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A Huge, Epic Tale About Hawaii
Islanders: The Pacific Chronicles (Book 1) follows a brother and sister who, while on a hike, develop magical abilities and make new friends. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My brother and I knew we wanted to capture what it was like to explore the tropical forests, grassy hills, beaches and lava fields of the Hawaiian Islands so that was the core and heart of the story. Quickly we realized that so much of what we discovered as adventure when we were kids was a combination of our imaginations and the education about Hawaii we had received. My wife and daughter are very much Kilikina — a fascinating combination of both reserved and natural leaders. People are drawn to them and frequently they both wonder why, but the rest of us around them know. Kaimana is a combination of both my boys: more outgoing, impulsive and energetic. And finally, my brother and I had always longed for a huge, epic tale about Hawaii that involved the rich history, mythology and lore that we thought was so amazing, but we never could find it. So as adults, we decided to write it.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
We wanted to capture the age, perspective and experiences as a pre-teen and teenager would. The book is intentionally less descriptive and detailed in its world-building and more observational and theatrical because that’s how most kids that age see the world. They’re engaging with it, not necessarily taking in every aspect of their surroundings to remember and describe it later as adults most likely would. Also I have ADHD so it was morally important to me that this is not a boring series. We are committed to being sincere and authentic with our portrayal of our home State while also taking many creative and exciting liberties that keep kids (and adults) with a wide array of attention spans fully engaged all the way through. We promise if you or your children read these books they will learn far more about Hawaii than you would expect, and have a blast the whole time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The biggest theme in this book is a positive association with what it means to defend what is right and good. We believe if kids are entertained, made to laugh, emotionally connect with and understand the value of respecting and protecting indigenous plants, animals, ecosystems, history and mythology/legends, they will naturally do what all kids do when they love something: defend it. To abruptly shift gears, many people don’t realize Hawaii has an unique and powerful culture that values quick banter and jokes even in many of the most formal or serious settings. The Menehune, animals and sea creatures all have that local-style sense of humor and reflect Hawaii’s real-life culture. We want kids to come away having experienced some of what makes Hawaii so special. And lastly, a major theme throughout every book is that we promise you won’t know what is coming next almost the whole time. Try us. If we’re wrong, let us know and we will absolutely give you a refund.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
This is the first time this information will have been made public. Book 2, Kaimana (the older brother) steps into a critically supportive role and we will be first surprised then fascinated as an 11 year-old girl executes an incredible wartime leadership role defined by her compassion and command of a complicated large-scale military defense. It’s been wild to capture but I absolutely believe that is what would happen if my daughter was put in the same position. The bad guys are very bad, the good guys are good, but nothing comes easily and there are loads of surprises alongside many, many laughs. We’ve incorporated the native Hawaiian language, food, authentic historical armor and weapons (scaled down for animals) and military tactics. Several ancient Hawaiian myths are retold and integrated in a way that builds into a huge, epic, never-before-seen original tale. I’m also crushed to say: a character we met in book 1 won’t survive to the end of book 2. One thing to note: as a father of four with a fifth on the way, we will keep this and the subsequent books appropriate for all ages. If you enjoy Islanders and submit your email on our website, we’ll send you the first few chapters of Book 2 shortly!
Mākaha: The Pacific Chronicles (Book 2) will be made available on digital and softcover on May 15th, 2023 and is available for digital pre-order now at this link. Mahalo Literary Titan for your thorough and gracious review and excellent interview questions!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Guided by a quirky and silly duo from a mythical race of tiny people, the siblings soon learn they have been chosen to help protect their island and way of life from a great evil. Are they up to the challenge?
The Bunnies Need Help
Chocolate Space Bunnies follows a group of bunnies that love chocolate who are looking for a new planet to live on. What was the inspiration for your story?
This is the first in a series told by the truth-stretching storyteller, Ooey Gooey Looey. As the Ooey Gooey song goes (link attached for your entertainment 😉 Ooey Gooey Looey loves chocolate, but any kind of candy will do. And for a Snickers or a Twix or a Skittles or a Kiss, he’ll tell a tall tale or two. The story of how Ooey Gooey became a storyteller is to be told in one of the next books in the series called French Fry Fortune Teller. Ooey Gooey Looey is all about chocolate, and tall tales, so somehow, in my crazy brain, the first story turned out to be about a chocolate planet. Sometimes, I can’t even remember where the ideas come from.
The art in this book is fantastic, it really made me crave chocolate. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Luis Peres?
Luis Peres is a gifted artist, and his company “I Create Worlds” couldn’t be better named. Luis is in Portugal, but we communicated often throughout his illustration process. With many illustrators, it is a very linear process… manuscript to storyboard to final. But Luis and I laughed about concepts along the way, and we really connected. He is indeed fantastic, and he is on board for the whole Ooey Gooey Stories series.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
All of my books, War at the Ice Cream Store, Rocket Red: A Little Ant with a Big Dream, The Prickly Problem: Dr. Pete the Porcupine, and this one have an underlying message of kindness and acceptance, wrapped in a light, humorous package. If kids (and adults!) start with kindness, all good things will follow. In this book, the kids are curious, the parents are frightened, and the bunnies need help. Once the bunnies are known, they are no longer strange aliens, and everyone’s worlds are enhanced.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Luis has already illustrated French Fry Fortune Teller (as I mentioned above-the back-story of Ooey Gooey Looey), and there are two manuscripts getting ready to go. Within a few months, we should have a new one out there!
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Spark Your Child’s Playful Imagination with this Easter Basket Treat!
Once upon a time, there was an Earth with NO chocolate! Crazy right?
But one day, a mysterious spaceship appears in the sky, captivating the children who witness it.
Where did it come from? Who lurks inside? What secrets does it hold?
Children will be enchanted by the immersive, chocolaty space world created by illustrator Luis Peres. Captain Hop, First Mate Flop, and Skipper Flip lead the way on a journey beyond the big chocolate dipper, deep into the ooey gooey Milky Way.
The first of the Ooey Gooey Stories series, this irresistibly delicious story, is narrated by the charming, chocolate-loving, truth-stretching teller of tales, Ooey Gooey Looey, who hides throughout the book for even more interactive fun. And don’t forget to sing along with the Ooey Gooey Looey animated song video at BiffBamBooza.com.
Another gem from award-winning Biff Bam Booza Books. For children ages 4-8… and big kids like you!
The Adventure We Felt As Children
Traveling Tootsie follows a cute teddy bear to Washington, DC where readers learn about different landmarks in a fun traveling adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Traveling Tootsie is based on a childhood memory, and we thought it would make a great children’s book. When we were kids, we had a “Traveling Tootsie” that we used to hide in our dad’s suitcase when he traveled for work. We were fortunate to travel throughout our childhood, so when our dad would leave for a business trip, we always wished we could go somewhere fun too! Hiding Tootsie in his shoe was a fun game we played to not be so sad about staying home. When our dad came back from his trip, he would share all about where he had been and tell us all about his adventures.
Our dad also loved photography so after the trip, we would set up the slide projector to look at the pictures that went along with his stories. It was like “Movie Night” at our house!
We wanted to capture the adventure we felt as children. We want this book to inspire a love of learning and experiencing different places through stories and pictures and we hope children and families will want to travel and explore different places.
We chose Washington, DC for the setting because we currently live outside the city in the Virginia suburbs. Our dream is to write more Traveling Tootsie books, so what better place to start than the Nation’s Capital!
What was the collaboration process like between the two of you as coauthors?
The collaboration process went well. We are twin sisters who grew up with many of the same memories, so we had fun remembering different parts of the narrative and putting it together to make the whole story come to life. We tend to finish each other’s sentences at times, so writing together was relatively easy! When one of us was trying to get a thought out, the other one could jump in and help.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
We definitely had the most fun once we started working with our talented illustrator, Chiara Civati. Seeing our vision brought to life with her talent was amazing. We had specific ideas about how we wanted the pictures to look so we enjoyed getting those just right. We could have added so many more, but we had to narrow down our choices. One of our favorite pictures is the beautiful cherry blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial in the background.
How do you see your book fitting into parents ‘ or teachers’ lesson plans?
We can see Traveling Tootsie as part of many lessons! We have had one author visit at a local elementary school with the kindergarten classes. They had been working on creating their own stories by drawing pictures first and then putting words down on paper.
It could easily coincide with a history lesson of Washington DC with younger children. It mentions and describes many monuments and special landmarks in the Nation’s Capital.
It has also been used as part of an art lesson. The students drew their very own shoes with Tootsie in it along with pictures of where Tootsie went on an adventure.
We have also thought it would be a good book for a counselor to use for a guidance lesson to suggest a child have their own Tootsie to deal with a parent that travels a lot or is deployed or a split family where they are away from their family for extended periods of time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Have you ever wished you could go away on your parent’s business trip or hide in their suitcase to explore a new city all on your own?
Well, Katie and Steven sure have! They wonder why they always have to stay home when Mommy or Daddy travel for work. Once their favorite yellow teddy, Tootsie, comes up with the idea to stow himself away for Daddy’s trip to Washington, DC, Katie and Steven realize that they’ll be able to travel along, too―but just not in the way they first imagine!
Traveling Tootsie is an adorable children’s book which perfectly captures the authors’ passion for―and love of―travel. Come along on an exciting adventure with Katie and Steven’s beloved teddy bear in the Nation’s Capital! After you’ve traveled with Tootsie, we hope you’ll begin to explore the enchanting world around YOU!
The Best Interests Of The Children
Room in the Nest follows a swan husband and wife who open up their nest and hearts to all the bird children in need for as long as necessary. What was the inspiration for your story?
I adopted my son a few years ago, and we stay in touch with his lovely foster carers. We’ve seen several children come into their care, some of whom have been reunited with their birth families, some of whom have been moved into kinship placements. My son understands that we adopted him, so he started to ask questions about why his foster siblings and other children looked after by his foster carers ended up in different sorts of families.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The moral is that children need to be kept safe, and the most important theme throughout the story is that all of the adults pictured have the best interests of the children at heart. The social worker character, Caring Goose, seeks advice from the Wise Owl, who makes suggestions to ensure that lots of options are considered before a child is removed from their family. The Wise Owl also ensures that the children are placed with family members when possible, or that a suitable adoptive family is found, but there are recurrent reminders throughout the book that the foster carers are there to help any children who need to be loved and looked after throughout these periods of uncertainty.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to help normalise all of these different family structures and help children to understand the basics of foster care, in an accessible way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next story is created to help children to understand that making a few bad choices doesn’t make them a bad person, to try to help children who find themselves labelled as the “bad kid” at school, to see that they are not intrinsically “bad” and they can make kind choices. I am working on the illustrations now, and plan to publish it this Winter.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Mr and Mrs Swan build a big nest, so that they have plenty of room to help anyone who needs them. Teach children about different kinds of foster care, with this touching tale of fostering placements leading to kinship care, reunification, adoption and long term foster care. This inclusive story can be used as a therapeutic tool to help care-experienced children to process their experiences, or as an effective teaching aid to normalise and explain foster care and other family structures to all children.
The Fox’s Tower
The Fox’s Tower tells the story of one sly fox who thinks he knows better than everyone else. Francis, despite prior trouble, still wants to be the best at something. His latest plan is to build the tallest building in the city. His plan starts out well, following all the rules and listening to the experts, but quickly his desire for fame takes over, and his smart decision-making falls to the side. Instead of making his dreams come true, he returns to his sneaky ways and ends up with a pile of regrets.
Tuula Pere has written an entertaining cautionary story for children. This children’s book helps children understand that having big dreams is ok, but you must still follow the rules and do the right thing to achieve them. It also helps children understand that some dreams are unrealistic and cannot be done physically. For example, Fox’s tower was a big dream but could not be built safely or structurally. It is a hard lesson for children to learn that being told something can not be done is not an attack on them but just a fact of life. Francis learns this the hard way so that children can learn from his mistakes.
Another lesson in this beautiful picture book is that of forgiveness and second chances. The town council was worried about Francis and his past misdeeds, but they were willing to give him another opportunity to do the right thing. Of course, they were all cautious about helping Francis, but in the end, they did give him a chance and show that bad decisions do not mean someone is unworthy.
The Fox’s Tower is a beautifully written children’s book sharing life lessons with children and making them laugh along the way. This is a wonderful book for younger elementary children to learn about cause and effect and about how everyone deserves a second chance.
Pages: 44 | ISBN : 9523578375
Chocolate Space Bunnies
A long time ago, there lived cute little bunnies called Fonduliens who lived on a chocolate planet far away. Everything was covered in chocolate, but it was all melting. Three courageous bunnies head out on a quest to find a new home. They find the perfect place to live on a planet called Earth. But no one there has ever heard of chocolate. Will the Fonduliens be able to convince the earthlings to let them live there?
This is a wildly creative and fun book that sets up a great backstory before sending the characters on an entertaining quest to save their people. I was impressed with how much was packed into this children’s book. We learn about the Fonduliens, about their planet, we’re taken on an adventure through space, and then we land on Earth, where the Fonduliens encounter humans who are afraid of them.
There is so much in this kid’s book to dive into and discuss with children. Like the bunny’s planet melting, needing to find a new home, people being afraid of aliens, and the idea that chocolate doesn’t exist. These are all ideas that rarely appear in children’s books. It’s all presented in a way that is easy to follow and fun every step of the way.
The artwork throughout the picture book is absolutely delicious. The artwork is sharp, vibrant, and detailed. I loved the color choices and the cute expressions on all the character’s faces. This all makes for a perfect book to read to young children at bedtime, as they are sure to be glued to every page as their parents read the story to them.
Chocolate Space Bunnies takes young readers on a lively and imaginative adventure that is heaps of fun. I recommend this book to early elementary school children or any parent that is looking for a book that is unique and will capture children’s imagination.
Pages: 39 | ASIN: B0BTGHL62B
Children Who Dance in the Rain
Sophie is like many young kids today; always on her tablet and often takes for granted the many wonderful things in her life. She goes to school and learns how to spell the word ‘privilege’ but doesn’t truly understand its meaning. After a family trip to India shows her the challenges that children face there, and how they face them bravely, Sophie is inspired and opens her eyes to all the wonderful things in her life, and in the world, that she was taking for granted.
Children Who Dance in the Rain is a wonderfully educational story that teaches young readers about Indian culture, along with helping them understand what it means to be privileged by providing a sharp example. Children will learn the value of compassion and giving and see how it can truly have an effect on other people. I loved the epilogue at the end of this kid’s book. Not many children’s books have an epilogue, so it was nice to see, but it also shows how Sophie’s experience shaped who she became.
The gorgeous artwork throughout the book is vibrant and colorful. Each character has big beautiful glowing eyes, and their emotions are clear to see. I loved the market scene in India because there was so much detail on the page. Young children will be captivated by the artwork as their parents read them this story.
Susan Justice has created a picture book that teaches valuable life lessons and helps children truly appreciate the things they have in their life, and to share it with others. Children Who Dance in the Rain is a delightful children’s book that is infused with spirituality and culture. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers who want to start a conversation with their children about gratitude and sharing.
Keep That Internal Happiness Flowing
Oliver the Oyster and the Cheerless Clam follows a sad clam who moves into the harbor and learns how to find happiness from her new friends. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It is my personal belief that children today face many more challenges than we ever did growing up. With that being said, I find that it is very easy for them to allow unfair situations in life to take a negative hold of their thoughts and emotions. As such, I wanted to write a story that provided children not just an opportunity on how to overcome those hurdles, but also to encourage them to live every single day full of happiness and joy just as God intended us to.
Clara struggles with her past and the disappointment she has had in life and learns how to find joy again. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
It was my hope and prayer that children will be able to identify with a challenge faced by any one of the characters. Whether it be a medical condition, a bad test score in school, a feeling of not being included, every challenge or unfair situation is one that all of us at some point in our lives have faced. However, the key is how the character was able to put aside the situation and keep that internal happiness flowing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I truly just wanted children to understand we are the ones who decided if we will live our lives full of happiness. We all go through unfair situations, but those situations are not the boss of our happiness, we are.
What is the next book in the Oliver the Oyster series that you are working on and when will it be available?
“Oliver the Oyster and the Lost Lab” is the next book in the series that I am planning on releasing this coming November. Here’s a little teaser. While Oliver and his friends are enjoying another beautiful early morning sunrise on their beach, a lost silver Labrador comes running down the sand and falls down exhausted before them. With the help of his friends Cathy the crab, Miriah the mermaid, and Clara the clam, Oliver the oyster goes on a fun-filled adventure to help reunite Mac the lab with his family.
Author Links: Instagram | Website
Through out this story, children will also learn lots of fun seaside facts that they will be able to share with their family and friends.
LITERARY TITAN 