional learning (SEL) children’s books that help parents and teachers nurture happy, mindful, resilient, and compassionate children that have the tools to live their best lives.
I am working on several books (all at various stages of development)… More books with Marnie (the funny, honest, perfectly imperfect, irreverent lead character from ‘We’re The Same, We’re Different and We All Belong’).
And… I have another picture book that’s being illustrated right now, coming out mid-2024. It’s about how you’re always connected to the people you love no matter where they are (it’s especially for the first day of school separation anxiety).
I’m grateful to be able to add to the lives of children and their families in whatever way I can.
I love what I do!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
In her own heartwarming, hilarious words, Marnie, a spunky multiracial kindergartener, explores the concept of diversity. She finds that differences (e.g. race, size, accent, learning styles, ways of moving around) are only one part of a person’s unique story.
This book will help your child:love and accept themselves just the way they are
appreciate and celebrate other people’s differences
build their self-confidence and self-esteem
nurture their tolerance, empathy and kindness
This engaging, interactive picture book asks readers a series of heartwarming, hilarious questions alongside a quirky main character, and gracefully illustrates that the best friendships can be made when we love what’s different (and the same) about each other.
I Hope My Story Brings Laughter to Others
Pablo Avocado follows a young avocado who has reached the point of deciding his future and struggles with choosing to follow the same path as his father or follow his heart. What was the inspiration for your story?
Pablo Avocado is a melting pot of stories I grew up with (ranging from Zoolander to VeggieTales). While the plot finds inspiration from several sources, the story’s humorous tone comes directly from my niece. This book and several others were written for her while she underwent treatment for cancer.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Reka Kadar?
Collaborating with Reka has been a dream. As an author, I’d like to claim that the best part of my book is the writing, but it’s not – it’s Reka’s art. I came to Reka with a story, a rough draft (very rough) of the illustrations, and a request that she make the art her own. She certainly did that. At a surface level, Reka’s illustrations are beautiful, but look closer, and you’ll see subtle details sprinkled throughout the book.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Themes of self-acceptance and talking out big feelings drive the narrative. For example, the book opens with Pablo hidden in a cloak of secrecy. There’s clear attention drawn to that, but what might not be as obvious is that the book closes with that same cloak in the trash – a sign that Pablo no longer needs to hide who he is. While these themes were important, my mission in writing Pablo Avocado was to make my niece laugh, and I hope it does that for anyone who reads it.
Will this children’s book be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
Pablo Avocado is the start of a series, but it’s not the only story I plan to tell! During my niece’s treatment, I wrote seven other books unrelated to Pablo. It’s my goal to bring all of these books to print.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Living Green and the Spell
In his children’s book about the environment, Living Green and the Spell: The day the plants stood still, but they are still alive, Florian Bushy introduces kids to a world where plants bounce with life and spirit.
Long ago, during the early days of planet Earth, our world was habited exclusively by plants, trees, and flowers, all living harmoniously together, moving around as humans do today. They spread their joy and cheerful nature around, loving and protecting one another. Unexpectedly, a threat arrives in the world of friendly plants: an invader that holds in his heart the terrible purpose of breaking the lively spirits of the plants to turn them still forever. This short story will bring kids closer to the importance of nature and our environment, letting them understand that the world around us, though seemingly still, is full of life.
The author creates an inventive mythical story to explain the hidden life behind every plant in our environment. It’s filled with lovely illustrations that portray the little plants as amicable and humanizes them to the eyes of the reader. The story is simple and quickly familiarizes kids with our environment and its beauty. It also warns them of the dangers humans oftentimes bring to it, trying to make them conscious of their power and the meaningful role they can already start partaking in to try to protect the world that we’ve come to call our home.
The plants portrayed in the story and in each of the illustrations are vivid and energetic. They are happy, cheerful, and radiant. They represent an ideal world, fraternal and peaceful. The dreadful consequences of the damage brought by humans towards the plants can be immediately felt and understood throughout the story, bringing forward the main point: nature can only keep sharing its beauty and life with humans as long as us, as a society, actively decide to protect and take care of it. It’s a beautiful and important message to start passing on to the youngest of generations to create a more positive impact.
Living Green and the Spell is a beautiful and inspirational children’s book that will bring our little ones closer to nature, understanding the importance of environmental care and realizing that our world is shared between humans and other living organisms that are of equal importance and hide in them just as much life as us.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09V571BCT
Moon Balloon
In Moon Balloon, readers are invited on a heartwarming journey that celebrates the enduring bond between a father and his child. Delving into the limitless realm of imagination, the tale follows young Charlie, who, after losing his cherished red balloon to the wind, is comforted by his father with tales of its celestial voyage to the moon. Charlie’s ensuing quest to retrieve it sees him evolve from a bicycle rider to an astronaut, guided by his father’s wisdom at every pivotal moment.
The illustrations within the pages of Moon Balloon are captivating, with a warmth and gentleness that genuinely captures the essence of Charlie’s journey. Charlie’s vivid emotions, from the lows of minor setbacks to the highs of achieving milestones, are depicted with poignant clarity. Authors Pete Gatt and Luna Andreux have crafted a narrative that is both imaginative and evocative, pairing seamlessly with concise and approachable sentences, making this an exemplary introduction for young readers venturing into the world of literature.
Moon Balloon serves as a stirring allegory on life’s journey, and the challenges met along the way. It underscores the instrumental role that parental guidance plays in nurturing a child’s aspirations. Gatt and Andreux brilliantly spotlight the cyclical nature of life, tracing Charlie’s metamorphosis from an inquisitive child to a determined adult. While some readers might find an added layer of depth enhancing, enthusiasts of heartwarming family-centric tales will undoubtedly be enchanted.
This enchanting children’s book not only fosters resilience and determination but accentuates the profound role love and dedication play in achieving one’s dreams. Moon Balloon comes highly recommended for those seeking a picture book infused with inspiration and the reaffirmation of familial bonds in a world teeming with wonder and opportunity.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 0648230406
The Power of Gratitude: Unlocking Hidden Treasures
In the heartwarming children’s book, The Power of Gratitude: Unlocking Hidden Treasures, Orbit visits a sleepover camp and discusses the meaning of gratitude with the children. As the conversation unfolds, Orbit encourages the children to share their thoughts on what gratitude means to them.
Author Ruth Maille skillfully immerses readers in Orbit’s world, instilling a lesson about gratitude even when life takes unexpected turns. Maille creatively incorporates the letters of the alphabet, making it an ideal choice for children who are starting to learn the alphabet. Each letter becomes a doorway to explore what brings joy and appreciation into our lives. The vivid illustrations breathe life into the story, creating an instantly relatable experience for young minds and inspiring their curiosity.
Orbit’s clever analogy is that practicing gratitude is similar to strengthening one’s muscles through exercise. The more you exercise gratitude, the stronger it becomes a lesson that resonates with children and adults alike. The author’s storytelling is both engaging and educational, making this picture book a perfect choice for young readers who are not only entertained but also inspired to explore the concept of gratitude.
It’s heartwarming to learn that Orbit wears band-aids on his head, a touching reminder that his adventures are dedicated to healing our world. The author’s imaginative touch conveys to kids that ‘X’ isn’t merely a letter; it symbolizes affectionate kisses, and ‘O’ embodies the warmth of comforting hugs.
The Power of Gratitude: Unlocking Hidden Treasures is a magical journey that teaches, entertains, and leaves an everlasting impression. Dive into this enchanting world and unlock the hidden treasures of gratitude with Orbit.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B09L8LGK39
Teaching Empathy
The Power of Empathy: Be the Friend You’ve Always Wanted takes young readers on an adventure to the park, where they learn what empathy is and how to be a good friend to others. Why was this an important topic to write a children’s book on?
I see children struggling with their feelings in my role as a preschool teacher and daycare provider. It is common for children to understand feelings like being happy, sad, and scared. The more complex ones are difficult for them to recognize, like being excited, anxious, proud, and embarrassed.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to write a story that simplified complicated emotions by providing tools that helped children identify their feelings. Because empathy is a learned trait rather than something innate, it is essential for children to learn how to connect emotions and empathy. For that to happen, they must be able to identify and recognize their own emotions in other people. Helping young children develop a strong sense of empathy creates within them a sense of security and stronger relationships with both children and adults. It encourages tolerance and acceptance of others as well as themselves. It gives them the tools to be more cooperative with others and the courage to intervene when they see others being bullied. These are just a few of the benefits of equipping children with the skill of empathy.
What is one thing people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
One of the main things I hear is that the topics of my books are much needed in today’s world. My topics and storylines are all inspired by the children with whom I’ve worked for over thirty years. I try to capture what I see them struggle with every day. All the examples come from the children. I share each story as I’m writing it with my daycare children. I’ve captured the topic’s essence when the children can relate and see themselves. This helps get the message across in a loving and non-threatening way. My main character Orbit shares his thoughts on the topic, but more importantly, he listens to the children.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I am focusing on marketing at this point. My goal is to write one or two more books in 2024. I’m leaning toward the topics of patience or persistence. However, I am always open to suggestions.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Don’t miss spending time with Orbit and his friends on their fourth adventure of The Power of… children’s picture book series.
This beautifully illustrated story gently teaches young children how to recognize their emotions – and the emotions of others. Children learn what it means to practice empathy by witnessing real-life examples that are easy for them to understand.
Written with easily understandable language, and perfect for adults to read aloud, this book enables children to see themselves in the examples that Orbit shares with his friends.
The Magic Blanket
The Magic Blanket takes readers on a journey alongside a young boy who knows no permanent home. As he roams the streets with his mother, his keen eyes observe the bustling families of birds and dogs, each snug in their own nests or dwellings. All the while, he nurtures a quiet hope that one day he, too, will find a place to call his own. It’s within the shelter’s confines, however, that he discovers an important truth: as long as he clings to his cherished blanket, he carries with him the love and warmth of home.
Ginger Smith’s deeply moving children’s book left me reflecting on the young protagonist’s resilience. In a genre often filled with cheerful tales, The Magic Blanket stands out for its courageous portrayal of a child facing adversity, yet never losing sight of the boundless love shared with his mother. The moving image of the little boy resting on a cot within the shelter adds depth to the story, a stark reminder that not all children have the comforts many of us may take for granted. Remarkably, the boy’s outlook on life remains unshaken, and his unyielding curiosity continues to drive him to explore the world around him. The picture book’s illustration convey a wealth of emotion and meaning, speaking volumes with their subtlety.
The Magic Blanket, by Ginger Smith, is a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It invites young readers to witness the strength of a child’s heart as he confronts life’s challenges and, in doing so, imparts a valuable lesson about empathy, understanding, and the magic of love. This story will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.
Pages: 35 | ISBN : 1734010541
LITERARY TITAN 