Blog Archives
The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish : Desert Oasis
In The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish: Desert Oasis, by Gabriel Bietz, readers are reunited with the charming betta fish siblings, Arya and Krishna, along with their parents, Gabe and Amita. Their journey continues alongside their human companions, Amer and Annie, as they navigate a series of unexpected events in the desert. This sequel brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the series, building upon the engaging narrative established in the first book.
The storyline is filled with humor and heartwarming moments, making it a standout in contemporary family adventure fiction. I was captivated by every twist in the plot, finding the blend of Arya and Krishna’s cleverness with Gabe’s humor and Amita’s wisdom particularly compelling. The development of Amer and Annie’s characters adds depth to the story, though I missed the more prominent roles of Blake and Sharktooth from the first book.
The encounter with Sam the Snake initially raised concerns for me, but the narrative remained engaging and lighthearted, filled with innocent fun. The inclusion of a scene featuring a young girl on an airplane adds a delightful touch, underscoring the story’s light-hearted nature.
The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish: Desert Oasis, suitable for readers aged seven and up, delicately balances minimal fantasy violence and themes of mortality within its cozy and comforting narrative. It’s an ideal read for a relaxing winter evening by the fire, offering a blend of gentle action and humor. This engaging family adventure, perfect for those who appreciate a narrative with a sprinkle of whimsy, comes highly recommended and leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Pages: 143 | ISBN : 978-1737795582
Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion
In Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion, Rita Reed crafts a heartwarming tale of friendship, acceptance, and joy. The story begins as Dogfish discovers a birthday invitation from his friend Wally the Whale Shark. The celebration is set in Coral Park, Los Cabos, Mexico, a short swim away for Dogfish and his diverse group of ocean friends. Each of Dogfish’s friends brings their unique traits and challenges to the group. Elly uses earmuffs to manage her sensitivity to sound, Angelfish relies on hearing aids, and Wally uses a wheelchair. Despite their differences, these friends form an unbreakable bond, accepting each other for who they are. Their story is a celebration of inclusion, reminding readers that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves friendship and love.
The book’s central theme of inclusion sets it apart. While other children’s books may touch on medical conditions or disabilities, this one shines by focusing on how these differences make each character unique and valuable. The friends’ shared joy and mutual respect underscore a vital lesson: our differences should be embraced, not barriers to connection. Craig Cartwright’s vibrant illustrations bring the story to life, captivating readers of all ages. Each page bursts with color and detail, immersing readers in the underwater world. Cartwright’s artistry spans children’s books, editorial illustrations, character design, and storyboarding, and his expertise enhances every aspect of this book. Rita Reed’s background in art, design, and architecture enriches her storytelling. The Dogfish Tales series reflects her commitment to spreading messages of love, positivity, and inclusion. With this book, she achieves that beautifully, delivering a story that resonates deeply with readers.
Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion is a must-have for school and public libraries. Its message of celebrating uniqueness and fostering inclusivity makes it an invaluable resource for teaching children important values. This book encourages young readers to embrace their own differences and include others with kindness and respect. Highly recommended!
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DJ9N61B3
Being The Best You
Ruby the Emotional Stingray follows a stingray family who, together, teach and learn how to manage their emotions. What was the inspiration for your story?
As an adult, I have struggled with understanding and processing my emotions, and I’ve always said I wish I would’ve had a way to learn this sooner. After my grandfather passed away, I was at the beach by myself, watching the sun come up, and I finally decided that I was going to be the one to create such a book. If I could help just one child learn and understand their emotions, what causes them, and how to control them that’s the difference I want to make.
Children are often fascinated by aquariums and all the different sea life in the ocean. What made you choose a Stingray for your main character?
I have always been drawn to aquariums myself, so much so that it is my goal to visit every aquarium. I came up with Ruby when I was at the beach last year. I got up every morning before the sun came up to welcome the day and spend time with the animals. every morning I would walk the beach and I would see the same baby stingray every morning. I would sit and watch it, and that’s when I knew I had to finally start my dream of writing a book. Stingrays are amazing creatures, and it seemed very fitting. Stingrays have always been my favorite.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
My main goal was to give tools that would be easy to remember but strong enough to make a difference. Emotions can have a huge impact on your day-to-day life, and having that outlet and understanding can make a major difference.
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?
Yes, this is the first book in the series but not the last by far! I expect the next book will be out before Thanksgiving of this year. Right now, there is a journal that goes with the lessons that Ruby has learned that children can use to put these tools to use. The next book will cover some very important topics essential to learn at a young age such as self-love, being the best you, and other topics that will help make kids feel like they are not alone. It will give them easy tools that will have a positive impact on their growth.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
This book follows the journey of Ruby as she learns to navigate her emotions and communicate effectively with those around her. Throughout the story, readers will meet Ruby’s family and best friend Diamond, and witness her experience a range of emotions, including anger, fear, and sadness. With the guidance of her parents, Ruby learns valuable skills for managing her emotions and handling difficult situations. Overall, Ruby the Emotional Stingray is a heartwarming and educational story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
LITERARY TITAN 