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THE UN-EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SOPHIE SIMPLETON
P.G. James’s The Un-Extraordinary Life of Sophie Simpleton is a heartwarming and nostalgic dive into the often-overlooked quiet wonders of an unassuming life. Told through the eyes of Sophie Simpleton, a reflective and whimsical narrator, the book chronicles her journey from a nature-loving, imaginative girl living on a mountain to a grandmother weaving stories for her grandchildren. The narrative captures the beauty of everyday life, laced with humor, hardship, and Sophie’s ever-present optimism.
What struck me most about this book was its ability to balance simplicity with depth. The story starts in “Kookaburras Rest,” where Sophie’s connection with her mountain home feels like poetry in motion. Her conversations with the “giants” (trees) and her playful rebellion against spelling rules, calling poetry “po-e-tree,” made me smile. It’s charmingly clear that Sophie finds solace in nature amid her struggles. One of my favorite moments was her rhyme to the trees, filled with vivid imagery of fluttering leaves as “ballerinas.” Her imagination becomes her sanctuary, and as a reader, I felt transported to her tranquil world.
The book doesn’t shy away from the sting of growing pains and social struggles. Sophie’s challenges with bullies and her heartbreaking realization that even her teacher underestimated her added emotional weight. Her candid inner monologue, paired with small victories like her triumph on the soccer field, kept me rooting for her. These moments reminded me of how childhood feels like a battlefield of tiny wars, where even small triumphs shine brightly. I also admired her relationship with Mrs. Templestowe, whose wise, grandmotherly advice gave Sophie strength in the face of rejection and isolation.
The writing itself carries a warm, conversational tone that feels like sitting down with an old friend. While the pacing meanders at times, particularly in the descriptive sections about nature and animals, it mirrors the reflective pace of Sophie’s life. One standout scene, her unintended destruction of the boys’ toilet window during soccer, masterfully mixes humor with Sophie’s dread of facing consequences. Her imaginative thoughts about booby traps and the surreal experience of entering the “dungeon of boy-dom” had me laughing aloud. It’s in these moments where the book’s charm shines brightest—finding extraordinary humor in the un-extraordinary.
The Un-Extraordinary Life of Sophie Simpleton is a delightful read for those who cherish stories about finding joy in the mundane. It’s perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt tales of self-discovery, childhood resilience, and a touch of quirky humor. Sophie’s world may be un-extraordinary, but her story reminds us that sometimes, the small, ordinary moments are the most extraordinary of all.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0DGGT8DXL
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 Gold 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
The Cabin by Cynthia S Vander Ark
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award January 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
A Haunting Deception by Micah Briarmoon
Harpazo: Book One of the Trib Trilogy by Nathalie Bujold Ryan
Walk a Mile in My Shoes Surviving Life’s Challenges by Paul Bradford
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Pursuing Our Own Passions
The Literary Hedgehog follows a mouse poet who struggles to have her voice heard and starts to doubt her worth, yet with the help of friends, she finds her confidence. What was the inspiration for your story?
Every author who questions their self-worth as a writer. Derek and I have both experienced this at some level, and we see this online in the Writing Community every day and with students when we present writing modules in local high schools. We want to offer support and encouragement to writers and let everyone know— you have a voice and deserve to be heard, just like Evie.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
We wanted to juxtapose some biases and stereotypes by sharing a deeper view of the main characters. For example, when Mr. Hedgehog’s attitudes are shown, his beliefs are stuck in the past. When presented with an alternate perspective by Ms. Rabbit, he isn’t really a misogynist, and he proves this again when a crisis at City Magazine arises. He changed his mindset and gave Evie a chance— an opportunity for publication.
With Ms. Rabbit and even Evie, we wanted to demonstrate a common gender-role bias of a woman’s role in society that lingers today. Granted, this bias isn’t as strong as it once was, but gender bias still has a foothold in cultures around the world.
For Brayden, we wanted to demonstrate that although he has gifts and talents of his own, supporting others like Evie along their path doesn’t mean he isn’t pursuing his own. It shows he is supportive, friendly, and encouraging— help and be helped.
And finally, Evie demonstrates the importance of being true to ourselves by pursuing our own passions and not falling prey to doing what we think others or society expect from us. We all have gifts; we all have talents, and we live our most fulfilled lives when we utilize them.
Overall, there is more to each of us than meets the eye.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
One of our favorite scenes is when Brayden is searching for Evie so he can deliver the post message to her from City Magazine. He finds her near the woods picnicking and delivers Mr. Hedgehog’s request for Evie’s poetry. At first, Evie is uncertain, but Brayden tells her it is her big chance and that she can’t miss it. When Evie realizes he is right, she takes the lead, jumping on the front of the tandem bicycle, and Brayden hops on the back, and they head to the post office to call City Magazine. This is fabulous— it’s the moment Evie takes control of her fate.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
We are always working on the next project and usually more than one. Right now, we are creating Our Spring: Imagination, Creativity, & More, the fourth book in our family-focused Keepsakes series, which includes Our Christmas: Traditions, Memories, & More, Our Halloween: Mysteries, Monsters, & More, and Our Summer: Adventures, Amusements, & More releases on March 20th.
Additionally, we are creating the fourth book, The Enchanted Summer Faerie Realm, in our Enchanted Realms series of faerie-themed poetry books, each with a different aspect introducing children to the elements of poetry. It releases on May 6th. The next two books in our Enlightenment series are near completion and include kintsugi- inspired Life is Sweet: Words of Gratitude (February 11th release) and Bloom: Ho’oponopono Words of Love and Gratitude (March 11th release).
While all that is going on, I’m writing The Golden Locket, the sequel to Katie’s Attic, for my MG supernatural historical fiction Thread Through Time series, and it will be released on March 25th. And Derek released a new poetry book in December, New Year’s Frost, and he has another poetry book, Soulmates Forevermore, releasing January 7th. But his current solo project and this is exciting, is his first fiction novel— a sci-fi thriller, which is slated for release in the third quarter of 2025.
Needless to say, we aren’t short of projects; each brings us much joy.
Derek King’s Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Julie Kusma’s Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon
This delightful tale teaches children the importance of believing in themselves, challenging outdated assumptions, and the value of friendship and encouragement. Evie Mouse’s journey shows that determination, courage, and the support of others can make dreams come true.
What this book can teach young children: The importance of self-belief and following your passions.
Challenging stereotypes and societal expectations.
The value of encouragement and support from friends.
Courage in seizing opportunities and taking risks.
Introduce your young readers to The Literary Hedgehog, and let them discover how far self-confidence and the support of friends can take them. Spark their imaginations and inspire them to find their voice—just like Evie did. Add The Literary Hedgehog to your library today and join Evie on her literary adventure!
Slinky Dinky Doo and the Razzle Dazzle Sprinkles
Slinky Dinky Doo and the Razzle Dazzle Sprinkles is a sweet and adventurous picture book about an adorable dachshund, Slinky, and his human friends, Evan and Emily. Together, they set out to solve a sprinkle mystery that threatens to ruin their favorite cupcakery’s big day. With determination and Slinky’s trusty nose, the trio explores their town, meeting charming locals and discovering that the missing sprinkles were hiding in plain sight all along.
This children’s book had me hooked from the start with its whimsical charm. Slinky’s personality shines bright, just like the book’s illustrations. The writing pulls you in with its playful energy and keeps you cheering for Slinky and his friends. The part where Slinky and his sneeze that sent sprinkles flying had me laughing.
What really stood out for me was the clever way the story teaches problem-solving and teamwork. When the florist and ice cream parlor turn out to be dead ends, the group doesn’t give up. Instead, they think of new leads and keep searching. Slinky’s sharp nose saves the day, and I loved how everyone came together to celebrate his efforts with a cupcake made just for him.
The illustrations are absolutely delightful. Mariana Ostanik did such a lovely job bringing Slinky’s world to life. The cobblestone streets, the colorful sprinkles, and Slinky’s adorable expressions all add so much warmth to the story. My favorite illustration was the one where Slinky is dreaming of playing under a cupcake rainbow—it’s just too cute to handle!
I’d recommend this book to anyone with young kids or even dog lovers who want a feel-good story to share. It’s perfect for bedtime or a cozy story time on the couch. Slinky’s adventure is fun, lighthearted, and full of heart.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DQLS2V4M
A Tail Tale
A Tail Tale tells the charming story of Wally, a young boy feeling out of place in a new school. Wally’s journey to self-acceptance begins when he meets a whimsical Tailor who offers him a series of tails, each promising unique abilities. From a monkey tail for climbing to a lion tail for dramatic flair, Wally tries them all, but none truly solves his problems. Along the way, he befriends a melancholy Snake who teaches him to stand tall in the face of adversity. Together, they discover that individuality and connection matter far more than superficial changes. It’s a delightful children’s book about courage, kindness, and finding your way in a world that can sometimes feel unkind.
The writing sparkles with creativity. Author Christine Kessides crafts a world where whimsical encounters feel possible, even magical. I found the interaction between Wally and the Tailor captivating. The Snake’s vulnerability added depth to the story, giving readers a moment to reflect on the struggles of being misunderstood. The playful language and rhythmic dialogue make the story engaging, while the simple yet profound themes invite readers to look inward. One of my favorite moments was when Wally empathized with the Snake, saying, “If that happened to me, I would stand up very tall.” It was a touching reminder of the strength found in self-confidence.
Sarah Gledhill’s illustrations breathe life into the story. The imagery pairs beautifully with the narrative. I loved how each tail carried its own personality, amplifying the fun and the lessons. I also liked how Wally’s emotions are conveyed so well in all the illustrations.
Kessides also does an excellent job weaving in lessons about resilience and kindness without sounding preachy. Wally’s journey to realize that no tail could fix his problems was relatable, as was the Snake’s bittersweet acceptance of his tail-only existence. Their bond felt authentic and heartwarming. This story will remind young readers that understanding and friendship can transform even the loneliest moments into something special.
A Tail Tale is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book that young readers and their families will enjoy. Its blend of whimsy, life lessons, and vibrant art makes it perfect for children ages 5–9. If you’ve ever felt like Wally, unsure of your place in the world, this book will remind you that being yourself is enough, and sometimes, all you need is a good friend to make you feel special.
Pages: 36 | ASIN: B0DJRR1FXC
Kloe’s New Start
K. M. Selvidge’s Kloe’s New Start is a heartwarming tale of resilience, individuality, and determination. It follows Kloe, a young cat brimming with excitement for her first day at a new school. With dreams of making friends and trying out for the cheerleading team, Kloe’s journey begins on a hopeful note. However, her enthusiasm is soon tested when her mischievous brother Wreny stirs up trouble, pulling her into his whirlwind of chaos. As Kloe navigates these challenges, readers are drawn into a captivating story of a girl fighting to carve her own path against the odds.
Kloe’s character is endearing and relatable. Her sweetness and determination shine as she strives to follow her dreams, even while grappling with her brother’s disruptive antics and the disheartening favoritism of her parents. The emotional depth of her struggle resonates, making it impossible not to root for her success. Equally inspiring are her loyal friends, who encourage her to persevere despite the negativity around her. The gallant “Sir Petey” is particularly memorable, adding a touch of humor and charm to the narrative.
At its core, the story champions the importance of staying true to oneself, no matter how daunting the obstacles. The book is brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Kateryna Meleshchuk. Every page is adorned with artwork that complements the story’s warmth and energy, enhancing the reader’s immersion in Kloe’s world. The narrative builds to a satisfying conclusion, leaving readers inspired as Kloe takes steps toward a brighter future.
If there’s one critique, it’s that the book feels too short. The world of Kloe and her adventures is rich with potential, and it’s easy to imagine her story expanding into a full-length novel. This snapshot, however, is a delightful introduction to her universe and a testament to the empowering message of pursuing one’s dreams.
Perfect for readers aged 7 and up, Kloe’s New Start is a deeply personal and uplifting story. It celebrates overcoming challenges and staying true to oneself, making it a perfect choice for anyone who loves positive, character-driven tales. This brief but impactful journey through Kloe’s world leaves readers longing for more adventures with her and her friends, promising a wealth of future stories to come.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0D8C18W4N
LITERARY TITAN 