Blog Archives
Luciana’s Finest Hour
Luciana’s Finest Hour is a whimsical and heartwarming tale set in the medieval land of Knowhere, where a clever young girl named Luciana teams up with her sneezy pet dragon, Diego, to rescue her wrongly imprisoned father. The story blends fantasy, humor, and an empowering message about courage and resilience. As Luciana enters a dragon derby disguised as a boy, she defies expectations, faces down bullies, and ultimately wins the race and her father’s freedom, proving that true grit isn’t bound by age or gender.
What immediately stood out to me was the book’s tone; it maintains a sense of playfulness without veering into excessive silliness, which is a difficult balance to achieve in children’s literature. I found myself chuckling when Bottlemy, Luciana’s dad, starts belching uncontrollably every time he tries to blow glass due to Balthazar’s ridiculous cabbage spell. That kind of humor is silly, yes, but it’s also smart. Kids will laugh, and adults will appreciate how it ties directly into the plot’s larger theme of time gone haywire. The imagery is fun and vivid. I could practically hear the burps and see the bulging, broken hourglasses falling apart.
Luciana herself is a wonderfully drawn character; she is determined, brave, and real. I loved that she wasn’t perfect. When Luciana crashes into the snow following yet another underhanded tactic by Conrad and his companions, she momentarily loses hope and says, “I give up.” The moment resonated deeply because it captures a universal feeling of defeat that many readers, regardless of age, can relate to. But then Diego nudges her, and she finds her resolve again. That moment felt honest and powerful without being heavy-handed. I was cheering when Diego finally sneezed fire and melted the snow blockade. It was an epic moment that gave me goosebumps.
The final act was genuinely touching. When Luciana wins the race and her father is freed, it’s a payoff that feels earned. Even Balthazar’s apology and the king’s choice to make both him and Bottlemy “co-timekeepers” wrapped things up in a way that emphasized forgiveness and working together. I liked that it didn’t make the villain cartoonishly evil. He made a mistake, admitted it, and got a second chance. That’s a great lesson for kids (and adults, too). And Luciana’s line at the end, “Papa, it’s our time,” was the perfect close.
This book would be a hit for kids around 7 to 11, especially girls who love dragons, clever inventions, or stories with heart and humor. It’s also a great read-aloud choice for parents who want something that’s fun but not fluff. There’s action, a strong female lead, and a healthy dose of quirky charm. Luciana’s Finest Hour definitely lives up to its name. I had a blast reading it, and I think a lot of other readers will too.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F1GZNS29
Family and Friends
Coco’s Tea Party beautifully captures the wonder of childhood imagination and family bonding. What inspired you to write this story, and is Coco based on a real child in your life?
My inspiration for this story was from my Coco’s Life Adventures book series, and I wanted to show my character growing up and meeting new friends who look different than Coco, which my Dad recommended to show on my book cover. I also love drinking tea and thought it would be fun for little girls and parents to be inspired to have tea parties of their own.
The tea-making tips and the fun guessing game add an interactive element to the book. How did you decide to include these features, and what do you hope young readers take away from them?
I thought of the tea games to make the tea party engaging and fun for the characters in my book and for the readers to also know the difference between hot and cold tea and have fun drinking tea with family and friends.
The ending, where Coco expresses gratitude to her mom, is particularly touching. Why was it important for you to highlight appreciation and meaningful moments in the story?
I believed this moment was special because it helps parents and children to see how important it is for parents to be creative with their children’s learning, activities, and social skills.
If a young reader were inspired to host their own tea party after reading Coco’s Tea Party, what advice would you give them to make it extra special?
I would recommend that young readers ask their parents to help them with learning about the purpose of drinking tea, how to plan a fun tea party, inviting family and friends, with special bakery treats, games, and gifts, and taking fun photos, to make it memorable for a time of bonding and sharing fun with the ones they love.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Mia and the Win From Within
Mia and the Win from Within by Vanessa Zamarripa captures the excitement, challenges, and growth of a young gymnast on her journey to understanding the deeper meaning of success. Little Mia eagerly prepares for her gymnastics competition, her sights set on claiming all five awards. Her dreams of perfection shine brightly as she clears space on her trophy shelf. However, when the competition doesn’t unfold as planned, her disappointment is profound. In the face of this setback, Mia’s family steps in with unwavering support, helping her realize the importance of celebrating every moment and embracing growth—both as an athlete and as an individual.
This beautifully crafted children’s book delivers a heartfelt message about resilience, self-acceptance, and the invaluable lessons learned from life’s ups and downs. Vanessa Zamarripa’s story is paired with stunning illustrations by the immensely talented Wina Witaria. Having admired Witaria’s artwork before, I was delighted to see her vivid and expressive style breathe life into Mia’s story. The art complements the narrative seamlessly, striking an excellent balance that reminds readers it’s okay to be imperfect.
I really liked the portrayal of Mia’s family. Their encouragement in the aftermath of her competition is both touching and inspiring. The book’s core message—doing your best is always enough—resonated deeply with me. It’s presented with elegance and clarity. It reminds us that life’s journey is just as valuable as its outcomes, whether we succeed or stumble.
This is a timeless tale that speaks to readers of all ages. Its themes of perseverance and self-belief make it an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and anyone seeking a meaningful story with a powerful lesson. Mia and the Win from Within encourages readers to find their inner strength and celebrate their unique journey. Mia’s story will inspire you to discover the beauty and perfection that come from within.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0DL9Z8Q9R
Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles
Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles is a vibrant children’s book about London, a thoughtful young girl grappling with what costume to wear for a party. Unsure whether to stand out or blend in, she wrestles with self-expression versus social norms. Guided by her mom’s encouragement to celebrate her individuality, London designs a unique spacesuit costume that reflects her love for science and technology. By the end of the party, her confidence shines as she leads her friends in a joyful costume parade, embodying the book’s central message: embrace your true self.
What I loved most about this picture book was its sweet and empowering message, delivered in rhyming verses that roll off the tongue. The line, “You, my love, are one of a kind. Like a star in the sky, you’re a unique design,” was particularly touching. It struck me as a beautifully simple way to affirm individuality. The cadence of the writing makes it perfect for reading aloud, and it holds just enough whimsy to captivate young readers while still delivering a meaningful message. The transition from London’s self-doubt to her decision to create a unique costume was a great way to show her thought process. I liked reading about her different ideas and how she also thought of what her friends were going to wear.
The illustrations are another standout feature for me. They’re bright and cheerful and perfectly complement the playful yet reflective tone of the story. When London imagines her costume, a glowing spacesuit accessorized with a telescope, it’s depicted with such charm that I found myself smiling. The visuals bring the scenes to life and help underscore the book’s theme of celebrating creativity and self-expression.
This book is an absolute delight for kids who love imaginative tales and for parents who want to reinforce the value of being true to oneself. I think it’s especially ideal for children who may need encouragement to step into their own light. If you’re looking for a children’s book that’s both fun and meaningful, Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles should be at the top of your list.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DLPHCGZB
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.
A Special Relationship
Where’s Grandma? is a touching picture book that gently helps kids navigate the complex emotions of grief and loss through the comforting memories of a grandmother’s love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I lost my mom I decided to put it into a book and pay homage to her. She was our Queen and we all miss her. I took notice of my family during this time, especially the youngest, my granddaughter Jordyn. Jordyn and my Mother had a special relationship so I decided to capture the beautiful moments that shared together and put it in a book.
The illustrations in Where’s Grandma? beautifully complement the story’s emotional depth. How did you collaborate with the illustrator to bring Jordyn’s journey to life?
I had a plan from the beginning as it relates to the storyline, as well as illustrations, so I never strayed from that. I knew what I wanted to do with the book from the beginning. I gave explicit details to the illustrator to work with, and she brought my vision to life. The illustrations turned out just like I wanted them to. They are amazing.
Can you share any advice for parents or caregivers on how to discuss grief and loss with young children using books like yours?
I know it’s tough, but I’d say start with my book, Where’s Grandma? It’s a great way to start up the conversation. Some kids just shut down and don’t want to talk about it. But this book has journals included to assist children on how to deal with the sadness they are feeling. This book can get the healing process going, for the children as well as their parents.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m working on a children’s Affirmation book. I hope to have it out by the end of the year or in early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Amazon
This book takes you through Jordyn’s journey, as she deals with the loss of someone close and very dear to her. Jordyn’s emotions are up, down and everywhere. Jordyn has so many questions. Where did she go, and what does it mean to transition?
Jordyn looks to her Mommy for guidance on how to deal with her feelings and emotions during this time. Jordyn’s Journeys: Where’s Grandma?, gives you a beautiful view of the close relationship between Jordyn and her great-grandma and brings to light some of the special moments they shared, such as playing games and watching Jordyns’ favorite movie together. It’s a beautifully illustrated children’s book dealing with loss, grief and bereavement, from a child’s perspective.
Jordyn also shares several journals in this book that can be used to assist your child with dealing with their feelings and emotions, as they deal with the loss of a loved one. These journals can help to preserve memories of that special loved one, and help your child as they grieve and deal with their feelings and emotions.
LITERARY TITAN 