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Girls Need Sailing Representation Too
A Big Blue Boat follows a young girl as she sets out for a day of sailing and teaches readers different parts of a boat. What was the inspiration for your story?
My husband and I are ocean sailors and sailed from Australia to Europe between 2013 and 2015 – the story can be found on www.gratisaustralis.com. The idea for the book originally grew from the desire to share our experiences on the sea with our own big blue boat in a fun way with our Grandchildren. I wanted them to experience that feel of being in a boat out on the sea.
As we sailed and met other people in the sailing community, I also learned that although slowly changing, it is still very much a man’s world. We need stories that are going to help promote this change.
From a simple book written for the grandchildren and their parents, A Big Blue Boat rapidly grew into a story that could be enjoyed by all and used as an educational text.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Lesley Cybulka?
Everything to do with A Big Blue Boat has just fallen into place.
I originally asked a friend, whose artwork I loved, whether he would like to join us on the journey by creating the images. Having completed the first image of the sea, Andrew felt he couldn’t do the imagery of the boat and captain full justice and wondered whether I would be happy for his friend, Lesley, to do the illustrations instead.
The partnership with Lesley was something beyond my imagination and a true collaboration.
Initially, I sent a copy of the text with some basic illustration notes and multiple photographs of the boat to Lesley. We had a long conversation via Zoom, where we discussed the manuscript, illustration notes, and mediums to be used, then I left the rest to her.
Neither of us work well when under pressure, so the time factor was left open…
The arrival of what would become the front cover image had me hyper excited. Lesley’s first illustration had taken the artwork beyond my imaginings, and it was so different to what is found in picture books of today. Having never seen her work, I discovered how exceptionally talented Lesley is and she had brought my story to life!
As each set of images were created, Lesley and I would connect to discuss whether readjustments were required. In some cases, illustrations were totally redone.
That moment when Lesley agreed to join me in illustrating A Big Blue Boat, will be one for which I will be forever grateful.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As I searched to find sailing stories for young children – particularly girls – in the 4 – 8 year age range, I discovered the majority of picture books in the boating genre are about motor boats and the protagonists male. For girls especially, sailing stories are set within the character’s imagination, as a dream, or used as a way of introducing the reader to other cultures. Realistic sailing stories with a female protagonist that are fun for young children, are difficult to find and the female sailing community is crying out for them. Many women have told me of how they change characters from male to female when they read boat books to their young girl/s. A strong female protagonist was of utmost importance. The captain of A Big Blue Boat is based upon the ‘sailing me’ I am learning to be.
As a sport, sailing is perfect for children on many levels. It promotes and develops critical thinking, problem solving, communication and cooperation skills; builds team spirit, fitness, and strength; and shows that clean wind power can be just as much fun as motor boats. It seemed right that the first book should be one that introduced important parts of a sailing boat and the captain.
The sea is also a magical place. There is nothing like the feeling of freedom one experiences out on the water in a sailing boat. Here you are immersed within the elements and can encounter the inconceivable wonders of nature: wind, storms, a dolphin’s birth, albatross soaring, dolphins leaping and whales breaching. It has been an environment that has long called to me personally, as it does for many children, Australians as a whole and people worldwide, and I want to share it with the world.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Two sequels about A Big Blue Boat are completed and currently with Lesley awaiting illustrations. I am not sure which of the two will be first, for I have left that up to Lesley. A Big Blue Boat and the Mighty Storm tells of a storm that blows up in the Australian Bight, whilst A Big Blue Boat is Out on the Brine introduces more of our wondrous ocean creatures and the web of life. Anyone who loves Bill Martin Jr’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear is going to love The Brine.
We are hoping the second will be available for purchase sometime in 2023.
In the meantime, several more sequels and a couple of prequels are well underway.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook Author | Facebook Book | Website
Parents looking for picture books about boats or picture books about sailing will fall in love with A Big Blue Boat. It’s one of the best sailing stories of 2021. Especially, if you’re looking for picture books about sailing for girls. Written for early readers and pre-schoolers, it’ll have them learning to sail in no time.
Children will love joining in with the rhythm and rhyme in this cumulative story about a boat, a girl and the rollicking frolicking sea.
A boat.
A big blue boat.
A big blue boat with billowing sails.
A big blue boat with billowing sails and …
In the tradition of There Once Was A Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, The Big Blue Boat takes readers on an ever-growing rhyming song in this beautiful yarn about boats for early readers.
The Big Blue Boat also features a female captain, making it a great option for those looking for books about sailing for girls as well as picture books about boats. All families interested in sailing and boats will love Susea Spray’s fun-filled adventure. After all, who better to write boat stories for girls, than an author living on a boat?
Beloved by educators, The Big Blue Boat reinforces key early learning skills. “From a teacher’s perspective, and thinking about literacy skills, the repetition is really great, as it helps children access reading of some key words along with the adult reader.” Dr Kathryn Macfarlane (teacher and children’s author)
Buy The Big Blue Boat to set sail on a magical journey today!
I Want Children To Know They Matter
Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose follows two children as they think about what the future can hold for them. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was inspired to write this story while watching the news one day. It was during the time of the protests and sometimes violent occurrences about police violence and brutality and race issues. I thought about how disturbing and hurtful it all was and I wondered, “If I am feeling this way, what must the children be feeling, especially children of Color?” That deeply bothered me and I began to ponder what I would want them to know. I wanted them to know that they mattered. I needed them to know that regardless of their background, skin color, zip code or even the ability of their bodies – they were all important and each had a purpose and a place in this life.
The art in this book is fantastic with all the bright colors and inspiring images. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Megan Rizzo?
Megan Rizzo is such a gifted artist! She was once an art therapist, so she truly has a gift for giving life to my words. Because of the serious message, but sensitive delivery, our goal was to evoke emotion through the illustrations, and Megan absolutely delivered! She truly understood my message, my heart, and she was just as committed as I was in reaching the children. Early on, we were in agreement that attention to specific features, body variety and skin tones would be crucial to our message. We were truly partners in expressing diversity, love and inclusion for all children. We wanted the beauty of the message to be received from looking at the pictures, whether or not the child could read the words. I believe we accomplished that.
What do you hope is one thing children take away from your story?
What I hope children take away from this story is that they each have a special purpose and a unique path to follow in life, made just for them. I want them to know they are each important and they each deserve a future that is bright. We need them, each one of them, in that future.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have a couple of exciting projects in the works. One is the sequel to my first children’s book, Johari The Great. I’ve received many requests for another adventure for Johari, and it’s coming. Also, after my recent trip to Tanzania, East Africa, I was inspired to write a fun children’s book that introduces them to the Swahili language. I’ve been taking lessons for several months now, and I am very excited to share. Megan will soon be enjoying the new joys of motherhood, so we will be working around her schedule, hoping for early next year. She’s illustrated both of my books and she’s so important to me. She’s worth the wait!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
It features stunning, full-spread illustrations that truly bring the meaningful words to life. Readers follow two children who wonder about their place in life and where the future will lead them. As they consider possibilities, the answers to the question, “Why Am I Here?” go from whimsical to meaningful as they are guided into fun considerations and positive realizations. This book welcomes pondering, hoping and dreaming!
Stressing diversity, unity and inclusion as strengths to overcome obstacles in their way, “Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose” reminds children that regardless of their situation or surroundings, the ability of their bodies or the color of their skin, they EACH have a purpose that is BEAUTIFUL and a future that is BRIGHT. Discussion questions in the back of the book enhance comprehension and promote family discussion about the important topics of purpose, diversity, self-awareness and self-discovery!
Toby, Toby, Worry Free
Toby, the octopus, is apprehensive about riding his bike. He wants to ride it and play with his friends, but he is afraid. He is scared of falling, and that his friends might laugh at him when he does. This fear keeps him from learning to ride his bike and having fun with his friends. Toby’s fear shows by his tentacles getting all knotted up, and him not feeling well. His mom reminds him of his “can do” attitude, and together they work on building up his confidence so he can ride his bike and go on adventures with his friends.
Toby, Toby, Worry Free, written by Lucinda Grapenthin and illustrated by Kevin Gosselin, is a heartwarming picture book to help children work through fears and understand that it is okay to be scared sometimes. This well-written book helps children learn how to overcome their fears and anxiety. While reading this, the descriptions of Toby and his tentacles getting tangled up and tingling reminded me of my own children who have anxiety. I would have loved to have had this book to help them through some of these moments when they were little.
The “can do” approach is so simple that children quickly understand the concept. While more challenging to put into practice, the idea is easy to explain. Toby is portrayed in a relatable manner, both in the story and in the illustrations. This children’s book has a page for parents and caregivers at the end. It discusses the PAUSE approach to helping children with challenging behaviors, and it helps adults understand the strong emotions children experience but cannot express themselves.
Toby, Toby, Worry Free is a profoundly thoughtful children’s book that teaches kids how to deal with strong emotions and work through fears. It is also an excellent resource for parents and caregivers to better understand how to work with kids who cannot express themselves well.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09HCT1RVK
Sailing the Milky Way
It is time for bed; the young child asks his parents to tell him the story of Yuri the dragonfly once more before he goes to sleep. Yuri is a dragonfly born of light and love, with a magical destiny ahead of him. This dragonfly goes on exciting adventures and explores the universe. Yuri is limited only by his own imagination and dreams, and these things take him all over; from sailing the oceans, playing in the wind, and even into space and exploring the Milky Way. This is a story of curiosity, courage, imagination, and love.
Sailing the Milky Way: A Passport to the Unimagined is written and illustrated by Eileen Ferriter. This whimsical and magical picture book is a delight for readers of all ages, with brilliantly colored images that pop off the page. Ferriter’s artistic style creates a world where children will aspire to use their imagination and create the visions they see in their minds. I especially loved the use of spirals in all the images; they represent a continuous flow of all things and tie into the title of the Milky Way.
This imaginative children’s book is written to inspire children to dream and create. Yuri shows extraordinary courage as he explores the seas and sky, venturing off into space to see what the Milky Way holds. The way Yuri explores his world is akin to the innocence of a child exploring their new environments, finding all the good and amazing things before them.
Sailing the Milky Way: A Passport to the Unimagined is a remarkable picture book that will mesmerize children with phenomenal artwork and a highly original storyline. Written for young children in preschool to kindergarten, this feel-good story will appeal to adults as much as it does to kids. This would make a great book for classrooms when introducing an art or creative thought lessons.
Pages: 24 | ISBN : 1977247016
Solita and the Purple Moon
Solita is a young girl that misses her mom. But unfortunately, her mom is in the military and is deployed and she does not know when her mom will return. So, she imagines the Purple Moon that will come to her room every night to comfort her. This moon becomes her source of refuge and a companion for the lonely nights as she misses her mom. The moon sits by her window night after night offering comfort and, one night, a trip across the land to see mountains, rivers, and lakes. The Purple Moon is her best friend waiting by her side until Solita’s mom returns.
Solita and the Purple Moon: Solita Y La Luna Morada, written by Miriam Isabel Elliott, is a beautiful picture book written in English and Spanish. This heartwarming story about a little girl missing her mom is one that many children will be able to relate to. Even for children not in a military family, a parent who travels is common, and this story can bring them comfort.
The whimsical rhymes sound like a small child calling out, and the Moon is a loving caregiver assuring them that they are not alone. The tone is soothing and peaceful, perfect for a bedtime story. The book is written both in Spanish and in English. This is an ideal way of introducing a new language to children. Having the story be the same in both languages on the same page will help them understand the new words.
This creative children’s book is illustrated by Carlos E. Elliott. His pencil drawings are innovative and unique. Done mostly in grayscale, the Purple Moon stands out as well as Solita’s hair. The art style focuses on the two main characters, allowing them to shine against the things that caused Solita’s loneliness. I genuinely enjoy black and white artwork, and I think the pop of color will appeal to children, especially when you are trying to settle them down for bed. The gray tones are soothing instead of invigorating.
Solita and the Purple Moon: Solita Y La Luna Morada is a heartfelt children’s book that will appeal to children that are missing their parents, or having fears of being alone at night. This well-written book will expose children to different languages as well, making it an excellent way to introduce them to being bilingual.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B099DXZV88
I Have a Passion for Rhyme
Wonderful Wishes is an imaginative tale of some of the crazy ideas children have, often when getting ready for bed. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am a very blessed mother of four children and 11 nieces and nephews. Over the years they have all had their little obsessions with certain toys. My oldest son loved trains, the middle one would always gravitate towards the monkey exhibit at the zoo. Knowing what kids love really helped me bring Wonderful Wishes to life.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Rosy Sale?
I knew what I wanted I just had to relay that through my own very basic drawings and references. She was spot on in articulating my vision for the book.
What was the hardest part of creating this children’s book for you?
Getting the rhyme to work while not losing the feel and story. Kids are very visual so I wanted the words to work with the characters. I had three editors look through the book before it was finalized.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book is at the printer’s ready to come to life. Hopefully by the start of May 2022. This one is not my usual rhyming work. It’s a tribute to my sister who passed away from cancer as a young mother. It’s about two sisters that go on a magical journey through the sky. They get to sip tea from a cup made out of the golden sun, and have a tea party with a pink fairy. It’s a book I wish I could of read to my kids when we were going through this hard time. I have been so busy writing I also have a third on the way.
Back to my passion for rhyme. The illustrations are coming along perfectly, that one will be out mid-July titled I Just Want Some Cheese On Toast.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
“I hope your children enjoy Wonderful Wishes just as mush as I loved writing it.”
Kelly Louise Jarris
The Lost and Lonely Tumbleweed
The Lost and Lonely Tumbleweed, by T.C. Bartlett, tells the story of a lonely tumbleweed named Spike. All Spike wants is to make a friend and not be alone anymore. He is very open-minded and tries to make friends with everyone he meets, but no one wants to be his friend; they all have a different excuse for why they can not be friends with a tumbleweed. Spike refuses to be discouraged for long and keeps his search going. Even when chased by bees and birds or stuck in a rain shower, Spike rolls along, never giving up. Will he ever find a friend that accepts him as he is?
This creative picture book tells a story about persistence, friendships, and acceptance. Through the whimsical illustrations, also done by T.C. Bartlett, young readers will follow Spike on his journey. Spike has a sense of humor and a strong personality that kids will find entertaining. However, it is not all sweet and happy moments in the story. Instead, this children’s book showcases Spike’s struggles on his quest. None of the obstacles he encounters are scary, but they show kids that it is not easy to achieve your goals sometimes, and you have to work hard to get through the challenges.
The topic of friendship is one that many preschool and kindergarten children face. Making new friends is hard, and Spike shows the reality of it. Not all people are meant to be friends, and you have to choose your friends wisely. The message of finding someone that wants to be your friend for who you are and not what you can do for them or try to change you is important.
The Lost and Lonely Tumbleweed is a heartwarming picture book that tells the story of finding a real friend. It reminds children of the importance of never giving up on achieving your goals and not changing yourself for other people.
Pages: 50 | ISBN : 1733908609
My Day With Grandma
My Day With Grandma by author Reesa Shayne and illustrated by Juanita Taylor tells the story of a little boy who gets to spend the entire day with his grandma. Together they play hide and go seek, read stories, go for a walk, color with chalk, sing, dance, and watch a movie till it is time for her to go home. Readers will see all the fun things they like to do together and see the special bond between a grandma and her grandson. Finally, the little boy declares that Grandma is his best friend, and he can’t wait till they have another exciting day together again.
Multigenerational families are a wonderful thing for a young boy to have. However, being able to share a day of fun and play with a grandparent is not something every child gets to experience. For children who do have grandparents, this is an excellent reminder of how special they are, and for those that don’t can get a glimpse of what it is like to have one and understand when people talk about those relationships.
Shayne’s writing style is magical, with cute and fun rhymes that make reading this story exciting for adults and children. The simple phrases are easy for preschoolers and kindergartens to follow and for young elementary aged children to start reading. This heartwarming book spans several age groups and can become a favorite for years to come.
The illustrations done by Taylor are vivid, bold, and colorful. Watching the expression on the little boy’s face with each new activity, you can feel the excitement and love he has for his Grandma. For children who cannot read the words yet, just flipping through the pages will allow them to understand what is happening and grasp the feelings portrayed.
My Day With Grandma is a beautifully written picture book about spending the day with Grandma. Children will find this joyful story captivating and will want to read it over and over again.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09HJRFS8W
LITERARY TITAN 