Blog Archives
She’s A Witch!
Toil and Trouble follows an eccentric witch, her daughter, and her grandchildren coping with the death of their father, who set out to visit her new home and encounter humorous adventures and a chance at healing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
First and foremost, I wanted to entertain. I didn’t have a fun, loving, or even nice grandmother. She was quite mean. In fact, my daughter pulled my wife aside one day and said to her (very seriously), “I know why dad’s grandma is the way she is … it’s because she’s a witch!” And so I had to write a story about it. I actually based the villainous Lady Bishop on my own grandmother.
I loved how charismatic and compassionate Martha is. When creating her character, did you have a plan for her development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
It was a little bit of both. Martha is based on the shared quirks between my daughter and me. I imagined, as best I could, the grandmother I would have liked to have had, magic or not, and then I took her to the extreme (in the best way), because let’s face it, grandmothers should be extreme in all that they do.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Kindness! To me, it is the most important and powerful gift every person can and should give. It’s free, for one, and just a smile can change someone’s day and even their life for the better. I also explored dealing with death and the way a loss can affect everyone differently, and the power of forgiveness and love, truth and support, and the bonds of family. I lost a dear friend at a young age without a good support system at home, and sometimes, unfortunately, that’s just how it goes. But I had other family members who impacted my life greatly, and still do to this day.
I loved following Martha May McKenzie and her adventures. Do you have more stories planned for her?
Yes! As of now, Toil and Trouble is unpublished, but even so, I am currently working on book 2, Boil and Bubble, which follows the witch on an even more chaotic adventure, not through time, but through a portal to another realm—the witches’ realm—where more secrets unfold, and the stakes are even greater.
Blending Adventure With Science
Galileo’s Points of Light in the Night Sky follows a pair of curious siblings and Dr. K and her magical time portal, who travel back to Renaissance Italy to meet Galileo and experience firsthand the wonder of his telescope and discoveries. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from my desire to make science and history feel alive for children. Galileo’s discoveries changed how we understand the universe, yet for many young readers, history can feel distant or abstract. By introducing a magical time portal and pairing the story with two inquisitive siblings, I wanted to create a bridge between today’s readers and the past. The setup allows children to see history not as dusty facts in a textbook but as living experiences full of curiosity, wonder, and adventure.
I enjoyed your characters, especially Dr. K. What was your favorite character to write for and why?
Dr. K was certainly the most rewarding character to write. She is both a guide and a fellow traveler, modeling how to ask questions, nurture curiosity, and balance seriousness with a sense of wonder.
Through her, I was able to weave together elements of science, history, and imagination.
She is not only a mentor to the children in the story but also a representation of my own lifelong passion for encouraging young minds to explore the world around them.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to emphasize both Galileo’s scientific process and the cultural context of his discoveries.
Children learn not only that Galileo built a telescope and observed the moons of Jupiter, but also that these observations challenged established beliefs of the time.
The book highlights critical thinking, perseverance, and the courage to question accepted truths.
I also included a “Science Primer” at the back of the book to give readers and educators additional resources, ensuring that the story supports learning in both classrooms and homes.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Dr. K and the direction of the second book?
The second book, Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest, transports readers to Paris at the turn of the 20th century.
In this story, Dr. K and the siblings meet Marie Curie and learn about her groundbreaking work with radioactivity.
The narrative continues to blend adventure with science, showing not only Curie’s discoveries but also her perseverance in the face of challenges as a woman in science.
The series as a whole will continue to introduce children to great scientists across time, always with an emphasis on curiosity, resilience, and the wonder of discovery.
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In the awarding-winning Galileo’s Points of Light in the Night Sky, the first book of the captivating Dr. K’s Portal Through Time series, Jennifer, a vivacious 10-year-old, and her intellectually curious 8-year-old brother, Daniel, embark on an exceptional voyage through the annals of time. Guided by the enigmatic and brilliant scientist, Dr. K, they are transported to the heyday of Renaissance Italy, straight into the workshop of the iconic astronomer, Galileo Galilei.
As they traverse the time portal, Jennifer and Daniel experience firsthand Galileo’s groundbreaking observations of the celestial expanse through his innovative telescope. They are enlightened about the significance of questioning established norms and the audacity needed to defy the status quo. The siblings witness Galileo’s unveiling of the cosmos’s wonders and his revolutionary proposition that our Earth is not the center of the universe.
Throughout their journey, Jennifer and Daniel support Galileo in chronicling his pioneering discoveries. They confront challenges that enhance their problem-solving abilities and deepen their grasp of the scientific method. Their adventure cultivates an appreciation for the quest for knowledge and the potency of curiosity.
This enthralling tale seamlessly blends history, science, and adventure. It offers young readers a captivating, educational narrative, introducing them to the mesmerizing world of astronomy and the enduring contributions of one of history’s most illustrious scientists. The story of Jennifer and Daniel will inspire the readers to question, explore, and cherish the pursuit of knowledge, just like Galileo did. The book, while being a thrilling read, also helps foster a love for STEM disciplines in young, inquisitive minds, making it a perfect addition to any child’s reading list.
At the end of Book 1 is a QR code for the Science Primer, a comprehensive, free downloadable guide over 100 pages long, written specifically for parents and teachers. It also includes a complete Teacher’s Guide with detailed lesson plans, a glossary of terms, and an extensive list of resources such as books, videos, websites, and other online Resources for teaching about Galileo and his discoveries. The primer is designed to make science education engaging and accessible. Each of the books written for the series will feature its own tailored Science Primer. Book 1 itself also includes a glossary of terms and resources designed specifically for children ages 8-12, complementing the exciting adventures of Jennifer and Daniel.
Toil and Trouble
Toil and Trouble follows Martha May McKenzie, a wildly eccentric witch who hides her magic behind a tangle of snowy hair, a questionable eye patch, and a whole lot of chaotic charm. The story kicks off with her zipping across the countryside using a lavender broom she refuses to ride in the traditional way. Soon, her daughter Jamie and grandchildren arrive at Martha’s strange new home, still grieving the loss of Scott, their father and husband. From there, the book tumbles into a mix of heartfelt family struggles, magical mishaps, an unforgettable goat named Bubbles, and a dangerous witch’s council with secrets of its own. It blends grief, humor, and adventure in a story that keeps shifting between tender moments and absolute mayhem.
As I read, I kept catching myself laughing at the sheer weirdness of Martha’s world. The sparkly helper who explodes into sand, the nose-summoning magic, the whistling fish in business suits, even the awful but lovable goat, Bubbles. The writing leans fully into its own silliness, and honestly, I enjoyed that. The author knows how to paint a scene in bright colors. Sometimes the descriptions get a little long, yet I never felt bored because the voice stays playful. It felt like listening to a great storyteller who waves their hands a lot and grins at their own jokes. Beneath all the glitter and goop, though, you can feel the weight of the family’s grief. Scott’s death hangs over everything, and the moments where Martha tries to lift her family’s spirits hit surprisingly hard. I didn’t expect that blend to work, but it does.
The humor comes fast, sometimes so fast it interrupts the emotion. There were somes scenes that would leap into another gag or magical mishap before the emotions of the previous scene can settle in. Still, the characters won me over. Martha is ridiculous in the best way, and Jamie’s frustration feels painfully real. Their clashing personalities create a lot of the book’s energy. The kids bring softness to the story, too. They are grieving but curious, scared but hopeful, and watching them slowly open up again gave the book heart. Even the villains have flair. The witches’ council is both frightening and funny, and their magical poker games made me laugh more than I expected.
Toil and Trouble struck me as a warm and quirky story about family, healing, and the messy ways we try to take care of each other. It is silly, loud, and full of wild imagination. It is also gentle where it needs to be. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy with strong character voices. It is perfect for anyone who likes heartfelt stories wrapped in humor, magic, and a touch of chaos.
Pages: 200
Resiliency and Strength
All She Knew follows a twelve-year-old girl who loses her mother suddenly, leaving her with chaos, confusion, and grief as she tries to navigate a new world in a new place she has no connection to. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the story is my own. I lost my mother at a young age, and All She Knew is loosely based on my story. I didn’t have the opportunity to connect with other kids who had experienced a loss at that time. I wanted to provide a story that other children and those young at heart can relate to; to connect with the challenges the character goes through; to know they are not alone and can be ok through their journey.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
I wanted to show the range of emotions Charity goes through and the different experiences she has. I wanted to show that it’s ok to laugh, cry, feel uncomfortable, angry and unsure as you go through grief. Grief isn’t linear, it has ups, downs, and sideways turns. I wanted to normalize this for children experiencing loss and different ways of navigating through it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was important for me to highlight the loneliness, sadness and confusion Charity goes through. When anyone loses a loved one, they can feel isolated and alone. For a child, those feelings are more confusing, hard to understand and work through. I wanted to connect and explore the different dynamics and struggles Charity goes through. The various ranges of her grief journey and trying to understand her new reality, who she is and will need to become after her loss. It was important for me to show all the different angles to her. I wanted the reader to connect with the character; to see themselves in what Charity is experiencing.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from All She Knew?
I hope readers take away that they aren’t alone in their grief and they can get through it. I want readers to know, as is written in the synopsis of the book, “while tragedy can feel like a pit of turbulent emotions, resiliency and strength are always within us.”
Author Links: GoodReads
Charity’s life becomes a roller coaster. She’s lonely. She has to go through a grieving process she doesn’t understand. And in all of this she has to leave her home and move to a place she doesn’t feel connected to. It’s overwhelming. How is a young girl supposed to get through this?
In this powerful story, All She Knew looks at the human spirit to remind us of this important truth; while tragedy can feel like a pit of turbulent emotions, resiliency and strength are always within us.
A Finalist in American Book Fest 2025 American Fiction Awards which honors literary excellence.
Charli’s Pawsome Park: An Architectural Adventure
Charli’s Pawsome Park is about a curious girl who meets a landscape architect and instantly starts wondering what it would be like to design parks herself. The spark grows into a full-blown daydream where she imagines creating a dog park in her town. With her friends, some trial-and-error problem solving, and plenty of imagination, she sketches, models, and pitches her idea to the town council. In the end, her vision comes to life, and she learns that with creativity and teamwork, anything is possible.
I really enjoyed how this children’s book made a big idea like architecture feel fun and doable for kids. The writing has an easy rhythm, and the dialogue feels natural, like real kids talking to each other. I liked that Charli wasn’t perfect. She hit bumps, like realizing bushes blocked views or that a tunnel led dogs straight into a mess. Those little “oops” moments made the story feel alive. It didn’t read like a lecture on STEM. It felt like a playful adventure with just enough detail to spark interest without bogging kids down.
The theme of dreaming big hit me the most. I liked how Charli’s curiosity spun into action, and the story showed the whole process, from idea to fixing mistakes to presenting in front of grown-ups. It felt empowering, like a nudge saying kids’ ideas can matter too. The dog park concept itself was adorable, and the splash pad ending made me smile. The pictures also carried a lot of charm, like a Disney Channel cartoon. They pulled me into Charli’s world and made me want to cheer for her.
I think this picture book is a great pick for kids who love animals, enjoy drawing, or are just curious about how the world is built. It would be a fun read-aloud in classrooms, especially if teachers want to spark interest in STEM without making it feel heavy. Parents who want their kids to see that girls can design big, bold things will find it extra special.
Pages: 91 | ISBN: 978-1-964845-04-3
Charli’s Turtle Triumph: A Marine Biology Adventure
Charli’s adventure begins with a field trip to the aquarium, where she meets Dr. Grace, a marine biologist who rescues sea turtles. Inspired by the work, Charli imagines herself diving into the ocean, helping animals, and making a difference. That daydream becomes all too real when she stumbles upon a stranded turtle on the beach. With the help of her friends, she saves the turtle, names him Bristol, and soon launches a beach cleanup campaign to protect more turtles from the dangers of plastic. The story builds to a joyful release of Bristol back into the sea, ending with Charli realizing that her dreams of being a marine biologist might not be so far-fetched after all.
What really struck me about this children’s book was how it wrapped serious issues in such a hopeful package. The writing feels approachable and warm, never too heavy, even when it talks about endangered species or pollution. I found myself rooting for Charli not just as a character but as a voice for her community. The author managed to balance imagination and reality, and I loved that blend. The daydream sequences gave the story a magical pull, yet the lessons about conservation felt grounded and urgent.
The ideas in this picture book feel both practical and inspiring. I appreciated how it didn’t just point fingers at problems but showed kids and adults what small actions can do. Switching to less plastic, cleaning beaches, and working together. These are simple things, but they were presented with an energy that made me want to pitch in too. I also thought the friendship between Charli, Emma, and Molly added a nice touch. It reminded me that no big change ever happens alone.
I’d recommend Charli’s Turtle Triumph to kids around 7 to 9, especially those who love animals or dream about science. It’s also a great choice for parents and teachers who want to spark conversations about the environment in a way that’s uplifting. The story is heartfelt, the message is powerful, and the illustrations, which appear on every page, carry a lot of charm. It left me hopeful, and I think it would do the same for just about anyone who picks it up.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0FFWGD3HP
All She Knew
All She Knew tells the story of Charity, a twelve-year-old girl whose world turns upside down after the sudden death of her mother. In a voice that feels both tender and raw, the book walks us through her grief, the disorienting changes of moving in with relatives, and the awkward navigation of friendships and school life in the shadow of loss. The narrative is intimate, almost like leafing through Charity’s private diary, showing her memories of her mother, her inner thoughts, and her small moments of joy and sadness as she tries to make sense of a life she didn’t choose.
The writing is simple but honest, which makes the emotional weight even heavier. There’s no filter on Charity’s feelings, her anger, her loneliness, her confusion, and it hit me how rarely we allow young people that kind of space in real life. I found myself protective of her, frustrated with the adults who clearly cared but sometimes didn’t know how to show it, and touched by the fleeting, sweet moments that gave her hope. The book doesn’t rush her healing, and I liked that. Grief is messy, and the author lets it stay messy.
Some scenes linger in places that are uncomfortable, but those moments are often the most truthful. I appreciated how the book showed the push and pull between wanting to hold on to the past and needing to step into something new. It’s not a dramatic, twist-heavy story. It’s a quiet one, built on small shifts in emotion, and that’s where its strength lies.
All She Knew is for anyone who has had to start over after losing someone they love, especially teens and young adults trying to figure out who they are without that person. It’s heartfelt, gentle, and painfully real. This isn’t a book you race through. It’s one you sit with, maybe with a box of tissues close by, and let it remind you that even when the shape of your life changes completely, the love you carry stays with you.
Pages: 157 | ASIN : B0CZJT6HDT
Being Relatable to Teens
The Tale of the Orphan Magician follows a gifted but emotionally scarred orphan, caught in the swirl of political chaos and ancient conflict across the magical continent of Amaratzim. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In all of my Kingdom Quest series books, I’ve sought to address the societal, emotional, sexual, and theological struggles young adolescents face today. According to the CDC, 42% of adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness—a 50% increase since 2011. Additionally, 46% of teens aged 13–17 say social media makes them feel worse about their body image.
In The Tale of the Unlikely Prince, I explored themes of identity, the longing for approval, and the pain of failure. In The Storyteller’s Tale, we confronted identity confusion, abusive parenting, depression, and the challenge of forgiveness. The Garden Tale turned its focus to addiction—particularly the insidious effects of social media addiction. Each of these stories wrapped weighty, core-level emotional struggles in the trappings of fantasy—quests, dragons, the clash between good and evil—all grounded in hope.
I’ve long admired the fantasy philosophies of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They wrote their stories to offer hope to a generation of teens scarred by the trauma of World War II. Their tales drew clear distinctions between good and evil and hinted at a hidden, benevolent force guiding events toward a just and redemptive end. Consolation was key: in their worlds, good ultimately triumphed over evil. They believed such stories, absorbed into the hearts of young readers, could nurture hope, security, and joy.
I agree deeply. And I am troubled by how many modern fantasies seem to do the opposite—amplifying anxiety, loneliness, and insecurity rather than offering relief from them.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I tried to make my characters very relatable to today’s teens. Teens can smell a fake. The characters in my book should be dealing with the very same issues today’s teens are. That makes it easier for teens to enter the sandals of my characters and walk with them as they find resolution, hope and consolation.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
All of us, and in particular teens, are subconsciously jonesing for that relationship, that embrace, that look, that hug and kiss that communicates to them that they are adored as they are. This is our core ‘search for father’ that we mention in the book. Per child psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner, “Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her.” Adults too. Theologically, I believe that is the ultimate message of Christianity, which believes that there is a God who innately loves the unlovable, the unloved, and the unlovely, and that’s all of us on any given day, if we were just a little bit honest. Whether one believes that or not, it seems obvious that all of us are longing for such a relationship.
Here’s how I like to describe it to young teens. When you enter a room, there is part of you that longs for people to notice your presence and then stand and applaud you—not because of what you have done, but just because you are who you are and you deserve such an honor. On the other hand, there is another part of you that would be scared to death such a thing might happen.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
The Tale of the Orphan Magician is the fourth book in my Kingdom Quest Series. The next installment is Shadowbound. Reggie, the main character of The Tale of the Orphan Magician is caught up in a seven-part Job-like trial to test his faithfulness to the Great King—at least that is what is happening on the surface. Is he faithful to the King because of the King’s ongoing favor? Or is his faithfulness made of higher stuff. For readers, what do we do when all hell unjustly breaks loose in our lives? How do we process things when all is falling apart and there seems to be nothing we can do about it? Teens who have suffered great loss in their lives will be greatly encouraged.
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Book Four in the Kingdom Quest Series
An explosive mix of heart-pounding adventure, enchanting fantasy, unforgettable characters, and powerful life lessons, this book is a must-read for young teens and tweens.
War looms over the continent of Amaratzim, and no one knows who or what is pulling the strings. Is it the shadowy terrorist group known as the BLA? Or perhaps the newly united Dwarven kingdom of Gridaria, hungry for power, glory, and riches? Some whisper that the roots of the conflict go back centuries, to a bitter rift between two brothers—founders of the continent itself. Others point their fingers at the enigmatic King of Garden City, whose true motives are as shrouded in mystery as his identity.
In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, one unlikely orphaned street teen holds the spark of hope. But what can a single boy—alone, and underestimated—possibly do?
He may not be who you think he is. And neither is the King.
A thrilling tale of magic, mystery, and unexpected heroes.
“Chronicles of Narnia meets Jack Ryan!”
LITERARY TITAN 