Blog Archives
Literary Titan Silver Book Award February 2025
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
Brotherhood of the Wolf: The Lesser Evil by Wes Al-Dhaher
Stay Curious Journal by Audrey Lawrence
Passion in the Bone by AL Falcon
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
New Testament Bible for Kids: Completely Illustrated Bible for Kids, Storybook, Activities, Bible Journal
The New Testament Bible for Kids by Jomo Gamal Thomas is an engaging and colorful introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It’s a mix of simplified Bible stories, positive affirmations, and interactive elements like puzzles and coloring pages. Aimed at young readers, it seeks to share lessons about kindness, faith, and God’s love in a way that’s accessible and fun.
I really liked how the stories were retold with a child-friendly tone. For example, the tale of Jesus calming the storm was written so vividly. It’s such a powerful lesson about staying calm and trusting during tough times. Also, the use of simple, relatable language in stories like “The Good Samaritan” made big, important ideas like compassion feel down-to-earth and easy for kids to understand.
The affirmations and emotional regulation sections were a great touch. I loved the “Zones of Emotions” tool. The way it connected Bible verses to feelings like anger or sadness was so thoughtful. The verse about courage from 2 Timothy, for instance, felt empowering and practical. It’s not just about reading the Bible it’s about using it to navigate emotions. The resurrection story was only a few lines long and I would have liked to have seen it expanded a little to really inspire awe and hope in kids. But the inclusion of activities and illustrations helps balance that by giving kids other ways to connect with the material.
This picture book is great for families wanting to introduce Christianity to kids in an interactive way. It’s perfect for Sunday school teachers or parents looking for bedtime stories with a message. If you’re looking for something fun and faith-filled, this is worth checking out.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0DR3THHM7
Ichi-ban Goes Hiking
What’s better than enjoying the great outdoors with loved ones? For Ichi-ban the dog, nothing comes close! From snowy peaks to sunlit trails, Ichi-ban Goes Hiking by Julie Maurer invites readers to join this lovable pup and her mommy on a delightful journey through the mountains, brimming with adventure and discovery.
This charming children’s book captures the spirit of exploration through Ichi-ban’s cheerful eyes. The name “Ichi-ban” means “the best” in Japanese, and it suits her perfectly. Told from the perspective of the fluffy, upbeat dog, the story pulls you in from the first page, making you feel like part of their outdoor escapades. The warm narration and playful tone are as inviting as the breathtaking landscapes. The book also emphasizes a deep respect for nature.
Ichi-ban’s optimistic outlook shines through even in moments that could have been scary. She turns every step of the journey into a chance for joy and wonder, creating a narrative that feels both exciting and reassuring. The bond between Ichi-ban and her human parents is another standout. Their love is pure and inspiring, a testament to the special connection between animals and their families. Paired with stunning illustrations of the mountains, majestic and vibrant, it’s easy to lose yourself in the beauty of their world. The landscapes brought back memories of my own outdoor adventures, making the book feel even more personal.
Ichi-ban Goes Hiking is a delightful tale that is a must-read for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Perfect for readers of all ages, it’s an ideal choice for family story time or solo exploration into Ichi-ban’s world. Packed with warmth, adventure, and heart, this book will leave you ready to lace up your hiking boots and head for the trails. Ichi-ban will be waiting!
Pages: 47 | ISBN: 1734681365
What Is The Law?
Written by the precocious eight-year-old Aisha Gokada, What Is the Law? – A Kid’s Journey into the World of Rules offers young readers an engaging and accessible introduction to the world of laws. With guidance from her mother, Swathi Chandrala—an engineer and lawyer—Aisha Gokada has crafted a resourceful guide aimed at helping children ages 7 to 12 understand complex legal concepts in a way that resonates with their everyday experiences.
The book is refreshing, not only because of the unique premise but also because it showcases the remarkable ambition of its young author. Aisha’s initiative to share what she has learned about laws with her peers is truly inspiring. Under her mother’s mentorship, she has skillfully translated abstract legal principles into relatable analogies that children can easily grasp.
The journey begins with a simple yet effective explanation of what laws are and why they exist. Aisha introduces laws as essential rules designed to keep people safe, promote fairness, and foster harmony in society. She cleverly frames this for her young audience by comparing laws to school or playground rules familiar systems that help maintain order in their everyday lives. The narrative seamlessly expands to explore why laws are necessary and who is responsible for creating them, offering an insightful primer on the structure of governance.
One particularly compelling section of the book discusses the consequences of breaking laws. Aisha uses relatable scenarios, such as a classroom rule requiring students to raise their hands before speaking. By equating the teacher’s response to a disruptive student with the consequences of breaking the law, she demystifies the concept of accountability. This straightforward comparison allows children to grasp the importance of following rules and respecting order in a community.
Another standout aspect is Aisha’s encouragement for children to take an active role in shaping laws. She outlines practical ways for young readers to get involved, such as writing letters to local or national leaders, joining student council clubs, or even starting petitions to advocate for changes they believe in. This empowering message underscores the idea that even young voices can contribute to meaningful change.
The book’s engaging format is further enhanced by interactive quizzes scattered throughout the chapters. These thoughtful additions allow readers to test their understanding and keep them actively engaged. The occasional illustrations complement the text beautifully, adding visual interest without detracting from the book’s educational purpose.
What Is the Law? – A Kid’s Journey into the World of Rules is a highly recommended resource for children and educators alike. It presents a complex subject with clarity, creativity, and charm, making it accessible and enjoyable for its intended audience. Aisha Gokada’s work is a testament to her talent and determination, and her ability to make legal education both fun and meaningful is truly commendable.
pages: 56 | ASIN: B0DQHM7NC5
Warm Friendly Book
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks follows a little hedgehog who realizes he has anxiety about the upcoming fireworks, and he seeks help from his friends to find a way to enjoy them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a warm friendly book, still wanting to inform of the danger of fireworks. I chose animals as the fear of fireworks is sometimes not realised.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I feel kindness, sharing, and caring should always be a natural human trait. I believe everything starts when we are young.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoy the sounds of words and describing in making them come alive. I really had fun with writing:
“Bright lights flashed and sparkled into the air with crazy loud sounds.”
“Whoosh! Whoosh! Wee! Wee! Whizz!” The feeling and atmosphere are so prevalent in these few words.”
“Another cartwheel thundered through the sky.”
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have two books on the way at the moment. A middle-grade book, The Unearthing. It is a historical Juvenile fiction book, involving three siblings travelling to discover and meet Prince George II. I have prepared and written another Harry the Hedgehog book. Harry the Hedgehog’s Helpful Harvest. This book, too, will be available soon too.
The historical juvenile fiction book, The Unearthing will out very soon and is published with Olympia Publishing.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Tom McGuire Books | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
Harry and his friends gather to watch the fireworks show. But the noise and bright lights scare them.
Will they overcome their fear?
Find out in the fifth book in the Harry the Hedgehog series.
Safety Dog Diego Was Born
Safety Dog Diego Gets Adopted is a heartwarming children’s book about an adventurous French Bulldog who learns the value of safety and how mistakes can be stepping stones to success. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Our story is inspired by our real-life French Bulldog, Diego. During the 2020 lockdown, Angel, a Safety Professional, was assigned to work full-time in San Diego for two months. While there, he adopted Diego and brought him to work with him every day. Diego quickly became a beloved member of the job site, charming the safety crew with his playful personality. Two years later, when we became grandparents, Tracey was inspired to write a children’s book for our grandson. Diego’s adventures and the lessons he unknowingly helped teach about safety made him the perfect character to bring this vision to life. Safety Dog Diego was born from a heartfelt desire to share meaningful lessons in a fun and engaging way, creating a story that blends adventure, learning, and the joy of new beginnings.
The theme of learning from mistakes is powerful. How do you hope it resonates with young readers?
Through Diego’s journey, we hope to inspire children to embrace safety, resilience, and the idea that even small lessons can have a big impact on their everyday lives. By watching Diego navigate challenges, young readers can see that making mistakes isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and improve. We want children to understand that setbacks are a normal part of life and that by learning from them, they become stronger and more confident. Our goal is to encourage kids to approach new experiences with curiosity and a problem-solving mindset, knowing that every mistake is just a stepping stone to success.
Can you share more about the process of collaborating with the illustrator to bring Diego and his adventures to life?
The process of working with our illustrator to bring Diego’s character to life was truly enjoyable. We wanted to ensure that the illustrated Diego not only resembled our real-life Diego but also captured his fun-loving spirit and playful personality. To achieve this, we provided pictures of Diego as a puppy, highlighting his expressive face and energetic nature. It was important to us that his character reflected his silly, rambunctious, and lovable qualities—traits that make him so special. Diego has a natural ability to bring joy to those around him, especially children, and we wanted that warmth and charm to shine through in every illustration. Seeing him come to life on the pages of the book was an exciting and rewarding experience.
Do you have plans for more books featuring Diego and his safety lessons?
Absolutely! We have so many more stories to share. The second book in the Safety Dog Diego series will introduce Diego’s older and wiser sister, Coco, a Shih Tzu who is also part of our real-life family. Their dynamic was very much like a classic big sister-little brother relationship—Coco being patient and wise, while Diego was the playful and sometimes mischievous younger sibling. This book will tell the fun and heartwarming story of how they went from playful rivals to best friends. Beyond that, we have a variety of adventures planned, including a Halloween story, a Christmas story, and an exciting cousin’s camping trip. This story will follow Diego and his cousins as they embark on an outdoor adventure, learning valuable lessons about nature, teamwork, and, of course, safety! Our goal is to continue building the Safety Dog Diego series with engaging, fun, and meaningful stories that not only entertain but also teach important life lessons along the way.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
Through playful mishaps and a big dose of determination, Diego learns how to be a Safety Dog, helping the crew stay safe at work and inspiring others to learn about safety and wellness. Touched by his bravery and dedication, the Safety Guy and Mimi give Diego the best gift of all-a loving forever home.
Join Diego on his first adventure as he embarks on a journey of learning, safety, and fun!
Characters names: (site safety manager) The Safety Guy / (puppy)Safety Dog Diego
(Safety Manager’s wife) Mimi.
Conquer His Fears
When a curious boy with an overactive imagination has trouble sleeping, his mom helps him with his big feelings. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Bedtime Worries?
This series is based on my son and his own worries. At bedtime he would come up with many questions, and I wasn’t quite sure how to answer them. As outlandish as these worries seemed, to Kale they were very real. So, with a little reassurance and humour he was able to conquer his fears and sleep on his own.
Is there anything about Kale that came from yourself or your life experiences?
I’m sure a lot of children and parents can relate to Kale’s worries and questions at bedtime. I knew that when I wrote this book, that parents especially would appreciate sharing this read with their little ones before bedtime. I can also relate to these many anxious moments in my own childhood.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Stefanie St. Denis?
Stephanie St Denis is an amazing illustrator, and we work well together in this series. She takes in all my feedback and transforms my vision into a perfect illustration on each colourful page.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I am currently working on my third book in this series called “Carnival Chaos- The What-If Kid” This story will depict a day at the carnival through Kales eyes. What worries will Kale come up with? What worries will he overcome?
He will see all the sites and sounds of a carnival, and I can not wait for my readers to journey through this adventure with Kale, as they read about his experience at the carnival.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Website
Mama is trying to get Kale to sleep in his own bed all night long without waking her up or sneaking out, but his worries have become apparent as he explains all of his big feelings before bedtime.
LITERARY TITAN 