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It’s Never JUST a Dog
In Sir Dee-O-Gee, readers follow an elderly widow as her life is transformed by the introduction of a pit bull into her otherwise mundane life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To put it simply, I, myself, am a disabled senior. (Though I’ve always been disabled, my disability is not in my hands.)
How do you capture the thoughts and emotions of a character like Anna Saint Anne?
To make her truly understood, I had to “learn hands.” I would attempt to notice every day whenever I used my hands and then turn whatever I was doing backwards. In as much as asking, “What if my hands didn’t work? How would I achieve this small goal?” After a few weeks of this mental exercise, she just flowed from the pen.
I wrote the mourning parts quite raw. I was in mourning when I wrote this book. I was literally mourning our pit bull, Sir. He lived to be eighteen years old. It seems such a long life, until they’re gone.
My best advice to anyone who knows someone who is mourning a pet, it’s never JUST a dog. Any pet is cherished like one’s own flesh. To speak it fairly, nothing transforms a broken heart like a dog.
If I am to be remembered fondly, I pray let it be by a dog.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I tried to show support for the Seniors for Seniors program at the pounds. It allows seniors to adopt senior dogs with no fee. I also wanted to show how important this “unconditional love”, the company, and meaningful expansion of everyday life is. In truth, even if the only change to one’s life is walking the dog, it still serves to create a new experience and a new freedom. It is also an excellent chance to speak to neighbors and to literally, “Get out of your own head.”
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on a comedy series for tweens and up. I’ve nearly finished the second book in the series. However, these are still in edits, so there is no way to release a publication date. The first in the series is titled, The Knight, The Pig- wizard And The Dragon. If you like clean comedy, look for it in 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Award-wining poet and artist, Angel Dunworth, writes on aging, disability, mourning and a return to society in this quirky thought-provoking book. She openly advocates the Animal Defense Leagues’ Seniors for Seniors program, saying, “It is very important to be able to adopt a dog, especially if you’ve become a shut-in. It’s a simple way to provide not only well-needed company but also perfect love. An animal’s reliance on us can quickly go from mandatory to miraculous.”
Dunworth lives in San Antonio, with her husband, who she is quoted as saying, “Is the love of my life.”
Dedication: This book is dedicated to the grandchild who cares. You who listen to the stories of the elderly, looks at pictures, play cards. You who gift your time to help another, and truly cares about quality of life, this book is for you.
You make all of the difference in the world.
Enjoyable for the Whole Family
Nurse Florence®, Why and How Do We Breathe? teaches children how the body performs the function of breathing and how proper breathing impacts their health. Why was this an important topic to write about?
I mainly chose this topic because I thought it would be fun to cover for kids. It’s something we all do all day long and thought that some things could be presented that even parents could learn. We try to make every Nurse Florence book enjoyable for the whole family, not just the kids. We want everyone to walk away from each book thinking, “Cool, I didn’t know that.”
I have seen that you have coloring books to go along with the Nurse Florence series for some of the books. Do you have plans to add other learning materials to this series to help children retain the information?
We plan to do a word search book in the future.
What is the hardest part for you about writing the books in this series?
It is starting to be time. We have started creating Nurse Florence for Beginning Readers books to help 4 and 5 year old access very basic health information. We are converting all of our general science books into this series. Visit www.nurseflorence.org for the latest info.
What topics can readers expect to see in the future from Nurse Florence? How do you decide what the next book will be about?
We are about to publish a book on pneumonia. We have started discussing the need to eat a balanced diet to eat the numerous essential vitamins our body needs. People can check out Nurse Florence, Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin C? at www.lulu.com. Many of the upcoming Nurse Florence titles were picked because the disease affects the assigned illustrators’ families. We are not only discussing common diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, but also rare diseases like Polymicrogyria.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Empathy and Humanity
The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot: In the Realm of the Twelve Moons follows three bunnies with a sick father and a missing mother who set out on an adventure to solve the mystery of what happened. What was the inspiration for your story?
It started as a bedtime story I told my kids, about a rabbit that lived at the bottom of the garden. Slowly over time, the story developed each night I told it. Eventually, I decided to develop it into a novel, it was my way of being able to pass the story down the generations.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
Initially my garden. In fact, the front cover is a picture of the garden with the playhouse my children would play in growing up. So, for me, that location was key to how the story develops to intertwine the realms. Given my original audience was my children, I developed the locations in a way that would feel more real to them. The realm of Bunovia itself developed as the story expanded, and each district became shaped by key historical events – there might be room for a prequel in there.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The bonds between siblings are quite important to me, that each may have a different path, but it is important that bonds do not break. There is also a theme around empathy and humanity, you cannot look away when you see people in trouble, even when those in power want to pursue their own agenda.
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 following story?
It is part of a trilogy; I have just started penning the second book. On timelines, it is always a juggle between other work, family, and trying to promote the book. What I can say is that the next book delves deeper into the mythology, and not everything is how it appears.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Website
In a desperate attempt to find their mother and save their father, they’ll have to navigate a splintered society at the mercy of those who want to intimidate and control them. They must uncover a past that those in power want to keep buried, while others are eager for redemption.
As they unravel the mystery of their mother’s disappearance, they will unlock a world beyond their wildest imagination. But a darkness emerges that will ensure the realm of Bunovia will never be the same again.
The Magic of Christmas
In Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals, when Santa’s reindeer search for pen pals, they find three young girls with whom they form lasting friendships. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my first Christmas book has been my 3 beautiful daughters, Corryn, Kylie, and McKenna. I have always loved the magic of Christmas, and I wanted to amplify that with my girls. I wanted them to feel the magical power and imagination that brings Christmas to life. My kids were always inquisitive. We had woods in our backyard, and deer would calmly walk around late at night and early morning. That inspired me to the concept of Santa’s reindeer doing check-ins for Santa and engaging with my kids by becoming their pen pals. My kids dove into letter writing, drawing check-ins, and asking such fascinating questions to Dasher, Prancer, and Vixen. I so enjoyed writing back to them, and I saw their magical creativity blossom into this beautiful Christmas tradition.
The art in this book is fantastic it reminded me of my own childhood and eagerly watching the old classic animated Christmas stories. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Prabir Sarkar?
For the artwork, I had a vision of the creative works for the story. Prabir was able to take my descriptors and bring them to animated life. He listened to what I wanted the see and feel and was able to translate it magically onto the page. We enjoyed working together and sharing our passion for storytelling and Christmas. We had so much fun making this story translate through the artwork.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I so admire the innocent, vulnerable creativity children have.
Having a pen pal can be a great way for young kids to develop their creativity, as well as other skills and values. I wanted the kids to always tap into their creativity, imagination, writing, and drawing. You are never too young or old to ask questions and create dialogue.
I see a portion of the sales from this book is being donated to Kids in Crisis. Can you tell readers more about this organization and why it is an important group for you to support?
Kids are amazing human beings that have the right to be safe and thrive. Unfortunately, so many kids are facing adversity, and when kids are homeless they lack the physical, mental, medical, and educational support they need. Kids in Crisis is there 24 hours a day to help kids in any form of crisis. This can range from homelessness and domestic and emotional abuse to hunger. I want kids to have housing, medical and therapeutic support, to be kids, to live, dream, explore, learn, build positive relationships, and live in a safe world. I want to be part of the solution to making their lives better.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
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A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Kids in Crisis.
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Where Do Animals Go For Vacation?
Where Do Animals Go For Vacation?, by Steve A. Erickson, is a delightful and imaginative book that promises to engage young readers with its whimsical premise. The book explores a playful question: If animals could take vacations, where would they go, and what would they do? Erickson takes readers on a humorous journey, showcasing various animals indulging in leisure time activities.
The narrative is filled with creative scenarios, such as a beaver swapping its construction endeavors for Lego-building, and an ostrich enjoying hang gliding. This approach not only entertains but also has the potential to ignite fun discussions between children and adults. The book’s illustrations are another highlight, characterized by their vibrant and eye-catching nature, making them a talking point in their own right. What I found particularly enjoyable was the way Erickson connects each animal’s natural behavior to their chosen vacation activities, adding an educational layer to the humor. This book was a surprising read in the best way and is a worthy addition to any young reader’s library.
Where Do Animals Go For Vacation? is an inventive and engaging book that strikes a perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Erickson’s unique take on animals’ vacation activities, coupled with the vivid illustrations, not only captivates but also educates young readers. It’s a book that can easily become a favorite for bedtime stories or classroom reading, sparking imagination and curiosity in children. Whether read alone or shared between adults and kids, this book is a charming addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CKM4685R
The Beginning of a Friendship
And the Trees Talked Back follows a young girl looking for her missing cat who discovers she has the ability to talk to trees. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
Thank you for describing the story of a girl who discovers she can talk with trees as an original and intriguing idea.
I had difficulty reading in elementary school, and I had to take remedial reading classes. I suppose they helped, but at the same time, they made me feel stupid. Though I had problems reading, I loved to draw, and I loved picture books. My favorite book was Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak. I always had in the back of my mind that I would like to write and illustrate a children’s picture book like Maurice Sendak.
Sixty years went by with no idea for a picture book.
Then, in the late summer of 2020, the Covid-19 lockdown was in place. People were dying, There were no answers as to the virus’s origin or how it was transmitted. I personally was very strict about double masking, social distancing, hand washing, and even disinfecting the groceries that I paid to be delivered to my house before actually bringing them in. It was a lonely rigorous existence.
The only activity that felt normal and enjoyable was going for evening walks by myself. I was away from people, so I didn’t have to mask. It was on one of these walks that I noticed a tree that, to me, looked like an elephant with a raised trunk, two tusks, a mouth, and an open eye. I am sure I had passed the tree multiple times without ever noticing it. However, that evening I saw it, and I took photos of the tree.
I have always enjoyed creating art, so I drew a quick sketch of the tree and posted it on Facebook. People responded favorably to my sketch, so in the following days, weeks, and months, I intentionally looked for trees with facial features, which I photographed and sketched.
With multiple tree characters to choose from, I thought about writing a story. I wondered what a conversation with a tree might be like, so I wrote the dialogue of a child who surprised a tree, “I never knew a tree could talk.” Then I wrote the rather sassy response from the tree, “I never knew a human could listen.” They both laughed, and that was the beginning of a friendship. I really liked that scene and thought this could be the beginning of a children’s picture book, and it was.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I indicated in my answer to question 1 that I began the project during the lockdown caused by Covid-19. The lockdowns resulted in an acute awareness of being alone, separated from friends, family, co-workers, shopkeepers, teachers, etc. I thought as I was writing that I should point out how important interactions and friendships are, even ones with those who appear to be different from one’s self. That finding commonalities with others is important to the development of friendships.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
This is a very difficult question to answer because the answer brings sad emotions back to the surface.
First, let me be clear that my writing had always been either scientific writing or legal writing, never fiction.
My first wife, Melanie, and I were married for thirty-one years. She had cystic fibrosis. Her liver failed and she received a liver transplant. The anti-rejection medications, for her, caused intractable pain, digestive and breathing issues for 18 years before she finally succumbed and passed away. I had been her caregiver during those years.
After her passing, I knew she would not want me to live in misery. I made a decision to be open to new experiences new opportunities and new friendships. That single decision to be truly open to new possibilities brought new friendships, new art projects, new musical experiences, new connections and ultimately a new and wonderful love. I did not fear or reject new opportunities, I embraced them. It was with that new mindset in place that I discovered the tree that looked like an elephant. I was open to try writing fiction instead of legal briefs.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from And the Trees Talked Back?
Amanda represents the best human qualities. I would like readers to come away hopeful that they, like Amanda, can live in peace with others by exhibiting the best human qualities such as kindness, empathy, helpfulness, friendship, and also by recognizing and standing for good and showing bravery against evil.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Living in a quaint village with a mystical forest, Amanda’s life takes an enchanting turn when she searches for her inquisitive cat, Daisy. As the sun sets and the moonlight casts its glow, the duo embark on a thrilling night-time adventure.
As Amanda encounters ancient trees, she uncovers a world she never knew existed, wherewisdom and acceptance coexist with fear andhatred. Amidst the rustling leaves and hauntingshadows, she confronts the duality of nature, discovering the true meaning of good and evil.
Her bonds with nature deepen and she learns tonavigate the world where choices shape destinies. Amanda and the Talking Trees is a heartwarmingtale of wonder, friendship, and self-discovery that will captivate readers of all ages.
Sir Dee-O-Gee; The Dog who Saved my Life
Sir Dee-O-Gee: The Dog Who Saved My Life, by Angel Dunworth, is a heartwarming children’s book revolving around Anna Saint Anne, an elderly woman, her family, and an unexpectedly endearing canine companion. The book opens with Anna’s life with her daughter Layla and grandson Ellis, highlighting their close bond through simple pleasures like playing cards and enjoying snacks. The narrative takes a turn when Ellis introduces a pit bull mix, Sir Dee-O-Gee, into Anna’s life, initially as a temporary arrangement. This introduction marks the beginning of Anna’s journey toward embracing new experiences and shaking up her previously routine life.
Dunworth’s writing style is notable for its realistic portrayal of characters, infused with subtle humor and irony, making the story both engaging and relatable. This transformation in Anna’s life, driven by the companionship of Sir Dee-O-Gee, is skillfully depicted, illustrating how this new relationship leads her to venture out of her comfort zone. In addition, her interactions with her neighbor, Mr. Finchley, add another layer of warmth to Dunworth’s narrative.
The canine character Sir Dee-O-Gee is a standout, particularly memorable for his distinct smile, which adds a unique charm to the story. The connection to a real-life dog, Dundee, whose photograph is featured in the book, enhances the emotional impact of the tale.
Dunworth showcases Anna’s reflections on her past and her gradual embrace of new adventures and friendships. The story subtly conveys the message that aging is not just about looking back but also about adapting and finding joy in new experiences. The blend of emotional elements like nostalgia and happiness is seamlessly executed, making the story appealing to a wide audience.
I recommend Sir Dee-O-Gee: The Dog Who Saved My Life for dog enthusiasts and anyone looking for a tale that captures the essence of overcoming life’s hurdles with a positive spirit. It’s an engaging read that beautifully balances emotional depth with light-hearted moments, meriting a solid recommendation for its well-crafted storyline and endearing characters.
Pages: 160 | ISBN : 978-1956581287
A Cathartic Journey
The President’s Tailor shares the story of a Frenchman who moved to America and became the personal tailor for nine different presidents throughout his life. Why was this an important story for you to write?
I was a teacher for many years and liked to use children’s books to begin a new subject we would be learning about. When I heard this story, I got inspired. I began researching and finding information to add to the story. I wanted to keep it real so I used poetry as my genre. If I would have written a story I would have had to add parts to the story that were not true. I also created teaching plans for the teacher, and a presentation to be given at schools. I have been going to retirement centers to give my presentation and they love it!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
An idea that I was inspired by and wanted to include is the fact that he did not give up and persevered. I kept that mantra going as I wrote, had the book illustrated, and I personally persevered because my significant other had passed away, and I worked on the book. It was a cathartic journey for my healing process. For children, I think it’s important to introduce them to people who have that never give up attitude when things get tough. Another idea that I made sure to include was the way he interacted with others. He was very perceptive and made sure to rely on this perceptiveness when he worked with each president. He could joke with LBJ, knew to be reserved with George H W Bush, and carry on a pleasant conversation with Nixon and others. It is important to allow people to be themselves and for us to accept them for who they are.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Nimali Udugama?
I found Nimali on Fiverr. She is from Sri Lanka. I really loved her artwork, so I asked her if she would like to illustrate a children’s book. She worked so hard. We had to change lots of things because not living in America, she didn’t know American protocol. We talked for many hours on the phone. I didn’t realize at the time that things had changed so much with being a self published author, but I thought she was worth the risk. It is very challenging to even get the book in libraries or independent children’s book stores now. I wrote a book in 2009, and I was able to get the book in libraries, schools, bookstores, and distribution centers, etc.
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?
Unfortunately, I have not made plans for a next story until I figure out how to sell the 1,000 books in my basement.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon
The Presidents’ Tailor is the real-life story of a Frenchman who moves to the United States and after a rough start he is given the opportunity to become a sewing apprentice. After a time he masters his craft and becomes a tailor to nine of our presidents.
LITERARY TITAN 