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How to Host a Unicorn: A Tale of Hospitality & Manners
Dag, the unicorn, is devoted to order. It shows in his neat attire. It shows in his measured speech. It defines his careful, structured view of the world. Nick, by contrast, is a bear powered by noise, disruption, and cheerful mayhem. Their friendship is unexpected from the start. When Nick invites Dag to visit, good intentions collide with very different ideas of fun. Nick tries hard to entertain and include his guest. The results are disastrous. Dag is stunned by Nick’s lifestyle and unsettled by the chaos surrounding him. The question at the heart of the story is simple and resonant: can two opposites find common ground and truly understand one another?
How to Host a Unicorn: A Tale of Hospitality and Manners, by Sara Causey, belongs to a thoughtful corner of illustrated children’s literature. It tells a charming story while also offering clear moral guidance. The book is especially well-suited to readers aged ten and up, inviting them to engage with its richer social moments and emotional depth in ways that older children are well-equipped to appreciate.
The illustrations carry much of the emotional weight. Dag’s expressions are especially effective, capturing his anxiety and confusion with precision and humor. The artwork also delivers several memorable set pieces, each escalating Nick’s attempts at hospitality. Every effort to improve the situation only compounds the disorder, pushing the narrative forward with visual energy and comedic tension.
Causey’s message is clear and handled with care. Not everyone experiences the same activities as enjoyable. That difference deserves respect. Dag and Nick represent contrasting personalities, neither wrong nor superior. Friendship, the book suggests, requires compromise and empathy. Shared experiences must feel safe and pleasant for everyone involved.
At its core, How to Host a Unicorn is a story about inclusion. It presents that idea in a way that feels accessible and sincere. It is also a lesson worth learning early. Taken to heart, it has the potential to shape kinder interactions well beyond the page.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FXYGMZHX
Obesseus Feasts Of Legends (The Slam-Fu Edition 1)
I just finished Obesseus Feast of Legends, and what a wild ride. This book tells the story of Obesseus. He is a hero. His belly is big. His heart is bigger. He just wants to eat dumplings. A former friend, Monica Mango, starts a war. She leads the “Juice Regime.” She hates solid food. Obesseus must fight. He learns a power called Slam-Fu. The book follows his journey. He defends the world of Buffetland. It is a huge, sprawling, absolutely massive food fight.
The writing is a total trip. Sentences are short. Sometimes just one word. Then a long, rambling thought. Things are yelled in capital letters. It felt less like reading a novel and more like reading a script. A script for the most frantic cartoon ever. The sheer number of ideas is surprising. The author just throws everything at the wall. And honestly? I loved watching it stick. It was a blast.
I really connected with the ideas here. The book is not just about food puns. It’s about big feelings. Obesseus himself is pure joy. He represents indulgence. He fights against control. The villains are great. They are juice-cleanse tyrants and asparagus-god dictators. I felt a lot for the side characters. Conflicted Tomato was my favorite. He just wants to know where he belongs. What a mood. I will say the plot gets messy. Part 1 was simple. Part 3 was just bananas. New characters kept appearing. Muffin Ninjas. Sinister Shrimp. A gaslighting grapefruit named Grant. It was a lot.
I am genuinely happy I read this. It is a messy, chaotic, and wonderful book. Do not read this if you want a quiet, serious story. This is not that. This book is loud. This book is strange. This book is wacky. I would recommend this to anyone with a wild imagination. It’s for people who grew up on hyperactive cartoons. It’s for anyone who just wants to see a hero win. A hero who wins with a full belly and a good burp.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0FZD69XD4
Candace McFly, Undercover Spy Case No 1. The Botched Beauty Pageant
This children’s book follows Candace McFly, a sharp, puzzle-loving third grader who’s more into solving mysteries than fixing her hair or joining beauty pageants. Her best friend, Arnold, is this quirky, potato-obsessed kid from Idaho who somehow makes everything more entertaining. Together, they stumble into a strange case involving pageant drama, allergic reactions, and a whole lot of small-town weirdness. It’s got mystery, humor, and just enough heart to make it really sweet.
I loved how Candace thinks. She’s smart but not show-offy, curious but still super relatable. Her friendship with Arnold cracked me up more than once. He’s a total goofball, but in the best way. Some of the stuff he says made me roll my eyes and laugh at the same time. The writing feels real, like how kids actually talk, and the mystery, while light, kept me reading just to see how they’d piece everything together. It’s like Harriet the Spy meets Nancy Drew for the younger crowd, with a Southern twist and a dash of sass.
There were a few parts where I felt it rambled a bit, especially when Arnold got off on a tangent about potatoes or pageants, but it kind of added to his charm. I liked how Mansfield didn’t make every adult in the book clueless or annoying, either. The parents and teachers actually felt present, which made the world feel fuller. The story balances humor and mystery so well that even when things get a little over-the-top, it still feels believable in that fun, small-town, kids-solving-cases kind of way.
If you like clever kid detectives, funny best friends, and stories with a lot of heart, this one’s for you. I’d totally recommend it for kids around eight to twelve, or honestly, for any grown-up who misses the days when summer meant solving “cases” with your friends and a flashlight. It’s light, cozy, and full of charm.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0B57QZ749
Bonding Across Generations
Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad follows a boy and his grandfather who share a bond built on imagination and play, as they find a way to keep their adventures alive as they grow older. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration comes from my grandchildren, especially Caleb. I’ve written stories that included one or more of them as main characters. For this story, Caleb and I talked about our relationship while on a trip we took together. He is very close to me and comes to me when he needs advice or just talk about life. As a result of our closeness, we reminisced about the times he spent with me growing up. This included making up adventures in the backyard (although perhaps not as elaborate as the ones in the book).
I loved the bond that Caleb shared with his grandfather, showing that just because we get older doesn’t mean we have to grow apart and forget the things we love. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to convey the importance a grandparent’s role in grandchildren’s lives because not many people really see that importance today, let alone explore the love between the generations. The dynamics of the nuclear family has changed so much since I was a boy when we spent time with the older relatives. It is sad because young people don’t have that strong connection like we did.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scenes that show the different imaginative adventures Granddad provides for Caleb. It shows the love between the two. Also, the end with how Caleb reciprocates with a BIG surprise for his Granddad.
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 isn’t a book for a series, but with that said, I do have an idea for a story tentatively called “Granddad’s Treasures” that will include Caleb, his siblings, and his cousins. But this one will be completed within the next few years. My next book that’s coming out this fall is called “Kyle and His Pal Jake – What a Duo these Two Make!” Also, I currently have a story that’s in the editing stage. It’s called “Can We Get A Giraffe?”
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
Filled with vivid illustrations and a heartwarming story for readers of all ages, Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad reminds us that no one is ever too old to go on another adventure!
Book 1 – Galileo’s Points of Light in the Night Sky (Dr. K’s Portal Through Time)
Galileo’s Points of Light in the Night Sky tells the story of two siblings, Jennifer and Daniel, who, with the help of the mysterious Dr. K, travel back in time to meet Galileo Galilei. Through their journey, they witness Galileo’s discoveries firsthand, from the moons of Jupiter to the phases of Venus. They even help him build a telescope. Along the way, the children learn not just about the science of the universe but also about curiosity, resilience, and the courage it takes to question the world around you. It is part history, part science, and part adventure, written with young readers in mind, and it manages to make centuries-old discoveries feel fresh and exciting.
I found myself charmed by the storytelling in this children’s book. The voice is warm and approachable, and the author makes sure the science never feels heavy. Instead, it comes alive through dialogue and adventure. The way the kids interact with Galileo is delightful, and their wonder mirrors what I imagine any curious child would feel meeting a great mind of the past. I also liked how the book wove in real facts without turning it into a dry lesson.
There were moments where the writing leaned into explanation, and I felt the momentum slow. Still, those small bumps didn’t take away from the bigger experience. The heart of the book is curiosity, and that comes through loud and clear. I also appreciated how the narrative balanced Jennifer’s voice with Daniel’s. It gave the story a sense of shared discovery, which felt true to childhood adventures.
I’d recommend this chapter book to kids who are fascinated by space, science, or history, and also to parents or teachers looking for an engaging way to spark that interest. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy a mix of imagination and learning. The story encourages children to ask questions and to see science as an adventure. For me, that’s its greatest success.
Pages: 104 | ASIN : B0F4NQTCNP
Book 1 – Galileo’s Points of Light in the Night Sky (Dr. K’s Portal Through Time)
Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis’s Galileo’s Points of Light in the Night Sky is the first book in her Dr. K’s Portal Through Time series, and it’s part history lesson, part science primer, and part adventure story. It follows Jennifer and Daniel, a pair of curious siblings, who stumble upon Dr. K and her magical time portal. Together, they travel back to Renaissance Italy, step into Galileo Galilei’s workshop, and experience firsthand the wonder of his telescope and the audacity of his discoveries. Along the way, the kids not only learn about Jupiter’s moons, the phases of Venus, and the birth of modern astronomy, but they also discover the importance of curiosity, observation, and persistence.
The first thing that caught my attention about this book was how effortlessly it weaves fact with fiction. For instance, the scene where Jennifer helps Galileo build his telescope is not just a charming piece of dialogue; it’s a clever way to introduce kids to optics and focal lengths without feeling like a lecture. I found myself smiling at Jennifer’s excitement when the blurry image sharpened into Jupiter and its moons. That moment carried the same sense of awe I remember from my own first look through a telescope. The science was accurate but approachable, and that balance is hard to pull off in a children’s story.
I also appreciated how personal the narrative felt at times. Jennifer’s relationship with her grandfather in the opening chapter set the tone beautifully. Their bond over stargazing gave the adventure real heart. Later, when Jennifer and Daniel stood side by side at the end, promising to always explore the stars together, it felt earned. The book wasn’t just about Galileo’s discoveries; it was about how science can be shared, passed down, and made meaningful within families. That emotional thread made the whole story more engaging.
Another highlight was the way Dr. Korkidis portrayed Galileo himself. She didn’t make him an intimidating genius, but rather a patient teacher who invited the kids into his world. His explanation of the moons of Jupiter and how he realized they orbited the planet was fascinating, and his gentle encouragement to keep asking questions stuck with me. The inclusion of real historical details, like the Medicean stars and Galileo’s struggles with skepticism, grounded the story while still keeping it light enough for younger readers.
This book left me feeling inspired and a little nostalgic. It reminded me of the first time I realized science could be an adventure. I’d recommend Galileo’s Points of Light in the Night Sky to curious kids around 7–12, but also to parents, grandparents, and teachers who want to spark a love of STEM in children. It’s not just a story about Galileo, it’s a story about why wonder matters, why questions matter, and why we should never stop looking up.
Pages: 104 | ASIN : B0F4NQTCNP
Not What I Expected
Molikaa Rasiah’s Not What I Expected is a tender and honest coming-of-age story told through the eyes of Jiyah, a fourth-grade girl navigating the rocky terrain of friendships, identity, and self-worth. The story follows her as she prepares for and attends a classmate’s birthday party, an event that unravels into a full-blown personal reckoning. Over the course of the day, Jiyah wrestles with rejection, confusion, and loneliness, ultimately finding her inner strength through a set of self-soothing techniques she calls “superpowers.” What seems like a simple slice-of-life tale becomes a powerful look at how children manage social complexity and personal anxiety.
This book resonated with me personally. The writing is simple but purposeful. It’s intended for younger readers, yes, but it still managed to pull me in and hold me there. Rasiah never talks down to her audience, which I appreciated. Instead, she gives kids a clear and compassionate voice that feels real. Jiyah’s thoughts aren’t always pretty, and sometimes she stumbles in her efforts to do the right thing. But that’s what makes her lovable. I especially admired how Rasiah handled emotional tools like grounding exercises and breathing techniques. These aren’t just plot devices, they’re powerful lessons, folded naturally into the story without being preachy.
A few characters came off more like villains than believable fourth-graders. I would’ve liked a bit more subtlety there. But then again, maybe that’s the point. Kids can be harsh. They can also be brave, loyal, and thoughtful. Rasiah’s real strength is showing us all those sides in one go. It’s rare to find a book that’s both emotionally validating and practical. Jiyah’s “ring of power” isn’t just a bracelet, it’s a metaphor every anxious kid (and even some adults) could use.
I would recommend Not What I Expected to kids around ages 8–12, especially those who feel a little left out or overwhelmed by their social world. Parents and teachers could gain a lot from reading it with them, too. It’s an emotionally smart, gently empowering book that encourages empathy without sugarcoating real feelings.
Pages: 63 | ASIN : B0DVV9ZV2N
Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery
Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery, by Ellen Melissa Cohen, is an enchanting middle-grade mystery that captures the imagination and hearts of its readers. The story revolves around ten-year-old Benjamin, who is raised by a single mother. When a family project at school highlights his lack of a father, Benjamin’s curiosity about his father’s identity is piqued. His mother’s vague answers propel him to take matters into his own hands. Alongside his best friend Cooper and his loyal dog Blue, Ben embarks on a heartfelt quest to uncover the truth about his father.
Cohen masterfully addresses sensitive issues in a manner that is both accessible and engaging for young readers. The narrative deftly explores the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household, making it deeply relatable for many children. Ben is an endearing protagonist—intuitive, intelligent, and occasionally mischievous. His earnest quest highlights the importance of addressing complex topics with children, reinforcing the value of open communication.
The story also delivers a powerful message about the diverse nature of families. Ben’s journey teaches young readers that families come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique beauty. This theme is reinforced through Cohen’s thoughtful writing and the vibrant illustrations by Donald Wu. Wu’s artwork is a delightful complement to the story, bringing the characters and their adventures to life in vivid detail. Each illustration adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making readers look forward to every chapter. Cohen’s storytelling is both captivating and educational, skillfully blending mystery with meaningful life lessons. The pacing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. Although I feel the resolution of Benjamin’s search feels a bit rushed, it leaves readers eagerly anticipating more adventures with Ben and Blue.
Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery is an outstanding addition to middle-grade fiction. It’s a heartwarming, insightful, and thoroughly enjoyable read that both children and adults will appreciate. Ellen Melissa Cohen has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also deeply impactful, making it a must-read for young readers.
Pages: 168 | ISBN : 1643713736
LITERARY TITAN 