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Merlin’s Magical Music Island
Merlin’s Magical Music Island invites young readers on a whimsical journey with twin music notes, Melody and Mute. Eager and full of excitement, they’re honored to be the youngest selected for a grand performance. However, their enthusiasm quickly fades when surrounded by larger, more experienced notes. Feelings of doubt creep in, and the twins begin to question their worth. Believing they can’t live up to their mother’s legacy, they run away, hoping to escape the pressures of rehearsal.
Merlin, the compassionate music teacher, teams up with their parents to search for them. Rather than scolding or pressuring the twins, Merlin offers gentle encouragement. With his support and the reassurance of their parents, Melody and Mute find the courage to return. In the end, they perform with pride, realizing their contribution matters just as much as anyone else’s.
James T. Campbell delivers an uplifting and emotionally insightful story, perfect for children navigating self-doubt and self-worth. What stands out is the gentle way the author handles the emotional complexity of children. Instead of dramatizing their struggle, he paints it with empathy and accuracy, highlighting how fear of failure can lead to avoidance, and how encouragement can be a powerful remedy.
Merlin’s unwavering support is particularly touching. He doesn’t force Melody and Mute into action but guides them with patience and belief. That approach reflects the kind of teacher every child deserves, the kind who sees potential even when a child can’t. His character reminded me of a beloved teacher from my own past, someone whose quiet confidence made all the difference.
The illustrations are vibrant and playful, offering visual appeal that sparks conversation and imagination. I especially appreciated the moment when Melody and Mute choose to ignore the judgment of others and embrace their role. That decision, subtle yet powerful, reinforces the story’s message: no part is too small to be significant.
Merlin’s Magical Music Island is more than a musical tale; it’s a heartwarming lesson in self-belief, encouragement, and the quiet strength of showing up, even when you feel small.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0DYD28973
Puppy Day Jitters
Looking for a heartfelt story to help children navigate fear, nervousness, and anxiety? Puppy Day Jitters by Shannon Mori is a standout choice. Part of the Pawsome Pals series, this delightful picture book gently explores the emotional turbulence that often comes with first-time experiences, offering young readers a comforting sense of companionship and reassurance.
The story follows Dolce, an exuberant puppy preparing for her very first day at puppy school. While she begins the morning with excitement, a wave of uncertainty creeps in as the moment approaches. Supported by her human friend, Sophia, Dolce learns to name her feelings, embrace her vulnerability, and discover the quiet strength within her. Through empathy and gratitude, she begins to manage her emotions and see the beauty in the unknown.
Told in sweet, engaging rhymes and paired with irresistibly charming illustrations, Puppy Day Jitters is a joyful tool for fostering confidence in children. Its narrative is simple yet emotionally rich, making it ideal for introducing little ones to the complexity of new and uncomfortable situations. The characters are immediately lovable. Dolce, in particular, wins hearts with her genuine expressions and earnestness, while Sophia adds a nurturing, grounding presence.
Visually, the book shines. The illustrations, playful, varied, and full of energy, add layers of emotion and movement that extend beyond the text. Each page is vibrant, capturing the nuance of Dolce’s journey and pulling readers into her world with color and imagination.
Pacing is another of the book’s strengths. The story flows smoothly, keeping young readers captivated while leaving room for reflection. The emotional arc is both accessible and authentic, encouraging kids to connect deeply with Dolce’s experience. As they follow her transformation, children are invited to understand and process emotions like fear and stress in a safe, supportive space.
With its touching conclusion and empowering message, Puppy Day Jitters is more than just a cute tale; it’s an invitation for children to develop emotional resilience. Shannon Mori’s thoughtful storytelling, complemented by Ada Konewki’s warm and expressive illustrations, makes this a must-have addition to any early learning bookshelf.
The Pawsome Pals series continues to excel at blending life lessons with heartwarming storytelling, helping young readers explore emotional growth through the lovable misadventures of pets and their pals.
Pages: 24 | ASIN: B0F7FY1JBP
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Book Award: Children’s Books
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Crimson Hearts by Susan Reed-Flores
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Passamaquoddy Legends Puzzle Book Volume 3 – Amazing Master Rabbit
This third volume in Michael W. Cook’s Passamaquoddy Legends Puzzle Book series centers on the clever and endlessly curious Master Rabbit, or Mahtigwess, as he stumbles through trials and wild encounters across the stories of the Passamaquoddy people. Through a mix of puzzles, crosswords, mazes, cryptograms, coloring pages, and storytelling, Cook blends ancient folklore with interactive learning. The tales focus on themes of wit, magic, perseverance, and cultural symbolism, all rooted in a deep respect for the oral traditions of the Wabanaki tribes. It’s part storybook, part activity book, and part cultural preservation project.
I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. At first glance, you might think this is strictly for kids, but there’s a real richness here. The puzzles are woven into the stories in a way that makes you engage differently, almost like you’re unlocking layers of tradition and meaning as you go. I loved that it didn’t talk down to its readers. It trusts you to care about the culture and be curious enough to want to solve the riddles. Master Rabbit is such a charming trickster. He’s funny, often overconfident, and just the right amount of ridiculous. He’s easy to root for, even when he’s obviously setting himself up for disaster. The artwork ranging from cut to artistic, the old Micmac and Passamaquoddy words sprinkled throughout, and the playful layout all made the experience feel personal, even a little nostalgic.
Some puzzles were tricky. It can feel more like a patchwork than a flowing narrative, especially if you’re trying to read it cover-to-cover. That said, I don’t think it was meant to be read straight through. It’s more of a dip-in-and-play kind of book. And in that context, it really works. The balance of cultural education and fun is handled with care. You can tell Cook genuinely cares about honoring the Passamaquoddy heritage, and that heart shines through in the smallest details.
If you’re a teacher, a parent, or just someone curious about Indigenous stories told in a fun and interactive way, this book is a great pick. It’s especially good for readers who enjoy learning through doing, or who have a soft spot for folklore and myth. I’d say it’s perfect for kids around 8–13, but adults with an open mind and a playful streak will get a lot out of it too.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0FCFGGKDM
Everything Just Clicked
Ella Minnow P. follows a bright little girl on her first day of school who is teased because her name sounds like part of the alphabet song, and uses this to teach her classmates about kindness and empathy. What was the inspiration for your story?
My children inspired me to write this book. Three years ago, we were saying the ABCs one night in bed, and my oldest daughter kept saying what sounded like “Ella Minnow P.” at the LMNOP part, and then my kids would giggle. I immediately thought it sounded like a girl’s name. Everything just clicked, and I thought of the storyline. When I sat down to write the story, it only took a few hours. Then I had to get it all to rhyme.
As for the storyline and message of the book, again, my children inspired it. As a military spouse, I’ve guided our three children through five relocations and nine schools in nine years. Through this journey, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of kindness, courage, and inclusivity in children. Their love and acceptance as they learn and grow together are qualities I hope to inspire in other families. Like Ella, I’ve taught my kids that it takes both bravery and kindness to navigate any new chapter in life, especially the first day of school! These are lessons I share in my book to help others do the same.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I absolutely wanted the book to rhyme because I just feel like rhyming books hold kids’ attention and are cute. Your review said, “The writing is bouncy and rhyming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace for young readers.” And that is exactly what I was aiming for! While the message in this book is extremely important, I wanted this book to be one that children can learn to read from. That is why this book is recommended for ages 0 to 6 as a read-aloud, but also for 5 to 8-year-olds as an early reader. My kindergartener is actually learning to read with this book! The sentence structure is simple and rhythmic, making it fun to sound out the words. The text also highlights different, simple vocabulary words.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Emanuela Mannello?
Here is an article that was written in a local publication. Thus far, this is the first and only article that includes an interview with Emanuela. She was absolutely incredible to work with. I had been working with another illustrator, but I had to end that partnership because it was taking so long. It just wasn’t a good fit. I found Emanuela because she was the illustrator of the book Unicorn Wishes, which my children loved. I thought, “If my kids love the artwork in this book, why not just ask her to illustrate mine?” So I googled her and figured out how to get a hold of her, and the rest is history! She lives in Italy, and we did everything via email.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
We are in the middle of yet another military move, but I have ideas for more books involving Ella’s character, and the manuscripts are underway 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Coronado Eagle | Coronado Times | Amazon
Perfect as a baby book, toddler book, or preschool book, Ella Minnow P. is a great read-aloud for storytime or bedtime. It’s also an ideal kindergarten book or first grade book, especially for children facing those first day jitters. This story encourages confidence, friendship, and the idea that learning can be fun when you stay true to yourself.
Written by Trisha Fleming and illustrated by Emanuela Mannello, this charming children’s book is filled with rhymes, giggles, and colorful scenes that bring Ella’s classroom to life. Whether you’re looking for first day jitters children’s books, kindness books, or one of the best kindergarten read about books, Ella Minnow P. belongs on your child’s bookshelf.
Recommended for ages 0 to 6 as a read-aloud and 5 to 8 as an early reader. Great for classrooms, libraries, and home collections, this juvenile fiction story will keep kids coming back to the alphabet again and again with confidence and a smile.
LITERARY TITAN 