Blog Archives

Elevate That Inner Shine

María Castellucci Moore Author Interview

YOU Yoga takes young readers on a wonderful journey into mindfulness and self-discovery through gentle rhymes that guide readers to breathe, stretch, and listen within. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My personal Yoga Journey has given me tools to use in my own adult life that have shown great promise in easing stress, anxiety and overall improved wellness. I wanted to share my discovery with my little audiences through this story. 

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I wanted to ensure that the book appealed to both boys and girls, therefore the protagonists in the story are depicted as animals to give that uniformity and appeal to both genders. I too wanted to ensure that readers could experience the awe and the inner knowing that we are all born with our bright light and how yoga can elevate that inner shine and promise within. 

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Yulia Potts?

Thank you! I truly gave Yulia “carte blanche” to depict the story she saw fit with my guidance of course, but I really allowed her creativity to feel expressive throughout this book. 

Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?

This book was created as a “one off” to my traveling mindfulness Series. While the themes within all my books remain siilar, I wanted this book to have its own look and feel -thus using Yulia as my illustrator so this book could stand out and feel more whimsical and natural. 

Author Links: Instagram | FacebookWebsite

This is a story about igniting your inner
spark and shining brightly along your yoga
journey—a path where your little one can
begin to discover their true self.
Inside each of us lives a masterpiece, quietly
waiting to be revealed—an awakening to the
fullest expression of YOU.
May these pages bring YOU peace, like a
gentle song, and help YOU feel at home in
your heart.
It’s the calm that lingers when
the world grows loud.
Enjoy this simple story of
remembering who YOU truly are.
This is your journey.
This is YOU, yoga angel.

Food Can Be Fun and Symbolic

D.T. Tucker Author Interview

Obeseus: The Mighty Muncher follows a big-hearted hero who is enjoying his snack-filled life, till his old friend shows up, leading a “Juice Regime” to outlaw solid food. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Obesseus The Mighty Muncher has a very unique set up.  I wanted to create a world where food can be fun and symbolic. Snackland  is a world where eating snacks is celebrated and diet culture is seen as evil.  Diet culture is so focused and obsessed with living the perfect life that I thought it’d be fun to poke a little fun at it. The beautiful thing about Obesseus is that he is not  perfect and loves snacks.  All Obesseus wants is to snack peacefully and  protect Snackland  . It is a parody of our  health obsessed era, but with a side of gravy and laughter. 

What was your inspiration for Obesseus, and how did you craft his outlook on life?

Obesseus was born in my freshman year of high school after I was assigned  to read The Odyssey and had to write my own odyssey.  I kept on reading Odysseus as Obesseus when reading The Odyssey.  I made Obesseus the opposite of Odysseus, but with more snacks.

This is an entertaining story that children and adults can laugh at and still find tenderhearted moments. Did you have fun writing it?

I loved writing Obesseus The Mighty Muncher. I laughed a lot when I was writing Obesseus The Mighty Muncher. Obesseus sometimes takes things too literally or turns chaos into wisdom. There is a lot of comedy in this book, but beneath it all is a reminder to always be yourself. Joy, food, and friendship should never be taken for granted.  I had a blast writing Obesseus and look forward to releasing more Obesseus books.

Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?

I have expanded Snackland in Obesseus Lord of The Buffet and Obesseus World War Food. There are more factions and many more food wars that erupt and bring larger than life characters like Grant the Grapefruit and Julian Jellybean.  My goal for the Slam -Fu series is to make it a comedy with an unlikely hero  that brings both kids and adults joy. If Obesseus makes someone smile, that is exactly what makes all the work worth it.

Author Links: Goodreads | XWebsite

He’s hungry. He’s heroic. He’s about to belly-bounce the world into chaos.

In the heart of Snackland, where food fights are real and buffets are sacred, one hero stands between flavor freedom and portion-controlled doom…

Meet Obesseus—the slam-powered legend with a bottomless stomach and a soft spot for chocolate fountains. All he wants is a peaceful nap in a gravy river.

Entertaining and Educational

David Alyn Gordon Author Interview

The Adventures of Moly follows a lovable therapy dog who time-travels to ancient Pompeii, befriends a Roman boy and his dog, and faces history’s greatest disasters with courage, heart, and wagging tail. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I always knew that Pompeii would be the destination for Moly in her second adventure. My wife and I visited the ruins of that ancient city on our honeymoon, and I figured that children would love a story about a civilization where a volcano erupted nearby.

How did you research Pompeii to make it come alive for young readers without making it too scary?

I focused on what life was like for everyday Pompeiians and wanted to make it relatable by having a Pompeiian child with his dog guiding Moly through the city’s streets to help steer the narrative. I felt that children would find that entertaining and educational.

The illustrations add so much warmth. Did you collaborate closely with the artist, and how did that process work?

Yes I did. First, I supplied Valeria Leonova, the illustrator, with the final draft of the story with illustration suggestions. Then she supplied illustrations for my review and approval. The process takes about eight months from start to finish.

Can you give us a hint about Moly’s next time-travel destination?

Moly will be traveling on The Underground Railroad with Harriet Tubman in her third adventure.

Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Instagram

SHE’S A DOG, A FRIEND, AND A TIME-TRAVELER LIKE NO OTHER

Moly isn’t just a sweet Beagle Terrier—she’s a loyal companion who brings joy to children at Renaissance Academy and adventure to everyone she meets.

But her biggest secret? She can leap through time.

This time, her paws carry her to the bustling streets of Pompeii—an ancient city full of color, laughter, and hidden danger. As Moly explores Roman life, she discovers new friends, breathtaking wonders, and the looming shadow of a disaster no one sees coming.

For kids, every page is a doorway into history. For parents, it’s a story filled with heart, courage, and the kind of magic that makes reading unforgettable.

Perfect for readers who love adventure, friendship, and stories that bring history to life. Scroll up and join Moly on her next unforgettable journey through time!

You Are Always in My Heart

You Are Always in My Heart, by Rebecca Choy, is a tender and honest children’s book about love, loss, and the power of memory. It’s told from both a grown-up’s and a child’s perspective, showing how they each face the idea of death and saying goodbye. Through gentle words and warm illustrations, it explains that while death means someone can’t come back, love never goes away. The story also gives children comforting ways to remember someone, by writing, drawing, hugging a favorite toy, or looking at photos. It’s bilingual, too, written in both English and Cantonese, which adds a special cultural touch.

This is a heartfelt children’s book. The language is simple, but the feelings are big. I found myself tearing up more than once, especially when the child wonders if the parent will die and how they’ll cope. The way the author handles that fear is so real and compassionate. There’s no sugarcoating, just honesty mixed with comfort. I also loved how it quietly teaches emotional resilience, reminding both kids and adults that it’s okay to cry, to be angry, to be scared. The writing feels like a soft hug during a hard talk.

What really stood out to me was the cultural layer about Cantonese traditions and how death is often not talked about. That part felt so important. It makes the story not just about love and grief, but about breaking the silence and giving children permission to ask tough questions. It’s thoughtful and brave, but still full of warmth. And the illustrations, crafted by Choy and her daughter Bella, are full of heart. They draw young readers into the story with a beautiful simplicity.

I’d recommend You Are Always in My Heart to parents, teachers, or anyone who wants to help a child understand loss in a gentle way. It’s not just for kids who have experienced grief, but for any family that wants to build openness and empathy. This is the kind of picture book you keep close, maybe even read together when life feels a little too big. It’s tender, healing, and full of love.

Pages: 48 | ISBN : 978-1-7389652-1-2

Literary Titan 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

Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

Literary Titan Book Award: Children’s Books

The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.

Award Recipients

Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day by Rayner Tapia

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

Literary Titan Silver Book Award

Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.

Award Recipients

Filaments by KZK Zuganelis Kasling

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.

Star’s New York City Adventure: Being kind to Animals

Star the cat embarks on the adventure of a lifetime in Star’s New York City Adventure. For the first time, she’s exploring the vibrant heart of New York City, a dazzling metropolis alive with soaring skyscrapers, bright lights, and endless discoveries around every corner. Yet amid the excitement and bustle, Star’s journey takes a heartfelt turn when she encounters a lost kitten named Jet. Determined to help, she sets out to guide him to safety, realizing that the city’s glittering wonders pale beside the joy of kindness and connection.

Denise Alicea’s children’s book is charming and accessible, written with warmth and care for young readers who enjoy stories filled with color and heart. The tale evokes beloved series like The Berenstain Bears, combining expressive illustrations with a gentle moral lesson. Through Star’s eyes, children learn that empathy and compassion are powerful forces, traits that shape good friends, caring communities, and better futures. If nurtured early, those values can grow into lifelong habits of understanding and generosity.

The book also serves as a delightful introduction to New York City’s famous landmarks. Star and Jet explore the sprawling greenery of Central Park, marvel at the Statue of Liberty, and visit the fascinating exhibits of the Natural History Museum. Each stop adds a layer of excitement and discovery, turning their adventure into both a heartwarming story and a miniature travel guide.

With its cheerful tone, lovable characters, and timeless message, Star’s New York City Adventure shines as a perfect read-aloud for bedtime or classroom settings. Young readers will be drawn to its playful energy and positive spirit, while adults will appreciate its meaningful lesson about caring for others. This uplifting tale may easily become a cherished favorite, one that inspires kindness long after the final page is turned.

Pages: 31 | ASIN: B0FQ9WVB8H

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