Blog Archives
Lucas Cabral and the Secret of the Amazon: The Warriors of Light Series
Lucas Cabral and the Secret of the Amazon sweeps through prophecy, danger, and a race against time as ancient forces stir and evil claws its way toward freedom. The story moves from a cursed Templar temple to modern Brazil, where the birth of three extraordinary children sends shockwaves through the world. As Brotherhood guardians scramble to protect the newborn Warriors of Light, sinister servants of the Lord of Darkness hunt them across continents. The book blends myth, adventure, and heartfelt human moments in a tale about destiny, courage, and the fragile balance between good and evil.
This was an exciting story, and I felt the excitement right from the beginning. The writing has a bold, cinematic quality. At times, it feels intense, even breathless, because danger lurks behind so many corners. I loved how the book shifts between sweeping prophecy and very grounded moments, especially the scenes with Rafael navigating airports while holding onto fear and faith at the same time. The mix of mysticism and real-world tension pulled me along, and that slow but steady buildup was thrilling.
I also felt a warm connection to the characters. Rafael’s devotion struck me deeply. He’s not flashy or loud. He’s steady and scared and determined, which made him feel real to me. Tendy and Paulo brought softness and heart into the story, and the Amazon setting felt rich and alive. There were moments when I wished the pacing slowed down to give me more time with them, but even then, I admired how the author kept the story moving along. The ideas in the book made me think about legacy and responsibility and how ordinary people rise when the world seems to be falling apart.
By the time I reached the last pages, I felt both satisfied and curious about what comes next. I would recommend this book to readers who love fast-moving adventures, mythical prophecies, and stories where ordinary characters carry extraordinary burdens. It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy with a global scope and a good dose of heart.
Pages: 283 | ISBN : 978-1962185776
Karl’s Marsupium
Karl’s Marsupium tells the story of a young kangaroo born with a pouch even though he is a boy. The book follows Karl as he navigates teasing, confusion, and big feelings while his mother supports him with warmth and patience. As he grows, he learns to understand his emotions, accept his body, and eventually even finds love with his best friend, Willy. By the end, Karl becomes a parent himself and discovers that the thing he once hated about himself is actually a gift.
The writing is simple and gentle, and it speaks straight to that place inside that remembers what it felt like to be different. I loved how the story pauses for feelings instead of rushing past them. Karl’s descriptions of what emotions feel like in his body hit me harder than I expected. They felt real and honest. His relationship with his mom pulled me right in because she doesn’t fix things for him. She just listens, and somehow that feels huge. I found myself smiling at that because it reminded me of the kind of comfort everyone wishes they had as a kid.
Watching Karl move from shame to curiosity to pride felt sweet. The story keeps things light, yet it’s carrying some thoughtful ideas about understanding yourself and giving others space to be who they are. I also liked the twist that his pouch becomes something he can offer to his own child. It made the whole story feel full circle and kind of cozy. The art helps a lot with that. The illustrations in this children’s book are soft and expressive, and the little heart symbols and warm colors really add to the emotional beats.
I’d recommend this picture book to kids who feel different, parents who want to teach emotional awareness, and honestly anyone who likes sweet stories that give your chest a little squeeze. It’s gentle, comforting, and full of heart. It would be lovely for bedtime or for classroom conversations about feelings and acceptance.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0FLB6NHNM
Wordless Ways
Misconceptions of an Introvert follows a quiet sixth-grader who loves her own space, only to find herself misunderstood by classmates and even her teacher. What inspired you to write a story centered on an introverted child?
This story is based on one of my sixth-grade experiences. I have been an introvert since I was in elementary school and have often been misunderstood. I wrote this story to raise awareness of the personality trait of introversion.
Why was it important that Sherry advocate for herself rather than having an adult fix the problem?
Sherry needs to know how to advocate for herself because her parents will not always be there to support her.
What misconceptions about introverts did you most want to challenge?
The misconceptions I want to challenge are that introverts may not know what is happening in conversations or discussions because of our wordless ways. However, we are quietly observing and thinking. We process information more deeply before we verbalize our thoughts. Also, people may think that introverts are antisocial because of our love of solitude. Being alone helps us recharge and be better the next day.
Why did you feel this was an important story for classrooms today?
Introversion is a misunderstood personality type. Therefore, having classrooms aware of the personality type will help introverted students feel included and understood.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Honesty as a Skill
The Tail That Told the Truth follows a young fox who, if he tells a lie, has his tail change colors, causing him great embarrassment. What sparked the idea of a fox whose tail changes color when he lies?
The concept grew out of observing how children experience honesty long before they can fully explain it. In my own life, watching children navigate moments of truth, hesitation, and accountability–including my own–made it clear that these experiences are deeply emotional and often confusing. I wanted to translate that internal process into something concrete and visible. The fox, traditionally associated with cleverness, provided a familiar character, while the tail became a visual metaphor for how truth has a way of surfacing, even when we wish it wouldn’t.
The book frames honesty as something to practice, not something to fear. Why was that approach important to you?
Honesty is often taught through consequence rather than understanding. From both observation and experience, it’s clear that children don’t avoid honesty because they lack values, but because they fear disappointment or punishment. Framing honesty as a practice allows room for growth, reflection, and reassurance. It shifts the focus from being “caught” to learning how to do better, reinforcing honesty as a skill that strengthens with guidance and patience.
What conversations do you hope this story opens between children and adults?
I hope the story encourages adults to slow down and ask why instead of reacting immediately. Conversations about why a child felt compelled to lie-fear, uncertainty, or a desire to belong-are often far more meaningful than focusing solely on the behavior itself. The book is meant to create a safe entry point for discussions about accountability, trust, and empathy, helping adults model the kind of honesty they hope to see. The story was intentionally written to work both as a quiet read-aloud and as a starting point for gentle discussion, allowing children to engage with the idea of honesty at their own pace.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, this book is part of a broader emotional-growth series focused on helping children understand and navigate internal experiences such as honesty, self-trust, belonging, and emotional regulation. Each story stands on its own while contributing to a larger framework designed to support meaningful conversations at home and in educational settings. Additional titles in the series are currently in development.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
This heartwarming book opens up powerful conversations about truth, trust, and the bravery it takes to admit when we’ve made a mistake. Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions, or emotional learning at home.
For ages 4–8, this story will resonate with any child who’s ever felt the pressure to hide the truth—and the relief of letting it go.
Fairness and Equality
Line ‘Em Up! follows a group of students whose world is changed by a new teacher who shows them how to find the greatness inside themselves. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was incredibly fortunate to have one of my early stories critiqued by the late James Alan McPherson. He once told me that the most powerful stories are often about ordinary people placed in extraordinary situations. That idea stayed with me, but as a special education teacher, I found myself drawn to the reverse: extraordinary individuals navigating what the world considers ordinary.
My students—many of whom have disabilities—work every day to master skills that others take for granted. Something as simple as forming a straight line can be an enormous triumph. That contrast fascinated me. I wanted to explore the dignity, determination, and quiet heroism embedded in those moments.
So I paired these extraordinary children with a teacher who is extraordinary in a very different way—a former professional football player who once seemed invincible, now facing the realities of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Placing these two worlds side by side allowed me to explore resilience, vulnerability, and the ways people lift one another up.
Ultimately, I hoped to create a story that resonates because we all know someone who appears larger than life, and we all know someone who faces daily challenges due to disability or illness. Line ’Em Up! brings those experiences together in a way that I hope feels both heartfelt and universal.
Is there anything from your own childhood included in the characters in Line ‘Em Up?
Growing up in Massachusetts in the 1970s, I saw how students in special education were often separated from the rest of the school. I didn’t understand it then, but as I grew older and became a special education teacher, I learned that those classrooms held a wide range of students. Some were there because of genuine cognitive disabilities, while others were placed there due to emotional trauma, unstable home lives, or circumstances far beyond their control.
That understanding shaped the way I think about fairness and equality—two ideas I consider very different. Equality means everyone gets the same thing; fairness means everyone gets what they need. That distinction has guided my teaching and deeply influenced Line ’Em Up!
While none of the characters are based on specific individuals, the emotional truth of the story comes from witnessing how children grow when they’re understood, supported, and included.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Sarah Jane Docker?
One of the main reasons I reached out to Sarah Jane Docker is simply because she’s an exceptionally talented illustrator. When I looked through her portfolio, I immediately felt she was the right fit for this story. Her characters didn’t look like the typical, polished industry illustrations you see everywhere—there was warmth, honesty, and a lived‑in quality to her work that felt real.
Representation was also incredibly important to me. According to a 2019 study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only about 3.4% of children’s books feature a main character with a disability. When I saw that Sarah naturally included Black, white, Asian, and disabled characters in her illustrations—not as statements, but as part of the world she creates—I knew she understood the heart of this book. That says a lot about an illustrator.
I also want to highlight the tremendous contribution of our layout artist, Anna Lubecka (and her husband Greg), founder of Banana Bear Books. The collaboration between Sarah and Anna elevated the entire visual experience. Without their combined talents—the illustrations and the thoughtful layout—the artwork wouldn’t resonate with readers in the memorable way it does now.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Several ideas were especially important for me to explore in Line ’Em Up! One is the distinction between fairness and equality—a theme that runs through both my teaching and my writing. Equality means everyone gets the same thing; fairness means everyone gets what they need. That difference matters deeply in classrooms and in life.
I also wanted to play with the contrast between the extraordinary and the ordinary—how children who are often overlooked can show remarkable strength in everyday moments, and how something as simple as forming a straight line can become a powerful act of growth and pride.
And finally, the idea of “Champions” versus “Champeons” is woven into the heart of the story. Readers will understand the meaning once they experience the book, but it speaks to the difference between looking like a champion and truly becoming one.
These themes guided me as I wrote, and I hope they resonate with readers of all ages.
Author Links: Instagram | Email
A Bit of a Crazy Event
Book 5 – The Lions follows a frightened but kind-hearted hero as she navigates a dangerous wilderness, forms unlikely alliances, and discovers that courage can exist even when fear never fully fades. What were some sources that informed this book’s development?
The Lions is the 5th book in a 10 book series, all written whilst I was travelling through Africa in a camper van with my husband. The lion’s story developed from a bit of a crazy event we experienced ourselves. We were on a guided walk in the Botswana Delta with a guide we later discovered was really quite inexperienced. We were aware there had been a lion kill that morning, as we had all heard it from our tent, and we stumbled upon a pride of lions just about to start their buffalo breakfast. It was a huge buffalo (particularly compared to us – we literally would have been a side of chips in comparison), and the lions had fought hard for it, The male roared so loudly at us that I think my heart stopped for a minute or two. We had a bit of a stare off for a minute, us and them, until both parties left – us walking backwards slowly, they walking in the long grass, quite quickly, in the opposite direction. It was that moment that inspired Book 5, particularly how the lions all scoff at Casper, a teeny weeny house cat, worried that they’d bother eating something that was smaller than the average hairball they cough up every now and then.
What inspired Casper’s personality? Especially the choice to let her stay scared while still being brave?
I think Casper is all of us, brave and scared all the time. Anxious and confident. I mean, I know I’m anxious, and I know so many of my friends and family are too, but nobody ever really knows that, because we are confident too. We spend our life navigating new waters; whether it’s a new job or a new school or a new friend or a new town – how can we not be scared and anxious? But we have to do it, we have to get through, or wouldn’t we just be a shivering wreck all the time? Never leave home? I ran a film school for some years, back in Australia, and so many of my students were so, so anxious, and they thought they were the only one. But here they were, at a university, far from home, learning to become a filmmaker. I realised then that just about everyone is anxious, the most talented, the most beautiful, the most weird, wonderful, crazy – it doesn’t matter who we are, we’re all anxious and we should know that we are all anxious, and we are also all brave, and that it’s perfectly normal to be that way.
Was there a particular animal character (or group of animals) you had the most fun writing, and why?
In this book I loved writing about the lion brothers. These huge, beautiful, confident (and a little arrogant) animals, kings of the jungle, who don’t have to do much but swagger around all day long while the lionesses hunt and care for the kids, and here they are, being yelled at by a tiny house cat (no bigger than a chip). But at the end of the day, the minute they hear their family is in danger, they jump up with no thought but to protect them, regardless of the danger. I enjoyed the brotherly love they had, the easy conversation between them, the confidence in their kingliness.
In other books, one of my absolute favourites was the baby elephant, Bugle, in Book 2, The Elephants, because he reminded me of so many young boys (I have 4 younger brothers), and their obsession with things like poop and farting. I loved writing him because I found him funny and I probably was missing my brothers at the time!
The story emphasizes cooperation across different creatures. Was that message something you planned from the start?
The entire series came about because I’ve always wondered if cats and dogs that get lost and then find their way home, sometimes hundreds of miles away, asked other animals for directions. And why wouldn’t they? And the world is so terribly chaotic at the moment, I just wanted to create a world where there is peace and kindness and no hatred for someone who is not like you. I know that my little Casperverse is all love and cooperation and gentleness in a harsh world, and maybe it’s unrealistic, but I find it peaceful and I want to live there, and I hope that when kids are reading my books they ‘live’ there too, if only for the few hours it takes to read. Maybe this behaviour, this cooperation can be as learned as bigotry is, and maybe, in the end, enough books like this will win the battle for the next generation so that it isn’t just wishful thinking anymore.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn |TikTok | YouTube | Pinterest | Goodreads
After leaving the noisy baboons behind, Casper wakes up beneath a tree full of chattering guinea fowl, only to stumble straight into the path of two enormous lions. But Hasani and Harry aren’t quite what she expected. Between their royal-sized egos, jump-scares, and thunderous laughs, Casper soon discovers that being king of the jungle comes with its own set of problems—especially when poachers return to the savannah.
Joined by an army of surprising new allies—spiders, scorpions, and even antlions—Casper helps the pride turn the hunters into the hunted, proving once again that courage doesn’t always come with claws and fangs.
Perfect for readers ages 5–10, The Lions is a beautifully illustrated chapter book packed with:
• Exciting animal adventures and laugh-out-loud surprises
• Big-hearted themes of courage, teamwork, and protecting others
• Real wildlife facts woven seamlessly into the story
Written by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Ussi and illustrated by Lekshmi Bose, this thrilling 7,000-word tale roars with adventure, humor, and heart—reminding readers that even the smallest voice can make a mighty difference.
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: Book 5 – The Lions
This children’s book was a fun ride. Casper wakes up under a tree surrounded by a whole crowd of head-bobbing guinea fowl, then spends the rest of the story stumbling into new friends and new dangers as she keeps trying to get home. She helps orphaned squirrels. She faints in front of a lion. She ends up teaming up with lions, a giant spider named Bertrand, an antlion general with the longest name on Earth, and an army of scorpions to outsmart some trophy hunters. The ending is this wild mix of chaos, teamwork, and justice that somehow still feels warm and funny.
I really enjoyed how the writing balances humor with heavier stuff. One moment, I was laughing because Casper freaked out at an eight-eyed spider. The next moment, I felt a weird swell of pride as all these animals worked together to protect each other. The dialogue has this bouncy, chatty rhythm, and the author leans into absurd moments in a way that feels natural. I also liked that Casper never fully stops being scared. She is tiny. She is lost. She knows it. And she still tries to help anyway. I found that pretty sweet.
What surprised me was how much heart there is behind the silliness. The lions aren’t just big dramatic characters. They care deeply about their families, and that gives the story a real emotional center. Casper’s fear of crocodiles made me laugh and also made me feel protective of her. And the idea of every creature working together to chase off people who hurt animals for fun hit me harder than I expected. It was satisfying. And the tone never turns mean. It stays focused on bravery, kindness, and standing up for each other.
The illustrations throughout the book are adorable. They’re done in these soft, warm colors that make the whole world feel gentle even when the scenes get wild. The characters are expressive in that big clear way kids instantly understand. Each picture adds a little spark to the story, almost like a pause that lets you feel what the characters are feeling before diving back into the chaos.
I would absolutely recommend this children’s chapter book to kids who love funny adventure stories, talking animals, or anything with a lot of heart. It’s great for anyone who enjoys a quick, charming read that mixes giggles with good messages about empathy and courage. This book provides young readers with a good time.
Pages: 80 | ISBN: 1923356216
Magical Adventures
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny follow a fearless six-year-old who, after her father goes missing in an avalanche, sets out on an adventure with her magical stuffed bunny to rescue her father. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When my daughter was a baby, a friend gave her a white bunny stuffie with a blue tummy that lights up and plays music when you press it. The bunny was her favorite stuffie. I used to imagine them going on magical adventures together.
I rock climb as a hobby, not seriously like the dad in the book. But I thought, what if a rock climbing dad got trapped in an avalanche and it was up to his baby daughter and her stuffie to rescue him? I had to write the story to find out.
Mari-chan has to turn into a baby to get through the secret passage so she can find her father. This is a unique setup for a valuable lesson in bravery and perseverance. What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Six-year-olds tend to be very active. This is when a lot of kids start trying sports, like climbing, gymnastics, and swimming. Their confidence can become linked to that skill. But what if they can’t do gymnastics anymore? What if they lose the ability to do the thing they think makes them special? Would their confidence crumble? It’s important to realize that bravery isn’t just about physical ability. It’s a lesson that both the daughter and the dad have to learn.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The most important thing for me was to write a story that my daughter would want to read because I think reading is very important, especially for young children. My daughter complained that a lot of books I tried to get her to read were boring, so I made up my own story with things she likes: cute animals, adventure, songs, and riddles. By the way, parents who read this to their kids need to sing the songs.
Education wasn’t my primary goal with Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny, but to tell an interesting story, I had to introduce words and concepts, like avalanche and ferry, which are new to many six-year-olds. Whenever my daughter asked what something meant, I would explain and then move on with the story. This approach helped integrate the educational aspects into the story naturally.
I think it worked. I would read Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny to my daughter from my phone at bedtime, and she sometimes got so into the story that she took my phone and read it herself. She said it was the bestest story ever.
What is the next story that you’re writing, and when will it be published?
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny was loosely based on Dante’s Inferno. I’m planning a sequel that will loosely follow Purgatorio (the next book in Dante’s The Divine Comedy), which I plan to publish before Christmas. I’d like to do a full trilogy, but I’ll see how it goes.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
On their journey, baby Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny must outwit hungry animals, alligator bridges, three-headed “beasts,” silly thieves, grumpy talking trees, a Bunny Kingdom gate test, and a wise owl tribunal. Along the way, Mari-chan discovers that even in a tiny body, her courage, creativity, and kindness are bigger than she ever imagined. But will her bravery and wits help rescue her dad, before it’s too late? It’s up to Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny to find out.
This heartwarming and imaginative allegory, reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno, shares that a difficult journey often has the best destination.
LITERARY TITAN 