Blog Archives
Beneath the Blue
Beneath the Blue follows Claudia, Charlie, Chuck, and their surprising connection to a magical compass that ties into the fate of the ocean itself. What begins with frustration over a sand sculpture competition quickly spirals into an underwater adventure with mermaids, King Triton, and the ancient prophecy of the Heart of the Ocean. The plot balances lighthearted moments with themes of jealousy, truth, and teamwork, and it uses oceanic imagery to build a whimsical yet meaningful world.
I found myself swept along by the energy of the writing. The pacing never lags for long. Scenes shift quickly from conflict to discovery, keeping me curious about what would happen next. Claudia’s arc is one of the strongest elements. She begins bitter, selfish, and angry, and I honestly disliked her at first. But her vulnerability and eventual change gave the book its emotional weight. The dialogue leaned a little too neatly into teaching lessons, but it worked for the story’s age group.
The worldbuilding charmed me. The underwater kingdom glowed in my imagination, with coral mosaics, pearl-lit halls, and shimmering grottoes. The author clearly took joy in describing the setting, and that joy spilled over to me. Another thing I really liked was the sense of teamwork and loyalty between Charlie and Chuck. Their friendship felt genuine and steady, and it gave the story a heart that balanced Claudia’s jealousy and struggle. I loved how Chuck always looked out for Charlie, calming his nerves and giving him courage when he felt small. That bond made their victories feel earned, and it added a layer of warmth that kept the book from being just about magic and danger.
Beneath the Blue is a warm and hopeful story about friendship, honesty, and learning to let go of envy. It would be a great read for kids who like fantasy adventures, especially those who love the ocean and tales of hidden kingdoms. Parents reading alongside their children will probably enjoy the charm too. If you’re looking for a book that mixes light adventure with heartfelt lessons, this one will be a good fit.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0FM4M1GXX
Not What I Expected
Molikaa Rasiah’s Not What I Expected is a tender and honest coming-of-age story told through the eyes of Jiyah, a fourth-grade girl navigating the rocky terrain of friendships, identity, and self-worth. The story follows her as she prepares for and attends a classmate’s birthday party, an event that unravels into a full-blown personal reckoning. Over the course of the day, Jiyah wrestles with rejection, confusion, and loneliness, ultimately finding her inner strength through a set of self-soothing techniques she calls “superpowers.” What seems like a simple slice-of-life tale becomes a powerful look at how children manage social complexity and personal anxiety.
This book resonated with me personally. The writing is simple but purposeful. It’s intended for younger readers, yes, but it still managed to pull me in and hold me there. Rasiah never talks down to her audience, which I appreciated. Instead, she gives kids a clear and compassionate voice that feels real. Jiyah’s thoughts aren’t always pretty, and sometimes she stumbles in her efforts to do the right thing. But that’s what makes her lovable. I especially admired how Rasiah handled emotional tools like grounding exercises and breathing techniques. These aren’t just plot devices, they’re powerful lessons, folded naturally into the story without being preachy.
A few characters came off more like villains than believable fourth-graders. I would’ve liked a bit more subtlety there. But then again, maybe that’s the point. Kids can be harsh. They can also be brave, loyal, and thoughtful. Rasiah’s real strength is showing us all those sides in one go. It’s rare to find a book that’s both emotionally validating and practical. Jiyah’s “ring of power” isn’t just a bracelet, it’s a metaphor every anxious kid (and even some adults) could use.
I would recommend Not What I Expected to kids around ages 8–12, especially those who feel a little left out or overwhelmed by their social world. Parents and teachers could gain a lot from reading it with them, too. It’s an emotionally smart, gently empowering book that encourages empathy without sugarcoating real feelings.
Pages: 63 | ASIN : B0DVV9ZV2N
Marvelous Marcus and Master Mason: 6th Grade Super Sleuths
This quirky kids’ chapter book follows two clever brothers, Marcus and Mason, who aren’t your average sixth graders. Marcus can draw things that come to life, literally. Mason has the power to focus so hard that he can teleport himself and his brother right into Marcus’s illustrations. Together, they solve goofy, gross, and often ridiculous mysteries at their school, taking on characters like Farting Freddy, Stinky Cheese Chuck, and Bad Breath Billy. Each chapter reads like a mini adventure where the boys use their wild powers to outsmart bullies and save the day, usually with a good laugh.
This book had me grinning more than I expected. The writing is simple, which makes it easy to follow for kids, but what really got me was the nonstop silliness. The names, like Big Bad Booger Bobby, are the kind of thing that kids eat up. You can tell the author had fun writing it, and that energy bubbles up on every page. Sometimes the plot jumped too fast, and I found myself flipping back to make sure I didn’t miss something. Still, the playful tone kept it from feeling like a drag.
I also really liked the bond between the brothers. It’s not spelled out in long paragraphs, but you can feel their teamwork and trust through all the chaos. And let’s talk about the ideas—superpowered drawings? A brain that can teleport you? That’s gold for kids with big imaginations. Even when things got downright disgusting (there is a chapter about an evil fart artist), it was clear this book knows its audience and leans into what makes them giggle.
Marvelous Marcus & Master Mason is a silly and heartfelt ride through a world where gross is good and being clever wins the day. It’s perfect for kids around 7 to 11 who love comics, fart jokes, and offbeat superhero stories. If your kid is into wacky humor and wild adventures, they’ll be hooked from the first page.
Pages: 51 | ISBN : 1963737296
The Guardians: Rise of the Phantom
The Guardians: Rise of the Phantom is a fantasy tale set in the vibrant and mythical world of Felina. The story follows Alada and Tierra, Guardians with immense responsibility, who team up with a mortal named Birch to face the looming threat of the Phantom. Through magical forests, underwater realms, and thrilling battles, the characters weave through a story filled with mysticism, danger, and camaraderie.
The world-building in this novel is a standout feature. The author’s vivid descriptions bring the bioluminescent forests and the ethereal Mizu villages to life. The lore of Guardians, especially their duties and the myths surrounding them, feels rich and immersive.
The character dynamics are a highlight. Alada’s stoic resolve contrasts sharply with Tierra’s playful and quirky personality. I found their relationship endearing, with moments of genuine warmth, like when Tierra introduces Alada to the whimsical tree-traveling technique. Birch adds a touch of humanity and naivety to the mix, which grounds the Guardians’ celestial grandeur. While I enjoyed the story, I would have loved to have seen the supporting characters developed further. They appeared briefly but they were intriguing enough for me to want to know more about them.
The themes of loneliness and duty resonated deeply. Alada’s internal conflict about maintaining her Guardian oath while yearning for companionship was particularly poignant. Scenes where she interacts with the Mizu kittens were heartwarming, showing her nurturing side despite her isolation.
The Guardians: Rise of the Phantom is a tale of adventure and heart. Its lush world-building and endearing characters make it a compelling read for fans of fantasy, particularly those who enjoy stories with mystical creatures and elemental powers. I’d recommend it to young adults and anyone who delights in whimsical yet heartfelt journeys.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0DQJWV3KB
The Great Christmas Escape
The Great Christmas Escape by Janae Haddad is a whimsical holiday adventure filled with charming characters, unexpected twists, and the festive magic of Christmas. Set in the enchanting Evergreen Hollow, the story begins when the animal residents find themselves trapped inside a magical snow globe. To escape and save Christmas, they must overcome a series of imaginative challenges. From solving riddles posed by Lord Lollipop to navigating a candy cane maze guarded by a peppermint dragon, the animals embark on a journey that tests their courage, wit, and teamwork.
I was immediately drawn to the rich world-building. Haddad paints Evergreen Hollow and its whimsical characters with vibrant detail. The opening scene, where squirrels knit scarves and owls wear pom-pom hats, sets the tone for a story that’s both enchanting and humorous. I loved Felix, the mischievous fox, who added comedic relief even in moments of tension. Early in the story he had me laughing out loud, yet his bravery during the snow globe challenges made him a standout. The pacing was another strength. Each chapter introduced a new obstacle, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The riddles and tasks were cleverly crafted—especially the Phantom Cookie challenge, which felt both absurdly fun and surprisingly intense. I could almost smell the whispering vanilla and hear the giggling batter. These fantastical elements gave the story a playful charm, but at times, the complexity of the tasks, like the intricate mechanisms of the Clock Tower, felt slightly overwhelming. I found the riddles to be creative and fun. The conclusion left me satisfied and reflective. Without spoiling too much, the theme of teamwork and belief in the Christmas spirit resonated strongly. Each character’s arc, from Beatrix’s determination to Oliver’s cautious wisdom, culminated in a heartwarming finale. Haddad also weaves in subtle lessons about kindness, courage, and the importance of community, making this a great read for both children and adults.
The Great Christmas Escape is a delightful holiday tale perfect for readers who enjoy imaginative adventures and charming, anthropomorphic characters. It’s ideal for families looking to share a festive read-aloud or for anyone who enjoys the cozy magic of Christmas storytelling. The book is a heartwarming reminder of the magic that happens when we face challenges together—with a touch of humor and a sprinkle of holiday spirit.
Pages: 72 | ASIN : B0DKDMN9NT
Living With the Land
Adventures with Granny: Butterflies and Bravery follows a young girl spending the summer away from home with her Granny, who has mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety about this adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
The original inspiration for a fun, adventurous granny came from watching my mom take her grandchildren on trips to the river, the redwoods, and up the mountain to her little homestead. I have such fond memories of my mom teaching me about how the spring water got into our sink and of crossing the creek on logs that the story of Granny began to unfold. As I created the characters of Hazel and Finn, the need for understanding, accepting, and working on anxiety seemed prevalent in the world. I have struggled with it, as have other family members, and I know many children who do, so Hazel’s anxiety arose. Nature is studied as one way to help children with their anxious feelings, so Granny and Hazel fit well together.
Most parents and children will be able to relate to the fears Hazel has in this story. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I have struggled with working through and overcoming anxious feelings my entire life. One scene, in particular, is based on a time when I was a young child faced with crossing the creek after my older brother. For some reason, though I’d never been afraid before, I was scared and my brother had to coax me across.
I think Granny’s enthusiasm for sharing nature with her grandchildren is from both my mom and me. As a Waldorf teacher for several years, I loved taking children on nature walks.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to include both an introduction to living with the land and a guide to working through anxious feelings. I’m happy it’s a relatable story because I want readers to connect to both these very real needs in modern life. We need to understand and appreciate nature in order to make crucial changes to how we live on our planet, and we need to work through hard feelings such as anxiety with the help of a guide.
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?
I do have ideas for more adventures with Granny connected to life lessons. I’ve been waiting to see how this first one lands so I haven’t written any other stories. The one forefront in mind is about race. I had many memorable moments with a childhood friend, some I didn’t understand until later, and I feel children today could connect with such a story. And Granny will come up with an adventure to take her grandchildren on regarding this subject. We’ll see. My butterflies flutter quite a bit when I begin a new story, so I have some overcoming of my own to do, a lot like Hazel.
I also have a tween YA series of four books I published between 2017 and 2021. Celtic Magic is about modern children who find out they are descended from Scottish druids and the Celtic myths are their ancestral stories. It also has a strong link to connecting with nature.
Author Links: GoodReads | Celtic Magic | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Based on the author’s childhood in the mountains of Northern California, this series is about a whimsical granny who shares her back-to-the-land lifestyle with her grandchildren. Mixing magical realism with the natural world, this story will delight fans of Mary Poppins and Pippi Longstocking.
LITERARY TITAN 