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Social-Emotional Learning
Liam’s Lost Sparkle follows a young girl excited for Art Day at school who discovers a classmate is sad because his best friend has moved, so she offers to help him complete the rocket ship that his friend had been building. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from those small but powerful moments in childhood when empathy shines the brightest. I wanted to capture that magic—the way kids notice when someone’s feeling left out or sad and instinctively want to help. The idea of Art Day felt perfect because creativity brings people together, and something as simple as finishing a rocket ship can feel like rebuilding a broken world for a child. I kept thinking, what if one small act of kindness could light up someone’s whole world again? That thought became the heart of Liam’s story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One of my biggest goals was to weave social-emotional learning naturally into the story. I wanted children to see empathy in action—not as a lesson being taught, but as a choice that feels good and makes a difference. Friendship, kindness, and teamwork were essential themes because they’re real-life skills kids need every day. I also wanted to show problem-solving—how helping someone isn’t about having all the answers, but about caring enough to try. If kids walk away thinking, “I can be a helper too,” then I’ve done my job.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I absolutely loved writing the scene where the classroom transforms into a creative wonderland for Art Day. There’s this buzz of excitement—paint splashing, glitter shimmering, little imaginations running wild—and right in the middle of it, you see the contrast of Liam feeling lost. Then comes that turning point where the main character offers to help him finish the rocket. That moment gave me chills because it’s where kindness takes center stage. Writing it felt like watching a gray day burst into color.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can young readers expect in the next story?
Yes! Liam’s Lost Sparkle is the very first book in the Brave Kids Series, and I’m so excited to share that the next adventure will be coming out this fall. Young readers can expect another heartwarming story that celebrates courage and kindness—this time exploring a whole new challenge kids face every day. It’s going to be filled with big feelings, brave choices, and moments that show just how powerful empathy can be. Stay tuned—it’s going to be amazing!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When Liam’s best friend moves away, his sparkle fades—until a classmate asks, “Is your heart feeling kind of… cloudy?” This award-winning social skills book for kids helps:
Understand big feelings with gentle metaphors (“shadowy moods,” “lost sparkle”)
Practice kindness through relatable examples (“You can sit with me,” “Let’s build together!”)
Spark conversations with 8+ discussion questions and a “Feelings Detective Glasses” activity
Perfect for:
Parents seeking bedtime stories with emotional depth
Teachers building SEL skills (aligned with CASEL standards)
Counselors helping kids navigate friendship changes
Kindle Exclusive Features: Read-along mode (Enhanced typesetting for young readers)
Vibrant illustrations optimized for Kindle Fire/tablets
Bonus QR code for free printable activities
Me and the Missouri Moon
One night, Scarlet and her father hit a cyclist while driving. Pleading for him to stop and help, Scarlet was met with cold refusal. Her father’s fear of jail, compounded by his troubled past, led him to threaten her into silence. Guilt consumed Scarlet, but her burden grew heavier when she befriended a new girl at school—the injured cyclist’s sister. Juggling guilt, complicated family dynamics, and her friends’ struggles, Scarlet feels utterly lost. In her darkest hours, Scarlet clings to her grandmother’s words about the Missouri moon: a magical force that grants wishes to those who believe deeply enough. The moon becomes Scarlet’s refuge, her silent confidant. Yet, deep inside, she knows that no wish can replace the strength she must summon within herself.
Me and the Missouri Moon, by Nancy Stewart, is a profoundly moving novel. Scarlet’s story is layered with hardship, responsibility, and hope. She faces a troubled father, a mother working tirelessly at two jobs, and the challenge of caring for her younger sister. Her life is anything but simple. Amid her struggles, Scarlet remains a pillar of support for her friend Henry, who deals with difficulties at home. By contrast, her best friend, Cricket, comes from a privileged, loving family. Scarlet doesn’t resent Cricket but wrestles with understanding the stark differences between their worlds. Stewart captures this complexity with masterful precision, painting Scarlet’s world in rich, realistic detail without ever overwhelming the reader.
Nancy Stewart’s novel delivers powerful lessons about friendship, loyalty, and resilience. Each character shines with individuality, their backstories thoughtfully crafted to add depth and authenticity. Moments of pain and guilt are palpable, while scenes of kindness and camaraderie resonate with warmth. Stewart’s writing style is straightforward, honest, and captivating—a perfect balance for tackling such weighty themes. The short chapters ensure the story flows smoothly and remains accessible.
Me and the Missouri Moon is a heartfelt and inspiring story that explores the complexity of life, family, and self-discovery. Through Scarlet’s journey, readers witness the true meaning of inner strength and the profound impact of love, forgiveness, and courage. This book will immerse you in a world of challenges and triumphs, leaving you deeply moved and reflective. Nancy Stewart’s novel is a triumph—an emotional, realistic tale that will linger long after the final page.
Pages: 220 | ASIN : B0D46HWBC5
Prolonged Screen Time
Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou follows a young girl who spends her days glued to her phone while her persistent friend tries to coax her into exploring the world beyond the screen. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a simple story with a memorable, repetitive phrase to help children and parents talk about it at home. Many families are facing withdrawal symptoms in children from prolonged screen time. Symptoms include irritability, sleep disturbances, change in mood, depression, and anxiety. Studies have shown a direct correlation between poor grades and screen time length. The book reviews mention that they use the phrase “Put the phone down, Mary Lou” at home. I love that!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Adeline Thompson?
I truly loved working with Adeline Thompson, particularly because she is my eldest daughter. Adeline received a BFA in Graphic design at Kent State University and designed the cover herself based on the story. Adeline did capture the expressions just as I envisioned.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Jake gets fed up with Mary Lou not listening and shouts, dropping the book he was reading.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m glad you asked this question. Kendra’s New Shoes: A Recycling Adventure with a Giving Heart will be published on November 19, 2024.
Kendra’s New Shoes is a heartwarming children’s story about kindness and giving back to the community. When Kendra receives a new pair of shoes, she and her best friend, Kate, walk down the street and encounter a young girl wearing worn, tattered shoes. Moved by this encounter, Kendra and Kate return home to get Kendra’s old shoes and gift them to the little girl. Through this simple yet powerful act of generosity, the story encourages children to think of others and consider how they can make a difference. The book also includes a helpful section on donating clothes, toys, and more and a fact-filled glossary for older readers. It’s a wonderful way to inspire compassion in children and teach them about the importance of giving back.
A dinosaur counting book is due to be published in February 2025. It will be a fun, rhyming, hidden-object bedtime story, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Does your child use a tablet, phone, or gaming system?
This book will illustrate to your child the effects of prolonged screen time in a fun dramatic way.
This delightful tale centers on Mary Lou, a girl constantly glued to her phone.
Her friend Jake uses his wit to figure out a way for her to see the world around her. This allows Mary Lou to discover the benefits of engaging her mind with reading and using her imagination.
The book features catchy rhymes and repetitive phrases that engage readers in understanding the risks of excessive phone use, with dramatic symptoms to drive the lesson home for young readers.
At its heart, the story promotes friendship and the importance of perseverance in helping others.
Lily’s Wondrous World: A Day in the Park
In Lily’s Wondrous World: A Day in the Park, Marc Polett crafts a narrative that celebrates the joys of childhood and the splendor of nature. On a delightful summer day, young Lily embarks on an outdoor adventure, encountering new friends and discovering the enchantment of the world around her. This narrative offers readers a glimpse into Lily’s magical experiences and the wonders of everyday adventures.
The book distinguishes itself with its gentle, rhyming prose that transports readers to a vibrant world where friendship and the beauty of nature reign supreme. The illustrations are particularly noteworthy, radiating warmth and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Each page is a testament to the joy of childhood, reminiscent of national parks and the untamed beauty of the outdoors. These visuals complement the narrative and evoke a sense of nostalgia and a deep connection to the natural world. The portrayal of animals in the story adds a layer of charm, emphasizing the value of stepping away from the mundane and embracing the outdoors. The narrative effectively communicates the significance of friendship and the therapeutic qualities of nature, making it a compelling read for both children and adults. It serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of disconnecting from our busy lives and finding solace in the tranquility of nature.
Lily’s Wondrous World: A Day in the Park is an ode to the simple joys that life offers. The story’s seamless blend of visual artistry and lyrical storytelling makes it a delightful read for individuals of all ages. For those who cherish the companionship of animals, the allure of friendship, and the beauty of the great outdoors, this book is a heartwarming journey back to the essence of joy. As readers turn each page, they’ll find themselves immersed in a narrative that celebrates the wonder of living and the timeless appeal of nature’s embrace.
Pages: 57 | ASIN : B0CP38355P
LITERARY TITAN 