Blog Archives
Literary Titan Book Awards January 2022
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and imagination of these talented authors.
Gold Award Winners
Silver Award Winners
Storm Front 8 by Steven Paul Germane
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Holy Fruit Toots Rosie!
Holy Fruit Toots Rosie! is about a curious dog named Rosie that loves to try new foods, especially foods that are not her dog food. Unfortunately for Rosie, she learns the hard way that she has an allergy to Fruity Toot cereal. The house is soon filled with the smell of fruit toot toots every time Rosie sneezes. After a call to the vet the family learns what to do and spends the day helping Rosie with her fruity toot tooting issue.
Dogs provide families with love, affection, entertainment, and sometimes worries. Thankfully in this picture book written by Christine Logan, Rosie had a mild reaction to eating something she was not supposed to have. Humor permeates this fun story as even the cat is upset by the smell coming from poor Rosie. Children will love the ridiculous images that accompany the hilarious narrative of Rosie passing gas with every activity she does. Children will be laughing all the way through this entertaining story.
Logan does a great job explaining the serious nature of allergies in animals and what to do for them, while infusing humor into the information. At the end of the story the author includes a pictorial checklist of what is safe and not safe for dogs to eat, play with, and what their poop should look like if healthy. Also included is a list of things to look for if you think your pet is sick and a reminder to call the vet if you think they are.
This comical picture book is brought to life through the fantastic illustrations of Gayatri Ray. Their rendition of the fruity toot toots will have readers doing a double take and then laughing at the fruit rings flying out of Rosie. The artwork makes this picture book come to life while allowing Logan to pass on a serious message about pet care.
Holy Fruit Toots Rosie! is an extraordinary and lighthearted picture book that children and toddlers will find entertaining and unforgettable. The important information on taking care of animals that is included is presented in an effective matter that will be remembered by children and adults.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B09HW541G6
Monty’s Rainbow Road Adventure
Monty’s Rainbow Road Adventure takes Monty the mouse on an adventure to discover all the colours of the rainbow. Monty wants to bring a balloon of every color to his friends birthday party, but he is unsure what all the colours are. Lucky for Monty he has friends that live on all the different colour roads and he asks them for help collecting balloons in each of their favorite colors.
This adorable picture book, written by Tina Kid, is perfect for the three to five year old age group. It is ideal as a read along and one on one reading with a child. As you progress through the colours of the rainbow, the pages give readers prompts that ask what else that colour could be used for. This makes this book a fun and interactive tool that engages a child’s imagination and helps them connect the colors in the book to the colors they see in the world.
Parents, teachers and children will be delighted by the animal friends that Monty engages with. Ruby the fox, Ginger the cat, Dorothy the duck, Freddy the frog, Wendy the whale, and the dolphin twins. Each animal has a unique personality and their homes are phenomenal. I loved the textured illustrations as they all had vibrant colors that really brought the characters to life. This book will surely keep the attention of children as the book is filled with adorable characters and brilliant art.
Monty’s Rainbow Road Adventure: Learn The Colours Of The Rainbow is exactly what teachers and parents need for preschoolers, or toddlers. This charming children’s book is a wonderfully educational tool that inspires children to think of the world around them and builds their descriptive language skills.
Pages: 37 | ASIN: B09H36WLCC
A Sense Of Wonder
The Zodiac Traveller follows a teenage boy on a quest to prove his claim as the heir to the Kingdom of Adastra. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for my story, I guess, came from Tolkien’s ‘Lord Of the Rings’. I’m probably one of his biggest fans, and while I didn’t even try to compete with Tolkien (not many authors can) in my opinion anyway he is one of the best. So I went ahead and gave it a shot. And the other is my great interest in astrology.
What was your favorite character to write for and why?
Oh definitely Galaxius. I particularly liked writing about Boris the character in Scorpio, among others.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
My approach to writing the interactions between the characters came mainly from a sense of wonder and innocence something you don’t see much of these days.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am 3/4 way into writing my next novel which is totally different from this one. It is romance fiction, I haven’t named it yet. ‘Tulips from Amsterdam’ Maybe?
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
As his father lay dying he handed Galaxius an Amulet with three missing stones.
“Take this and wear it always”, his father had croaked. “You must locate the missing stones and the Tablet, it will prove who you are.”
Little did Galaxius know what lay ahead of him after setting off to fulfill his fathers last dying wishes.
Along the way he meets a dragon, a donkey and a friend named Starlet.
Galaxius soon learns how valuable the Amulet is when they are pursued by an enemy in the form of a shape shifting crow, the enemy that killed his father.
Can Galaxius fulfill his fathers dying wishes or will he also die trying, just like his ancestors before him?
Voices of Diversity
Voices of Diversity by Vanessa Caraveo, is a collection of poems explaining the cultural and belief constraints that face different groups of people and how they solved their dilemmas. The book mentions recognizable heroes and heroines in an attempt to highlight the importance of empowerment, unification and inclusion. The poems contain themes of gender equality, apartheid, slavery, tourism and cultural differences. The author depicts how women and girls have lower leverage in education and employment. She also shows how black and brown races achieved political and socioeconomic freedom. The ideas in this thought-provoking book chronicle heroes of multiculturalism.
The collection of poems included in this vibrant book touch upon sensitive issues that many face today. The author tells stories of both famous and anonymous heroes in her poems. Vanessa speaks of colored parents as champions to their children letting them know that their diversity makes them special and urges them to embrace the difference. Citing “I Have Dream” she narrates how Martin Luther King Jr fought for emancipation of African American’s rights. She also includes the story of Rosa Parks as part of the civil rights movement. The poems are not limited to political topics, but also humanitarian issues as well. Included is an excerpt on “Mother Teresa”, who is lauded worldwide for her work with the needy.
This insightful collection would appeal to teachers to read to kids in school, and parents wishing to introduce these topics to kids in a gentle way. This inclusivity makes this children’s book fun and captivating.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B085PPXV6B
The Quest for the Lost Map
The Quest for the Lost Map by Isabel Ricardo starts by taking you back to 1307. A secret order has just been given by King Philip IV to capture, imprison, torture, and kill all Knights Templar in France. However, Grand Master Jacques de Molay discovered word of the plan. He calls upon Templar Jean-Luc to escape before the captures begin, entrusting him with the safekeeping and safety of a very important map. Jean-Luc flees for safe land in Portugal where he cannot be captured, with the map tucked safely away. There, he lives the remainder of his life with other Knights Templar, safe from King Philip IV’s harsh sentence.
Fast forward to the present day. Gabrielle and her kids, Andy and Kelly, have just been given the opportunity to vacation in Sesimbra. The only catch is that they have to take on Mike, the troubled son of a family friend. On vacation, they meet the mysterious Sarah, a teenager with a dark secret.
At the same time, a group of men has been hired to seek out the secret map from so long ago. Through misfortune and a lot of adventure, the teenagers and the dangerous men all end up with the same mission; finding the map that will lead them to the Holy Grail.
The author writes in a way that draws you into the story immediately. From the first line to the last, readers will be fully immersed and wondering what was going to happen next. The backstory of Jean-Luc and the Templars is based on factual events in history that will entice historical fiction readers. The author does an excellent job of describing the scene without becoming redundant. She tied up the backstory of the Kings Templar nicely without a lot of unneeded fluff.
The Quest for the Lost Map really started to pick up speed when it flips to the present time. Readers will laugh and relate to the relationship between siblings Andy and Kelly. Kelly is the typical sister, annoyed at everything her brother does. When it counts, though, they are there for one another. It was nice to see them grow in maturity, too, through lessons learned from Mike and Sarah. Sarah’s rough past made her grow up quickly, but she certainly taught her new friends some important life lessons.
This novel shows the strong bond of friendship among the teens, everybody comes together to help a girl in need. Sarah has not had an easy life, she is not use to anyone being willing to help her. Although they have only just met her, everybody really comes together to help get her out of her situation. The unity and close bonds remind you that there are good people out there. Of course, that isn’t to say that the kids don’t try to take matters into their own hands when things aren’t moving quickly enough for their liking.
When it comes to the group of men searching for the secret map, they are supposed to be dangerous. Instead, they seem more grumpy and irritated but not threatening. Isabel Ricardo does a great job inserting humor as the teens outsmart the men on more than one occasion.
The Quest for the Lost Map: The Port of the Grail Trilogy Book 1 will entertain historical fiction lovers, especially those that have a passion for the Knights Templar. Readers that enjoy young adult fiction will find enjoyment following the teens adventures and antics. This is a great start to the series.
Pages: 335 | ISBN: 1949868427
The Sumatran Trilogy
The Problem with Poppy is about a porcupine that has trouble making friends and overcomes that fear. What was the inspiration for your story?
Like Poppy, I have been defensive where I didn’t need to be out of fear as I had experienced trauma which made it difficult for me to trust people and make friends. I wanted to write a book that drew on my own personal experiences but in a child appropriate way to show children that if they too have an issue with making friends, they need to overcome a fear and trauma or are defensive, they are able to overcome this. Everybody has a natural defence system, it’s a survival skill, but there is a time and a place to use it and as Poppy learns in the story, being defensive when she doesn’t need to be can have upsetting consequences. However, Poppy makes the brave step to address the issue and makes a lifelong friend in the process. I think people can relate to Poppy and learn that being brave and addressing your issues can make your life so much better and happier.
What inspired you to write a series about the rainforest?
The rainforest is so important as it enables so many different species of animals to live there. Sadly, with deforestation and poaching occuring around the world, I wanted to write a book which teaches children the importance of protecting these animals and the rainforest as well as educating them about how to deal with their own issues. I also wanted to help protect the animals and rainforests in any way I could and as a result of book sales from The Problem with Poppy and the next two books in the Sumatran Trilogy I donate £1 per book sale to Rainforest Trust UK which is then used to save the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra, where the book is set. The Leuser Ecosystem is the last place on earth where tigers, porcupines, orangutans and elephants co-exist in the wild so I wanted to educate children on this amazing part of the world and what we can all do to preserve it.
How did collaboration go between you and the illustrator for the book?
My illustrator, Olena Osadcha, is based in Ukraine. It has been a pleasure working with her for this book. Olena is also illustrating the next two books in the Sumatran Trilogy, What’s Troubling Tawny? and Hooray for Heidi! Olena shares the same passion that I do in relation to the story and feels that the book has some important messages for children. Olena and I have worked very closely in getting the illustrations as perfect as possible to make them fun, cute and captivating for the reader.
I see there are two more books in the series set for publication, are they going to build on The Problem with Poppy or are they their own stories?
The next two books in the Sumatran Trilogy have some similarities to The Problem with Poppy but also some differences. They will both be set in the Sumatran rainforest but they will introduce new characters into each story while at the same time the characters from the previous book making cameo appearances! The next two books will, again, touch on important messages for children such as self confidence, self esteem, self worth, working as a team, trying your best, taking part in activities, along with reinforcing the importance of saving the rainforest and the animals that inhabit them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | theproblemwithpoppy.co.uk
Poppy the porcupine has always wanted to make a friend, but her defensive nature prevents her. When a young tiger cub stumbles upon her one day in the rainforest, she reacts badly and scares him away.
Determined to change her ways, she sets out to find him, but little does she know that the tiger cub is about to have a problem of his own. In the face of danger, will Poppy find a way to save the day?
The Problem with Poppy is an award-winning picture book aimed at children aged 4-8 and is the debut by British author Emma Sandford. Illustrated by Ukrainian artist Olena Osadcha.
“The Problem with Poppy by Emma Sandford is a perfect combination of fun and learning that any little kid will love.” – Readers’ Favorite ★★★★★
The book is the first in a series called The Sumatran Trilogy. The second book, What’s Troubling Tawny?, will be published in December 2021 and the third book, Hooray for Heidi!, will be published in June 2022.
£1 per paperback book sale donated to Rainforest Trust UK.
Dance-It-Out!
Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute tells a creative story that gets kids dancing and exercising. How did the idea for this book come about?
As a dance teacher, I know the value of movement and expression. My daughter and I teamed up to try to keep cooped-up kids moving and active at home. The Dance-It-Out! collection—Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute is one of 10 books—are mostly expanded versions of stories I told in my dance classes. These were always the kids’ favorite part of the class, and I wanted to share the experience with a broader audience. This story is a collaboration with one of the instructors at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Marjorie Thompson, who was separately creating a story ballet, and we thought we’d team up.
What were some driving ideals behind the books development?
The story was created to be danced on stage, so it was an easy transition to create a children’s book with movement from the ideas. We infused even more movement into the Dance-It-Out version by adding the zombie ballet class and having the cats in dance-like poses. It’s full of movement themes and offers many opportunities for creating steps and shapes.
What is the collaboration process like between the authors to bring this book to live?
Marjorie, the original author, had a story draft. We whittled and edited that version together to create a book for her slightly older audience, then I infused that story with simpler movements and actions to make it accessible for younger kids.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
We hope to have 2 more Dance-It-Outs out this year including one about a spirited squirrel superhero. Some of the previous series favorites include Joey Finds His Jump! and Princess Naomi Helps a Unicorn. We’re also working on audio books for the series and have 3 up on Amazon.
The Freya/Fynn sequel is in motion, and we have the same illustrator booked to start working on it in the new year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | CreativeMovementStories.com | OnceUponADance.com | Instagram | Twitter
In the Dance-It-Out series, created by an award-winning dance teacher, children act and move alongside the characters, and Ballerina Konora joins each page with movement suggestions. In this story, Fynn, Freya, cats, bats, ghosts, and zombies assemble for a captivating story of music, magic, and meyhem.
Movement, dance, and concepts include:
• Kicks
• Marches
• Jumps
• Rolls
• Bends
• First/Fifth position
• Shoulder lifts
• Lunges
• Tiptoes/Relevé
• Breath/Sighs
• Balancing on one foot
• Rocking/swaying
• Hand shapes such as fists/flat/pointer/curved fingers
• Sharp and smooth
• Emotions such as joy, shock, curiosity, and love
• Improv dance
Each Dance-It-Out story is an interactive kids’ storytelling adventure to ignite children’s movement, joy, and imagination. Ballerina Konora joins each page with optional movement and dance ideas and photographs.
The books can be used as a supplement for dance or theater studio classes or camps. Fynn, Freya, and the Fantastic Flute would be pair well with themes such as Halloween, cats, island-living, zombies, ghosts, music, camping, or magic.
The Dance-It-Out movement journeys are ideal for dance, pre-ballet, creative movement, preschool, daycare, early learning, physical education, homeschool, kindergarten, or first-grade activities. The full collection features male/female/nongendered and diverse characters. Books make a great gift for girls or boys interested in dance, ballet, gymnastics, or yoga, or reluctant readers who enjoy getting up and being active.
With kind characters, subtle life lessons, and a positive role model in Ballerina Konora, teachers love the kid-approved, ready-made, easy additions to curriculum and lesson planning. Children at home adore the stories that “young readers will return to again and again” (—Reedsy) offering “an innovative use of dance and storytelling” (—Kirkus Reviews).
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