Blog Archives
Mysterious Depths of the Sea
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles follows a group of immortal Dolphin Riders who are responsible for helping to maintain the marine ecosystem. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had been sketching out ideas for the characters and the stories that I wanted them to tell for many years, but I didn’t have time to actually write it until my newborn was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. It seems ridiculous that I would actually have more time to do something like this during such a time, but there was a lot of sitting and waiting at medical facilities. So, naturally, I rocked my baby and wrote a book on my phone. I wanted the first book to deal with the stranding of cetaceans because it is one of the most baffling behaviors they exhibit. After lots and lots of research, I discovered The Morbillivirus, dubbed it “The Great Sickness of Old,” and I was on my way.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this book?
I fell in love with the ocean at age five, and I devoured every piece of literature I could find on the subject. Sadly, the few books I found did not sweep me away into the mysterious depths of the sea quite the way my own imagination did. I wanted to share these dreams with others as well as teach them as much as possible about these majestic creatures that I love so much. By leading young readers to fall in love with these animals, I just might help ensure another generation of sea guardians.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
When the whales are stranded on the beach at the end of chapter 4, they have a quick discussion about calling out to get help from people. Their matriarch, however, has heard troubling stories about “Those Who Walk on Two Legs.” This makes her decide to keep her family quiet. Although brief, this scene offers a glimpse at the long and rocky relationship that we have had with whales over the centuries. I wanted children to think about why this caution exists as well as ways to improve the relationship in the future.
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?
This is the first of many stories I hope to write in this series. Even though I finished writing the book in 2015, I was unable to find time to publish until the Covid lockdown. It was only a strange coincidence that I published a book about a virus during that time, but I immediately began work on the next book. Entangled: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 2 is complete and with the editor now. I hope to release it within the next few months.
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In this highly original book, the author combines a gripping fantasy story with impressive amounts of factual information about marine life. While the beautiful color photos illustrate the real world of marine mammals, aquatic plants, and sea birds, readers of all ages will enjoy using their imaginations to picture the magical Isle of Cetacea and its eternally young inhabitants.
Feather Chelle is a mother of five and the award-winning author of multiple books for children.
The Trouble With Bubble Gum
In The Trouble with Bubble Gum, author Shari Schwert crafts a charming tale that playfully addresses the timeless theme of a child’s adventurous disobedience. This story centers around a young boy, fixated on his delightful but excessive bubble gum chewing habit, despite his mother’s repeated warnings about its potential consequences.
Schwert’s narrative style is engaging and builds a subtle sense of anticipation. As the boy continues to disregard his mother’s advice, readers, led by the author’s hints, sense the looming trouble. This effective storytelling approach resonates particularly well in a children’s book, as it gently instills the value of heeding parental guidance. The boy’s journey to an inevitable sticky predicament serves as a light-hearted yet meaningful lesson about the importance of listening to one’s parents.
The visual appeal of the book is significantly enhanced by Mari Sebastian’s vivid illustrations. These colorful and lively images complement Schwert’s storytelling, bringing the narrative to life in a manner that is both entertaining and immersive. The artwork not only supports the story but enriches it, providing a visual delight that aligns seamlessly with the unfolding events.
My experience of reading The Trouble with Bubble Gum was one of amusement and delight. Schwert debuts in children’s literature with a tale that strikes a balance between fun and educational content. The book, with its engaging storyline and vibrant illustrations, is likely to captivate young readers and leave a lasting impression about the value of parental advice. This story comes highly recommended for its enjoyable narrative and the important message it conveys in an accessible and entertaining way.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-1637556948
Connections to Real-World Experiences
No Dog Food, Please! follows a Labrador Retriever as he transitions from city life to a rural farm, aiming to adapt to his new environment while navigating the challenges of family dynamics and seeking acceptance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was our dog Chipper, a Maltese Poodle (Malti-doodle) who preferred what we were eating to dog food. We learned how to balance what he wanted with what was good for him. No Dog Food, Please! began as a poem about his dietary preferences. It evolved into a book over a period of years.
What inspired you to choose a Labrador Retriever as the protagonist in No Dog Food, Please!?
I have been intrigued by the ability of various dogs to work with humans for many years – as police dogs and guide dogs for the blind, for example. It’s incredible but true that some dogs can even be trained to smell certain types of cancer in humans. Besides being increasingly amazed by what dogs can be taught to do, I have always enjoyed being around animals. My husband is an animal lover as well, and we took our son to visit several farms when he was younger. Getting back to your question…Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, friendly animals. I knew that a Lab would fit in nicely with a story revolving around active farm children and the adults in their lives. The more I worked on the book, the more I found humorous ways to contrast the boisterous nature of the dog with Grumpy Grandpa’s old-fashioned ways.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
When I was a kid, I liked reading funny stories that also had connections to real-world experiences. As an adult, I enjoy writing books that are humorous and can potentially help children solve problems in their lives. In the case of this book, the problems centered around differences of opinion in a multigenerational family. Also, in No Dog Food, Please! I enjoyed creating parallel adoption stories focusing on Jack and the youngest child, Ben, who developed a strong bond, and exploring how the rest of the family had to adjust their lives following the adoptions. I worked on this book in my spare time for a few years, adding scenes as I thought of them, and then weaving everything together.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have completed my first children’s picture book, which I expect to publish later this year. The protagonist is also an animal, but one that is much smaller than a dog. In addition to pursuing my writing interests, I’m fortunate to be part of a great group of writers called Author Reader Connection. We have begun to do virtual author visits at schools. In February of this year, we spent a week with some talented students and their teacher in Maui, Hawaii. Working in groups or individually, the students were given the choice to write and publish a picture book, a comic book, or a poetry book. Here’s a link to a poetry book created by a group of those students. Rising From the Ashes: Our Stories of Lahaina – A Poetry Collection. All of the poets and artists featured in this book are from Lahaina, several of whom were displaced by the Lahai…
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Inspire Young Readers
The Adventures of Danny the Discus Volume 3 – Danny Goes to Tobago follows a discus fish as he becomes a sensation in a local pet store, leading him on an educational journey to learn about coral reef conservation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was inspired by the natural beauty of our sister island Tobago to write a story that not only captured its wonderful people and sites but also the potential effects of not trying to preserve the environment for everyone to enjoy, especially the animals that inhabit there. I have visited Tobago from childhood to the current day regularly and have seen firsthand the effects that non-preservation of the coral reefs has had on the island, so it’s an important lesson to share with children to sensitize them on the effects.
The art in the book is fantastic. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Jonny Hossain?
This is the third book I have done with Jonny Hossain and I must say that he knocks it out of the park each time we collaborate on a project. It was truly a pleasure working with him.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the themes I tried to capture were environmental conservation, biodiversity and marine life, and empathy and compassion. By addressing these themes in an engaging and accessible way, children’s books on saving coral reefs can educate and inspire young readers to become environmental advocates and champions of marine conservation.
What is the next book in The Adventures of Danny the Discus series and when will it be available?
The next book in the series will be in 2025/2026 as I am working on another story with new characters which will be out in 2024.
Author Website
Friends and Rivals
In Friends and Rivals, Tuula Pere delves into the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry through a captivating children’s narrative. Set in a kingdom where two princes, once inseparable friends, become adversaries in their quest for the throne, the story unfolds a poignant tale of lost familial bonds. The novel charts the journey of one brother’s ascendancy to power and the subsequent imprisonment of the other, culminating decades later in a heartwarming turn of events orchestrated by a young boy.
The book, embellished with the evocative illustrations of Iva Dukić, stands out for its compelling imagery and a distinct Old World allure. Dukić’s use of a limited color palette skillfully draws attention to the characters’ expressive faces and the setting’s unique charm. Otto, the prince confined to obscurity, emerges as a character that resonates deeply with readers. At the same time, Victor, his ruling brother, embodies the realization that wealth and power are no substitutes for happiness—a crucial message for young minds.
Pere and Dukić’s collaboration results in a book that is a delightful read and a source of valuable life lessons. Friends and Rivals transcends mere storytelling by weaving in a fundamental lesson about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Pere’s narrative, through the actions of a kind-hearted child, not only reunites the estranged brothers but also rekindles their lost friendship. This aspect of the tale, along with the gentle infusion of magical elements, makes the book particularly appealing to children. Meanwhile, educators and parents will find ample material within the story for meaningful discussions with young readers.
Pages: 42 | ISBN : 9528200133
Nina Don’t Like to Do Anything New
Nina Don’t Like to Try Anything New by Vincent A. Watson offers a colorful and lively journey into the world of young Nina, who is initially hesitant to embrace new experiences. This children’s book shines through its vibrant illustrations, featuring bright colors and characters rich in expression, effectively capturing a range of emotions. The story is crafted in a rhyming format, reflecting the considerable effort put into creating an engaging narrative for young readers.
The book centers around Nina and her adventures with her parents, gradually discovering the joys of exploring new places and experiences. While the story encourages children to be open to new things, it adopts a straightforward approach, depicting Nina’s parents guiding her toward these new experiences. Some readers might perceive this as a direct method, but it also portrays a realistic scenario where parents often lead their children into new situations. As Nina engages in activities she was initially reluctant about, she finds enjoyment and learns that trying new things can be rewarding. The story, therefore, unfolds as a gentle reminder of the excitement that comes with stepping out of one’s comfort zone, albeit presented in a simple, linear progression.
Nina Don’t Like to Try Anything New presents a well-intentioned message wrapped in an inviting, visually appealing package. Its overarching theme of embracing new experiences is a valuable lesson for children. The book offers a starting point for discussions about trying new things and could be an enjoyable read for those seeking a straightforward, visually engaging children’s story.
Pages: 36 | ISBN: B0CJB13X2B
Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister
In Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister, author Linda Herron, with illustrator Marie Delon, explores the emotional landscape of Molly, a child who often feels overshadowed by her younger twin sisters, Mac and Madi. The story delves into themes of sibling dynamics, individuality, and the importance of feeling seen and valued within a family.
Herron skillfully captures the essence of sibling rivalry while also presenting parents and children with poignant examples of unconditional love and the distinct connections shared among siblings. The narrative offers a realistic portrayal of the complexities and joys of family life, effectively resonating with both young readers and adults.
Marie Delon’s vibrant illustrations are a standout feature of this book. Her artwork vividly portrays Molly’s range of emotions – from frustration and jealousy to joy and acceptance. These illustrations complement the story’s text, which is crafted in rhyming verse. This stylistic choice ensures a smooth and engaging reading experience, particularly suited for lower elementary-level readers. The book is more than just a story; it’s a tool for families to explore and discuss the nuances of sibling relationships and personal identity. It serves as an excellent resource for parents seeking a meaningful shared-reading experience with their children, as well as for those interested in narratives that reinforce family bonds.
Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister is a well-rounded children’s book that combines a heartfelt storyline with dynamic illustrations, making it a valuable addition to any family’s reading collection.
Pages: 33 | ISBN : 978-1959140115
A Dynamic Learning Experience
Rainforest Rescue follows a curious tiger cub whose chase of a butterfly leads him into the rainforest, sparking his journey to find his way back home while navigating the challenges of the wild. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Numerous children have experienced the daunting fear of getting separated in places like malls or grocery stores, or even losing sight of their parents at home. This narrative resonates with many young ones, offering them a source of connection and empowerment as they learn to confront and conquer their fears.
How do you balance incorporating educational elements with storytelling to keep young readers engaged?
By infusing facts, concepts, and lessons within an engaging storyline, a dynamic learning experience is created that keeps young readers absorbed while imparting knowledge.
What inspired you to choose a tiger cub as the protagonist for Rainforest Rescue?
My aim was to acquaint young readers with the Sumatran tiger, fostering love and care for animals and the environment. Additionally, I sought to raise awareness about the habitat challenges and threats confronting these magnificent creatures, such as the perilous effects of oil palm plantation expansion, deforestation, and the grim practice of tiger poaching driven by the demand for tiger teeth, bones, claws, and other commodities.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My upcoming book will focus either on an endangered species, aiming to raise awareness and empathy among children, or on enhancing phonics skills that will foster a love for reading.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Rainforest Rescue children’s book is not just an entertaining read; it is an educational tool that sparks curiosity about wildlife conservation and environmental preservation. Children will become inspired to protect our precious rainforests and the remarkable creatures that call them home. Get ready for a thrilling journey filled with excitement, emotions, and valuable life lessons.
LITERARY TITAN 