Blog Archives
Crookedness, Dishonesty, and Betrayal
The Fox’s Palace follows a fox that tricks his friends in order to get the land he wants to build his dream amusement park, he learns a hard lesson however when his tricks are discovered. What was the inspiration for your story?
Francis the Fox is the main character of one of my book series. Through his actions and adventures, I have revealed many forms of crookedness, dishonesty, and betrayal. My goal is to increase children’s understanding of society and help them see the motives of different actors. This is an essential skill as an adult!
I write social satire for children. I want to bring out the dark sides of human relationships, business life, and society that also occur in real life. But I want to do it lightly enough and use a lot of humor so it works for children and teaches an understandable lesson on the right and decent ways of doing things.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
One exciting feature regarding the Francis the Fox Series and people’s reactions is the readers’ opinions about the endings of the books. Let me explain.
Some readers are hoping for the worst possible ending for this “wretched hero.” They would like to avenge the fox’s evil deeds even more severely than I have done in the story. Some would like to make the evil hero entirely out of business and incapacitated for the rest of his life.
I have to explain to them that, unfortunately, I believe that the swindlers will continue to misbehave even in the future. Very few become completely clean and continue as perfectly decent citizens. My fox has such a mind that he does not stop pursuing his personal interests. He is very persistent and always continues to come up with new projects.
Another group of readers is those who enjoy the fox’s tricks and the fact that he always continues with new ideas in the next book. They see in the fox some human imperfections that can be hidden in all of us. We just value honesty more and control our selfish needs better.
I understand both of these opinions. I have an almost contradictory attitude towards this fox. First, I always let him try and go his own way, and then I make him fail in his actions, and some punishment follows. I don’t believe my villain, Francis, will ever become kind and honest, so there is still plenty to write about in the Fox Series.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
“The Fox’s Palace” focuses on Francis’s dishonest actions and their consequences – as the entire Fox Series does. This time, the central conflict exists between the fox’s selfish goals and the townspeople’s common beach.
I want to draw attention to how cunning means the most power-hungry individuals are ready to use to achieve their goals. We must learn to recognize such characters in our immediate circle and at different levels of society. Otherwise, we cannot defend ourselves against dishonest activity and exploitation.
The story also has some side themes that I want to draw the reader’s attention to. I’ll pick a few here.
Building a false image of both events and himself is Francis’s specialty. He is good at recognizing the weaknesses of others and knows how to motivate his partners by feeding arguments, half-truths, and enticement accordingly. He does not hesitate to use even those closest to him – family or friends. It’s cruel how even his own mother is the target of his lies and manipulation.
Even though I feel significant irritation towards the actions of the fox I created, he also arouses pity in me. This poor thing has no one to be honest with. He has to be constantly careful that the web of lies and pretenses is not revealed.
I’m afraid Francis the Fox always tends to pursue things that will never make him happy. This is an essential message to my readers, too.
When thinking about some of your other books, Francis the Fox is drastically different than Colin the Crab in their personalities and approaches to life. Is it hard to get your mindset in the right place with so many diverse characters and personalities to write for, do you ever find characters from different series overlapping when trying to write?
What an interesting question! One of the attractions of writing children’s books is the possibility to vary different topics and approaches from one book and series to another. Also, the fact that some of the books are aimed at very young readers and some already contain more demanding subjects gives the author a lot of opportunities.
My way of writing is like diving into different realities in my fantasy.
I have different imaginary worlds ready for my different books. If I want, I can enter that world with my chosen characters at any given time. It’s all authentic to me. This also applies to the characters I created. They become real acquaintances for me, with their personalities and “existence.”
When my characters are “born,” their life cycle develops most naturally and almost self-directed forward. Some characters become so strong and close to me that they start demanding something and making suggestions as the story progresses.
They sometimes want to bring up more than I was going to say or take a more significant role, and I have to give in and trust their opinion. Each of my fairy tale characters has a unique personality and even a strong will. So, they don’t get confused in any way, at least not more than I would confuse people I know in real life.
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A Pretty Strange Book
Stone Garden follows siblings who venture into a stone garden where one statue reminds them of a story of an unfortunate old man. What was the inspiration for the idea behind this story?
Stone Garden is a pretty strange book. It has both narrative and temporal levels that intertwine. The inspiration has been my own imaginary plays in old abandoned houses and between the statues and stones in cemeteries.
This interview question brought back many fond memories from my childhood. In my home village, there was an old cemetery behind the church, just opposite our house on the other side of the road. As a child, I often wandered around looking at the tombstones and wondered what kind of people they told about. At least in the daytime, sunshine, it was not scary at all!
It was a quiet and peaceful space to spend time immersed in one’s thoughts. There were plenty of trees growing around, with little birds building their nests and singing beautifully in the summer. I remember how I appreciated the history of grave sites, thought about varied human lives – in content and length – and listened to the birds singing above.
I’ve always liked rocks. I have collected small stones and broken them into pieces; I have climbed on top of large rocks and looked for caves in their shelter. Stone is a beautiful material, almost alive, depending on the temperature. A rock warmed by the sun is a comforting place to rest.
Thinking more closely, all those elements have been transferred in a way to this storybook, Stone Garden.
What were some artistic directions you wanted to take that were specific to this book?
The illustrator of Stone Garden, Andrea Alemanno, had quite a free hand when it came to the illustration. He has already illustrated many of my books in the past, so we have a mutual relationship of trust in building the book. This time, he hoped for the opportunity to try a new kind of illustration and suggested a relatively calm and minimal artwork.
When I saw the plan, I fell in love with its atmosphere. The chosen approach allowed the illustrator to bring out both the historical level and the present day of the plot in a sensitive way. From the harmonious and plain color scheme emerge colors and things that draw our attention. At the same time, they are essential details for telling the story.
When we collaborate with Andrea Alemanno, my story is in good hands. He has already illustrated my books for many years. I have tried to give his strong vision as an illustrator as much space as possible. With a skilled and experienced illustrator, there is no need to interfere with small things as long as the general artistic line is agreed upon. Stand-alone stories like Stone Garden allow the illustrator to experiment with a new style and approach. It’s always interesting to watch how it develops.
Now, I’m getting a little sidetracked, but I can’t help but bring up our long-term joint project, “The Fox Series.” It has been enjoyable to watch how it has developed. Andrea Alemanno is currently working on the fourth part of the series. Social satire for children is a demanding genre in terms of text and illustrations. Our cooperation will work very well in that.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In my Stone Garden, I wanted to bring out the layered nature of the life I described earlier. It is good that a person realizes how life is linked with things in this moment and the past. I used this to my advantage in describing my characteristic way of thinking.
The story’s main themes include the gradual isolation of the main character from the past. When greed and selfishness grow too big, a person is left alone. Money can’t buy genuine affection.
The children in the story’s present moment represent me as a curious child. In my time, I used to be a keen explorer, too! Here, the children go on an adventure to the dark stone garden and, at the same time, dive into the depths of an old story in their imagination.
As a little extra spice, I wanted to bring in the mystery of nature. Finally, the reader must ponder the little songbird’s connection with the stone garden’s history and past owner. I like the moment where a tear seems to roll out of the corner of the statue man’s eye, and the little birds rest in the folds of the stony man’s clothes.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Last fall was exceptional – in many respects – at our small publishing company, Wickwick.
The most extensive effort, my non-fiction book for adults in Finnish, with 250 pages, is now in printing, and I will have more time for children’s literature. This study, “May You Kill The Evil Troll? – Law and Justice in Topelius’ Fairy Tales” (freely translated), combines my background as a Ph.D. in Law and children’s author in a unique way. After the book is launched in a week, we can entirely focus on children’s picture books – my absolute favorite!
Waiting for its turn is The Bird Prison, which has lovely hand-drawn watercolor illustrations by Sofia Panchyschyn from Ukraine. Dane Angeli from Brazil created a fascinating visual world for two of my stories with adventurous kids: A Museum Robbery and Luke’s Sailing Adventure.
A colorful fairytale adventure, Friends and Rivals – illustrated by Iva Dukić from Croatia – has a severe topic dressed up in a fairytale kingdom. It depicts, in fact, the pursuit of power and the spiral of revenge.
The book series – Axel and Ava Books and Do You See Me? Series – aimed at my youngest readers, will also get sequels. My illustrator, Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren, from Mongolia, has made fun and colorful illustrations for the new books about Axel’s baking day and Ava’s adventure as a market seller. Another Mongolian illustrator, Majigsuren Enkhbat, has drawn funny pictures for the new story in the Do You See Me? series. It tells about the challenges of the little ones in sports activities – not everything is always fun!
As you can see, much interesting literary work is underway with the new illustrator partners just now. – And only the books closest to printing are described here. This spring is going to be very busy!
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Harvey’s Special Mission
Harvey’s Special Mission by Robyn Burns introduces us to Harvey, a spirited puppy from a litter of seven who embarks on an extraordinary journey. The story begins with Harvey and his siblings enjoying their playful days together until a pivotal moment arrives. A compassionate woman named Mommy Claire, grappling with a heart condition, seeks a puppy to train as her service dog. Harvey, chosen for this role, navigates the bittersweet transition from his family to a life of significant responsibility.
This children’s book serves as an educational tool, illuminating the crucial role of service dogs in assisting their human companions. It effectively communicates the message that service dogs are not just pets but highly trained helpers performing vital tasks. The narrative is particularly suitable for young readers, subtly educating them on the importance of these animals in a manner that is both engaging and informative. Robyn Burns skillfully weaves the story around Harvey’s training and his visit to a school with Mommy Claire, where they teach students about proper behavior around service dogs.
The inclusion of seven key rules for interacting with service dogs is a highlight, offering practical guidance in an accessible way. One rule, emphasizing the invisibility of some disabilities and the importance of kindness and non-judgment, resonates deeply. This message extends beyond the young audience, serving as a reminder to all ages about the diversity of disabilities and the respect owed to individuals and their service animals. The illustrations by Olha Stor complement the narrative beautifully, presenting charming and heartwarming visuals that will appeal to children and adults alike. The artistic portrayal of Harvey and his siblings adds a delightful layer to the story, making the book a visual as well as a literary treat. An intriguing aspect of this book is its autobiographical element; the character Harvey is inspired by Burns’ own service dog. This personal connection adds authenticity and depth to the story, making it a valuable addition to any children’s library, school curriculum, or public library collection. It’s an educational resource that not only entertains but also informs about disabilities and the role of service dogs.
Harvey’s Special Mission is a commendable first entry in what promises to be an enlightening series about Harvey’s adventures as a service dog. It is a highly recommended read, offering a blend of education, empathy, and enjoyment, making it an excellent choice for children and adults alike.
Page 26 | ASIN : B0CPCCK6FS
Self-Belief, Perseverance, and Resilience
Anything is Popsicle, Messages of Perseverance shares with children that mistakes are part of life and the key is to keep going and learn from them. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As a first-grade teacher and author, I place great emphasis on instilling the value of perseverance as a fundamental skill that is cultivated and strengthened over time. I firmly believe that fostering a sense of self-confidence in students is pivotal for their overall success. Reflecting on my own upbringing, I was consistently reminded of the adage, “If you believe you can, you will; if you believe you can’t, you won’t.” This mantra resonates deeply with me, and I wholeheartedly endorse its sentiment.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Daria Shamolina?
Daria proves to be an exceptionally collaborative partner, exhibiting a wealth of innovative ideas. Our workflow typically involves me conveying my concepts to her via text, after which she promptly provides sketches that consistently exceed my expectations. Despite Daria’s residence outside of the United States, we seamlessly execute this creative exchange via email.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
To me, instilling in children the understanding that life isn’t always smooth sailing is paramount. Persistence is key, as success often requires multiple attempts. Additionally, I believe that mistakes are gifts; they allow people to learn and grow. Mistakes are stepping stones, rather than stumbling blocks.
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 deeply committed to advancing social-emotional learning. Thus, the overarching themes of my stories often center around the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and resilience. Released in February 2024, is my publication, titled ‘Mistakes are Gifts,’ which further explores these foundational concepts.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The Courage to Change
I Can Do Bad All by Myzelf follows a disgruntled elf who was not hired by Santa, so he decides to get revenge by sabotaging Santa’s workshop. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It was the month after Christmas in January 2023, and I was trying to generate some children’s book ideas. I was thinking about what the perfect job would be, and working for Santa came to mind. But Santa can’t hire everyone, right? So, even though this book was the fourth one published in the Holiday Tails series, it was the idea for this book that led to the development of all the other books, and, believe me, there will be many. Four are complete, and two more are slotted for this year.
The art in this book is unique and modern, really drawing in the older elementary-level children. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Christina Cartwright?
I always give Christina an idea of what I’d like to see on the page, but I leave it up to her imagination as well. There have been a couple of times that Christina misinterpreted what I was wanting (or more like I wasn’t as clear as I could have been), and I ended up going with what she gave me because I could see it was a better idea. For example, she proposed that we make the other elves’ skin colors be nontraditional human tones, and I thought it was a fantastic idea, so we ran with it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main themes I focused upon were:
Disappointment in life. Sometimes we can’t seem to make our dreams come true, no matter how hard we wish for it.
Finding the courage to change. Bad things happen – are we going to let them define us or are we going to listen to our hearts when they warn us we are on the wrong path? Can we find the courage to change?
Unconditional love. No matter what we do, everyone deserves a chance to be loved and do the right thing.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is a follow-up to last year’s bunny book. Yakov is a wild and funny character, so it’s great to revisit his crazy antics. It should hopefully be done by summer and available to read and enjoy by all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Amazon
But what if Santa won’t hire you? He can’t hire everyone. The greatest job in the world will only go to a select few. What do the rest of the rejected applicants do?
Well, if your Myz the elf, you get revenge on Santa. You make him rue the day he ever turned you away from the one thing you’ve ever wished for – working for the big man himself, Santa Claus.
Myz does everything he can think of to make the big guy’s life miserable and when he finally succeeds in attaining his naughty goal? Myz sees a side of Christmas that isn’t very beautiful or joyful.
Will his heart change in time to save Christmas? Sometimes we don’t know the true meaning of things until we almost lose them.
Owl B. Blue on Valentine’s Day
Owl B. Blue on Valentine’s Day, authored and illustrated by Rob Sudano, is a delightful children’s book that explores the theme of friendship with a gentle touch. Set against the backdrop of a snowy Valentine’s Day, the narrative follows the journey of a solitary and endearing owl, Owl B. Blue, who longs for companionship. This quest is sparked by a serendipitous encounter with a mysterious feather, leading him on a heartwarming adventure.
Sudano’s dual role as both the author and the artist enriches the story. His illustrations are vibrant and engaging, effectively bringing to life the expressiveness of Owl B. Blue. The character’s emotions are vividly portrayed, particularly in charming details like his fluffed-up feathers in the cold. The introduction of a new character, who complements Owl B. Blue’s introverted nature, adds depth to the narrative. The book also features an array of animal characters that contribute to the story’s quaint and wholesome atmosphere, reminiscent of the warmth felt from a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day. The rhyming text of the book is fluid and adds a unique charm to the story. The book’s simple yet endearing message of friendship, combined with its appealing illustrations, makes it an accessible and engaging read for young children. It’s a charming choice for families to share during the Valentine’s season, offering a narrative that radiates warmth and cheer, much needed during the cold winter days.
Owl B. Blue on Valentine’s Day is a heartwarming tale that effectively captures the essence of friendship and companionship. Rob Sudano’s skillful combination of engaging storytelling and captivating illustrations make this book a delightful read for young audiences. Its charming characters and simple, yet meaningful narrative are sure to resonate with children and parents alike, making it an ideal read for family time. This book is a sweet reminder of the joy and warmth that friendships bring, even on the coldest of days.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CSXJH5YC
It’s Okay to Be Different
Timmy the Martian is the story of a Martian who ventures to Earth and meets a young boy with whom he forms a unique bond when they realize they share the same facial anomaly. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story for Timmy including the character and the opening verses actually appeared in a dream and I wrote it down the next morning. Even the illustrations mirror exactly how it appeared in my dream.
Is there anything from your own life you put into the characters in your book?
Being mixed race you experience a lot of issues surrounding visual differences during childhood. My son is also diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, and we spent a lot of his younger years helping him understand that it’s okay to be different and you can still have friends and fun. So those experiences were useful in the storytelling of Timmy the Martian.
What led you to incorporate science fiction into a book with this particular theme?
I’ve always been fascinated by science fiction and thought the differences in species would make for a great children’s story about differences, bullying, and friendship. I also recognised how important it is for a children’s book to have great illustrations to accompany the story, and I’ve always loved illustrations of space and planets.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
When my 7-year-old stepdaughter read Timmy the Martian, she was curious to understand more about what Timmy’s home on Mars would look like and what pets Timmy would have. So I am working on a follow-up to Timmy the Martian with a second book called Timmy’s Home on Mars. It will follow a similar theme of Timmy’s home not being as big and impressive as some of the other Martian homes, but it is filled with happiness and love – which is all that matters. This will be available in time for her next birthday in September.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Amazon
The two new friends set off into space for amazing adventures, before returning home.
The World of Children’s Literature
Dogs: A Counting & Comparing Book introduces beginning readers to popular dog breeds while teaching them numbers and the skill of making comparisons. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I have always loved dogs, well any animal really! As a child we always had animals around us – dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chickens. My grandfather had a farm – so there were even more animals there. My first picture book was a counting book about Monsters (Monster Counting Book 1 to 20) and it remains a best seller for me – so I thought it would be great to complement this book and create another counting book about my favourite animal – dogs.
How has your experience as a teacher influenced your writing?
My experiences as a teacher have greatly influenced my writing career. Being a teacher enabled me to explore the world of children’s literature and to experience first-hand how children react to stories and what they enjoy most. So when I started writing my own books I wanted to make sure they were educational in some way – but most importantly – that they were fun to read.
The illustrations in your book make me smile. Can you tell us a little about your illustration process?
I am not an illustrator. I wish I was! So I have to rely on finding illustrators that match the vision for my books. I tend to choose illustrators that create funny images. I want the children as well as the adults to get a giggle out of my books.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is a non-fiction book about the smallest animals in the world. It will have information about each featured animal as well as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activity to encourage children to become problem-solvers and creators.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This book is a delightful parade of comical pooches bounding through a world of numbers; crafted to captivate the eager minds of 2 to 5 year-olds. This is where learning feels like play, and every page turn unfurls a new layer of fun.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes leap from the pages, teaching your child to count from one to ten. But it doesn’t stop there—the loveable canines bring comparisons alive: long versus short, young versus old, tall dogs juxtaposed with short ones, happy pups with sad ones, and energetic dogs sprinting past those drowsy and dozing.
Your challenge? Find all the dog breeds listed at the back of the book!
Whether snuggled up for bedtime stories or learning in early years’ classrooms, this book promises to be a treasure trove of giggles and learning. Prepare to watch your little one’s understanding of numbers and comparisons blossom, hand-in-paw with their newfound four-legged friends. So, ready for the pawfect count-along? Let the tails begin!
LITERARY TITAN 