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Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog
Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog, written by Natalie McCurry and Cadie McCurry and brought to life through Chris Shwink’s vivid illustrations, delivers a delightful blend of learning and laughter. The story follows Cadie, a lovable German Shepherd adopted from a rescue shelter, as she joins her family on a lively outing to the M.D. Zoo, a teaching zoo brimming with unusual and captivating species. With guidance from Miss Melissa and her assistant, Sadie, Cadie ushers readers from exhibit to exhibit, introducing everything from zebras and lions to kangaroos and macaws. Each stop includes fun facts, pronunciation tips, and playful sketches. The design feels bright and interactive, and a thoughtfully included zoo map helps children visualize the journey as it unfolds.
The charm of the book rests heavily on its warm narration. Cadie’s voice feels friendly and inviting, almost conversational, as though she’s chatting directly with the reader. The writing stays accessible while still nudging children to think, speak, and participate. Because the M.D. Zoo emphasizes hands-on learning; the educational elements appear naturally, never heavy-handed. Pronunciation guides, in particular, are a welcome touch that builds confidence as kids encounter unfamiliar names. I especially appreciated the appearance of animals rarely seen in children’s books, such as the Binturong, which keeps the experience fresh for adults sharing the story.
Every page delivers small bursts of information that feel lively rather than encyclopedic. Cadie outlines how each creature lives, eats, and behaves, all in a tone that remains upbeat and curious. The teaching-zoo setting subtly reinforces ideas surrounding conservation, responsible animal care, and exploration-driven learning. Underneath the fun lies a gentle message about compassion: Cadie’s own rescue story serves as a reminder of the joy that comes from giving a home to an animal in need. The activity page at the end, “Cadie’s Notes,” invites children to draw their favorite animal, offering a simple but meaningful moment of creativity and reflection.
Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog stands out as a wonderful choice for young readers and the families who read alongside them. It pulls children away from screens and into a world of discovery, curiosity, and kindness. Wholesome, spirited, and full of imaginative energy, it deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0FY4PDQHG
Be Willing To Try
Love is Golden follows a golden doodle who works as a therapy dog and teaches his friends what therapy dogs and service dogs do. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration came from my sister’s dogs. She was taking Ted to therapy dog training classes, while his little sister Rosie had to stay home. This made me think about the big brother, little sister dynamic. I thought it would be fun and a little different to tell the story from the dogs’ perspective. At the time, I was also teaching at a high school where therapy dogs would visit, and I saw firsthand how much joy and comfort they brought to students. That experience inspired me to write a cute story that also shares an important message about never giving up.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Overall, I wanted this book to focus on empathy, compassion, and resilience. I hope kids come away knowing that they can do anything if they’re willing to try. Sometimes one thing doesn’t work out, and that’s okay, you just try something else. I’m hoping the book will encourage kids to think about the many ways they can be helpful and to recognize the unique talents that make them who they are.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Nomrota Saha?
I found Nomrota on Fiverr.com. She lives in India and is an aspiring art student. The process was amazing! I shared my manuscript, she would share the line drawings, the flat versions and then the final versions of each page. It was a really nice collaboration, in which she was able to take my words and make them come to life through the images.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
I started with “We Love Nacho” and then “Nacho Loves Salsa” and then I wrote this book. It wasn’t meant to be a series but the characters carry throughout. This book mainly features the dogs, with an appearance of my nephews, but Nacho is seen throughout all of the books. I have a few more ideas in mind. I’d love to make this book bilingual, as I went back and did with my first two books, and I’m currently working on the companion, “Love is Golden Coloring and Activity Book”. What comes after that, we shall see!
Author Website
Love is Golden: Lessons From a Therapy Dog
This picture book tells the story of Ted, a golden doodle who works as a therapy dog, and his furry friends Rosie and Nacho. Ted explains that being a therapy dog takes more than being cute; it takes training and a special badge. Rosie and Nacho want to help too, so they learn about what therapy dogs and service dogs do with the help of Macho, their teacher. Along the way, they discover that helping others and giving love are what really matter. It’s a warm, gentle story about friendship, kindness, and working hard to make a difference.
I have to say, I really loved the heart behind this children’s book. The writing feels simple but genuine, just like a conversation you’d have with a kid while cuddling on the couch. The dogs have real personalities, and their banter made me smile more than once. There’s this balance between humor and sincerity that keeps it from feeling overly sweet. I liked how the story slipped in lessons about patience, empathy, and teamwork without sounding preachy. It’s the kind of kids’ book that reminds you that love isn’t just a feeling, it’s something you do.
The ideas in the book hit me in that quiet way that good children’s books often do. The message about “LOVE being golden” feels so pure and honest. And the addition of real-world information about therapy dogs gives it a nice educational touch. I also liked the bit about “if one thing doesn’t work, try something else.” That’s a powerful little line for kids, and honestly for grown-ups too. The illustrations are bright and full of personality, making each page feel alive.
I’d recommend Love is Golden for kids who love dogs, teachers who read stories about kindness, or any family that wants a bedtime book with heart. It’s sweet, it’s light, and it leaves you smiling. I finished it thinking the world could use a few more Teds, Rosies, and Nachos, and maybe a few more people who believe that love really is golden.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0D99TDMVH
Unique Voices
Winston the Titan Terrier: Adventures in Ancient Egypt follows a superhero dog who unexpectedly travels back in time to ancient Egypt, where he discovers dinosaurs are present and must figure out how they got there and fix history. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Mia and I approached the sequel with a clear goal: to deepen the engagement that readers loved in the first book. We focused on three main areas to achieve this.
The Power of Engagement: Puzzles and Fun
First and foremost, we expanded the interactive elements. Both Mia and I share a passion for brain teasers, so we wove numerous puzzles and riddles into the narrative of Book 2. This wasn’t just filler; it was a deliberate strategy to maintain a high level of reader engagement and, as our young audience told us with the first instalment, to genuinely ‘get their minds working.’ We see this as a way to make the reading experience active, not passive.
Weaving in Surprising, Up-to-Date Knowledge
Secondly, we made a point of ‘sprinkling in’ fascinating, recently discovered facts and snippets of knowledge. We didn’t want to rely on old, common knowledge. A great example of this is a scene where we highlight how a domestic cat, like our character Smokestrike, is actually capable of running faster than a fully grown Tyrannosaurus rex at its estimated speed. This is based on new research from fossilised footprints, which suggests that large theropods could only walk or trot due to the mechanical limits of their weight and bone structure.
Another discovery we used was acknowledging that Queen Cleopatra was not Egyptian but Greek, a descendant of Ptolemy, one of Alexander the Great’s generals. These details add unexpected depth and authenticity, correcting common misconceptions for our young readers.
Authentic Detail and Historical Context
Finally, we committed to integrating authentic historical details through our research. For example, we feature ‘biltong,’ the famous South African dried-meat snack, as Winston’s all-time favourite snack. Our research revealed that dried meat was historically very common in ancient Egypt for preservation, as there definitely weren’t any fridges back in those times. So connecting a modern detail to an ancient practice and adding a vivid, believable layer to the narrative, where we learnt something new about ancient Egypt.
Perhaps the most fascinating discovery we wove into the story was the Ahramat Branch, a now-extinct arm of the Nile River that once flowed right past the Giza and other pyramid complexes. This newly identified river branch may explain how the ancient Egyptians transported their massive stones to the pyramids. We featured this detail prominently in our cover artwork and several illustrations.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Most enjoyable character to write for…
Mia won a reversible yellow octopus at the arcade shortly after our first book was released. It was a yellow reversible super grumpy Octopus, that she instantly nicknamed as “Sadface.” I began speaking to Mia in character as the persona of a friend who used to complain about numerous events and situations on a constant basis, which sparked endless laughter from her.
We both kind of knew this work in the Winston universe and our readers as a formidable yet hilarious antagonist who could inject both chaos and entertainment into future storylines.
Most challenging character to write for…
We found great satisfaction in developing the full range of our characters, and it was rewarding to bring their individual personas and unique voices into the narrative of this book.
Where can your fans expect to find Winston, Diesel, and Teddy next?
Future Storylines and Book 3
One of the most enjoyable parts of the creative process for Mia and myself was the discussions and debates about future storylines. We’re currently mapping out Book 3, and it’s set to be our most ambitious adventure yet.
The Stakes in Ancient Egypt
The first half of Book 3 will address the cliffhanger from the sequel. Our heroes, Teddy and Diesel, are now equipped with their newly discovered superpowers, and they have some unfinished business: they must first save Ancient Egypt from the remaining dinosaurs and successfully retrieve Winston from that ancient timeline. This means facing huge, new dangers, such as the gigantic Mosasaurus lurking in the Nile and any remaining pteranodons still patrolling the skies with powers they haven’t really mastered yet, which could have some hilarious outcomes.
Expanding the Scope: A New Realm of Danger
From there, the scope of the story expands dramatically. Once they return to the future, their main goal will be to track down and battle their persistent foe, Sadface, and other infamous creatures known for destroying large ships. This chase takes them through a new, unpredictable realm filled with hidden dangers and legendary underwater locations that challenge the heroes’ new abilities.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | The Chaos King | Amazon
From multiple award-winning storytellers Mia van Dongen and Colin van Dongen comes the next thrilling instalment in the “Winston The Titan Terrier” series!
Get ready for Winston’s new epic journey where futuristic chaos collides with ancient history! In Adventures In Ancient Egypt, our beloved superhero dog, Winston, and his best mate Teddy with his super-hyperactive dad Diesel, find themselves catapulted into more unbelievable new challenges against Smokestrike the naughty ninja cat and new intergalactic villains.
Following their discovery of a secret, magical tunnel system beneath the Bone Shop, Winston and his crew thought they’d seen it all. But when the mischievous alien Disco Duck unleashes a new time-twisting plot, Winston is hurled back to the scorching sands of 51 BC Ancient Egypt, under the reign of Queen Cleopatra herself!
Armed with his incredible Cosmic Bone, a shape shifting, language decoding, enemy outsmarting marvel, and a backpack full of transforming nanotech gadgets. Winston must navigate a world of ancient wonder and dinosaurs?! That’s right! A super grumpy, chaos-loving alien octopus known as Sad Face, is intent on destroying Earth by transporting prehistoric creatures into future timelines, with the help of a modified time twister device!
Can Winston, with the help of ancient allies and a surprise assist from a certain naughty ninja cat, stop Sad Face before he unleashes intergalactic mayhem and turns history into his own personal movie set?
Prepare for a laugh-out-loud, action-packed adventure filled with:
⏳🚀 Time-traveling escapades
🦖👽 Epic action packed chases with prehistoric beasts and alien villains
🧠🧩 Clever riddles and mind-bending challenges
❤️😂 Heart warming friendships and hilarious antics
🐶🐱 And a whole lot of canine and feline courage!
Perfect for young readers aged 6 to 10 years and families who love dogs, cats, dinosaurs, ancient history, and a good dose of intergalactic fun. Join Winston on his wildest adventure yet! From the imagination of a 7 year old.
Grab your copy of Adventures In Ancient Egypt today!
UK Book Band : Brown Level (7+ Year olds)
Year Group 3+
Oxford Reading Level 12
Big Cat Band : Copper
Suitable for shared reading for kids (Ages 5+) that love dinosaurs and adventure with parents and carers
Let’s go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy
Let’s go Backer and Backer! The Playful Puppy is a heartwarming and rhythmic tale that is a beautiful celebration of love, kindness, and community. The story follows a young girl who adopts a playful puppy she cherishes with all her heart. What makes the narrative especially meaningful is the way it traces the puppy’s journey backward, from the moment the girl meets her new best friend, to the compassion of strangers who first rescued the puppy, and the care of shelter staff and veterinarians along the way. With each repeated refrain, children are reminded of the many hands and hearts that contribute to one happy ending.
The cumulative storytelling style is both engaging and educational. The repetition encourages children to anticipate what comes next, supporting memory and sequencing skills, while also giving the book a delightful rhythm that makes it perfect for reading aloud. Alongside the text, the illustrations are a joy to look at, bright, expressive, and full of warmth; they bring every step of the puppy’s journey vividly to life. The artwork not only complements the story but also deepens the emotional connection children will feel as they follow along.
Beyond the narrative, the book delivers valuable lessons. It naturally teaches empathy and kindness, showing young readers how compassion and teamwork can make a real difference. It introduces the idea of pet adoption in a gentle, approachable way, fostering both a love of animals and a sense of responsibility. Parents will also appreciate the interactive opportunities the story provides, from discussing the roles of different characters (like the veterinarian or rescuers) to connecting the tale to real-life experiences with pets and community kindness.
Let’s go Backer and Backer!: The Playful Puppy is a celebration of the caring connections that make such bonds possible. With its rhythmic text, memorable structure, and delightful illustrations, it’s a book children will want to hear again and again, and one that parents will be glad to share. A perfect choice for fostering empathy, sparking conversations about community, and, of course, for any family that loves dogs.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0FM8JGFZX
Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: Splish Splash Surprise
Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: The Splish Splash Surprise, by Maria Cedolini Thompson, is a joyful romp through a hot summer day with two irresistibly mischievous golden retrievers. This story is a perfect blend of playful chaos, heartfelt lessons, and charming illustrations that bring Paisley and Posie to life.
When left alone for just a short while, Paisley and Posie give in to temptation and take an impromptu dip in the backyard pool. What unfolds is a wonderfully soggy mess, full of splashes, tail wags, and comedic panic when they hear the front door swing open. The tension of their last-minute attempts to “hide the evidence” will have kids giggling and turning pages eagerly.
What makes this book more than just a tale of cute canine mischief is its thoughtful underlying message. Young readers are gently reminded that curiosity and mistakes are part of growing up, but love and forgiveness are always waiting on the other side. The story handles these themes with warmth and grace, making it a valuable addition to any child’s library.
Parents will appreciate the way the book encourages discussions about accountability, consequences, and teamwork without ever feeling heavy-handed. Meanwhile, children will be drawn in by the humorous antics and expressive artwork that capture every splash and shake.
Whether read aloud at bedtime or explored independently by early readers, Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: The Splish Splash Surprise is sure to make a splash in any home. It’s a charming tale that proves even the biggest messes can be cleaned up, with a little help and a lot of love.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0FBS5PGPG
Discovery Can Heal Hearts
Valentino’s Adventure in Puerto Rico follows an adventurous service dog as he journeys to Puerto Rico, exploring the colorful streets, sampling the local cuisine, and immersing himself in the island’s culture. What was the inspiration for your story?
Valentino’s Adventure in Puerto Rico was inspired by my beloved service dog, Valentino, who brought so much joy, healing, and light into my life. After his passing, I wanted to keep his memory alive in ways that would uplift others, especially children and families.
I’m also proudly Puerto Rican, and my culture is such a big part of who I am. I wanted to create a story that celebrates the beauty of Puerto Rico — its vibrant streets, music, traditions, and food — through the eyes of a curious, loving service dog. It felt meaningful to blend my personal story with my cultural roots, and to show readers, especially young ones, that adventure, kindness, and discovery can heal hearts in the most unexpected ways.
At its core, this book is a love letter to both Valentino and my island. It’s a way to honor the resilience of my people, the magic of our homeland, and the loyal companions who walk beside us, often becoming the quiet heroes in our everyday lives.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the most important ideas I wanted to share in Valentino’s Adventure in Puerto Rico is the value of embracing your culture and heritage with pride. I wanted young readers, especially those from Puerto Rican or Caribbean backgrounds, to see themselves, their traditions, and their beautiful island reflected in a story filled with joy, adventure, and warmth.
Through Valentino’s eyes, readers get to see how love, kindness, and curiosity can lead to unexpected adventures and deep connections with others.
Lastly, I wanted to encourage children to be open to new experiences — whether it’s trying a new food, exploring a different place, or learning about a new culture. Life’s most beautiful lessons often come when we’re brave enough to step outside our comfort zones.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I had so much fun writing the scene where Valentino visits the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Describing the cobblestone streets, the vibrant buildings, the lively music in the air — it brought back so many beautiful memories of my own trips there. I especially enjoyed imagining Valentino’s reactions to the local cuisine.
Writing his excitement, curiosity, and little misadventures made me smile. It felt like bringing him to life again in a place that means so much to me. I think readers will feel that same sense of joy and wonder when they read those moments.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Valentino and the direction of the next book?
I’m very excited about the next chapter in Valentino’s journey. The upcoming book is titled Valentino’s Courageous Adventure: The Military Move. This story follows Valentino, a brave service dog, as he faces a big life change when his family receives military orders to move — a situation many families experience, but one that isn’t often explored in children’s books.
It’s a rhyming story about bravery, hope, and finding new adventures in unexpected places. Readers will experience how Valentino feels about leaving behind the familiar, meeting new friends, and discovering that courage and resilience can turn big changes into exciting opportunities.
There will be new characters, new places, and of course, a little mischief along the way! My goal is to offer comfort to children going through similar transitions by showing that even when life changes, love, friendship, and adventure always follow close behind.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
From the lively streets of Old San Juan to the majestic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Valentino’s adventure is full of vibrant landscapes, delicious food, and heartwarming friendships.
As Valentino explores the island, he meets Maelo, a cheerful coquí frog with a story to share. Together, they dance to the rhythm of bomba music, learn about the rich history of the Taíno people, and savor the exquisite flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Through Maelo’s stories, Valentino discovers the true meaning of friendship, respect, and the importance of embracing different cultures.
With colorful illustrations and captivating storytelling, *Valentino’s Adventure in Puerto Rico* is a delightful children’s book that celebrates the joy of exploration, the power of curiosity, and the magic of new experiences. —
Important Lessons:
1. Friendship: Valentino’s bond with Maelo, the coquí frog, shows the value of forming friendships and supporting one another, regardless of differences.
2. Respect for Cultural Heritage: Through Maelo’s stories, Valentino learns about the history and traditions of the Taíno people.
3. Curiosity and Exploration: Valentino’s adventure fosters the joy of discovering new places and cultures.
4. Embracing Diversity: The book highlights the beauty of diversity and teaches children to appreciate different cultures.
5. Resilience: Valentino’s journey demonstrates the strength to face new challenges.
6. Courage to Try New Things: Valentino’s adventure encourages children to step out of their comfort zones.
Embark on this heartwarming journey and let Valentino’s Adventure transport you to the charming island of Puerto Rico. Perfect for young readers and adults alike, this tale inspires wonder, travel, and cultural appreciation in its audience.
Adventures, Fun, and Lots of Love
Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog follows a bouncy, lovable rescue pup as she explores barns, meets baby animals, tastes honey, and even gets a ride on a big green tractor. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration is of course, Cadie. She had a horrible life before she was rescued and we adopted her. I wanted her to live out her days with adventures, fun, and lots of love! My other inspirations are my great nephews, who I originally wrote the books for!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to share the importance of farms. I try to include learning facts for the kids (and sometimes the adults) who read my books! Also, that rescuing a dog can give you so much joy- especially while taking them on adventures with you!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Although I love all of the farm animals, I loved writing the scene with Cadie wanting to ride the green tractor! Also, I was very happy to incorporate my parents as characters in the book as they are my biggest supporters!
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there another book planned?
Yes!!! Book #1 in the series- Awesome Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog is already out. This book-Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog– is book #2 in the Adventures With Cadie Kids Book series. We hope to have book #3, Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog, out later this year!!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Follow Cadie, a rescued pup from a high kill shelter in Texas, as she embarks on her next adventure at a farm. Meet different animals and learn all about farm life as Cadie explores alongside a farmer. She also will meet a veterinarian and the farmer’s wife!
With charming illustrations and lovable characters, “Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog” is the perfect read for families who love animals and adventure. Join Cadie on her journey to live happily ever after and order your copy today!
LITERARY TITAN 