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Just Be You
In Just Be You, Valerie Whetstone introduces readers to Pixie, a young fairy whose life is turned upside down when her parents announce they’re leaving the comfort of Fairy Town for the unfamiliar world of Humanville. For Pixie, this news is more than unsettling; it’s earth-shattering. Fairy Town is where she belongs, where she’s free to be herself without fear of judgment. In Humanville, she must conceal her wings and blend in with human children, a task that proves far more complicated than she expects.
Once relocated, Pixie begins attending a new school, and the struggle to hide her true identity intensifies. Every attempt to mask her wings ends in disappointment. Despite her best efforts, nothing seems to work. But Pixie isn’t ready to give up; she tries one final solution. Will it succeed? Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to discover whether Pixie’s bold move brings the acceptance she longs for or something even greater.
This charming tale is not only captivating but also imparts a resonant message. As Pixie wrestles with the pressure to conform, young readers are gently reminded of the power of authenticity. Her journey encourages children to embrace what makes them unique, reinforcing that trying to change who you are for others rarely brings true happiness. Instead, the story champions self-acceptance and honesty as the most empowering path.
The book’s back matter adds depth and interactivity that further enriches the reading experience. Whetstone includes a “Mirror Exercise” that encourages children to speak kind affirmations to themselves, an empowering activity that nurtures self-esteem. A whimsical recipe for Sprinkled Fairy Pancakes, introduced earlier in the story, adds a touch of fun and magic. Additionally, a Journal/Affirmations section invites young readers to reflect, draw, and express gratitude, promoting emotional awareness and self-love. Children can also create lists of “power words” to reinforce their inner strength.
The illustrations by Mel Schroeder are nothing short of enchanting. Every page bursts with warmth and color, pulling readers further into Pixie’s world. Schroeder’s talent shines through in each vibrant, full-page spread, harmonizing beautifully with the narrative.
Just Be You is a heartfelt and empowering picture book that encourages children to stand tall in their individuality. It’s an engaging, thoughtful read with endearing characters and stunning visuals, an excellent resource for parents and educators alike. A truly uplifting story with a timeless message.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DNQHFTTG
Always Growing
New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister follows a little girl whose family is expecting a new baby, leaving her with some big emotions she is unsure of how to deal with until her big brother steps in and guides her through them. What was the inspiration for your story?
My kids have been my inspirations for the whole Super Big Brother series. My debut book, Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero, was inspired by my two children. Their acts of kindness and the special growing milestones they shared became the foundation for my sibling series, weaving in themes of emotional growth, empathy, and support which inspired the third book, Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister. I wanted to write stories that encourage children to be kind, help one another, and embrace the power of family bonds.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Yes, I certainly do. As a parent, watching your child navigate the emotions of welcoming a new sibling into the family, it can be both beautiful and challenging. With an over six-year age gap between my children, I witnessed firsthand how the shift in attention can impact the firstborn—suddenly they’re no longer the sole focus and they are learning to share love and space. No matter if you’re the first child, second, third, or beyond, these feelings are deeply valid and worth acknowledging. This experience aligned perfectly with the heart of the Super Big Brother series, and the story of a new baby in the family felt like one that simply had to be told.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
As the third book in the series, I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself by building on the knowledge and experience I’ve gained so far. One of my main goals was to make this story longer and to explore a different style of illustration that better aligned with the theme. Growth and development are key to improving as a writer, and learning from past experiences was important to me in ensuring these new creative goals were successfully met.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I have just finished writing the 11th book in the Super Big Brother series which now is going for final edits. This, however, will become my 5th book to be published as I love the topic and cannot wait to get it launched.
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Embrace the Power of Family Bonds
Super Big Brother – The Big Brave School Day follows a nervous little girl as she heads off on her first day of school, and her big brother is there every step of the way to help her feel brave. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My debut book, Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero, was inspired by my two children. Watching my son naturally step into the role of a mentor to his younger sister—who looked up to him as her hero—deepened my appreciation for their growing sibling bond. This connection inspired me to create stories that reflect the different stages of childhood and the unique relationship between siblings and this lead to the creation of Super Big Brother: The Big Brave School Day.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The acts of kindness and the special growing milestones the siblings shared became the foundation for my sibling series, weaving in themes of emotional growth, empathy, and support. These were the important messages and ideas I wanted to share. I aspire to write stories that encourage children to be kind, help one another, and embrace the power of family bonds.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Super Sam guides Little Lulu into school is the most special and heartfelt moment for me. It was inspired by a real photo I took of my daughter on her first day of school, with her big brother gently holding her hand and leading her through the school gates. That simple, loving gesture captured the strength of their sibling bond—a moment so touching, it simply had to become part of the story.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
The next book in the series, Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister, was published in November 2024. This ten-book series has two more exciting titles set to be released soon. Watch this space!
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister
New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister tells the story of Lulu the Little, who’s facing some big feelings about the even bigger change coming her way. A new baby in the family! She’s overwhelmed, unsure, even a little jealous. But her big brother Super Sam steps in, cape and all, to gently guide her through her emotions. He shows her how to be a “Super Big Sister,” helping her see that she can still be loved and be helpful, brave, and important in this brand new family setup.
As a mom of two this picture book hit close to home. When Lulu asks, “Will Mommy and Daddy forget about me?” Ugh. That line cracked my heart right open. It’s exactly the kind of fear kids don’t always say out loud but definitely feel. And I absolutely adored how Sam handled it. He didn’t dismiss her feelings, he leaned in. He gave her his cape and walked her through what being a big sibling really means.
The writing is catchy, with rhymes that are easy and fun to read aloud. And again, the illustrations are so colorful and inviting. My daughter loved spotting “Cuddles” the teddy bear hiding in every scene. Plus, the activity pages at the end are a great bonus. We sat down together afterward and named baby items and did the word search. It made the book feel like more than just a read. It was a whole little bonding moment.
I’d say this children’s book is a must if you’ve got a little one about to become a big sibling. Especially if they’re on the fence about the whole baby thing. It opens the door for honest chats and big hugs. It’s gentle, reassuring, and full of heart.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DN1BTN79 | Blueberry Illustrations
Super Big Brother: The Big Brave School Day
Super Big Brother – The Big Brave School Day follows Lulu the Little as she heads off for her very first day of school. Naturally, she’s nervous, but her big brother, Super Sam, is there every step of the way to help her feel brave. The story gently walks through her rollercoaster of emotions — from the shy walk to class, to belly rumbles before lunch, to playground mishaps — all the way to that touching moment at the end when she wonders if maybe she can lead the way next time. It’s got rhythm, rhymes, and a lot of heart.
As a mom who’s walked her own little one to class with a lump in her throat, this book hit me right in the feels. I loved how real Lulu’s worries felt — that line where her stomach growls and she starts to scowl? Been there. And I adored Super Sam. What a wonderful big brother! He’s not just her guide; he’s her safe place. The moment when he swoops in after she falls on the playground? My heart just melted. It’s such a relatable sibling dynamic, and I could see my own kids in these two. Plus, the writing is so accessible. No big fancy words. Just pure, playful rhymes that are fun to read out loud (and believe me, I read it three times in one night!).
And the illustration are so bright and cheerful. There’s this clever little scavenger hunt built, which kept my daughter totally engaged. She was flipping back through the pages looking for him before I even finished the story. That interactive element made the picture book feel like an experience. I also appreciated the subtle lessons layered in — about being kind, about listening, about building confidence through baby steps.
I’d say this children’s book is a win for any child getting ready for school — and for us moms who are trying not to cry behind our sunglasses at drop-off. It’s especially perfect if your child has a sibling because it celebrates that special bond in such a lovely, respectful way. But even if not, Lulu’s bravery stands all on its own.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CLRMGPRS | Blueberry Illustrations
Embracing Differences
In Valentino’s Purpose, young readers learn to celebrate diversity and uniqueness alongside a lively Goldendoodle preparing to become a service dog. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Valentino, my own PTSD service dog, he was the heart and soul of this story. He was truly extraordinary. He wore clothes and shoes and had a personality that was almost human. He had a heart of gold and touched so many lives. The idea of using him to teach children about embracing differences came naturally.
Valentino was different. He wore clothes, which made him stand out. He was a service dog, a role that not all dogs play. This made him a perfect example for young readers to understand that being different isn’t just okay, it’s something to celebrate.
What character did you enjoy writing for most?
Valentino because he was more than just a service dog. He was my best friend, my confidant, and a constant source of love and support. He taught me so much about resilience, compassion, and the importance of embracing differences. I’m so grateful for the time I had with him, and I hope his story will inspire others to be kind and accepting.
The illustrations in your book are fantastic. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Lilly Walther?
The vibrant colors and charming characters in Valentino’s Purpose are a testament to the incredible collaboration between myself and illustrator Lilly Walther. It all began when Lilly, one of Valentino’s 3,500 Instagram followers, reached out after I shared my dream of writing a book. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and it was clear she wanted to be a part of this creative journey. From the very start, we knew we had a special connection. I envisioned a world filled with bright, happy colors, and Lilly’s talent perfectly captured that vision. We spent countless hours discussing the characters, the settings, and the overall atmosphere we wanted to create. My artistic knowledge, combined with Lilly’s incredible skill, resulted in illustrations that not only brought the story to life but also added a layer of depth and emotion.
Can young readers look forward to seeing more from Valentino in the future? What are you currently working on?
With five new Valentino books poised for publication, the future of my beloved Valentino is bright. Readers can anticipate a world of new adventures, unexpected twists, and the enduring power of storytelling that has captivated audiences from the very beginning.
My goal is to create stories that not only entertain but also inspire.
I want young readers to feel empowered to face their own challenges and to believe that anything is possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Celebrating Diversity: Valentino’s adventures teach children to appreciate and celebrate the differences in themselves and others. It’s a colorful reminder that our uniqueness is what makes us special.
Building Confidence: As Valentino confidently sports his stylish clothes, children learn the importance of self-expression and being true to themselves, encouraging them to stand tall in their uniqueness.
Promoting Empathy: The story highlights the impact of kindness and understanding, fostering empathy in young readers as they witness Valentino’s encounters with bullying and how he responds with forgiveness and friendship.
Encouraging Friendship and Inclusion: Valentino and his friends exemplify the joy of inclusive friendships, showing how accepting each other’s differences can lead to strong bonds and fun adventures.
Inspiring Resilience: The narrative teaches resilience in the face of adversity. Despite initial challenges, Valentino’s positive attitude and his mother’s wise words help him overcome obstacles and inspire others.
Join Valentino on his delightful journey where fashion, fun, and a big heart come together to spread a message of love, acceptance, and the joy of being oneself. “Valentino’s Purpose” is not just a story-it’s a celebration of every child’s unique sparkle.
Dolly’s Doodle Dreams: An Interactive Tale of Perseverance and Mindset
Dolly’s Doodle Dreams: An Interactive Tale of Perseverance and Mindset by Melissa Eastin stands as a distinguished addition to children’s literature, offering both a compelling narrative and an interactive experience that engages young readers on multiple levels. The book introduces its audience to Dolly, an exuberant doodle dog with a zest for adventure and an upcoming challenge: learning to walk on a leash. Through Dolly’s journey, Eastin deftly weaves themes of patience, practice, and perseverance, illustrating the empowering message that children can achieve anything with the right mindset.
Eastin’s narrative is not only a story to be read but an experience to be lived. Readers are not mere spectators to Dolly’s adventure; they are active participants, invited to help Dolly make choices along the way. This interactive element is ingeniously integrated, turning the act of reading into a dynamic exercise in decision-making and problem-solving. It’s a brilliant strategy to reinforce the book’s themes, as young readers practice the very perseverance and mindset Dolly embodies. The illustrations in the book are as lively and engaging as the story itself. They capture Dolly’s playful spirit with vivid colors and dynamic expressions, making each page feel like a scene from a delightful cartoon. This visual appeal is not just an adornment but a crucial part of the storytelling, enhancing the reader’s connection to Dolly and her world. Eastin’s use of encouraging language throughout the book is commendable. It serves a dual purpose: providing Dolly with the motivation to continue her quest and introducing young readers to a plethora of empowering vocabulary. This linguistic choice enriches the readers’ experience, expanding their language skills while instilling valuable life lessons about perseverance and resilience.
Dolly’s Doodle Dreams by Melissa Eastin is a multi-dimensional tool for growth and engagement. With its interactive narrative, vibrant illustrations, and motivational language, it is an exemplary resource for parents and educators looking to inspire a love of reading and a growth mindset in young individuals. Eastin has not only created a delightful story but also a platform for learning and empowerment that resonates with its audience long after the last page is turned.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CJX8K1T8
LITERARY TITAN 