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On The Wings of Wishes
Ash, a magic seeker, spends her days searching for enchantment and hunting fairies, convinced that magic is the only thing that can solve her problems. As she continues her quest, she begins to discover that magic is everywhere, often found in the most unexpected places. But just as she starts to unravel these mysteries, disaster strikes. A Category 5 hurricane threatens her village, putting not only her family but her entire community at risk. Ash finds herself wondering if there’s enough magic to save everything she holds dear.
In On the Wings of Wishes: True Magic Still Lives, Angel Dunworth invites readers into a world brimming with magic, offering a story that feels timeless and appeals to readers of all ages. The book effortlessly taps into that childhood sense of wonder, where an ordinary girl can become a hero, and magic can be found in the most unlikely places. The journey Ash embarks on is one that feels familiar yet fresh—it’s not about being a superhero but about being a regular girl trying to save her home and the fragile state of her parents’ relationship. What stands out most is how Dunworth uses this magical narrative as a metaphor for a broken home. Seeing the world through Ash’s eyes, a child frightened that her world might fall apart, adds a layer of emotional depth to the story. Despite her fear, she discovers hope and magic along the way, which makes the book not just a tale of adventure but one of resilience and belief in the unseen. Dunworth captures that delicate balance of fear and wonder, making it easy for both children and adults to relate to the emotions and lessons within the story. I absolutely enjoyed the writing style. It’s beautifully simple, with a flow that’s easy to follow, making it accessible for younger readers while still captivating for adults. The language used is charming and fits perfectly with the magical tone of the story. The characters, including Ash, don’t feel fully fleshed out, so you don’t get the chance to truly connect with them on a deeper level. This lack of development sometimes keeps the reader at a distance from the story’s emotional core.
On the Wings of Wishes is a delightful read, filled with heart and imagination. It’s perfect for readers who long to recapture that childhood sense of wonder or for young readers ready to lose themselves in a world where magic is real, and hope is always just around the corner. Angel Dunworth has crafted a lovely, whimsical story that reminds us all that true magic still lives even in the darkest moments.
Pages: 107 | ASIN : B0D9GLX5X6
The Day the Clouds Went Away
The Day the Clouds Went Away, by Richard Rieman, is a charming and heartwarming tale set in a whimsical kingdom where Princess Claudia, a visually impaired and strong-willed young girl, learns the importance of clouds and the natural balance they bring to her world. With the help of her guide owl, Iris, and the bumbling but well-meaning wizard, Fumbledore, Claudia navigates the challenges brought by the disappearance of clouds, ultimately discovering their vital role in her ecosystem.
What struck me immediately about this book was its enchanting storytelling and vivid illustrations. Rieman masterfully combines a captivating narrative with educational elements, making the story both entertaining and informative. The characters are delightful, each contributing to the plot in meaningful ways. For example, Fumbledore’s clumsy magic and the various clouds like Cyrus McCirrus and Chrissy the Cumulus Cat Cloud add both humor and depth to the story. The author’s ability to personify the clouds makes the science behind them engaging and accessible to young readers.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its underlying message about the environment and the interconnectedness of nature. Claudia’s initial desire to banish the clouds for a sunny birthday party leads to unintended consequences, highlighting the importance of every element in our ecosystem. This theme is gently woven into the story without feeling didactic, making it an excellent conversation starter for parents and educators about environmental stewardship and the natural world. The pacing of the book is well-suited for its intended audience, with enough action to keep young readers engaged while also allowing for moments of reflection and learning. The resolution is satisfying and reinforces the book’s positive messages. The introduction of various types of clouds and their functions, complemented by beautiful illustrations, makes this book not just a story but a learning experience.
The Day the Clouds Went Away is a delightful read that I would highly recommend for children and parents alike. Its blend of charming storytelling, educational content, and beautiful artwork makes it a standout in children’s literature. This book is perfect for young readers who enjoy magical tales and for parents looking for stories with positive messages about the environment and appreciating nature.
Pages: 39 | ISBN : 978-1639390045
Strong and Independent
The Day the Clouds Went Away follows a bold and independent young princess with low vision who commands the clouds to disappear, only to face unintended consequences, leading her to learn an important lesson about the value of clouds and rain. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I founded a Nonprofit, Imagination Storybooks, to make illustrated books more accessible to all children, including those who are blind or low vision. My books include rich descriptions of the pictures in audio and video formats. There are very few books with blind main characters that are not about blindness. I want to create fairy tales where children with a disability can see themselves as a main character.
What were some driving ideals behind Princess Claudia’s character?
Princess Claudia runs her own Princessdom at age 8. She is strong and independent, despite having low vision and losing her parents when her Wizard Fumbledore made a mistake in a spell and sent them through time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Everyone looks at the clouds, but sometimes, there are shapes in the clouds of animals or characters. My book explores the different kinds of clouds and explains their importance in nature, even on rainy days.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The Day the Bees Went Away – Tales from the Princessdom, Book Two. It will be available Fall 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Author Richard Rieman, The Audiobook Wizard, has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks. He is the author of the award-winning The Author’s Guide to Audiobook Creation. Richard founded Imagination Storybooks, a pioneer Nonprofit making children’s illustrated books accessible to blind and deaf children. With his own vision fading because of glaucoma, Richard decided this main character should also have vision loss.
The Day the Clouds Went Away is perfect for kids ages 3-8, an imaginative story rich with opportunities for teachers and parents to further the conversation about what your child might do if suddenly all the clouds disappeared.
The Plastic Tree and His Friends
Nick Rozak’s children’s book, The Plastic Tree and His Friends, invites young readers into a unique urban tale that intertwines the themes of diversity, the significance of pollinators, and self-acceptance. Set against the backdrop of a city playground, the story unfolds from the perspective of a plastic tree, an unconventional protagonist that engages readers with its journey of self-discovery and understanding of the natural world. As the seasons shift, the plastic tree becomes acutely aware of its differences from the surrounding living trees. This narrative arc elegantly mirrors the feelings of alienation and self-doubt that many individuals experience when confronted with their uniqueness. It is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, relayed in a manner that is accessible and relatable to a young audience.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when a group of friends, serving as symbols of diversity and acceptance, choose to inhabit the plastic tree. This decision sets off a series of events that enlighten both the tree and the city’s inhabitants about the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem. This dual message — recognizing the importance of pollinators and embracing our differences — is woven seamlessly into the story, imparting valuable lessons without overshadowing the narrative’s whimsical charm. Complementing Rozak’s storytelling are the gentle and whimsical illustrations by Victoria Skakandi. Her artwork adds depth and visual appeal to the narrative, enhancing the story’s accessibility to a young audience.
The Plastic Tree and His Friends is a heartwarming and educational children’s book that promotes the values of diversity, inclusion, and environmental awareness. Nick Rozak’s picture book resonates with readers of all ages and reminds us of the intricate and beautiful tapestry of life where each element, no matter how small or different, has a role to play.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CT95MV3W
LITERARY TITAN 