Blog Archives
The Importance of Getting the Vaccine
Nurse Florence: Why Do I Need the Flu Shot? is an educational children’s book that explains the flu virus and the importance of vaccination in simple, science-based terms. What inspired you to focus on explaining flu vaccines to young readers?
I think this book answers the questions even adults have. For some, it seems strange that we have to get a new vaccine every year. Some might ask, Does that mean the old vaccine doesn’t work anymore? I wanted to clearly communicate to families the importance of getting the vaccine every year and why it is needed. The virus changes over time and I wanted to try to make that clear.
How did you approach simplifying complex scientific concepts like immunology and vaccines for a children’s audience?
I keep pages simplified with a main concept every page. It is important to not overload information with children. I think even adults appreciate that approach.
The book emphasizes community protection and empathy. Why was it important for you to include this message, and how do you hope children will respond to it?
As a Registered Nurse, I’m thinking about protecting the community and using empathy to provide a therapeutic environment. I would like children to see Nurse Florence’s empathy and care for others so that they will want to imitate that behavior. We need role models and Nurse Florence can be one.
What challenges did you face when trying to make medical ideas engaging and easy to visualize through illustrations?
I trust in my illustrators’ abilities to present science concepts to kids which are visually appealing and revealing core science concepts. The Nurse Florence series is powerful because of this approach where the illustrations compliment the writing, and the writing compliments the drawings.
Explore and Discover the World
In Where Have You Been, Little Max?, a little mouse takes young readers on a journey of discovery through the zoo, the fair, and a local park as he encourages outdoor play. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to give young readers the opportunity to explore and discover the world alongside Max. His trips to the zoo, beach, fair, and park are filled with delightful places and new friends, helping children see the world as a place full of surprises. Each setting was carefully chosen to showcase the wonder around us and bring kids the joy of exploration.
What were some educational aspects you felt were important to include in Max’s tale?
In each story, Max helps children learn something new about the world around them. His simple adventures promote well-rounded development by broadening their horizons and vocabulary, introducing them to new places in nature, animals, and the wonders of their surroundings in an engaging and memorable way.
Do you have a favorite scene in the book? One that was particularly fun to write?
One of my favorite scenes is the beach, where Max plays with the waves and meets marine creatures. This fun and meaningful scene allows kids to experience the beauty of the ocean. The illustrations are especially vibrant here, bringing the beach to life and making each of Max’s encounters with his new friends memorable.
Can young readers look forward to more books featuring Max? What are you currently working on?
I’m thrilled to bring more of Max’s adventures to life! I’m currently working on new stories that will take him to even more amazing places where he can explore and learn. I hope each of Max’s adventures brings children as much joy and inspiration as his first journeys.
Author Links: Website | Amazon | Book Review
Max is a little mouse who loves to learn everything new and exciting.
When children meet him, he tells them wonderful stories.
Each Little Max story is a new discovery for the little explorers!
Who lives in the Zoo? How does the Elephant take a shower? What does the Zebra like?
What were the Dolphins doing while Max was building a sand castle? What did the Parrot say?
Who was sitting in the trees in the park? Why is the Fair so much fun?
What makes Little Max’s stories so interesting to children? They:
• are simple and understandable
• are perfect for children aged 1-3 years
• contain beautiful and cute illustrations created by hand
• are filled with love, support and care for our little fidgets
• describe funny and clever situations that will interest the child, leading them back to these books over and over again
• consist of short stories that are ideal for shared reading before bedtime or at any other time
• expand children’s vocabulary and improve their memory
• will be useful for young readers, new parents, and teachers
• will be an ideal gift for a birthday, holiday, any special occasion or important event
Children’s books are small steps towards great future achievements! Take this book with you! Add it to your cart! Give your child the gift of a new, wonderful story!
Nurse Florence – Why Do I Need the Flu Shot?
Nurse Florence: Why Do I Need the Flu Shot? is an educational children’s book that aims to explain the flu and the importance of flu vaccinations. Written in a conversational tone, the story follows Nurse Florence as she visits a classroom to teach kids about the flu virus, how vaccines work, and why it’s important to get vaccinated. Complete with colorful drawings and clear explanations, it breaks down complex medical ideas into digestible parts for young readers. The book also includes a glossary, which can help kids learn and remember new scientific words.
I appreciate how thorough this picture book is. There’s a real effort to make sure readers understand why the flu virus changes every year and why new vaccines are needed annually. The illustrations, like the drawing of the virus, really help to visualize these concepts, and it’s clear the author put a lot of thought into how to present science in an engaging way.
The book effectively covers basic immunology in a way that is accessible to children. Nurse Florence’s explanations are clear and informative and are designed to communicate important scientific concepts simply. For example, the section that explains how antibodies work provides a detailed and accurate description.
One part that really worked for me was the emphasis on community protection. The idea that getting vaccinated not only helps you but also safeguards vulnerable people is presented with genuine care. This message is especially valuable, and I thought it was a sweet way to teach kids about empathy and responsibility. It’s clear the book’s heart is in the right place, and I felt that sense of purpose shining through Nurse Florence’s lessons.
This children’s book is best for curious young readers who have an interest in science or for parents wanting to teach their kids about the flu vaccine in an easy-to-digest way. Teachers looking to add some educational content to their classrooms will find it useful, too.
Sasha the Lab Retriever
The picture book Sasha the Lab Retriever tells the sweet and simple story of Sasha, a black Labrador, and her fun-filled life with the narrator’s uncles. Sasha is a loyal and energetic dog who spends her days learning commands, helping out on hunting trips, and enjoying the snowy outdoors. The story follows her through her favorite activities, from fetching in the woods to taking long rides in a truck, with plenty of cozy moments of love and play sprinkled throughout.
One thing I loved about this children’s book was how clear and straightforward the writing was. It’s the kind of language that would make any child understand and relate to Sasha’s playful spirit. The way Sasha is described helping her uncles, like retrieving birds during hunting trips, made me smile.
The illustrations are just as warm and inviting as the story itself. They look like photographs that were turned into artwork. They do a great job capturing Sasha’s joy. The picture where Sasha is stretched out after a nap is an adorable highlight. But, I think the book could’ve added more dynamic scenes. Sasha’s adventures, like swimming or riding in the truck, are sweet, but I was left wanting more movement in the images to match the action described. Despite that, there’s something charming about the homey art style that fits the book’s gentle tone.
Another thing that stood out to me was the theme of loyalty and love. The bond between Sasha and her owners is wholesome. Sasha’s eagerness to help, to play, and just to be close to her uncles made me think of the dogs I’ve known and loved.
I’d recommend Sasha the Lab Retriever to young readers, especially dog lovers. It’s a great bedtime read for kids who adore stories about pets and want to see the loyalty and joy a dog can bring to a family. The story has a calming and happy vibe that’s perfect for winding down.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 978-1778137365
The Esperanza – Chasing Hope – Book 2 of The Terracolina Trilogy
In The Esperanza: Book Two of the Terracolina Trilogy, Carla Kessler weaves a compelling continuation of twelve-year-old Thomas’s journey, blending themes of fantasy, friendship, and self-discovery. Returning from three intense days in the magical world of Terracolina, Thomas grapples with the rigid expectations of his parents, leaving him yearning for purpose and autonomy in a world that often feels stifling. Though faced with the prospect of math camp instead of adventure, Thomas finds solace in his friendships with the savvy Sai and popular Jax, uncovering new ways to impact both his human world and Terracolina. Amidst personal struggles and looming ecological threats, Thomas embarks on a search for meaning, confronting both inner turmoil and external perils.
Kessler delves deeply into Thomas’s complex emotions, especially his grief and desire for acceptance. The emotional weight of the story resonates as Thomas faces rejection from his parents, who seem unyielding and cold. This dynamic brings up frustration and sympathy, and readers may question whether Thomas’s inclination to escape to Terracolina was driven by the emotional void in his family life. As Grumog’s dark influence grows, Thomas’s journey toward healing and self-acceptance continues to unfold. The friendships he fosters, particularly with Sai and Jax, inject the story with camaraderie and hope, making his path all the more touching. The book introduces a challenging continuity issue that may unsettle dedicated readers of the trilogy. In the first book, Thomas physically enters Terracolina, with real time elapsing in the human world. In The Esperanza, however, he now accesses Terracolina in a dream state, where no time passes back home. This change creates a dissonance, as book two revises details from book one, suggesting Thomas camped in the woods before dreaming his way into Terracolina—a stark departure from the original narrative. While a minor flaw, this inconsistency detracts slightly from the immersion in an otherwise well-crafted, poignant story. The Esperanza remains a rich story of healing, growth, and acceptance, embracing the challenges of grieving and finding one’s place in the world. Thomas’s struggles, his earnest journey to overcome them, and his loyal friendships make him an endearing and relatable character. The story feels deeply personal, and readers may find themselves wanting to reach out and support him as he navigates this turbulent path. With the final book yet to come, hopes and expectations build for a satisfying conclusion to this heartfelt trilogy.
For Middle-Grade readers, The Esperanza offers a magical, emotionally resonant adventure, interwoven with messages of resilience, self-confidence, and the power of small actions to effect change. This fantasy tale, with its touches of adventure and thought-provoking themes, is sure to captivate young and old alike.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0DHB2FWMS
Terracolina – A Place to Belong
In Terracolina: A Place to Belong, Carla Kessler crafts a heartwarming and deeply emotional middle-grade fantasy about a boy named Thomas, who, on the edge of his twelfth birthday, is weighed down by the loss of his beloved Grandpa and the rigid expectations of his family. Before Grandpa passed, Thomas’ world sparkled with stories of a mystical place, filled with lush plants and fantastical creatures. Now, those magical tales feel like a distant memory, and Thomas’ life has become a gray routine of following rules. Determined to break free and find answers, he sets off and soon stumbles into the very world he thought only existed in dreams, where he learns he has a crucial role to play in protecting both worlds.
Kessler’s portrayal of grief in this story is nothing short of powerful. Thomas feels disconnected, battling sorrow that neither his family nor his friends seem to recognize. The emptiness he carries shapes every aspect of his world, creating a weight that many readers who’ve faced loss will recognize. I found myself deeply moved; the story felt like a mirror, reflecting experiences of complex grief that I hadn’t fully processed myself. Thomas’ journey to trust, to confront his pain, and to open his heart resonated with me profoundly. It felt like walking beside him, each step toward healing a reminder of the resilience that lives in us all.
This book’s magic doesn’t stop at its emotional depth. Despite its size, Terracolina is packed with wonder and unforgettable characters. Geven, the warm-hearted gardener, quickly became one of my all-time favorite fantasy characters, while Nib and Nob, the spirited Nubbins, brought a whimsical charm reminiscent of Wonderland. Misty, with her quiet insightfulness, rounded out a quirky and lovable cast that added life and color to Thomas’ adventure. Richard Kessler’s illustrations add extra vibrancy, capturing the beauty and personality of the Terracolina realm.
Terracolina: A Place to Belong is a moving and magical story of finding hope and purpose after loss. The book gently explores tough themes, including fantasy violence and mentions of death, making it a meaningful read for middle-grade readers and anyone looking for a story about courage, healing, and finding one’s place in the world.
Pages: 204 | ASIN: B09XS1G166
Hope in Any Situation
Walking with the Sun follows two best friends who decide to walk to the West in an attempt to escape the scorching Sun, only to find no relief. What was the inspiration for your story?
My humble greetings to all the Readers! Long back, around 2010, I was a member of an online writing community. I had a Basic Portfolio with my poems and writings. We could participate in various contests; this particular contest had a picture prompt. The picture captured a beautiful Sunset; in the foreground were silhouettes of an Elephant on the ground and an Eagle flying. We all know that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. This idea of what happens if you travel and move with the Sun was the intriguing question that lingered in my mind. I could only think of a Children’s story. And I wrote Walking with the Sun.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Julia Duclos?
Thank you! Yes, @juhd is fantastic. We have collaborated on six books so far. We are working on the next one. I love Julia’s unique, dreamy illustrations and memorable character designs. First, she read the story and made a storyboard; we split the text into a standard 32-page book with 12 full Illustration spreads. Then, we started with the characters Gaja and Garud. I was specific about the characters’ features being expressive. After a few attempts, we locked the character-looks. I was highly impressed! Having your characters come to life after almost 10 years is a great feeling. We celebrated by posting the Character introduction on all our social media platforms. Once the characters were designed, everything else just flowed. Despite any artistic disagreements, we share a beautiful friendship after working together for so long. We have a really strong bond that way. To work together as collaborators, we need the delicate understanding to treat work disagreements separately and not take things personally. After all, both the Author and the Illustrator are walking towards the same destiny and want the book to excel. Keeping the best ideas of both is the key. To more collaborations!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
“Following Garud’s idea, they walk towards the West to escape the scorching heat. The ignorant friends only learn at the end that they are walking with the Sun. Later, there is a big surprise awaiting Gaja!”
As I wrote the story, I knew I had to talk about sorrow and how to handle discomfort. It is essential to show Children that it is impossible to come out of sad feelings if you sit with them.
You have to walk out and move away to overcome discomfort. And there is hope in any situation. There is definitely a way out.
Three key talking points/messages in the book:
- An interesting journey with Gaja, the Elephant, and Garud, the Eagle. Beautifully illustrated
characters and story events. The illustrations are dreamy, soothing, and intriguing all at the same
time! - Morals:
●Walk away from discomfort to overcome it.
●Sorrow is never permanent.
●After every sunset, there is a promising sunrise. - A sweet surprise and a celebration at the end!
Walking with the Sun is a cute jungle friendship story, with an Elephant and an Eagle as
characters. This book is a winner of 2023 Literary Titan Award and a 2024 Next Generation
Indie Book Awards Finalist.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
After Walking with the Sun, I have published a poetry chapbook (A Mirage of Golden Glitter). And I recently published a Science Fiction Novella, Lost. Leap. Loop. Both of these are available on Amazon. Also, I recently published an Audiobook version of Walking with the Sun. It is free if you have a Library Card (Overdrive and Libby). It is available on Audible, too. I am currently working on another Children’s Picture Book, The Work of Art on the Wall.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Libby | Amazon
round the clock,
Did they find a hawk?
Or a big rock?
What did Gaja talk?
Who did Garud mock?
Ideas, they unlock!
Squawk… squawk…
Knock… knock…
Following Garud’s idea, they walk towards the west to escape the scorching heat. Did they really walk away from the Sun? Later, a big surprise awaits Gaja!
The Fox and the Election Fraud
The Fox and the Election Fraud by Tuula Pere delivers a clever, engaging story that weaves humor and important lessons into a memorable tale. It follows Francis the Fox, a character who can’t seem to grasp the concept of honesty, despite Major William the Wolf’s best efforts. When an election campaign sparks his interest, Francis becomes determined to win at any cost. He pulls out all the stops, leveraging every connection, working tirelessly, and strategizing to sway the voters. Yet, as the reality of defeat looms over him, Francis resorts to a desperate, underhanded plan: tampering with the vote count. But the city’s robust judicial system has no tolerance for dishonesty, and Francis learns the hard way that cheating never pays.
Though it deals with themes that seem geared toward adults, The Fox and the Election Fraud keeps things light, witty, and refreshingly creative. The writing shines with clarity and vivid storytelling, drawing readers into Francis’ antics. It’s a story bursting with well-structured ideas and fast-paced action. Pere gives us a protagonist who, despite his flaws, remains oddly charming and relatable. Francis may be a trickster, but his humorous escapades serve as a vehicle for teaching critical life lessons about integrity, honesty, and the inevitable triumph of good over deceit. The various schemes he devises to bolster his campaign are as entertaining as they are instructive, making the plot thoroughly enjoyable. Tuula Pere impresses me with her ability to craft narratives that are both dynamic and meaningful. The book, though part of a series, stands strong on its own, offering just enough background to make Francis’ story accessible to any reader. Pere’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the engaging text to the vibrant illustrations that bring the world to life. The format is designed to captivate young readers while keeping adults invested, making it an ideal pick for family reading sessions.
The Fox and the Election Fraud is a standout story that I highly recommend. It’s a perfect blend of humor, moral lessons, and entertaining characters. Children will learn about honesty and responsibility while laughing along with Francis’ misadventures, and adults will appreciate the book’s wit and charm.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 9528201628
LITERARY TITAN 