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Literary Titan Book Awards Nov 2023
The Literary Titan Book Award proudly celebrates enchanting children’s books that captivate hearts with their standout storytelling, luminous illustrations, delightful characters, and inventive concepts. Bestowing well-deserved recognition, we applaud the exceptional authors behind these literary gems, honoring their boundless creativity and remarkable talent in crafting stories that ignite imaginations and bring joy to young readers.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Book Awards – Nov 2023
Honoring the talent of brilliant authors who captivated us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, and compelling characters. Delve into a universe of original ideas, celebrating books that not only mesmerize us but also stand out with their innovative concepts and extraordinary narratives. Join us in applauding the dedication and hard work of these exemplary authors as we spotlight and praise the magnificent realms they’ve brought to life through their award-winning books.
Award Recipients
The Life And Times Of Henry J, And Elsie Flushie Fuhrman by Brian Toung
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Nurse Florence®, Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs?
Step into the classroom of Nurse Florence, where she fearlessly tackles the daunting topic of illegal drug use in Michael Dow’s riveting book, Nurse Florence: Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs? Addressing this weighty issue with young students can be a formidable task, but Nurse Florence is the beacon of guidance that makes it all possible. With an unwavering hand, she leads her class through an enlightening journey, explaining the dire consequences of these harmful substances.
In a world filled with vivid, informative slides and a treasure trove of knowledge, Nurse Florence transforms a potentially unsettling subject into an empowering life lesson. She encourages her students to seek out safe, healthy alternatives for dealing with anxiety and life’s challenges, rather than resorting to the dark path of illegal drugs. Lindsay Roberts’ breathtaking artwork comes to life, offering a striking visual representation of these substances to be avoided at all costs. The book’s illustrations guide students through recognizing and identifying drugs, further safeguarding them from the long-term devastation they can bring.
While approaching the topic of drugs is never a simple endeavor, the author deserves commendation for daring to educate young minds about the perils of illegal drugs. It’s essential for parents and teachers to gauge their readiness for this information, but with Nurse Florence as their compassionate guide, classrooms and families can embark on a safe journey of enlightenment. The author touches upon safe alternative coping methods like hiking and coloring to help young readers navigate life’s challenges.
Nurse Florence emerges as the hero of the day, armed with informative illustrations, an engaging narrative, and an unwavering commitment to educational storytelling excellence. Nurse Florence: Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs? serves as an invaluable resource, ensuring that children and their families are well-informed about the dangers lurking behind illegal substances. Dive into this educational adventure, and let Nurse Florence illuminate the path toward a safer, drug-free future!
Pages: 85 | ISBN : 9781312175068
Spacecare: A Kid’s Guide to Surviving Space
There is so much about the wide, wonderful world above us, its endless fields filled with stars, its vast expanses as yet untouched by humankind–a fascinating untold mystery. One of the questions many of us may ask is, “How does the human body respond to a space environment?” In this comprehensive and colorful guide, decades of data on human adaptation to a microgravity environment are shared with the reader in an engaging journey through the medical science of space. With records from real astronauts, hard data from the Mayo Clinic, and information from the Smithsonian Institute, this educational guide is a snapshot of life aboard the International Space Station and the effects of space travel on human physiology.
Spacecare: A Kid’s Guide to Surviving Space, by Jennifer Swanson, is no science-fiction tale. Instead, it is an insider’s guide to life aboard the International Space Station. With full-color photographs and numerous side panels filled to the brim with interesting and relevant facts, readers are pulled into this world of real scientific study that seems to beckon readers to venture out into the unknown.
It was Lord Byron who once wrote, “Truth is stranger than fiction.” This statement holds true for this book, where the reader learns facts that seem far beyond the realm of possibility. One such fact is the sheer speed of the space station, which hurtles through the abyss at over 17,000 MPH every single day. Other facts are surprising in a much different way, where avid science fiction fans must remember that some aspects of space travel, such as artificial gravity, have yet to be invented. Taken together, this engaging guide showcases the magic and mystery of the space environment, whose secrets have only just begun to be revealed to the human race.
Spacecare: A Kid’s Guide to Surviving Space is highly recommended for educators and parents who want to find scientifically reliable guides for their children about space. With the STEM movement rising to the forefront of education, no library should be without this comprehensive guide to human physiology in space. Earning five out of five stars for relevant information, high educational value, and engaging format, this incredible guide to space is a great fit for readers of all ages who wish to learn more about the world outside our atmosphere.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0BKCHFFV3
The World of Fae and Magic
Bobbin and the Magic Thief follows a shunned faerie who sets out on an adventure to rescue her best friend, who has been kidnapped by a human. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always loved fairytales, and often wondered about the many variations the Brothers Grimm collected before writing the versions that most people know today.
If there had been many variations around a particular tale, was there some grain of truth to it? What would it have been?
I started thinking about Rumpelstiltskin. What if he wasn’t the one spinning the gold? What if he was just an opportunist?
Somewhere in the mix, I started wondering why there weren’t many tales about faeries and spinning or cloth production. Fae are often either mischievous or helpful in stories, and I’m sure I would have appreciated some help spinning all the thread needed for making cloth for everything from clothing to sails for ships.
So I created Spindle Faeries and decided to play with different tales involving spinning or clothing, starting with Rumpelstiltskin.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I tended to fall in love with each new character as I wrote them, but I truly adore the pixie clan. I’ve started writing some short stories about some of them.
Bobbin was probably the most challenging. Being the main character, she carries the story and I wanted to pace her growth, but my creative mind kept wanting to play with the other characters. Staying focused on her was sometimes difficult.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Bobbin has often felt like a misfit or outsider, even when she’s trying very hard to fit in. It’s something I can personally relate to. When she finds and accepts the friendship of others who accept her as she is, her unique qualities come through. It makes her personality shine and allows her to be the brave person she is.
I also tried to really ground the story in a historical period. Yes, it’s the world of fae and magic, but most faerie and folk tales take place in a primarily medieval time. So I did research on the 14th-16th centuries in Europe to get a good sense of place. How flax would have been spun, what kind of food and plant life might be around. I took some literary license, but I feel the research helped to make the story much more textural and real.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
The next book, Bobbin and the Stolen Thread, will be a twist on The Emperor’s New Clothes and takes place following the main events of this book, but before the epilogue. Bobbin and her friends continue their adventures, traveling further north in Rose Valley. The Magic Thief doesn’t make a direct appearance in this one, but the mischief he causes is still the root of the problem. I’m hoping to release it at the end of 2024 or early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | SpindleSpark | LoreWeaver | Amazon
Bobbin is losing everything. Abandoned by her mentor and banned from her trade, the young Spindle Faerie’s best friend is now gone. But when she discovers the thief’s true intentions, she is compelled to disobey faerie law or risk losing her friend forever.
Hoping to stop the nefarious plot, Bobbin joins forces with unexpected allies. But the greed for magical things soon places all their lives in peril.
Can Bobbin succeed in saving her friend and ceasing the thief’s mischief, or will her failure result in the end of the Spindle Faeries?
Bobbin and the Magic Thief is the first book in the faerie tale retelling adventure series The Spindle Faeries.
Nurse Florence®, Why and How Do We Breathe?
As children learn about breathing, they can better understand health concepts and the importance of taking care of their bodies. This, in turn, helps create a healthy environment where the need for physical activity is understood. Michael Dow provides an engaging approach to this information in Nurse Florence®, Why and How Do We Breathe? In the story, three girls, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, head to the cafeteria for lunch after their physical exercise class and final stretches. There, they meet Nurse Florence, greet her, and inquire about how breathing works. She explains concepts like the significance of oxygen for cell energy production and provides insights about the respiratory system while displaying relevant images and diagrams.
I was impressed by the level of information presented. Michael Dow goes beyond superficial discussions of breathing and delves into processes, describing how different parts of the body function. For instance, he explains the role of red blood cells and lungs. He also considers other factors, such as illustrating the impact of atmospheric pressure and providing examples. The images are clear and realistic, and Nurse Florence uses them to show the girls how the system functions in reality while explaining the purpose of each part. The characters maintain a friendly and collaborative attitude throughout the story, creating an ideal learning environment and setting a positive example for children.
I think that some terms may appear advanced for children. However, teaching the correct terminology enhances their comprehension and communication skills. Therefore, using precise language is both valuable and necessary in this context. Nurse Florence®, Why and How Do We Breathe? is an excellent resource for children to begin learning about their bodies and functions, offering an engaging introduction to biology. The information is well-explained, easy to understand, and ensures young readers enjoy learning.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 1458341542
Life’s Most Important Words
You Are…Volume One is a collection of poems designed to help young children define and better understand some of life’s most meaningful concepts while providing parents with a tool for building connections through discussions. What inspired you to write this collection of poems?
After the birth of my first son, I realized the importance of speaking life into his life and reminding him of all the great things he can be and is in the world. I wanted to help him understand the meaning of these important words and believe the positive affirmations I was telling him. I developed the idea for the You Are series through these realizations and wanted to create the books to help myself and other parents and caregivers be able to share these inspiring words with the special children in their lives.
How did you decide on the unique title for this collection?
This title was derived from the “affirmations” in each virtue described in the books. Since each short poem within the books begins with “What does it mean when I say you are…?” It was only natural to name the stories “You Are…” Each volume of the series will have the same name with new virtues defined and described through poems and whimsical, watercolor illustrations.
What is one thing you would like both children and adults to take away from your book?
The mission of the You Are… series is to teach children (and adults) the meaning of some of life’s most important words. They are meant to help adults share these important truths with children to help them comprehend and believe all the wonderful things they are in life. It is a great way to build connection with your children, spend quality time, and have important, meaningful conversations. Through the descriptions and definitions, my hope is children and families can re-read these selections over and over and remember all the wonderful things they are through life with a deeper understanding of their significant meaning.
Can you tell us a little bit about what readers can expect in Volume 2?
Volume Two follows the same themes and formatting as Volume One, with new words and characters described and defined. Volume Two’s highlighted words are: Strong, Important, Courageous, and Creative. With the orange, yellow cover depicting the “strong” elephant walking in the savannah sunset, brown bears representing important, courageous lions, and creative dolphins. Each story also includes discussions questions for each word, as well as journal pages to reflect on what the words mean to the readers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Through the use of poems and discussions, it gives adults a tool to speak life into children, while building a connection, and increasing a child’s understanding of the world’s most meaningful words.
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