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The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City
The Fastest Water Pistol in the West by John Walker Pattison is a lively adventure set in the Wild West, where young Daniel joins his grandparents on a thrilling trip to the Arizona desert. The heart of the story is the bond between Daniel and his “Papa,” who loves to recount daring tales from his past. One evening, Papa shares the story of his showdown with Wild Will Hickory Dickory Jock, a legendary water-pistol gunslinger. But when Daniel visits Splodge City with his grandfather, he stumbles into a real-life adventure of his own. Alongside a colorful cast of characters like Weston Wolf, Two Clouds, the Navajo Warrior, and Marshall Marvin Marwood, Daniel must help save the town from evil forces using his smarts and a trusty water pistol.
I was immediately drawn to the playful tone of this book. Papa’s vast network of friends keeps the story buzzing with excitement. The way reality blends into fantasy right before Daniel’s eyes feels seamless, making the reader as surprised as Daniel when the real adventure begins. The illustrations, though not always perfectly aligned with the descriptions in the text, are bright and full of life. I particularly enjoyed the prairie dogs—they added a layer of charm that kids will love. I also appreciated the “kid-friendly” take on the classic western showdown. Instead of whiskey and guns, we have root beer and water pistols, which keep the stakes high but are suitable for younger readers. There’s a lightness to the writing, especially when Papa and Daniel bicker good-naturedly, showing a real bond between them. These moments of humor balance nicely with the story’s adventurous spirit, making it feel both fun and heartwarming. The book’s cast of supporting characters is another highlight. Two Clouds, the Navajo Warrior, stood out to me as a unique addition.
The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City is a fun, whimsical read that will appeal to young readers who love a good adventure with a lot of humor. The book is best suited for kids who enjoy imaginative stories and love rooting for the underdog. With its playful tone and quirky characters, it’s an entertaining story. It’s a great pick for a light, adventurous read with a good dose of laughs.
Pages: 58 | ISBN : 9781838758226
Helping to Heal Families
Friendly Foxes follows a family of foxes who are going through big changes in their family and dealing with big emotions. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story came from two sources during one VERY intense week of my life. The fox family was inspired by my dog of almost 13 years (who looked just like an arctic fox) who passed away the same week my divorce was finalized. I started to paint him, and the story just started to pour out of my soul. I couldn’t say this story was from my heart, because it was still broken. I spent several months painting and healing. Once I was complete, I felt whole again. I felt healed. The book healed me. I could have stopped there but I felt compelled to share this book to help heal families all over the world. I felt this book honored both my beloved dog and my process of a kind divorce. This book means the world to me. If I can help just one child or parent going through this process, then it’s all worth it to me to make this story public.
Divorce is a hard time for everyone involved. What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
There were several factors when creating this book that when I reflect on them, make perfect sense. I’m not sure if in the moment I was fully aware of them, to be honest:
- The characters are animals so any race or gender can hopefully see themselves in these characters.
- I tried to make the story a marriage/partnership to acknowledge some families are not married when they separate, and that’s okay. The intention is for everyone going through the process of separation or divorce to feel included.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The KEY messages I wanted to convey through this book was first to have a child feel understood and seen. To acknowledge that their feelings matter. Another message was that Divorce/Separation could be seen as a healthy choice for families and create the idea that friendship and grace can be a part of the process. Divorce doesn’t have to be a bad word; it can be kind.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve been asked to PLEASE make this into a series: Discuss the many topics/areas of divorce with kindness; what is nesting, or meeting new partners; etc. I am definitely exploring this. Most likely it will be birds as the main characters.
By encouraging their Cubs to acknowledge and honour their feelings, they can all look forward to an exciting new life chapter!
Written & Illustrated by: Jesse Bettio
About the Author & Illustrator:
Jesse Bettio is a Single Mom, living in the countryside of Ontario, Canada. She took inspiration from nature and created this book during her separation and finalization of divorce:
“This book came directly from my soul, I cannot say it was from my heart, because it was still broken. This book truly healed me. My intention by sharing this book is that it can heal the hearts of single parents and children all over the world.”
I hope this book brings comfort.
I hope this book encourages conversations,
And I especially hope this book brings excitement for a new life chapter!
Friendly Foxes
Jesse Bettio’s Friendly Foxes offers an insightful exploration into the world of emotional intelligence, particularly in the context of a family undergoing a significant change. This narrative, centered around a family of foxes, delicately handles the theme of a parent’s divorce, guiding young readers through the complexities of understanding and expressing their feelings in times of upheaval.
The book’s illustrations are a standout feature. Each page is adorned with handcrafted artwork that vividly captures the emotions of the characters. The expressive eyes of the foxes and the use of rich colors create a captivating, almost magical setting. Particularly noteworthy is the portrayal of the forest’s stability amidst the family’s changing circumstances, subtly reinforcing the idea that some constants remain even in times of change. Bettio approaches the topic of divorce with sensitivity and understanding. The narrative resonates with children and adults, as it acknowledges the legitimacy and importance of emotions during such transitions. The message that ‘Your feelings are valid’ is a powerful takeaway for readers of all ages, offering comfort and validation. The conclusion effectively emphasizes the importance of addressing and working through emotions in family crises.
Friendly Foxes is more than just a children’s book; it’s a tool for initiating discussions about divorce and emotional health. It is well-suited for various settings, from personal reading to educational environments, and is appropriate for children aged 6 and above. It is a commendable resource for those seeking to introduce the concept of divorce to young minds and emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s emotions.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0CQ9QRRMD
God Made It All
In God Made It All by Ruthie Godfrey and illustrated by Helen Ayle are a match made in heaven. Godfrey’s exquisite writing skills are accentuated by Ayle’s majestic artistic abilities resulting in one powerful duo. We are taken on a journey of illustrative beauty through all the places God has touched and his goodness. All that surrounds us and all that is, God made it all.
“From the quietest blowing breeze to the loudest clap of thunder” especially stood out to me because I could feel the sweeping of the wind through the page. The art is remarkably masterful and connects the reader to the story’s overall theme. Each page is immensely evocative and held me captivated and yearning for more. The author has exceptionally encapsulated the incredible power of God throughout her verses in this book. It is apparent that this writer has tremendous passion for her writing, creating, and faith.
God Made It All is the perfect picture book for any person’s library and easy enough for beginner readers to get through and understand clearly. I would imagine this book to also be a great tool in starting conversations about God, the world around us, and God’s goodness. How everything and everyone is connected through God in so many ways.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B09L7CCPBM
LITERARY TITAN 