Blog Archives
Friendship and Responsibility
The Tralls of Maruchus follows a spirited young trall who befriends a water sprite and promises not to reveal their existence, yet after a devastating fire, she is forced to break that promise. What was the inspiration for the set up of your story?
There were two important issues I wanted this story to cover.
Firstly, I wanted to show my young readers that even if someone is very different from them, they can become friends. I firmly believe that, as Australia and indeed the whole world become more multicultural, this is an important concept for children to understand.
Secondly, children quickly learn that promises must be kept, and this can sometimes cause them worry and concern, and even lead to dire consequences. I wanted to demonstrate through this story that there are good promises and bad promises. Promises that make you feel happy and excited are good promises and can be kept, but promises that make you feel unhappy, sad, or worried are bad promises and they can be broken, and should be shared with others.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
When I was teaching, I would read a chapter of a book to my class each morning, and the stories, although wonderful and exciting, were always about the lifestyle of children living in other countries. By the time I retired, I had three grandchildren, and I wanted to leave them a legacy that would remind them of our family and the close bonds we shared, so I decided to write a portal fantasy, and set it in Queensland so it would showcase an Australian lifestyle.
I included many of the good times we’d shared as a family and the valuable lessons we’d learned along the way. I also included some childhood memories of happy times spent with my own grandparents.
Then, just after the first book was released, my mother and my husband passed away, so I included many of the maxims they loved to pass on. Sadly, a lot of today’s children don’t live near their grandparents, and consequently, they miss out on these nuggets of wisdom.
As more grandchildren arrived, more books were added, and gradually, The Trall Series developed into a stylised biography of our extended family. The tralldoms, for instance, were influenced by the happy carefree existence we had when we lived on Badu Island in the Torres Strait, and the personalities and traits of the various characters are an amalgamation of several family members. There are always a few chuckles when someone is recognized or an event is recalled.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Each book in the series covers issues that I feel strongly about; namely empathy, inclusiveness, fairness, and responsibility.
In The Tralls of Maruchus, I focused on friendship and responsibility. I hope this story encourages young readers to realise that true friendship should be based on shared beliefs, shared interests, a strong commitment to understanding each other, standing by each other in times of need, and embracing differences as well as similarities.
I’m also very committed to preserving the environment and its native flora and fauna. Each book in The Trall Series is based on a different environmental problem that the characters work together to overcome. I truly believe that if we can introduce young people to the beauty of their local environment early enough, they will develop into adults who will take positive steps to care for it.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take the readers?
The series now consists of five books: The Tralls of Nindarry, The Tralls of Mundi, The Tralls of Maruchus, The Tralls of Colum, and The Tralls of Nosa. As previously stated, each story includes an environmental issue (mining, misuse of water, fracking, plastic waste, and local fauna and flora being displaced by introduced species).
They also deal with many of the issues that have an impact on children as they develop their own character and personality.
My hope is that The Trall Series will have a positive effect on young readers and encourage them to make choices that will help them to promote the best facets of themselves. I also hope it will encourage them to become more aware of the environmental problems our world is facing, and that the brave, resourceful young characters that feature throughout the series will motivate them to take an active role in protecting their own environment.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Eventually, Ellie takes her new friend to her tralldom to meet her kinships and Maya promises the fief that she will never tell anyone about the Tralldom of the Rivers or the water sprites who inhabit it but when their home is destroyed by fire and the lives of the water sprites are put at risk, Maya soon realises that she is unable to help them by herself and that promise becomes a burden too great for her to bear.
Eventually, Maya is forced to break her promise and the story she shares leads to a chain of events that will change the lives of the sprites forever.
Will Ellie, who considers a promise to be a sacred oath be able to forgive Maya or could her betrayal lead to the end of their friendship?
The Tralls of Maruchus is the third book in The Trall Series, a collection of exciting portal fantasies set in Australia. The books may be read as stand-alone books but reading them in sequence opens up the wonderful world of the tralldoms and their inhabitants and uncovers some long-held secrets.
The series has been written for competent readers aged between 9 years and 13 years.
New Worlds and Adventures
Children of the Ancient Heroes: Dreams and Nightmares follows two siblings who stumble upon a forbidden book of childhood legends, bending reality and sweeping them into a realm bursting with magic. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My children are the inspiration for this story and the coming series. Many years ago, when they were still small, I was trying my hand at a few different story ideas when they asked me to write them a story. My daughter, as my eldest, was especially fond of stories like Narnia and The Hobbit. I wanted to create a story where they went on adventures. Over time, the story grew and the names changed. More characters were added and how they arrived in the Lighted Lands changed. I am a big believer in the magic of books and how they transport us to new worlds and adventures, so I became a bit literal in this story. I wanted a story that children everywhere would love and to create a world where they could escape to whenever they needed.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I loved every one of my characters so much. Each one surprised me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I had based Tirza and Eli off of my own children, but they took on their own agency and showed me that they were much like my own children, but also unique in their own ways. I love Tirza’s boldness and adventurous spirit and her desire to be a protector. I also love Eli’s wit and piercing intuition. He also has a vulnerability that makes him so honest and dear.
Probably the most challenging character was Tirza. She had undergone a lot of change from my original drafts to who she is now. Mostly due to feedback from beta readers. I didn’t want her to be cliché or wooden. I think I was trying too hard to write her rather than let her be who she is. When I let go and simply watched, that’s when her true self shone. I cannot wait to let everyone see who she becomes as the series continues.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I think that family is an especially important theme that I was surprised by as it took shape in this story (and in the stories to come). Exploring what family truly is and how it shapes us. Faith is also something that weaves its way into anything I write, intentionally or not. It was important for me to show that faith cannot simply be something we receive from our parents or grandparents, although they do play important roles, but it must be wholly experienced and chosen by us. The children needed to embrace it as their own and not something they hold to simply because that’s what they were taught.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
The next book is scheduled to come out on April 8th, 2025. I originally wrote the two books as one whole. It was a bit on the long side, so my publisher and I agreed that we would split it into 2 books. There will be more beyond this, though. The plan was on a trilogy for Tirza and Eli, with a prequel to follow. There might be more now.
The next book will see Tirza and Eli as they go on their separate quests to find the cure for Queen Penelope. They will meet new characters and face new dangers that will change them forever. This is where the heart-pumping action and emotional hurricane really hit.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Linktree | Amazon
Is it a world of their dreams… or their worst nightmares?
Real Magic
Ice Cap follows an unusual snowman with a cell phone and electric guitar who helps entertain kids and unite communities in the winter. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I have been in awe of technology advancement in my lifetime. As a teacher and parent, I have noticed how adults and now children are often glued to their phones and tablets, missing out on the adventure we call life! Real magic happens when parents, teachers, and caregivers make real-life connections with children through play, music, and by showing kindness. There is no substitute for spending quality time with each other. Ice Cap has a phone and he’s from THIS century but he hasn’t forgotten the intrinsic value of friendship, whether it is with his forest friends or the children he meets. I wanted to incorporate the ideas of manners, of including parents in the fun, and of giving gifts of the heart, drawn from the magic of our natural world.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Claire Sedovic?
Claire is a wonderful artist and our collaboration was quite seamless. I immediately chose her from my publisher’s repertoire. Although the comic strip and AI illustration styles are popular now, I wanted the story to seem modern with the underlying charm of a timeless tradition. I sent her a lot of background setting material and ideas for characters (objects, animals, multicultural children, objects, my sketch of Ice Cap, etc.) and she stayed true to my vision for the book. She did some research of her own, I could tell right away when she captured my corn husk dolls that adorn the tree. (A craft taught to my mom by a First Nations neighbour 80 years ago!) Claire was open to make changes or additions and her own interpretations of each scene really brought the story to life. Thanks, Claire!!!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first book! I’m quite busy sharing my story with schools, libraries, and my community. I have already written a companion story with a similar female character but I am going to wait a while before starting the process again. Time will tell!!! I actually have so many stories written, all drawn from my experiences, from my community, and from the flora and fauna of our beautiful world. For now readers, parents, and teachers can connect with me or read my blog on my website joanepp.com. I look forward to reading the stories that children send me at justjoanandkids@gmail.com because after all reading inspires writing!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Whether he’s snowboarding down hills, playing games with kids, or sharing frosty treats, Ice Cap makes winter the most magical time of the year. When the children text him with a “please,” he’s there in a flash, ready to join in the fun!
But Ice Cap’s adventures aren’t just about games. He’s got a special gift for spreading kindness and making memories. From building ice castles to creating a beautiful pine tree in the center of town, he’s always thinking of ways to make his friends smile.
From debut author, Joan Epp, this rhyming picture book is perfect for kids who love snowmen, the holidays, and winter fun. With lyrical text and whimsical illustrations, “Ice Cap” is a delightful read that will warm hearts, even on the frostiest days. Ideal for children ages 3-7, this story is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
Join Ice Cap on his snowy adventures, and discover the magic of winter through the eyes of a modern-day snowman who’s as cool as he is kind!
Ice Cap
Ice Cap is a wintery adventure filled with magic, laughs, and a snowman who’s just too cool to melt. A snowman named Ice Cap isn’t just your average frosty fellow. He sports a hat that powers his cell phone, rocks out on an electric guitar, and knows all the popular tunes. The story takes you through his snowy escapades, from racing down hills on his snowboard to strumming tunes for both kids and parents. Ice Cap becomes the ultimate snow-day hero, bringing the town together with fun and a big heart, even though he has to dash away when spring starts peeking in.
Author Joan Epp’s rhyming verse has a bouncy and cheerful rhythm that’ll have you singing along. The language is accessible, the kind that young readers will gobble up, but with a playful sophistication that adults can chuckle at too. Take the line, “He’s got cool sunglasses and a magical hat, that charges his cell phone so he can chat”—come on, how can you not smile at a snowman with tech-savvy charm? It feels like a joyful mix between classic winter tales and a modern-day spin on what kids actually enjoy.
What really shines in this children’s book is the imagination. Ice Cap creates full-blown adventures with snowmobiles, ice castles, and even hockey games. It’s a pure and delightful fantasy. There’s something heartwarming about how Epp brings Ice Cap to life as a character who always returns when the children need him, reminding us of those magical childhood friends we wished could stick around forever. The details are rich but relatable, like the fun twist where the kids have to text “please” to get Ice Cap to join their play.
The watercolor illustrations are a burst of vibrant joy that perfectly capture the picture book’s playful energy. Each page has lively colors. Claire Sedovic’s attention to detail is a true treat. Every page is full of whimsical touches that bring the story to life, like the expressions of pure delight on the kids’ faces when Ice Cap is in different situations. It’s the kind of art that invites kids to pause and soak in the magic.
Ice Cap is a must-read for families who love the magic of winter and the idea of a snowman who’s as much of a rock star as he is a playful buddy. It’s perfect for bedtime reading or any day when you wish the snow would stick around a bit longer. Parents, grandparents, teachers—anyone looking to spark a bit of wonder in a child’s eyes should pick this up.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DF7HSBB9
Find the Light
The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow follows a young boy and a small green dragon who go on a journey through a perilous cave facing challenges and forming alliances along the way as they battle The Shadow. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The main inspiration was my son. He’s currently undergoing treatment for leukemia, and throughout his treatment journey he has had so many moments where he was incredibly brave! I likened what he was going through to the burden carried by Frodo in the Lord of the Rings, and wanted to write a fantasy metaphor for pediatric cancer treatment. It was important for me to draw on that, but then pull in inspiration from Kingdom Hearts and Dungeons & Dragons to help tell it. It was a very cathartic experience. And aside from my son’s fight, I also wanted to give other kids, or even adults, that are going through the same thing an easily read book that lets them know they’re not alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
There is a lot that the main character goes through, and he’s portrayed as a young boy. I wanted to make sure that this boy made mistakes, displayed a wide variety of emotions, and was filled with doubt. He is guided by a small dragon throughout the journey, who I really just wanted to make fun and quirky, but also wise and sagely. The other characters and what they present to the main character are very representative of cancer treatment. It was their interactions with the boy and how he reacted to them and what each of them represented that really tells the story beneath the story.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
That no matter how dark or terrible things appear, to find the light. There is always light. Trust in that light. And sometimes it takes reading a book or talking to a friend to find a bit of bravery. Or maybe it takes listening to the wise words of a quirky dragon.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
Before this story and everything that inspired it, I was in the middle of writing a fantasy series with my good friend, Aaron Bunce, called The Dunes of Aelaron. We still have the third installment to write, entitled The Wrath of the Undergods. I also have a science fiction project I’m working on that I hope to have out next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | TikTok | Website | Book Review
The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow
The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow by Christopher Guhl is a heartwarming fantasy that tells the story of a boy named Liam and his loyal companion, a dragon named Georgie. Together, they journey through a perilous cave, facing challenges and forming alliances with an array of intriguing characters as they battle the menacing force known as The Shadow. Throughout this quest, Liam discovers an incredible power within himself, yet each use of this strength comes at a steep personal cost. This poignant story is deeply inspired by Guhl’s own experience, drawing from his son’s battle with leukemia, making it as personal as it is powerful.
In many ways, the novel serves as a beautifully crafted metaphor for the struggles faced during illness. The dark, endless cave becomes a symbol for the overwhelming and often uncertain path that lies ahead when confronting such adversity. But, amid the darkness, Liam finds support in the form of unique beings, each offering guidance, hope, and strength for his dangerous journey. Guhl’s storytelling taps into universal emotions, making each fantastical encounter feel personal and relatable. The allegory of the story shines through, resonating with anyone who has faced hardship, particularly when illness is involved. The vivid descriptions of the cave heighten the sense of the daunting, almost impossible task that Liam faces. Yet, the tender moments of assistance and support from those around him give the narrative warmth and hope, illustrating that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone. While the brevity of the book makes it accessible to younger readers, it could also be seen as a drawback. The story’s characters, themes, and emotional depth feel deserving of more time and space to be fully explored. That said, the book’s sincerity and emotional resonance remain intact, delivering an impactful and moving tale even within its concise structure.
Perfect for middle-grade readers or anyone who appreciates stories of courage and resilience, The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow is a beautifully inspiring read. Guhl’s story is not only a testament to the power of perseverance but also a touching allegory of the struggles we face—and overcome—when life’s battles seem insurmountable. An uplifting read for children and adults alike, it’s a must-read for those who enjoy stories of hope and bravery in the face of adversity.
Pages: 64 | ASIN : B0D9SWFVZN
The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp
In The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp: A Tale of Antyfas, by Laura Dinovis Berry, young Valentino—Tino to his friends—finds himself longing for excitement beyond the confines of his family’s farm. Life is predictable and dull until preparations for his older brother’s birthday party take a sharp turn for the unexpected. Upset when things go awry, Tino is lured by a mysterious gnome to an eerie party in the Nastgant Swamp, where he soon faces dangers he never imagined. With the help of newfound friends, Tino must summon all his courage and wit to protect his world from the malevolent forces lurking in the swamp.
This enchanting fairy tale, perfect for middle-grade readers, strikes a spooky but playful tone, delivering an adventure packed with danger yet avoiding overly graphic depictions of harm. Although the story touches on dark themes such as children being eaten, the narrative wisely keeps these moments off-page, making it accessible to younger audiences.
The creatures in the book, especially the Grickens, are wonderfully imagined and bring a sense of whimsy to the tale—particularly for readers familiar with life on a farm, as they bear an amusing resemblance to backyard hens. The trolls, Wonjin and Jinjin, are standout characters, defying expectations with their complexity and charm as the story progresses. One of the novel’s strongest elements is the central role of Tino’s family in the plot.
It’s refreshing to see a fantasy adventure where family bonds—from parents to aunts and uncles—are so integral to the story. This focus on familial relationships adds depth to the narrative, giving it a warm and heartfelt quality. In many ways, the tale feels like an elaborate, family-wide roleplaying adventure, conjuring nostalgic memories of childhood days spent exploring the woods. The story wraps up neatly, leaving readers both satisfied and eager to revisit the world of Antyfas in future adventures. The narrative is brimming with charm, and I’m eager to see future installments in this series.
The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp contains an engaging storyline, delightful characters, and heartwarming family dynamics. The book features fantasy violence and mild peril but remains suitable for readers aged 10 and up who enjoy a spooky yet lighthearted tale. Tino’s adventure is a perfect read-aloud story for a cozy evening by the fire, blending danger, friendship, and magical discovery into a vibrant and uniquely captivating fantasy.
Pages: 92 | ISBN : 978-1644565308
Magic and Miracles
Daniel Juventus and the Stonehenge – Gate of Magic follows a boy with a hand deformity who experiences vivid dreams revealing his destiny to free the King of the Kingdom of Light. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration was when reading about examples of people with extraordinary strength despite their flaws, I also wanted to write such a strong character.
Daniel struggles with bullying and not knowing anything about his parents when he discovers he has a powerful destiny. What was your inspiration for Daniel and how did you craft his outlook on life?
My inspiration was to find a world where Daniel could change and start a new life to free himself from his destiny. I want Daniel to become a brave person, his outlook on life is to absolutely not give up what he dreams and pursues.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The important themes I need to explore in the book will be the Amazing Science, magic and miracles, along with the mysteries of the world’s wonders, Friendship, love, and forgiveness.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The story will lead readers through many worlds within magical worlds, places that readers have never known. I hope in the future it will be an endless source of inspiration to revive the era of fantasy literature again. If it could become a blockbuster film; that would be a wonderful thing.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When one night, a strange woman appears in his bedroom and guides him to a parallel world, Daniel thinks his mission to save both his parents and EV has finally begun. Little does he know, what lies beyond is a continuing stream of dark forces preventing him from fulfilling his mission. These forces are after the Ankh as it can unlock the gate to Hell. Daniel must do what he can to save those he holds dear and thwart all attempts of the minions of darkness to take over the goodness of the world.
LITERARY TITAN 