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Calmly Being Present
The Best Summer Guest follows a nervous little boy who spends the summer with his grandmother at the lake cottage. What was the inspiration for your story?
Most small children have difficulties staying overnight in a strange place without their parents. Especially the first times can be difficult. The children lack their own bed, toys, familiar routines, and perhaps evening fairy tales and songs.
Even if the destination is familiar and dear people live there, the situation can be strange and uncomfortable. The child would like to succeed as an overnight guest, but many things may bother the mind. Dare I sleep alone? What if I don’t fall asleep quickly? Is the room too dark? Dare I reveal that I’m scared? How to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? Maybe I’m having a nightmare!
When I was little, I found it challenging to be away from home at night without my family. No other place offered the same security as having my family members around. And my vivid imagination made everything even more difficult. But it was fine with me if the whole family went on a trip, for example, to visit relatives. Sleeping at my cousins’ house or in the attic of my grandparents’ farmhouse was just fun. Sleeping in a crowded tent with my sisters was suitably exciting when our family drove around Eastern Finland and spent the nights in campsites.
After some time, I became an eager camper and independent traveler. I just needed to get used to being alone from home overnight – and to learn that at my own pace.
Is there anything about Grandma Gladys that came from yourself or your life experiences?
The Best Summer Guest is more or less a true story. If you had known my beloved mother-in-law – the grandmother of my three children – you would understand who the true hero of this book is. Grandma’s summer days with little guest Jonty combine the experiences of many children from our close circle. These siblings and cousins have spent their summers in an environment we all love.
The description of the summer cottage, the farmhouse next door, and the small village shop nearby are also quite authentic. Even many small details are extracted from that environment and its people. They will recognize themselves in the story, I’m sure!
How Granny is present in Jonty’s life is especially important for the entire story. Her warm and gentle behavior and attitude towards the child are unhurried and genuine. In such an environment, the child feels comfortable and safe.
The Granny in the book and myself have many things in common. I share the idea of simple summer fun, where nature plays an important role. Listening to the children and putting yourself in their position also helps to understand and handle even difficult situations with kindness.
How did you decide on the title of this children’s book?
The book’s title, The Best Summer Guest, emphasizes what all children should feel; that they are good and accepted just as they are. They are surrounded by safe, friendly adults who welcome them and enjoy being together.
While writing this, I also started thinking about my late father, who always treated me with special warmth. Even at a very young age, I felt I was an important person, even unique and equal somehow. I had my voice heard, and my needs were taken into account. In his last words to me, he said that I have always been important to him. It is one of the best gifts and heirlooms a child can receive. Having the confidence that you are important and loved makes it easier to go on alone when the time comes.
In the title of this book, it feels good to declare that Jonty in the story is the BEST in something – at least as a summer guest at Granny’s summer cottage.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Best Summer Guest?
I have already described many essential themes of this book above. Such as respecting the children as individuals, considering their needs, and spending time with them without any rush – just calmly being present. A sense of security and strong self-esteem grow in such an atmosphere.
Finally, I would like to emphasize the value of the chain formed by generations. I often deal with this central issue in different ways in many of my books – also in this one. To understand oneself as an individual, it is helpful that people can get information about their roots and find their place in the continuum formed by their family and relatives.
Cooperation and good relations between different generations are assets for all parties involved. In this chain, irreplaceable information and experience of being human flow. By participating in each other’s lives, family members of different ages can share the same warmth and feel needed and valued.
I have heard good feedback from readers of many ages about the messages in this book. Some people start reminiscing about their childhood and their relatives. Many memories come to their mind; sometimes those memories make them laugh, but sometimes their eyes are filled with tears.
All in all, modest and small things can turn out to be the most essential when looking back on one’s life. Peaceful moments together with my grandparents were a treasure for me, and they fed my story-hungry mind and encouraged me later as a writer.
In a fast-changing world, we need things that don’t change or at least change slowly. They increase the feeling of security and give us time to adapt to the pressures caused by the outside world. At their best, grandparents can help the next generation grow in many ways. In addition to very concrete help, it can be about spiritual connection and cultural heritage. The importance of these things will be noticed later, at the latest, when the moments together have already passed.
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Spending time with Grandma Gladys turns out to be even more surprising than Jonty imagines. He meets the “Bun Angels,” watches for a scary pike that lives under the dock, and finds unusual treasures in Grandma’s old dresser. But Grandma’s birthday party turns out to be the best day of all.
People Of Every Age Have Value
Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly follow two circus dogs, one old and wise the other young and full of energy, who must work together when a crisis happens to save the show. What was the inspiration for your story?
It might sound strange if I admit that my main inspiration for this story comes from the working life of adults. Most recognize workplace situations where people of different ages and in various professional situations struggle with their particular challenges.
In offices, shops, factories, educational institutions, and hospitals – in all kinds of communities – there are people with various capabilities, ambitions, and possibilities. It would be best if these differences were recognized, and the individuals would receive the support and opportunities they need. This would benefit both the people themselves and the entire working community.
Although crossing one’s limits gives self-confidence at best, it may lead to too much strain and pressure. A young person may worry that he is not yet mature for a demanding task, and an older person may fear that he cannot take it anymore. Continuous learning is a far more significant challenge today than in working life years ago.
Roscoe and Rolly highlight the difference between older vs younger generations yet show how they complement each other as well. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The purpose of my book is to show that a community needs a variety of members. Everyone can find a place that suits them when the right kind of support is available.
I consider it necessary that different people are respected and valued in workplaces. The work environment is not a battle arena but an opportunity for cooperation. The work results are in a completely different category if people do not always have to worry about their position.
The difference between the main characters in this story is mainly related to their ages. One circus dog starts his career, and his fellow is ending it. The friendship between them helps both in demanding situations.
The young circus dog aims to grow to his full extent as a new talent and professional. And the old dog’s depression is heart breaking. It’s not nice to discover that you can no longer do the same things you earlier used to. In that situation, the support of a friend is necessary.
Of course, the story’s suspense element – the child’s disappearance – plays an important role in the book. In a tight situation, the special skills of an old dog are crucial. With this, I also wanted to highlight the theme of caring for children and loving them, which is the old dog Roscoe’s special talent and trait.
In my own life, I have enjoyed the wise support of people more experienced than me. Even a tiny recognition or a friendly word of encouragement can be an essential support. They are like precious pearls that can be gathered into a string during working life. If you have a moment of disbelief, you can take such a pearl in your fingers, spin it a little and feel better…
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Above I described some of the most important themes in my story, Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly – such as noticing different talents in the workplace, finding suitable tasks, and providing the necessary support. I want to highlight one more theme.
Not all things can be measured in money. In working life, it has often become an ideal to emphasize the efficiency of everything – especially cost efficiency. This kind of thinking seems to be going through the head of the circus director in my book as well. When only the cash register is rattling in the brain, many other valuable things remain unnoticed.
A small memory of real life could be in place to describe this matter. A town I know had several grocery stores. One of the shops belonged to a merchant family, whose owner-lady sat at the cash register and chatted with everyone while taking care of the business. That store was always crowded.
The shop was always packed with customers, and the checkout line was long. But nobody complained. It was precisely because of those relaxed moments of conversation that everyone wanted to do their shopping in that store. – For your information, the shop was also financially successful as long as the old lady continued working there.
Will there be more adventures for Roscoe and Rolly? If so what can you tell us about it and when will it be available?
This book will probably be the only story about circus dogs Roscoe and Rolly. I think I’ll leave the circus dogs’ next steps up to the reader’s imagination. Although on the other hand, never say never… I might still want to write about Roscoe’s retirement days or Rolly’s brilliant career in the circus limelight – maybe even the dog family’s little puppies. Having said that, I feel now slightly excited, though!
The circus theme is delicious, and I have already used it in two of my children’s novels Mr. Cannelloni’s Circus and Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain. I plan to write more adventures in that series.
The colorful life of the circus offers the writer many opportunities to let her imagination run wild. This rich environment includes a lot of cooperation between people and animals, and possibilities for exciting events, too. With the help of fiction, the whole group can be sent on a fantastic adventure in unusual places.
I know readers will be happy to be a part of these journeys with the circus crew and their animal friends!
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When a crisis interrupts the Christmas performance, it’s up to old Roscoe to save the day! His golden heart and incredibly sensitive nose come in handy. As Roscoe himself says, “I may forget everything else, but I will never forget the smell of a child.”
Turning Pennies Into Dimes
Turning Pennies Into Dimes by Kevin Chu is an exquisitely illustrated and delightful narrative that captivates readers from start to finish. Through the lens of a wolf named Doc, we are transported into a world where work consumes every waking moment, leaving little room for the joys of life, even a restful night’s sleep. It is not until the arrival of Doc’s friend, Locke, that he begins to grasp the significance of pursuing activities that bring true happiness.
Kevin Chu, the accomplished author, skillfully crafts a visually stunning tale that engulfs readers in the very essence of Doc’s existence. The rhythmic prose adds an extra layer of enjoyment, reminiscent of an animated spectacle unfolding before one’s eyes. Not only is this story a fantastic choice for both parents and children, but it also serves as a poignant reminder for parents themselves to dedicate time in their day to engage in activities that bring personal joy.
One particular image that remains etched in my memory is that of Doc astride the “stock bull,” triumphantly reveling in his success while simultaneously being tied down to the monotony of the stock market on another screen. It serves as a powerful metaphor, illustrating how adults can easily become ensnared in their work, thereby missing out on the simple pleasures of life, such as frolicking outdoors with their beloved little ones.
Turning Pennies Into Dimes not only showcases Kevin Chu’s remarkable artistic talents but also delivers an engaging narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. It serves as a gentle nudge for both parents and children alike to prioritize moments of joy and cherish the small wonders that life has to offer.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0BSB1ZWNQ
Nurse Florence®, What is Arthritis?
Nurse Florence®, What is Arthritis? by Michael Dow, offers a captivating and educational reading experience that is sure to intrigue young minds, fostering a genuine interest in scientific exploration. The narrative follows Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they engage in an enlightening conversation about their science class when serendipitously, they encounter Nurse Florence in the cafeteria. Curious to understand arthritis and its impact on our bones, the girls turn to Nurse Florence for answers. With great expertise and compassion, Nurse Florence delves into the complexities of arthritis, shedding light on its effects, various treatment approaches, and the demographics most prone to this condition.
Author Dow once again delivers a thought-provoking and highly enlightening literary work. The series succeeds in stimulating young readers to inquire about the intricacies of the human body, demonstrating that science can be both enjoyable and intriguing. Despite its concise length, the book effortlessly imparts a wealth of knowledge. While some vocabulary may prove challenging for younger readers, the author mitigates this concern by including a comprehensive glossary at the book’s conclusion, accompanied by a pronunciation guide at the beginning. Furthermore, the deliberate choice to portray the main characters as girls is commendable, as it addresses the underrepresentation of women in the scientific field.
The illustrations in the book possess a remarkable artistic quality, adding aesthetic appeal to the overall reading experience. The wealth of information provided by Nurse Florence is genuinely fascinating, leaving readers like myself craving further exploration of arthritis. The Nurse Florence series serves as an ideal entry point for young readers, gently nudging them into the fascinating world of science. Undoubtedly, this book would be a valuable addition to educational institutions and libraries alike, inspiring young minds and fostering a love for scientific inquiry. I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming installments in this exceptional series.
Pages: 117 | ISBN : 1312775211
Love is in the Air
It’s Valentine’s Day, and the King and Queen have a romantic dinner date planned. They have hired the kingdom’s favorite nanny, Ali the Alligator, to come and watch over the three princesses for the evening. The princesses and Ali have a fun evening planned; they are going to make perfume. When it comes time to mix all the ingredients, Angel Scarlett wants to use her wand to mix them, not realizing that it will turn the perfume into a magical love spell. Suddenly the love spell flies up into the air and spreads all over town. Can they restore order and reverse the love spell before the whole town is under a love spell?
Love is in the Air by Karen M. Bobos is an enchanting children’s story filled with magic and fun facts. This children’s book has relatable characters that children will enjoy reading about and laughing at their antics. There are fun facts scattered through as well, such as peanuts being a legume and not a nut. These are worked into the story seamlessly, making it fun to learn while laughing at the actions of the characters. The whimsical illustrations done by Jazinel Libranda are expressive, bold, and full of details. I loved seeing the full-color artwork on each page, bringing the story to life, and children will love finding all the small touches that are included making each character unique.
Love is in the Air is a beautifully written picture book that children and adults will enjoy reading together about the holiday of Valentine’s Day. The messages of love, friendship, and working together are combined in this feel-good children’s story that will warm the hearts of all who read it.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0BM4N1JGS
I Have A Strong Relationship With Nature
A Birch Tree’s Year follows a big birch tree in a family’s yard who shares its feelings on watching the family grow and the changing seasons of the year. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have always had a strong relationship with nature. It is a very personal connection, and I often feel that individual elements of nature speak to me directly. I strongly feel the change of seasons, too. It affects all my being and thinking.
In my childhood, I lived for a meaningful decade in the middle of the beautiful Finnish lake district. Since then, the detailed images of everything I have seen and experienced have been drawn into the depths of my soul.
I can still go to my favorite places in my imagination whenever I want to. I can imagine wandering in the middle of a blooming meadow near my home. From there, I collected over a hundred plants for school biology classes, dried and labeled them carefully in a folder.
Trees are one of my greatest joys in nature. I am happy about their diversity and the shelter they provide for the nesting birds with their branches. This is important for me, as I’m also a fan of birds and birdsong!
Birch is an important tree for us Finns. It also has great symbolic value due to the sensitivity associated with it. This extraordinary tree changes with the seasons from a bare and stripped winter version to a plentiful and strong green summer birch tree. My favorite is the spring birch, which is just beginning to promise the arrival of summer by pushing out tiny light green buds.
What is your favorite season and why?
The substantial changes in the seasons in Finland mean a lot to me. This cycle of nature gives rhythm to the whole human life. Experiences in winter’s white, frozen nature are entirely different from those in the middle of blooming summer. Here is the richness of life!
However, I must admit that I am a spring and summer person. Especially that turning point is wonderful! Schools are ending, and summer vacations are ahead. People are full of dreams and plans. They think about traveling, meeting friends and relatives, digging and planting in gardens, walking in parks, and picking berries in the forest.
Spring and the beginning of summer are always intense experiences for me – year after year. I can’t help but admire the power of nature after winter. My ideal summer is as peaceful as possible. I need time to look at and listen to the blooming nature around me. I try to avoid traveling and doing too much work.
Of course, I can’t stop writing even in the summer. Then I have time to focus on a different kind of writing than in the winter. I always have some novels for adult readers in the making. But I don’t know how many summers it will take to complete them!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I consider it essential that people and nature live in harmony with each other. It is good that children learn to respect nature in all its forms. Even that single tree next to the house can be very important to everyone living near it.
In my book, A Birch Tree’s Year, this connection between people, animals, and plants is examined by going through the life of the family, their house, and the yard around it in all months of the year. The point of view of the birch tree is emphasized because it offers quite a drama. There is the depression of autumn, the frosts of winter, the candles of Christmas, and finally, a new life at the dawn of spring with the pleasures of summertime to follow.
Although this is a fairy tale and can be taken just like that, I also want to highlight nature’s enormous power and influence on us humans. That union with the rest of nature is also a prerequisite for our well-being as people.
And it wouldn’t be bad at all if the children reading the fairy tale looked at the familiar yard tree with new eyes the next time. They could even experience its presence in a new, more sensitive way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I got very excited about this question because I have a lot of good news!
The fourth book in the familiar Fox Series is in the illustration. I’ve already seen the storyboarding by illustrator Andrea Alemanno for The Fox’s New Channel. My fox continues his crooked games, this time brazenly using new media and fake news.
My new illustrator, Iva Dukić in Croatia, currently illustrates my book Friends and Rivals. The prince brothers in the book end up in a bitter struggle for the crown and the throne. Fortunately, at the end of the book, the other brother returns to his brother’s side. The sad thing is that it took almost a lifetime in the dungeon.
I would like to highlight the third novelty, which is already well into the illustration. The Ukrainian Sofia Panchyshyn – the sister of the illustrator Roksolana, known from many of my other books – has taken up her delicate brush. Sofia’s gentle touch creates a magical and plentiful illustration for my story, The Bird Prison. In this book, we follow Griselda, who hates colorful birds nesting in her perfect garden with color harmony and begins a merciless battle against them.
We should get all these books in Wicwick’s fall/winter publishing schedule. I look forward to presenting them to readers and international partners. Since I’m so excited about the illustrations for the upcoming books, I’ve already been posting a few tastings of the artists’ works on my social media channels.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
For the birch, the year is full of changes: the warmth of summer; the wistful farewells of autumn; the chill of winter; and the miracle of growth in spring. The birch is often the center of life for the children playing in the yard, but sometimes the birch is left all alone.
In this book, each month depicts a vignette in the life of the birch and its surroundings. The tree and the family are in an ongoing, delicate interaction–from one day, one month, and one year, to another.
Ellie Cat Wants To Know How To Wake Up Happy Everyday
Ellie cat wants to have a happy day. She tries really hard to be happy. She tries and tries and then goes out and does a variety of different activities that make her happy. And they do, and it’s wonderful, and she comes to realize that the only thing between her and happiness is a choice that she has to make every day.
Ellie Cat Wants To Know How To Wake Up Happy Everyday follows an adorable little cat that tries so desperately to be happy. I loved following her on her adorable journey toward happiness. I loved seeing her sit with her cute friends and tell them that they make her happy. It was so lovely.
Embedded in this charming tale is a powerful life lesson for little readers – happiness can be a choice. What if, instead of waiting for joy to find us, we chase after it ourselves? You can choose to have happy thoughts and go and enjoy the things in life that make you happy. That’s the brilliant and inspiring message that this picture book imparts.
Penned by Sam Rice, Ellie Cat Wants To Know How To Wake Up Happy Everyday is more than just a children’s picture book. It’s an endearing narrative with delightful illustrations that not only entertains but also nurtures a can-do spirit in young hearts. It’s a lovingly crafted ode to positivity, resilience, and the age-old wisdom that happiness is, indeed, an inside job.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0C12DKNBP
Blue Is the Only Color in the Rainbow
Jasmine favorite color is blue. Everything that she has is blue. But when she’s given a red monkey as a gift for her birthday she embarks on a dreamy adventure to a colorful land called Prisma where she learns all the colors are beautiful.
Deanna Hart’s brilliant children’s book tells the tale of a young girl who finds herself entranced by a single color and finds it challenging to embrace other colors in the spectrum. As a parent, I found this story relatable, as it’s common for our little ones to develop intense affection for one color, often overlooking the charm of others. This narrative serves as an exceptional instrument to encourage children to appreciate the vibrant array of colors in our world while still cherishing their personal favorites.
This is a richly colored kid’s book. One of my favorite features of Blue Is the Only Color in the Rainbow is the progression of hues from an all-blue start to a dazzling mix of rainbow colors later in the story. Illustrator Chrish Vindhy has done a commendable job in translating Jasmine’s journey into colorful visuals. Jasmine’s shifting emotions are vividly portrayed, making it easy for young readers to connect with her journey.
Blue Is the Only Color in the Rainbow is a wonderfully educational picture book that guides young minds to understand that venturing beyond our comfort zones can open up a fascinating new world. A must-read for the little explorers in our lives!
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0C2JPF18F
LITERARY TITAN 