Blog Archives
Monstrously Clever (Happy Tails)
Monstrously Clever, by Michele L. Sayre, part of the Happy Tails Series, presents an engaging narrative set in Monster Point, a unique town where humans and monsters coexist peacefully. This children’s book centers on Mori, a young witch, who, along with her diverse group of friends including Daffodil the Fairy and Joe the Human, orchestrates the Halloween festivities. The story cleverly explores themes of acceptance and friendship in a world where not everyone embraces the idea of humans and monsters mingling.
Sayre’s writing effectively portrays the interactions between the magical and human realms, offering a narrative that champions diversity and inclusivity. These memorable characters, crafted with charm, navigate challenges and demonstrate that differences are not just to be tolerated but celebrated as strengths. This message is subtly yet powerfully interwoven throughout the book, emphasizing that true friendship can transcend any obstacle.
The illustrations add depth and vibrancy to the narrative, with each page radiating life and emotion. The book also playfully nods to popular culture, as evidenced by a subtle reference to Stargate: SG-1, adding an additional layer of engagement for readers. The book culminates in a resonant message: individual choices and actions are pivotal in shaping a better world. Emphasizing the strength of friendship and the importance of embracing diversity, Monstrously Clever imparts a poignant and lasting impression.
Ideal for readers of all ages, this book is particularly well-suited for home reading or educational settings. It not only entertains but also imparts a meaningful lesson about the impact of tolerance and the beauty of diversity. Monstrously Clever invites readers to reflect on the significance of personal choice and the power of unity in creating a more accepting and inclusive world, possibly finding that the essence of Monster Point isn’t so far from our own reality.
Pages: 101 | ASIN : B0CN5BZ335
Let’s Talk! Celebrating the Holidays
Let’s Talk! Celebrating the Holidays, by Lisa Jacovsky, is an engaging narrative that thoughtfully highlights the value of embracing cultural diversity through festive traditions. The book centers around Harper, who celebrates Christmas, and her friends Emma and Jerry, who observe Diwali and Hanukkah respectively. Their curiosity about each other’s traditions leads to a collaborative effort to learn and celebrate together, culminating in a party that integrates elements from all three festivals.
Jacovsky skillfully portrays the characters’ diverse backgrounds and personalities, weaving them into the fabric of the story. The author underscores the theme of inclusivity with the addition of Emma, an autistic character, who communicates using special cards. The characters’ interactions embody mutual learning, emphasizing the significance of understanding and valuing different cultures. This is particularly evident as the children work together to blend their traditions into a harmonious celebration.
The narrative, while straightforward and without a central conflict, succeeds in being both educational and enjoyable. It effectively imparts universal values such as empathy and friendship, alongside fostering creativity in problem-solving and event planning. Jacovsky’s writing style is clear and accessible, making the book suitable for young readers. The story’s vibrant illustrations further enrich the experience, vividly portraying moments of joy and cultural sharing.
Let’s Talk! Celebrating the Holidays emerges as an effective resource for initiating conversations about inclusivity, tradition, and respect among children. It not only entertains but also educates, making it a valuable addition to any young reader’s collection. Jacovsky’s balanced representation of the three holidays reinforces the book’s message of equality and mutual appreciation among different cultures.
ASIN : B0CKTY4TSS
Monsters Have Feelings
Monsters Need Breaks Too! follows well-known monsters who, after a hard day of work, doing whatever it is monsters do, need some downtime to process their own feelings and just relax. What was the inspiration for your story?
After the Pandemic, it felt like the world just hit the ground running as everyone around me, myself included, was getting back into activities and making themselves busy again. I saw my kids struggle to get back into the routine of schedules and places to be. We were talking about how to create balance in our lives again after such an upheaval, and taking more frequent breaks was one of our ideas. I often use drawing as a way to take a break and reset. During one of my fun drawing breaks, I began drawing cute monsters and started with the Lochness monster. I thought it would be funny to imagine the Lochness monster taking a bath in a tub. Soon after I imagined the Kraken with an ice cream and drew him under the sea with sunken ships. I would post my images on Instagram with funny captions because they made me laugh, and I thought others would find it funny as well. This book started with a few funny illustrations, but as I looked at the images, I started to imagine the pictures as snapshots of the story. What had happened before this scene, and why would the Lochness monster be taking a bubble bath? Why would Kraken be eating an ice cream? Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by monsters, mythical creatures, and cryptids, and love to think about them being a lot like us. It was funny to imagine what kinds of things would be frustrating to monsters, and then my book grew from there.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted the idea that monsters were a lot like us to really come through in the story so that anyone could identify with the emotions in the book. I think using monsters gives the story a universal reach because there are no limitations on who could see themselves represented in the story. I liked the idea that monsters have feelings and that sometimes their feelings get hurt, or they get frustrated like we do. Secondly, I really wanted the readers to think about ways they can take breaks in their own lives when they get overwhelmed or are feeling uncomfortable emotions. I wanted to help the reader brainstorm in a humorous way, things they could do to reset.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
This is my first book, and some of my goals were simple at first; to simply accomplish the task of writing, illustrating, and publishing a book. Beyond that monumental goal I set for myself, I wanted the illustrations to tell most of the story, and I wanted my story to be clear and well-written. This was a huge learning experience for me. I’ve been illustrating for years and have written many stories in my life, but I’ve never shared them with the public until now. This was a major milestone for me as I’ve wanted to publish a children’s book since I was in college. It was one of those dreams in the back of my mind that would come and go. I took some courses during the pandemic and afterwards that introduced me to the tools needed to accomplish this goal, and I was finally able to bring it to life!
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 book in this series that is called (for now) Monster Problems from A-Z: Addiction to Zoning Out. We loved reading books to our children, and I really appreciated writers who wrote funny books that we could laugh with and also books that were geared toward the parents, too. Books that are fun for kids and parents to read together promote more interaction and conversation and is a BIG goal in writing the Monsters series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Reedsy | Facebook | Website | Amazon
As we journey through the pages of this book, we’ll meet a captivating array of monsters, each indulging in their preferred break time activities. The vibrant illustrations, lovingly crafted by the talented artist and author Stacie Green, bring these creatures to life in the most enchanting and adorable way imaginable. With a touch of humor and a sprinkle of fun, the artwork adds an extra layer of joy to the story, captivating young readers and igniting their imagination.
Monsters Need Breaks Too! is an invitation for children to embrace the importance of self-care and discover their own unique methods of finding joy and tranquility. Through the magical adventures of these marvelous monsters, children learn that moving their bodies, indulging in breaks, and expressing themselves through art are all essential ingredients for a happy and balanced life. We all experience moments of grouchiness and feeling down, but by practicing self-care and taking breaks to improve our moods, we can find our inner joy once again.
So, let us join these lovable monsters on their journey as they impart their wisdom and teach us valuable lessons about the power of self-care and finding happiness. Within these pages, we’ll discover that everyone, even monsters, needs a break now and then, and that taking care of ourselves is truly a magical endeavor.
Don’t Comb From That Angle!
Don’t Comb From The Angle! is an enchanting short story aimed at children, skillfully crafted to instill an appreciation for natural hair. The narrative centers around Violet and Journi, two young girls, as they engage in the ritual of wash day – a weekly routine of washing and styling their hair. The story is set against the backdrop of the unique hair care needs of Black children, spotlighting the distinct texture and the extra care their hair demands.
One of the most notable aspects of the book is how the girls’ mother transforms wash day from a mundane task into an enjoyable experience. She not only styles their hair with charming accessories like beads but also imparts valuable lessons on hair care, weaving in the use of delightfully scented creams. This approach not only makes the process fun but also serves as an educational journey for the children.
Authored by Dr. Ashley Simone Little, the book strikes a balance between being delightful and informative. The narrative is marked by a cheerful and rhyming writing style, making it particularly appealing to young readers. The way Violet and Journi’s parents address their daughters’ concerns is handled with sensitivity, adding a layer of depth to the story.
While I enjoyed the book, I think that the book might benefit from the inclusion of illustrations to complement the text, as visuals could enrich the reader’s experience. Despite this, Don’t Comb From That Angle! is still an excellent read for young children. It not only celebrates diversity but also encourages acceptance and understanding of differences in appearance.
Don’t Comb From That Angle! is especially recommended for its engaging way of teaching young readers to embrace and care for their unique hair and love themselves no matter what.
It Started with a Turtle
Where Do Animals Go for Vacation? explores the humorous notion that animals, like humans, deserve a little downtime of their own. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The original idea came to me several years ago with just one animal, the
turtle. I decided turtles must lead rather uninteresting lives, with one very
low vantage point as they plodded slowly across the ground. So, I thought if they could go anywhere to change their situation, where would that be? Of course, it would have to be high on a mountain, standing up on skis, plummeting at breakneck speeds down the slopes. And their hard shells make them perfectly suited to survive any wipeout totally unscathed.
After I retired from my career as an advertising agency creative director, I decided to research other animals that might, for various reasons, need a break from their daily routine. I edited the list of animals down to the most “deserving.” Their individual stories and images were then created.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Where Do Animals Go for Vacation?
I studied journalism and design at Drake University. Both forms of creativity, words and images, interested me. As I worked my way through a career in advertising, from designer to associate creative director to creative director, I found that I was working more closely with copywriters and ultimately, doing a great deal of copywriting myself. Writing became a very satisfying and rewarding part of my career. I became very confident at putting my words on paper.
The artwork in this book is fantastic. Can you share with us a little bit about your illustration process?
Well, I appreciate the “fantastic” comment. I’ve enjoyed drawing ever since I can remember. It’s an interest I believe I got from my father, an electrical engineer who was a very good renderer.
In my first book, “A Very Chilling Mystery,” all the illustrations were done in watercolor, a medium I was quite familiar with. For “Where Do Animals Go for Vacation?” I decided it was time to try going completely digital.
Once I’d decided which animals to include, I looked for reference photos of each one. Then I did multiple small sketches of every animal until I was satisfied their locations and positions reflected the text properly. From there, I did a large pencil drawing of each one, modifying them as needed. When those were complete, I scanned them into Photoshop … redrew their outline … and applied color and textures in the appropriate watercolor brushes.
It was quite a lengthy learning process, but I loved the fact that I could quickly move or delete anything I didn’t like … and be able adjust colors, saturation, and sharpness. None of which is doable using standard watercolor on illustration board.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
That’s a good question. I have seeds of ideas but nothing I’m ready to commit to yet. I do think any further books I write and illustrate will be in narrative form, with a beginning, middle, and conclusion. That will be another bit of uncharted territory for me.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
If they did, where would they go?
Can you guess where a turtle would travel?
Or what a kangaroo might do?
Each animal would surely choose someplace perfect for them.
Let’s find out…and learn a surprising fact about each animal!
Finding Mummy’s Glow
It can be incredibly difficult to find the words to help young children understand serious illnesses like cancer. Even more challenging is finding a way to help them process the many feelings and side effects associated with the cancer treatments their family members may be experiencing. With her book, Finding Mummy’s Glow, Mandy Woolf has gifted families a way to handle little ones’ questions in a loving way they will find easy to understand. I can’t think of a better gift for parents who are undergoing chemotherapy than to have a children’s book that answers the difficult questions for them.
In Finding Mummy’s Glow, Noah learns that his mother has cancer, and he tries every way possible to give her back the glow the disease has stolen from her. Mr. Snuggles, Noah’s teddy bear companion, joins him on his mission to make his mother feel better and help their home feel normal once again. Readers experience all the emotions alongside Noah as he becomes increasingly determined to make everything right in his mother’s world. Woolf’s book is touching and covers this topic with care in a way that comforts without creating worry.
I found the way that Woolf deals with Noah’s stress to be the most effective aspect of the narrative. When Noah worries that he might have caused his mother to be sick and that he might be able to catch the same disease his mother has, he is reassured by his mother with confidence and explanations that children will easily comprehend.
As a mother who has undergone treatment for skin cancer, I appreciate the approach Woolf has taken with this delicate topic. She does not shy away from having her main character express very real emotions. This realistic approach combined with the overarching sense of hope throughout the story and the fantasy elements surrounding Mr. Snuggles makes this a must-have book for families searching for ways to talk openly and honestly about cancer with their children.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-1923020238
Loved Ones Never Really Leave Us
Butterflies and Dimes follows two young children who discuss everyday symbols that remind people of loved ones who are no longer with them and help them cope with the loss. What was the inspiration for your story?
Butterflies and Dimes is actually inspired by true events. The characters are real people; my son Taylor and his best friend Stephanie. Stephanie’s mom, Lynn, was a beautiful person who took every opportunity to nourish Steph & Taylor’s friendship. She used to tell me that watching them play together and listening to their silly and often goofy conversations brought her joy. When she passed away after a very long battle with cancer, I wanted to create something to honor her memory and influence on their friendship.
The art in this book is fantastic, drawing readers in and helping to share the important message of your story. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Zachery Manza?
Zach is beyond talented. When I was searching for an artist whose style vibed with mine, I looked at a few of his sample pieces and instantly knew he was the right illustrator for my vision. He took my ideas and brought them to life in an even more vibrant way than I could have imagined.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
First and foremost, I wanted to relay that our loved ones never really leave us. I think death and the afterlife are hard enough concepts for adults to grasp, let alone small children. I wanted this story to bring enlightenment in an age-appropriate way and inspire hope and connection for children experiencing grief.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I don’t know what I will write next! Butterflies and Dimes came to me in a dream after Lynn passed away, I think she gifted it to me. I’ll be here waiting for my next inspiration and the next story to tell.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Complicated and Amazing
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen follows three friends who, after learning about water filtration systems, want to know if the human body has a similar system. What do you find the most interesting about the spleen, making it a good topic to write about?
I love to write about human physiology. The body is very complicated and amazing. There seems to always be something to learn. Scientists are still discovering new things about how the human body functions, and it’s easy to be a lifelong learner with this topic. I thought discussing the spleen would be interesting for families since not everyone knows its purpose.
When writing the books in the Nurse Florence® series, how do you determine how in-depth to go into explaining concepts without overwhelming your younger readers but still providing enough information for a clear understanding of the topic?
You brought up one of the biggest challenges for me as the author of the series. I believe I have a gift of writing complex things into understandable units of information. My illustrators work very hard to create informative illustrations to complement the writing.
I love the Journal questions included at the story’s end. Have you considered adding other activities to future books to help further retention of the information?
We intend to create some activity books like word searches, connect the dots, and more in the future to supplement the series.
What topics are you planning next for Nurse Florence® to educate readers on, and when can your fans of the series expect a new book out?
We are planning about 500 books in the series to discuss all of the human physiology questions kids may have and diseases that may afflict families. We are publishing a new book about every 10 days. We have around 50 illustrators to support this project. Please visit www.nurseflorence.org for the latest information on the series and find a link to purchase the books directly from the printer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 