Blog Archives
Learn to Consider Others
In Candace’s Big Audition, a young cow seeks the advice of her barnyard friends when she decides to audition for a singing competition that pits her against her best friend. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was based on a personal experience I had in 8th grade. Five of us girls wanted to participate in the 4 x 4 relay at an upcoming track meet. One of our group was my best friend. Our coach didn’t know what to do, so he told us to walk to the railroad tracks, which were about a mile down the road, and run back to school. The first four to get back to school would run the relay.
As we were running back, I started to think. You see, I was the top shot put thrower in our area and won first place every meet we participated in. I realized that I had an area of excellence in track, but my best friend did not. As I ran, I decided that I wanted my friend to have this honor, especially since I already had an event that I excelled in. I never told anyone because we were raised to be humble, selfless, and giving. This was an opportunity to put those values into practice, so I did. It was not without consequences, though. I chose to live with the stigma of being the slowest so that my friend could be a part of a winning team.
Halfway through the track meet, one of the other girls sprained her ankle in another event. The result was that I was able to run the 4 x 4 relay anyway. My best friend was runner # 1, and I was runner # 2. After I received the baton, I passed a runner, which put our team in first place. We stayed there for the rest of the race. Not only did I get to run the race, but I was able to participate with my best friend.
I combined my experience with the fact that I grew up on a dairy farm, and studied vocal music in college.
Do you have a favorite character in this second book in the Adventures on Apple Orchard Farm series?
It should be obvious now that the character of Candace is me. Even though I identify mostly with her, I really appreciate the character of Professor Owl. I love how he supports Candace without telling her what to do. He allows her to struggle but gives insight to her character and the decision-making process. It’s because of this that Candace not only makes her decision on her own, but she also 100% accepts the consequences of her decision.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from Candace’s experience?
I hope young readers learn to consider others before making a decision. I’m not saying the decision Candace made was the only one she could have made, but it was the right one for her at that time. It’s human nature to be selfish and to act before thinking. My hope is that readers will take a moment to ‘read the room’ and consider the feelings of others and how their decisions will affect others.
What does the next book in this series have in store for readers?
The next book in this series is called Pretty Penelope. Penelope is a porcupine who looks at her reflection in the pond water and doesn’t like what she sees. She wishes she had fur or feathers like all of the other animals on Apple Orchard Farm instead of sharp quills sticking out of her face.
After making new friends and aiding in saving one of the chickens from a coyote attack, Penelope learns the value of her assets and that she is not only valued for what she looks like but for who she is.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Candace is a brave main character who struggles with this difficult decision, pushing her to her limits. With the help of Professor Owl, the farm’s Great Horned owl teacher, Candace discovers the resilience within her to make the right decision for her. But will she choose to do her best, or throw the audition so her friend can be chosen? Read Candace’s Big Audition to find out!
If you enjoyed book one, Finding George, of the Adventures on Apple Orchard Farm series, you will love this new adventure in book two. With its themes of friendship and resilience, readers of all ages will be delighted as the story unfolds. Buy your copy before the price changes!
Stewards of a Healthy Planet
The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo and the Yeti follows a polar bear on an adventure who is captured and in danger of being sold to a zoo if he cannot escape and continue his journey. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is the second book of a trilogy that was originally published as a single title. When I decided to split this story into three separate books, I knew I had to find a cliffhanger on which to end the first book, and the perfect scene was when Polo is captured at sea. This is what inspired the setup in Book 2 starting with Polo escaping in the port of Shanghai, and it was a good way to simultaneously continue the main character’s travelogue into a key geography for topics relating to climate change (both in terms of issues and solutions) whilst maintaining the vital element of fast-paced entertainment required to carry the story along.
Many of the scenes in this part of the book are inspired by Tintin comics, both graphically and in terms of the plot.
Captain Polo may be a polar bear, but he has human characteristics and encounters problems because he is seen as just an animal. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
A fundamental driving characteristic of character development in this first trilogy that carries through all three books is that the initial reaction of most human characters to Polo is surprise or even fear. This is a rational argument denoting the most probable reaction any human would have to suddenly encountering a bipedal polar bear in the most unexpected places. The pattern that immediately unfolds is that those same people quickly realise this is not an ordinary wild animal; Polo’s human traits quickly break through people’s fear and surprise to the point where they see him on their level as a conversant and highly intelligent being. This then allows Polo to interact in a meaningful way to carry the non-fiction elements of the book.
The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo and the Yeti, I felt, did a good job explaining climate change and global warming to young readers. What is one thing that you hope readers take away from the story?
The main thing I wanted this particular book to communicate to readers is that two of the countries in the world that rank among the highest offenders in terms of causing global warming (China and India) are actually also among the most innovative for climate solutions, whether through public policy, technology, or both. Polo and the Yeti fulfills this purpose and the geography involved also provided me with an opportunity to throw in some messages of wisdom from Eastern religions and spiritual sources, many of which explicitly allude to humans’ responsibility as stewards of a healthy planet.
This is important to me because my readers so far at least tend to be mostly from the Western world, and I want my books to present the reality of climate change while also taking into account the perspective of other parts of the world, particularly in terms of social and technological innovation to mitigate and adapt to climate change. It is important that young readers appreciate they are part of a single world, and not as isolated as they might think from kids their age who live very far away.
When will Book 3 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book 3 is already available! The final installment of the trilogy takes Captain Polo across the Arabian Sea into East Africa, down the River Nile, and on into Western Europe. Polo has many adventures along the way and learns about even more subtle and unexpected facets of climate change, such as the combined impact of global warming and tourism on Masai populations in Kenya and how climate change is, at least in part, at the root of the problematic immigration of desperate refugees from North Africa and the Middle East seeking asylum in Europe. At the end of Book 3 Polo is guest of honor of former President Obama, befriends Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Norton, and makes a new friend in London Zoo…
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Captain Polo and the Yeti is an exciting graphic novel in the tradition of the legendary Tintin and Asterix series. If you like stories of adventure and humour with accurate geographical and cultural settings, then you’ll love this fast-paced, educational and entertaining tale.
Captain Polo is devastated: his precious boat is in pieces, lying at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, and he is locked in the hold of a fishing vessel, destined to be sold to a zoo in a foreign land.
In Book 2 of the series, Polo faces countless dangers and obstacles on a path that will take him across China, up the mighty Himalaya mountains into the forbidden monasteries of Tibet, through the swampy delta of Bangladesh, and into India. On his voyage Polo meets many colourful, informative, heroic, kind, mischievous and also dangerous characters, ranging from an enlightened Chinese farmer to a jealous Fakir, a disgruntled Bengal Tiger to the Dalai Lama himself. On his way Polo also meets and learns from a character drawn from legend…
Every step of the way the bear who has become Captain Polo hones his understanding of the causes and effects of climate change, the true meaning of global warming and how it is affecting all living creatures and human societies. Polo also witnesses the heroic efforts of individuals, human groups and governments who are learning to adapt to a changing world, reduce their carbon footprints by innovating in the use of cutting edge technology and becoming leaders in the adoption of clean energy.
Captain Polo is half way around the world and a long way from home. On his travels he has picked up new understanding and knowledge about how global warming is affecting people across the world.
Get Book 2 in the series to share in his learning, and have fun while doing so!
Literary Titan Gold Book Award March 2024
The Literary Titan Book Award celebrates books with creative ideas and honors authors skilled in transforming words into exquisite prose. These remarkable books elevate the craft of storytelling. Here’s to the talented authors who’ve turned original concepts into wonderfully crafted books. Your extraordinary skill merits every ounce of this acknowledgment.
Award Recipients
Black Coffee by Verity Grey
ZAINAB! by Tajudeen Bioku
I DECIDED by Wahiba C.Rekkab
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award Mar 2024
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award March 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
The Maidservant in Cabin Number One by Chrysteen Braun
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Owl B. Blue on Easter Day
Owl B. Blue on Easter Day by Rob Sudano is a touching tale that seamlessly blends the joy of Easter traditions with the deeper Christian significance of the holiday. The story begins with the protagonist, Owl B. Blue, feeling gloomy on Easter morning, unable to find joy in the festivities due to his belief that Jesus is no longer alive. This changes when his mother explains the concept of resurrection, bringing a newfound sense of joy and purpose to Blue’s Easter celebration.
Sudano’s narrative effectively introduces young readers to the Christian aspects of Easter in an accessible and engaging manner. The story of Blue’s emotional journey, from sadness to jubilation upon learning about Jesus’ resurrection, is a gentle way to educate children about the holiday’s religious significance beyond just Easter bunnies and egg hunts. The character of Owl B. Blue is particularly endearing. His innocence and earnestness make him a relatable figure for young readers, who will likely find a friend in him as they explore the book.
The third installment in the Owl B. Blue Adventure series allows children to continue their journey with a character they have grown to love, deepening their connection to the series. Sudano’s dual role as both author and illustrator adds a unique charm to the book. His illustrations are fun and appealing and work effectively to complement the story, making the characters more approachable and enhancing the overall reading experience. The interactive Easter egg hunt Sudano incorporates at the end is an exciting addition to the book. This feature not only adds an element of playfulness but also encourages readers to engage more deeply with the story, fostering an interactive reading experience.
Owl B. Blue on Easter Day is a delightful read that balances the fun of Easter with its religious significance. It’s a recommended read for those looking to introduce young children to the meaning behind Easter celebrations, wrapped in a story that is both engaging and heartwarming.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0CSYRZHN4
A Mischievous Squirrel
Fall: Colours and Squirrels is a beautifully done picture book for children filled with brightly coloured photographs and a curious squirrel taking kids on an educational journey. What was the inspiration for your story?
We have a mischievous squirrel that calls our property home, often teasing the dogs. Amidst the playful antics, the vivid hues of the leaves, our apple trees, hazelnut bushes, walnut trees, and the pumpkin-filled garden have ignited inspiration.
There are so many wonderful things about Autumn; what made you decide to focus on a squirrel in this children’s book?
The squirrel’s antics of collecting nuts and darting around our property, leaping from fruit tree to nut tree, provided ample inspiration for incorporating him into the story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I intentionally selected basic sight words suitable for beginner readers and crafted the story around colors frequently observed in autumn. These colors were selected from different aspects of the farmyard, such as the fruit trees, nut trees, and pumpkins, resulting in an easily readable book adorned with bright pictures and large text.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next installment in the series, titled Pets: Do You Want One? was published on October 23rd, 2023. This book is even more vibrant and features a variety of pets in an interactive story with brightly colored pages and borders.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Website | YouTube | Amazon
Wild Acres Farm Series
Crafted by Carolyn Wild with extensive literacy education experience, this collection of leveled emergent readers integrates beginner sight words, picture dictionaries, science facts, repetitive decodable words, rhyming text, colored rebus picture clues, math concepts and learning-to-read tips. Recognized for its positive impact, the series has earned recognition and awards for reading success in classrooms, daycares, and homes.
Impressions Are Always Changing
Nugget and Bandit’s First Winter follows an adventurous and curious raccoon living on one side of a mountain who makes friends with another raccoon and two squirrels, and together they explore the other side of the mountain. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Nugget & Bandit’s First Winter came from my own “tail” of friendship. My adventure started with learning to ski at West Mountain with the instructor who became the inspiration for Bandit. I swear when I first met him, I thought he was crazy, so it was only fitting that Bandit experienced the same first impressions in our wintry “tail.”
The gifts inside our debut chapter book were also reminiscent of the “Chicklets from your chick” I used to give Bandit. The necklace in the book was one of my most cherished gifts from Bandit. The mountains on the map are all places that we explored together, and Bandit did actually gift me a day of skiing at Bromley that ended in a terrible tumble. My right big toenail will never look the same!
The art in this book is fantastic. Each page is filled with wonder and draws young readers’ attention right into the story. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Anthony Richichi?
When starting my author journey, I was encouraged to query traditional publishers, but during my research, I found that was not the best publishing path for me. I wanted to be fully hands-on throughout the whole publishing process, including illustration design and layout. In the end, this desire to retain full rights to all decisions made indie publishing the best for me. When I found Saratoga Springs Publishing, owned by Vicki Addesso Dodd, she was as passionate about creating my books as I was!
As I created this “tail”, images were already swirling around my head like the snowflakes in this wintry adventure. After drafting my image ideas and placements, SSP and I storyboarded. There were so many little details from my own memories that I wanted to highlight! The names of the trails are actually from West Mountain on page 67.
My amazing publisher, Vicki, introduced me and Anthony. I had told Vicki I had all the images already thought of but would be in need of an illustrator and she had happily provided referrals. I fell in love with Anthony’s gorgeous nature paintings.
It was amazing to be able to storyboard with Vicki, and her encouragement has led me to actually like my “Franken-coons” as we call my cat-faced, stick-bodied, and raccoon-tailed attempts at drawing! After creating our storyboard drafts, we all worked together with Anthony through initial drafts to final images. Watching Anthony be able to capture the images that were in my head with such skill is mind-blowing. I look forward to more fantastic artwork collaborations with Anthony and Vicki!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In this chapter book, I wanted the message of friendship to resonate throughout the adventure. As a mother of five children, I think that it is important to remember that friendships won’t bloom if you don’t give them a chance. Anyone and everyone you meet could possibly become a friend. While first impressions are very important, I wanted to remind my children that impressions are always changing. Having an open mind to try new adventures with all kinds of people makes life memorable. I would know from experience! If I hadn’t become friends with Bandit, I would not have earned the nickname Nugget. There would have been a lot of experiences I would have never enjoyed as well!
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 book in a winter and summer series featuring the adventures of Nugget and Bandit. Fans can expect a sassier Nugget and even bigger surprises from Bandit! There will also be lots of new friends made along the way. The next book will really highlight the underlying message of exploration and believing in yourself as you continue to learn new skills. We anticipate another furry release in Winter 2024! While you wait for the next snowy adventure, check out Nugget and Bandit on the Hudson River in Raccoons Go Rafting. The rafting sequel, Raccoons Ride the Dragonback, will be released this summer!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Everyday she would visit her favorite log on West Mountain until Nugget meets new friends and experiences a different side of the mountain.
Join the adventure as Nugget learns to ski with Bandit, the raccoon, and Pip and Squeak, two squirrel brothers.
Explore West and Bromley Mountain with these furry friends. Both mountains bring new lessons and new memories.
“There are more skiing adventure to come,” promises Nugget.
LITERARY TITAN 