Blog Archives
Acknowledge Those Who Matter
Everyday Heroes: Real People, True Heroes follows a teacher and her class who are learning about and celebrating the everyday heroes in their lives that inspire them. The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Arsalan Khan?
My dad and I began working with Arsalan in the summer of 2021. He’s become our preferred illustrator for all our projects since that time. We consistently choose him and recommend him to others because of his amazing ability to bring words to life through his illustrations. His patience while we refine our stories and request revisions is exceptional. Additionally, he has corrected errors in illustrations from other illustrators that we worked with prior to meeting him at minimal cost.
I collaborated with children at Casa Esperanza Montessori to create the manuscript for Everyday Heroes. My dad contacted Arsalan to see if he could illustrate the book while I continued to work on the manuscript. Arsalan agreed to fit it into his schedule. We provided him with the manuscript, specifying the characters’ makeup, and left the rest to his creative vision. He returned with a storyboard featuring all the characters, which we reviewed and approved after a few iterations. As always, Arsalan exceeded our expectations in both creativity and timeliness. We not only paid for his work but also gave him a generous tip for exceeding our expectations.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to express that my dad has been my personal hero throughout my childhood and teenage years. Additionally, I wanted to emphasize that a hero doesn’t have to be a parent or someone who wears a cape. A hero is anyone who cares for you or holds significance in your life. My message to the children reading Everyday Heroes is to appreciate and acknowledge those who matter while they are still around. Also, take note of as many lessons as they try to teach you along the way while you can.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on a poetry book that explores my journey from childhood to adulthood, reflecting on love, life, and personal struggles. I plan to release this book after graduating high school next summer, with the anticipated release date set for June 9, 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Website | Amazon
Bones Are Amazing
Nurse Florence, Tell Me About the Bones follows three friends who, after seeing a classmate recovering from a broken arm, ask the school nurse about how broken bones heal. What was the inspiration for your story?
Simply, it was time to write a book about bones. Bones are amazing and kids should know how they work.
You provide a lot of interesting information and present difficult concepts in a way that is understandable to even those outside the medical field. Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Eating nuts and seeds are also good for your bones.
How do you hope your work will impact your readers?
There is a nursing shortage in the United States and it continues to grow. We need more kids interested in the health professions. I hope to make health information accessible for all so that many, many people will consider a career in the health sciences. The health professions are very challenging for many reasons, and we need capable minds pursuing jobs in these fields. I hope these books help prepare more future scientists.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
In 2023, we published a book every 10 days. In 2024, we have accelerated to a new Nurse Florence® book every 5 days. We have also launched a mental health series for teenagers and adults titled Nurse Dorothea. We publish a new Nurse Dorothea every 5 weeks. The next book is published in order of completed drawings so I kind of never know which will be the next. I have about 30 other children’s book series in mind and hope one day to be a full-time author so that I can write three books a day. This is a lot of fun for me.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
The Soul Sistas Go To School- Book Series
The Soul Sistas Go To School!, by Newton Vanriel, is a delightful and engaging tale that addresses the anxieties children often feel about starting school. Charm and Dawn, the protagonists, live on a farm where they enjoy their days and initially prefer learning at home in their familiar environment. However, their parents recognize the benefits of attending school, such as the opportunity to socialize and experience new activities. The situation becomes more complex when the school principal suggests placing the sisters in different classes to cater to their unique interests.
Vanriel’s book highlights the excitement and potential of the school environment, showcasing it as a place for learning and making friends while overcoming challenges. Charm and Dawn approach their new experiences with a positive attitude, quickly adapting to their new surroundings. Readers follow the sisters as they participate in classroom activities like show and tell and gradually form a wider circle of friends. The engaging narration draws readers in, allowing them to connect deeply with the protagonists as they navigate conflicts both in and out of school.
The illustrations in the book are appealing and complement the story. Throughout the story, Charm and Dawn encounter adopted brothers Raj from India and Kenneth from China, introducing enriching themes of diversity, adoption, and family dynamics. This adds depth to the narrative, beautifully expanding the focus to include the importance of family relationships alongside the school theme.
The Soul Sistas Go To School! is a valuable resource for young readers. It teaches essential skills for adapting to new situations and managing emotions, ultimately boosting self-confidence. Charm and Dawn’s journey demonstrates that making friends and facing new experiences can be enjoyable and rewarding. This book is a wonderful adventure that sets realistic expectations about school life, encouraging children to embrace new opportunities with an open heart.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0D888K2MF
Steven F Seagull and The Missing Chips
Steven F Seagull and the Missing Chips, by Kitty May Gruchelska, is a delightful adventure set on the coast of Britain. The story follows Steven Fitzgerald Seagull, affectionately known as Fitzy, who embarks on another day of work alongside his fellow seagulls. Their mission is to find their sacred and favorite food: delicious, salty chips. However, a crisis strikes their home of Fry Cove when all the chips mysteriously disappear, leading Fitzy on a thrilling quest to save his hometown.
Gruchelska’s storytelling is engaging, reminiscent of an animated movie for children. The action unfolds rapidly, and the author’s lively style keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Written from Fitzy’s perspective, the book immerses the reader in his journey as he meets a diverse cast of characters. Fitzy’s best friend Charlie is kind and tough, Percy Pigeon’s shyness is endearing, the Artful Dodger’s bravado leaps off the page, and the intrepid Ellie comes through when it matters most.
One of the many standout features in the book is the depiction of the Annual Chip Festival, where the community’s love for chips is celebrated with fervor and excitement. The scene where chips rain down like confetti is both amusing and endearing, capturing the essence of the seagulls’ joy and camaraderie. Gruchelska also excels in portraying the crisis that ensues when the chips vanish, highlighting the seagulls’ desperation and the comedic chaos that follows.
The thematic exploration of dependency and adaptability is subtly woven throughout the narrative. The protagonist’s journey from a carefree chip lover to a determined seeker of solutions adds depth to the story. Steven’s interactions with various characters, like his supportive best friend Stephanie Charlotte and the enigmatic mystic Stefania Rose, provide valuable lessons about resilience and self-belief. The scene where Steven consults the emergency seagull hotline is particularly poignant, showcasing the community’s collective anxiety and the humorous yet dire straits they find themselves in.
Steven F. Seagull & The Missing Chips is a delightful read that offers a unique blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments. Kitty May Gruchelska’s ability to craft a charming world filled with memorable characters makes this book a joy for readers of all ages. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining story that also imparts meaningful lessons about community and adaptability. Whether you’re a fan of whimsical tales or simply in need of a feel-good read, this book is sure to leave you smiling.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0D73QBMX1
Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine
Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine, by Caroline Lee, is a whimsical dive into the adventures of an eleven-year-old girl, Maxzyne Merriweather, who stumbles into an underwater world filled with naiads, nixies, and a plethora of aquatic creatures during what she expected to be a mundane CPR class in Florida. The story quickly shifts from CPR dummies to a full-blown fantasy adventure where Maxzyne must help save the enchanting Liliana Springs from a greedy corporation intent on draining the natural springs for profit. This book weaves environmental awareness into a captivating narrative that blends fantasy and reality in a way that is sure to captivate young readers.
From the get-go, I was drawn to Maxzyne’s quirky, headstrong personality. She’s the kind of protagonist who makes you grin with her quick wit and eye-rolling disdain for teamwork, yet you can’t help but root for her as she navigates a world that’s as foreign as it is fascinating. One of my favorite moments is when she impulsively decides to borrow a paddleboard to investigate a group of mermaid-costumed girls, only to find herself pulled into the magical depths of Liliana Springs. This scene perfectly captures her adventurous spirit and the book’s blend of reality with fantasy.
The writing is lively and vivid, filled with enough detail to make the underwater world of Liliana Springs come alive without bogging down the pace. The way Caroline Lee introduces environmental themes like water conservation and the impact of pollution feels natural and engaging. The book immerses readers in a story where the stakes are high, and the consequences of human actions are made clear through the eyes of both magical and real-world creatures.
I particularly appreciated the character of Glenys, the naiad queen, whose mix of wisdom and urgency makes the environmental message resonate without feeling forced. Oliver’s character serves as a nice foil to Maxzyne. His know-it-all attitude and obsession with facts contrast sharply with Maxzyne’s more impulsive nature, making their interactions both amusing and educational.
Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine is a delightful read that I would highly recommend for young readers, especially those who love fantasy adventures with a touch of real-world issues. It’s perfect for kids who have a curious mind and a passion for the environment, or who simply enjoy a good, magical adventure.
Pages: 248 | ISBN : 978-0990661757
Little Joe and The Big Rain
Little Joe enjoys taking naps in his basket on his front porch. One day, his friend Hopper invites him to his house to make fly soup. Being naturally curious and adventurous, Little Joe eagerly agrees. On their way to Hopper’s house, it starts to rain, forcing them to seek shelter from the storm. In their search, they encounter a hungry bear named Roxy. Little Joe helps Roxy, and in return, she provides them with shelter and tea until the storm passes. Afterward, Little Joe rushes home to tell Anna all about his exciting day.
One of the most engaging aspects of Mike Darcy’s Little Joe and the Big Rain is its delightful character development. Little Joe’s curiosity and bravery are infectious, making him a relatable and inspiring protagonist for young readers. Hopper’s enthusiasm and big-heartedness bring a light-hearted energy to the story, while Roxy’s nurturing nature adds a comforting presence. Their interactions are heartwarming and often humorous, illustrating how different personalities can complement each other perfectly. The narrative flows smoothly, with each chapter presenting new adventures and lessons.
The book’s gentle teachings on diversity and friendship are seamlessly integrated into the plot. The characters’ differences are highlighted in a way that celebrates uniqueness rather than division. This thoughtful approach helps young readers appreciate and embrace diversity naturally.
Little Joe and the Big Rain, by Mike Darcy, is a delightful read that offers more than just an adventure; it’s a journey into understanding and embracing diversity. The story’s engaging characters, smooth narrative, and gentle yet profound lessons make it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf. It’s particularly well-suited for young readers who are just beginning to navigate the complexities of friendships and differences. This book is sure to encourage children to look beyond the surface and discover the friend in everyone they meet.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 978-1964544007
LITERARY TITAN 