Blog Archives
Bear’s Sick Day: A Story of Caring and Friendship
Bear’s Sick Day treats readers to a touching tale of friendship and care. When Bear falls ill, his friend Bunny arrives to provide comfort and companionship despite Bear’s concerns about Bunny catching his illness. The story unfolds with Bunny making warm tea, reading stories, listening to music, and playing Bear’s favorite game of Jenga, all of which bring joy and laughter to both friends. This simple yet powerful story highlights the importance of caring for others and the positive effects of compassion.
This children’s book excels in conveying themes of empathy, resilience, and the joys of friendship through its straightforward language and engaging dialogue. It’s particularly suitable for shared reading sessions between parents and children as it fosters discussions on kindness and the value of being there for others. The delightful illustrations complement the text, making it accessible and engaging for young readers, particularly those between the ages of three and eight.
The illustrations bring the story to life with vibrant and colorful artwork that captures the attention of children and helps narrate the story through visual cues. The characters’ expressive faces add depth to the narrative, enabling children to connect emotionally with Bear and Bunny’s experiences.
Bear’s Sick Day is a heartwarming and educational picture book that effectively introduces young readers to the concepts of care and friendship. It is an excellent addition to any child’s library, ideal for those seeking a story that combines fun with meaningful life lessons.
Pages: 42 | ASIN: B0DL4NL65F
The 12 Dogs of Christmas
In The 12 Dogs of Christmas, Huntly and Raylee, two children brimming with excitement for the holiday, just can’t wait for Christmas day. Huntly dreams of receiving a pug puppy, while Raylee imagines a world where she could have every dog. That night, inspired by the “12 Days of Christmas” song, Huntly envisions receiving various dogs in a delightful twist called “The 12 Dogs of Christmas.” The assortment of dogs ranges from one pug puppy to two tiny terriers and three French bulldogs, and more, each adding to a festive tapestry of canines at the end. Though the dream ends in the morning, a special surprise awaits Huntly, making his Christmas wish come true.
This children’s book is a warm embrace of the holiday spirit, reminiscent of classic Christmas tales. It captures the boundless imagination of children and introduces young readers to the diverse and joyful world of dogs. The story beautifully captures the essence of childhood wonder, particularly through Huntly’s dream sequence, which cleverly plays on the traditional “12 Days of Christmas” with a canine twist. This imaginative journey through a parade of puppies not only adds a layer of whimsy but also allows young readers to explore their own fantasies about holiday gifts and magical moments.
The story is crafted in simple and accessible language, making it a joy for early readers to read independently and a delight for younger children to experience with their parents. The illustrations by Allan and Deborah Drew-Brook-Cormack are vibrant and lively, perfectly capturing the festive atmosphere. I loved the scene where the Scotties were sitting in front of the fire place where the cute stockings were hanging.
The 12 Dogs of Christmas is an excellent picture book for families eager to indulge in the holiday spirit. It encourages children to dream big and celebrates the joy of the season. I highly recommend this charming children’s book as a perfect holiday read for young children.
ASIN: B0DJWSLD8L
Being Uncomfortable
Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey follows a tiny seedling with a big dream; to grow tall and strong, like the grand trees surrounding him, and his journey to grow his roots deep. What was the inspiration for your story?
My first inspiration for Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey occurred when I looked for a book about trees to give my great-niece when she turned four. That was more than a decade ago! I remember feeling sad when I left the bookstore because I did not find what I was looking for. There was no relatable book for children about majestic trees–their size, their role in nature, and their perseverance. ‘Depending on the species, trees outlive humans, so what stories they could tell,’ I thought.
Living in the country additionally inspired me to write the “Rooted” series. I remember looking at the many seedlings in the forest and saying to myself, ‘They want to become tall, massive oaks someday, but unfortunately, not all of them will survive or thrive in the environment they are in.’ This thought prompted the direction of my series. Why do we thrive? Isn’t it because someone encouraged us, set an example for us, believed in us, and brought out the best in us until we found our way? And so, Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey was born–a heartwarming story about a seedling who fulfilled its dream to become a tree. In life, we never reach success solely on our own, so my vision included inspiring young minds to think about the value of generational relationships, perseverance, and the role encouragement plays in finding one’s purpose.
Grief, unexpected changes, and a purpose-driven life have been integral to my life’s journey. I am thankful for those who have encouraged me along the way, and I now find purpose in encouraging others. I include discussion questions at the end of my stories to prompt further dialogue between the reader and child on essential topics.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey is a book about the value of relationships, goals, and the role encouragement plays in achieving one’s goals. Additionally, it introduces the concepts of grief, gratitude, and change to young children in a relatable way.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Initially, I didn’t plan for a follow-up, but I had more lessons to share on growth and perseverance, so it evolved into a five-book series. The following are sequels with individual themes on topics such as valuing relationships, our role in protecting our environment, endurance, and maintaining a sense of purpose as our lives and circumstances change:
Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey (available now)
Rooted: A Mature Tree’s Journey (available now)
Rooted: An Old Tree’s Journey (coming soon)
Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey (coming soon)
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I love the scene in which the seedling complains about being itchy and uncomfortable as rough, crusty spots begin to cover its trunk. Grandpa Oakey says, “Being uncomfortable can be a good thing.” Transitions can be difficult!
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Book Review
Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey
Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey by Tammy Cranston offers a beautifully crafted tale brimming with life lessons. The story centers around a tiny, nameless seedling with a big dream; to grow tall and strong, like the grand trees that surround him. Before reaching his full potential, he faces the “Seed to Tree” ceremony, a rite of passage where he’ll choose a name that truly represents who he is. Alongside his wise grandfather, he navigates through thunder, rain, and drought, learning and growing with each experience. As he builds strength and resilience, his roots deepen, and he grows ever closer to his goal.
The story’s depth brings young readers valuable themes that encourage respect for elders, patience, and perseverance. It’s a wonderful introduction to these ideas, guiding children toward understanding and valuing these qualities in themselves and others. Cranston doesn’t shy away from tougher topics, like loss, which appears when the grandfather doesn’t survive a storm. This delicate moment offers a gentle opening for discussing grief with children. The narrative also reflects a respectful view of nature, making it a subtle but effective way to foster environmental awareness in young minds. Through each challenge—storms, droughts, growth spurts—kids can see how much plants, like us, rely on care and nurturing. The story has some emotional weight, especially during sadder moments like the grandfather’s passing, the drought, and when the seedling loses a branch. These scenes could be intense for some readers, yet they’re essential to illustrating the natural cycle of life and the importance of treasuring family moments. There’s also a beautiful sense of gratitude woven throughout, especially in the grandfather’s wise words, which stay with the seedling as he grows. These are the moments that make Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey a poignant story, gently building children’s character with love, wisdom, and a touch of nature’s magic.
For families and educators looking to build a child’s emotional intelligence and resilience, Rooted is a perfect choice. It’s engaging, heartfelt, and layered with lessons on life and growth, making it ideal for young readers who are just beginning to navigate life’s complexities. Cranston’s storytelling, coupled with warm, gradual illustrations, provides a nurturing space for children to learn about life’s ups and downs while rooting themselves in the values that matter most.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DGWRTPDM
Following Your Curiosity
Miles Ahead – A Journey in Math and Engineering follows a young boy who discovers a passion for math early in life and follows this love all the way into a career as a professional engineer. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Miles Ahead came from my own experiences growing up. Like the character in the book, I developed a fascination with math and engineering at a young age. I wanted to capture that sense of wonder and excitement that comes from discovering something you’re passionate about, and how that passion can shape the course of your life.
The story isn’t just about math; it’s about the journey of following your curiosity, working through challenges, and ultimately finding fulfillment in your chosen career. I also wanted to inspire young readers to see math not just as a subject in school, but as a gateway to endless possibilities—just as it was for me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the key ideas I wanted to share is the importance of curiosity and persistence. The journey to becoming an engineer—or pursuing any career—rarely follows a straight path. There will always be bumps along the way, but staying curious and determined can help us navigate those challenges. I also wanted to emphasize that math and science aren’t just abstract concepts; they are tools that allow us to understand and shape the world around us.
Another important theme is the value of mentorship and community support. In the book, Miles, the focal character doesn’t achieve success alone—there are people who guide and encourage him along the way. I believe this is a crucial aspect of anyone’s journey, especially in fields like math and engineering, where collaboration and learning from others are key. I have had mentors, wonderful teachers and professors, and family supporting me my entire life. It truly does take a village, and that becomes obvious when we look at the big picture.
Underlying all of this is a real concern: there’s a shortage of professional engineers, and enrollments in engineering colleges have been declining for years. It’s crucial that we nurture children’s passion for STEM early, with the hope that many of them will go on to become the next generation of engineers and scientists.
The engineering profession has been incredibly rewarding for me, and I see this book as my small way of giving back to the field. My hope is that it sparks an interest in young readers and encourages them to consider a career in engineering or the sciences.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I had the most fun writing the scenes where Miles first begins to explore the real-world applications of math and engineering. There’s something truly magical about watching a young character connect abstract concepts to tangible outcomes—whether it’s solving a practical problem or discovering how math powers the world around him. I loved capturing that “aha” moment when Miles realizes that math isn’t just about numbers on a page, but something that can make a real difference in his life and the world. It was fun to weave in those moments of discovery and excitement, which I hope will resonate with readers—especially young ones just starting their own journeys.
If I had to choose one scene in particular, it would be the moment when Miles finds out he passed the Professional Engineering Exam. For a licensed professional engineer, the PE Exam is one of the most important milestones in our careers. It’s a game-changer, giving engineers the authority to take on greater responsibility, sign and seal plans, and make a bigger impact in their field. I’ll never forget the intense studying leading up to it, and the joy and pride I felt when I learned that I had passed—shared with my family and fellow colleagues. So, the scene where Miles experiences that same sense of accomplishment is deeply personal and really special to me.
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?
While Miles Ahead is a standalone story, I’ve been exploring the idea of writing a similar book with a female lead character. This new book would follow a young girl on her journey in engineering or the sciences, much like Miles’ story. Engineering has historically been a male-dominated profession, but I’m glad to see more and more women entering the field. It’s an encouraging trend, and I hope it continues to grow.
By featuring a female main character, my goal is to create a story that inspires young girls to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and innovators. I also hope this book will resonate with parents and children alike, offering an engaging and empowering perspective on STEM fields.
If this book comes to fruition, readers can expect an inspiring story filled with challenges, growth, and discovery. The main character will navigate obstacles, discover the joy of exploring STEM concepts, and learn the value of perseverance, teamwork, and giving back to her profession. Like Miles Ahead, it will emphasize the importance of mentorship and community support, while showcasing the rewarding journey of following your passions.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Experience Guided by Grace
It’s Christmas Tonight: Santa’s Visit follows a curious young girl who, in the stillness of a snowy evening, has a delightful encounter with Santa Claus himself and finds out the true meaning of the holiday. What was the inspiration for your story?
In a way, that’s a difficult question because inspiration just is. It comes from God. I wanted to write a Christmas verse and began playing with it. I remembered my own childhood when I was sitting by the window, looking at the dark garden with old trees covered in snow, and hoping for something amazing to happen.
And then, when I was working on the poem, I simply started writing and came up with some rhymes. And then, when the story reached Santa’s reply to the girl’s question, I had a feeling that I was writing it down while someone was dictating. Looking back at it, it was an experience guided by grace.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Chloé Nyíri?
Chloé is a very talented artist. She does something very few book illustrators do these days – draws and paints by hand on paper, with real watercolors. Her technique is beautiful and her art is a true reflection of her soul. Chloé is a lovely person. Also, she has a little daughter who is her inspiration, and she can truly relate to a child’s curiosity on a Christmas Eve.
Working with Chloé was a breeze. I simply shared the poem and told her to draw and paint as if it were her own. In the end, there were only one or two tiny revisions. The artwork was perfect.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
If we talk about the fun part, it was the bit where the girl is humming a tune she made up about Santa flying to the moon. That reminded me of myself and of my children who make up silly songs all the time.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Chloé and I are now working on a children’s story about a Border Collie dog who liked playing handball with his best friends – three boys. They play every day but then the boys grow up and move out.
Another project we’re working on together is a book about pregnancy and motherhood. So, hopefully, we’ll soon have plenty to share with our readers even though we don’t have a release date planned yet!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Bookbildr | Chloe Nyiri Illustrations | Amazon
Prepare to be transported to a cozy and magical Christmas evening in “It’s Christmas Tonight.” In this heartwarming rhyming story, join a curious young girl in her home as she has a special encounter with none other than Santa Claus himself. As the snow falls gently outside, she can’t help but pose the timeless question, “Santa, what makes Christmas truly unique?”
Santa, with his twinkling eyes and hearty laughter, sits down with the girl in her warm living room, sharing a magical revelation about the essence of Christmas, illuminating the profound significance of this holiday.
Beautifully illustrated by a traditional watercolor artist from Hungary, Chloé Nyíri, this picture book makes the perfect Christmas gift.
LITERARY TITAN 