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Great Conversation Starter
The Gnomes of Fibberton follows a group of gnomes who count and collect all the lies and fibs that children tell, and once they reach the secret number they were assigned at birth, they are brought to live in Fibberton. What was the inspiration for your story?
The story came about one Christmas over a decade ago when my niece was telling tall tales. I wanted to share a story with her that would make her think about the consequences of lying in a creative way. So, I came up with a story about little gnomes that count your fibs and take you away to Fibberton. She kept asking how many fibs she could tell before the gnomes would come, and I told her the number was a secret to keep her in suspense! I wanted to give her something to think about each time she considered telling a fib… because you never know which one might be the fib! Over the years, I’ve told that story to other children, and every time, the kids would get really excited, start playing pretend and create games based on the story. It sparked many conversations about what counts as a fib. You could really see the kids’ minds working as they tried to figure out what they could or couldn’t get away with. After seeing so many kids enjoy the story and make games from it, I finally decided to write it down.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Aadil Khan?
Considering that the first two illustrators I hired stopped working about 85% of the way through (and an 85% illustrated book is as unusable as a 1% illustrated book), I feel truly blessed to have found Aadil. His art is fantastic, he’s incredibly patient, and he does a very thorough job. I can’t say I’ve always been the easiest to work with since I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my books. Yet, Aadil has always been such a positive person! I remember a couple of times having to remind him that these are unhappy, grouchy little creatures, as he often made the Gnomes look a little too happy for their life of drudgery. It felt like a long process to ensure the images conveyed exactly what I wanted, but Aadil did not disappoint. Aadil Khan is an impressive artist and deserves a great deal of praise for his hard work and dedication.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The two main ideas I wanted to drive home were the importance of telling the truth and inspiring integrity. You can’t always see the Gnomes of Fibberton… but they see what you do. I wanted a magical, fairytale-like story that would ignite children’s imaginations—something playful and funny—but I didn’t want to hide the fact that lying has consequences. I also wanted the book to serve as a great conversation starter about a topic that is usually delivered in the form of a parent’s lecture. I’ve seen this approach work in my own home. While my children know the Gnomes of Fibberton aren’t real, they still talk about them and play games as if the gnomes are watching. One day, my son Sampson told his little sister, “If the gnomes are watching… you really are my best friend, Suzy.”
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?
The Gnomes of Fibberton is the first book in the series, focusing on the downside of telling lies. The next book, The Tunnel of Truth, explores the redemption that comes from telling the truth. The Tunnel of Truth resonates with kids who are scared of the consequences of coming clean, even though it’s much more liberating and often easier than they think. I also have three more books in the works: Too Many Tall Tales, The Boy Who Didn’t Do It, and Santa’s Other Helpers.
In Too Many Tall Tales, a little girl loves telling outlandish stories, like lifting cars and flying airplanes. The Boy Who Didn’t Do It centers on a boy who always uses the oldest excuse in the book: “I didn’t do it.” Finally, Santa’s Other Helpers is a playful take on how the Gnomes of Fibberton help Santa with the naughty list by working as special agents for the “FIB”—the Fib Investigation Bureau—under the Department of Naughty. Unlike the happy elves who make toys and wrap gifts, the Gnomes of Fibberton deal exclusively with fibs.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Gnomes of Fibberton helps children learn the importance of being honest with a magical and unique twist. Every child has a secret number of how many fibs they can tell before the Gnomes of Fibberton come to collect!
In the hidden world of Fibberton, a story unfolds about the importance of being honest, much like the lessons in Aesop’s fables. “The Gnomes of Fibberton,” tells a tale where mysterious gnomes keep track of the lies, half-truths, and tall tails of the children throughout the world. This story shows how even a small lie can cause big problems, teaching kids why it’s important to tell the truth. Just like Aesop’s fables taught lessons long ago, this book helps young readers understand why honesty matters in a fun and magical way. Sing along with The Gnomes of Fibberton by scanning the QR code inside the book.
Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure
Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure, by Shani T. Night, beautifully reinforces the values of unity, generosity, and friendship, making it a perfect Christmas read. The story follows Mr. Nap A. Lot as he strolls through streets lined with cozy houses, feeling the special magic of the nighttime air. He observes families living in harmony, laughing and singing together, their love for one another highlighting the true spirit of the season. This confirms that giving without expecting anything in return and being kind are essential aspects of Christmas. Enveloped in this magical atmosphere, Mr. Nap A. Lot shares in their joy.
Night’s unique writing style, characterized by melodious rhymes, perfectly captures feelings of happiness and kindness. The book’s varied messages emphasize that Christmas is not just about toys but also about the comfort of being at home with family. The short, positive phrases and simple language make it ideal for children learning to read. The festive theme and fun tone will undoubtedly captivate young readers. Additionally, the beautiful illustrations capture the essence of Christmas, with magical nighttime scenes, comforting moments, and joyous interactions between children and adults. While the story lacks a traditional conflict, its straightforward narrative is part of its charm, allowing parents and children to focus solely on positive thoughts.
Shani T. Night successfully reinforces family values through a fun and inspiring story that encourages imagination and creativity. The book highlights the importance of sharing, appreciating each other’s company, and keeping traditions alive. Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure is highly recommended for its ability to maintain joy, enthusiasm, and love for family during the holiday season.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0CKWHZ79N
The Day the Clouds Went Away
The Day the Clouds Went Away, by Richard Rieman, is a charming and heartwarming tale set in a whimsical kingdom where Princess Claudia, a visually impaired and strong-willed young girl, learns the importance of clouds and the natural balance they bring to her world. With the help of her guide owl, Iris, and the bumbling but well-meaning wizard, Fumbledore, Claudia navigates the challenges brought by the disappearance of clouds, ultimately discovering their vital role in her ecosystem.
What struck me immediately about this book was its enchanting storytelling and vivid illustrations. Rieman masterfully combines a captivating narrative with educational elements, making the story both entertaining and informative. The characters are delightful, each contributing to the plot in meaningful ways. For example, Fumbledore’s clumsy magic and the various clouds like Cyrus McCirrus and Chrissy the Cumulus Cat Cloud add both humor and depth to the story. The author’s ability to personify the clouds makes the science behind them engaging and accessible to young readers.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its underlying message about the environment and the interconnectedness of nature. Claudia’s initial desire to banish the clouds for a sunny birthday party leads to unintended consequences, highlighting the importance of every element in our ecosystem. This theme is gently woven into the story without feeling didactic, making it an excellent conversation starter for parents and educators about environmental stewardship and the natural world. The pacing of the book is well-suited for its intended audience, with enough action to keep young readers engaged while also allowing for moments of reflection and learning. The resolution is satisfying and reinforces the book’s positive messages. The introduction of various types of clouds and their functions, complemented by beautiful illustrations, makes this book not just a story but a learning experience.
The Day the Clouds Went Away is a delightful read that I would highly recommend for children and parents alike. Its blend of charming storytelling, educational content, and beautiful artwork makes it a standout in children’s literature. This book is perfect for young readers who enjoy magical tales and for parents looking for stories with positive messages about the environment and appreciating nature.
Pages: 39 | ISBN : 978-1639390045
Imaginative and Clever Stories
Mr. Flip Flap’s Flip Flop Frenzy follows the exuberant Mr. Flip Flap as he encourages children to get outside and enjoy the magic that summer has to offer. The artwork in this book is especially engaging and draws readers into the excitement of the story. How did you develop the artwork for this story?
I can’t take credit for the artwork; it was a collaborative effort with my publisher. They asked for my vision, and I pointed out an example of what I had in mind. A month later, they returned with artwork that perfectly matched my vision. It felt like it was meant to be.
What is the next book in the series that you are working on about, and when will it be available?
In the Interesting Tales Series, I initially planned for six books, but I’ve actually written three more. The next book in this series, Full of Love, is already out. As part of the Interesting Tales collection, Full of Love continues the tradition of bringing imaginative and clever stories to young audiences.
Full of Love is not just a book; it’s a celebration of the love that surrounds children every day. Perfect for bedtime stories or quiet moments, this enchanting tale reminds both kids and adults alike that love is a magical force that makes every day extraordinary. Share the love and make Full of Love a cherished addition to your family’s storytime collection.
I can say that the Interesting Tales collection has three more books written and ready for release in 2025, all aimed at continuing the tradition of bringing imaginative and clever stories to young audiences.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Indulge in the world of Mr. Flip Flap’s Flip Flop Frenzy for an unforgettable summer escapade! This delightful book invites readers, both young and young at heart, to relive the magic of carefree days, sunny beaches, and the bonds of friendship. With its charming storyline and vibrant illustrations, this enchanting tale celebrates the sheer joy of enjoying the present moment and the pleasures of summer.
Celebrate the wonders of summer with Mr. Flip Flap and discover the magic that awaits in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a day at the beach or an afternoon in the backyard, this delightful tale is a joyful celebration of the carefree spirit of summertime. So slip on those flip-flops and join Mr. Flip Flap on his journey of discovery in the Flip-Flop Frenzy!
Mr. Flip Flap’s Flip Flop Frenzy
Outdoor activities offer children both joy and enrichment, a theme Shani T. Night masterfully captures in Mr. Flip Flap’s Flip Flop Frenzy. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant beach on a sunny day, the story follows the effervescent Mr. Flip Flap. His exuberant dance and infectious energy draw local children into a rhythmic celebration by the sea. Together, they revel in the radiant sky and sparkling water, creating unforgettable memories and underscoring the timeless pleasure of summer fun with friends.
The narrative brims with energy and positivity, engaging young readers with its dynamic spirit. Night’s language is both simple and rich, balancing short sentences with a robust vocabulary that is ideal for early readers. The rhythmic flow of the plot is a highlight, maintaining a lively pace that captivates and entertains. The playful rhymes stand out, not only fostering a love for reading but also enhancing listening skills and auditory comprehension in young children. The book’s illustrations are equally delightful, using a warm color palette to evoke the essence of a sunny day. The brightness of the characters and the thoughtfully crafted settings perfectly complement the cheerful narrative.
Mr. Flip Flap’s Flip Flop Frenzy, written by Shani T. Night, enchants with its charm and vibrancy. It’s an excellent choice for encouraging a love of nature and outdoor play, sparking young imaginations through its vivid depiction of a joyful beach adventure.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CF2S2VP6
Strong and Independent
The Day the Clouds Went Away follows a bold and independent young princess with low vision who commands the clouds to disappear, only to face unintended consequences, leading her to learn an important lesson about the value of clouds and rain. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I founded a Nonprofit, Imagination Storybooks, to make illustrated books more accessible to all children, including those who are blind or low vision. My books include rich descriptions of the pictures in audio and video formats. There are very few books with blind main characters that are not about blindness. I want to create fairy tales where children with a disability can see themselves as a main character.
What were some driving ideals behind Princess Claudia’s character?
Princess Claudia runs her own Princessdom at age 8. She is strong and independent, despite having low vision and losing her parents when her Wizard Fumbledore made a mistake in a spell and sent them through time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Everyone looks at the clouds, but sometimes, there are shapes in the clouds of animals or characters. My book explores the different kinds of clouds and explains their importance in nature, even on rainy days.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The Day the Bees Went Away – Tales from the Princessdom, Book Two. It will be available Fall 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Author Richard Rieman, The Audiobook Wizard, has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks. He is the author of the award-winning The Author’s Guide to Audiobook Creation. Richard founded Imagination Storybooks, a pioneer Nonprofit making children’s illustrated books accessible to blind and deaf children. With his own vision fading because of glaucoma, Richard decided this main character should also have vision loss.
The Day the Clouds Went Away is perfect for kids ages 3-8, an imaginative story rich with opportunities for teachers and parents to further the conversation about what your child might do if suddenly all the clouds disappeared.
Take It All In
A Fairy on My Sleeve follows a woman who encounters a fairy while reading under a tree and causes her to contemplate the belief and magic of the ordinary. What was the inspiration for your story?
Many years ago on a glorious summer afternoon, I was digging in my flower garden, watching the bees, dragonflies, and butterflies, which were all flitting about me.
Without warning, a little one landed on the sleeve of my shirt.
It sat there for a short time, slowly opening and closing its wings.
As I gazed at it, I swear it looked back at me, just for an instant before it flew off.
It was a rather idyllic moment on its own, but in my mind, I changed it from an insect to a fairy.
With that simple revision, it had suddenly become a wondrous, magical event.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I think that the most important message in this story is to just slow down, smell the flowers, and pay attention to the little things that are all around.
Turn off your phone, go outside, and have a look around – and a listen. It’s amazing what you can discover when you start to pay attention.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from A Fairy on My Sleeve?
One thing I hope that readers take away is to put down the devices, go outside, and take it all in. Just by looking into a simple flower pot you can see an extraordinary hidden world, full of life.
Insects and other organisms that live in the dirt and hide amongst the leaves all have their own story. If you look at them long enough, they will tell you that story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a new book called Where Do All The Fairies Live? along with two others that are currently ready for illustration.
I also have my first children’s song recorded which is in the process of being mixed.
The song is called “Full Moon Friend,” a happy little bedtime song, which will hopefully be ready for release next month.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Join author, poet, and actress Mari Sherkin as she glimpses a magical world where things are as real as they seem.
Two Communities Happily Uniting
A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs follows the residents of two communities living on opposite sides of a ridge who end up competing for resources. What was the inspiration for your story?
This story and another dozen stories I created when my younger daughter Stephanie was 6 or so years old. The idea was to relate bedtime stories that were family-oriented and had a challenge or obstacle to overcome with a successful resolution. The “Ostrich” story has two communities rather than a family involved, but there existed a disparate gap in the quality of life between the two communities and finally, the one community that was disadvantaged decided to do something about it. Rather than further divide the communities, their encounter resulted in the two communities happily uniting. My message was to promote a happy conclusion to an uneven situation.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Alejandro Echavez?
My publisher, Amplify Publishing has a portfolio of artists they initially recommend. They provide a list of 25 artists and we (the publisher and I) review their style of work to see what is compatible. We then select five to provide sketches of several scenes from the story and we narrow the list down to two to provide more in-depth illustrations. Alejandro simply stood out! Throughout the process, Alejandro was very responsive to suggestions and recommendations on the art panels. He is a true professional and very creative!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In all my work I have tried to introduce elements of sharing, hope, communication, sympathy, and successfully addressing challenges or obstacles in a collaborative fashion. I also try to include some mystical or fantasy elements to make to story interesting and entertaining.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book that is now in production is called Lake Omigosh which is a story about a mountain lake in New Hampshire where a large “creature” is occasionally sighted prompting an exclamation “Oh My Gosh” and the name stuck. The story is about two young boy camp attendees who went out on the lake and ignored the three rules of boating: Avoid bad weather, Don’t go out too late, and Always take your life preservers. The boys are capsized, and how they are rescued is the theme of the story. But, they were lucky!
The other book that has been edited and is having the artwork completed is The Dancing Shoes. It is about a young girl who is desperate to be an accomplished ballerina but lacks confidence and underperforms. Her Mother gives her a pair of ballet shoes she said were Mother’s shoes and she was an accomplished ballerina. The little girl puts them on and is immediately performing much better. Then, she loses the shoes on a bus. Her Mother went out and found some used ballerina shoes and scuffed them up to look like the originals and gave them to her daughter. With the “returned” shoes, she excelled and eventually became the principal dancer for the NY Ballet. The daughter thanked her mother for the shoes being the main ingredient for her success and the Mother said, “They were never my Mother’s shoes. You did this all your own!”
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
The No-Haves, always jealous of the Have-Alls’ pets, decide to gather the Squatz for themselves. What results is a fierce tug-of-war that changes the two communities—and the Squatz—forever!
