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Always Look Up
Butterfly Love from Above tells the heartwarming story of one girl’s journey through grief and shows the healing power and joy animals can bring. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was based on my own true story that played out the last couple of years. My longtime dream of opening up my own Fitness Studio was shattered when, after a day of horseback riding, my back suddenly ruptured. That led to 2 years of multiple spinal surgeries and other complications that made it so I could not ride a horse or teach fitness classes anymore. I wanted to share my story to inspire others who may also feel stuck under a dark cloud like myself. I learned that the only way for me to find my sunshine again was to help others and give back through charities that had become close to my heart. I also found that watching my little girl ride horses and just sitting at the stable surrounded by horses, butterflies, and nature brought an unexplainable peace and joy to my life. Even though my plans and dream didn’t play out as I thought, writing my story was so therapeutic for me, and becoming a published Author and inspiring others means so much to me.
I loved the beautiful artwork in this book. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Kate Solenova?
While describing my vision of what I wanted the artwork to look like, she quickly told me to get on Amazon and look at the books that Kate had previously worked on. My eyes lit up, and I knew without a doubt she was going to be the perfect fit! I sent Kate pictures of myself, my daughter, and pony Luna and she captured my little girl’s face and my pony Luna so beautifully! She took my vision and brought it to life throughout each page, and I’m forever grateful to her.
Where did the book’s motto “always look up” come from, and what were some key ways you wanted to show that in your story?
I remember exactly where I was when I came up with that motto for my story. I was still stuck under that dark cloud and feeling sorry for myself because I couldn’t ride horses or do much of anything due to all my spinal surgeries. I was watching my daughter riding her pony, and a yellow butterfly flew above her, just as they sometimes did when I used to ride. I was looking up, enjoying that moment, and the words “Always look up” came to me. When I started writing this book, those words became my focal point, not just for my book but for my life. I wanted to share with my readers that there is always something beautiful to see when we take a moment to “Always look up”. It can be life-changing!
Will you be working on writing more children’s books?
I poured my heart and soul into this book, and it means the world to me to share my story, but I honestly don’t know if I will write another one. If I’ve learned anything these last couple of years, it’s that dreams and plans can change in an instant, so anything is possible!
Author Links: Facebook | Website
This is the heartwarming story of one little girl’s journey through grief.
After losing her best friend-a butterfly named Twinkle-Star must search to rediscover her sunshine. The loss of Twinkle has kept Star under a dark cloud for some time, but her journey towards betterment will touch the hearts of all readers! Star is amazed to discover that she can reclaim her own sunshine by helping others who are also stuck under a dark cloud of their own! And she’ll realize that her light is even brighter than before!
Star’s love for Twinkle-and her pony, Luna-will show readers the beauty, joy, and healing power that animals can bring to our lives! Her journey will remind us that there is something beautiful to see when we take a moment to “always look up!”
You Got This – A Tale of Courage
A young little girl loves to play in her garden. Here she feels safe and protected and can let her imagination flow. Her best friend in the garden is an angel. She and the angel do everything together, from painting to tea parties, to exciting adventures battling pirates or dragons. As the girl grew, the angel taught her to have courage, not just in battling dragons but against the fear that lived inside her. Whenever the girl was afraid, she would go to the garden to see her angel friend. Here she would hear the whisper from her friend of all the wonderful things she could do when she had the courage to follow her dreams. As the girl grew into a young woman, she became unsure of things, so she returned to the garden to see her old friend. The angle reminded the girl to choose courage over fear.
You Got This – A Tale of Courage by Wanda Carter Roush and illustrated by Nataly Simmons is an inspirational Christian picture book. Children learn that strength comes from within themselves from this story. The message of confidence and faith is inspiring. The girl in the story has no name, making it easy for young readers to relate to the character and imagine themselves in her place, fighting off mean words, battling fear, and overcoming doubt.
The artwork in this children’s book is breathtaking. The little girl, as she grows, transforms from a carefree child to an unsure school girl to a young woman filled with confidence. Each page is filled with details that bring the story to life and draw readers into it, making it easy to incision themselves as the character, not just someone looking into the book.
You Got This – A Tale of Courage is a beautifully written picture book to help children build confidence and self-esteem. The phenomenal messages of courage, confidence, and defeating fear will inspire young readers.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B08Q8SD46V
The ‘Tail’ of a Trio
Three dogs have had a very different life up until this point. One dog, Addie, has a loving home with an owner she adores. She became her human’s assistant and works in their therapy practice with her. Addie is a therapy dog. Next is Rue. Rue had a loving home to start, but then one day, her humans disappeared, leaving her behind. She was rescued and brought to a new home, but she was always worried about being replaced and left again. The third dog, Bee, grew up in the pound; she never knew love, only stress and anxiety, and loud noises scared her. This well-written children’s book tells the story of how the three meet and become friends.
The ‘Tail’ of a Trio is written by Katherine Scott, a licensed therapist. She uses the dogs in this story to explain how therapy dogs help people and some situations in that they can be of service. Told from the dogs’ perspective, this heartwarming book can help children suffering from anxiety to see their feelings are normal and valid. I love that Scott explains different therapy terms and practices in the story. This is a friendly and gentle way to introduce the concept to children, especially kids who are unsure about therapy or feel something is wrong with them attending therapy.
The story is conversational and moves comfortably, giving readers time to talk about concepts and situations. I feel this book would help children that have anxiety understand that they are not alone and it is ok. In addition, the three dogs make the story approachable and less scary than if it were humans doing the same thing.
The ‘Tail’ of a Trio is an extraordinary tale of friendship, compassion, and understanding. Children will learn much from this short story and enjoy its artwork. Each dog has their own unique personality, and children will be able to find one to identify with. This is a beautiful book for therapists to have and recommend to help normalize therapy.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0B8334M45
The Legend of Paisley Pete: A Magical Story About Abandoned Cats
There are times humans make bad choices, and abandoning a family pet is one of those times. Flynn is confused about why his family has left him in the middle of nowhere; he is afraid, hungry, and scared. So he is suspicious when a strange cat shows up and offers to sit with him. Next, a sweet girl cat shows up and offers him a snack. Soon he follows them back to the feral colony. Here he learns the fable of the Pete the Paisley Cat is real. Cats that have been abandoned by humans and abused turn a majestic paisley pattern, and Flynn realizes his coat is changing as well. He realizes his family has left him and starts to accept those around him, especially Daisy. The following day something magical happens. Will the cats be rescued and find a home?
Author Phyllis Smith has written and whimsical children’s book, The Legend of Paisley Pete: A Magical Story About Abandoned Cats. This heartwarming story is based on her real-life experiences of rescuing a feral cat colony. I loved that the story is told from the perspective of the cats. While Smith says this is because the cat’s view is more interesting, I feel it also adds a dimension to the story of humanizing their feelings. Animals have feelings just like people, and this story highlights that.
The illustrations also done by Smith are amazing. They are vibrant and colorful. Each cat is unique and seeing the different patterns and colors that match their personality bring the story to life. Each page will keep children engaged, looking at the designs and seeing how each cat is different.
The Legend of Paisley Pete is a well-written children’s book from which children can learn compassion. Written for elementary-age children, this would be an excellent book for classrooms and a home library. However, anyone that loves animals, especially cats, will find this book works its way into their hearts and will want to read it more than once.
Pages: 77 | ASIN : B0B1D6CLWZ
Gaining Her Strength
Laia the Butterfly Princess returns to readers with another adventure. This time Laia wants to see the other side of the river. The only problem is it is now fall and very windy. Her delicate wings can not compete with the wind blowing her in the wrong direction. After a long trek, she makes it to the river only to find an alligator crying on the river bank. Laia is afraid of the giant alligator, but she is a strong princess who refuses to let fear prevent her from helping someone in need. It turns out Andy, the alligator has a rotten tooth, and it is making him miserable. Can Laia help Andy feel better, and will she ever make it across the river to see what is on the other side?
Gaining Her Strength: Butterfly Princess Book 3 by author Alisa Wagner is a whimsical picture book about a princess butterfly and her courage and compassion. This magical book teaches children that even if you are small, you can still help others and do good in the world. Laia may be small, but she is smart, she through a way to help Andy and his rotten tooth, and even though she was afraid of him at first, she did not let that fear keep her from doing the right thing.
The artwork in this children’s book by Albert Morales is colorful and engaging. The images are vibrant and draw readers in; you can see Andy’s tears and sense the pain his tooth is causing him. Children will see the transformation in Laia from concerned in afraid to confident and determined.
Kindergarten and early elementary students will find this well-written picture book to be motivational and entertaining. I look forward to seeing what other adventures Laia goes on in future books.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B09TV28RT9
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window
M.J. is a friendly and curious dog. She loves to look out the big kitchen window in her home and see everything that is going on. She will often bark to get her mom’s attention and show her what is happening outside. Today she sees a rabbit, a squirrel, and a bird all out front. M.J. wants to go out and say hello to these new animals. After barking some more, her mom takes her out on a walk where she can see them all up closer. After their walk, M.J. returns to her place in front of the window to await more new friends to look at and meet.
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window, written by Vera Harris and illustrated by Tania Ramirez Cuevas, is an enjoyable picturebook that any dog owner can relate to. This is a wonderful children’s book to read to babies and toddlers. It encourages pointing out and identifying different animals and repeats the animals to help reinforce the words and picture connections.
One of my favorite parts of this entertaining book is the illustrations. The expressions on M.J. and her mom are realistic, and I can actually visualize the conversations happening in my own home. While written for children, I could definitely relate to this entire book unfolding in my own home. For this reason, I think parents will enjoy having this book and it becoming a favorite read for bedtime or story time.
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window is a delightful picture book that families will be able to enjoy together. It would be an excellent addition to a classroom library as well.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B08JD3H24W
Butterfly Love From Above
Star is a little girl with a very special friend. A butterfly named Twinkle plays with her every day. But one day when Twinkle doesn’t show up Star learns a powerful lesson about loss. Star soon makes a new friend and shares her friendship with others so that they too may have joy in their life.
Butterfly Love From Above is a delightful children’s book that shares a positive message that will help readers deal with loss and reiterates an encouraging message to ‘always look up’. The art in this book is vibrant and sharp. Some of the faces and expressions are so life like, which really helps children see the emotion on the characters faces. Nearly every page in this book is an art piece unto itself. I loved how the color palette changes with the mood as well, ensuring that the emotional weight of the moment is felt.
With easy-to-understand language this would be a great book for early readers that are ready to take on books themselves. This would also be a fantastic book to read at bedtime as it’s sure to inspire the imagination.
This is a beautiful picture book with a wonderfully diverse cast of characters and a heartfelt moment of friendship that will tug at the heart. I also greatly appreciated the true story that this book is based on that is shared at the end of the book. Both of these stories are inspiring and one that adults and children will enjoy.
Pages: 34 | ISBN: 1956914358
Johari The Great
Johari has an incredible imagination and absolutely loves to write. He has put his skills to use writing an amazing story for his school’s writing contest. His patience grows thin as he waits anxiously for the moment in his day when he can share his sure-fire winning story with his classmates. Johari is convinced the tale he has woven will catch the attention of his friends and classmates, not to mention the contest’s judges. When the moment comes, Johari takes the stage with all the confidence and support one young fifth grader could ever hope to have.
Johari the Great, by Naomi V. Dunsen-White, is the sweet story of one elementary student who has an incredibly supportive and loving family and is especially gifted when it comes to using his imagination to write creatively. Dunsen-White’s main character, Johari, is a great role model for young readers. He shows all the qualities of a self-motivated and self-confident young boy.
I was particularly impressed with the book’s focus on the writing contest. As a teacher, I loved seeing the excitement of not only the main character but the other students in the classroom. This is a wonderful way to encourage students to delve into writing for enjoyment and share with peers.
Johari the Great, is a phenomenal children’s book with a positive message. Included at the end of Johari’s story is a fantastic resource for parents and teachers, which makes this book even more valuable to readers. Dunsen-White’s precious story will make a great addition to any classroom or school library.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B08PTL62CP
LITERARY TITAN 