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Daniel Juventus and the Stonehenge-Gate of Magic
In Daniel Juventus and the Stonehenge – Gate of Magic, by J.A. Thinky, readers are drawn into a spellbinding tale that begins with the life of Daniel Juventus, a boy marked by his distinct quirks and a hand deformity, compounded by the loneliness of his parents’ absence and his grandfather’s care. Daniel’s life transforms when vivid dreams guide him to a powerful revelation: he is the Chosen One, destined to wield the Ankh and liberate EV, the King of the Kingdom of Light, from the dark forces of Dzărum. Guided by a mysterious woman to a parallel world, Daniel embarks on a perilous quest, testing his bravery and determination as he strives to protect the Ankh and save his loved ones from impending chaos.
This novel stands out for its rich world-building, bringing historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart into its fantasy realm. J.A. Thinky’s bold inclusion of these iconic personalities adds layers of historical intrigue and humor, creating a narrative that is both educational and entertaining. The fusion of these legendary figures within a fictional setting offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, captivating readers of all ages with a seamless blend of fantasy and real-world brilliance.
Central to the story is Daniel’s transformation from a bullied and insecure boy to a valiant hero. His journey of self-discovery and empowerment resonates deeply, as he not only masters magic but also uncovers his inner strength. This evolution mirrors a universal theme of personal growth, making Daniel’s experiences relatable to readers navigating their own paths of maturity and self-discovery. J.A. Thinky’s prowess as a storyteller is evident in the intricate weaving of a plausible magic system with scientific discovery. Characters like Professor Newton, who fantastically explains gravitational theories, and Professor Nobel, who delves into the chemistry of magical perfumes, enrich the narrative with educational insights. The suspense and intrigue of facing evil wizards and the enigmatic Rumpelstiltskin keep readers engrossed, eagerly following Daniel’s strategic battles against perilous challenges.
Daniel Juventus and the Stonehenge – Gate of Magic breathes new life into the realms of fantasy, science, and art, appealing to a broad spectrum of readers, from young adults to those seeking a well-crafted adventure. Fans of tween novels like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series will find a similar blend of adventure, humor, and character growth, making this an irresistibly compelling read. Daniel Juventus emerges as a literary hero whose journey promises thrilling future installments, ensuring J.A. Thinky’s place as a distinguished voice in modern fantasy literature.
Pages: 276 | ISBN : 1804397334
Imparting Life Lessons
A Witch’s Lesson follows two young friends from a small town who, on Halloween night, encounter a Witch who wants to stop the holiday from being celebrated. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for A Witch’s Lesson came from my desire to create a Halloween story that not only entertained but also carried a meaningful moral lesson, and I wanted it to rhyme because, as a kid, I enjoyed books that rhymed. I wanted to share a tale that emphasized the value of sharing and showed that positive change is possible, even in individuals who may initially seem unkind or malicious. Additionally, I aimed to showcase the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with the possibility of personal sacrifice, such as losing one’s candy. Ultimately, I wanted to create a story that would resonate with young readers while imparting important life lessons in a fun and engaging way.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In A Witch’s Lesson A Halloween Story, several key ideas were important for me to share. First and foremost, I wanted to convey the idea that kindness and empathy have the power to transform even the seemingly unlikable characters. Through the character of the witch, I wanted to show that it’s never too late to change and choose a path of compassion.
Additionally, I aimed to emphasize the value of friendship and cooperation. Mary, Gary, and let’s add Andy as well to show how friendship plays a central role in the story, demonstrating how working together and supporting one another can lead to positive outcomes, even in challenging situations.
Lastly, I wanted to celebrate the magic and fun of Halloween while encouraging children to think about the deeper meanings of the holiday. A Witch’s Lesson combines the excitement of trick-or-treating while encouraging sharing, courage, and standing up for what’s right.
Ultimately, my goal was to create a story that not only entertains but also imparts important life lessons that children can carry with them long after Halloween is over.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Rizwan Jani?
It went fine. I found him on Fiverr, and I used him on my book The Selfish Cat Who Learned How To Share And liked him so much that I used him again. He was easy to work with
Do you have more stories planned for Mary and Gary? If not, what is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
Well lately I have been working on a book series for kids called A Cat Named Puppy it’s like a first-chapter book with black and white images. I currently have 3 books in the series A Cat Named Puppy Goes To School, A Cat Named Puppy Halloween Adventure, and A Cat Named Puppy And The Christmas Mystery. The 2 cats who are the main characters in those books are based off my real life pet cats Puppy and Stitch. Stitch just passed away so its been good therapy including him in a story. But the goal is to include a lot of pictures and yes some of the pictures are of the real life puppy and stitch so the child dose not feel like they are reading as much because the kids I know when they have to pick out a book they look to see if it has pictures. I guess it makes them feel like they are reading less however these books are a whole story. And of course I am still writing my rhyming books as well I just released The Horse And The Magic Carrot.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
A Witch’s Lesson A Halloween Story
On the enchanting eve of Halloween, two inseparable companions, Mary and Gary, eagerly gear up to embark on a delightful adventure of trick-or-treating. With their meticulously crafted costumes, these youthful spirits set out to immerse themselves in the revelry of the town, anticipating the joy of encountering numerous kindred souls and partaking in various delightful treats. Regrettably, an unforeseen obstacle emerges in their path in the form of a malevolent witch residing atop a nearby hill, intent on snuffing out their merriment. The fateful encounter between the witch and the resilient children takes a menacing turn when an incantation is unleashed, threatening to cast a shadow over their Halloween festivities. Will the sinister magic cast by the witch be surmountable, or will Mary and Gary’s cherished holiday be marred indefinitely?
A Witch’s Lesson by James Breznicky is a charming children’s book centered around triumphing over malice. This rhyming tale, exuding a blend of eerie intrigue and heartwarming sentiment, strikes a balance for a Halloween read that captivates without overwhelming its young audience. The portrayal of the witch encapsulates the essence of a spiteful individual intent on sabotaging the joys of others, evoking empathy for Mary and Gary as they confront this antagonist on the night of Halloween. The narrative leads to a satisfying resolution, instilling in the reader a sense of optimism and fulfillment, like a classic children’s tale. The vivid illustrations, crafted by illustrator Rizwan Jani, radiate a vibrant and cheerful ambiance. Each character springs to life distinctively, while the artist’s bold and vibrant hues effectively reinforce the storytelling.
A Witch’s Lesson by James Breznicky is an optimistic picture book showing kindness’s power. The narrative exudes a sincerity that resonates with readers. The blend of a charming story and delightful illustrations makes this rhyming book perfect for shared reading sessions with your little ones on a brisk autumn evening.
Pages: 77 | ASIN : B0CB58DXFY
I Have A Strong Relationship With Nature
A Birch Tree’s Year follows a big birch tree in a family’s yard who shares its feelings on watching the family grow and the changing seasons of the year. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have always had a strong relationship with nature. It is a very personal connection, and I often feel that individual elements of nature speak to me directly. I strongly feel the change of seasons, too. It affects all my being and thinking.
In my childhood, I lived for a meaningful decade in the middle of the beautiful Finnish lake district. Since then, the detailed images of everything I have seen and experienced have been drawn into the depths of my soul.
I can still go to my favorite places in my imagination whenever I want to. I can imagine wandering in the middle of a blooming meadow near my home. From there, I collected over a hundred plants for school biology classes, dried and labeled them carefully in a folder.
Trees are one of my greatest joys in nature. I am happy about their diversity and the shelter they provide for the nesting birds with their branches. This is important for me, as I’m also a fan of birds and birdsong!
Birch is an important tree for us Finns. It also has great symbolic value due to the sensitivity associated with it. This extraordinary tree changes with the seasons from a bare and stripped winter version to a plentiful and strong green summer birch tree. My favorite is the spring birch, which is just beginning to promise the arrival of summer by pushing out tiny light green buds.
What is your favorite season and why?
The substantial changes in the seasons in Finland mean a lot to me. This cycle of nature gives rhythm to the whole human life. Experiences in winter’s white, frozen nature are entirely different from those in the middle of blooming summer. Here is the richness of life!
However, I must admit that I am a spring and summer person. Especially that turning point is wonderful! Schools are ending, and summer vacations are ahead. People are full of dreams and plans. They think about traveling, meeting friends and relatives, digging and planting in gardens, walking in parks, and picking berries in the forest.
Spring and the beginning of summer are always intense experiences for me – year after year. I can’t help but admire the power of nature after winter. My ideal summer is as peaceful as possible. I need time to look at and listen to the blooming nature around me. I try to avoid traveling and doing too much work.
Of course, I can’t stop writing even in the summer. Then I have time to focus on a different kind of writing than in the winter. I always have some novels for adult readers in the making. But I don’t know how many summers it will take to complete them!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I consider it essential that people and nature live in harmony with each other. It is good that children learn to respect nature in all its forms. Even that single tree next to the house can be very important to everyone living near it.
In my book, A Birch Tree’s Year, this connection between people, animals, and plants is examined by going through the life of the family, their house, and the yard around it in all months of the year. The point of view of the birch tree is emphasized because it offers quite a drama. There is the depression of autumn, the frosts of winter, the candles of Christmas, and finally, a new life at the dawn of spring with the pleasures of summertime to follow.
Although this is a fairy tale and can be taken just like that, I also want to highlight nature’s enormous power and influence on us humans. That union with the rest of nature is also a prerequisite for our well-being as people.
And it wouldn’t be bad at all if the children reading the fairy tale looked at the familiar yard tree with new eyes the next time. They could even experience its presence in a new, more sensitive way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I got very excited about this question because I have a lot of good news!
The fourth book in the familiar Fox Series is in the illustration. I’ve already seen the storyboarding by illustrator Andrea Alemanno for The Fox’s New Channel. My fox continues his crooked games, this time brazenly using new media and fake news.
My new illustrator, Iva Dukić in Croatia, currently illustrates my book Friends and Rivals. The prince brothers in the book end up in a bitter struggle for the crown and the throne. Fortunately, at the end of the book, the other brother returns to his brother’s side. The sad thing is that it took almost a lifetime in the dungeon.
I would like to highlight the third novelty, which is already well into the illustration. The Ukrainian Sofia Panchyshyn – the sister of the illustrator Roksolana, known from many of my other books – has taken up her delicate brush. Sofia’s gentle touch creates a magical and plentiful illustration for my story, The Bird Prison. In this book, we follow Griselda, who hates colorful birds nesting in her perfect garden with color harmony and begins a merciless battle against them.
We should get all these books in Wicwick’s fall/winter publishing schedule. I look forward to presenting them to readers and international partners. Since I’m so excited about the illustrations for the upcoming books, I’ve already been posting a few tastings of the artists’ works on my social media channels.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
For the birch, the year is full of changes: the warmth of summer; the wistful farewells of autumn; the chill of winter; and the miracle of growth in spring. The birch is often the center of life for the children playing in the yard, but sometimes the birch is left all alone.
In this book, each month depicts a vignette in the life of the birch and its surroundings. The tree and the family are in an ongoing, delicate interaction–from one day, one month, and one year, to another.
A Birch Tree’s Year
A Birch Tree’s Year by Tuula Pere follows a sapling that has grown into a big birch tree. We follow this birch tree and the family the birch is near as the birch experiences the changes in the season. We start in the month of January as there is a severe winter frost, and from there, we move into the year as the snow starts to melt and the birch begins to grow leaves in preparation for spring. Next, we experience the love and laughter the birch tree feels, being able to experience summer with the family that the tree is next to. Finally, we experience the changing of the leaves in preparation for autumn, and this is the moment the birch realizes that it will soon be lonely again as the winter season approaches.
Tuula Pere offers readers a beautiful story that takes readers through the changes in the seasons but also the different months of the year. I found it adorable that the birch tree enjoyed the family it watched over and especially looked forward to the summertime when birds would visit, and the children would play outside near the tree. However, I found November to be a melancholy month because the birch begins to feel lonely as the winter chill rolls in. Pere’s storytelling is beautiful and showcases the relationship between the birch and the family that lives next to it. The author paints a vivid picture of the birch tree’s life, making it impossible not to feel a deep connection to this magnificent tree.
The Birch Tree is a heartwarming story that teaches young readers the importance of nature and the beauty that surrounds us. I recommend this magical story to those who enjoy a book about nature and human interaction.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 9523570153
The Lady of the Loch
Twelve-year-old Tyler Buckland is moving away from his old home in Oxford to the scenic little town of Lochview in Scotland. Not that he has a choice in the matter. Chafing at the thought of leaving familiar surroundings, Tyler joins his dad, who introduces Tyler to the ghost stories surrounding the tiny town. After arriving, Tyler soon discovers that the supernatural is closer than he ever dared imagine, as a centuries-old danger returns to threaten the children of modern-day Lochview. Caught in a web of mystery where the fantastic clashes with the everyday, Tyler must use his wits to survive if he has any hope of thwarting his otherworldly foe.
The Lady of the Loch by Ryan Vernel is a chilling tale of specters and supernatural horror. Placed in a small town in Scotland, every part of the background lends ambiance to this frightening adventure. The plot moves quickly, each heart-pounding moment leading to the next big revelation as Tyler struggles to learn more about the town and the legends surrounding it. A place where the magical meets the mundane. Anything and everything is possible in the town of Lochview, and this first entry in the series brought a chill to my bones.
The plot is easy to follow and ensures that readers are consistently entertained. The characters are interesting and memorable, and every detail adds to the greater picture of the mystery. This riveting ghost story was full of adventure and is one of the most incredible I have read. The author expertly balances the riveting paranormal details and the dangerous thrills in this story so that young readers are immersed in this fun story, rather than being frightened.
This journey of peril and battling the hidden forces of evil is well worth a read. Ryan Vernel’s middle-grade ghost story creates a uniquely eerie atmosphere that is spooky and consistently entertaining. The Lady of the Loch is the beginning of a promising supernatural mystery series for children, as Tyler Buckland faces deadly supernatural forces to protect the town and people of Lochview.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0BKJH88CQ
LITERARY TITAN 