Blog Archives
Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp
Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp perfectly captures the joy of outdoor play and the power of friendship. Gigglet is the most cheerful piglet around. She eagerly embarks on her summer camp adventure, where she enjoys a variety of activities with her friends. From the peaceful moments around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing songs, to the energetic team-based games and friendly competitions, the book shows how nature offers endless ways to have fun.
Author A.M. Berkowitz combines a heartwarming tale of camaraderie and adventure in this beautiful picture book. The story invites children to imagine themselves in Gigglet’s shoes and even try some of the activities like arts and crafts or creating their own camp-inspired games. The story paints a picture of a day filled with respect, trust, and positive interactions while promoting the simple pleasures of life.
The pacing is unhurried reminding us of the joy found in slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world. The author’s engaging and melodious narration, coupled with simple yet effective language, makes this children’s book accessible and enjoyable for young readers. The illustrations are equally captivating, with each scene bringing to life a different moment of camp fun. The characters are designed with a joyful charm, radiating enthusiasm that leaps off the page. The vibrant artwork and lively text create a picture book that is sure to hold a child’s attention from beginning to end.
Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp is focused on practical and cooperative activities that encourage children to move, explore, and work together. This delightful tale will inspire young readers to embrace the outdoors, appreciate their surroundings and treat others with kindness.
ASIN: B0DBFQS7NB
Rhyming Riley, The Dog That Rhymes All the Time
Rhyming Riley: The Dog That Rhymes All the Time by Tracy Markley is a delightful celebration of the joy, loyalty, and fun that dogs bring into our lives. Riley, an endearing Labradoodle, invites readers into a day in his life, narrating his experiences with warmth and charm. He introduces himself, shares his quirky behaviors, and showcases the tricks he knows. Riley also discusses his favorite pastimes, such as watching the world go by and enjoying the sounds of his toys. His routine highlights the care he needs, from daily walks and grooming to having a cozy spot to rest. And, of course, no day is complete without savoring his beloved dog treats.
Tracy Markley’s writing shines with its engaging, easy-to-understand style. Her use of short, rhythmic phrases paired with a lively sense of humor makes the story accessible and entertaining. She masterfully blends playful storytelling with educational moments, like reminding readers of the importance of cleaning up after their pets—a subtle but essential lesson for young readers, particularly those learning about pet care. The story is a fantastic resource for teaching children the responsibilities that come with owning a pet, from daily tasks to the long-term commitment needed to keep animals healthy and happy. It also emphasizes the emotional connection between pets and their caregivers, helping young readers understand how their actions affect their pets’ well-being. The illustrations, while generally appealing, have moments where the style feels inconsistent. Riley’s design is charming, but some images featuring hyper-realistic elements clash with the otherwise whimsical tone. A more uniform artistic approach would have enhanced the visual experience.
Rhyming Riley offers a fun, engaging way for children to learn about the responsibilities of pet ownership. The rhymes make it memorable, while the story encourages empathy and a deeper understanding of a dog’s needs. Young readers will not only enjoy Riley’s adventures but also walk away with valuable lessons on caring for animals.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0DBW289TY
Pinkies Up
Pinkies Up, written by Raven Howell and illustrated by Lisa Rush, is a charming children’s book that invites young readers to a whimsical tea party attended by a delightful cast of animal friends. Through its rhythmic verses, the story celebrates diversity, community, and the simple joy of coming together. Each page showcases a different group of animals, each with their own distinct quirks and tea-time traditions, creating a vivid, lively narrative that culminates in a heartwarming celebration of togetherness.
The writing is both engaging and enchanting. Howell’s rhythmic verses are a joy to read aloud, making the story accessible and enjoyable for young children. The playful language infuses the narrative with a lighthearted tone, enhancing the overall reading experience. The rhyme scheme flows naturally and consistently, a feat not always easy to achieve in children’s literature, which helps sustain the reader’s interest and makes this book an excellent choice for bedtime reading.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its subtle yet impactful message about manners and the value of community. Amid the chaos of the tea party—with spills and overturned tables—the story beautifully resolves through cooperation and kindness. The wise old owl, who steps in to guide the other animals in tidying up, delivers a moment that is both heartwarming and educational. This scene imparts an essential lesson about teamwork and consideration for others, adding depth to the story.
Lisa Rush’s illustrations are a perfect complement to Howell’s lively text. They burst with color and personality, bringing the animal characters to life with flair. The artwork is not merely decorative but integral to the storytelling, adding layers of humor and depth that keep young readers engaged.
Pinkies Up is a delightful and highly recommended book for parents and educators seeking a fun and meaningful story. Ideal for children aged 3-7, though older readers may also appreciate its playful language and captivating illustrations. Whether the goal is to teach lessons about diversity and manners or simply to share a joyful story, this book is a delightful choice that is sure to become a treasured favorite in any child’s book collection.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0CJ61M4PN
Heart Trouble for ZZ
Heart Trouble for ZZ is a delightful and educational picture book that teaches children the importance of caring for a sick pet. The story centers on ZZ, a spirited and playful dog whose only desire is to enjoy life despite a concerning diagnosis from his veterinarian. When the vet warns that ZZ might have a heart problem and advises him to stay calm until the test results are in, ZZ tries his best to settle down, but his exuberant nature gets the better of him. That’s when his loving family steps in, offering the support and guidance he needs.
The adventures of ZZ throughout this vibrant children’s book are a joy to witness. His antics, whether bouncing on the couch or racing around the yard, perfectly capture the playful spirit of a typical dog, and children will be thoroughly entertained by his lively behavior. However, beyond the fun and silliness lies a deeper lesson. As readers follow ZZ’s journey, they learn ways to help a rambunctious pet calm down, even when it’s essential for their health. Heart Trouble for ZZ excels in demonstrating gentle and compassionate ways to care for pets who struggle to settle down when it matters most.
The book’s charm is further enhanced by Zoe Saunders’ stunning illustrations. Her use of a soft color palette and beautiful sketch-style artwork vividly conveys ZZ’s emotions, whether he’s feeling frightened at the vet or discouraged while hiding in the closet. Every page is a visual treat, and children will be captivated by the expressive depictions of ZZ’s experiences.
Heart Trouble for ZZ is a heartwarming and insightful children’s book, ideal for families with pets, especially those dealing with health issues. Even for those without pets, young readers will be enchanted by ZZ’s rambunctious nature and come away with a valuable lesson in caring for loved ones.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DFVTFHT1
Inspired by a Stuffed Animal
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell follows a young hermit crab living in Southern California who is swept away from home during a storm and must find his way home. What was the inspiration for your story?
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell came to me as a surprise. I am not a children’s author by any means—and I am still learning the ins and outs of writing a book for a younger audience—but writing a children’s book has always been something I’ve wanted to do. This story in particular was inspired by a stuffed animal that I’ve had in my room—a hermit crab! The story’s setting was greatly inspired by San Diego and Southern California in general, as that is where I live.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Particularly with children’s stories, I’ve always enjoyed writing the first page. To me, that’s the most important part of the story—at least for drawing in young readers. The same goes for this book as well. Writing the descriptions of the tide pools and the ocean waves, and introducing the characters, was the best part.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To me, I felt that keeping the book as factual as possible was very important. I included details such as how hermit crabs find and replace their shells, as well as little references as to what they eat and how they live. Other than that, as the book is for a younger audience, I allowed my imagination to take forth!
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?
For now, I don’t have definite plans to write another book in this series—with that being said, continuing the journeys of Zeke and his friends is something I would like to do in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Are you ready to explore the ocean? Join Zeke, a young hermit crab from the sunny coast of Southern California, on his quest to return home after being swept away during a storm. Along the way, he will meet new friends and discover a bravery inside himself that he never knew was there—and maybe you will too.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is the perfect adventure for budding readers, lovers of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, and those still trying to come out of their shells.
Education is Changing Directions
Theodore, the Sloth Who Wants to Race, follows a two-toed sloth who, unlike other sloths, dreams of winning a speed race despite the obstacles that are in his path. What was the inspiration for your story?
Sam and I have always chosen paths in life that others have tried to tell us won’t or can’t work. Sometimes those predictions were correct, and we’ve then found ourselves wishing in those low moments that we had chosen something else. But then, in other instances, in spite of the comments of naysayers, we have found the results of going our own way to be magical. And so, we were sitting around one night during one of those low moments of indecision, trying to sort out where to head next in our life direction, when one of us (we can’t remember which) commented that, “Sometimes, I feel like a sloth trying to be an Olympic sprinter.” We thought the analogy to be as funny as it was apt and then came up with Theodore as a way to entertain ourselves.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Probably the scene where Theo is racing the worm and then, in his moment of glory, realizes his big achievement never actually happened. Poor Theo!
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The primary lesson of Theodore is that life truly is a marathon and that you cannot give up. You don’t know what obstacles will come into your marathon-path, or how you might initially react to them. Sometimes you’ll have wins and other times losses, but the only way to really experience life is to just keep trying. You just never know what you can achieve!
In a purely didactic sense, we purposefully used vocabulary that one does not typically find in children’s picture books and then included a glossary at the end. Why? Because kids are smart and like to learn! And in this same vein, we also included some fun facts about sloths and the biology game, because we have noticed that when there is a relatable story behind learning, then kids are more engaged and able to absorb knowledge.
Also, it seems that education is changing directions, but when Sam and I were in our formative years, the message was definitely that learning is a chore and isn’t supposed to be fun. Sadly, this dogma becomes internalized and translates later in life to the idea that you can’t be a fun person and be a smart, successful, and serious person at the same time. We both think that learning is absolutely fun and critical to meaningful engagement in life.
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?
Right now, Theodore is a stand-alone, with no specific plans for a sequel, but that possibility has been discussed. One reader suggested the next book to be about Theodore’s club, so we’ll have to see!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon | YouTube
Theodore yearns to RACE, to EARN his wins, to prove his WORTH.
The only catch?
Well, he’s a sloth, the slowest mammal ON THIS EARTH.
But that can’t stop a dream.
With determination, a few good friends, and a touch of science, Theo sets out to overcome his obstacles.
Join him on his (two-toed) quest for athletic glory!
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
Depression by Christian Martin
Murder With Malice by Deirdre Oliver
The Coffee Traveler
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
An Alien Took My Cheese
An Alien Took My Cheese hooks young readers right from the start. Owen wakes up one morning, only to discover his favorite snack has vanished without a trace. But who—or what—could be behind this? As the story moves forward, the possibility of an alien culprit comes into focus. With his loyal dog Clover by his side, Owen dives into a thrilling adventure, determined to solve the mystery of the missing cheese. What he finds along the way, though, is something he never expected.
Janice Hostetter spins a tale that sparks curiosity and lively discussion, especially during story time. Humor and suspense blend seamlessly, pulling readers in and holding their attention tight. The idea of an alien thief adds a fun and imaginative twist, keeping the story vibrant and fresh. Owen’s close bond with Clover brings warmth to the narrative, turning their quest into more than just a hunt for stolen cheese—it becomes a touching story of friendship. The interactive nature of the book shines through as Owen picks up clues around the house, inviting readers to join the detective work. Bright, engaging illustrations amplify the experience, urging young minds to dive deeper into the story and ask questions. The sensory details Hostetter weaves in—like the stench in the garage, the clatter of mysterious noises, and the eerie green slime—make the tale come alive. These vivid elements not only enhance the story but also offer a subtle educational layer, perfect for helping children explore their senses.
This story moves at a brisk pace, perfect for young readers who love a good mix of humor and adventure. The quick tempo keeps the energy high, ensuring kids remain captivated from start to finish. With its blend of comedy, heartwarming moments, and surprising twists, An Alien Took My Cheese stands out as a must-read for any child eager for a mystery full of delightful surprises.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D7WZ4STT
LITERARY TITAN 