Blog Archives
The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox and Carrot In The Realm of the Twelve Moons
Fairy tales aren’t merely the realm of children; they resonate deeply with adults, weaving intricate moral lessons through captivating stories. Such is the case with The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot: In the Realm of the Twelve Moons, penned by NP Rayner. This enchanting tale transports readers to the tranquil district of Meadowfall in Bunovia, where the protagonists, three endearing bunnies named Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot, reside.
Their idyllic world is disrupted when their mother, Flora, ventures out to find a cure for their ailing father but doesn’t return. This spurs the trio into a quest, not just for family but for the fate of Bunovia itself. As they traverse through various realms, dark revelations emerge, forever altering their understanding of their homeland.
Beyond the rich tapestry of the main plot, this narrative shines in its allegorical depth. Even as these characters are bunnies, their struggles and emotions resonate on a deeply human level. The journey is spellbinding, making each page turn a tantalizing moment of anticipation. Rayner skillfully infuses the story with elements of mythology, introducing readers to whimsical creatures of Bunovia like the Bundusa and the Canidog, further enriching the world-building.
I was captivated by this book, absorbing its magic while traveling, juxtaposing the tale with vivid landscapes outside. It brought back cherished memories of being introduced to fairy tales in my youth. As an adult, revisiting the genre has been a rewarding experience. I eagerly anticipate my next reading, perhaps in a new setting or the comfort of my garden, rediscovering the lessons and charm it offers.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0C4CH3LCW
Bullet’s Adventure: Chasing Sobekneferu
Victoria Ray’s Bullet’s Adventure: Chasing Sobekneferu weaves an unconventional narrative, blending elements of mystery and fantasy with an eccentric cast of characters. The story follows Bullet Harmless, a man whose mundane life is upended when he is unexpectedly employed as a private investigator by a prominent figure in his city. Tasked with unraveling the mystery behind a murdered rare insect and missing diamonds, Bullet finds himself entangled in a web of chaos and danger involving a vast criminal network.
The novel begins with limited context, focusing initially on Bullet’s everyday life, hinting at a conventional plotline. However, Ray rapidly diverges from this path, introducing a surreal world inhabited by uniquely named characters, anthropomorphic insects, and references to Egyptian mythology. The settings and events change rapidly, challenging the reader to keep pace with the evolving narrative.
Ray’s writing style is vibrant and imaginative, though at times, the plot’s complexity and the multitude of characters introduced can feel overwhelming. The central theme of Bullet seeking his ideal companion is a consistent thread, but the continual introduction of new characters and subplots adds layers of complexity to the story. This richness of ideas is ambitious and requires a reader’s full attention.
The book’s distinct style is a departure from conventional storytelling, offering a unique experience. It’s a crime fiction novel that will resonate with readers looking for something out of the ordinary. Ray’s novel has the potential to captivate those who appreciate unconventional and imaginative storytelling.
Pages: 193 | ASIN: B0CJP8BL9H
Frog Soup
The Gumdrop sisters have big plans for their day–flapjacks made with love by Grandma Bean and then a trip to Candy Corn Cave. Nothing would make the two girls happier than ending their day with one of Grandma Bean’s special dishes. Grandma, however, has plans for a meal that may just be more than Gia Pia and Callie Cat can handle. When their grandmother mentions “frog soup,” thoughts of what may lie ahead interfere with their candy corn-picking plans. What does Grandma Bean have in mind? Is frog soup really what they think it is?
Frog Soup, Brianna Shostak’s engaging children’s book, follows two witch sisters as they brainstorm ways to get out of eating the meal their grandmother has planned. Like any siblings determined to avoid an unpleasant meal, the two begin to toss around ideas and even resort to considering a spell to change their dinnertime fate. The vivid illustrations give life to these relatable characters, witches though they may be. Children will smile and nod as they recall a meal or two when they would have been glad for the help of a spell.
From their joy at collecting candy corn to their seriousness as they study a spell book, readers will see every emotion in colorful detail. Even their sheer dread as they come face to face with Grandma’s promised dish will resonate with young readers. Shostak’s narrative and illustrations will appeal to parents, teachers, and young readers alike. Hidden inside the levity of Shostak’s storyline is an important lesson on trying new things and having a little trust.
This Halloween-themed read bears a cast of characters readers will enjoy and a series of illustrations that are reminiscent of anime art. I can see Shostak’s children’s book becoming a favorite among readers aged 5-8 and a staple in any library’s Halloween collection.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0CJRS548S
Capable of Big Dreams
In T-Rex and Tuck Explore Outer Space, a young boy and his pet dinosaur teach readers about celestial bodies while embarking on an imaginary journey into outer space. What inspired you to write this children’s book?
The inspiration for the entire T-Rex and Tuck Explore series comes from my son, Tucker. He has always been fascinated with outer space and the moon. He received a telescope for his birthday last year which inspired this particular story.
Imagination is such an integral part of childhood. Are any of your own childhood imaginings part of T-Rex and Tuck’s story?
I remember having a love for outer space facts when I was a child. There was one book in particular that was a favorite of mine because of the sheer size of the book. It was approximately 20×16 and with the pictures of different types of galaxies and planets, I have always found it all awe-inspiring. I would use that book and pretend to teach my students (at the time that meant my baby dolls) about the universe. So, I guess with those childhood memories along with my son’s interest, this book was destined to exist.
What is one thing you would like young readers to take away from this book?
I hope this story inspires young readers to use their imagination. Pretend play is such an important part of childhood. I hope every reader takes away the belief in themselves at the end of the story as well. I end all of my books and my in-person readings with positive affirmations. “I am brave. I am strong. I am smart. I am kind.” I truly hope as my author journey continues that one of the biggest takeaways for all readers is a belief that they are capable of big dreams.
Can we expect to see more from T-Rex and Tuck soon? When will your next book be available?
I am very excited about the next T-Rex and Tuck book that will be available in time for the holidays. T-Rex and Tuck Explore the Kitchen is the title of book 3. T-Rex and Tuck bake a cake with Tuck’s mom. They not only make a delicious cake but quite a mess as well. This particular story will help young readers understand the importance of patience and how much fun baking can be especially when you do it with people you love.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen
There is no one better than the school nurse to answer questions about the human body and its functions. Jean, Condi, and Sonia know that very well. They enjoy their time sitting with Nurse Florence and discussing health and wellness. When Jean tells Condi and Sonia about her dad’s new water filtration system, the three girls are inspired to ask Nurse Florence about a similar system in the human body. Nurse Florence, always ready to educate her students, is more than happy to explain the role of the spleen in our immune systems.
Michael Dow has returned with another entertaining and informative addition to his series. In the newest installment, Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen, Dow gives children an in-depth look at the spleen and its functions. The dialogue between Nurse Florence and the three girls is direct and accompanied by detailed illustrations, most of which are being shown to the girls via the Nurse’s cell phone. Dow and illustrator Jessica Foncannon have teamed up to hand readers a quick read with relatable characters and vivid drawings that will leave them well-informed about the lymphatic system.
While Jean, Condi, Sonia, and Nurse Florence lay the perfect framework for an age-appropriate explanation of complex medical concepts, I feel the dialogue was sometimes challenging to follow. A few of the exchanges between characters feature two speakers within a paragraph. As a teacher, I can see that some younger readers might find it difficult to discern who is speaking.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen gives young readers and adults a medically accurate and accessible explanation of this important body part. Overall, Dow has again provided parents, teachers, and children a wealth of knowledge in a neatly wrapped package.
Pages: 65 | ISBN : 9781312226562
Saving Endangered Insects
Livy Little Honey Bee is the story of a honeybee who is not afraid to be herself despite the challenges she faces from the others in her hive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my granddaughters, Olivia (nicknamed Livy), who was four, expressed some fear one day when we were out in the garden picking flowers, that a honeybee would sting her. When I explained that bees won’t sting people unless they feel threatened and that they have a job to do gathering nectar and pollen, she was fascinated. As Livy has an independent streak in her, and definitely sings to her own tune, whether it’s what she wears or what books she likes to have read to her, I combined her personality with the science of honeybees.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I only write books for young readers that focus on animals or insects that are threatened or on the verge of extinction so one idea I wanted to share in Livy Little Honey Bee was that bees are very important to our environment as pollinators(The Queen Bee says “We need the flowers and the flowers need us”.) And, while I don’t say it directly, bees are at risk due to insecticides. Hopefully if children become more interested in the life and work of honey bees, they will become advocates for their protection. I also wanted to encourage young readers to believe in themselves even if it means possibly not blending in with the crowd. Livy loves to live in the moment, yet also promises the queen she will be a responsible citizen and, to me, that is an important message to reinforce to all young children.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with Mira Hirabayashi?
I am lucky to find extremely talented young artists from RISD. Mira was eager to illustrate the book once she read the text, and we worked together via zoom for about a year to get each illustration just right. We’d meet every two weeks or so and she’d show me her progress. Then when we were done, we turned it over to the designer who got it ready to go to the publisher’s printer. I can’t think of any issues we had except in the beginning getting Livy’s face just right and figuring out how to create the hive….which is, in my opinion, the best illustration in the book.
Are you currently working on any other children’s books? When can fans expect to see your next book released?
I have two more books written and currently being illustrated: One is Sophie, the Monarch Butterfly, Mission to Mexico. It is about a little butterfly, Sophie, who ends up leading a migration of hundreds of monarchs south to Mexico for the winter. Sophie is the name of another of my granddaughters. And of course, Monarch Butterflies are endangered. Linda Chambers, a friend, is illustrating that one. The other book is Connor, the Red Panda. This book is being illustrated by another RISD student, Joyce Guo. It’s about two Red Pandas and a Pangolin who must leave their habitat due to many dangers from man and climate warming and cross the mountains to safety at an animal sanctuary. Red Pandas and Pangolins are also extremely endangered. And as always, all royalties from these books are donated to the appropriate organizations dedicated to saving the animals or insects.
Author Links: Website | Instagram
For children of all ages, Livy Little Honey Bee intends to explore the courage and self-confidence it takes to stand up for who you are as well as the nature of honey bees and the critical contribution they make to our environment through pollination of earth’s flowering plants.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book is donated to the Pollinator Partnership, the Natural Resources Defense Council and other organizations dedicated to preserving the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education and research.
Nurse Florence®, What is Asthma?
It’s important for children to understand what is happening to them. There are many children with medical conditions who may not truly understand what is going on with their bodies. This may be because parents aren’t sure how to explain it to them in age-appropriate terms. What is too advanced? What is not informal enough? Using improper wording can skew a child’s understanding of their own medical condition. In Nurse Florence, What is Asthma? Written by Michael Dow and illustrated by Iris Serrano, children will be given factual information surrounding the medical condition of asthma.
Taking place in a school during a physical education class, our readers follow along with Jean as she begins to experience her symptoms of asthma while engaging in exercise with her class. She makes her way to the school nurse, Nurse Florence, who takes the time to carefully explain to Jean using age-appropriate language and other information so that Jean can understand what asthma is, how it occurs, and how it can be treated.
It should be noted that in this book, Dow does not use childish names or phrases when describing the condition of asthma. It can often be a detrimental side effect when children do not understand the proper terminology for their conditions, which can lead to misunderstandings if the child requires aid and is unable to explain in a way others outside their family can understand.
Nurse Florence, What is Asthma? By Michael Dow and illustrated by Iris Serrano is a must-read for children who also experience asthma or have a loved one who does.
Pages: 79 | ISBN : 9781458306449
Nurse Florence®, What are Emotions?
The concept of emotions can be difficult for young children to understand. Sometimes emotions can be really big for children to grapple and there are also times when they may not understand what is even happening to them. This can include positive emotions as well as negative emotions. In Nurse Florence, What Are Emotions? Written by Michael Dow and illustrated by Anastasia Bradley, we follow along with Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they discuss emotions with Nurse Florence. The children have had a positive experience with their teacher and are keen to learn more.
While it might seem as though the language is too advanced for some children, it is actually very important for them to fully understand what is happening to them on a logical level. Dow is a trained nurse and has worked in health care so the wording he uses, while it may seem advanced, is actually rooted in science and fact.
Dow begins the book with some common terms and lists out how to pronounce them. This is useful for children learning to read, especially because some of the terminology may not be familiar to them. Using the kind character of Nurse Florence, young readers will gain a better understanding of how the brain works and how we experience emotions.
Nurse Florence, What are Emotions? By Michael Dow and illustrated by Anastasia Bradley, it is a valuable book that can help young readers better understand their own emotions and why things affect them in the way they do.
Pages: 86 | ISBN : 9781312174962
LITERARY TITAN 