Blog Archives
Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure
The coral reef is a truly amazing place, and Sammy and Scarlett are just beginning to discover how special it is. Sammy, a sergeant major, and Scarlett, a yellowtail snapper, have been prepared for this journey by Manny the Mangrove. He has provided them with all the instructions necessary to guide them to the barrier reef. As they travel, the two encounter Howie, a sea turtle who offers to escort the pair while providing some much-needed advice on how to stay safe in the vast ocean. Howie not only shows Sammy and Scarlett the ways of the water, but he opens up a whole new world full of beauty and wonder.
Sammy and Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure, written by Robert Andrew Provan and illustrated by Mary Wentzel, is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells the story of a fantastic journey undertaken by two fish bound to reach the barrier reef and begin their lives anew. Provan’s book is an exceptional one for young readers as it offers them both an engaging storyline complete with suspense while at the same time handing them a long list of facts about ocean life disguised neatly within a narrative.
To say this is a beautifully illustrated book is really an understatement. Wentzel depicts one of the most stunning places on Earth in what can only be described as equally breathtaking illustrations. I found myself examining the phenomenal detail in every picture as I explored along with Sammy and Scarlett. Each page brings a new and intricate representation of the plants and animals that inhabit the coral reef.
Sammy and Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure, written by Robert Andrew Provan and illustrated by Mary Wentzel, is a lovingly-crafted children’s picture book that would make an excellent gift for an elementary-aged reader interested in ocean life. I highly recommend the team of Provan and Wentzel to any parent or educator.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0C6LSXHLQ
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves
Tutti the raccoon wakes up one morning to a surprising sight: his beloved green leaves have turned yellow! In his frustration, Tutti begins to run and shout at the leaves, hoping they’ll change back to green. It’s at this moment that an elf appears on the scene. This elf becomes Tutti’s unexpected guide, helping him understand that what he’s experiencing is frustration – a feeling everyone encounters when things don’t go as planned. As Tutti’s frustration intensifies, it transforms into anger and sadness, leading to tears. The elf, ever supportive, sits beside Tutti and reassures him that all these emotions are perfectly normal. However, the elf emphasizes the importance of not resorting to hitting or shouting, as those behaviors aren’t acceptable. Tutti, with the elf’s guidance, begins to recall why that particular spot in the forest holds a special place in his heart, and gradually, happiness returns.
Author Anastasia Goldak has crafted an ideal narrative for young readers, teaching them that it’s okay to experience anger and sadness, but how one manages these emotions matters most. Tutti’s behavior reflects that of a toddler, making it relatable for parents and their little ones. While the presence of an elf might seem unexpected, it’s worth noting that the elf proves instrumental in helping Tutti navigate his emotional journey. The book boasts beautiful illustrations that immerse readers in Tutti’s world. This story has the potential to be a valuable addition to classroom settings, especially for kindergarteners who are also learning to process their emotions.
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves is an invaluable children’s book for young readers and parents, fostering a healthy approach to expressing emotions. I recommend this picture book to parents and teachers alike, as it offers numerous valuable lessons, and I eagerly anticipate more additions to this collection.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 1955733015
The Emu Family
In The Emu Family, we follow the adventures of three cheerful emus—Eddie the dad, Emily the mum, and their son, Eric. Each emu has their favorite activity, and when they decide to spend a day at the beach, it promises to be perfect. However, unexpected events threaten to spoil their outing. Can a newfound friend come to their rescue, or is their family day doomed? Together, the Emu family embarks on a journey of friendship, family bonds, and discovering new ways to have fun.
Sharon White’s tale is an endearing Australian adventure featuring the unique fauna of the region, with a focus on the wonderful emus. The illustrations, a delightful blend of digital and traditional art, infuse the story with childhood magic. Ideal for young readers, the story employs straightforward vocabulary while introducing a few new words. The pacing is spot-on, offering plenty of adventure without overwhelming young minds. Kira the Kookaburra’s many hats add a whimsical touch, and it’s evident that love and care were poured into every page of this joyful emu family journey. Above all, this story highlights the significance of friendship and facing challenges together. Readers of all ages can appreciate this sunny narrative of a family beach day that concludes on a heartwarming note.
The Emu Family by Sharon White is a heartfelt story with charming illustrations and a positive message for children. Whether read aloud or independently, this delightful tale of an endearing emu family is sure to captivate readers of all ages with its unreserved whimsy and delight.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0DB8LFTDT
The Bobcat Birthday Party (Adventures in Harmony)
Living in harmony encompasses the virtues of kindness, empathy, and collaboration. When children internalize these values, they pave the way for personal growth within a nurturing environment. Karen M. Bobos skillfully embodies these principles in a heartwarming tale that celebrates the essence of friendship. The story introduces us to three endearing magical sisters: Angel Scarlett, Fairy Cora, and Princess Daphne. Their boundless excitement radiates as they eagerly anticipate the grandest event of the year: The Bobcat Birthday Party. From the delightful process of selecting their dresses to the jubilant festivities that ensue, readers are treated to a tapestry of laughter and dancing.
The Bobcat Birthday Party is a serene narrative that imparts invaluable lessons to its youngest readers. Its most commendable aspect is its unwavering emphasis on inclusivity, even when faced with challenging social dynamics, notably in the context of party invitations. The characters, a diverse array portrayed as various animals, bring a delightful visual richness to the story. The sisters’ vibrant enthusiasm and harmonious camaraderie exemplify the power of collaboration. Rob the Bobcat emerges as an inspiring role model, exuding gratitude, while the endearing Mary Kay the Mouse takes on the role of the affable party organizer.
Karen M. Bobos’ storytelling weaves a melodic and engaging narrative, making it an ideal catalyst for encouraging young children on their reading journey. The introduction of complex vocabulary, skillfully explained within the text and in an accessible glossary, adds an enriching layer to the reading experience. The narrative’s gentle lack of a central conflict enhances its serene and calming atmosphere. Though elegantly simple, the illustrations vividly capture the cherished values of friendship and goodwill.
The Bobcat Birthday Party is a charming and instructive tale, well-suited for inspiring and meaningful discussions with children about positive attitudes, good manners, and empathy. It holds a special place on the shelf of books that nurture young minds and hearts.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CCMWWH52
Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion?
In Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion?, by Michael Dow, Nurse Florence finds herself in the company of three curious schoolgirls, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, who are eager to learn about heat exhaustion. The book provides an enlightening exploration of this condition, shedding light on how climate change contributes to its prevalence. Nurse Florence effectively conveys the signs, symptoms, and potential causes of heat exhaustion to her young audience, using images and clear instructions to illustrate her points. She also imparts valuable knowledge about which groups are most vulnerable to this condition.
One of the standout aspects of this book is how comprehensively the author addresses the topic. It not only educates children about the dangers of heat exhaustion but also raises awareness about the tragic incidents involving babies and young children left unattended in vehicles. This book instills in young readers a sense of responsibility, encouraging them to watch out for themselves and others. What makes this book truly remarkable is its overarching purpose—to educate and inspire young minds while kindling their interest in the medical profession. It is heartening to see a book with such a noble objective, equipping children with essential knowledge and nurturing their curiosity about the world of healthcare. I firmly believe that books like Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion? can be highly beneficial for children. Developing an early interest in the human body not only lays the foundation for future advanced studies but also imparts valuable life skills, teaching youngsters how to take care of themselves and those around them. Moreover, it empowers them to address pressing health issues effectively.
Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion is an informative and invaluable addition to children’s literature. It tackles an important subject with clarity and compassion, ensuring that children gain a basic, if not a robust, understanding of how to prevent health issues and respond when they arise. Every child should have access to such insightful and educational materials.
Pages: 108 | ISBN : 978-1387465422
The Little Boy Who Craved Thanksgiving Leftovers: And the Lessons He Learned
Little Ricky eagerly anticipates Thanksgiving, particularly the day following the feast when leftovers abound. However, as Thanksgiving day draws near, Little Ricky’s excitement is tempered by concerns about the availability of leftovers for the following day. Noticing his distress, his perceptive grandma takes him aside for a heartfelt conversation. She imparts a valuable lesson, emphasizing that Thanksgiving transcends mere food; it’s about the cherished company of family and friends coming together.
Author Shani T. Night has written a charming and deeply touching story that imparts a profound message to young readers: the importance of gratitude for life’s blessings. The author skillfully communicates that it’s okay to experience selfish thoughts but underscores the value of thinking of others and sharing. This book firmly reinforces the idea of treasuring special moments with loved ones, especially during the holiday season. Little Ricky’s grandma serves as a voice of reason, adding depth to the narrative, given the reverence children often hold for their grandparents. The book’s vibrant, eye-catching illustrations are so captivating that they may even trigger cravings for Thanksgiving leftovers. To further enhance its educational value, the story concludes with a comprehensive recap of the essential lessons, making it an ideal catalyst for parents to engage in meaningful discussions about the story’s themes with their young ones.
The Little Boy Who Craved Thanksgiving is a must-read for young audiences, imparting the importance of sharing and celebrating with friends and family. The beautiful illustrations are bound to evoke the holiday spirit, rendering this book an indispensable addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0CDY1YR3J
Buzzing Curiosity And Courage
The Night the Stars Went Missing follows young Winston, who discovers the stars have vanished due to Earth’s mistreatment and embarks on a celestial journey to mend the sky and inspire a world of stewards. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
From the beginning, I wanted to create a story for a younger audience that was driven by Climate Change. Somewhere along this journey, I recall hearing the question, “What do the stars mean to you?” I can’t remember if it was asked directly to me, if I heard it in a movie, or picked it up from a passerby’s conversation on the street. But, for some reason, the question stuck with me. It caused me to consider all the beliefs and meanings people carry about stars. I then wondered: “What if the stars were faced with losing their meaning? What if they feared an existential threat?” From there, the ideas poured out of me. So many interpretations of the stars meant ample inspiration for creativity with the stars’ personalities. Alas, The Night the Stars Went Missing was created. A perfect blend of whimsy and fantasy, while tackling one of our generation’s (and future generations’) biggest crises.
How did you approach crafting Winston’s character to resonate with young readers, especially in his connection with his late grandmother?
In general, I created what I thought was missing and what I felt resonated with me as a young reader. A character with buzzing curiosity and courage, a fantastical setting, and an adventure—this is all I wanted to read!
From a character design aspect, it was especially important for my first children’s book to have a character that looked like my younger self or like my nephew. I needed to see a young brown-skinned boy on the pages. I needed to see what I didn’t have in the books I read growing up. In so many ways, not seeing this always made me feel irrelevant in my own skin, or at a minimum, made me question my identity.
Regarding the connection to Winston’s late grandmother, this is rooted in my own connection with my grandmother, which was very rich, strong, and bolstered by unconditional love. It was beautiful. She inspired me to want to be more curious and to go after big things. She instilled in me many of my core values.
Around the time I was writing this story, she was ill and would ultimately pass away. Adding Winston’s grandmother was an addition that came later, as an homage to my own grandmother. I had been trying to understand Winston’s motivation for embarking on such a big journey. When my grandmother passed, I knew it right then. Winston’s grandmother would be his inspiration driving his quest.
The book addresses some complex global issues in a simplified manner. How did you decide which elements to simplify and which to delve deeper into?
This was a challenge, for certain. Ultimately, I needed to distill it down to the message of the story. What was I trying to accomplish? I knew that I didn’t intend on crafting a ‘how-to’ book or something more expository, nor did I desire a disaster-we-are-going-to-die Climate Change story. I wanted something that felt whimsical while focusing on the collateral damage of the devastation placed on Earth by humans. This story was a way for me to associate core feelings with a complex subject. It was about making an emotional connection for a certain age group, and as a result, making the lesson stick.
I knew I was not best equipped to teach about the science behind Climate Change, but I could support the conversation and get it started. And there it was! That was my objective – to serve as a launchpad for parents to have meaningful conversations with their children. To serve as a starting point. I imagined a parent asking their child, “How do we save the stars today?” And that evolving into a lesson that continues evolving.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is titled, The Colorless Boy. It will be out in 2024. In The Colorless Boy, Jasper lives in a world where individuality and self-expression are believed to be the cause of all atrocities in the world. Because of it, all color has been banned and all things in the world, including people, have been drained and stripped of their color.
For Jasper, his colorless skin and muted surroundings are all he has ever known. Until that is, he begins to dream in color. This causes panic for Jasper, who believes he is somehow broken. When things can’t get worse for Jasper, he stumbles across a rare colorful home tucked away in the woods — along with a shockingly colorful boy.
Against all odds, their curiosity, kindness, open hearts, and a journey through a colorful house made of magic, lead them to discover the meaning of acceptance and friendship. Together, they dare to defy a world of rules set long before their time. And for Jasper, it will be the first time he sees himself for who he truly is.
Stay tuned for more up-to-date information by following me on IG @hellowonderworld or by signing up on my website http://www.hellowonderworld.com.
Author Links: Instagram | Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Imparting Life Lessons
A Witch’s Lesson follows two young friends from a small town who, on Halloween night, encounter a Witch who wants to stop the holiday from being celebrated. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for A Witch’s Lesson came from my desire to create a Halloween story that not only entertained but also carried a meaningful moral lesson, and I wanted it to rhyme because, as a kid, I enjoyed books that rhymed. I wanted to share a tale that emphasized the value of sharing and showed that positive change is possible, even in individuals who may initially seem unkind or malicious. Additionally, I aimed to showcase the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with the possibility of personal sacrifice, such as losing one’s candy. Ultimately, I wanted to create a story that would resonate with young readers while imparting important life lessons in a fun and engaging way.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In A Witch’s Lesson A Halloween Story, several key ideas were important for me to share. First and foremost, I wanted to convey the idea that kindness and empathy have the power to transform even the seemingly unlikable characters. Through the character of the witch, I wanted to show that it’s never too late to change and choose a path of compassion.
Additionally, I aimed to emphasize the value of friendship and cooperation. Mary, Gary, and let’s add Andy as well to show how friendship plays a central role in the story, demonstrating how working together and supporting one another can lead to positive outcomes, even in challenging situations.
Lastly, I wanted to celebrate the magic and fun of Halloween while encouraging children to think about the deeper meanings of the holiday. A Witch’s Lesson combines the excitement of trick-or-treating while encouraging sharing, courage, and standing up for what’s right.
Ultimately, my goal was to create a story that not only entertains but also imparts important life lessons that children can carry with them long after Halloween is over.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Rizwan Jani?
It went fine. I found him on Fiverr, and I used him on my book The Selfish Cat Who Learned How To Share And liked him so much that I used him again. He was easy to work with
Do you have more stories planned for Mary and Gary? If not, what is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
Well lately I have been working on a book series for kids called A Cat Named Puppy it’s like a first-chapter book with black and white images. I currently have 3 books in the series A Cat Named Puppy Goes To School, A Cat Named Puppy Halloween Adventure, and A Cat Named Puppy And The Christmas Mystery. The 2 cats who are the main characters in those books are based off my real life pet cats Puppy and Stitch. Stitch just passed away so its been good therapy including him in a story. But the goal is to include a lot of pictures and yes some of the pictures are of the real life puppy and stitch so the child dose not feel like they are reading as much because the kids I know when they have to pick out a book they look to see if it has pictures. I guess it makes them feel like they are reading less however these books are a whole story. And of course I am still writing my rhyming books as well I just released The Horse And The Magic Carrot.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
LITERARY TITAN 