Blog Archives
Literary Titan Silver Book Award July 2024
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
Gracela by Lowell Duane Pabst
Candid Idylls of a State Representative by Byrne Corbin
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
A Positive Role Model
In Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift, an industrious rabbit with a special gift to share and her hard-working forest friends prepare for the long winter ahead. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since the first three books (Hunnie Bunny’s Garden, Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery and Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish) take place in the spring, summer and winter, I wanted to introduce a fall theme where I could show how the woodland animals in the story prepare for the cold months. For example, Mr. Frog hibernates, so he doesn’t appear in Hunnie Bunny‘s Christmas Wish. In this book, Hunnie Bunny’s fur gets thicker, and both she and Mr. Squirrel store food so they won’t go hungry when their food supply is hard to find or non-existent.
Do you have a favorite character? Is there one whose dialogue and traits are especially fun to craft?
Hunnie Bunny is my favorite because, through her, I can present a positive role model for young children by showing her compassionate, helpful nature and loyal friendships. Also, her leadership and problem-solving skills are fun to integrate into the stories, making her personality even more appealing.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from Hunnie Bunny’s latest adventure?
I hope young children will see how important and special it is to consider the needs of others, and be willing and happy to share, especially with those who are less fortunate.
Do you have more books planned for this series? If so, where can readers expect to see it take your colorful cast of characters?
Yes, indeed! There are eleven books in the Hunnie Bunny series so far. In the upcoming stories, Hunnie Bunny will encounter fairies, new neighbors, a magic flute, a unicorn, and a daring escape. She and her friends will also share in a new beginning and a rescue. The next book in the series, Hunnie Bunny and the Lost Fairy, is currently being illustrated and should be released sometime in August. A list of future titles can be found on my website: www.simplereadsbooks.com.
Even though the Hunnie Bunny books have been written sequentially, they can be read in any order. The purpose of these stories is to offer some education and learning in an entertaining way, while encouraging imaginative play. My journey thus far has brought me so much joy and happiness knowing that children all over the world are enjoying the adventures of Hunnie Bunny and her friends.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
How do Hunnie Bunny and her friends prepare for winter? Read the story and discover the reason behind her special gift.
Higher Callings for Our Lives
The Mighty Mountain follows a tall and mighty mountain who is struck by an earthquake and reduced to a pile of sticks and has to find a new purpose in life. What was the inspiration for your story?
I recall praying for ideas about 8 years ago for something of value that would be impactful to people, build a legacy for my family, and God imparted a parable about a mountain to my mind and I couldn’t shake it. I felt the message behind the story was so powerful and moving to everyone young and old that it had to be shared. I wanted this book to be a classic story that will stick with people for a lifetime like The Little Engine That Could, The Giving Tree, or The Hungry Caterpillar. When I expanded the parable into an illustrative story, I was motivated to have others see and feel what I experienced in that moment when the story was first placed on my heart.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some of the ideas that I wanted to share in this book were about the idea of change and discovering your purpose. In life, you sometimes find out that you are good at something and you devote all of your energy into it and believe you found your thing. So much so that you’ve placed your entire worth in that thing and if you can’t do that thing you fall into the trap of believing you’re worthless. The truth is we evolve, go through seasons, and have higher callings for our lives. Sometimes it’s related to what we were doing before but sometimes it isn’t. Young and old go through tragedies of different magnitudes impacting what they were doing and I want to share the idea of hope within them. Hope that they are more and will make an impact somewhere else.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Wilker Aguiar Souza?
Working with Wilker was fantastic, I felt we worked very well together! The Mighty Mountain was my first book, and I had a vision for how the mountain should look. Early in the process, I made sketches of how each character would look and respond in the different scenes. Several years later when going through character development, I provided Wilker with the manuscript, explained how I wanted the mountain to look, and when he provided his initial sketches for the character development I was shocked! They were eerily close to what I drew years before. That was confirmation for me that Wilker was supposed to be the illustrator for this project. I gave him creative freedom to make the story come alive with vibrant colors and tones to convey the emotion of the mountain as it went through its transformational process.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have several books that I am working on. The adult companion book for The Mighty Mountain is in the editing stage and should be available within the next six months. That book will go a little deeper and provide the adults and parents with more insight to help them apply the ideas that are embedded within The Mighty Mountain to their circumstances. Additionally, I have inspired my daughter to write a book. She has a love of baking and co-authored a magnificent book called Cookie-Day, Cookie-Day which is available on Amazon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Following Your Own Heart and Reason
A Butterfly’s Song follows a young plain butterfly who feels that there is nothing special about herself, making her feel all alone. What was the inspiration for your story?
The story of the Pupa butterfly has ingredients from the reality of today’s children and young people. From that world where often the loudest, bravest, and, in different ways, the most “colorful” personalities get the most attention.
Of course, not everyone is an extrovert who loves to show off and enjoys performing in front of others. Such persons are often idealized and presented as admirable role models in public, though. This perception quickly spreads, especially among children and young people at a tender age, putting their developing self-esteem to the test.
I wrote my story to encourage those who feel they can’t live up to the expectations placed on them. Sometimes, those expectations come from around the individual in the form of different requirements regarding appearance, behavior, or skills. Sometimes, the person is unsatisfied with himself and feels inferior to others, even if no one notices it.
Of course, those who feel alone, insecure, and without support are in the most challenging position with their insecurities. In my story, the wind represents the help that can sometimes come from a surprising direction.
We all have moments when we wish such a gentle wind would take us in its arms and blow our wings with new energy. It might help us regain confidence and trust in flying – or singing – our way.
Pupa worries about being plain and ordinary and not standing out. What were the driving ideals behind her development in this story?
In my story, A Butterfly’s Song, we follow Pupa’s first moments when she emerges from her cocoon as a butterfly. It is a shock to enter a new life situation and adapt to an unfamiliar environment. Just getting her wings open and ready to fly is challenging.
The first task is facing that initial shock. After figuring it out, Pupa is even happy and enthusiastic momentarily and tries to adapt to the company of colorful butterflies she admires. She fails.
An individual who is more modest than the others is overlooked and ignored. In addition to sadness, we can also notice some envy toward others in Pupa. She should get those feelings under control, but how? As the next step, she tries to imitate the nightingale, but the butterfly cannot sing. So, Pupa runs into her unrealistic dreams.
The encounter between the butterfly and the wind is a crucial moment in this fairy tale. The wind represents a gentle and understanding helper, and Pupa is lucky to find such help. Our modest butterfly overcomes her most difficult feelings of loneliness and inadequacy with the help of the wind, but she must eventually learn to accept herself as she really is.
At the end of the story, Pupa finds and accepts her own place and role in life. She even understands that being alive with all the beauty around her is a gift from life.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Through this butterfly’s life, we go through many growth phases and situations familiar to everyone – child or adult. The story highlights the difficulties one faces in new situations. The reason may be an unfamiliar environment and a missing support network. Our self-esteem and trust in survival may also be weak.
This little story helps us imagine and experience living in such situations by allowing us to see the unknown world through the eyes of a fairy tale character. Encountering anything new and unknown is always challenging. Even in a familiar place, you can face difficulties if the people around you change or the demands increase. Facing and mastering the changed situation takes energy and time.
Finally, I would like to emphasize two more educational aspects that must be remembered. The first is that in times of trouble, it is important to seek reliable help. Inadequacy of one’s skills or strength is not a shame. Equally important is not to let anyone outside define what we should be like. Following your own heart and reason usually shows the best way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will that be published?
I’ve just received the artists’ illustrations for several of my stories. So I can transfer them out of my hands for the next steps of book projects.
Of course, I still participate in the commentary of the layout stage. For example, I’m working on two stories about exceptional houses set in India – The Old Rose Villa and The Dream House. That pair of books is exceptional in many respects. Namely, I have received the stories’ subjects and a request to write them from an Indian friend.
I also wanted to find an Indian illustrator for the books because I want them to respect and reflect Indian culture. I came across Akanksha Priya, who interpreted the stories beautifully in hand-painted pictures. The results of our cooperation will be available for everyone to see later this year.
Finally, I would like to mention another story that is very close to my heart. I won’t even reveal the book’s name yet, but I hope the story fits in with UNESCO’s Indigenous Languages Decade (2022–2032). It would be great to work on this important issue. With my story, I want to bring out the uniqueness and sensitivity of human communities, nature, and different life forms. That is one of my dreams.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Lonely, Pupa tries to learn to sing. When her efforts are futile, the night wind feels sorry for her and wants to help. Can Pupa ever sing beautiful melodies?
Priscilla and Tux: Brothers are Caring – A Picture Book for Kids
Family unity helps instill values such as respect and mutual support. Victoria Smith embraces this idea beautifully in Priscilla and Tux: Brothers are Caring. The story centers on eight-year-old Priscilla, who is worried about her school’s show-and-tell presentations. All her classmates are showcasing interesting, original, and unique items, so she wants to share something truly special. Her mom tries to help by giving her suggestions, but nothing seems good enough for Priscilla. However, when she sees her brother Tux being friendly and telling jokes to his friends, she realizes he can help her solve her problem.
Victoria Smith shares a sweet story about an everyday situation, giving it a creative and enthusiastic touch. I appreciated how the story develops because it implicitly addresses various themes. For example, the classmates’ presentations showcase cultural and religious diversity and feature different hobbies like board games and sports. There are many great ideas for new activities for kids. The story also highlights the importance of good communication and the pleasure of being in a respectful and friendly environment.
Sergii Zavadskyi’s illustrations are captivating with their vibrant colors and varied, expressive characters. The language is clear, making it suitable for practicing reading and enriching vocabulary with the items shown in the classroom presentations. Priscilla and her brother Tux’s relationship is one of the narrative’s most beautiful features, imparting young readers with a positive example of family interaction.
Priscilla and Tux: Brothers are Caring is highly recommended, celebrating family love and the joy of sharing meaningful moments. It is an engaging and heartwarming story that not only entertains but also teaches valuable life lessons, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CGQBY7Z2
Timothy Gets Stuck
Timothy Gets Stuck, by Mark Lawrence, is a delightful and educational tale that highlights the values of friendship, responsibility, and listening to advice. The story centers on Timothy, a bright red tip truck who takes great pride in his work, enjoying the process of loading and unloading dirt to keep areas clean. On a Monday morning, Timothy heads to a park for his assignment and reunites with his friend, Lisa the Loader. Lisa cautions him about the soft ground following the weekend rain and advises him to stick to safe areas. Together, they successfully restore the local park, demonstrating effective teamwork. However, when left alone, Timothy forgets Lisa’s advice and is tempted to play in the puddles, leading to his tires getting stuck in the mud. Feeling sad and scared, Timothy is relieved when Lisa, still nearby, comes to his rescue.
Lawrence’s narrative delivers important lessons through an engaging storyline. The book underscores the significance of teamwork, heeding warnings, and listening to advice, making it particularly beneficial for children learning to follow instructions for safe play and social integration. The story also promotes environmental care and tidiness, woven naturally into the plot. The characters of Timothy and Lisa are charming and interact seamlessly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The colorful illustrations bring the story to life, featuring expressive characters that captivate young readers. The dialogue flows naturally, with Timothy and Lisa cheerfully conversing as they work and explore the park, adding to the story’s appeal.
Timothy Gets Stuck effectively teaches children the value of learning from their mistakes and the importance of attentive listening. Mark Lawrence’s love for nature and insightful life lessons shine through, making this book an invaluable resource for young readers. This engaging and heartwarming story is perfect for teaching children about active listening and nurturing friendships.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B0CLZ45KXD
Why Max “Meows and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures
Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures, by David Huerta, is a delightful exploration of onomatopoeias, emphasizing their role in developing language skills such as speech fluency and pronunciation. The story follows Max, an American boy, and Risa, a Japanese girl, who share a classroom in Japan. Max is initially puzzled when he realizes that Risa interprets the sound a mouse makes differently than he does. This discovery leads him to embark on a fascinating journey with Risa to uncover how animal sounds are interpreted across cultures.
The characters of Max and Risa are endearing and humorous, showcasing a strong, supportive friendship. Their interactions are engaging and highlight the joy of learning about cultural differences. Through their journey, readers gain valuable insights into Japanese culture, as Max and Risa navigate their differing perspectives and learn to appreciate each other’s viewpoints. This narrative beautifully illustrates the importance of accepting others’ opinions and the value of collaboration.
Huerta’s book features a charming array of animal sounds, including those of dogs, cats, and sheep, offering a rich and entertaining learning experience. To enhance understanding, a table at the end lists the sounds in English, Japanese, and their Japanese pronunciations, providing a practical reference for young readers. The illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, with clear and relaxed tones that make the story visually appealing. Set in a lively school environment, the narrative portrays learning as an enjoyable adventure. Although some sentences may be a bit long for very young readers, the explanations are thorough, and the concepts are conveyed clearly.
Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures is a charming and educational tale that not only introduces children to animal sounds but also serves as a captivating introduction to Japanese culture. David Huerta has created a story that is both entertaining and enlightening, making it an excellent resource for fostering cultural awareness and language development in young readers.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D1RLPDXX
Giving Back to Nature
In Nori’s Amazing First Hike, a curious three-year-old and her family embark on an outdoor adventure, revel in the beauty around them, and give back to nature by planting a tree together. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was an important book for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted it to be as a keepsake for my family and especially for my 3-year-old daughter Nori (short for Eleonora) who’s the main character in the book and of course the main inspiration. Secondly, I’m an avid hiker and generally a very outdoorsy person. I love everything about nature and hiking including writing about it. My main goal with this book was to instill nature appreciation and love for exploration of the Great Outdoors in young readers. For me, that’s very important, especially in the digital world we live in where we’re flooded with screens. Being in nature heals the sole and recalibrates our minds and the sooner one understands that the better.
Planting the tree was something that I wanted to include in the book because it shows the importance of giving back to nature.
Is there anything from your own life included in the characters and experiences in your book?
Yes, the three main characters – Nori, her mom, and dad are all real. That’s me and my family. Some scenes of the book follow some of the hikes we did with Nori. For example, the scene where Dad kneels down, points at a butterfly, and explains to Nori its life stages is something that happened in real life during one of our hikes. We saw a gorgeous butterfly and I kneeled down to marvel at it. Nori was very intrigued by it and started asking me funny questions about the butterfly and the insects.
Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Kateryna Mansarliiska?
Kateryna is a young illustrator from Ukraine. We met online via a collaboration platform and I really liked her previous illustrations. So, I asked her to help me with the book and she instantly agreed. Working with her was a breeze. There was a lot of back and forth until we nail down the right scenes and the ideal colors but it was a fun process and we both liked it.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Nothing specific to mention yet. I have an idea about writing a book involving a little boy who goes cycling with his new bike but that’s all. It’s still a very vague idea. Soon, I will start working on it more thoroughly.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Embark on a heartwarming journey with Nori, a sweet 3-year-old, inspired by the real-life experiences of the author’s own daughter.
Follow Nori as she ventures to the mountains with her parents, an awe-inspiring experience filled with discovery, learning, and the sheer joy of being in nature.
With each step, Nori learns valuable lessons about respect and love for the natural world. Most importantly, she learns how to overcome challenges.
Aimed at kids aged 2-6 and beautifully illustrated, this is the perfect book if you want to ignite your child’s imagination and instill a deep appreciation for nature, all through a narrative that combines fun and learning.
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