Blog Archives
Finding Footprints
Finding Footprints: A Sasquatch Saga written by the team of Erik Daniel Shein, Melissa Davis, and Karen Fuller, is set in the lush Pacific Northwest, where protagonist Lily Evergreen, a hearing-impaired girl with a deep connection to her Native American roots, explores the enchanted forests accompanied by her service dog, Malachi. The narrative takes a fantastical turn as Lily uncovers a portal to another world and meets Winston, a young Bigfoot. Faced with the choice of embarking on a daring quest or returning to her familiar world, Lily grapples with the decision, her journey exploring themes of courage and cross-species friendship.
The story’s strength lies in its portrayal of Lily, who transcends her hearing impairment to engage with her environment in unique and insightful ways. Her friendship with Winston, characterized by non-verbal communication, beautifully illustrates the power of understanding beyond words. This narrative is a celebration of overcoming obstacles and forming unbreakable bonds. While the treatment of time in the story can sometimes seem fluid, with transitions between scenes that move swiftly, akin to a video game’s dynamic cutscenes, this narrative style adds a layer of briskness and excitement to the unfolding events.
The book’s concise length allows for a fast-paced journey that hints at deeper scenes and character developments, suggesting a broader world and story that could be expanded upon in future installments. This brevity ensures that readers are continually engaged, always anticipating more, and leaves them eager to explore more of the potentially epic moments and evolving friendships that lie within this rich narrative tapestry. The core of the story— the profound friendship between a girl, a Bigfoot, and a loyal dog—resonates deeply, emphasizing emotional connections without reliance on dialogue. The narrative is like a finely brewed cup of tea that has yet to reach its full flavor, yet it remains a commendable read for those interested in tales of adventure, cultural richness, and magical realism.
Finding Footprints: A Sasquatch Saga will engage young readers who are looking for an exciting and meaningful adventure that is rooted in folk tales and myths. It celebrates the beauty of diversity and the importance of friendship, especially those that are unexpected, and is sure to inspire and delight readers of all ages.
Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CZ7WNG57
Harvey’s Special Mission
Harvey’s Special Mission by Robyn Burns introduces us to Harvey, a spirited puppy from a litter of seven who embarks on an extraordinary journey. The story begins with Harvey and his siblings enjoying their playful days together until a pivotal moment arrives. A compassionate woman named Mommy Claire, grappling with a heart condition, seeks a puppy to train as her service dog. Harvey, chosen for this role, navigates the bittersweet transition from his family to a life of significant responsibility.
This children’s book serves as an educational tool, illuminating the crucial role of service dogs in assisting their human companions. It effectively communicates the message that service dogs are not just pets but highly trained helpers performing vital tasks. The narrative is particularly suitable for young readers, subtly educating them on the importance of these animals in a manner that is both engaging and informative. Robyn Burns skillfully weaves the story around Harvey’s training and his visit to a school with Mommy Claire, where they teach students about proper behavior around service dogs.
The inclusion of seven key rules for interacting with service dogs is a highlight, offering practical guidance in an accessible way. One rule, emphasizing the invisibility of some disabilities and the importance of kindness and non-judgment, resonates deeply. This message extends beyond the young audience, serving as a reminder to all ages about the diversity of disabilities and the respect owed to individuals and their service animals. The illustrations by Olha Stor complement the narrative beautifully, presenting charming and heartwarming visuals that will appeal to children and adults alike. The artistic portrayal of Harvey and his siblings adds a delightful layer to the story, making the book a visual as well as a literary treat. An intriguing aspect of this book is its autobiographical element; the character Harvey is inspired by Burns’ own service dog. This personal connection adds authenticity and depth to the story, making it a valuable addition to any children’s library, school curriculum, or public library collection. It’s an educational resource that not only entertains but also informs about disabilities and the role of service dogs.
Harvey’s Special Mission is a commendable first entry in what promises to be an enlightening series about Harvey’s adventures as a service dog. It is a highly recommended read, offering a blend of education, empathy, and enjoyment, making it an excellent choice for children and adults alike.
Page 26 | ASIN : B0CPCCK6FS
A Deep Sense of Empathy
Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero follows a young girl struggling with Tourette syndrome who discovers the strength of kindness and self-confidence. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My granddaughter was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when she was eight years old. At that time, her tics began interfering with school, both academically and socially. It was hard enough for her to read and focus with eye tics, but her peers became critical, too. They judged her as “different,” although that’s not the word some used to describe her. Naturally the bullying only made her tics worse. Everything got hard, and she stopped doing all the things she loved–except engaging in pretend play. She acted out her make-believe stories with me for hours! Stories that shined with heroines, magical powers, and exciting adventures. That’s when we had an idea. What if we wrote a children’s story together about one of her make-believe heroines? She could even be a girl with Tourette syndrome! We wanted to create a story that all kids could relate to. Our goal was to educate, entertain, and inspire. Two years later ELIZA JANE FINDS HER HERO was published.
Eliza struggles with Tourette syndrome, finding her self-confidence. What were the driving ideals behind the character’s development throughout the story?
Eliza Jane is accustomed to hiding her true self from others for fear of ridicule, shame, and embarrassment. She avoids being in the spotlight or around too many people and groups where her symptoms grow worse. She’s learned to “disappear” and hide from others. Eliza Jane simply finds it easier to be “invisible.” At least she has her companion dog and horse who understand her medical condition–they accept her symptoms and behaviors unconditionally. But when she is faced with a choice to help a friend, Eliza Jane is inspired by a deep sense of empathy and new awareness about what is right and wrong. She transforms into someone she only imagined she could be. Eliza Jane discovers her courage and risks everything for a new friend. She embraces the freedom and joy that can only come from being her true self.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Valuing all our differences is an important theme along with the idea that it is our unique abilities, not disabilities that make every person special. Kindness, acceptance, and understanding are all necessary in developing friendships. A sense of peace and joy in becoming our true selves is another theme that concludes our story.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Another Eliza Jane story is in the brainstorming stages now! We had so many ideas and adventures for her that we hope to use those in future books. Stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
ELIZA JANE FINDS HER HERO
Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero, co-authored by Eliza Kelly and Debra Whiting Alexander, is a poignant and uplifting tale that follows a ten-year-old girl grappling with Tourette syndrome. As she navigates her path to self-discovery, she aspires to be her own hero, accompanied by her devoted chihuahua. This narrative is a testament to the power of kindness and the strength found in embracing one’s uniqueness, portraying a world where every individual’s distinctiveness contributes to life’s rich tapestry of adventures.
Kelly and Alexander have combined their expertise to craft a story that resonates with readers of all ages. Their portrayal of a young protagonist with Tourette syndrome shines a light on an often misunderstood condition, fostering awareness and empathy. However, the book goes beyond mere awareness, offering a positive and encouraging perspective on the challenges associated with the syndrome. The narrative is enriched with vivid, engaging illustrations that captivate the reader’s imagination and enhance the overall experience. The authors have skillfully balanced a narrative tone with accessible language, making the book a suitable and enjoyable read for both children and adults. The inclusion of humorous and relatable characters injects levity into the story, balancing its more serious themes.
At its heart, Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero is a story of empowerment. As Eliza Jane embarks on her journey, her courage and resilience serve as an inspiration. The book’s concise length and brisk pacing ensure a compelling read, all while imparting a significant and valuable lesson about acceptance and the inner strength that lies within everyone.
Pages: 62 | ASIN : B0CLL251XC
LITERARY TITAN 