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Helping Rescue Pets
Lola & Sophie’s ABC Adventure is a sweet ABC story that follows two loveable dogs who associate each letter of the alphabet with a memory. What was the inspiration for your story?
Lola & Sophie’s ABC Adventure was inspired by my children and my dogs. My kids are 6, 5, and 2, so we do a lot of read-alouds and they love alphabet books. Alphabet books are important for young children learning the alphabet and can be a fun way to reinforce letter recognition. Since my kids love them so much, I wanted to write my own, but make it a little different. Sophie is our rescue dog who can get herself into trouble, and Lola was a fabulous chihuahua I had that has passed away. Although the two never met in real life, I thought it would be funny to imagine their friendship since their personalities vary so much. I also want to highlight Sophie’s rescue story and raise awareness about helping rescue pets, while keeping Lola’s memory and personality alive.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I taught second grade for 13 years, so I know how important early literacy is for children. I wanted to include the letters of the alphabet and make them visibly larger than the other letters on the page so kids can easily point them out. I also wanted to include lessons on friendship, family, opposites, and pet rescue. Overall, I wanted the book to be as fun as it was educational.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I had the most fun writing the scene for the letter U, where Sophie is swimming underwater, and Lola is by the umbrella. I think it shows how different the two dogs really are: one is playful and mischievous, while the other is fabulous and easy-going.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, this book will be a series. I am working on another book, Lola & Sophie Teach Pet Safety. As a mom of 3 small kids and a pet owner, I know how important it is for everyone to learn pet safety skills, including not giving pets certain foods, not squeezing them, and asking permission before petting someone’s dog. Lola adds her own fabulous tricks to the book, while Sophie reflects on times that she got into trouble to bring some humor while teaching lessons. I hope the book helps parents, kids, and pets work together to stay safe.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Inspired by two real-life dogs-Lola, a glamorous chihuahua with a big personality, and Sophie,
a once-homeless rescue who found a forever home-this book celebrates:
Learning the alphabet in a fun, engaging way
The importance of pet adoption
Friendship, kindness, and family
The silly, lovable quirks of our four-legged friends
With bright language and heartwarming backstories, Lola and Sophie’s ABC Adventure makes the perfect read-aloud for toddlers, preschoolers, classrooms, and families who believe every pet has a story worth telling. A charming, feel-good journey from A to Z-with two furry friends who will steal your heart.
Lola & Sophie’s ABC Adventure
Lola & Sophie’s ABC Adventure is a sweet ABC romp about two dogs named Lola and Sophie. Each letter ties to a tiny dog moment. Adoption. Barking. Car rides. Costumes. Naps. Vet visits. It moves fast and keeps things light. The idea is simple. Young readers will learn their letters while hanging out with two very lovable pups.
The tone of the book feels bouncy and playful. The writing is loose and fun. Short lines. Cute sounds. Lots of woofs and yips. Some letters feel extra clever. The rhythm keeps kids moving along. The ideas are gentle and kind. Rescue. Family. Being naughty and nice. Big feelings made small. I loved how Lola and Sophie feel different from each other. One loud. One chill. It sneaks in a nice message about everyone being their own kind of good.
The artwork on each page really pulls readers in because Lola and Sophie are just so cute. Their faces say everything. Happy. Silly. Nervous. Sleepy. You always know how they feel without needing extra words. The colors pop and feel bright and friendly. Each page feels fun to look at and easy for little eyes to follow. I loved how the drawings match the mood of each letter. The style feels warm and cozy and full of personality.
I would recommend this children’s book for toddlers and preschool kids. Dog lovers will also love this story. Parents who like educational books will enjoy this book too. And anyone looking for a quick bedtime read will have fun with this book, as their kids are wrapped up in the colorful pictures while their parents read.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0G5RKYQGK
Fun, Unusual, and Silly
Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog follows a lovable German Shepherd adopted from a rescue shelter who joins her family on a trip to the zoo and spends the day learning about the animals. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration was my niece who was a zookeeper and continues to work with animals in her current job. In addition, my love for animals!
In your story you packed in a lot of educational information, but still made it feel organic and not like reading a fact sheet. What was your thought process on deciding what facts to include?
I tried to include ‘fun’, unusual, and silly facts to make it fun for the reader- while learning- and not be boring!
The colorful artwork is dynamic and charming, especially the representation of Cadie. What was it like to work with Chris Schwink?
I absolutely love working with Chris. He really is talented in how he brings my stories- and visions- to light. Most people use digital illustrations where I like the raw talent of hand drawn ones, and Chris does an amazing job!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
This is our 3rd book of the Adventures With Cadie Kids Book series and it just was released in December 2025. I have ideas for the next one already, with some outlines but unsure of when it will be finished at this time!
Author Links: Instagram | GoodReads | Facebook | Website
In her latest escapade, Cadie explores a bustling zoo with the help of a kind zookeeper who introduces her to a parade of fascinating animals―from towering giraffes to mischievous monkeys. Join Cadie as she discovers new friends and finds joy in every pawstep!
Along the way, young readers will follow a colorful zoo map, answer playful questions, and learn fun animal facts without even realizing they’re learning. With vibrant illustrations, interactive elements, and Cadie’s lovable charm, this story is perfect for families who cherish animals, adventure, and stories that spark curiosity.
Whether read aloud at bedtime or explored independently, “Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog” invites children to laugh, learn, and believe in second chances.
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
