Blog Archives
The Meaning Behind Erutuf
Polar Post follows two siblings and their hilariously food-motivated golden retriever on a magical trip to the mysterious and whimsical Erutuf National Park, where they help a Polar bear hide a secret map from pirates. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I love national parks! My husband proposed to me in Shenandoah National Park, and we got married in the Grand Teton National Park. I had always wanted to write a children’s series set in a national park. I couldn’t decide which national park for the setting because I love them all in different ways. So, I created a huge fictional national park that encompasses aspects of many existing national parks. Read the series to find out the meaning behind Erutuf!
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I created the two main characters, Reese and Dean, to show children that they can make a difference in this world and protect the environment. I named the two siblings by the middle names of my kids.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I loved writing the dogsled race scene. I had so much with all the characters and the actual race.
Do you have more adventures in store for Reese and Dean, or are you working on a new project?
Yes, Reese and Dean will have four more journeys and adventures to new parts of Erutuf National Park in the future!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Reese and Dean return to the magical Erutuf National Park, they encounter their coldest challenge so far—in the park’s Arctic.
Here they meet Ty, an entertaining, talking polar bear with a crucial mission. Ty reveals a secret map that must be found and hidden before a group of determined pirates can seize it.
Can the siblings navigate this icy region and outsmart the cunning pirates? Find out in this thrilling third book in the series as Reese and Dean embark on a journey of bravery, teamwork, exploration, and the unbreakable bond of family to protect this magical national park!
Polar Post: An Erutuf National Park Novel
Polar Post follows siblings Reese and Dean and their hilariously food-motivated golden retriever, Tutu, on their third magical trip to the mysterious and whimsical Erutuf National Park. This time, they’re whisked off to the Arctic, where talking animals, pirates in tuxedos, and frozen palaces await. The kids land smack in the middle of a secret mission to hide an important map from sneaky villains, and it’s up to them (with some help from a card-trick-loving polar bear) to keep the park safe. It’s playful, unpredictable, and full of heart.
Dean’s steady stream of puns and dad-joke humor is remarkably well-executed. Lines like “King Henry the 1/8!” had me laughing early on, and the witty one-liners continue throughout the book. Tutu is another standout with her fixation on treats and spontaneous dog-centric observations (“Treats are things!”) add a layer of charm and levity that made me smile consistently. The humor never feels forced; instead, it strikes a natural, effortless tone that captures the playful dynamic of sibling banter in a genuinely engaging way.
Then there’s the whole magical adventure part, which hit that sweet spot between fantasy and nature-loving wonder. The idea of a national park that teleports kids to different ecosystems and lets them talk to animals is just… genius. The ice palace, with its glittering walls and crazy sled tunnel, was like a dream. And I loved how the book layered in real facts about polar bears, narwhals, and climate issues, but in a way that didn’t feel preachy. Dean’s virtual reality moment on glacier ice? Gave me actual chills. Kathy Cherry has this way of sliding in learning moments without killing the vibe. It’s smart.
I also appreciated the sibling dynamic between Reese and Dean. They feel like real kids. Reese is the organized, logical math-lover, while Dean’s just vibing through life with a joke in one hand and a snack in the other. Their bond felt warm and familiar, but not sugarcoated. And it was nice to see that Reese had some nerves, especially about the pirates. She’s not just the “smart” one; she’s a full person with worries and hopes. The scene where she uses math as a calming technique in the maze? Weirdly beautiful.
Polar Post is a heartwarming, funny, and clever story with a whole lot of imagination. It’s clearly aimed at middle-grade readers, but honestly, I had a blast reading it as an adult. If you’re a teacher, a parent, or just someone who loves talking animals, secret missions, and a little eco-magic in your stories, this one’s for you. Highly recommend.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0DK89TZWQ
Giving Back to Nature
In Nori’s Amazing First Hike, a curious three-year-old and her family embark on an outdoor adventure, revel in the beauty around them, and give back to nature by planting a tree together. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was an important book for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted it to be as a keepsake for my family and especially for my 3-year-old daughter Nori (short for Eleonora) who’s the main character in the book and of course the main inspiration. Secondly, I’m an avid hiker and generally a very outdoorsy person. I love everything about nature and hiking including writing about it. My main goal with this book was to instill nature appreciation and love for exploration of the Great Outdoors in young readers. For me, that’s very important, especially in the digital world we live in where we’re flooded with screens. Being in nature heals the sole and recalibrates our minds and the sooner one understands that the better.
Planting the tree was something that I wanted to include in the book because it shows the importance of giving back to nature.
Is there anything from your own life included in the characters and experiences in your book?
Yes, the three main characters – Nori, her mom, and dad are all real. That’s me and my family. Some scenes of the book follow some of the hikes we did with Nori. For example, the scene where Dad kneels down, points at a butterfly, and explains to Nori its life stages is something that happened in real life during one of our hikes. We saw a gorgeous butterfly and I kneeled down to marvel at it. Nori was very intrigued by it and started asking me funny questions about the butterfly and the insects.
Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Kateryna Mansarliiska?
Kateryna is a young illustrator from Ukraine. We met online via a collaboration platform and I really liked her previous illustrations. So, I asked her to help me with the book and she instantly agreed. Working with her was a breeze. There was a lot of back and forth until we nail down the right scenes and the ideal colors but it was a fun process and we both liked it.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Nothing specific to mention yet. I have an idea about writing a book involving a little boy who goes cycling with his new bike but that’s all. It’s still a very vague idea. Soon, I will start working on it more thoroughly.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Embark on a heartwarming journey with Nori, a sweet 3-year-old, inspired by the real-life experiences of the author’s own daughter.
Follow Nori as she ventures to the mountains with her parents, an awe-inspiring experience filled with discovery, learning, and the sheer joy of being in nature.
With each step, Nori learns valuable lessons about respect and love for the natural world. Most importantly, she learns how to overcome challenges.
Aimed at kids aged 2-6 and beautifully illustrated, this is the perfect book if you want to ignite your child’s imagination and instill a deep appreciation for nature, all through a narrative that combines fun and learning.
Nori’s Amazing First Hike
Springtime has finally arrived, bringing with it lush green trees and fresh, growing grass. In Nori’s Amazing First Hike, we follow the adventures of three-year-old Nori as she embarks on her first hike with her parents. Excited for the day ahead, Nori packs a small backpack with essentials: a water bottle, sunhat, warm jacket, and a notebook to capture all the exciting sights she encounters on their journey. Her parents choose the Butterfly Trail, an ideal path for young explorers like Nori. Early in the hike, Nori’s father spots a beautiful butterfly and takes the opportunity to teach her about the butterfly’s life cycle, from egg to adult. Enthusiastically, Nori draws a butterfly in her notebook, capturing the moment. As they continue their hike, the family revels in the stunning scenery and the melodic songs of birds along the trail. Reaching a breathtaking mountain view, Nori’s parents surprise her by planting a baby tree, teaching her the importance of giving back to nature.
This children’s story, inspired by the author’s own daughter, Nori, is both heartwarming and educational. Mr. Stoyanchev’s vivid descriptions make readers feel as if they are hiking alongside Nori, seeing the butterfly, feeling the moss on the trees, and hearing the birds’ songs. Children will easily immerse themselves in the story, imagining their own adventures on a nature trail. Stoyanchev skillfully conveys his love of nature and hiking in a way that young children can understand and enjoy. The story encourages young readers to explore nature with their families, promoting the joys of spending time together outdoors. It beautifully illustrates the fun of exploration and the value of family bonding.
Kateryna Mansarliiska’s colorful illustrations perfectly complement the narrative, bringing the story to life. Each illustration enhances the storytelling, making readers feel as though they are part of Nori’s adventure. The vibrant artwork progresses the story at an enjoyable pace, allowing readers to savor each scene.
Nori’s Amazing First Hike is a delightful tale that will captivate young readers and inspire them to embark on their own nature adventures. Stoyanchev has done an excellent job creating a story that is both engaging and educational, making it a must-read for young explorers. Highly recommended!
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0D3QTJVD2
LITERARY TITAN 