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Passion for Wildlife Conservation
In Born to be Naughty, a young girl who always manages to avoid paying for her many pranks learns an important lesson in responsibility when she happens upon a helpless baby bird in need. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The idea for the story came from my own experience from my childhood. When I was 8 years old, I found a baby sparrow whose nest was destroyed by an electric shock from an air conditioner; I cared for it, which sparked my deep connection to nature and inspired my passion for wildlife conservation.
Is there anything from your childhood included in Hanna’s story?
Yes, a lot from it. Hannas caught line ooh Hanna you are best, the bestest whoever Was, the bestest whoever Is, ooh Hanna you are sooooooo best. The starting incident of the story. And some crazy pranks like plastic lizards. Hehe
What draws you to write children’s literature?
I wanted to see the purest form of love in my life. There could be no love as pure as the love of God. But does it exist in this world? Yes! I saw that love in the eyes and hearts of the children. When you look into the eyes of a kid and smile, they smile back at you, regardless of your colour, looks, economic status or what people say to you; they just smile back at you with the same politeness and love. I want to celebrate that purest form of love in our lives by writing for these little angels whose hearts are filled with purity (and a little naughtiness).
Where will the next book in the Hanna the Guardian of Nature series take readers?
Hanna the Guardian of Nature is a journey of Hanna, embarking on friendship and betrayal, finding one’s self, opening curtains over the biggest hidden secrets of nature for Diana and ultimately learning how to make Hanna the guardian of this nature. So there are many folds to open up in the coming parts of this series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Amazon
If someone gives you pee to drink, simply give them a potty to eat.
Imagine a kid like this.
Then imagine a kid like this doubles her naughtiness with the perfect addition of a best friend forever in her life.
If you have imagined all this, then it’s time to meet Hanna from the series ‘Hanna the Guardian of Nature’. Hanna’s mischievous spirit is about to press her to one of the most daring thrills in her summer vacations.
Don’t confuse your mind with guardianship and naughtiness going hand in hand. Simply read the book and let the confusion rest in peace.
This first book in the ‘Hanna the Guardian of Nature’ series is filled with humorous adventures and thoughtful moments. More excitement is yet to come as this is just the first step in Hanna’s mission to make all the children in the world read her series and become true ‘Guardians of Nature, just like her.
Born to be Naughty (Hanna the Guardian of Nature Book 1)
Hanna thrives on mischief. Clever and quick-witted, she uses her innocent appearance to pull off one outrageous prank after another. Her days are filled with endless antics, each more inventive than the last. But when she stumbles upon a helpless baby bird in need, her playful world takes an unexpected turn. Does this new responsibility signal the end of her pranks? Absolutely not! In Born to be Naughty (Hanna the Guardian of Nature Book 1) by Hina Nauman, readers join Hanna and her feathered companion on a whirlwind adventure where pranks abound, and surprises lurk at every corner.
This lively tale introduces us to Hanna, a spirited girl whose knack for avoiding the fallout of her mischief makes her exploits all the more entertaining. Each day brings fresh chaos, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary escapades. Yet beneath the pranks and pandemonium lies a budding connection to nature, a journey that promises to reveal deeper layers of Hanna’s character. What makes this book especially engaging is its vibrant infusion of Pakistani culture.
The storytelling is rich and immersive, pulling readers directly into Hanna’s world. The humor is sharp, often laugh-out-loud funny, though some of the pranks lean toward crude humor, which might inspire a few wild ideas in more impressionable readers. Still, for those mature enough to enjoy the hijinks without replicating them, this book offers an unforgettable experience. Hanna’s presence extends beyond the pages, with opportunities for readers to engage with her through social media, adding an interactive element to the fun.
Perfect for readers aged 11 and up, Born to be Naughty (Hanna the Guardian of Nature Book 1) is a rollercoaster of laughter and surprises. While its mention of burned animals and moments of crude humor may be unsettling for sensitive readers, the book’s fast-paced, lighthearted nature keeps the tone upbeat and engaging. This debut entry into Hanna’s world is more than just a standalone story—it’s a promising start to what could become an incredible series, brimming with adventure, humor, and heart.
Pages: 104 | ASIN : B0B4YM985R
Broaden Children’s Cultural Understanding
In Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?, readers learn alongside two children from America and Japan who discover fun differences in the way their two cultures express onomatopoeias. Where did the idea for this book come from?
When I first started studying Japanese, I was amazed by how much onomatopoeia is used in everyday conversations. In US English, we use words like “pop,” “meow,” “crackle,” and “bang” to add vividness to our language. However, in Japanese, there are thousands of onomatopoeia used that not only represent real sounds but also describe conditions, movements, and feelings. For example, “fura-fura” means dizzy, “waku-waku” means excited, and “noro-noro” means moving slowly. I found these expressions so colorful and funny that I thought they would be a fun way to introduce language differences to children. While teaching cross-cultural education at elementary schools in Kobe, Japan, one of my most popular lessons was about the differences in Japanese and US animal sounds. This experience inspired me to write my award-winning children’s book, Why Max MEOWS and Risa NYAAS?
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
Because Japanese and US English languages have different pronunciations, I wanted to ensure children learn the correct way to pronounce Japanese animal sounds. After consulting with several native Japanese speakers, I created a chart for the book that includes both Japanese and US English animal sounds with phonetic pronunciation and spelling.
What is one thing you hope young readers, their parents, and teachers are able to take away from Max and Risa’s story?
Having lived in Japan for over 25 years, the culture has profoundly influenced my life. Through my children’s book, I want to introduce young minds to the wonders of Japanese art, language, and culture. In my book, Max, an American boy, is intrigued when he hears Risa, a Japanese girl, mimic a cat’s sound as “nyaa” instead of “meow.” This curiosity leads to the discovery that animals might “speak” different languages in different parts of the world. I hope teachers and parents can use this universal concept of animal sounds to broaden children’s cultural understanding and even spark interest in learning a foreign language.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
In line with my mission to introduce children to the rich traditions of Japanese art, culture, and language, I am currently writing a book with a Kintsugi theme. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, celebrating imperfections, and embracing the beauty of flaws. Additionally, I am working on a second onomatopoeia-themed book that introduces the Japanese onomatopoeia used to express feelings and emotions.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Amazon
Max’s ordinary day takes an extraordinary turn when he and his friend Risa stumble upon a cage with a mouse in their classroom. They realize something peculiar – they hear animal sounds differently. Why does a mouse go “chu-chu”or a crow cry “kaa-kaa”? Max and his friend Risa embark on a mission to uncover the truth! Are dogs barking “wan-wan”? Is it “meow-meow” or “nyaa-nyaa” for a cat?
With vivid illustrations and an engaging storyline, get ready to giggle as Max and Risa reveal the hilarious differences between English and Japanese animal sounds.
Will Max and Risa ever agree on the horse’s sound? Grab your detective hat and join them on their whimsical journey to find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship, curiosity, and the magic of language.
Why Max “Meows and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures
Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures, by David Huerta, is a delightful exploration of onomatopoeias, emphasizing their role in developing language skills such as speech fluency and pronunciation. The story follows Max, an American boy, and Risa, a Japanese girl, who share a classroom in Japan. Max is initially puzzled when he realizes that Risa interprets the sound a mouse makes differently than he does. This discovery leads him to embark on a fascinating journey with Risa to uncover how animal sounds are interpreted across cultures.
The characters of Max and Risa are endearing and humorous, showcasing a strong, supportive friendship. Their interactions are engaging and highlight the joy of learning about cultural differences. Through their journey, readers gain valuable insights into Japanese culture, as Max and Risa navigate their differing perspectives and learn to appreciate each other’s viewpoints. This narrative beautifully illustrates the importance of accepting others’ opinions and the value of collaboration.
Huerta’s book features a charming array of animal sounds, including those of dogs, cats, and sheep, offering a rich and entertaining learning experience. To enhance understanding, a table at the end lists the sounds in English, Japanese, and their Japanese pronunciations, providing a practical reference for young readers. The illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, with clear and relaxed tones that make the story visually appealing. Set in a lively school environment, the narrative portrays learning as an enjoyable adventure. Although some sentences may be a bit long for very young readers, the explanations are thorough, and the concepts are conveyed clearly.
Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures is a charming and educational tale that not only introduces children to animal sounds but also serves as a captivating introduction to Japanese culture. David Huerta has created a story that is both entertaining and enlightening, making it an excellent resource for fostering cultural awareness and language development in young readers.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D1RLPDXX
LITERARY TITAN 