Blog Archives
A Universal Message
Thunderstorm Dragons is a heartwarming adventure where two kids uncover the magic within a storm, learning that fear can transform into wonder if you dare to see it differently. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My daughter was afraid of thunderstorms, and I told her the thunderstorms mean that the dragons at the mountain pilatus are coming. Thunderstorms come directionally from Mount Pilatus where we live. She then imagined how she would stomp on the dragons with her princess shoes. The story evolved thereon.
Lotta and Leo have such distinct personalities. Did you base them on real people?
Yes, they are based on my son who is 6, and my daugther is 4. Both of my children are very active and outgoing. My son is fearless and gives his younger sister nudges and confidence to become more independent.
The book beautifully conveys the idea that fear doesn’t disappear but evolves. Was that always a central theme for you?
No, this theme isn’t central in my writing in general. What is central, however, is that so far all of my children’s books (3) have a universal message which applies equally to children as it does to adults. The messages are not moralistic, but life lessons.
How did you collaborate with Nita Candra to bring the dragons to life through illustrations?
Nita has a beautiful classic style and is a pleasure to work with. I start with providing her with the complete text and a description of each scene, sometimes with pictures or very rough sketches. We then agree on the key characters. She then makes the sketches, which we do a few versions of, adding some details in each iteration before moving on to the illustrations. While it is my vision we are implementing, it is important to me that she has free creative range. I continue to be impressed by how well she illustrates dynamic and complex scenes.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Instagram
We Are So Loved and Extraordinary
Live Big: Catch-M is a heartfelt and whimsical journey through self-belief, love, and the power of positivity that encourages readers, especially children, to believe in their dreams and find strength in kindness, gratitude, and connection. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for my Live Big Series came from my need to figure out how not to live in the dark when hard things happen. I lost a brother suddenly at the age of fifteen. I had no social and emotional learning or life skills to overcome such a hardship at the time. My parents did not either, and we struggled. Over the years, I went on a quest to discover ways back to my YES, to live my best life with meaning.
At a symphony with my husband, I do not know if you would call it God or divine inspiration, but it was like something whacked me over the head and said, “Kat, you need to write books about the power of a smile to help kids and everyone, live their best lives together.” I knew nothing about being an author. I was forty. I had never even met an author, but I honored the call. The best moments of my life are now watching kids hold my books like a lifeline. I hope my books help kids learn life skills to overcome adversity and live with full brave hearts, filling their heart’s treasure with the gift of CATCH-M love. How fun to all shine and share love’s wondrous power everywhere as we catch CATCH-M together!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The two most important ideas I wanted to convey in my Live Big Series were the power of our smile and how to live our best lives together. Our smiles are such outward expressions of how we live in our hearts. Our hearts are the wellspring of life. If we can fill our hearts daily with the gift of love’s wonder, the power of CATCH-M, we can live big in our magical kingdoms and achieve our wildest dreams together. Albert Einstein said, “If you look deep into nature you will understand everything better!” The African animals in my Live Big Series all pursue their wildest dreams. The readers watch these animals discover three powerful secrets to catch CATCH-M every day and build full brave hearts where they can live big together!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Jomike Tejido?
Jomike Tejido is an incredibly talented artist who started as an architect but found his spark by designing picture books. I have been fortunate to work with him because my Art Director, Neil Gonzales, recognized his talent. The three of us had a blast imagining how to convey the fear of a little spark, alone in the dark, facing its fear and becoming so brave-hearted that it could shine and share love everywhere. Jomike’s work takes readers on a wondrous journey through time where readers can consider how the universe, Mother Earth, and all its inhabitants came to be. What a gift to think each of us are chosen and designed to be here because we are so loved and extraordinary! If and when we believe, we too can shine and share love’s wonder everywhere!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Live Big With CATCH-M is considered the first and last book in my Live Big Series. It explains the history of CATCH-M and how the gift of love’s wondrous spark came to live in all of our hearts. It can be the first book you read, in the middle, or the last. The book number on Live Big With CATCH-M‘s cover is an infinity symbol to represent the fact that love never ends and love always wins over fear. The next book fans can expect is a Live Big Playbook, a dynamic, fun workbook to inspire us to live our best lives as we catch CATCH-M every day together and build our heart’s treasure.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Book 1 of 4: The Live Big Series
Set long ago in history, in one of the best-illustrated children’s books in Kat’s best-selling, multi-award-winning Live Big series; readers follow a little love spark named CATCH-M who wakes up in the dark. No other sparks are there. CATCH-M feels alone and scared. After struggling with crazy emotions, CATCH-M finds his full braveheart and discovers how to think bigger, creating a magic moment that changes everything! BANG!
CATCH-M does good, shining and sharing love’s wondrous power everywhere. Millions of miraculous CATCH-Ms create wonders like Mother Earth, where we all can experience the fun of love and friendship. But in the wilds of East Africa, Baby Cheetah and Zebra struggle with crazy emotions too. Can they find the gift of CATCH-M, love’s wondrous spark in their hearts, and listen, using love’s powerful secrets to live big with full bravehearts?
Live Big with Catch-M’s inspirational message makes it the perfect gift for every age. Everyone, everywhere, will delight in learning love’s powerful secrets—shhh—DREAM BIG, LOVE BIG, and THINK BIG—to catch CATCH-M love every day and be extraordinary stars in our stories together!
Pure Creative Alchemy
Elf Dust follows elves as they sneak into homes before Christmas to check whether kids have been naughty or nice and leave behind a mystery surprise for children to discover. What was the inspiration for your story?
I lived in Hong Kong in a high rise. My children were quite young and eager for a fun-filled Christmas. The only problem was – Santa could not land on our roof and, of course, there were no chimneys. I had to come up with something to create magic and mystery. Elf Dust came to me driving to work one morning.
My son discovered his first elf dust and raced to the playground of our building to tell his friends. Soon I had an apartment full of kids all circling the specimen like archeologists at a dig. They were mesmerized. Then the other parents in the building used some of my dust and one by one children were rushing to announce their elf dust sitings. I can safely say it was a tie between parents and kids as to who had more fun! Parents also loved how easy it was. Me too!
But, the real testament to Elf Dust’s magic was when my son showed his younger sister her first Elf Dust. As she went to touch it, he pulled her back saying “Oh No, you can’t touch it or you’ll become an Elf.”
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The entire book was a joy. But, If I must choose it would be the scenes where the children find Elf Dust. They remind me of all the years I saw this wonderful scenario play out. The moment the Elf Dust is discovered is a moment of sheer elation for the young and the young at heart who love the magic of Christmas.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Colleen Sgroi?
It was pure creative alchemy. From our first conversation, it was clear Colleen understood what I was looking for, like no one else. It was a harmony of words and images like I’ve never experienced before. While I was eager to finish the book, I was sad when the creative process ended. Each session was a real collaboration, and the result was beyond what I hoped for. Colleen and I worked very well together sharing our ideas and visions. But it was her art and talent that brought it all together.
What next book are you working on and when will it be available?
I am working on a sequel involving Cookie and Jingle – the two elves on the cover. They’re senior elves in Santa’s brigade and will surely have some stories to tell in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Have you seen Elf Dust in your house? Better check!
Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey
Tammy Cranston’s Rooted is a heartfelt and whimsical children’s book about resilience, change, and connection, told from the unique perspective of a tree named Dendro. Through his watchful eyes, we witness the cycles of life in the forest—stormy seasons, the growth of new friendships, and the struggles of nature. Dendro interacts with a little seedling, a devoted mother robin, and a lively critter named Rocco, all while navigating his own growth, challenges, and emotions. It’s a beautifully simple yet deeply reflective tale about embracing change and standing strong in life’s storms.
I loved how Rooted took something as quiet and still as a tree and made it feel so alive. Dendro is emotionally invested in the world around him. When the mother robin builds a nest in his branches, he has a choice—to embrace her presence or push her away. He chooses kindness, and in return, he gains a front-row seat to the miracle of life. There’s something touching about how he protects the nest from the sneaky rat snake, trembling with tension as he signals Rocco to step in.
One of the most striking moments in the book is when the baby birds finally leave the nest. After days of noise and motion, suddenly, there’s silence, and instead of relief, Dendro feels a strange sadness. That hit me hard. I also found myself chuckling at the seedling’s endless questions. The little one is so full of curiosity and complaints, but instead of indulging in negativity, Dendro gently guides him toward focusing on growth. It’s such a great metaphor for the way we should handle our own worries.
The illustrations bring so much life to the story, and I loved how expressive the characters are. The artwork adds an extra layer of charm that makes the book feel even more immersive and heartfelt.
I’d recommend Rooted to anyone who enjoys fable-like picture books with a gentle but meaningful message. It’s perfect for young readers but just as impactful for adults who appreciate nature’s quiet wisdom. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or nostalgic for something that’s changed, this book will speak to you.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DJKDBF4Z
A Museum Robbery
A Museum Robbery by Tuula Pere is a fun little mystery starring two kids, Emma and Oliver, who find themselves tangled in a museum heist. Their school’s grumpy old museum caretaker, Mr. Oddyman, finally retires, making visits much more enjoyable. But just as they’re getting comfortable, the museum is robbed! The police are stumped. Weeks go by with no leads. Then, by sheer luck, Emma and Oliver uncover the surprising truth: Mr. Oddyman isn’t just a grump… he’s also a thief! Turns out, he’s been hiding the stolen treasures inside jam jars, waiting for the perfect moment to smuggle them away.
I read this one with my kids, and honestly, it’s got a great mix of humor, mystery, and just the right amount of suspense to keep them hooked. I loved how Emma and Oliver felt like real kids. They were curious, a little mischievous, and always on the lookout for adventure. The way they accidentally crack the case made us laugh. My son thought it was hilarious that a detective had been following Mr. Oddyman for weeks, only for a spilled jar of jam to solve everything. The book doesn’t try too hard to be overly clever, which I appreciated. It’s just a fun, straightforward mystery with a lighthearted tone.
I wish the story had a bit more buildup to the reveal. The moment Emma and Oliver figure things out happens so fast that it almost feels too easy. A little more sneaking around, maybe a few more red herrings, would have made the mystery even stronger. Still, the story kept us entertained, and the characters were fun to follow.
One thing that really stood out to me was the chalk art style throughout the book. The soft lines and textures made the scenes feel warm and inviting. But my favorite detail was the colored highlights in Emma’s hair. My daughter noticed it right away and loved it. They popped beautifully against the backgrounds, giving her a playful look.
If you’ve got kids who enjoy short, adventurous mysteries, this is a great pick. It’s light, easy to read, and full of fun moments. Young readers who like solving puzzles will enjoy playing detective alongside Emma and Oliver.
Pages: 34 | ISBN: 952820029X
Luke’s Sailing Adventure
Luke’s got big dreams of sailing, but waiting for summer camp feels like torture. To keep him occupied, his family gives him a model sailboat for his birthday. Building it is no easy task, but with some help from his sister Emma, he manages. The real adventure begins when Luke takes the boat out for a test run, first in a small pond and then into the river. The current is too strong, and before he knows it, he’s in serious trouble. Lucky for him, Emma realizes something’s wrong and rushes to save him, just in time. The book wraps up with an important lesson about safety and responsibility, as well as a promise that Theodore (his boat) will sail again—this time, in calmer waters.
I loved the way this children’s book captured childhood impatience and excitement. Luke is so eager to experience real sailing that he makes one reckless decision after another. That part felt very real. Kids don’t always think things through, and sometimes they learn lessons the hard way. The writing is simple but effective, moving the story along without unnecessary fluff. The best part is Emma’s role. She’s not just a bossy older sister. She genuinely cares, and when things go wrong, she steps up.
The illustrations in Luke’s Sailing Adventure are absolutely charming, and they really bring the story to life. They have this soft, textured look. Almost like they were drawn with chalk, which gives the book a warm and nostalgic feel. The colors pop in all the right places.
This picture book is a great pick for young readers, especially those who love adventure. It’s perfect for kids around 5-8 years old, as it’s simple enough to follow but still carries a strong message. It’s also a good choice for classroom discussions about safety, responsibility, and how to handle unexpected dangers.
Pages: 36 | ISBN: 9528200214
Trying Something New
Yetis Don’t Wear Bow Ties follows a yeti who is offered a bow tie to wear and he rejects the idea at first, but then reconsiders it and gives it a try, learning something new about himself. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story came when on a family trip, trying to convince my son to try new foods. We were telling him sometimes you try something and end up really enjoying it! I started thinking the silly story up on the way home the next day.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Yeti shares with his friends was my favorite. Pixy Petal and I had so much fun imagining who his buds would be and how they might don a bow tie.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Just the idea of trying something new. I try to keep my books very light-hearted and fun. If there is a message, I try to keep it subtle so that the story is at the forefront.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book is going to be called Goodnight, Nessie – featuring some familiar faces! Without spoiling much, the theme will be helping a friend in need. It’ll be available in mid-March.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Amazon
Janice Hostetter’s creative storytelling and Pixy Petal’s playful illustrations weave together seamlessly to yield a hysterical story with a big heart.
LITERARY TITAN 