Blog Archives
Life, Love, and Happiness
Stikki the Squirrel follows a young grey squirrel who tumbles his way through one adventure after another and, along the way, makes some new friends. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Some ideas for a book can come quite quickly, while at other times it can be a hard slog even to get going. But it was on this one rather memorable occasion, when I was standing beside my window gazing into our back garden, that I saw a family of squirrels climb tentatively over the wooden fence. A moment later, they were on the ground, moving slowly across our lawn, pausing to sniff and dig randomly in the grass. I watched their playful interactions quickly turn into a full-blown display of speed and agility as the youngsters abandoned the protection of their mother’s side to dart among our shrubs and trees with growing confidence, and of course, mischief. I smiled, then gasped, as a host of possibilities set my mind buzzing.
And so, Stikki the Squirrel was born – well, in my head to start with. I wanted to make the story light-hearted and entertaining for young children to read, and for them to imagine my little characters and the urban setting in which they live.
We, as a family, enjoy encouraging squirrels into our garden, filling their squirrel feeder daily with nuts and seeds for them to eat. We have witnessed several generations grow up and leave to find their way in the world. Ever since that day, we have been entertained by these intelligent, charming, furry little animals.
Although not every day, watching our squirrels is a happy, entertaining experience, because on occasion, urban foxes enter our garden on the hunt for an easy meal. Domesticated cats like to lie in wait among the shrubs, hoping to ambush a squirrel foraging on the ground. The squirrels’ acute senses warn them of danger, and they quickly climb over the fence or scale up the side wall of our house to escape. But when the three species meet, there is usually trouble. We have witnessed scuffles and near misses that have made us gasp in fear for the squirrels’ survival. But squirrels are quick and clever, usually evading these predators with ease.
We have grown very fond of our rodent visitors. Noting their athletic behaviour and individual personalities. They are adorable little animals that inspired me to write about a family of cheeky grey squirrels and the discoveries, dangers, lucky escapes, and the good friends they make along the way.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Each of my characters in Stikki the Squirrel represents a unique glimpse into the world of nature from an individual animal’s perspective. I have combined a light-hearted tale with humour, interspersed with facts about squirrels’ lives, and their interactions with predators, including the natural habitat in which they thrive.
My little characters have hopes and dreams, which is quite normal as squirrels, like all animals, are intelligent, caring, and resourceful. Squirrels are good at problem-solving; we have all seen a squirrel navigate a maze, or climb a vertical pole, or scoot across a tightrope with ease in its determination to claim the food at the end of the man-made obstacle course. Squirrels show affection and anger, too. Squirrels are territorial and will respond to family members, warning each other of any approaching danger by issuing a rasping, throaty call that carries on the air.
Stikki the Squirrel carries a message about protecting endangered species to the detriment of others. A tale of adventure, learning about life, its pleasures, and its hazards. Whilst making wonderous discoveries, and friends who help and support each other on the road through life, love, and happiness.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
This is a hard question to answer because the entire book was such an enjoyable experience to write and illustrate. Without giving away any spoilers, I think one particular scene comes to mind that had me chuckling – it was when Stikki first met Rella. He was so awkward and unsure of himself. A typical teenager.
There were many other scenes in Stikki the Squirrel that end in a hilarious, eye-watering way. Read the book yourselves and see what happens to Stikki and his woodland friends.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am taking a break from writing at present, because I am busy finalising my new book. Title: Stikki the Squirrel: Tree Spirits, book two, publication date, February 28th, 2026. It is a very busy, exciting time, working with my publisher to get my new book and my illustrations ready for the printing press, plus tinkering with some weird and wild ideas for another book.
Author Links: Goodreads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Readers’ Favorite – 5 Star Review.
“We must always be wary of the longlegs for they are unpredictable and puzzling.”
Join Stikki the Squirrel on his madcap adventures as he leaves his nest and sets off to explore the world around him. Mischievous and a little reckless, Stikki manages to get himself into scrapes at almost every turn.
When Stikki and his sisters, Mollie and Tia, venture out of their familiar surroundings for the first time, life changes dramatically for our little explorers.
Danger and peril lay on their chosen path – and, as with every exciting adventure, there are spills and thrills and good friends to be made along the way.
A whimsical, heartfelt story of friendship, bravery and love for each other.
The Circle of Life Continues
The Adventures of Troy Home Again follows a bald eagle who discovers companionship and sets out on new adventures with his partner by his side. What is your process for capturing the thoughts and feelings of animal characters?
We have two dogs and two cats. After a while, you really get to non-verbally communicate with them. As the fourth book of the Troy series, it’s been wonderful developing these characters over the years. Although they are animals, they certainly have their own distinct personalities.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was especially fun to write?
This book was so much fun to write and illustrate. I especially love the last page. Troy and Aliana in their nest, with their two little baby eagles about to hatch. The circle of life continues.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently writing?
I’m writing a psychological thriller that should be completed soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The book includes a glossary of “The 20 Words” at the back of each book that offers simple definitions of words highlighted throughout the story to help increase a young child’s vocabulary. Parents will enjoy reading these books to their toddlers. Elementary school children will love reading these heartwarming tales of friendship and adventure on their own.
Author and Illustrator, Hope Kelley, is Owner of ECBYbooks, a fully integrated online bookstore. She is also Producer, Director, and Writer for Hope Kelley Productions & South 16 Films. Ms.Kelley hosted and directed the tv program, SA Style, in San Antonio, Texas. She was awarded the honor of directing and producing a documentary, Project Hope, in Washington, D.C. Ms. Kelley is also a talented journalist, anchor, actor, and spokeswoman who has appeared in films, tv programs, and commercials. Ms. Kelley was awarded the UIL Scholarship in Music to the University of Texas at Austin. As a classical clarinetist, she has performed in symphony orchestras. Ms. Kelley graduated from the University of Texas at Austin earning a Degree in Broadcast Journalism. She began her broadcasting career as an Intern and Journalist for ABC Austin, and at the Dallas ABC News Bureau at the Capitol of Texas. As an artist and illustrator, you can find her work on her gallery at ECBYart.com.
As a published Author and Illustrator, her books, The Adventures of Troy A New Home, The Adventures of Troy Rescuing Lily the Lamb, The Adventures of Troy the Bald Eagle, The Adventures of Troy Home Again, The G Sin, and her novel, Fire in Forgotten (Winner of the International Impact Book Award in Historical Fiction), are available in thousands of bookstores worldwide. Ms. Kelley also enjoys helping other writers achieve their goals as published authors. Learn more at HopeKelley.com
Let the Story Lead Itself
The Best Worst Christmas Ever follows a father and his three children trapped by a blizzard on Christmas Eve, who, after the power goes out, spend the evening on a magical adventure through their shared imagination. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
After writing five adult mysteries, I wanted to challenge myself with something completely different and decided to cross over to a fantasy. I started brainstorming ideas not long before Christmas, so it was an easy decision to choose a holiday setting. I thought it would be fun to see the story from different points of view as it progressed, and what better way to do that than to have it told by children of different ages with different ideas of what the story should be. The power outage was the only way I could think of to force bickering children to sit still and listen to each other talk. It also created more of a cozy atmosphere in the home.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
I have three daughters, all grown now, that I used to read to every night at bedtime. Much of their interactions with each other and reactions to the stories, including their likes and dislikes, found their way into the voices of the children in this story.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I had my first novel all planned out, but by the third chapter, it had taken itself in a totally different direction, and I never used most of what I’d plotted in advance, so I’ve learned to just let the story lead itself as I write. Virtually all of the events in this book were the result of ideas that only entered my mind while writing the chapter before it. It’s surprising how different parts end up fitting together even without following an outline.
What is the next novel that you are working on, and when will that be available?
I wrapped up my five-mystery series in a way that would make it unfair to the characters to bring them back and put them in harm’s way again. Now, though, I’ve had several requests to write a prequel, including one from my editor. It’s an intriguing idea that I may pursue this winter, but at this point, it’s only a concept that will require a lot of gray hair to bring to reality, so the release of an actual book is hard to imagine at this stage.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Lifelong Learner
Nurse Florence®, What is a Mast Cell? follows three curious schoolgirls and their approachable school nurse, who discuss mast cells and their role in the immune system. What inspired you to write about this topic?
Nurse Florence® seeks to spark a global movement of health promotion and literacy. We explore how the human body works in each book, as well as discuss disease topics with our numerous disease-related books. We will be publishing around 700 books in the series, and this topic finally came up to the top of the list of books needing to be written.
How did you decide what to include and leave out in your Nurse Florence books?
Writing the Nurse Florence® books is an art since we don’t want to overload kids with too much science information, but we need to bring college-level information down to a fifth grader’s level. Every book is a little complicated to write, and I decide what to include out of inspiration from my illustrator’s drawings. Disney might say they have Disney magic to help produce their movies, while we have DCE magic to produce Nurse Florence® books to help even adults stay engaged with each page of the books.
What was the most challenging part of writing these books, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging is to decide what info to include, and the most rewarding is getting feedback that whole families are learning from each book.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Grandparents have even said on GoodReads that they are learning. I was surprised at first since I thought I was writing just for kids. I’m happy to hear that everyone is learning. Being a lifelong learner is so important in the world that we live in.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Nurse Florence Project | Amazon
Hope and Faith
Precious One tells the story of two parents longing for a child, their journey through waiting, hope, and faith, and the ultimate arrival of their baby boy. What was the inspiration for your story?
My story is inspired by my own personal journey of waiting for a child. After years of anticipation and hope, I experienced a mix of emotions, including loss and joy. The story reflects the emotional ups and downs that many parents face when waiting for a child, and I hope it resonates with readers who have experienced similar challenges.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the key themes I wanted to convey is patience. The story highlights the joy and anticipation that comes with waiting for something precious, and how that waiting period can be filled with hope and faith.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I had a lot of fun writing the scene where the parents rush to the hospital, thinking it’s time for the baby to arrive. It was a relatable moment for me, as I recalled my own experience with my son. The mix of excitement, worry, and anticipation made for a memorable scene.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I’ve actually completed my second picture book, and I’m currently in the editing phase. The new book explores explaining loss to kids, drawing from my own experiences with loss. I’m excited to share this important topic with young readers in a way that’s both gentle and honest.
The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish : Desert Oasis
In The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish: Desert Oasis, by Gabriel Bietz, readers are reunited with the charming betta fish siblings, Arya and Krishna, along with their parents, Gabe and Amita. Their journey continues alongside their human companions, Amer and Annie, as they navigate a series of unexpected events in the desert. This sequel brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the series, building upon the engaging narrative established in the first book.
The storyline is filled with humor and heartwarming moments, making it a standout in contemporary family adventure fiction. I was captivated by every twist in the plot, finding the blend of Arya and Krishna’s cleverness with Gabe’s humor and Amita’s wisdom particularly compelling. The development of Amer and Annie’s characters adds depth to the story, though I missed the more prominent roles of Blake and Sharktooth from the first book.
The encounter with Sam the Snake initially raised concerns for me, but the narrative remained engaging and lighthearted, filled with innocent fun. The inclusion of a scene featuring a young girl on an airplane adds a delightful touch, underscoring the story’s light-hearted nature.
The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish: Desert Oasis, suitable for readers aged seven and up, delicately balances minimal fantasy violence and themes of mortality within its cozy and comforting narrative. It’s an ideal read for a relaxing winter evening by the fire, offering a blend of gentle action and humor. This engaging family adventure, perfect for those who appreciate a narrative with a sprinkle of whimsy, comes highly recommended and leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Pages: 143 | ISBN : 978-1737795582
A Step in the Right Direction
Stormy Sailing follows a young boy and his father, on a journey with their refugee family, who get separated from the rest of the family and try to find a way to reunite with them. What was the inspiration for your story?
Even today, conflicts surround us, impacting people—families and children, too—in various ways. Some of us follow such events in the news. For others, social unrest and even war situations are part of their daily lives, forcing them to fight for survival.
It’s painful to witness world events that cause suffering, especially for children. They are innocent of the conflicts that displace families from their homes. Under inhumane conditions, little ones begin their lives without the security and joy that should be inherent to every child’s life. All means that could assist in this regard must be utilized.
There are influential individuals in society who possess the keys to important solutions, but we, the ordinary people, can affect them. We can also elevate the voices that might otherwise be silenced.
I feel like I’m an insignificant influencer, yet I strive to make these challenging situations visible through my children’s books. A storybook is a humble way to spread attitudes and feelings that, in turn, influence actions. It could be a step in the right direction.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main themes of Stormy Sailing are the strength of close relationships and the significance of collaboration during challenging times. For family members, this is based on their love for one another and their readiness to make sacrifices for each other’s well-being.
The story’s overwhelming difficulties are portrayed through the eyes of the two main characters, a father and a son after their other relatives have already departed for the other side of the sea. Although the narrator describes the events from an outside perspective, the dialogues uncover the different perspectives of the adult and the child.
The father has his own role as an adult. He represents a parent who strives to ensure his child’s survival in every way possible. On the other hand, the child also has strength and refuses to give up. His sincerity and childlike optimism motivate the father to do his best from nearly impossible starting points.
For me, one of the most difficult parts of the story to write was when the father instructed his son to hold on to him as long as he was afloat. In other words, this means that the father tells his son to let go of him if necessary, in order to save himself. The father acts calmly, as a parent should behave to prevent the child from panicking. – In the most challenging situations, the greatest love also appears purest.
What is one thing that you hope the reader takes away from Stormy Sailing?
Earlier, I discussed the themes I consider most important in my story. If I were to highlight one more idea that could provide valuable support for the reader’s journey, it would be perseverance.
There are times in life when it seems like all means have been exhausted. It may appear that trying is no longer worthwhile. Even then, the Finnish saying “while there’s life, there’s hope” holds true. Although the outcome may not meet our expectations or may even be miserable, it feels better to have had the courage to make the attempt.
Even if our efforts were unsuccessful, we can at least be sure that nothing more could have been done. There is no blame or regret afterward. This relates to self-respect and confidence as well. Making the most of every opportunity strengthens us for the next time when that strength is needed.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m continuing my work on the Lyrics of Life Series, including Stormy Sailing. The second volume, illustrated by Spanish artist Catty Flores, has already been published and is titled Carried by Wings. The next two volumes in the series, The Hermit’s Hut and A Star Gazer are currently in progress, both illustrated by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren from Mongolia.
My favorite songs inspire the books in my Lyrics of Life Series. Music is woven into my writing in various ways. Sometimes it plays in the background while I sit at my computer, immersed in a story. At other times, it creates moods that motivate me to explore new topics.
What has happened with this series is inspiring. I noticed that certain songs have played a significant role in my life at various times. Initially, they were on the radio when I was a child or teenager. Later, I rediscovered them as I sought the memories and emotions they evoked. Ultimately, they now serve as a source of inspiration for the children’s book series that has emerged.
In Stormy Sailing, waves from Rod Stewart’s “Sailing” were echoing in my mind. The song was written by Gavin Sutherland in 1972. In Carried by Wings, the winds of the Andes were blowing in my mind, and so was the Simon & Garfunkel song “El Cóndor Pasa” (“If I Could”). The original music was composed by Daniel Alomía Robles in 1913. These popular songs play in the background of the two latest episodes. I won’t reveal the other two until Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren and I have finished the books.
I have truly enjoyed writing the Lyrics of Life Series, and I hope the melodies resonate with the stories, even if they are not played out loud. Music has a wonderful effect and connects people everywhere, even when we do not realize it. Various forms of art inspire one another, and together, they influence human lives, including children’s lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Can a homemade ship, assembled from the wreck of a sailboat, last in a stormy sea? Will father and son survive the sea crossing and find the rest of the family?
The Power of Stories
Our Song, Our Voice follows a young golden crow as he embarks on a journey to save his grandmother and preserve his flock’s fading traditions, proving that courage, wisdom, and song can bridge generations. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The main inspiration for this Our Song, Our Voice can be found in the UNESCO Indigenous Languages Decade (2022-2032). When I learned more about the topic on their website, the idea of approaching the issue through nature developed in my mind. After all, human cultures are directly connected to nature and the changes that occur within it. Just as indigenous peoples are affected by the changes caused by the modern world, the ecosystem, with its animals and plants, also undergoes a similar experience.
In my story, golden crows that once inhabited vast areas have become increasingly rare as wilderness areas shrink and diminish. Their customs and songs, which correspond to the cultures and languages of smaller groups of people, are also threatened.
I feel great sympathy for the languages of the people. Small language areas, in particular, are in danger when larger languages encroach upon them. The new unilateral development is gaining momentum from global communication, where a few languages dominate. It is inherently good that the people of the world understand each other as widely as possible and without linguistic barriers. Alongside such development, we should also strive to preserve the languages of smaller regions, peoples, and cultures. This is essential for individuals’ identity.
What role do you believe storytelling plays in preserving cultural traditions in the real world?
The power of stories is eternal. It has undoubtedly been utilized for as long as humans have been able to speak. Even in its simplest and most original form, it has been, after primitive basic skills, the most crucial tool for the survival of the human species and the development of culture. In addition to transmitting knowledge and skills, stories have conveyed all the human experiences and emotions that have fueled the progress of the human species, enabling complex forms of cooperation to arise.
The power and need for stories have not diminished as societies have evolved. They are used everywhere: in education, politics, and marketing; the list is endless. The immense power of storytelling can serve both good and bad purposes. At best, it continues to convey valuable information and emotion, forming the basis for human action. At worst, its messages are deliberately distorted, aimed at manipulating people to serve questionable goals and selfish interests.
In my children’s books, I explore and utilize the possibilities of storytelling for various essential purposes. I aim to convey information about today’s world, including history and traditions, to children in an appropriate manner. I believe this approach helps them gain a better understanding of society and function within it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A central underlying theme in this storybook is the changes occurring in nature. The consequences of drastic economic projects for all living beings are often alarming and, at worst, irreversible. Increasing numbers of animal and plant species, as well as entire ecosystems and life forms, are under threat.
However, I believe that changes in nature should not be presented to children in an overly frightening or threatening way. My goal is to instill in them a respect for nature and a sense of responsibility for preserving it, rather than blaming them or projecting overwhelmingly disturbing images of danger.
I want to highlight the significance of cooperation and care between different generations as a vital foundation of humanity. By being deeply connected with people of various ages, we can pass down traditions and transfer knowledge to future generations as part of human interaction. The experiences of our predecessors pave the way for subsequent travelers on the paths of life.
My little protagonist’s name is “SISU,” a Finnish word that reflects an important theme in the story. It means determination, not giving up, and trying hard despite difficulties. It represents a stubborn strength that doesn’t make a big fuss about itself but acts regardless of obstacles. I thought it was a funny name for a little character, but it holds significant meaning and plays a crucial role in the national identity of people from my home country.
How did you develop the deep, heartfelt bond between Sisu and his grandmother, Una?
Relationships between members of different generations have always been meaningful to me. Important individuals older than me have greatly influenced my life.
To describe the special bond between Sisu and her grandmother in the story, I have drawn from moments and conversations I shared with my grandparents, who were part of my life for the longest time. Now, they are just a dear memory.
My grandfather, who lived in northern Finland, was an honest, old-fashioned man. He was skeptical of reforms that changed his world too much or too quickly. One detail in the story particularly relates to him: using tree resin for healing.
I have heard that my grandfather collected resin while walking in the forest and rolled it into a ball to take home. He would cut off pieces as needed and treat wounds or skin lesions with that gift from nature. Today, the disinfectant properties of resin are also recognized in medicine.
The story also reflects the peaceful togetherness I’ve experienced with my grandparents. They made time for me and shared many lessons that I still carry with me on my life journey.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Sisu’s grandmother Una wants to teach him important lessons about life, including the crows’ traditional songs and language. The flock is among the last of their species, and Grandma worries their unique songs and customs will disappear forever.
Then little Sisu takes on a big task, a journey that is not only important to his grandmother but also to the future of all golden crows.”
LITERARY TITAN 