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Purrrfect As I Am
Bones is a loving kitten who enjoys cuddling and playing with both humans and fellow fur buddies. Despite being a special needs cat with hydrocephalus, he doesn’t let it slow him down. Bones shares his journey with readers, explaining how his condition can sometimes make him feel sleepy and affect his ability to walk. However, a special visit to the vet helps him recover fully. His fur friend Beau, who is blind, can chase a ball across the room independently, while Bender, with three legs, can still run incredibly fast. Their disabilities do not hinder these cats from living life to the fullest and experiencing joy, fun, and love.
Purrrfect As I Am is an enchanting and inspirational read that conveys an important lesson to young readers: Treat everyone with kindness, regardless of their appearance or special needs. Author Lisa Jacovsky has crafted a story that encourages love and compassion for all. The beautiful illustrations accompanying the narrative portray the kittens’ physical disabilities in a way that neither frightens nor worries young readers. It’s heartening to see the author depict these kittens as typical feline companions who enjoy the usual activities like playing, eating, and snuggling. I loved that Bones is the narrator of the story, providing valuable insight into the world of special needs animals and teaching us that they are truly extraordinary. This perspective offers a unique and engaging way to connect with the story’s message.
Purrrfect As I Am is a delightful tale that celebrates diversity, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of special needs animals. It serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds, and every creature, regardless of their unique challenges, can lead a life brimming with joy and adventure. This book encourages readers to cherish and embrace the differences that make each of us special, echoing the resilience and spirit of these three remarkable kittens.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0C6BQTYXP
Characters Learn From Their Mistakes
Eira’s Book of Magic follows a young girl who discovers magic is real, and that she has magic inside her that she must learn to control. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
At some point, I was at a loss as to what bedtime story to read to my young daughter. Like many other parents, I looked back at the fairy tales I used to read in childhood, and it sent chills down my spine. Dead parents, wicked stepmothers, flesh-eating evil witches…ugh! And what do they teach our young? To passively accept any mistreatment in the hope a Fairy Godmother or a Prince Charming will show up and save you one day? To trick your way into wealth by stealing from the rightful owner? There had to be another way. Unable to find a fairytale that would pass my quality test, I decided to create one. That’s how the tale of Aella and The Weather Sisters, the bedtime story at the heart of Eira’s Book of Magic, came to be. And then the whole adventure of a girl for whom the fairy tale comes to life just popped into my head while cooking. It took me sixteen days to write it down. I felt as though my head were going to explode if I didn’t get it out onto (virtual) paper quickly enough.
As the future generation gains control over their magic, they must learn how to use it wisely and with care. What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My goal was to create a story that would inspire readers to be the best versions of themselves. It was to be magical without being dark, deep without being depressing, educational without being preachy. In Eira’s Book of Magic, you see characters learn from their mistakes and make difficult decisions for the greater good.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
There are indeed. In fact, most, if not all, of the characters are at least partially based on real people. I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that the memoir-fiction ratio in Eira’s Book of Magic is somewhere around seventy-thirty respectively. I might write a book about this book one day.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
The sequel is almost completed. When my sister read Eira’s Book of Magic, she said to me, “I take it as a promise!”
“Which part?” I asked her.
“The ending, of course!”
So, I had to write again, for my sister. She also suggested a male protagonist for a change. This is how The Vice Versa Island began to take shape. Ironically, the idea came to me five years ago, but only now Eira gave me the right setting to turn it into a captivating story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A 2023 FAPA President’s Book Award Winner
At five years old, Eira accidentally finds the mystical medallion from her uncle’s fairytale, and an exciting adventure begins.
Years later, she discovers magic inside herself, learns to use it, and does many good deeds while simultaneously navigating the day-to-day challenges. As Eira grows older and wiser, she realizes that choices go hand in hand with abilities and that what might initially seem like the only way is not always the right path to take…
The Power of Friendship
The Emu Family follows a family of emu who decide to spend the day at the beach and encounter unexpected situations and adventures. What was the inspiration for your story?
I live in Australia and I love animals. I write stories that are easy to connect to and that children will love. As a therapist who knows the importance of nurturing kids with positive outlooks, I write stories that inspire children to live their best lives and live confidently. I want them to know what is truly important in life; friendship, fun, and connection.
Life can be negative sometimes, unlike when I was young. Kids were allowed to be kids and explore in the trees, get dirty, and use their imagination, nowadays kids have a completely different way of living. I want to help children see the world in a fun light. To know there is positivity, and they can always find a good positive outcome from most situations, especially with the right support around them.
As a therapist, I have seen many adults in my therapy room not knowing or understanding the basic values of connection. This could have been taught in childhood so those kids grow into healthy adults. My wish is that my books do this for children.
What made you decide to write this children’s book series around emu? What is about them that makes them perfect for children’s stories?
It starts off with emus but they quickly introduce their friends. Snap the crocodile, Kiki the koala, Kanga Blue, and Rooby Red the kangaroos, and Kira the kookaburra. These animals are not typical animals, they are fun, colourful, wear clothes and hats, and sing and dance. These animals love to express themselves in a fun way. Together they make up a group of (unlikely) friends who support each other through so many of life’s ups and downs. Kids love animals and love to learn, so I thought I would write a fun series while planting some seeds of positivity into their lives too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Together with their friends, The Emu Family teaches children wonderful concepts like the power of friendship, the importance of community, meditation, self-love, growing food, healthy living, dental hygiene, and so much more. It is important that each book gives a child a good takeaway message so that they can use it in life to make their experience a more positive one.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of what adventures readers will go on with the Emu family?
Book 2 will be available in November 2023. This book is about Kira the kookaburra; the story is about her hat collection, but the underlying story is a journey to her finding self-love. Her friends join her and encourage her on her journey. I have written several of the books in the series, and they are all stories to inspire kids to live a healthier, happier life. I have started on the artwork for the second series with more animal characters from London! It’s very exciting!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Emu Family & Friends series teaches children wonderful things like:
The Importance Of Community
The Power Of Friendship
The Importance Of Family
Growing Food
Healthy Eating
Exercise, etc.
This series of books is designed to bring fun and positivity to the reader and also teach them healthy ways of living in this world.
It is also designed to encourage communication between the parent and the child. And maybe even some fun projects to work on together.
This is the first book in a series of adventures.
A Heartwarming Message
In The Little Boy Who Craved Thanksgiving, Little Ricky’s wise and loving grandmother teaches him how to be truly grateful for his many blessings and to appreciate much more than just the delicious foods he relishes each year. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write this story?
The initial inspiration, or spark, for writing this story emerged from my desire to capture the essence of the season and the profound emotions associated with family, home, and love. In search of this inspiration, I delved into the memories of my childhood, recalling a true story that has resonated with me throughout my life. This recollection became the driving force, the very spark that ignited the need to craft this narrative.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Little Ricky and his grandmother?
My approach to writing the interactions between Little Ricky and his grandmother aimed to highlight the wisdom that can be gained from our elders. I also aimed to emphasize the importance of clear and meaningful communication. My inspiration stemmed from the interactions I’ve experienced with my family during holiday celebrations. In large gatherings, there is a constant buzz of activity, and there’s always someone around to lend a hand or share in the moments.
I find the process of writing children’s books fascinating. Can you tell us a little bit about your approach to imagining, drafting, and writing this book in particular?
I aimed to create a fall book that captured the warmth of home and the essence of both autumn and the holiday season. Maintaining a positive message in my books is of utmost importance to me, and I wanted to remain true to my writing style, which centers around recounting true stories that have deeply inspired me. The character Little Ricky draws inspiration from a real-life event from my childhood centered around Thanksgiving and the invaluable lessons my brother and I learned at an early age. My primary goal was to authentically capture not only the lessons I gained from that experience but also to convey the genuine spirit of the holiday season.
When it came to drafting my story, I began by identifying a central theme and engaging in brainstorming sessions to confirm that this was the story I genuinely wanted to convey. Then, I outlined all the elements I aimed to incorporate into the narrative. While crafting children’s books can present unique challenges, it’s also an enjoyable endeavor. It requires a steadfast commitment to stay true to the story’s core message and not let the constraints overshadow the creative process. I prefer to leave fine-tuning and parameter adjustments for the editing stage, allowing the initial creativity to flow freely during the drafting process.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can readers look for it on shelves?
I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming book, Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure. This book is crafted to enchant early readers with its delightful blend of simple riddles and a whimsical narrative, ensuring that the joy of reading continues to flourish. Beyond the whimsical storytelling, it carries a heartwarming message that leaves a lasting impact, reminding readers that Christmas is about more than just presents and decorations. It’s a time to cherish our loved ones, spread holiday cheer, and embrace the magic of giving back to others. Available early October.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Coral Reefs are Worth Protecting
Sammy and Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure follows two fish who wish to swim to the barrier reef in the Flordia Keys who befriend a turtle along the way. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for the book Sammy and Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure was seeing a tiny sergeant major fish darting about in a sun lit tidal pool in the Florida Keys. For reasons unknown even to me at the time, I turned to my fiancé Stephanie and said “check out Sammy the Sergeant Major down there” as I pointed into the tidal pool. There were many other inhabitants in this mini ecosystem including a tiny yellow tailed snapper fish which was quickly given the name Scarlett. I have loved the natural world since childhood. As an adult, this fascination included scuba diving and snorkeling over coral reefs in Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean among other global locations. I have seen juveniles of both species first hand hiding in the roots of mangrove trees. As an avid diver I have also seen adult sergeant major and yellow tailed snapper over coral reefs in numbers beyond counting. As I watched the two baby fish in the tidal pool, I thought, here is a story worth telling.
The art in this book is fantastic; readers are transported to life under the water in a way that they feel like they are part of the story. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Mary Wentzel?
Mary Wentzel is an extraordinarily gifted, award-winning artist. I had seen some of her wonderful work and knew that she was certainly a person with the requisite skill sets. We set up an in person meeting so that she my fiancé Stephanie Casimiro (who would be handling marketing for the books) I could get to know each other. The creative chemistry was nearly instantaneous. Mary read the first manuscript, did one trial sketch which was awesome and it was game on. We did not have rigid rules of collaboration for the development of the artwork other than “have fun with it”. Mary’s stunning artwork flows perfectly throughout the book with her vivid, one of a kind original images helping to tell the tale of Sammy and Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The primary foundational goal of Sammy and Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure is to factually accurately depict how a coral reef and its myriad of inhabitants, coexist in one of the most amazing ecosystems on earth. The storyline was based upon my firsthand observations while diving and snorkeling over the decades. Inspiration for artistic images of the natural world were gleaned from many sources including our undersea photos. Great effort was made to be educationally accurate. Coral reefs are places that children need to learn are worth protecting for their benefit and for the benefit of generations yet to come. These are eco-systems worth saving.
Do you have more adventures planned for Sammy and Scalett in the future? If so, when can your fans expect the next story, and where will it take them?
That is an excellent question, thank you. Fans may be interested in knowing that Sammy and Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure is actually a sequel to the previously published Sammy and Scarlett’s Mangrove Adventure. To your question, I do have another manuscript in the very early stages of development for Sammy and Scarlett. More to come on that soon.
Recently, I have been busy wrapping up my fourth children’s book entitled Kiki and Slugger’s Magic Spring Adventure which is due out this fall. This is a very fun story also set in the iconic Florida Keys, which features the vivid interpretations of the natural world around us by the highly talented artist Mary Wentzel. Our fans will not be disappointed!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram
Along the way, they make a new friend, a hawksbill sea turtle named Howie. Howie is a kind sea turtle who gives the young fish the guidance they need to get where they’re going and stay safe. The three quickly become fast friends and learn that they can trust one another through thick and thin. Howie protects the little fish from predators, and in return they help keep the turtle safe from the dangers of human litter such as plastic bags.
Join Sammy, Scarlett, and new friend Howie as their epic journey continues through the magnificent Florida Keys.
Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, “Mother of Hubble” Space Telescope
From a tender age, Nancy Grace Roman harbored an unwavering fascination with the stars. The ever-shifting backdrop of her life, due to her father’s profession, meant frequent relocations. Yet, wherever they settled, Nancy would swiftly shift her gaze upwards, always finding comfort in the constellations. Living in an era where societal norms often dictated the paths women could take, many of Nancy’s contemporaries aspired to professions like nursing. However, Nancy was not to be swayed from her celestial aspirations.
Opting for the path less traveled, she pursued her ambitions and secured a coveted spot at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania—a progressive institution that admitted women during a time when many did not.
Nancy’s journey was marked by audacity and brilliance. Graduating with a degree in astronomy in 1946, she navigated the male-centric world of her profession with tenacity. Nancy’s indomitable spirit saw her make significant contributions to our understanding of the Milky Way. When she joined NASA, her stellar trajectory culminated as she assumed the esteemed role of the first female Chief of Astronomy. Among her many accolades, Nancy’s pivotal role in the conception and realization of the Hubble Space Telescope stands out—a monumental endeavor that has since become instrumental in myriad research projects.
This biography underscores the potency of persistence and fortitude. It serves as a compelling testament to women’s capabilities and a call for society to nurture and uplift their ambitions. It conveys the importance of believing in oneself and pushing boundaries.
Accompanying the narrative are Gayle Cobb’s illustrations, which are nothing short of mesmerizing. The artistry she brings to the pages draws readers into Nancy’s world. However, I felt that the font size was a tad small.
As an astronomy enthusiast, I was thoroughly engrossed by the tale and the visuals. Her Eyes Were on the Stars seamlessly melds the essence of an autobiography with the brevity of a short story. A captivating read that is sure to inspire and enlighten young readers.
Pages: 36 | ISBN : 1955791511
The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose: The Math Magician
Devin and his classmates initially relish their time at school, enjoying the joy of learning and playing outdoors. However, as they delve into the complexities of mathematics, their enthusiasm wanes, and school loses its appeal. Devin, in particular, finds math to be a challenging subject despite his best efforts to improve. Frustration sets in, and he contemplates giving up on it altogether. During this moment of struggle, Devin turns to his parents, expressing his disappointment, particularly with math. Devin’s father steps in and shares a clever math trick, one that infuses an element of fun into the subject. This simple yet imaginative approach rekindles Devin’s interest in math and reignites his passion for learning.
The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose: The Math Magician by Klever Kiddoz is a stirring narrative that delivers a powerful message to young readers: perseverance pays off, especially when faced with challenging tasks. Devin’s experience with the difficulty of math in school mirrors what many students encounter. The story beautifully illustrates how finding creative and enjoyable ways to learn can capture young minds and make the most formidable subjects more accessible. It’s heartwarming to witness Devin’s father stepping into the role of a magician to inspire not only his son but also his friends. This book deserves a place on the shelves of schools and libraries, serving as a valuable resource for young learners. The illustrations seamlessly enhance the story, evoking a delightful sense of nostalgia akin to the style of the Magic School Bus.
Author Klever Kiddoz has masterfully crafted an uplifting story with The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose: The Math Magician. This children’s book can potentially spark young readers’ imaginations. I recommend this story, as it encourages resilience and the pursuit of knowledge, leaving a lasting and positive impact.
Pages: 54 | ASIN : B0C9K6M4Y5
LITERARY TITAN 