Blog Archives
The Importance Of Representation
Proud in Her Hijab follows a young Muslim girl that is teased at school over her hijab and shows how she deals with the feelings it causes. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am a mom of four amazing children – 2 girls and 2 boys. The inspirations are also my kids, their years of questions they bring from school as they get asked about their hair type, braid styles, and my girls’ hijab. There aren’t many books about hijab and we already have most of them that are out there so during the pandemic we decided to write our story with characters and names that look like our family. I can’t stress enough the importance of representation and how my girls feel empowered seeing and walking to this book in their respective classrooms. The main message is to uplift and empower girls who choose to wear hijab and be proud of their identities. Also to create awareness for readers about the importance of appreciating diversity and inclusion and embedding appreciation for other’s faith and cultural differences.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Mia Hay?
Mia Hay is the formatter and designer of the book. She is awesome and very professional. I didn’t have a good experience working with the illustrator being unprofessional and not delivering on time. However, Mia stepped in to finish and finalize the missing pieces and designed the book. She is also my 2nd book’s designer and we are very aligned working together. I wanted to thank her.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Besides the two important lessons mentioned above. The book outlines the main themes of the book at the back. Such as
Be proud of who you are, your beliefs and embrace your identities.
Respect and be kind to everyone including to those who are different from you.
Be brave and stand up for yourself.
Don’t shy away from sharing what you go through. It’s ok to share you feelings to your family and friends.
Get to know someone before judging them.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Yes. I just released my 2nd children’s book titled “Oh, No …Hacked Again!” It’s a story teaching children the importance of online safety and sparking interest for young readers to pursue the field of STEM esp. cybersecurity as a future career option.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
“Is she bald?”
“Is her hair dirty?”
There is a fine line between curiosity and ridicule.
Iman must find courage to face the school children.
Proud in Her Hijab is a story that empowers and uplifts girls who choose to wear a hijab while encouraging friendship and respect.
If you are looking for a hijab story of inspiration & courage for your children and loved ones, look no further.
This book is for you!
“A relatable tale of pride and identity that is paired neatly with colorful and expressive illustrations. The summary of themes at the end of the book is a good review for younger readers, and offers a chance for conversation and discussion for parents reading with a child. Kemal has crafted a heartwarming and practical book that elevates kindness, patience, understanding, and cultural sensitivity, which is an essential message for any faith.” Self-Publishing Review
The Adventurers and the Treasure Cave
There is something mysterious going on, and Chris and Bea can’t quite pinpoint what it is. They know very little, but they work hard to put all the pieces together. They know this trip to their cousins’ house is sudden, and their father acts very suspiciously. Their mother is distracted–more than is typical for her. Nothing is adding up, and the two of them know one thing–this plan to stay with cousins they don’t actually remember meeting is the last thing they had on their agenda. Something is waiting for Chris and his sister, Bea, but what?
The Adventurers and the Treasure Cave, by Isabel Ricardo, follows the relationship between young cousins forced to spend time together despite their differences. However, when suspicious circumstances send Chris and Bea to stay with Tony and Daniel, things become heated before they have a chance to begin their adventure together. Between the differences in the way they are being raised and the distraction of Chris and Bea’s pet crow, Jack, it seems these four will never be able to come to an understanding, much less get to the bottom of the mystery before them.
Jack keeps the story light and brings something new to every page. Ricardo does a beautiful job of writing the family dynamic–the family unit is a strong part of Ricardo’s overall theme. We don’t all have perfect families where everyone always gets along and actually wants to be together. Her description of the altercations between cousins is dead-on and adds an element of reality to her tale. The little quirks she includes make her characters believable, and their exchanges are relatable. As a teacher, I love incorporating history into this fiction story. I appreciate the opportunity to bring history and geography into lessons whenever possible. I will state that there is mild cursing, so it’s not a book I would choose to read aloud with students. Ricardo gives readers reasons to explore outside the book once they are done reading and encourages the study of historical events and the origins of legends.
The Adventurers and the Treasure Cave is a wonderful mystery for younger readers who enjoy historical accuracy mixed in with their fiction. With vivid imagery and relatable characters, this exciting novel will quickly win over fans.
Pages: 199 | ISBN : 1949868354
Gertie Saves the Day
Gertie Saves the Day is about a sweet groundhog that wants to be the next groundhog that predicts if there will be 6 more weeks of winter or not. Gertie’s class is going to have a competition to see who will be the next groundhog to look for their shadow on Groundhog Day. She tries very hard to win the position but ultimately loses to Jeff. Jeff is not the kindest groundhog in the class and teases Gertie about her height. When Groundhog Day comes, there is a problem; what will Gertie do?
Author Karen Patricia Nespoli has written a creative and engaging picture book. She uses simple but effective prose to share her meaningful message. Daniela Massironi has illustrated the story with adorable, colorful, and entertaining pictures. This beautifully written children’s book introduces to kids the concept of Groundhog Day, kindness, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. It is a lot packed into a remarkably short book.
Gertie has a positive attitude that even when things do not go well for her, she thinks of the bigger picture and stays supportive. She tries her hardest and shows readers that sometimes it is not enough even when you do your best, and that is ok. Jeff goes through some character development learning about what teamwork and friendship mean.
Gertie Saves the DayThis simple narrative model’s good behavior and morals in an approachable way. Included are fun facts about Groundhog Day and groundhogs. This makes it the perfect book for teachers, parents, or anyone wanting to teach a lesson on groundhogs or Groundhog Day.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09CZH64D5
Daisha Gets the “I” in KIND
Daisha is asked to wait inside one day during recess and she doesn’t know why. The teacher Mrs. Perez then presents her with a four-foot-tall “I” from KIND. This award goes to a student that has shown many of the character traits of kindness. Daisha has helped students with the meal trays, returned lost money, and made sure to always include classmates in activities. When thinking about all the things she has done to earn the “I” she realizes her entire family shows kindness all the time.
Author Suzan Johnson has written a fantastic picture book with illustrations by Marcos Rodrigues. Daisha Gets the “I” in KIND is filled with many ideas on how to show kindness each and every day. This is an amazing book to introduce the concept of kindness to preschoolers and kindergarteners that might not understand what kindness is. Younger kids need a visual to understand the link between saying ‘be kind’ and showing them what kindness looks like.
This heartwarming story shows that children can learn kindness from those around them. Daisha’s whole family helps people in the neighborhood and community. So, helping her classmates at school just comes naturally to her, that is why she didn’t understand how she had won the award. It shows children that you don’t have to do big things to be kind, that even the little things you do matter.
At the end of this touching story the author includes some activities like a coloring page, discussion questions, and an Acrostic Poem template. These things will help teachers turn this story into a full lesson.
Daisha Gets the “I” in KIND is an exceptional children’s book that grasps the attention of young readers. The artwork in this picture book will delight kids and give them a visual of what kindness looks like at their age.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09JN4N3M2
What is a Gnome?
The One Great Gnome follows an 11-year-old girl that discovers a magical garden gnome that shows her a world she never knew existed. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
When I was 11 I moved from the Bronx to Connecticut so I experienced the same feelings that Sarah had when the story opens. The story was my idea of what I would have wanted to find the first day I woke up in a strange new state without my friends around.
What was your favorite character to write for and why?
I loved writing about Vesper. I wanted to change people’s thoughts on what a Gnome could be. He is kind and brave and loves to cook! What a fun character to write for!
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, I felt very satisfied. After several rewrites, I felt the story ended exactly where it should have and all the characters had a nice way to end their stories and their relationship to Sarah.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have an idea for a sequel to this book! We will see what happens!
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Website
Eleven-year-old Sarah moves with her family from New York City to rural Hadley, Connecticut. She’s eager to explore her new home and meet new friends, but she never expected to befriend an old garden gnome.
Readers join Sarah as she is drawn into a secret world under our feet. Sarah uses her instincts to calm old rivalries and help the underworld elves, gnomes, and more join her in the upperworld.
We Each Have Gifts
The Gift follows a lonely young girl that receives a gift from God and shares his gift with other lonely children. What was the inspiration for your story?
This was from a literal dream! I was told I would receive dreams from a preacher in 2019 and I was to take a notebook and pen and write them down. This was my second dream, where I received a gift of my own; a bright mesmerising light. Nine months later I wrote a script for a childrens event based on the dream and the parents and children loved the story and play. So much so they asked for a copy to read. I decided then I would convert the script into a childrens book. The Gift play has been shown in many schools. The gift was produced and published in lockdown.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
To be inspired by the story. For the readers imagination to be captivated. For valuable life lessons to be imbedded or encouraged (sharing, kindness) for children (and adults) and to know that no matter what you face in life we all have a gift of love from God and we are never alone. Also we each have gifts we can use to help others.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Kindness, sharing, being the light to help others see. Challenges of bullying and having to be less selfish. How our lives can be changed with kindness.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
“The House”. Fantasy adventure for ages 7-11. Fabulous colour illustrations and very colourful characters! Valuable message lies hidden within the pages.
Feb – March 2022!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
The Gift is filled with beautifully illustrated colour pictures and is the first in a series of Lizzie Jayne’s books.
Pippin Moves to the City
Pippin Moves to the City is the second book in the series, A Poodle Called Pippin. On this adventure, Pippin finds out his family is moving from the country to the city. He is very nervous about this move and dislikes everything from the start. Pippin is sad that he had to leave all his friends and worries he will not make new ones. When night comes, he becomes afraid when he hears a sound in the walls. It turns out there is nothing to fear; it is just a possum named Blossom, and she becomes Pippin’s first new friend. The following day Pippen races off to the beach, and there he discovers all kinds of new animals and adventures.
This heartwarming picture book written by Julia Seaborn is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary school-age kids. It introduces them to the concept of moving, addresses their fears, and shows them that things can work out, sometimes even better than before. Learning how to make new friends is also challenging and scary. Pippen shows young readers that they do not have to be afraid to meet new friends. Meeting the new animals shows diversity and inclusion; there are a lot of lessons in this creative children’s book.
Richard Hoit illustrates this light-hearted story with vivid colors detailed drawings and makes the animals come to life. Animals like a possum, seals, foxes, and a butterfly. These whimsical illustrations work well with the storyline and will keep children engaged in this marvelous book.
At the end of this beautifully written book, there are activities included. The author consists of twelve questions for readers to answer about the story and what they learned in the book. There is also a butterfly maze that kids can do and a link for more butterfly crafts. Lastly, a possum facts for children page teaches kids some fun facts about Blossom.
Pippin Moves to the City is a beautiful picture book that teachers and parents will adore. It is a fantastic introduction to moving, making friends, and experiencing new things on a level that small children can understand.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09LH7VNN3
The One Great Gnome
The One Great Gnome follows eleven-year-old Sarah who has recently moved from the busy city of Manhattan, 100 miles away in a contrastingly calm, mundane rural Hadley, Connecticut. Sarah lives with her parents and her cat Smokey. She is a bookworm that loves escaping into the world of her books. Her dream is to work in a book store and read all the books she could get her hands on, understandably so, as her mother works in the library. This gives Sarah a beautifully open mind and vivid imagination.
Author Jeff Dinardo starts the story as Sarah’s family has just moved to their new home in the country. This gives Sarah a chance to explore things she could not when living in the city. Every little detail is explored from the perspective of an eleven-year-old, which makes the book interesting for children. It is during one of these adventures that Sarah comes across the garden gnome, Vesper of Oglinoth. Vesper introduces Sarah to a world she never knew existed outside of her books. She joins Vesper on his quest to save all the gnomes.
Very similar to the magical world of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, in Sarah’s world, nothing is impossible. Sarah is friendly, curious, and empathetic. Sarah is creative and uses that imagination to help out her new friend, and provides a fresh and broad perspective on various issues.
Scattered throughout this imaginative novel are black and white drawings illustrated by Jhon Ortiz. He has given readers a striking visual of some of the characters and the creatures that come alive in this creative book. They really give readers an idea of the creatures Sarah meets and their personalities.
Dinardo has created an engaging and relatable character in Sarah. Her curious personality will appeal to readers that are getting started with chapter books but are not quite ready for books like Harry Potter or the Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
The One Great Gnome is a captivating children’s fantasy adventure book that is filled with action. This is a fantastic beginning chapter book that will inspire the imagination of older elementary kids.
Pages: 128 | ASIN : B08C9NRTWG
LITERARY TITAN 