Blog Archives
Noah’s Wonderful World
Noah’s Wonderful World is a super fun and heartwarming children’s book that does a fantastic job of teaching kids and grown-ups about autism in a way that’s easy to understand. Noah, an adorable autistic toddler, takes us through his day, showing us what his world looks like. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of life, making it engaging for young readers.
One of the coolest things about the book is that there’s helpful info for adults on almost every page. It breaks down why autistic children might act a certain way, like how repetition can feel calming or why some kids love sensory experiences while others avoid them. It’s like a mini-lesson for parents while the kids enjoy the story, which is awesome.
The fantastic illustrations are packed with fun details, too. There’s always something to spot. I loved seeing things like a little brain sitting on Dad’s shoulder when he had a good idea or colorful music notes floating around when Noah listened to his favorite sounds.
At the end, there’s a bunch of activities for kids to try and a section just for caregivers with a complete breakdown of what autism is, how it can show up in different ways, and tips on how to support and advocate for autistic children.
Noah’s Wonderful World is a perfect picture book for anyone who knows someone with autism or just wants to understand it better. It’s fun, beautifully illustrated, and surprisingly informative. I think a lot of readers will walk away learning something new.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0D7T24GJM
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Lymphatic System.
Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Lymphatic System., by Michael Dow, is an engaging, educational book that introduces children to the intricacies of the lymphatic system. In the story, Jean, Condi, and Sonia seek answers from Nurse Florence, who guides them through the vital role the lymphatic system plays in keeping our bodies healthy. Through simple explanations and vibrant illustrations, readers learn about lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, and more. The book presents the function of these organs in a way that’s both informative and easy to understand, making it ideal for young readers curious about how their bodies work.
Nurse Florence explains how the immune system works using language that is clear and relatable, ensuring young readers grasp the concepts without feeling overwhelmed. When describing lymph nodes as “battle stations” where immune cells fight off infections, the book provides an illustration that enhances understanding. This visual approach not only aids comprehension but also keeps kids engaged, making the learning process both fun and effective.
Dow’s writing is direct and appropriate for its target audience, though at times it leans on simplicity, which may feel a bit basic for older readers. That said, this straightforwardness is a strength for younger audiences or those unfamiliar with the topic. One moment that stood out to me was when Nurse Florence explained how T cells mature in the thymus—this is a great example of how the book balances teaching scientific terms while keeping the tone light and approachable. The illustrations further elevate the text, giving kids a clearer picture of what’s being discussed.
The book encourages practical learning by tying the information back to everyday habits. Nurse Florence ends the lesson by promoting healthy practices like eating well and exercising, making the science feel actionable. This seamless connection between biology and real life can inspire kids to think about their own health, making the book both educational and motivating.
Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Lymphatic System. is a well-crafted, engaging read that’s perfect for elementary-aged kids eager to learn about how their bodies function. The combination of easy-to-follow explanations and detailed illustrations makes it a great resource for parents, educators, or anyone wanting to introduce scientific concepts to children. If you’re looking for an educational yet entertaining book to spark your child’s interest in health and science, this is a fantastic choice.
Pages: 70 | ISBN : 978-1304762221
The Happiest Cat in the World
Prepare to be swept into the thought-provoking world of The Happiest Cat in the World. This charming picture book by Chiyuki Krider introduces us to a cat who believes it is living in the lap of luxury with endless freedom, food, and fun. The catch? It’s all a dream. Our feline friend lives a starkly different reality, surviving on the unpredictable kindness of strangers. This story elegantly dances on the line between dreams and reality, encouraging young readers and adults alike to reflect on the concepts of freedom and happiness, sparking reflection and engagement.
Krider uses the cat’s innocent perspective to delve into heavy themes such as autonomy and the harshness of life without becoming too heavy for its intended audience. The way the cat narrates its imagined freedoms juxtaposed with its real-life struggles adds a layer of poignant irony. You can’t help but hope for the cat’s dreams to somehow become reality, even as the book subtly hints at the impossibility of such an outcome.
Visually, the book is just as impactful. The illustrations, also crafted by Krider, are charming hand-drawn sketches that reflect the simplicity of the narrative. The straightforward style fits beautifully with the narrative’s nature.
By using a cat’s perspective to explore the theme of freedom, Krider invites young readers to consider what freedom means to them. It’s a great way to introduce such a complex idea to children, making it relatable and understandable through the eyes of an animal. The story’s end, tinged with a bittersweet note as we come to terms with the cat’s reality, invites discussion and reflection, making it an excellent book for parents and teachers to explore with their kids.
The Happiest Cat in the World is a gentle exploration of dreams versus reality through the eyes of a hopeful cat. This children’s book would be an excellent addition to any young reader’s library, especially for those who love animals or need a thoughtful nudge to discuss deeper topics.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0D33NMRNK
Giving Kids Confidence
Sophie and the Swans follows a girl living by the lake who stands up to a bully throwing stones at the swans she has befriended. What was the inspiration for your story?
A few years ago, I made friends with a pair of swans I named Romeo and Juliet, who visited me at the shoreline below my house every day and brought their new family over every spring. They would greet me by nodding their heads and snorting to say hello. I was fascinated by their beauty, strength, and intelligence and started researching swan life and behavior. I already knew that swan couples stay together for life, but I was also struck by their loyalty to one another and hoped they never suffered from the often-thoughtless actions of human beings. They were still wild birds but recognized us and even followed us around the lake when we went out in our canoe. It was an extraordinary friendship and we grew to love them. I started writing a factual book about swans for children but decided it would be more useful to write a fictional book featuring the swans that gently taught a lesson.
Sophie has a chance to show the bully what it feels like to be mistreated but instead shows him kindness and compassion when he needs help. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Setting an example, giving kids confidence to stand up for themselves when confronted, learning that two wrongs don’t make a right, and some bullying behavior can be diffused with kindness.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Hearing my mother read poetry to us before bed was the origin of my love for poetry. My father made up stories all the time and would make up new ones when he was in the car with his 4 children—all fantastical and fun. I think an important moment was when he read me a poem by Robert Frost, “The Death of the Hired Man,” when I was about 10. I saw his eyes moisten and realized how moving writing can be. I’ve been writing since I can remember, and my first written poem according to my mother, was written when I was 5 or 6 and involved swans!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
2024 Purple Dragonfly Award tied First Place Charity/Making a Difference category
A portion of proceeds for the book will be donated to anti-bullying advocates
Sophie is a little girl who lives beside a lake and makes friends with a pair of swans who visit her every day. One day, when a bully starts to torment the swans, Sophie rushes to defend them not by attacking the bully, but by showing him kindness when he gets into trouble on the lake.
New Hopes and Dreams
Little Melvin… The Pig That Could Eat the World follows a young pig living on a farm whose hunger gets out of control, sending him on an out-of-this-world adventure. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Anyone (even a cute little pig) can break free from his/her confines in search of new hopes and dreams and adventure!
Also, not everyone has visited a farm, particularly younger children, and this book may give them an early view of how a farm can look.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
To successfully create an enjoyable picture book that could be enjoyed between parents and young children during reading times together.
I was also hopeful that the book could attract the interest of a traditional publisher or literary agent.
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?
There may be another Little Melvin coming to market. If so, I envision him returning to Earth to share his adventures from outer space where he learned important ways, on other planets, to improve our planet (instead of devouring it)!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
But Melvin’s simple, everyday world is about to change forever.
Melvin’s deep love for his farmers delicious food takes over, and his need for more food leads him to a place he could never have imagined!
You might say that Melvin’s new adventure is truly, “out of this world”!
The Classic Underdog Story
Here Come the Mice: The Jet Stream Team follows a basketball team invited to attend the Olympic Games only to find themselves lending a hand when disaster strikes the US Olympic Men’s Basketball team. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The idea for Here Come the Mice: The Jet Stream Team emerged from my passion for the Olympics and basketball. As I eagerly awaited the announcement of the 2024 team’s name, I began brainstorming my own team name. This initial idea quickly evolved into a full storyline. Inspired by the iconic “Dream Team” and “Redeem Team,” I thought the 2024 team name would follow a similar pattern. They didn’t but I did, so it’s a win-win for me.
Is there anything from your own life included in Here Come the Mice?
Yes, the Here Come the Mice series is inspired by my older brother and his experiences in a basketball summer league in Ohio. Additionally, I included myself in the story as a character on the plane with my college best friend, Milton, who is the coach for the U.S. team in the book. There are also cameos of my family throughout the story, like my wife with the blue dog in her lap.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important for me to emphasize themes of triumph and the classic underdog story, which resonates with both kids and adults. Everyone loves rooting for the underdog, and it’s a powerful reminder of perseverance and resilience. I wanted to ensure a safe and happy ending for all characters. Additionally, I aimed to draw parallels between the predicaments faced by the U.S. team and the unexpected challenges encountered by the Mice Team.
Can young readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, The Underdog Collection consists of a three-book series. The first book is titled Here Come the Mice: An Underdog Story, and the second book, Space Jelly, kicks off with the main character’s love of peanut butter and jelly, then evolves into a triumphant adventure for kids and adults. All three books revolve around the underdog theme. I’m sure I’ll have another adventure for them soon.
Additionally, I have a second book series called The Mini Tales Collection by Reggie. This series features a collection of entertaining short stories with several hilarious characters inspired by my real-life family. The stories span my childhood and are written and drawn from my perspective. It’s an absolutely funny family series, and I have a new book coming out this fall called Total Chaos, showcasing the chaos, memories, and funny stories that take place in a household of eight.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In a stroke of literary brilliance, Reginald P. Howard masterfully crafts a narrative around the Mice Team’s uproarious journey. Unintentionally becoming game-changers in a larger scenario, the team not only causes a mid-air hiccup for the USA men’s basketball team but also finds themselves catapulted into a life of luxury in the City of Lights. Prepare for a sky-high adventure as the Mice, an unlikely basketball team, soar through the clouds and into the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympics. As they navigate this unexpected turn of events, they emerge not only as winners but also as unlikely heroes in the world of men’s basketball. Get ready to cheer as these underdog athletes strive for gold.
Squirrels in Antartica
Squirrels in Antarctica by Sari Karplus serves as a delightful portal into the vast and varied realms of animals and geography, sparking a child’s curiosity and imagination. This enchanting book takes young readers on a whimsical journey where creatures and insects find themselves in delightfully improbable scenarios, far from their natural realms. From a porcupine strolling through Paris clad in pink to a skunk endeavoring to remain odorless, and from a narwhal seeking rest in New York to a piglet dining with a spork, Karplus brings these scenes to life with lyrical rhymes and vivid, dynamic illustrations.
Karplus’s writing style is exceptionally child-friendly, featuring succinct, engaging sentences that captivate both young readers and adults. The book’s structure, while not following a traditional narrative, offers an educational exploration of a wide range of animals, actions, and locales. It encourages children to expand their understanding of the world, introducing them to diverse environments from the Earth’s landscapes to the cosmic expanse of Saturn’s rings. The illustrations are a standout feature, with each scenario depicted in rich, colorful detail, creating a unique and immersive visual experience. The book encourages children to think creatively and embrace the boundless possibilities of their imaginations, fostering an environment where the extraordinary is not just possible but celebrated. What makes Squirrels in Antarctica particularly captivating is its embrace of the fantastical. Each page turn is an adventure, filled with anticipation for the next delightful absurdity.
Karplus’s humor and lively pacing make the reading experience both entertaining and engaging, ideal for nurturing a lifelong love of reading. This book isn’t just a reading experience; it’s a journey into a world where the unexpected is the norm, making it a brilliant choice for inspiring young minds to learn, laugh, and dream.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9798986029757
Nurse Florence(R), Why and How Do We Sneeze?
Nurse Florence(R): Why and How Do We Sneeze? by Michael Dow is an engaging and informative read that is sure to captivate young readers. The story follows three girls, Jen, Condi, and Sonia, as they explore the reasons why people sneeze. Through their lunchtime conversation with Nurse Florence, the girls learn about different types of allergens that can cause sneezing. The book introduces young readers to the world of science and medicine in a fun and creative way. What’s more, the author’s use of scientific terminology encourages young readers to learn and explore new concepts.
I appreciated the author’s approach to language, where he explains the use of bigger words, often found in prestigious schools, to aid in their understanding of the human body’s mechanics. The author does an excellent job of simplifying complex concepts, making the book easy to understand for young readers. The captivating illustrations in the book add an extra layer of engagement, bringing to life the different types of allergens and making the book an enjoyable visual experience.
I highly recommend Nurse Florence(R): Why and How Do We Sneeze? to parents, teachers, and anyone interested in introducing young readers to the world of science and medicine. It is an excellent resource for teachers looking for an exciting way to introduce scientific concepts to their students, with the added benefit of sparking their curiosity to learn more about the human body.
Pages: 58 | ISBN : 1387529749
LITERARY TITAN 