Blog Archives
The Child Who Listened to Alice Cooper
Metal Like Me follows Vinny as he faces bullying while trying to make friends. What was the inspiration for the setup to this heartening children’s story?
Metal Like Me stems from my experience as a teacher and wanting to create a more realistic or, at the very least, a more relatable story for students.
Vinny comes from a family of metalheads. This was artfully relayed through the images in the book. Why did you choose this background for Vinny?
I chose metalheads in part because I am one. I was the child who listened to Alice Cooper going to bed and my dad is my concert buddy. We have seen the original Kiss, Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Amon Amarth and many others together so it was something easily relatable for me.
I also knew that metal music was the perfect genre for my characters. Metal has a variety of different sub-genres that make it as diverse as the people who listen to it.
The art in this book is lovely. What was the art collaboration like with Danielle Green?
Honestly, my fear with it all was that I was not specific enough as far as what I wanted to see. If I recall correctly, I was only specific as to the characters. Danielle took everything to a new level and without her the work would not have been the same.
Her experiences in the school system put touches into the illustrations that others would not have been able. The sign tapped to the teacher’s desk regarding names and the extended schedule on the board were things a non-teacher would not have understood or included.
As she progressed with the illustrations and sent me pictures of them, I was thrilled. Her work was incredible.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book is a young adult fantasy novel titled Dark Days. It will be out late August or early September of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
A New Alphabet for Humanity
![A New Alphabet for Humanity : A Children's Book of Alphabet Words to Inspire Compassion, Kindness and Positivity by [Leesa McGregor , Daniela Sosa ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HdpC-+NIL.jpg)
A New Alphabet for Humanity is an inspiring children’s picture book that introduces kids to new ideas and concepts by using encouraging and uplifting words. The book goes through each letter in the alphabet, gives the letter along with an accompanying explanation, a beautiful image to reinforce the message, and a short description of the words meaning. All of these words come together to encourage children to think globally, socially, and positively.
Leesa McGregor introduces young readers to new words, some may be beyond their reading level, but not beyond their comprehension. This wonderful children’s book will inspire kids to think about new ideas, and give them a vocabulary for ideas they may already have and just don’t know how to express. The short but impactful descriptions of the word’s meaning are helpful, not just for children, but also for the adults that may be reading this book with their children. The illustrations by Daniela Sosa are bright, colorful, and focused on action which helps to keep kids engaged. The cute smiling faces of diverse children scattered throughout this book were to numerous to count. I think this is a better way to teach children about the alphabet. Instead of Apple, Cat, and Dog. Leesa McGregor uses empowering words like Abundance, Bravery, and Compassion. These are words that children have to think about more deeply, and because of that, the words and letters will stick much easier.
I have never read a book that embraced humanity with such positivity before. It’s refreshing seeing it accomplished so magnificently for young readers. This is a book for children, parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a new, empowering, alphabet.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B089ZGG6NM
I’ve Got You (Captain Fantastic Book 1)
![I've Got You (Captain Fantastic Book 1) by [Tommy Balaam]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iJ1DRGBaL.jpg)
I’ve Got You is a fun space adventure for young readers. Captain Fantastic and his best friend Winston sail through the galaxy when they encounter a scary looking galaxy. When Winston gets frightened Captain Fantastic’s mission is to reassure his best friend and let him know that he’ll never be alone. Together, they can face anything.
Tommy Balaam has created a charming children’s story that is filled with colorful images that give life to this simple but effective story. I don’t often come across children’s picture books that fall within the science fiction genre. This is a welcome surprise as the story embraces it with a unique charisma that is reminiscent of early science fiction TV shows like Flash Gordon.
The story begins with the duo departing on an adventure. Before long we’re given a peek into their various exciting adventures on diverse planets and against many cute monsters. All relayed through rhyme. I loved the story but what I enjoyed most about this book, much like a comic book, was the fantastic art and imagery throughout the story. A fantastic start to what promises to be an amazing intergalactic children’s series.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B08BKSBHSN
Frankie the Ferret
![Frankie the Ferret by [Kimberley Paterson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51x-5s1+XRL.jpg)
Frankie the Ferret is a wonderful children’s picture book that will help young readers learn what it is like to have a ferret as a pet. Readers get to see all of the different types of activities that ferrets enjoy. The story is told through beautiful narrative illustrations and simple rhymes that really bring this story, and Frankie, to life.
I have never had a ferret for a pet, so I found this book immensely helpful in understanding what to expect if I were to have a pet ferret. This could also be helpful for children who are also thinking of having a ferret as a pet. It’s a simple introduction to the life of a ferret and the different types of mischief he can get into. This is a creative story for new readers that will help build vocabulary skills as much of the text is depicted throughout he story and the rhymes are simple and effective.
This is a fun and educational story that parents will love reading with their children. With plenty of charming images of Frankie in various states of play, readers will sure enjoy reading this book more than once, or just flipping through the pages to giggle at Frankie.
Pages: 13 | ASIN: B08CY2HF59
The Adventurous Life of Dogs
Julia Seaborn Author Interview
Butterball Gets Lost follows a fun-loving poodle who gets lost while looking for fun and can’t find her way home. What were some influences that guided this books development?
All of my books have a general theme about the adventurous life of dogs. My aim is to incorporate a fun and happy story with some learning opportunities.
My favorite scene from the book is when Butterball gets stuck in the rabbit hole and the lizards are watching. What is your favorite scene from the book?
My favourite scene is when Barny the Owl helps Butterball find her way home because it gives the book a happy ending.
What were some educational themes you wanted to focus on with this book?
The story gives young children information about the characteristics and behaviours of some animals. Also basic number skills.
What can readers expect in book three in your Butterball the Poodle series?
Book three in the Butterball series will be a Christmas book.
Author Links: Website | Goodreads
![BUTTERBALL Gets Lost (Butterball the Poodle Book 2) by [Julia Seaborn]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Qdgga3RhL._SX260_.jpg)
Butterball is a curious fun-loving poodle who doesn’t like being left home alone. She is looking for fun and digs her way out under a fence, but Butterball wanders too far.
How will Butterball find her way home?
Join Butterball on her adventure and meet Binky the bunny, JillaRoo the kangaroo and Barny the owl. This easy-to-read picture book features cute illustrations, supports the development of literacy and numeracy skills, and includes some fun activity pages.
Lefty Saves the Day
Lefty Saves the Day is an inspiring children’s picture book that teaches children to believe in them-self while also learning about baseball. School comes with all sorts of challenges, even more for those that are left handed. When her teacher tells the class they’re going to be playing baseball Gracie starts to get nervous because she doesn’t know a lot about baseball. This sets off a series of events that will leave readers better educated on the sport of baseball, how the game is played, and the importance of participation and trying even when you think you can’t win.
Dr. Kris Condi is able to deliver some very important life lessons through effective story telling and simple language. Gracie faces challenges that many kids can relate to, but with a unique twist of being left handed. If your child is left handed, timid or nervous about something then this would be a great book to open up a conversation about the subject. The art that accompanies just about every other page are hand drawn and charming. With some challenging words sprinkled throughout the book I think this would be suitable for new readers that are aided by their parents. Lefty Saves the Day is a delightful story with a focus on challenges left handed kids face but remains relatable to all.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0861QZ335
Voyage Of Pearl Of The Seas
![Voyage of Pearl of the Seas by [Ruth Finnegan]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VoESZS1VL.jpg)
Voyage of Pearl of the Seas is an enchanting novel about two characters, Kate and Chris. The plot of this fantastic novel follows these two endearing character’s who travel on a ship that they built for an exciting adventure. On this adventure, they learn make sacrifices, gain wisdom, and develop a deep bond between them. This novel is a prequel to Ruth Finnegan’s award-winning Black Inked Pearl, however it was made after and the former and explores different themes and ideas. Voyage of Pearl of the Seas is a short novel but it still explores deep issues that we can all relate to.
Ruth Finnegan has created a unique novel with Voyage of Pearl of the Seas. The story excels above others in many aspects. It is written in a style reminiscent to that of poetry than a standard novel which is beautifully eloquent in most areas.
I enjoyed following Kate and Chris, and their dog, on a wondrous adventure. Both Kate and Chris are well thought-out characters, but the real beauty is in how they evolve throughout the story. We get a sense of who they are and why certain actions were taken, though they are kids and sometimes children’s actions, to adults, can be frustrating. The themes this novel explores are deep and sometimes dark, like abuse and abandonment. While not exploring both to the same degree, Voyage of Pearl of the Seas may not be as robust in the themes of abuse but it succeeds in themes of abandonment. Finnegan explores abandonment expertly and I, as a reader, felt that this was where the novel was at its best. It skillfully displays a person’s feelings of despair and anxiety when they have been left behind by everyone they love. This is something everyone has gone through yet only few novels can portray effectively.
Ruth Finnegan has undoubtedly created a beautiful story and where it succeeds, it excels greatly. Voyage of Pearl of the Seas is an intriguing YA fantasy adventure story.
Pages: 134 | ASIN: B079GPQMG1
Metal like Me
Metal Like Me by D. W. Saur is a sweet story about acceptance. The author has lovingly crafted an endearing story that will inspire children to learn about diversity and inclusion. Kids will learn that being unique is a gift and we must all embrace it. It does not matter if others are like us or not, as long as we are comfortable with ourselves and not afraid of showing the world who we are. There is no one thing that defines us and we all have different sides. Children will benefit from the life lesson presented in this story, that if others are not willing to make an effort to get to know us then we must step up and put the effort to know them. That’s how we can celebrate true friendships and meaningful relationships. Metal Like Me approaches the topic of bullying in a unique way that makes it easy for parents and children to start a discussion. I definitely recommend this well written, short and easy to understand book as it will teach children a positive way to identify themselves. The illustrations by Danielle Green are beautifully simple with a rough sketch like illustration that will make it easy for kids to relate to. The fantastic artwork excellently captures the unique voice in this charismatic children’s story.
Pages: 50 | ASIN: B0863JJ2WG
LITERARY TITAN 