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More than Just a Clear Sky: a collection of poems
Arjun Nair’s More than Just a Clear Sky is a vibrant and imaginative collection of poems that traverses themes like nature, creativity, relationships, and dreams. Written when the author was just eleven years old, the book exudes a youthful charm paired with surprising depth. The poems range from exploring universal ideas, like the interconnectedness of life, to whimsical musings on objects and concepts that feel personal and profound. It’s clear from the start that Arjun writes with a mix of curiosity and sincerity that’s both refreshing and heartfelt.
One of my favorite poems, “The Power of a Voice,” captures the urgency of speaking out for what matters. Its repetitive structure builds momentum, urging readers to realize their potential to inspire change. The poem balances youthful hope with a mature call to action, making it one of the book’s standout pieces. It’s impossible not to feel moved by the sheer earnestness of its message.
The collection also showcases a playful side, especially in pieces like “If Objects Could Talk” and “The Game.” These poems brim with humor and imagination, as the author gives personalities to everyday objects or dramatizes a child’s obsession with gaming. “If Objects Could Talk” features a tired cell phone begging for rest, while “The Game” turns a simple narrative about screen time into an epic quest. These lighter poems offer a delightful contrast to the heavier, more contemplative works, showing off Arjun’s range as a poet.
What truly impressed me was the recurring theme of perspective. Poems like “Seed” and “Life Inside a Staircase” look at growth, change, and resilience through metaphorical lenses. “Seed” subtly reflects on the potential within all of us, while “Life Inside a Staircase” turns an inanimate structure into a poignant symbol of abandonment and rebirth. These are deeply relatable and thought-provoking, evoking a sense of wonder about the world around us.
More than Just a Clear Sky is a testament to the power of youthful imagination and introspection. It’s a perfect read for anyone who enjoys poetry that is honest, creative, and accessible. I’d recommend it to young readers, aspiring writers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the simplicity and wonder of childhood.
Pages: 71 | ASIN : B0DPL4KQKD
Transparent Like Tears; A Child’s Story of Cancer
Family, personal struggles, and the pursuit of inner strength often define our most profound experiences. Transparent Like Tears by Angel Dunworth is a poignant exploration of these themes, offering a heartfelt story about a young boy’s journey to self-discovery while supporting his sister through her battle with cancer. The novel follows Aiden Banks, a boy who feels invisible amidst his parents’ constant arguing and his own struggles with self-worth. When his younger sister, Torah, is diagnosed with cancer, Aiden is thrust into a situation that demands more from him than he ever thought possible. Her illness becomes a catalyst for him to confront his fears, reassess his place in the world, and uncover the courage to help Torah by recognizing his own value.
From the opening pages, this story gripped me emotionally. Aiden’s pain, confusion, and sense of invisibility were so vividly portrayed that I felt immediately drawn into his world. His struggles with family dynamics and his quest for self-worth were deeply authentic and relatable. Yet, it was the raw intensity of his journey, particularly when faced with Torah’s diagnosis, that struck me the most. Aiden’s emotional turmoil and his determination to support his sister while grappling with his own insecurities felt real.
As the narrative unfolded, it elicited a powerful mix of heartache and hope. Watching Aiden grow, confront his fears, and ultimately realize his own strength was nothing short of inspiring. The story left me reflecting on the importance of seeing ourselves clearly during challenging times, as well as the impact our courage can have on those we love.
Transparent Like Tears is more than a story about a family coping with illness. It is a testament to love, resilience, and the transformative power of being truly seen. Few books have affected me as deeply as this one. Angel Dunworth has crafted a rare gem, offering readers a heartfelt reminder of the strength within us all, the importance of connection, and the hope that can be found even in life’s darkest moments. For anyone seeking a story of family, friendship, and courage, this is an unforgettable read.
Pages: 129 | ISBN: 1956581553
Angels in the Sand
Lori Keating’s Angels in the Sand offers a touching and heartfelt exploration of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of family bonds. At the heart of the story is 10-year-old Jessica (Jess) Alexander, a young girl grappling with profound loss. Her father’s tragic accident has already left a void in her life, and now, her family faces another heartbreak: her grandmother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. As Jess and her mother prepare to spend one final Christmas with her grandmother, the narrative unfolds into a poignant journey of love, remembrance, and hope.
Keating masterfully paints the dynamics of Jess’s close-knit family. Jess’s determination to make their last holiday together unforgettable leads her to create a “must-do” list for her grandmother, filled with activities designed to create lasting memories. These moments serve as both a celebration of life and a reminder of the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones.
This book is an essential read for children coping with loss and for parents seeking to understand the inner workings of a grieving child’s mind. Keating captures the raw emotions of grief, illustrating not only the sorrow but also the glimmers of joy that can coexist in the healing process. The story reassures readers that it’s okay to feel happiness again, a sentiment that provides comfort and encouragement. The message that departed loved ones would want to see us happy adds a layer of solace for readers navigating similar experiences. The narrative also underscores the significance of preserving memories. Through Jess’s perspective, the book highlights how easily children can forget cherished moments, urging adults to share stories and details about those who have passed. These shared memories become invaluable threads connecting the past with the present. Keating weaves subtle Christian elements into the story with grace, using biblical references to instill hope and faith. These moments of spiritual reflection are seamlessly integrated, offering a comforting perspective to readers who may draw strength from such beliefs.
Jess’s character is a standout achievement in this book. Her innocence and curiosity shine through, making her reflections feel authentic and deeply relatable. Keating’s vivid storytelling allows readers to experience the world through Jess’s eyes, capturing the sweetness of small moments and the depth of her family’s love. These tender memories serve as a beacon of light during dark times, reminding readers of the beauty in connection and care.
Angels in the Sand, by Lori Keating, carries a profound moral: cherish the people around you and remain open to the signs that lost loved ones continue to watch over us. Keating’s gentle yet powerful storytelling leaves an indelible impression, making this book not only a source of comfort but also a celebration of life’s most precious gifts.
Pages: 112 | ISBN : 978-1957656816
Based on True Events
Arfie’s Adventures follows an endearing little dog with a knack for escaping who winds up in all kinds of amusing predicaments. What was the inspiration for your story?
My dog Arfie was the inspiration behind the story. All of these escapades are based on true events.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Michael R. Voogd?
The “Art Ninja” was incredible to work with from start to finish. He captured Arfie’s expressions perfectly. I simply sent hiim real pictures of Arfie and he was able to apply it to the story.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Definitely the scene where Arfie chases the oppossum and gets stuck under the deck. The entire scenario came rushing back, it was not funny at the time of course (hence the 911 call lol) but now we can laugh.
I find a problem in well-written stories in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes. In the works as we speak. Hopefully, by this year, it will be out 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | Website
Book DescriptionMeet Arfie, the dog with a knack for adventure and a heart full of mischief. In “Arfie’s Adventures,” you’ll embark on a journey filled with true stories of Arfie’s escapades, from his daring escapes to his encounters with new friends and curious places. Each tale captures Arfie’s indomitable spirit and boundless joy, reminding us of the simple pleasures in life and the extraordinary bonds we share with our pets.
Perfect for animal lovers and anyone who enjoys a good laugh, this book is a tribute to the unbreakable spirit of a dog determined to explore the world on his own terms. Get ready to fall in love with Arfie and join him on his many unforgettable adventures.
Don’t miss out on Arfie’s adventures! Grab your copy today and let the fun begin!
Make Readers Laugh
Nate’s Noisy Nose follows the hilarious and heartwarming journey of a boy whose musical nose disrupts his life until he discovers the power of embracing his unique melody. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I honestly don’t know where this idea came from! It just popped into my head and away it went! I liked the idea of having a noisy book where kids join in to repeat the sound words and I had great fun thinking up the words to accompany the character’s noisy nose.
I like to write stories that are fun. There are so many books out there that want to teach a moral lesson or highlight a particular theme – and although my story does have an underlying message, it’s not the main idea of the book. The main idea is to make readers laugh.
How did you develop the character of Gabby the Geek, and what was her role in shaping the story’s resolution?
My illustrator and I dreamed up Gabby. We wanted a mad-looking techy person who could invent a machine to help Nate. I liked the idea of kids being inspired by Gabby and designing their own machines. Initially, the machine Gabby invented was going to solve Nate’s problem by having a dial on it so he could turn the volume up and down, thereby being noisy when necessary but quiet in school and around town. But we thought it would be much funnier if the machine caused Nate’s nose to ‘explode’ and spew out the instruments! Do I give a spoiler alert here and say what happened next – perhaps not!
The illustrations are incredibly vibrant. Did you work closely with the illustrator, and how did you bring Nate’s world to life visually?
Dotti Colvin is an extremely talented illustrator. She illustrated one of my other picture books, Baby Worries, and I just knew she would be perfect for this story. We had great fun inventing each character and Dotti is an expert at adding hilarious detail to every scene. Her illustrations brought the story to life in a way that many other illustrators could not achieve. Nothing is left to chance with her illustrations – they are expertly planned and beautifully finished.
Can we expect more adventures featuring Nate, Rascal, or Gabby in the future?
I already have plans for future tales involving Nate and Rascal – after all, Rascal does become world famous! I am thinking of creating a chapter book series as a spin-off. There’s so much that these characters could get up to. Will have to wait and see what happens.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Join Nate as he navigates the challenges of a nose that’s a bit too special. With every tuneful toot, he finds himself in a new misadventure, whether it’s at home, at school, or out and about, making him the centre of attention wherever he goes – but not always in a good way!
Amid the chaos, Nate’s longing for peace grows stronger. If only he could find silence and slip under the radar like a regular kid.
But fear not! Nate isn’t alone on his quest. His loyal furry friend, Rascal, is by his side, ready to help him snuffle out solutions. Will Rascal’s devotion be the key to Nate’s noisy problem, or will a team of brilliant doctors and scientists come to the rescue?
This laugh-out-loud gem is perfect for families who love to giggle together. As Nate’s story unfolds, readers are reminded that even the quirkiest traits can lead to the most unexpected outcomes.
This noisy, interactive book is more than just a funny tale of a musical nose; it’s a celebration of friendship, loyalty, creativity, and finding solutions when life gets a little too loud.
Passion for Wildlife Conservation
In Born to be Naughty, a young girl who always manages to avoid paying for her many pranks learns an important lesson in responsibility when she happens upon a helpless baby bird in need. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The idea for the story came from my own experience from my childhood. When I was 8 years old, I found a baby sparrow whose nest was destroyed by an electric shock from an air conditioner; I cared for it, which sparked my deep connection to nature and inspired my passion for wildlife conservation.
Is there anything from your childhood included in Hanna’s story?
Yes, a lot from it. Hannas caught line ooh Hanna you are best, the bestest whoever Was, the bestest whoever Is, ooh Hanna you are sooooooo best. The starting incident of the story. And some crazy pranks like plastic lizards. Hehe
What draws you to write children’s literature?
I wanted to see the purest form of love in my life. There could be no love as pure as the love of God. But does it exist in this world? Yes! I saw that love in the eyes and hearts of the children. When you look into the eyes of a kid and smile, they smile back at you, regardless of your colour, looks, economic status or what people say to you; they just smile back at you with the same politeness and love. I want to celebrate that purest form of love in our lives by writing for these little angels whose hearts are filled with purity (and a little naughtiness).
Where will the next book in the Hanna the Guardian of Nature series take readers?
Hanna the Guardian of Nature is a journey of Hanna, embarking on friendship and betrayal, finding one’s self, opening curtains over the biggest hidden secrets of nature for Diana and ultimately learning how to make Hanna the guardian of this nature. So there are many folds to open up in the coming parts of this series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Amazon
If someone gives you pee to drink, simply give them a potty to eat.
Imagine a kid like this.
Then imagine a kid like this doubles her naughtiness with the perfect addition of a best friend forever in her life.
If you have imagined all this, then it’s time to meet Hanna from the series ‘Hanna the Guardian of Nature’. Hanna’s mischievous spirit is about to press her to one of the most daring thrills in her summer vacations.
Don’t confuse your mind with guardianship and naughtiness going hand in hand. Simply read the book and let the confusion rest in peace.
This first book in the ‘Hanna the Guardian of Nature’ series is filled with humorous adventures and thoughtful moments. More excitement is yet to come as this is just the first step in Hanna’s mission to make all the children in the world read her series and become true ‘Guardians of Nature, just like her.
Loveable Uniqueness
THE UN-EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SOPHIE SIMPLETON captures the beauty of daily life through the eyes of an imaginative and optimistic young girl who loves nature and storytelling. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I live on a mountain that overlooks the ocean. For some years I have been making written observations of my beautiful and yet dangerous surroundings. The only missing element was a young girl called Sophie Simpleton who came to me in an instant of pure inspiration.
Were you able to relate to Sophie while shaping her character?
Absolutely. She naturally flowed out of my observation of members in my own family and others whom I have admired throughout the history of literature I’ve read. Ultimately she developed into her own loveable uniqueness. Every time I would sit down and write I would ask, “So what are we going to get up to today Sophie?” She never disappointed.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Sophie is a misfit when it comes to traditional education. Yet in the midst of that, though misunderstood by many, she shines bright.
Can readers look forward to more books featuring Sophie? What are you currently working on?
Certainly. I have published the second in the series titled: SIMPLY SOPHIE SIMPLETON. Also available on Amazon worldwide. The third in the series is currently being written: SAVING SOPHIE SIMPLETON
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 