Blog Archives
Survival Stories Series
Traveling Companions follows three villagers that are left alone after the destruction of their homes from a mudslide, together they must find a way to down the mountain alone. What was the inspiration for your story?
I often write about even extreme difficulties and challenges faced by individuals and the interaction between people in such situations. The background of the events can be a disaster affecting the wider community – sometimes even the entire society.
The main reason for this book and the entire Survival Stories Series is the tragedies that Nepalese people faced in the massive 2015 earthquake. It was by no means a single event but a whole series of difficulties that still exist and are reflected in life. Many new things had to be built and the old repaired – which applies to emotional damage in addition to material things.
Naturally, I followed the flow of news related to the events, but I felt very powerless in the face of this great distress. The catastrophe was experienced on the other side of the globe, where I had not even been to myself. However, I have friends who are familiar with the places or live in Nepal. They emphasized the importance of children’s literature in a situation like this. They made me see that I have this particular way of making an impact, even a modest one.
I loved how you showcased that everyone has value and can contribute in this story. What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book’s title – Traveling Companions – expresses the idea that we humans are together on all our life journeys. It is wisest for us to support each other in every way. That makes us stronger and helps us achieve better results.
It is important that we see the value of other people and respect them for who they are. Everyone has their weaknesses and their strengths. The best overall result is achieved when these different characteristics are considered.
To emphasize this, I have included three very different people in the story. Each of them is deficient in some respect. My message is that they are all valuable in their own right. When the special skills or characteristics of each of us are combined, the end result is greater than the sum of its parts.
The story also emphasizes the value of both childhood and old age ¬– as well as using strength for the benefit of others. The child can see with his clear eyes. The older man can share his knowledge of medical assistance and help find the way to the valley. The strong but blind man can use his strength with the help of others.
All the traveling companions in real life, too, need each other!
Do you like audiobooks, physical books, or e-books better? Why?
There were only physical books in my childhood, so they are naturally the most familiar to me. Even as a writer, at first, it was my ultimate wish to succeed in creating a beautiful paper book with valuable content. I imagined as many children as possible holding them in their hands and enjoying the illustrations and stories in peace, in a place of their choice.
I have read countless paper books to my children and later to my grandchildren. My bookshelves are still full of our favorite children’s books. There is nothing better than a peaceful moment you can offer the child in your arms by reading a good book together.
Technology has increased the possibilities of enjoying literature in many new ways. I approach all options with an open mind. The most important thing is the reader’s opportunity to choose the most suitable way to enjoy good literature. My own stories have also been published in all possible formats. I believe they all have their place.
In the end, the most important thing is always the quality of the content produced and a meaningful message. Good is good, even when served in different ways.
What other books are you working on in the survival series and when will they be available?
The Survival Series already has three books: Traveling Companions, Saved from the Flames, and The Owl and the Shepherd Boy. They all have strong illustrations by Catty Flores, which I think fits well with the dramatic events of the books. The style also leaves room for the reader’s thoughts, and it is possible to place the events in a wide area.
I consider it possible that there will be sequels to the series. The world is full of events and situations where you need to believe in the possibility of survival, even if everything seems impossible.
As a mother and a children’s author, my thoughts turn to children whenever there are various challenging events – such as natural disasters, accidents, or wars. Of course, it is difficult to improve the world and help even in small matters by just writing children’s books. Even so, I still see some ways to make a difference.
Writing survival stories is all about sharing experiences and putting yourself in the shoes of others. I have a unique opportunity to influence readers’ attitudes, as I can share information about things that would otherwise remain unknown. I can also increase readers’ empathy towards the suffering of others and make them ready to help.
The importance of books like these increases, particularly in complex and extensive problem situations. Good stories can make the events more understandable. The sense of community can then cross not only geographical boundaries but also cultural boundaries.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
After devastation caused by a landslide, the people of a small mountain village are forced to leave their ruined homes and embark on a difficult journey towards the valley.
However, an unlikely trio has to stay behind and wait for help. The rope-maker’s son, Tony, has injured his leg; the oldest of the village is weakened by his age; and the blind blacksmith is not likely to make the difficult trek down. They are anxiously waiting to be rescued, but they are running out of options.
Even though the odds are against them, the three companions gather their courage and set out. On this dangerous journey, they rely on each other and share the little they have left.
I Hope To Empower Young People
Krystal Winkle and the Peacemaker of Kigali follows a little girl who moves to Africa and faces danger as she fights injustice and tries to find out who she really is. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for this story: Firstly, for my birthday years ago, my husband and I traveled to Africa, trekked into the Virunga Volcanoes Park of Rwanda, and visited a large family of Mountain Gorillas. Seeing these majestic animals in their natural environment impacted me. My hope is that through Krystal’s eyes, I can shed light on how important it is that we protect them and their habitat. The research that Dian Fossey did there so many years ago is invaluable. Today, with the help of researchers, animal activists, conservationists, tourism, and the people of Rwanda, the future of the wild Mountain Gorillas is bright. Second, my hope is that Krystal can inspire young people to feel confident about who they really are because it’s empowering.
Krystal Winkle is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind her character’s development?
I hope to empower young people to embrace who they are, tap into their inner core of what makes them tick, be independent adults and achieve what motivates them. William Shakespeare said it best: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Strong friendships, loyalty to yourself and others, self-reliance, never give up, determination, seek happiness.
Do you have more books planned that feature Krystal Winkle?
Yes! Krystal Winkle and Galloping Giuseppe comes out at 2022/2023. This story features a Lipizzaner, a rare horse that nearly went extinct at the end of WWII because they made such a great war horse. General George Patton is one of a few credited for saving this amazing species. Today, Lipizzaner’s are on the domesticated endangered list. My goal is to create an entire series by taking my readers around the world. Through fantasy adventure, I hope to expose my reader to a place they’ve never been while bringing awareness to a special animal that Krystal befriends.
Author Website: krystalwinkle.com
One Side Plot In Our Love Story
Colin the Crab Falls in Love follows a crab as he decides to find a spouse, and learns that the best way to do that is to just be himself. What was the inspiration for your story?
There are already so many books in the Colin the Crab Series that the characters have become good friends to me – especially Colin. Sometimes I feel like I’m following his real life. This happens deep in my imagination, and I’m just writing down the stories.
In previous books, Colin’s life story has developed to the point where he started feeling very lonely in his big house. It was time to try to find a mate, which became the book’s central theme.
The loneliness begins to trouble Colin’s mind when his circle of friends includes a starfish pair in love, a busy lizard family, and a monkfish widow living in her memories. What would Colin himself remember and miss afterward if he would spend his life alone without a particular companion of his own?
I understood the sensitivity of this matter for my friend Colin. As a shy person, it would be difficult for him to approach his crush and especially difficult to try to impress her. Colin feels he needs some advice from his friends, but on the other hand, he wants to make her own decisions, as always. – Falling in love is ultimately a very personal thing.
Colin and Clara find love by being themselves and not changing. Can you share your love story?
I have been happily married for almost 40 years. At this point, I dare to reveal how it all started because it is quite a funny story. I met a nice young man in a lift – and the rest is history!
I worked in a tall old building on the main street in a law firm. There was another office on the next level, whose people used the same lift. Gradually, the seven floors we shared in the lift with this young man were no longer enough. We started chatting for longer times on the sidewalk in front of the office building.
That’s how our story started, and two years later, we celebrated our wedding. The real love story has been the decades that have followed – all those years we have shared together as a couple and with our children and grandchildren as a family.
I am happy about everything we have been able to experience together – and that’s a lot in both our private life and working in the business. I dare say that we have become each other’s most reliable support.
Even my activities related to children’s books wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have such a partner by my side who believes in my abilities and helps in so many ways.
That is also one side plot in our love story.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
This book – Colin the Crab Falls in Love – mainly talks about the same circle of friends that we have already met earlier in the series. These characters are individuals in every sense, and they value different things. That’s why their models of solving problems or making choices differ from each other.
The sensitive topic of finding a partner puts the well-meaning advice of friends in a new light. Colin must be able to decide which of the given advice is suitable for him and which goes too far. Drawing a line for the friends’ influence is not easy. After all, they have succeeded obviously better than Colin in their intimate relationships – at least for now.
All this with partners and spouses and making an impact may sound like an adult topic, but everything is written in a very child-friendly manner. Children will have fun following the surprising twists and turns of the story as Colin tries to please both his friends and his beloved Clara.
The most profound lesson of the story is that everyone must pursue what is most important to them. Of course, our choices must not be utterly selfish or offend others, but still, the solutions must be done by being loyal to one’s innermost self.
I also want to increase readers’ confidence in trusting themselves. The most important thing is to know yourself and stay true to it in your interactions with others, even your friends.
Will Colin and Clara have another story about their life together, if so when will it be available?
Colin and Clara’s life together has already lasted for one more book. The fourth book in the series – “Colin the Crab Gets Married” – has already been published.
New stories about their future life have already emerged in my head. Now that the family is established, it gives opportunities for exciting sequels.
In my mind, I can already see new members of the Carb family. Their adventures are developing in my imagination. Raising children isn’t exactly a simple matter either, and many different views exist.
How did the old Mrs. Monkfish raise her children? What kind of views on quality time with children do technology freak Eddie the Eel and vain Stella the Starfish have?
Now I get all excited to talk about the future of Colin and Clara after the current four books. That shows how much fun I have had writing this series. Right now, I’m working on a big project with another series that is important to me. But as soon as it’s at the right stage, Colin the Crab definitely needs to move forward in his own life story.
I believe something entirely new will happen next year in Colin the Crab’s life. I’ve even heard talk of baby fever!
Author Links: Facebook | Website
One day Finley the Frog, the director of the river museum, calls Colin for help when an accident befalls an important exhibition of shells and corals. Among the broken shelves, Colin makes a delightful discovery: a girl crab with the most beautiful eyes along the riverbank.
The False Queen
The False Queen is a magical tale that follows a young fairy girl named Viola who arrives on Swing Island wearing a lace dress and a crown. The Islanders become curious with the stranger and decide she must be royalty due to her appearance. In doing so, there assumptions create this version of Viola that is not true. Viola, who turns out to be just a fairy down on her luck searching for a place of her own and her purpose; sees no harm in going along with the Islanders grand idea of her since they are all being so kind to her.
Having extraordinarily little to give back to the Islanders, she does her best to use her skills of designing clothes and jewelry to try and make money to eventually repay the debts. Once Viola’s secret is out that she is no royal fairy, everyone turns on her. Daniel, who is the hero of the story is described as a loner and a writer but most importantly he is the observer of the Island and sees not only the truth of who Viola is but all the Islanders true selves. Daniel’s skills of writing set him on a path of clearing Viola’s name and aiding in her finally finding her place and purpose in life as well as uniting the community in one swift sweep of his quill.
In this short children’s chapter book, the author is able to incapsulate the accurate depiction of how people are quick to make assumptions about another person. Pere also shows how important it is to have friends that will stand by you through challenging times in life and how using your skills can help bring communities together and bring fulfillment in life.
The False Queen is an imaginative children’s book with unique fairy tale elements that young readers will find enchanting. This is a fantastic children’s book that imparts an important life lesson amid an entertaining adventure.
Pages: 110 | ISBN: 9789523577695
Stone Garden
Stone Garden by Tuula Pere and Andrea Alemanno is a beautifully illustrated story that follows Lina and Nico, a brother and sister, who venture into a historic stone garden to have lunch. The most prominent stone carving in the park is of an old man who was once a landowner of the garden and surrounding area. As this unique statue conjures a sense of curiosity in Nico, Lina begins to narrate the man’s story and his tragic life. As the old man’s tale unfolds, Nico learns of the unfortunate circumstances leading to the man’s fate and how his lonely existence and mysterious demeanor only further isolate him from everyone, including close family and friends.
I found the story captivating, with many of the visuals in the writing and in the illustrations included in the book. It’s a tale of tragedy and magic that follows the solitary life of one man and how his unusual nature painted him as many things, though he was widely misunderstood. He often strayed from making connections or building relationships with people, even close family. It was as if he didn’t know how to love other people, and while he may have been capable of love, there was a gap in communication or something missing that kept him from reaching out. However, the man developed a sense of belonging to other things; as Lina states, “at least he knew how to love nature.”
The author does an extraordinary job of creating relatable and lifelike characters while diving into the complex man and his legendary status in the community. While many hold firmly to the unkind, negative attributes of the old landowner, Lina and Nico look beyond this outer image to find the natural person beneath. It’s an inspiring book that gives the reader a sense of how important it is to discover more about someone beyond what others see. As the man may have been seen as unlovable or unapproachable, his demise could have changed if someone could have shown him compassion.
I recommend Stone Garden for its genuine and thoughtful characters and their ability to see beneath the grumpy exterior and into the heart of someone so easily judged.
Pages: 38 | ASIN: 9523577751
T-Rex and Tuck Explore the Zoo
Tuck is stuck in the house on a rainy. With nothing to do little Tuck starts to get bored. He’d love to go to the zoo, but can’t go outside until the rain stops. Luckily his stuffed T-Rex comes to life and shows Tuck how to use his imagination to go on a fun adventure at the zoo without ever leaving his room. Together they embark on an educational trip to the zoo where they laugh and learn about different animals.
T-Rex and Tuck Explore the Zoo is a cute children’s book that teaches kids how to use their imagination. If you know how to use it, you’ll never be bored. Author Katie Marie has written a delightful story that is filled with both funny and educational moments. Children will learn different interesting facts about animals that are mixed with funny sounds and fun movements. Children will love making the sounds that the different animals make in the book, like lions and monkeys, and the story also provides some funny physical activities that kids will love to try, like stomping like an elephant or waddling like a penguin. All of this comes together to make a book that is highly engaging.
Each page has a wonderful piece of sketch art by illustrator Jessie Johnson that really brings the scene to life. The soft color palette and the artwork makes this book inviting and perfect for parents to read to toddlers or for early readers to read on their own.
T-Rex and Tuck Explore the Zoo is an imaginative and fun picture book that educates as well as it entertains. With an animated stuff T-Rex, a charming protagonist, and an imaginative story line, this is a perfect gift for any child.
Billy Be Kind: The Kind Little Mouse
A kind little mouse scampers around the house cleaning, taking out the trash and mopping the floors, all while young Anthony and Ryan watch T.V. When their mom get’s home she asks the young boys if they did their chores. They lied and said they did, but their deception bothers them and, with a little help from a kind little mouse, the boys confess. The boys learn that lying is not good, and that the truth comes with its own rewards.
Billy Be Kind is an educational children’s book that informs young readers while entertaining them with cute imagery. I enjoyed how focused this story was on the singular lesson, because young children can get lost in the nuance of more detailed stories. Author Kim Adams does a fantastic job of distilling the moral problem down into something young kids can understand, and then explaining why it’s bad in terms that anyone will be able to comprehend. This is all done through rhyme, which adds a lyrical aspect to this wonderful kid’s book.
Every page is magnificently illustrated. There are a lot of little details throughout the house that build a backstory for the family. Billy Be Kind always has bright shiny eyes and a smile which made him feel welcoming and charming. The children are also emotive, making it easy for young readers to pick up on their emotions while parents read the story to them.
Billy Be Kind: The Kind Little Mouse tells a relatable and educational story about the importance of honesty. Children will learn that lying is bad and they’ll also learn to admit to their mistakes and trust that their parents will treat them fairly once they come clean. This is a cute story for kindergarten and preschool aged children and will be a wonderful addition to any teachers lesson plans on honesty and trust.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0B6L3Q3WS
LITERARY TITAN 