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Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination
Sally Mitts and the Land of Imagination is a children’s book where whimsy and adventure collide in a delightful celebration of creativity. The story begins with Sally, a curious cat, who is resting when she hears footsteps. Expecting Fred, her owner, to return from work, she instead finds a pair of shoes walking on their own. Intrigued, Sally follows them to a mysterious red door with “Imagination” inscribed above it. With a brave heart, she steps inside and enters a fantastical world where both the sun and moon share the sky. There, she meets Clair, a rabbit singing opera, who explains that they are in a place where anything is possible. Sally seizes the opportunity, painting the sky in different colors and exploring limitless possibilities. However, the peace is disrupted when Grumpy Grey, a hungry fog, arrives and smothers the magic, preventing them from enjoying the wonders of the land. Sally and Clair join forces, determined to restore the enchantment and bring back the joy of imagination.
Shain Stodt crafts an original tale that highlights the boundless power of imagination. The world she creates is filled with endless possibilities, encouraging young readers to embrace their dreams and creativity. The story’s sense of adventure captivates readers with unique and surprising moments like Sally and Clair soaring through the skies in an airplane.
The narration is both playful and engaging and is laced with humor and rhythm, making it a perfect read for children honing their reading skills. The illustrations stand out not only for their beauty but because they are hand-drawn, which I think adds a special personal touch. Each illustration reflects the care and creativity behind the story, making the visual experience as heartwarming as the narrative itself. The cast of animal characters living harmoniously in this magical world fosters empathy and a sense of connection with nature, which children will appreciate.
Sally Mitts and the Land of Imagination is a joyful and adventurous children’s book that reinforces themes of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. With its positive messages, imaginative storytelling, and heartfelt illustrations, this picture book is sure to inspire young minds and nurture their creativity.
I’m THAT Cat
August E. Allen’s I’m THAT Cat is a charming collection of whimsical cat tales brought to life through enchanting rhyming poetry. This beautifully illustrated children’s book combines Allen’s artistic brilliance with a storytelling style that captivates young readers and their families. The poems introduce a delightful array of feline characters, each embarking on lighthearted adventures. Whether celebrating birthdays, dodging raindrops, or tackling the ever-dreaded bath, readers are whisked away on a fun and relatable journey.
Allen’s rhyming narration gives the book a lively and musical rhythm that makes it easy to follow and a joy to read aloud to younger audiences. The text has a whimsical flow that elevates the playful tone, ensuring every turn of the page is met with enthusiasm. What truly stands out to me is how Allen’s playful language captures the joy in everyday moments. From the simple pleasures of a cat’s life to the more special celebratory occasions.
The illustrations are vibrant and full of life and perfectly match the spirited verses. They enhance the storytelling and will hold the attention of young readers. These full-page artworks offer visual appeal, and they convey the emotions and personalities of the cats, sometimes without needing words at all. The mischievous expressions during bath time, for example, are particularly amusing and will undoubtedly make children laugh. The book’s ability to appeal to both children and adults is a testament to its versatility and charm. Allen’s mix of engaging poetry and delightful illustrations creates an experience that can be enjoyed time and time again.
The book offers a fresh dose of joy with every reading. Whether you’re a cat lover or simply appreciate a well-crafted children’s book, I’m THAT Cat is sure to win your heart and leave you smiling.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DBL2G4MY
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B-1 or Thiamine?
In Nurse Florence, Why do I Need to Eat Vitamin B-1 or Thiamine? by Michael Dow, best friends Jean, Sonia, and Condi are once again gathered for a learning lunch with their kind and knowledgeable mentor, Nurse Florence. As they enjoy their meal, Nurse Florence introduces the topic of vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine and its critical role in the body. Through engaging dialogue, the girls learn how this vitamin helps convert food into energy, and they discover its broader impact on overall health.
Michael Dow’s latest picture book is a thoughtfully crafted and informative addition to the “Nurse Florence” series. With its engaging narrative, clear explanations, and inclusive illustrations, it successfully makes the science of vitamins both accessible and enjoyable. Michael Dow’s ability to present complex topics in a way that resonates with young readers while still providing valuable insight for adults solidifies this book as a fantastic educational tool. Whether for classroom use or at home, this volume serves as an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about health, biology, and the importance of nutrition.
This children’s book is a great choice for young readers who want to learn more about vitamins, biology, and health. I highly recommend it for its excellent educational value. This entry in the Nurse Florence series is a great tool for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn more about biology.
Jodi Meltzer Author Interview
What was your inspiration for Your Face Lights up the World?
Writing Your Face Lights up the World was such a liberating process. I let my imagination take me where it wanted to go without parameters, a key differentiator from my previous books.
My first title, When You Lived in My Belly, was written to fulfill my beloved deceased mom’s dream of writing a children’s book and to answer my son’s question: What was it like when I lived in your belly? A delightful month-by-month storytelling of pregnancy from the perspective of both baby and mom, When You Lived in My Belly gives children a glimpse into a past they can’t remember, and takes moms back to a time they will never forget. It features kid-friendly descriptions of the developmental milestones babies reach in utero, coupled with the corresponding physical and emotional changes experienced by moms. This book also includes a page for moms to pen a personal note to their children about their individual pregnancy journey.
I wrote my second title, Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are after my young son’s father and three grandparents died in quick succession. It helps kids cope with grief, loss, and longing in an enchanting way, sparking meaningful conversations about the everlasting power of love. With an imaginative point of view, kids discover that the connection they share with the person or pet who died transcends the space between them. Children can reflect on their unbreakable bond with an “I Remember” page at the end of this beautifully illustrated picture book, providing comfort during trying times.
When I sat down to write Your Face Lights up the World, I didn’t have an angle or an outline. I just started writing. Intrinsically, this is the story I wanted to tell. If I had approached this title with writing fundamentals in mind and boxed myself in with an outline, I don’t know if these characters would have emerged. Harper and Hunter were developed through a journey of creative chaos and self-discovery.
Do you see elements of yourself in Harper or Hunter?
Upon reflection, Your Face Lights up the World is a book I needed to read when I was a young girl. I had conflicting feelings about the spray of freckles that appeared on my face during the summer. One day, I embraced them. The next, I tried to scrub them off. I was all over the place, with pangs of jealousy over a friend’s porcelain skin. Alternatively, I envied another friend’s beautiful face full of freckles. I just didn’t feel that comfortable in my skin, which is something I still struggle with at times, though I have made significant strides at age 51!
Besides my internal push-pull with self-acceptance, I was inspired by my son, as always, and by my neighbors’ children, who are growing up before my very eyes. Harper’s name is in honor of an exquisite little girl with a fantastic spray of freckles who lives a few doors down. The twin concept is inspired by the adorable red-headed identical twins who live next door. Characteristics of both main characters are rooted in a precocious, insatiably curious little girl who devours books in a house to my right. Harper and Hunter are a culmination of all of us. Though generations separate us, coming of age issues are timeless and universal.
Can you share with us a little about the collaboration with Jody King Camarra that led to such fantastic illustrations?
Jody King Camarra, illustrator extraordinaire of all my children’s books, has been my best friend for more than 45 years. We first met in kindergarten, immediately bonding over our shared first and middle names (Jodi Lyn and Jody Lynn, respectively). She was my closest confident throughout my formative years, and we graduated together from Sharon High School in Massachusetts. I served as her matron of honor, she held me up after I lost my mother to ovarian cancer. We have steadfastly supported each other through triumph and tragedy and everything in between…and that will never change.
After my mother’s passing, I approached Jody with the idea and verse for When You Lived in My Belly. She automatically agreed to illustrate it in my mother’s memory. The unexpected success of When You Lived in My Belly spawned Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are and Your Face Lights up the World. I am so grateful for her unparalleled talents and friendship.
Your Face Lights up the World has won a number of awards prepublication, including a Literary Titan Gold Book Award. When will the book be released?
I am honored and humbled by the Literary Titan Gold Book Award and other accolades for Your Face Lights up the World prepublication. Your Face Lights up the World was recently recognized as a #1 New Release on Amazon as well, in large part to the excitement surrounding this title. It will hit bookshelves on October 15 and is available for preorder wherever books are sold online right now. I am looking forward to getting Your Face Lights up the World in the hands of young readers who will benefit from its hopeful message of self-acceptance. I can’t wait to meet many of them at upcoming book tour events.
For more information about Jodi, please visit jodimeltzer.com.
About Your Face Lights up the World
Harper and Hunter are fraternal twins with only one thing in common: they once lived together in their mom’s belly. When their mom tells them they must play outside together after a fight, they decide to build a fort tall enough to keep her out!
While gathering sticks and stones to stack, Hunter finds a super-spotty sparkle stone and has a lightbulb moment. He wonders which one has more spots, the speckled stone or his sister’s freckled face?
Your Face Lights up the World is a powerfully written and distinctively illustrated picture book that explores themes of self-esteem, sibling rivalry, and jealousy with flair, whisking kids off on an unforgettable journey toward self-acceptance. Complete with journal pages to capture renewed feelings of confidence, this inspirational book will help kids see themselves in a new light.
About Jodi Meltzer
Jodi Meltzer is the multi-award-winning author of three children’s books: When You Lived in My Belly; Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are; and Your Face Lights up the World. A former television news anchor/reporter, she has also written extensively about grief, divorce, and parenting for various publications, including HuffPost, The Mighty, Scary Mommy, and Thrive Global. She’s a self-described pizzaholic who adores ’80s music/movie binges with her beloved son and crust-loving rescue dog by her side. To learn more, visit jodimeltzer.com.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | X
Nurse Florence®, What is Dementia?
In Nurse Florence, What is Dementia? by Michael Dow, Nurse Florence makes a special visit to Ms. Smith’s class, where best friends Jean, Condi, and Sonia, along with their classmates, learn about dementia in a way that is accessible and engaging. Nurse Florence explains the symptoms, possible treatments, and preventive measures for this complex illness, which affects so many families.
This book offers an excellent introduction to a challenging subject. Dementia, often a frightening topic for many, is handled with care as Nurse Florence guides the children through the nuances of the illness. Her approach is gentle yet informative as she walks the class through the signs of dementia and demystifies the spectrum of conditions that fall under its umbrella. While the illustrations by Lindsay Roberts may not be my preferred style for children’s books, they are detailed and complement Nurse Florence’s biology presentation effectively. What truly sets this book apart is Nurse Florence’s interactive teaching style. She doesn’t simply lecture; she engages the students in meaningful dialogue, encouraging them to think about prevention and care. This approach helps soften the intensity of the topic, making it easier for young readers to process without feeling overwhelmed. Nurse Florence’s emphasis on maintaining the dignity of those affected by dementia and the importance of supporting caregivers adds a thoughtful and compassionate touch to the lesson, bringing the discussion to a well-rounded conclusion. Approaching a subject as difficult as dementia is no easy task, and Michael Dow deserves recognition for this thoughtful and educational introduction. By providing clear facts, practical advice on prevention, and meaningful guidance on how to support those affected, this book answers many tough questions in a way that is accessible for young readers.
For its remarkable educational value and ability to address dementia without inducing unnecessary fear, Nurse Florence, What is Dementia? is ideal for readers aged 8 and up. This book is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about dementia, its causes, and potential treatments. It serves as a valuable tool for understanding a common yet complex illness in a way that encourages curiosity and compassion.
Pages: 240 | ISBN : 1312012390
Tongue Teasers
This quirky collection of poems, penned and painted by the creative Dr. D.W. Knight, is like a playground for the imagination. Picture a book brimming with rhymes that twist and turn, packed with punchlines that’ll have you giggling, and characters so zany they could dance right off the page.
Dr. Knight doesn’t just play with words, he juggles them. Take the poem “ROLLER COASTER,” where you’re swooping and shifting through clouds, a wild ride stitched with screams and dreams of being a star. It’s not just fun, it’s a whirlwind of emotions. Then there’s “MESSY ROOM,” which captures a disaster zone of a bedroom so perfectly that you can almost smell the old socks and pizza crusts. Knight’s ability to craft a visual feast with his words is simply genius.
And oh, the cheeky charm of “THE RING”! This poem had me snorting tea through my nose. When the girl dreams of a diamond ring but gets a phone call instead feels like classic humor. It’s this clever wordplay that makes Tongue Teasers a treasure trove of laughs. Plus, the illustrations are the cherry on top, adding just the right flavor of fun to the mix.
Knight’s knack for weaving life lessons into laughter is what truly makes these poems sparkle. “THE SUN,” with its lonely feast set by the setting sun, subtly teaches about solitude and resilience. Each poem is a little life lesson wrapped in witty verse, making you nod thoughtfully one minute and chuckle the next.
If you’re up for a tickle of your funny bone with a side of sage wisdom, Tongue Teasers is your go-to book. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh, from sprightly kids to the young at heart. It’s a hearty meal of hilarity that’ll feed both your mind and your spirit.
Pages: 88 | ASIN: B0D9K6P9WL
Why The Fisherman Fished
Why The Fisherman Fished by D.T. Rossi offers a heartwarming tale that highlights the joy of living in the moment. Set in a small village by the sea, the story follows a curious little boy who spends his days watching the fisherman head out to sea, always wondering what exciting catch the man will bring back. The boy imagines all sorts of fish; big, strange, and colorful. One day, he finally approaches the fisherman to ask what he’s caught. To his surprise, the fisherman reveals that he hasn’t caught anything, yet he enthusiastically shares stories of the incredible things he encountered, like a bird with rainbow feathers or tea with a mermaid. Day after day, the boy asks, and while the fisherman never has a catch, he always has a new adventure to share, sparking the boy’s curiosity even further.
What makes Why The Fisherman Fished truly special is its imaginative narrative, particularly from the fisherman’s point of view. His stories, full of whimsy and wonder, invite readers to appreciate the magic in everyday experiences. The young boy’s determination to understand the fisherman’s mindset shows how different perspectives can shape our understanding of the world. This contrast between the boy’s curiosity and the fisherman’s carefree outlook enriches the story, helping children grasp that life is often more complex than it appears on the surface.
The story’s narration is beautifully composed in short and vivid verses which adds a lyrical quality to the reading experience. The illustrations complement the text wonderfully, portraying the serene beach by day, night, and during stunning sunsets. The fisherman’s happiness is palpable, and the details of his adventures come to life with vibrant visuals that captivate young readers.
Why The Fisherman Fished remains a sweet and original children’s book that is brimming with imagination and thoughtful reflections on happiness. This picture book invites readers to see the beauty in the journey rather than focusing solely on the outcome, making it a delightful read for children and adults alike.
Pages: 33 | ASIN: B0DBDM1KSF
LITERARY TITAN 