Blog Archives
A Reason for Gratitude
Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy follows a little spider and his cricket friend as they discover what it means to choose joy. Where did the idea for this book come from?
As I was looking at a homeschool curriculum that included teaching the fruits of The Spirit, I wanted to highlight that joy is more than just fleeting happiness. Given that children easily recall animal stories, I got the idea for Spiker and his friends to show children how to find joy in commonplace events.
Are any of your own childhood experiences included in Spiker’s story?
I remember complaining a lot as a kid when things didn’t go my way! One day, I overheard someone tell another that I griped too much. Realising that I wanted to be different, I asked God to show me how. It took a long time, but I am never more joyful than when I get to do something for someone else!
What were some themes you felt it was important to include in your book?
The themes that I felt were important to include in this book were:
Things will not always go as planned, but there is still a reason for gratitude
Treasure friendships and kindness
Help others to enjoy life too.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am hoping to publish Pari the Panda Learns about Patience in a few months.
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Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy
I just finished reading Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy by J.M. Ashmore with my little one, and it was such a sweet surprise. The story follows Spiker, a cheerful little jumping spider, and his cricket buddy, Crispin, as they learn what it means to have joy—even when things go wrong. From thunderstorms to getting lost and even helping a crying grasshopper with a hurt knee, the two friends (plus a few others they meet) figure out that being glad and doing nice things for others is what true joy is all about. It’s based on the idea that joy is one of the “Fruits of the Spirit,” and it sneaks in those gentle faith-based lessons in a fun, relatable way.
As a mom, what really got me was how naturally the story worked in those big feelings and life lessons. The way Spiker builds a silk tent to shelter them while Crispin sulks had my daughter wide-eyed. It’s such a simple but powerful message—make the best of a situation and find something good, even if it’s small. And that scene under the peach tree where Spiker wants to complain but then finds a buffet of ants? We both laughed at how fast he changed his tune. I’ve seen my kids do the exact same thing when they realize things aren’t that bad. The illustrations are absolutely charming as well. They’re colorful and soft and do a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters.
I also really appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from everyday disappointments and frustrations kids face. When Sully the spider is sad because he can’t jump like the others, or when Gerry the grasshopper cries after bumping his knee, the story slows down and shows kindness, problem-solving, and how friends support each other. It reminded me to pause and ask my own kids how they’re feeling, even over the little stuff. Plus, there’s something precious about the way Spiker realizes that “the best way of all to have joy is to do something nice for somebody else.” That’s something I want my kids to really take to heart.
This children’s book is a gem for kids around 3 to 7, especially if you’re looking for something uplifting that gently weaves in Christian values. It’s got heart, humor, and just the right touch of silly bug antics. Parents, Sunday school teachers, or even grandparents looking for a read-aloud with a meaningful message—this one’s worth adding to your shelf.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0BSQPK29K
New Life Provides Hope
Rooted: An Old Tree’s Journey is a picture book that follows an old oak tree named Dendro as he mentors a young sapling through the joys and heartbreaks of life in the forest. What inspired you to tell a story from the perspective of an old tree?
It’s important to show that Dendro prospers despite going through profound losses and challenges. Dendro models perseverance and the passing down of wisdom as a lifelong process.
How did you approach writing about trauma, like the fire, in a way that’s honest but still comforting for young readers?
Trauma can come unexpectedly (like the forest fire), or it can be a long process. Regardless, it is frightening and stressful. Any child who has gone through it can relate to Vince’s comment that weeks later, he could not get the crackling sound of the fire out of his mind. But when Vince notices green sprouts on the ground, it’s healing. New life provides hope for Vince and young readers.
Dendro feels so real and wise. Did you model him after someone in your life?
Those who know me well say that they see me in Dendro. It is true. I am my character. Through painful experiences, I have persevered and have found purpose in encouraging others.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey is the fifth and final book in the “Rooted” series. It is currently available. It is an emotional account of a tree’s life that has come full circle.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Become Better Humans
Cows with Bangs: A Stylish Tale of Acceptance follows an artistic cow with a passion for hairstyling who is mocked by her peers, and eventually earns their respect when the famous Highland Queen comes to see her for a makeover. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story surfaced during a public event I attended at a local farm. This farm, Highland Hills Farm in Emmetsburg, Iowa, raises miniature Highland cows to sell as pets. I thought to myself, Oh look, cows with bangs. I knew, in that moment, I had to create a children’s book with that title. I rarely come up with a title first, but in this case, it was too cute not to. My next thoughts were bangs, hair, styles, and cosmetology. I filed the idea away for several months until I was ready to work on the story during Christmas break 2024.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My stories contain a lesson or two to help young children become better humans. As a teacher, I am with children each day and observe their struggles. Kids are constantly learning how to master the skills they need to navigate life. In doing so, they frequently suffer from hurt feelings. Sometimes kids are misunderstood or mocked by their peers for just being themselves. This was the core situation I decided to present in the character of Claire.
Another concept I hope adults pick up on is how important it is to support kids. Taking the time and giving 100% of your attention, even if only for a minute or two, and speaking kind words can deeply affect a child. This concept was shown through the character of the queen.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed the last scene when Claire becomes the herd’s cow-moo-tologist. That play on words always makes people laugh or smile.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently finishing up a chapter book for ages 8-12. That is Book Three in my series The Crustacean Chronicles. It completes the series, which follows Charlie’s Crabby Day and The Sand Sculpture Competition.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Claire is an artist with a talent for styling hair, but her passions are not welcomed and her peers shun her. That is until the famous Highland Queen comes to her rescue.
The Queen praises Claire’s skills and requests a hair appointment, causing the others to reconsider their judgment and line up for their own fabulous makeovers.
This charming tale of embracing individuality and gaining acceptance will remind us of the value of being supportive and kind.
Rooted: An Old Tree’s Journey
Rooted is a gentle and heartwarming children’s book told from the perspective of an old oak tree named Dendro, who reflects on life, growth, loss, and love as he mentors a younger tree, Vince. Through seasons of change and challenges like storms, fires, and even bark beetles, Dendro shares wisdom gained over the years. Each chapter feels like a life lesson wrapped in leafy metaphors, and the whole story reads like a cozy fireside chat with your grandpa.
What I loved most about this picture book is how simple yet deep it is. I loved the scene where Dendro helps Vince welcome baby birds into his branches. Vince is hesitant at first. He’s not sure he wants the chaos of chirping chicks. But Dendro gently nudges him to see the joy in giving shelter. It’s such a sweet metaphor for parenthood, or mentorship, or just being there for someone even when it’s inconvenient. And later, when the birds leave, Vince feels that familiar pang of loss.
Another part that really stayed with me was the fire. The way Cranston writes about it, quick, scary, no warning, felt like how real-life tragedies hit. The tension builds fast, and Dendro’s panic for Vince is real. And when Vince says he still hears the crackling weeks later? That felt like a nod to trauma, how it lingers even after the danger’s passed. But there’s hope too. Green sprouts return. Forest friends come back. The illustrations in Rooted are absolutely charming. They’re soft, warm, and full of heart. They do such a lovely job of bringing the trees to life, especially Dendro. You can really see his emotions.
Rooted feels like a gentle hug in book form. It’s for anyone who’s been through something hard and needs a quiet reminder that scars mean survival. I’d recommend it to middle-grade readers, teachers, or honestly, any adult who loves a good metaphor and needs a slow, thoughtful read to remind them of life’s cycles.
Pages: 27 | ASIN: B0DFR2H644
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon
This book is a delightful mix of mystery, history, and good old-fashioned adventure. It follows four kids, Bea, Chris, Tony, and Daniel, plus Jack, a talkative, mischief-loving crow, as they head to Óbidos Lagoon in Portugal for a camping trip. What begins as a fun getaway quickly morphs into a suspenseful journey involving odd nighttime conversations, historical legends, sneaky strangers, and a whole lot of curiosity. With its blend of real locations, local folklore, and fast-paced action, The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon feels both grounded and fantastical.
What really pulled me in was the charm of the characters, especially Jack the crow. His goofy lines like “Shoo, pests! Shoo!” and “Well, whaddya know?” gave the story so much life. The dynamic between the kids was warm and familiar, with snarky sibling comments, inside jokes, and all the awkward chaos of real friendships. One of my favorite early moments is when Jack mimics the train whistle and causes such a ruckus that passengers switch train cars. That’s the kind of energy this book carries, playful and slightly unhinged in the best way.
I also appreciated how rooted the story is in the setting. The descriptions of Óbidos are just beautiful, like when Bea exclaims, “I’ll come and live here one day! I’m in love!” I shared the same sentiment. The castle, the winding streets, the lagoon, it all feels vivid and alive. Plus, the historical facts sprinkled throughout (like the tale of Afonso Henriques and the Traitor’s Gate) are fascinating without ever being dry. It’s clear the author knows and loves this place deeply. That passion is contagious.
The mystery itself, while not wildly complex, is satisfying. There are shady adults, missing items, whispers in the night, and even a bit of environmental commentary on lagoon pollution. I wouldn’t say it had me on the edge of my seat, but I was definitely eager to find out what the deal was with Margarido and the weird noises at night. It’s a mystery more about atmosphere and tension than plot twists, which works for a younger or middle-grade audience.
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon is fun and wholesome without being boring, adventurous without being reckless, and smart without being preachy. If you like The Famous Five or Nancy Drew, but with a European twist and a slightly more magical bird, this is right up your alley. I’d recommend it to kids around 9–13, families reading together, or anyone who enjoys lighthearted adventures in charming places.
Pages: 181 | ISBN : 1962185478
LITERARY TITAN 