Blog Archives
Health Procedures
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed? follows three friends who ask the school nurse about wisdom teeth, and they learn what they are, why they need to be removed, and what the removal process involves. What was the inspiration for this story?
The Nurse Florence® series is dedicated to educating families about human physiology, disease processes, procedures, healthy living, and safety awareness. We publish a new book every 5-10 days and are planning on publishing 500 in the series. It was time to talk about wisdom teeth.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I don’t want kids to feel scared with health procedures and I attempted to ease people’s fears about this procedure.
How do you approach explaining the procedure realistically, without overwhelming or scaring children?
I used medical documents to guide the writing, and I just discuss everything the medical researcher finds as important to the topic. I review the material and write it in a way that is understandable for the whole family. I try to keep one main idea to each page so that I don’t overwhelm people.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure that is required for many people and is safely done usually in an outpatient clinic. Trust your dentist if they are advising you to have the teeth removed.
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Learning About Other Cultures
Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure follows a compassionate little girl who learns a new song in Sunday school, which leads her to become curious about children in other parts of the world and her family to take a missionary trip. What was the inspiration for your story?
My husband and I do missionary trips and have taken our children many years ago. Now, as my grandchildren age, I wanted to write something that might encourage them to go on mission trips when they are old enough. I also wanted them to understand that God loves everyone and that learning about other cultures is important.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Jack Foster?
Jack was wonderful to work with in the art collaboration. I sent him some photos from my trips to Kenya and he ran with the concept. Jack came up with Mary and then emailed me the concept before we continued. I love his work and hope to work with him again in the future.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
With all my travels to other countries, I’m always amazed at the little people know or understand about people from other countries. I love to spend time visiting with local people in the countries we visit. I learn we are all the same at a human level and we have many of the same dreams for our families. I want people to learn that God loves everyone the same regardless of our backgrounds.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first in the Mary the Missionary series. I’m contemplating writing more in the series but just trying to decide on what country Mary will visit next.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new friends aren’t different, and Jesus loves all children.
Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, “Mary the Missionary” teaches important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and how it transcends all barriers.
Pennygirl’s Rescue
Pennygirl’s Rescue, by Judy McGee, is a heartfelt story about Penny, a lovable Lab mix with a heart as big as her floppy ears. The story follows Penny’s journey from a Texas farm, where she shared her days with Grandma Adeline and a menagerie of farm animals, to a bustling dog shelter, and finally, to a forever home in Ontario. Along the way, Penny displays courage, loyalty, and patience, warming the hearts of everyone she meets, from the shelter volunteers to the readers who cheer her on.
McGee’s writing is charming and evocative, full of warmth and gentle humor. The descriptions of Penny’s antics and personality are vivid. McGee captures Penny’s innocence and joy with such clarity that I felt like I was right there in the shelter yard watching her explore. The central theme of rescue and second chances shines brightly. Penny’s unwavering optimism, even in the face of uncertainty, resonates deeply. Her bravery during Grandma Adeline’s fall, rushing to fetch help, showcases a profound message: even the smallest actions can make a big difference.
One standout moment was Penny’s encounter with the bullfrog during her walk with Tammy. It’s a perfect snapshot of Penny’s playful, curious nature, and it brought some lightheartedness to the story. The announcement of Penny’s adoption was another highlight. The excitement in the shelter was palpable, and I genuinely felt happy for Penny, who had patiently waited for her turn. McGee captures these moments with simplicity and sincerity, making them all the more impactful.
Pennygirl’s Rescue is a delightful read for animal lovers, especially those who have a soft spot for rescue stories. The book’s simplicity makes it an excellent choice for children, but the emotional depth will tug at the heartstrings of adult readers too. If you enjoy stories about courage, kindness, and the bond between humans and animals, this book is worth picking up. Just be ready to fall in love with Penny—you’ll be wagging your imaginary tail right along with her.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DN1SBCH1
The Cabin
Cynthia S. Vander Ark’s The Cabin is a poignant and nostalgic picture book of a childhood summer spent on Hog’s Back Mountain, intertwined with unexpected friendships, innocent adventures, and a quiet reckoning with loss. Through lyrical prose and wonderful watercolor illustrations by Alex Bigatti, Vander Ark tells the story of two kids, Keith and Cynthia, who fall into the magical rhythm of life with a group of gentle “hippies” building a cabin in the woods. What starts as a carefree exploration of summer days culminates in the heartbreaking yet tender image of ashes where the cabin once stood. The narrative moves seamlessly between joy and sadness, making readers feel as though they, too, are meandering through blackberry bushes and ravines.
The writing is intimate. Vander Ark’s descriptions paint the farm and its surrounding woods in colors both vibrant and melancholy. Lines like “The hippies became a part of our landscape… the warp and weave and rhythm of our daily lives” give life to the fleeting beauty of human connection. I especially loved how the text shifts from playful moments, like learning to whistle through joined thumbs, to contemplative reflections on impermanence. There’s a rhythm to the prose that echoes the seasons of the mountain itself: growing, burning, grieving, and renewing.
What really struck me was how Vander Ark handled the theme of loss. When the children return to find the cabin reduced to “ashes, laid out in a rectangle,” the watercolor scene is deeply affecting. You can feel the heavy stillness as Keith and Cynthia stand “frozen” with “lumps like rocks” tumbling in their stomachs. It’s an honest portrayal of grief. How it surprises you, settles in your heart, and becomes part of your world. I loved the watercolor scene on this page. Vander Ark doesn’t shy away from this complexity, even in a story accessible to younger readers.
The book’s simplicity is also its greatest strength. It doesn’t try too hard to impart a lesson or wrap up emotions with a tidy bow. Instead, it trusts the reader to sit with the feelings. The cabin’s fate is tragic but not hopeless. Nature persists, as do Keith and Cynthia, exploring ravines and picking wildflowers. “When we looked closely through the light and shadows,” the author writes, “we would always find flowers that had just enough sunlight to grow.” That small detail—finding flowers in the shadows—left me with goosebumps. It’s a perfect metaphor for resilience and hope, all wrapped in childhood wonder.
The Cabin is a quiet treasure of a children’s book, brimming with warmth, wistfulness, and the wisdom of letting go. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy reflective storytelling and beautifully simple prose. Parents could read this with their children to gently explore loss and resilience. Adults, too, will find echoes of their own summers and moments of grief in its pages.
Never Give Up
Talent Show Troubles follows a sea turtle as he tries desperately to find a talent for the upcoming talent show. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, it all started with some doodles in church. My mom taught me how to draw turtles, and so I drew a turtle named Crush Sir Turtletin, the third. Then I drew three more until I had 4 generations of the royal Crush Sir Turtletin family. I wanted to write a series that featured each of the turtles as an introduction and then wanted to expand the series to show different adventures.
For this first book, I thought it would be a fun story to have this great-grandpa tell about a time when he was younger and asked his son to help him learn to dance. The dad knows how much his son loves to dance and thought that would be a great talent for the talent show. Sometimes, I help my grandfather learn how to play games, so that was part of my inspiration for having the younger generation help the older generation.
What scene did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite chapter is the “Shell-Shaking Dancing King.” I think it’s a very entertaining and comical chapter in the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to show that it’s important to try new things, even if you aren’t good at it. We aren’t all good at everything, but there is something we can all do if we just keep trying. The king wasn’t afraid to try new talents and didn’t give up when he failed at some of them. He kept trying new activities until he found something he was good at and I think that’s an important lesson for everyone. Try new things and never give up.
Where will Book 2 in this series take young readers? Can you give us a peek inside?
Book 2 introduces Crush Sir Turtletin, the 2nd. He starts off gathering a group of young turtles and tells them a tale of when he was young and wanted to take a vacation. His dad was against vacations, so Crush Sir Turtletin, the 2nd, sneaks off to have a grand adventure but instead finds himself facing mishap after mishap. It is a funny adventure that you won’t want to miss!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Gentle Lessons
The Adventures of Lucky Rocky follows a fun-loving and adventurous puppy who loves to spend time with his friends and learn valuable life lessons and problem-solving skills together. What inspired this series?
This series was born out of my desire to create a joyful book that teaches children about friendship, kindness, and helping each other. Rocky the puppy is a friend who, together with his friends, takes little readers on fun and heartfelt adventures. I wanted children to see warmth in these stories and learn valuable lessons while simply enjoying tales of friendship.
What ideas were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to show that kindness and friendship make life brighter and more interesting. Through Rocky’s simple and relatable adventures, children can see how wonderful it is to support each other and enjoy being together. These stories are filled with gentle lessons that teach children to help, share, and be attentive to others — qualities that are so meaningful to cultivate from a young age.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I especially enjoyed writing the scene in the first story where Brisket hides under a bucket, accidentally causing a commotion in the yard. It’s a fun and a little chaotic moment, with a lot of laughter and unexpected twists. Brisket’s mishap adds humor to the story and shows children that even when things don’t go right the first time, they can laugh about it, especially with the support of friends.
What will the next book in the series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book will continue Rocky’s adventures with his friends. It will bring new characters and explore more themes of friendship and helping each other. We’re planning for its release soon so that children can enjoy the warm, happy world of Rocky and his friends once again.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The book combines the best stories from this series and is sure to bring joy and happiness to kids and their parents alike.
In this edition:
beautiful illustrations that capture attention
engaging stories that children will want to read to the end
simple sentences printed in large font for easy reading
It is perfect for bedtime reading for children aged 3-5 and for reinforcing independent reading skills in children aged 6-8.
There is nothing more thrilling for a child than fun adventures!
Fun adventures are the motto of the book’s main character, Lucky Rocky, a brave puppy who loves to spend time with friends and learn new things!
Why is Rocky called Lucky?
What helps him stay positive, smart and kind?
What discoveries does Rocky make in each new story?
Find out together with your beloved child by reading this exciting book, which:
• is great for children aged 3 years and older
• contains cute hand drawn illustrations that children love
• is filled with love, support and care for our little ones
• teaches your child the basics of friendship, kindness, mutual assistance and respect in a fun and easy way
• includes funny incidents and clever plotlines that will interest the child so that they will want to go back to them again and again
• consists of short stories, ideal for reading before bedtime – or at any other time
• is a good fit for first-time readers, new parents, and primary school teachers
• is a perfect gift for birthdays, holidays or any other important events
• will take you and your little treasure on a real adventure together
Books are small steps towards a big future!
Take this step! Take this book with you! Give your child the gift of a wonderful story!
Silly Antics
Mischievous Cat Brothers follows two cat brothers’ daily activities and antics and the chaos they sometimes cause their “cat mom.” What inspired this children’s book?
That would be my own two silly kitties. I have a now 9-year-old and 7-year-old cat. The 7-year-old is narrating and it is his silly antics that inspired this series. Everything you read in the book are real things that happened in my place with my boys. I never knew how silly and funny cats could be and I thought it would be great to show the world this point of view for cats.
The art in this book brings the story to life, and the fact that each page is illustrated by a different artist on the autism spectrum makes it extra special. What was the collaboration process like with Brainstorm Productions?
The collaboration process is honestly one of the easiest and best for me. Brainstorm Productions individuals are brilliant. They are so talented and they send me a timeline but always deliver early. They send me different versions of each sketch I can choose from. I think my favorite though is when I am stuck on what to do for the header or back cover or an illustration and I give them total freedom to come up with an idea. They get my vision and bring my work to life the best. They are so nice, open and flexible. They make it the most enjoyable and best process for me.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Oh gosh, probably the foot under the bed one lol. That never ceases to surprise me when he does that. Even now, every winter, I forget and out shoots his paw to grab my foot lol I laugh the most probably when that happens. That was very fun to write and then figure out how to describe it for Brainstorm Productions to bring it to life. Luckily, I had pictures for them to go off of.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I recently wrote a book called Dragon Island – Football Season. It was a book that my own little cousins asked me to write which was fun. They had a hand in it too by giving me their favorite colors and the names of the dragons. Also, an author friend asked me to write about a character who was deaf. This will have a dragon that is and that was fun to research and plan out. This was probably one of the biggest planned-out books before I started to write it. I’m very proud of it and very excited for it. This one will be out In 2025 and I cannot wait for it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
In the next chapter of the “Cat Brothers” series, Snowball takes the spotlight, sharing tales of playful antics and pranks he shares with his sibling, Midnight. Whether he’s mistaking his owner’s foot for a mouse or watching Midnight comically attempt to fit into a box, their home is always filled with laughter and mischief. Dive into the delightful escapades of Midnight and Snowball in this enchanting sequel!
Realizing Our Dreams
Sally Mitts and the Land of Imagination follows a curious cat who steps through a magical door into a world where creativity knows no bounds, embarking on an adventurous journey to restore the joy of imagination. What inspired you to create a character like Sally, a curious cat?
Sally’s a real persona to me. She isn’t a superhero, she’s vulnerable but she finds the courage to explore and grow in her stories. In her first book, she faces tough circumstances in a shelter and follows her instincts to choose a kind man for her new family.
In this second book, Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination, she discovers how powerful her creativity is when she embraces it and learns to believe in herself. Her potential for real friendships, aspiring, and healing all bloom when she enters the Land Of Imagination, where you can be whatever you imagine. And so can everybody else – sometimes hilariously. But that’s part of the joy of it.
The theme of imagination plays a central role in the story. What message do you hope young readers take away about the power of creativity?
I believe that a healthy imagination is essential to our well-being. It’s the path to realizing our dreams and desires. But this priceless gift is too often repressed as we “grow up.” Something invaluable is lost, without which our capacity for hope and beauty withers. Where there was life and color, there is only sterility and fitting into the status quo.
I hope Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination encourages young readers to treasure their unique creativity and facilitates a life-long love affair with their capacity to imagine. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Can you share more about the process behind the hand-drawn illustrations and how they complement the narrative?
I draw by hand because it allows me the greatest ability to capture the emotional content of my stories. Although time-consuming, I find this way I can best express the story’s nuances – from my heart to the readers.
When and where will the book be available?
Sally And The Land Of Imagination is available for half-price with pre-order on Amazon. It will be published on October 26th on Amazon and Ingram Spark. Audiobooks will be available on Audible and Find-A-Voice.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Amazon
It all begins on an ordinary day when Sally spies a pair of shoes walking – without any feet! Curious, she follows them to a mysterious red door with the word Imagination etched above it. Beyond its threshold, Sally discovers a fantastical world of creatures living out their dreams:
A tender-hearted rabbit who loves long blingy gowns and singing opera. A shirty mole who believes he’s too smart to bear other’s company. A snail who floats through the stars and the joyful dancing Gollyphants who make the Rainbow Lake’s waves shake. And threatening them all; the hungry fog monster who steals hopes and dreams.
Full of wonderfully odd characters and unexpected twists and turns, this enchanting tale is a must-have for every child’s library.
Winner of The Golden Wizard Book Prize in Children’s Literature and The Literary Titan Book Award.
LITERARY TITAN 