Blog Archives
Burned Butter Island
Burned Butter Island follows a lonely boy who lives with his father, a grey cat, and a white duck on a small Baltic island where the lighthouse stands watch over wind and sea. The boy, still grieving his mother, wanders through forests filled with foxes and white deer, bakes blackberry tarts, reads old books, listens to storms, and discovers the strange magic of a narwhal’s tusk. When a violent storm pulls him into the ocean, a real narwhal saves him, guiding him back to shore and back to hope. The book blends poetry, fable, memory, and gentle magic into a tale about loss, wonder, and the courage to live again.
The language is simple, yet it carries an emotional weight that sneaks up on you. Scenes drift from soft domestic moments to wild visions of storms and enchanted creatures. I found myself slowing down because the rhythm feels like someone humming by the fire. I loved the poems sprinkled throughout. They felt warm, handmade, and a little fragile. Sometimes the narrative jumps between moments and I had to catch up. It felt like listening to someone who speaks from the heart and lets the story wander where it wants to go.
What I liked most was how honestly the book speaks about sadness. The boy’s grief shows up in tiny gestures, in memories of his mother’s lullabies, in the way he stares at the tusk as if it holds the answer to something he cannot name. I felt a lump in my throat when he read the message on the rocking horse. The moment he sees that love does not vanish, and that sadness does not have to swallow him whole, felt tender and real. The author writes about loneliness without heavy words and lets magic offer comfort instead of escape. I liked that a lot.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy gentle stories that glow from the inside. It is perfect for people who love fairy tales, lyrical writing, and small moments that carry big feelings. It would also comfort anyone who has walked through grief and wants a reminder that joy can return in unexpected ways.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B0FXHLFGS8
The Gnomes of Fibberton
The Gnomes of Fibberton by Becky Bell is a quirky and imaginative tale about a hidden world beneath the surface of everyday life. In this underground realm, the grouchy Gnomes of Fibberton keep a watchful eye on the lies and fibs that children tell. Each child is given a secret number at birth, the number of lies they can tell before the gnomes come for them, dragging them down to Fibberton to live out their days as gnomes, doing endless chores and collecting fibs. The story combines humor and a slightly eerie undertone to deliver a cautionary message about honesty.
I found the writing style to be both charming and eerie in a way that reminded me of old fairy tales. Bell’s rhythmic, almost sing-song writing pulls you into Fibberton from the very first page. The descriptions of the gnome’s world are vivid, who wouldn’t shudder at a place where “the air smells like sweaty feet” and “there is never a comfortable seat to be found?” That sense of discomfort really hits home the moral of the story in a fun yet slightly unnerving way, which works well for a children’s book that’s meant to stick with you. The repeated phrases, like the gnomes’ off-tempo song, add a playful cadence that makes you feel like you’re hearing the story spoken aloud. What really stood out, though, was the creativity of the world-building. The idea that gnomes keep track of lies like little treasures and come for you when you reach your limit is wildly inventive. The small details, like gnomes hiding in smelly shoes or cookie jars, give the whole story a playful, mischievous tone that keeps it from feeling too dark. And, of course, the illustrations by Khan beautifully complement the writing. The depiction of Fibberton and its gloomy atmosphere adds a visual depth that enhances the creepiness and charm of the gnomes’ world.
The Gnomes of Fibberton is a fun and imaginative read that blends humor with a moral lesson. It’s perfect for kids who love a slightly spooky story with an edge, though it might be a bit intense for younger or more sensitive readers. I’d recommend it to parents looking for a creative way to talk about honesty, as well as to kids who enjoy quirky, offbeat stories with a dash of the bizarre.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1964498007
Monster Problems A to Z
Monster Problems A to Z, by Stacie Green, is a delightful children’s alphabet book that cleverly blends mythical creatures with narratives addressing mental health challenges. Through vivid storytelling and engaging handwritten vocabulary, this book offers a fresh perspective on both fantasy and empathy. It encourages readers to explore complex emotions in a fun and educational manner, with vivid illustrations that draw readers into a world where monsters have problems just like the rest of us. The book is especially fun to read aloud, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s library.
One of the standout features of this whimsical children’s book is its imaginative approach to teaching the alphabet. Each letter is paired with a mythical creature and a relatable problem, making learning both engaging and meaningful. For example, A is for an Anxious alien, setting the tone for the book’s blend of whimsy and realism. The use of mythical creatures to personify various mental health issues is both clever and effective, providing young readers with a gentle introduction to complex topics. The writing in this book is both playful and impactful, striking a perfect balance that keeps children entertained while also delivering important messages. The illustrations are vibrant and full of character, bringing each mythical creature and their respective problem to life. The attention to detail in the drawings enhances the storytelling, making each page a visual treat.
Monster Problems A to Z is a fantastic book for young readers. Its blend of fantasy and real-world issues makes it a unique and valuable resource for teaching children about the alphabet, empathy, and mental health. The book is ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to introduce these topics in an accessible and enjoyable way. Whether you’re reading it aloud or letting children explore it on their own, this book is sure to be a hit.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0CW1L7NHL
Trolly the Troll: The Magic of Kindness
Trolly the Troll: The Magic of Kindness unfolds the tale of Trolly, a self-centered troll whose life takes an unexpected turn when she acquires a magic wand. Initially using it to grant her every desire, Trolly soon realizes that material possessions don’t bring the happiness she anticipated. Her journey to self-discovery begins when she encounters a dwarf in need, an encounter that stirs unfamiliar, warm feelings within her. This marks the start of Trolly’s transformation as she embarks on a path of helping others and finding joy in their happiness.
Author Charly Froh has written a delightful children’s book that explores the transformative power of kindness. The narrative cleverly mirrors the typical behavior of toddlers who are learning the importance of sharing and the joy it can bring, making the story particularly relatable and engaging for young readers. As Trolly’s journey unfolds, readers are treated to vibrant and captivating illustrations that enrich the story, making every page a visual feast. This book serves as an excellent resource for parents seeking to instill the value of compassion and generosity in their children. Its engaging storyline and appealing illustrations make it a compelling read, sure to hold the attention of young minds.
Trolly the Troll: The Magic of Kindness not only entertains but also imparts a significant life lesson, making it a commendable addition to any child’s reading list.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0C4BY33R4
Monsters Need Breaks Too
Who can’t benefit from a little downtime? A little break from the monotony? As young readers find out in Stacie Green’s picture book Monsters Need Breaks Too, even the creatures of lore deserve a break now and then. From Bigfoot to la Chupacabra, they all want to kick their feet up and relax after a long day of sneaking around, scaring, or actively avoiding others. Young readers will find that monsters are really no different from the rest of us as they gather some tips to try out on their own at the end of a long day.
Monsters Need Breaks Too, by Stacie Green, is a unique children’s picture book featuring brilliant illustrations of all of the legendary creatures we have come to know and love. Green’s story takes a different approach to these monsters of old. She humanizes them thereby creating lovable figures with whom little ones will relate. They are tired. They get sad. They need alone time. Young readers will find something interesting and familiar in each monster’s story.
Monsters Need Breaks Too, by Stacie Green, contains softly textured illustrations, a summary of relaxation tips, and a free downloadable coloring page, parents and teachers will find Green’s engaging children’s book an asset to their libraries. I can see Green’s collection of monsters as a wonderful addition to any guidance counselor’s unit on coping skills or part of a theme unit on legends and tall tales. I recommend this one-of-a-kind children’s book to anyone looking for the perfect gift for budding readers or little monster fans.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0C8RLTDN8
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
LITERARY TITAN 