Blog Archives
Environmental Responsibility
Jeremy and the Beetle Takedown follows a young boy in science class who discovers the world of entomology and is instantly fascinated with the subject. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My son’s school project inspired me to write Jeremy and the Beetle Takedown. It got me thinking about how hands-on experiences can inspire kids and I wanted to capture how even the smallest discoveries—like learning about insects—can make kids’ eyes light up with excitement.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to show that by asking questions, exploring, and working together, kids can solve problems and better the world. I also wanted to highlight environmental responsibility, like how invasive species affect ecosystems, and show kids that even the tiniest things they do can have a big impact.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Beatriz Gouveia?
Working with Beatriz was amazing! She brought the characters and the story to life in ways I never imagined. We had such a blast throwing ideas back and forth. Her work added so much to the story, and it was great to see how the illustrations made the adventure even more enjoyable for readers.
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?
Yes! Jeremy and the Beetle Takedown starts the series. The second book, Sarah’s Gene-ius Discovery, came out on April 25th, taking kids into the world of DNA and genetics. Jeremy, Sarah, and friends will keep exploring new STEAM topics, solving real-world problems, and showing how curiosity and teamwork lead to big discoveries. Stay tuned for more adventures!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Jeremy and his friends set off on an adventure to observe insects, but their bug-watching turns into a mystery they must solve to save their beloved ash trees. Can they do it in time?
This picture book unlocks the fascinating world of Entomology, a branch of zoology dedicated to insects, inviting young explorers to learn about non-native insects, and how they impact our planet. It features simple vocabulary, easy science experiments, and a glossary that supports young readers aged 5-10.
This is an introductory book that explores concepts for early grades in a fun and engaging way.
Visually stimulating and educational
Acclaimed, trusted and informative
Great for classrooms and summer camps
Perfect for curious children who love to ask, “Why?” or “What?”
Encourages continual student-led learning
Perfect for kids interested in bugs and insects
Why get this book?
Entertain and educate kids to pursue science
Developmentally appropriate for early grade readers
High quality, picture book illustrations
Easy-to-follow information and activities to engage young scientists
Written/illustrated by parents, teachers, and experts
So, join Jeremy and his friends as they work to restore balance to their environment. Read along as they discover and learn.
Explore and Teach
Who Says Poo is a delightful and hilarious story that plays on words from different languages, each sounding like “poo” but with entirely distinct meanings. What was the inspiration for creating this unique story?
My partner was sitting on our couch in the living room using Duolingo to learn French. I was in the bedroom folding laundry. And then I heard her say “Poupée” and I giggled at how it sounded like “poo.” Then I instantly thought, ‘I wonder if there are words in other languages that also sound like poo!’ And that single moment sparked the creation of Who Says Poo!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
I wanted to make sure that the collaboration process was as seamless as possible. So I created a few PDFs that I sent to the artist. The first PDF was about character design, thoughts on color, and overall formatting. The other PDF was the full formatted layout of the book, and I included many reference images for each page, including detailed descriptions of exactly what I wanted in the illustration of each scene. But I also made sure to leave room for the artist to experiment, have fun, and add their own twists to each image.
My artist, Mark Nino Balita, did such a great job of making the art come alive! They were easy to talk with, and a joy to collaborate with. Mark would send me proofs, and if I had any notes, I’d send them their way. Mark nailed it! I had very few notes. Mark even added a few spins on the book that I had never even thought of doing. Mark’s hard work and expertise shine on every page.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I made so many wonderful memories while writing Who Says Poo. But the scene I had the most fun writing would be on page 24, the Japanese sound, あっぷっぷ (“A-Poo-Poo”). It was the most challenging to write. Unlike the other words that have a perfect literal translation, this does not. It’s like a colloquialism, mixed with an onomatopoeia. So to try to craft the right definition for it, and use it in a sentence created such a wonderfully fun challenge, and when I look back through the book, it makes me so proud that I nailed it.
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?
I never expected to actually write one children’s book, much less a series! For now this is just a single book. But if reception is good, I do have a few great ideas to turn this into a series of books where I might explore the onomatopoeia of different languages compared to English. There are some fun sounds out there to explore and teach. Other languages and cultures teach us so much about the world, and I think it’s a beautiful thing to start getting your child curious at a young age!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
With a pet dog and a pet chicken, there are no normal days for Sally and her family. As they go about their wacky day, you learn words in different languages that all sound like the English word, Poo!
Through these pages, your child will learn words in other languages in a fun and silly way that helps to foster an enthusiasm for foreign languages and cultures.
Ideal for children ages 3-8 who think the word “Poo” is funny! Not only will this book help them steer away from Poo being “poo”, but it will show them that other languages are fun!
This Book:
• Helps kids talk about poo differently!
• Encourages language learning
• Shows that learning new languages can be fun
• Suitable for all readers and dyslexic-friendly!
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 artworks were 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: Eliza’s Website | Chloé’s Website | Book Review
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.
A More Significant Project
Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts is a bilingual illustrated children’s book that teaches readers about different plants, from everyday ones like dandelions to exotic East African plants like the blue waterlily. What inspired you to create this wonderful book?
Recalling the past interview with your platform on my book Alphabet of Flowers as a smaller version of a bilingual children’s project I was working on. Well, the bigger version of that book is this one.
For a long time, I harboured a deep wish to illustrate a book myself. After our son was born, I sketched a lot using wax crayons. Occasionally, I shared some flower sketches on Instagram. A fellow writer and educator in Tanzania suggested writing a book using those sketches. Because I love botany, I tested the waters by publishing Alphabet of Flowers. The success of that book encouraged me to embark on a more significant project, which resulted in the publication of Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts.
What ideas were important for you to share in this book?
I recognised the need to write a book that considers the natural environment of my home country, Tanzania. I wanted the book to carry familiarity when read by an African child. Besides the colourful drawings I did, I sought knowledge from a botanist and vegetation expert from Tanzania who guided me on endemic species, and I have acknowledged him in the book.
Tanzania’s official languages are Kiswahili and English. Most plants are known globally in English or by their scientific name, even those native to East Africa. Some plants lacked Kiswahili names and we maintained the names in local dialects. For those that we could not identify in either Kiswahili or the local dialect, we resorted to the process of “kutohoa,” which is pronouncing foreign words in the national language of Kiswahili. For example, Hydrangea became Mhaidangea. As I write this, my application to the National Kiswahili Council (BAKITA) to certify the Kiswahili language used in the book is approved.
How did you decide what plants and flowers to include in your book?
Initially, I listed random flowers I knew from Tanzania and abroad. Later, I added trees and even vegetables to create an array of flowers. The decision of what to include was as mentioned above, i.e., I wished to feature more flowers and plants endemic to Tanzania. However, I also grasped the importance of including some non-endemic types to enhance readers’ exposure and spark more curiosity in the subject.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have a few prose and poetry manuscripts, and I work on them simultaneously. Besides that, I am also co-authoring two projects with other writers.
I may complete a manuscript but that does not mean it will be the one to be published soon. The decision of what to publish next is determined by readiness on my end based on factors such as publishing timeline, budget, and developments related to the subject.
Author Links: GoodReads | Medium | Website
Creating Joyful Moments of Discovery
Where Are You Going, Little Max? follows a little mouse as he visits various farm animals to collect items to bring back to his family, always ensuring he uses good manners. What was the inspiration for the character of Max?
I wanted to create a character that young children could easily connect with through simple and relatable actions. Max represents a child’s natural curiosity and openness to the world. His politeness and kindness set a good example, helping children understand the importance of respecting others. I also wanted Max to feel like a warm and friendly companion, someone children could see as a caring friend.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I aimed to show little ones how wonderful and diverse the world around them can be. Through Max’s adventures, I wanted to convey that kindness and politeness help build friendships and make each journey more enjoyable. It was important to create joyful moments of discovery for children, introducing them to the sounds, colors, and images of different animals in a way that felt exciting and engaging.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My main goal as an author was to make the story simple and accessible for young readers. I focused on creating a plot that not only holds their attention but also teaches valuable life lessons. Additionally, I wanted children to learn something new about farm life and animals. The illustrations play an important role here, adding detail and helping to make Max’s adventures vibrant, easy to follow, and memorable for young readers.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
The series already continues in Where Have You Been, Little Max?, where Max embarks on adventures beyond the farm. He visits the zoo to meet lions, giraffes, and elephants, heads to the beach to see dolphins and crabs, and enjoys the fair with games and sweets. Max ends his day in the park, playing and watching squirrels.
I truly hope that the continuation of Max’s adventures will bring as much joy to children and their parents as the first book did. These new journeys are designed to be both entertaining and educational, encouraging young readers to discover the world alongside a kind and curious character.
Author Links: Website | Amazon
Do you want to engage them with rousing stories?
Take a look at this wonderful children’s book, which:
• is perfect for children aged 1 to 3 years
• contains cute hand drawn illustrations that children love
• is filled with love, support and care for our little fidgets
• consists of short stories that are ideal for reading together before bed or at any other time
• teaches your child the basics of friendship, kindness, and respect for others in an easy and engaging manner
• contains funny incidents and clever stories that will interest your child, who will want to go back to them again and again
• will take its rightful place in your family book collection
• is a good match for first-time readers, new parents, and primary school teachers
• is an ideal gift for birthdays, holidays or any other important events
Books are small steps towards a big future!
Take this step! Take this book with you! Give your child the gift of a wonderful story!
Space Adventures and Exploration
The Angry Vacuum takes readers on a thrilling space adventure with sibling superheroes Laura and Sid, who are back to save the day, but this time from an out-of-control AI vacuum. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for that story was my imagination and fascination with space adventures and exploration. I was thinking how could I share with other children how to manage emotions and I thought about using an A.I. robot in space to help tell the story because I thought it would be interesting.
Who was your favorite character to write for, and why?
I like Sid the Super Happy Kid. He is adventurous and smart. He does his best to control his emotions and he likes helping other kids. I think that is really cool. I have been writing about the Super Happy Kid since I was three years old and then I changed it to Sid the Super Happy Kid. My dad was responsible for creating the character of Laura the Emotions Explorer, the sister of Sid. I thought it was a good idea to have a brother and sister that practice teamwork and learn to manage emotions and I started writing about both of them using their powers to help children as well as teachers. I think it is great that kids can also teach adults and children about emotions.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed writing about the A.I. robot flipping its lid and sucking up all the emotions in the room. It made it seem like an emotional rollercoaster with twists and turns in the story.
What advice do you have for other children who are aspiring writers?
Kids should read books and take time to think about creating their stories and also write their own stories. Kids should also share with their parents their ideas because your parents can help support your development of your ideas. My dad encourage me and bought me sketch pads, storyboards, and tablets and books to help me.
You can start with a simple concept and just keep working on your story. You can also draw your ideas for your story. It is a very good feeling and I hope more children will be able to tell their stories and have fun creating them. I am a member of several reading clubs and that is a good start for children that like to write they should also read for enjoyment and inspiration.
Author Links: Website | GoodReads
My Large Wild Animal Book
My Large Wild Animal Book is a nature adventure for kids, full of facts about various wild animals. Each page introduces a new animal with its scientific name, habitat, group names, and diet. The book showcases well-known animals like the Black Bear, Bison, and Polar Bear with illustrations that aim to capture the beauty of these creatures. It’s an easy guide for young ones to learn about wildlife, from rocky cliff-loving mountain goats to tundra-wandering caribou.
This children’s book serves as a fantastic educational resource by offering clear, simple explanations about wild animals’ habitats, diets, and group names. Which I think is perfect for young children. It also introduces scientific terms in an easy-to-digest format, helping to build a child’s foundational knowledge of wildlife.
The writing is straightforward and simple. I liked how each animal’s description was broken down into clear sections, but at times, it felt a bit dry. For instance, the section on Black Bears mentions their habitat from Alaska to Mexico and their love of honey, but there isn’t much excitement in the way it’s presented. I think the book could’ve benefited from a few lively anecdotes or fun facts to jazz it up.
What stood out to me were the animal group names. Did you know a group of bears is called a “sleuth or sloth”? These little nuggets of information are memorable, and I could see kids being surprised by them. The author did a good job peppering these in, though I wish there were even more of these delightful surprises scattered throughout the book.
The illustrations in this educational picture book are lovely. I think they work well for children who are trying to understand these animals. The colors and details reflect how majestic and calm each animal is, like the solemn Kodiak Bear or the noble Moose.
My Large Wild Animal Book is great for young animal lovers, especially kids who are just starting to learn about wildlife. It’s a good introduction for children who want to learn about the habitats and diets of wild animals. It would work well as a classroom resource or a bedtime story for kids who dream of forest adventures and snowy tundras.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0855PCD6S
The Night Sky Lined With Silver
The Night Sky Lined with Silver is an engaging and culturally rich story that follows Abbie and her three best friends, Stephen, Martin, and Eliot as they look forward to celebrating Hanukkah together in the snow-dusted Catskills. The group, fondly known as the “Bieman Buddies,” loves nothing more than sharing adventures, hearing Uncle Morrie’s riveting tales of wartime heroics, and enjoying winter’s many delights. But when a fierce snowstorm strikes and Uncle Morrie suddenly vanishes, the festive season takes a serious turn. Fear grips the children as they rally with their close-knit community to search for their beloved war hero.
This children’s book paints a vivid picture of Jewish life in pre-World War II America. The author’s meticulous research shines through, from the authentic Yiddish phrases to the nostalgic details, like Abbie’s treasured Shirley Temple doll. The story brims with the spirit of the era, evoking the charm of an old black-and-white film or a classic American Girl story, with lush illustrations by Robert Sauber that add to the book’s enchanting atmosphere.
One of the book’s standout strengths is how it honors Jewish heritage while also celebrating the broader fabric of 1940s American life. The depiction of tradition is both heartfelt and accessible for younger readers, making the story an excellent introduction to Jewish customs and values. The story delicately touches on the early rumblings of World War II, offering just enough context to educate without overwhelming.
The themes of community, faith, and resilience are interwoven beautifully, providing a meaningful and uplifting reading experience. The suspense surrounding Uncle Morrie’s disappearance may prove intense for some readers. The pacing is great, with bursts of tension interspersed with scenes that fill in the backstory and enrich the world. While these interludes offer depth, the reader can’t help but share Abbie’s anxiety, making the unfolding search all the more nerve-wracking. Sensitive readers might need some reassurance that the story concludes positively.
The Night Sky Lined with Silver is a heartwarming and artfully crafted tale. Its strong themes of faith, friendship, and the enduring bonds of community make it a perfect holiday read for children. Though it contains moments of stress, injury, and peril, the resolution is satisfying and leaves space for future adventures.
Pages: 113 | ASIN: B0CKK7B7HW
LITERARY TITAN 