Blog Archives
Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit: LIFE IS LIKE A FOUNTAIN – IT HAS UPS (Opportunities and Successes) AND DOWNS (Disappointments and Failures)
Life Is Like a Fountain, the third installment in Dr. S. K. Grunin’s Life Lessons and Tales of Little Misfit series, is a warm and lively middle-grade memoir-style story that follows Ivy Sue Klutz, better known as Little MisFit, through the ups and downs of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. The book blends personal storytelling, gentle humor, and clear life lessons as Ivy navigates new classrooms, shifting friendships, family moments on the farm, city adventures, and the kind of inner changes that come with growing up. Grunin frames the whole journey around a simple but effective idea: life is like a fountain with high arcs and sudden drops, and you learn to move with both.
Some of the moments are sweet, some are chaotic, and a few are downright painful, but the writing keeps everything light enough for young readers while still feeling honest. I liked that Grunin allowed Ivy to be imperfect. She gets jealous. She pushes boundaries. She gets hurt a lot. But she also pays attention to the world, whether she’s discovering biographies of Galileo and Madame Curie, exploring Chicago for the first time, or learning how disappointment can turn into confidence if you give it time. Those scenes from the farm mixed with the scenes of the city create a nice balance, almost like stepping between two different seasons in the same life.
I also appreciated the author’s choice to keep the lessons clear without making them heavy. The book’s genre sits somewhere between children’s fiction and inspirational coming-of-age, and it uses that space well. Ivy’s story isn’t polished into something unreal. She struggles with changing friendships, tough teachers, her own temper, and even major national events, like learning about President Kennedy’s assassination in class. There were times when the writing made me smile, especially during her mischievous moments, and other times when I felt that familiar pinch of remembering what it was like to be twelve and trying hard to seem brave.
Life Is Like a Fountain invites adults to read alongside kids, to share stories, and to talk about the things that shape us. I’d recommend this book most to young readers in upper elementary or middle school, as well as parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors who want something heartfelt to read together. If you enjoy character-driven coming-of-age stories with gentle guidance woven in, Book 3 of the Little MisFit series is an easy and uplifting choice.
Pages: 81 : ASIN : B0DVC469KW
The Book Began As A Poem
Mother Earth is a lyrical picture book that invites readers to see the planet as a living, loving being through tender, rhythmic verse and luminous art. What inspired you to personify Earth as a mother and divine artist in your poem?
The book began as a poem that I wrote for my father. He’s an artist and subsequently someone who has taught me to think outside the lines that are so often drawn for us. While I cannot give an exact reason as to why I decided to personify Earth in this book, I do think in retrospect it’s likely because in the hardest times in life it has seemed like nature has taken care of me in ways that felt sacred. You can have what feels like the very worst day of your life and the sun on your back still brings warmth and comfort! That is a gift, and a divine one in my opinion.
How did you collaborate with the illustrator to match the book’s spiritual tone visually?
I am also the illustrator for Mother Earth so that was an easy one. I knew I wanted to approach the illustrations with a more modern /pop art vibe. I liked the idea of contrasting the depth of the message with fun visuals.
What do you hope young readers will feel or think after reading Mother Earth?
I hope readers will look around and appreciate the beauty in the world and consider it a gift, to always ask questions, and have hope.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on one I’m really excited about. The story is in the editing phase and I have only begun to brainstorm with illustrations! It is going to be less philosophical, and more of a fun story told from a kid’s perspective! I think it will be released for sure in 2026, so stay tuned!
ZOEY WONDERS WHY AND THE GREAT CATASTROPHE
Wow. This book really pulled me in. Zoey Wonders Why and the Great Catastrophe tells the story of Zoey, a curious and bright fifth grader who’s just trying to make sense of life, friends, family, and growing up. She’s excited about turning ten, planning the perfect birthday party, and figuring out who her real friends are. Then, her world shifts when her dad suddenly loses his job. What follows is a story about change, love, and finding gratitude even when life feels upside down. It’s packed with little lessons, family warmth, and delicious food scenes that made me hungry more than once.
I honestly didn’t expect to feel so attached to Zoey and her family, but I did. The writing feels like a conversation with a friend. Zoey talks to “you” (the reader) like you’re part of her world, which makes the story feel personal and cozy. I loved how she learns to handle tough emotions, like disappointment, confusion, and sadness, without it ever getting too heavy for a kid’s story. The mix of humor, sibling chaos, and heart-to-heart family moments feels real. I also liked how the book sneaks in little lessons about empathy, money, and resilience without sounding preachy. It’s smart and warm at the same time.
There were moments that hit me harder than I thought they would. The scene where Zoey finds out about her dad losing his job? My chest actually tightened a bit. And when she decides that family is more important than fancy parties, that one stuck with me. The writing is simple but full of heart. I loved the illustrations strewn throughout the book. They draw the reader in with warm, vibrant colors and expressive characters.
I’d totally recommend this book to kids around nine to thirteen, especially anyone who’s been through change or family struggles. Parents could read it with their kids too; it’s a great way to talk about feelings, money, and what really matters. If you like stories that make you smile, think, and maybe tear up just a little, this one’s for you.
Pages: 119 | ASIN: B0FN7CL6PC
A Trusted Source
Nurse Florence®, What is Albumin? follows three friends who are talking to the school nurse as she outlines what albumin is, its role in the bloodstream, and its significance in overall health. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The human body is amazing, and we should all learn how it operates. Human physiology should be taught from a young age all over the world so that we have societies that perform at high levels due to increased knowledge and healthy living. Nurse Florence® seeks to support that objective.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I referenced a research document about albumin from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research to guide my writing. Nurse Florence® always uses research-based documents to guide all discussions so that the series can be a trusted source of medical information. I review these documents and then summarize the findings into a fifth-grade reading level.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to make sure the purpose of albumin was clearly stated, as well as issues that can occur if there are low levels of albumin in the blood. Hopefully, this book helps remove a little bit of the complicated mystery that the human body is.
What topic are you currently in the middle of writing a book on?
We have around 150 Nurse Florence® books in production, with a new book published every 3-7 days. We hope to not just bring knowledge to the world, but also motivation for current and future generations to live a healthy life so that we can be as productive and helpful as possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Nurse Florence Project | YouTube | Website
The Best Worst Christmas Ever
Thomas J. Thorson’s The Best Worst Christmas Ever begins as a simple snowbound family story and unfolds into something much more. Part adventure, part fairy tale, and part rediscovery of wonder. It starts with a family trapped by a blizzard on Christmas Eve, stripped of their digital comforts and forced to reconnect. A father and his three children, Parker, Candace, and little Lily, turn an ordinary night into an extraordinary one through shared imagination. What begins as storytelling by candlelight transforms into a magical journey involving Santa, fairies, lost treasures, and lessons about love, courage, and the true meaning of Christmas.
This book felt like it should be read by a warm fire while the world outside howled with snow. Thorson writes with a gentle humor and sincerity that caught me off guard. The story within a story, the family inventing a Christmas adventure together, reminded me of my own childhood, of times when imagination bridged every gap. The characters felt real, especially the father trying to keep the holiday spirit alive amid chaos. His patience, the kids’ bickering, and the messy dinner they invent, all felt honest and familiar. I liked how the writing never rushed. Each moment had room to breathe.
But what really surprised me was how emotional it became. There’s whimsy in the magic and humor in the dialogue, but there’s also depth. The story nudges you to think about connection, about how the simplest acts like sharing stories, and helping one another can turn a night of disappointment into one of wonder. I felt nostalgic, and a little wistful, reading it.
By the end, I found myself smiling. The Best Worst Christmas Ever isn’t flashy or cynical. It’s a small, heartfelt book that believes in kindness, family, and imagination. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves cozy stories with a touch of fantasy, parents reading aloud to kids, readers who still believe in a bit of Christmas magic, or anyone who just wants to feel good for a while.
Pages: 164 | ASIN : B0FM8HYSG1
Defenseless Sea Life
The Tralls of Colum follows two siblings from the Tralldom of Colum, who face challenges tied to environmental changes, friendship, courage, and discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was a primary school teacher for many years, and on rainy days, I’d tell my class stories of the tralls and their battles to protect their environment.
I noticed that after a storytelling session, my young audience would become more conscious of their effect on the surroundings and more interested in the local flora and fauna.
So, when I retired from teaching, I decided to publish the stories in the hope of reaching a wider audience
and making more children aware of the ways they could protect their own environments.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
The Tralls of Colum was written for two of my grandchildren, and the main characters Jai and Emi were fashioned on them. They are often complimented on their co-operation, resourcefulness, perseverance, and tolerance, and I wanted to focus on those characteristics in the hope they would resonate with, and influence, my young readers.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I live near the coast, so I often see the deleterious effect that plastic waste is having on our beautiful oceans and our defenseless sea life. I wrote The Tralls of Colum to highlight those problems and make our younger citizens aware of the problems that we will face in the future if we don’t act to rid all our waterways of this dangerous material.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The Trall Series consists of five published books, and each one revolves around a different environmental problem.
The Tralls of Nindarry – displacement of people due to mining.
The Tralls of Mundi – watercourses, aquifers, lakes, and rivers being diverted or polluted due to mining.
The Tralls of Maruchus – the dangerous effects of fracking on the environment.
The Tralls of Colum – the danger our oceans and sea-life face due to plastic waste.
The Tralls of Nosa – the danger faced by native flora and fauna when invasive species are introduced.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Emi overhears her grandfather and two of his chars making plans for them to leave their ancestral lands she is devastated but the next morning a huge island of fresh green kelp and thousands of plump jellyfish miraculously appear off-shore, and she quickly realizes this precious gift from Mother Ocean will change everything.
Emi and Jai are determined to collect as much of the unexpected bounty as they can before the sea creatures devour it all but unfortunately, their dugout is overturned by a mysterious creature. Emi is almost drowned and Jai is lost at sea, and sadly, their exploits were in vain because the kelp and jellyfish are not what they seem. They are an unknown substance that is inedible and very dangerous for all living things.
Eventually, the tralls are forced to leave their beloved tralldom and begin their trek south in search of a new home.
Could this signal the end of the Tralldom of Colum?
The Tralls of Colum is the fourth book in The Trall Series – a collection of environmentally-themed portal fantasies that are set in the Sunshine Coast region of Australia. Each book in the series can be read individually but when read in sequence, they introduce the reader to an enchanting world full of unforgettable characters and locations..
The series is suitable for competent middle-grade readers.
Do What You Love
Singing Surya Dreams to Dance follows a young boy who loves to dance but hides his passion because of what others might think, till an encouraging teacher helps him learn that there is nothing wrong with following your heart. What was the inspiration for your story?
The premise of Singing Surya Dreams to Dance stems from age-old gender stereotypes. Pink vs. blue, dolls vs. cars, dance vs. sports, each of these stereotypes pigeonholes us from the time we are children. I wanted to create a story to inspire children to embrace what they love, explore what they are curious about, and the courage to share it with the world. I see Singing Surya Dreams to Dance as a path for children to give themselves permission to do what they love and share what they do. And the book can serve as a reminder to their peers and adults in their lives to support and encourage their journeys.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Foremost, giving voice to children (honestly, even teens and adults) who make assumptions about what they are and are not “supposed” to do forms the backbone for this book. I believe we can all use education and discussion around what we need permission for, whose permission do we seek, the cost of hiding your passion, and the assumptions we make about people. I also wanted to explore the theme of support and encouragement; being in tune with how others may feel, and being willing to ask for (and take) help. The idea of assumptions was very important to me. What assumptions do we make and why? What purpose do they serve? And how can they be addressed in a constructive way?
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Vidya Vasudevan?
Vidya does beautiful, heartfelt work. This is our second collaboration, and it was another joy just like our work on my debut children’s book Dancing Deepa. Aside from her experience growing up in the Indian diaspora and raising Indian-American children, she connected with Surya’s journey. As an author, it was important to clearly communicate things important to me about the visual elements. It was equally important to give Vidya creative space to flex, and see how she saw the visual representation of the story. She came up with some ideas that jump off the page. Once again, she created some absolute gems for this book. I’m so grateful to collaborate with her, it’s been a wonderful partnership.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I have 3 more stories connected with Surya and Deepa outlined, and I’m letting the ideas marinate in my head. I know one of them will jump out at me, and that’s what I’ll write next. I also have a non-fiction concept in mind, also connected to Indian culture in the diaspora. More to come there!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
There’s only one problem.
Surya is a boy. And boys don’t dance.
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: Book 4: The Baboons
Casper the Cat embarks on a heartwarming and eye-opening journey through the African jungle in Jennifer Ussi’s The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa. Surrounded by her jungle friends, Casper learns how animals coexist, communicate, and care for one another. When Evelyn, a brave young baboon with only one arm, attempts to comfort a crying leopard cub without its family’s consent, chaos ensues—sparking an unexpected conflict between the baboons and leopards. Amid the tension, Casper is puzzled. Why should compassion lead to such turmoil? Can understanding bridge the divide between two angry tribes, or will the jungle descend into battle?
What makes this story shine is its message of empathy and perspective. Through Casper’s calm reasoning and Evelyn’s pure-hearted actions, children see that kindness can change how others view a situation. Even when danger looms, Casper puts aside fear to help others see that Evelyn’s gesture came from love, not defiance. The story beautifully reminds readers, young and old, that seeing the world through another’s eyes often leads to peace and understanding.
Adding charm to the narrative is a playful dose of humor. Henry, the mischievous elder baboon, and his spirited twin sons fill the pages with laughter and light moments. Their antics offer children a joyful reminder that humor can strengthen bonds and lift spirits, even in tense times. The vibrant personalities of the jungle’s inhabitants make this tale not only educational but utterly delightful to read.
Illustrator Lekshmi Bose brings Ussi’s vision to life with artistry and care. Her detailed, neutral-toned illustrations enhance the natural beauty of the African wilderness. Every page feels alive, each animal expressive, each scene immersive.
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa is far more than a children’s tale; it’s a celebration of empathy, curiosity, and unity. Readers of all ages will not only enjoy its adventure and humor but also gain insights into African wildlife and conservation, meeting creatures such as leopards, baboons, helmeted guineafowl, and even playful squirrels.
Pages: 82 | ASIN : B0FNR626PT
LITERARY TITAN 