Blog Archives
The Ballad of Levi Locust
Levi Locust, a musical bug with a passion for playing his banjo and singing country songs, embarks on a heartfelt journey in Janice Hostetter’s The Ballad of Levi Locust. Despite his enthusiasm, Levi struggles to find an audience that appreciates his music, leaving him feeling dejected and alone. Determined to find a place where he and his music belong, Levi continues his arduous quest for acceptance and peace.
Hostetter’s story is a beautifully written, rhyming narrative that captures the essence of perseverance and hope. The text flows effortlessly, making it an enjoyable read-aloud experience. As Levi encounters numerous challenges on his journey, readers are drawn into his world, rooting for him at every step.
Akjima Monnaf’s vibrant and full-of-life illustrations perfectly complement the charm and warmth of the story. Each page is a visual delight, adding depth and fun to Levi’s adventure. At its core, Levi’s story is a powerful testament to determination and friendship. The narrative’s compact size belies its profound message, which resonates deeply as Levi’s journey concludes with a brilliant and heartwarming resolution. This tale of a lone bug’s quest for belonging is both personal and universal, celebrating the indomitable spirit of pursuing one’s passion against all odds.
The Ballad of Levi Locust, by Janice Hostetter, has a genuine, heartfelt message. It’s a story that touches the heart and reminds us all of the importance of perseverance. This delightful children’s book is suitable for readers of all ages. Whether read aloud at home or shared in a group setting, Levi’s incredible journey offers fun and inspiration for everyone.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D38FFC4Y
Monster Problems A to Z
Monster Problems A to Z, by Stacie Green, is a delightful children’s alphabet book that cleverly blends mythical creatures with narratives addressing mental health challenges. Through vivid storytelling and engaging handwritten vocabulary, this book offers a fresh perspective on both fantasy and empathy. It encourages readers to explore complex emotions in a fun and educational manner, with vivid illustrations that draw readers into a world where monsters have problems just like the rest of us. The book is especially fun to read aloud, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s library.
One of the standout features of this whimsical children’s book is its imaginative approach to teaching the alphabet. Each letter is paired with a mythical creature and a relatable problem, making learning both engaging and meaningful. For example, A is for an Anxious alien, setting the tone for the book’s blend of whimsy and realism. The use of mythical creatures to personify various mental health issues is both clever and effective, providing young readers with a gentle introduction to complex topics. The writing in this book is both playful and impactful, striking a perfect balance that keeps children entertained while also delivering important messages. The illustrations are vibrant and full of character, bringing each mythical creature and their respective problem to life. The attention to detail in the drawings enhances the storytelling, making each page a visual treat.
Monster Problems A to Z is a fantastic book for young readers. Its blend of fantasy and real-world issues makes it a unique and valuable resource for teaching children about the alphabet, empathy, and mental health. The book is ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to introduce these topics in an accessible and enjoyable way. Whether you’re reading it aloud or letting children explore it on their own, this book is sure to be a hit.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0CW1L7NHL
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist
Little Coco has just started kindergarten and is delighted to meet new friends and embark on new adventures. However, Coco harbors a secret: she loves candy. Discovering candy in various places, she sneaks it without her parents’ knowledge. This leads to a severe toothache, forcing Coco to confront the truth and make her first trip to the dentist. With the support, guidance, and prayers of her parents, Coco finds the courage within herself to face this new challenge.
Coco’s Courage: Meeting the Dentist, by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis, serves as a gentle introduction to dentistry for children. The illustrations by Viona Betzy and C. Lola are vibrant and brimming with the joys of childhood. The narrative unfolds at a gentle pace, and I appreciated how Coco’s parents help her face her fears, improve herself, and grow as a person throughout the story. The book also provides a reassuring explanation of the dentist’s procedures, making it an excellent tool for introducing the concept of dental visits in a non-threatening manner. The depiction of the dentist’s office, complete with an aquarium and friendly staff, helps demystify the environment for young readers. This visual aid is particularly useful in making the dentist’s office appear less intimidating and more welcoming.
While it’s important to teach children about honesty and the consequences of stealing, I feel the religious undertones may not resonate with all readers. The emphasis on praying and relying on God for courage, though comforting, might not be as relatable for a more secular audience. That being said, the story’s core message of finding courage and being honest remains universally relevant.
Coco’s Courage: Meeting the Dentist remains a cheerful and valuable book for children, emphasizing moral values and the importance of facing fears. Its core message of courage and support and its effective introduction to dental visits for young children make this the ideal book to read together at home or in the classroom. This heartwarming story about finding inner courage with parental support is perfect for children learning about dentists for the first time.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0BJ7M6RW7
Unique Creations
Georange Horange’s Storange follows a young orange and a toy doctor who go on a mission to get the doctor’s new invention’s name added to the dictionary. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was washing the dishes one night in the middle of the week and I heard a character on the T.V. say “Nothing rhymes with orange.” For some reason, it struck me as being sad because it felt like the word was kind of alone. Dale had just retired from Sunny View P.S. and I immediately thought “Just create a word that rhymes with orange and solve the problem.”
That’s what the Toy Doctor program works to do every day with our students. They have an issue that is making them unhappy and the program always looks to find a unique way to solve that problem. Once I pictured Dale walking through at recess, seeing a sad crying orange, I knew it would break her heart and she would be able to solve the problem by creating something that rhymes with orange and would also make Georange happy again.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
The work of the amazing hand-painted illustrations in the story are completely due to the work of my sister in-law Julie Tait. There had already been a few family gatherings where Julie had displayed her artistic qualities but one Halloween stands out in my mind. She freehand carved an owl out of a pumpkin after just looking at it. I knew when it came to drawing, my efforts would never have come close to the details that Julie was able to so incredibly convey about the school, its students, Dale and of course, Julie’s visual representation of Georange Horange, whose facial expressions throughout the book really make him a heartfelt character. I can’t thank her enough for all the work she put into this book.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Georange Horange’s Storange?
Impossible is two letters too long.
That is the last line of the book and Dale painted this phrase on the wall of our shop. It is the only thing painted on the wall and Dale worked every day to prove the phrase is true. Every child at our school has their own unique issues that they work through every day. They require equally unique creations to help support them with those everyday needs. I always look at it like an equation. You have (A) what the student is capable of and (C) the goal the parents or teachers want the child to achieve. So I have to solve for (B) and create something that will allow the student to successfully go from what they are capable of doing, to what they need to do successfully as they grow and learn. There has never been a time where a solution wasn’t possible and I truly do believe that impossible is two letters too long.
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?
I am currently working on another story called A Fishless Tank and the Tale of Two Snails based on a true story. It describes the adventures of two snails that live in a tank at Sunny View. The two snail friends must help their aquatic ornament friends (Diver, Clam, Plants, and Ship) to overcome their own individual issues, by all working together to correct the problems in the tank. I’m hoping to get the text finalized this summer so that Julie can start to visualize the story and get a grasp on what she can create for the watercolor artwork. I’m making sure to include the students at Sunny View again in the background so that they can once again see themselves represented in a storybook.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
In this mesmerizing narrative, Ryan and Julie Tait pen and illustrate a tribute to Dale and the uplifting spirit of the children at Sunny View. “Georange Horange’s Storange” transcends a mere story-it is an exploration of wonder, kindness, and determination.
Introducing Georange Horange: a joyful and impeccably organized student, shining with positivity and purpose. Georange’s world is one where every child and every toy possesses extraordinary ability. As Georange teams up with Dale, they collectively embark on a whimsical quest to discover a truth: the word “impossible” is, indeed, two letters too long.
Adorned with exquisite illustrations, this narrative captures the profound interplay between life’s challenges and the magic that arises when one refuses to bow down. Through the tale of Dale and Georange, readers experience the powerful legacy of a woman whose life was dedicated to Sunny View’s courageous students. Their journey represents unity, compassion, and the unparalleled joy that emerges from facing and overcoming life’s obstacles.
“Georange Horange’s Storange” is destined to touch hearts across all ages, reinforcing timeless lessons of kindness, the resilience of community, and the transformative power of imagination.
Through the Eyes of a Child
Giant Legs follows Elliot who becomes overwhelmed by the crowd at his grandpa’s garden party until Uncle Stephen takes him on a unique adventure to conquer his fear and rejoin the celebration. What inspired you to write a story about a child’s fear of crowds and how did you come up with the idea of using stilts to overcome this fear?
I often accidentally find myself in situations where some little child I don’t even know has a problem and needs my help. Let me give you a few examples. I have often supported lost children in shopping centers and sightseeing areas. I have cared for some little ones left alone in the family car or those who have run off to rush unsupervised between the vehicles in the parking lots.
I’ve also witnessed the distress of some children amid crowds of strange people, which inspired me to write this story. Sadly, even a party can turn into a nightmare for sensitive and shy children. Maybe their parents dress them in too fancy clothes that must be kept from getting dirty all the time, or if they are expected to behave like grown-ups and make acquaintances with strangers, the party can become a nightmare for a child.
A little humorously said, this story, Giant Legs, defends children’s rights in the setting of a family party. In my childhood, I was an active and social child who enjoyed large groups, but there were also those close to me who needed hand-holding and support.
The stilts came into the story because they offered a fun element with which the child could be tangibly raised above the others. Elliot learns, succeeds, and shines. With the help of wooden legs, I also built a bridge between the adults and children of this story. It is liberating—for both parties—to realize these unifying, fun things and share experiences and memories.
Did you draw from personal experiences when creating Elliot’s character, or was he purely fictional?
Elliot was born in my imagination, or rather, he is a collection of observations I made as a child and later as an adult about similar party-related situations.
I had a large family circle in the old days, including about tens of cousins. We often celebrated birthdays, christenings, weddings, and funerals together. Then, family members, relatives, and friends of all ages gathered. I participated in those events with enthusiasm and courage, but some children were shy and avoided the company of others.
These childhood memories help me see things through the eyes of little people. Besides, I have another asset, which I sometimes call a Mommy Radar. I use it to map the possible dangers in the immediate area and try to prevent damage in advance. I try to do this discreetly so that the children don’t feel like they are being watched or restricted all the time.
My “childish” mind and vivid memories help me understand what interests, inspires, or worries children in different situations. This story is an example of a situation where the understanding and support of adults are necessary. I try to offer my support subtly by writing books suitable for children and their families.
The theme of facing fears is prevalent in your book, why is it important for children’s literature to tackle this topic?
It’s important to remember that the world looks completely different through the eyes of a child. On the other hand, there is a lot of joy and light in it, which adults sometimes forget under their rushes and pressures.
Children’s lives are constantly changing, too! They face new situations, changing environments, various demands, and skills they must learn. These can be exciting challenges, but they can also involve scary situations. There are thousands of questions circulating! The children wonder if they can or are allowed to do things or are good enough and accepted. Are they safe? What if something happens? Who will take care of them? Will others like them, and will they make friends?
Adults have a lot to do to support their children. We must know how to do this delicately, not underestimate children’s skills but also let them learn from their mistakes. However, sometimes the help of an adult is necessary, depending on the situation. In understanding our role, we adults can make use of our own childhood experiences – or maybe The Little Fears Series, too! My series currently has eight volumes, and more are on their way. Last time I was on vacation, I came up with a suitable way to deal with one fear people often ask me to write about. But let it remain a secret.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m almost out of breath when I think about the answer to this question. It’s because I have so many book projects in various stages.
Within the framework of a small family business, I’m connected to all phases of my stories in different ways—the translation and editing phase, collaboration with illustrators, and contacts with international publishers. Many things are happening at each stage right now—I’ll name a few examples next.
I have already received a few book illustrations from Brazil for the new Activ Kids Series. It has happy functionality and children’s usual activities with little surprises and some excitement. The first three books will be A Museum Robbery, The Ghost of the Deserted House, and Luke’s Sailing Adventure.
I’m also looking forward to proceeding with the layout of two unique stories – The Old Rose Villa and The Dream House – both set in India. The books are hand-illustrated by an Indian artist, and the exquisite pictures are ready! These books are precious to me because the subjects are based on real life, and my friend, who is of Indian origin, has inspired me to write children’s books about them. The stories contain sensitivity and respect for people’s dreams and their fulfillment.
There would be much more to mention, but let it suffice for now that my writing enthusiasm is the same after more than sixty publications in English, and more texts are constantly being created! I hope to present a cavalcade of interesting new picture books at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, where I will again have the pleasure of meeting publishing partners who publish my stories in their own countries! And the number of readers is increasing!
Author Links: Facebook | Website
It’s Grandpa’s birthday, and the whole family is invited to a garden party. Everyone is looking forward to the celebration, except for Elliot, who’s worried. He doesn’t like being in a crowd, and during the party, he escapes to his grandparents’ attic.
Fortunately, Uncle Stephen comes up with a fun way to get Elliot back to the garden with others. While walking on high wooden stilts, the whole world looks different – the adults down below, too!
Honest Actions Always Win
The Fox’s Tower follows a cunning and sneaky fox who wants to build the tallest building in the city at any cost. What was the inspiration for your story?
The Fox’s Tower is the third book in my Fox Series, and the next three are already well underway. The whole series is inspired by people throughout society who promote their individual interests and power. The main character, Francis the Fox, is an archetype who sees the community as his playing field and is ready to use any means to reach for power, position, and wealth.
This third part of the Fox Series emphasizes the theme of competition. When the desire to beat everyone else and stand out from the crowd grows to extreme proportions, the result can even be a disaster. At worst, the dishonest pursuit of financial gains can lead to severe social phenomena, such as bribery and circumventing the rules—even at the expense of safety, as in my Fox story.
Construction can sometimes become a means of exercising power and showing off. We witness exaggerated constructions around us, where maximum attention value is often sought in addition to financial profits. Sometimes, massive structures—bridges, monuments, palaces—also proclaim the strength and importance of their builders. Even today, some want to leave behind their pyramids.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Making children realize that selfish and inconsiderate behavior has consequences is essential. Although everything may seem to be going well initially, the victory may be short-lived. I want to emphasize that honest action always wins in the end. Although this does not instantly seem true in real life, justice will eventually prevail. The profit it gives can be more than money and power. The victory of justice can enhance humanity, cooperation, and a balanced, harmonious life.
The persistent planning and goal-oriented actions of Francis the Fox with his projects could be seen as an educational element in this book. We could admire his enterprise and consistency to a certain extent as long as we simultaneously realize the skewed morals involved. As I write about Francis, I often think how much good could be achieved if the fox’s enormous potential and enthusiasm were directed toward a decent course. With the right attitude, such a person could be helpful to others. But, sadly, Francis is just looking for his rewards.
Along with the adventure elements, I also want to highlight the importance of following the rules agreed upon in society. Here, building regulations serve as such an example. At least when it comes to a well-functioning and developed society, the established procedures also have reasonable justifications and aim to improve overall functionality and citizen’s safety. Unfortunately, we often hear news about how inadequate obeying and controlling building regulations has led to loss of life. For example, many drastic consequences of natural disasters could have been avoided with responsible foresight. Human lives are a high price for the builders’ neglect and greed and the authorities’ incompetence!
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
When I write a story, the characters belonging to it are also found somewhere in my subconscious. I feel like they’re in my mind, and I don’t have to create them. Persons, or at least some of them, represent some counterforce to others. That’s how human relationships are in real life, after all. A certain amount of confrontation and challenging each other is part of life. Even in a fairy tale, it is possible to present complex moral considerations through such compositions.
My characters usually have different sides, but especially in the Fox Series, the two main characters are rather black-and-white as personalities and influencers. Finding much good in Francis the Fox is difficult, as his actions are usually utterly self-centered.
On the other hand, the old and experienced mayor, William the Wolf, represents honesty and reliable management of societal issues. In addition to all the good features, he is incredibly patient. From book to book, time after time, he gives his young protégé Francis yet another chance to get his life back on track. But I can reveal to you that the fox’s dubious behavior in the future parts of the series exceeds all the acceptable limits. Mayor Wolf realizes that he can no longer control the young fox. All that remains is exposing his tricks, providing fair punishment, and minimizing the damage.
Several other characters with morally different action models exist between these two opposite extremes. Some are weak but kind. Others may be weak and succumb to temptations to gain fame and money or fulfill their dreams in the wake of a fox.
It is exciting to transfer the complex relationships and power games of real life into the world of a fairy tale. This way, it is possible for children to notice the injustices around them early on and learn to fight for good.
Will Francis the Fox have another chance at making one of his big dreams come true?
The Fox’s Tower is the third book in the series. Until now, each book describes a new attempt by a young fox rogue to get something that doesn’t belong to him. At least the means he uses are questionable time and time again. The fourth part of the series has already been illustrated, and the texts for the next two are ready, so I know what will happen to him very well.
I can assure you that Francis the Fox has enough dreams! They relate to the media world, leadership positions in society and elections, and financial interest in waste management and research. As you see, he has plenty of activities where he can dream, try, and fail again.
Even if the fox’s evil plans fail repeatedly, he doesn’t understand any wrongdoing in his actions. That is his fate, and he learns nothing from his previous mistakes this way. He imagines that he is aiming for something great and good, but in reality, it is quite different: he commits crimes for his benefit, and punishment follows his failure. This is pretty sad. — I hope that by reading about the life of a crooked fox, children will learn to set better goals for themselves in the future.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
How long will his money and building materials last? Could the tallest tower in the city collapse, along with Francis’s dreams?
Encourage, Motivate, and Empower Children
Piper’s Perfect Pick follows a young girl frustrated with trying to excel in sports who takes the advice of her cat to try out boxing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I absolutely love to box, even though I didn’t start boxing until I was 60 years old. The first time I punched a boxing bag I felt empowered. I thought, “Oh, I like this. I want to learn this sport!” So I did! Now I box 4-5 days a week.
Before I started to box, the only thing I knew about boxing was what I saw in the Rocky or Creed movies, which was pretty scary to me!
What I didn’t realize was that boxing is really about discipline, focus, and strategy, not just about throwing punches. It’s an amazing sport that is not well understood.
I wondered, “What if I had started to box when I was younger, say 8 or 9?” I probably would have been so much stronger, both mentally and physically. I would have had much more confidence in myself.
I started to think about how I wanted kids, especially little girls, to know that boxing is a great sport for them to try.
I thought, “Why don’t I tell them?”
Then…ding, ding, ding! The idea for Piper’s Perfect Pick came to me.
My rescue cat, Camelot, was the inspiration for Piper’s cat, Tater Tot. Before Cami got comfortable living with me, he would swat at my face whenever I walked by. I called him my little boxer!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Penny Weber?
I loved working with my illustrator, Penny Weber. We have a great relationship – after all, we are both a Peni/Penny! I had been looking for someone who did realistic illustrations, instead of cartoony ones. When I saw her portfolio I knew she was the one.
We are each other’s biggest fan – she loves my writing and I love her illustrations.
The only direction I gave Penny was the approximate age of my main character and the desire for her and her family to be of mixed race. Other than that, she had free rein. I had complete trust and faith that she would illustrate this book superbly – which she did!
Penny is already lined up to illustrate two more upcoming books of mine.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I write books to encourage, motivate, and empower children, so my debut picture book needed to showcase all of those themes.
It was important to show that Piper’s family encouraged and supported her.
It was important that Piper showed resilience and determination to follow her own path, even though it was an unexpected choice.
And it was important that children feel personally empowered after reading Piper’s story. If she could do it, then they could too!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book, Heart Trouble for ZZ, is due out November 3, 2024. I have three more books coming out in 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
In this compelling tale of resilience and determination, Piper teaches us an invaluable lesson: true strength lies in the willingness to explore the unknown, to never surrender to failure, and to keep pushing the boundaries until we uncover our own unique path. Sometimes, what we love most is not what we expect, and Piper’s story serves as a powerful reminder that our passions are waiting to be discovered, only if we persevere and never stop searching.
In Piper’s Perfect Pick, witness a heartwarming transformation that will leave you cheering for Piper and inspire you to keep exploring until you, too, find the one thing that sets your soul on fire.
Meatball Man Head Detective Book 1: Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker
In the idyllic community of Town-City, Meatball Man, the head detective of the local police force, spends his days mildly enforcing the law. With virtually no crime to combat, Meatball Man often finds himself playing cards with his trusty sidekicks, Bread Stick and Cheese Stick. That is until Sally Saltshaker presents him with a new mystery: her husband, Petey the Peppershaker, has gone missing, and it’s up to Meatball Man to crack the case and save the day.
Meatball Man, Head Detective Book 1: Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker, by Sandy Whiting, is a delightful and engaging read. This gentle and humorous adventure takes young readers on a rollicking journey through Meatball Man’s investigation, filled with numerous twists and turns. Rather than focusing on a mystery for kids to solve, this chapter book offers a playful romp through Meatball Man’s world, making it a lighthearted and fun experience. The story is enriched by Meatball Man’s sarcastic attitude, which adds a layer of humor as he races against time to find Petey Peppershaker, ideally before Sally floods his office with her salt-crystal tears.
The unique illustrations and the creative setting in a world of “foodlings” add to the charm of this narrative. Told from a first-person perspective, the book is perfectly sized for a summer afternoon read, making it a charming addition to any child’s bookshelf. Meatball Man’s debut adventure wraps up nicely while leaving plenty of room for future escapades. As an added bonus, the book includes an interview with Meatball Man and his friends at the end, giving readers a closer look at their favorite characters.
Meatball Man’s sarcastic yet endearing personality, coupled with a fast-paced plot and entertaining side characters, ensures that this debut is both captivating and enjoyable. Suitable for children aged 7 and up, Meatball Man, Head Detective Book 1: Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker, marks a promising start to what is sure to be a beloved mystery series for kids. Don’t miss out on this whimsical journey—Meatball Man is ready to bring his quirky charm to your bookshelf today.
Pages: 70 | ASIN : B0CYZ15HXN
LITERARY TITAN 