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Pinkies Up
Pinkies Up, written by Raven Howell and illustrated by Lisa Rush, is a charming children’s book that invites young readers to a whimsical tea party attended by a delightful cast of animal friends. Through its rhythmic verses, the story celebrates diversity, community, and the simple joy of coming together. Each page showcases a different group of animals, each with their own distinct quirks and tea-time traditions, creating a vivid, lively narrative that culminates in a heartwarming celebration of togetherness.
The writing is both engaging and enchanting. Howell’s rhythmic verses are a joy to read aloud, making the story accessible and enjoyable for young children. The playful language infuses the narrative with a lighthearted tone, enhancing the overall reading experience. The rhyme scheme flows naturally and consistently, a feat not always easy to achieve in children’s literature, which helps sustain the reader’s interest and makes this book an excellent choice for bedtime reading.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its subtle yet impactful message about manners and the value of community. Amid the chaos of the tea party—with spills and overturned tables—the story beautifully resolves through cooperation and kindness. The wise old owl, who steps in to guide the other animals in tidying up, delivers a moment that is both heartwarming and educational. This scene imparts an essential lesson about teamwork and consideration for others, adding depth to the story.
Lisa Rush’s illustrations are a perfect complement to Howell’s lively text. They burst with color and personality, bringing the animal characters to life with flair. The artwork is not merely decorative but integral to the storytelling, adding layers of humor and depth that keep young readers engaged.
Pinkies Up is a delightful and highly recommended book for parents and educators seeking a fun and meaningful story. Ideal for children aged 3-7, though older readers may also appreciate its playful language and captivating illustrations. Whether the goal is to teach lessons about diversity and manners or simply to share a joyful story, this book is a delightful choice that is sure to become a treasured favorite in any child’s book collection.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0CJ61M4PN
Inspired by a Stuffed Animal
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell follows a young hermit crab living in Southern California who is swept away from home during a storm and must find his way home. What was the inspiration for your story?
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell came to me as a surprise. I am not a children’s author by any means—and I am still learning the ins and outs of writing a book for a younger audience—but writing a children’s book has always been something I’ve wanted to do. This story in particular was inspired by a stuffed animal that I’ve had in my room—a hermit crab! The story’s setting was greatly inspired by San Diego and Southern California in general, as that is where I live.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Particularly with children’s stories, I’ve always enjoyed writing the first page. To me, that’s the most important part of the story—at least for drawing in young readers. The same goes for this book as well. Writing the descriptions of the tide pools and the ocean waves, and introducing the characters, was the best part.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To me, I felt that keeping the book as factual as possible was very important. I included details such as how hermit crabs find and replace their shells, as well as little references as to what they eat and how they live. Other than that, as the book is for a younger audience, I allowed my imagination to take forth!
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?
For now, I don’t have definite plans to write another book in this series—with that being said, continuing the journeys of Zeke and his friends is something I would like to do in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Are you ready to explore the ocean? Join Zeke, a young hermit crab from the sunny coast of Southern California, on his quest to return home after being swept away during a storm. Along the way, he will meet new friends and discover a bravery inside himself that he never knew was there—and maybe you will too.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is the perfect adventure for budding readers, lovers of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, and those still trying to come out of their shells.
Appreciate the Differences
Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends follows a dog in a new class who has trouble making new friends until he gets the following advice: name the difference, find the good, and move on with kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
My kids are the inspiration for the story. There was one specific situation that was the catalyst for the book. My kids were at the playground and a curious friend repeatedly asked what was wrong with one of my kid’s eyes. It upset one of my other kids and also caused the curious friend to walk away. This all happened around the time we found out that my child with the beautiful, and maybe a little differently shaped eyes, has a syndrome. I knew we would be getting more questions. How could my husband and I teach our kids how to navigate differences in a way that is kind and inclusive, instead of isolating and divisive? I wrote the story as a way to process everything. A poignant playground situation led to reflecting on how we are all different in some way. We all feel different at times. The characters are based on my kids and situations we have worked through together. The three-step process has been helpful for our family, but there are many ways to handle differences. My hope for the book is that it will encourage conversation about differences in an open, positive, respectful, and inclusive way.
I loved the unique characters you have created in your book, especially Layla Squirrel. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Thank you! All of the characters are based on my dog and 4 children. Willard is based on my dog, a German shorthaired pointer, who is not named Willard, but I always thought he looked like one. The four friends that Willard meets on the trail are based off of my kids and situations we have navigated with them. Each character has personality traits and gifts that I see in my kids. For example, my oldest wears glasses, and when he was 4 years old, he recruited two of his friends to help him bury his glasses in the mulch on the school playground. It took two days to find them. He really did not want to wear glasses. One of his gifts that is so fantastic is that he is a magic maker. He enjoys elevating any situation to make it extra special. This became Tommy Tiger. The character that I found the toughest to write was Layla Squirrel. I knew I wanted to have her bring everyone together, but went back and forth over what all these animals could realistically eat together. Throughout the story are bits and pieces of my family with a story behind the story.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
My mission was to write a story that promotes kindness and embracing differences. Each friend that Willard DoGooder meets on the trail, teaches him how we can approach differences, learn from one another, and appreciate each other. The world feels more polarized these days, and I think it is important for my kids to know that if you don’t think the same, or look the same, or act the same, you can be friends. Also, sometimes you may not have a friendship, but you can still be kind and appreciate the differences. My hope is that reading the book together will encourage conversations about difference in an open, curious, positive and inclusive way.
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 is my first children’s book and I am excited to write more Willard DoGooder books! Currently, I am working on a story about affirmations for kids. After that, I have a few ideas for the next Willard DoGooder tale.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Willard DoGooder has trouble making friends in his new class. Things are just … different. One day, he spots a magical trail and sets out on an adventure where he meets new friends, learns how to think through differences, and celebrate others just as they are.
Each friend that Willard DoGooder meets on the trail teaches Willard exactly how we can approach differences, learn from one another, and appreciate each other’s gifts. Over the course of the book, Willard learns a three-step process for approaching differences in others: name the difference, find something good about it, and move on with kindness.
With characters based on the author’s children and the real-life issues they’ve learned how to work through together, Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends is a fantastic adventure grounded with a message that we can all use in our daily life. Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends is a beautifully illustrated story about how our differences aren’t that different when we love and accept one another just as we are. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the book’s straightforward and simple message that show kids exactly how to treat someone when they notice a difference between them, and start conversations about appreciating and encouraging each other.
Charlie’s Crabby Day
Charlie’s Crabby Day is a delightful tale that highlights the values of friendship and hard work. Joan Enockson introduces us to Charlie, a crab who feels self-conscious living next to Chuck, a bigger, stronger crab with many more friends. As a sand sculpture contest approaches, Charlie decides to prove himself by gathering the best materials to win. He discovers a large shell that he plans to use as the centerpiece of his project, keeping it a secret from others. However, new rules require the sculptures to be made in teams, forcing Charlie to collaborate with Chuck, leading to an unexpected journey of learning and growth.
Charlie is a wonderfully crafted character who evolves throughout the story. He learns from his mistakes, realizes that his assumptions about others are not always correct, and shows great resilience by setting aside his prejudices. Charlie becomes more honest and communicative, gradually making new friends without even realizing it. This character development is why I found his story so compelling.
Joan Enockson’s writing is natural and fluent, imparting valuable life lessons to young readers, such as the importance of listening, sharing ideas, and understanding that teamwork, while challenging, can lead to achieving great goals. The detailed descriptions in this children’s book make it easy to visualize the scenes, emphasizing emotions, allowing readers to connect with Charlie on multiple levels. The illustrations are artistic and of high quality, adding charm to the story.
Charlie navigates various situations as he dares to try new things, faces his fears, and overcomes each challenge. Charlie’s Crabby Day is a fun and engaging chapter book that teaches children the importance of letting go of pride and shyness and encouraging them to embrace every opportunity for play and learning.
Pages: 94 | ISBN : 978-1958023433
Daddy’s Favorite Sundae
Daddy’s Favorite Sundae, a charming children’s book by Dawn Grantham, follows the journey of a little girl named Sundae who learns to ride a bike without training wheels with the help of her supportive dad. Set against a colorful urban backdrop, Sundae faces challenges and teasing from peers but ultimately overcomes her fears, gaining confidence and new friendships along the way. This heartwarming tale is beautifully illustrated by Demont Pinder, bringing the story’s emotions and lessons to life.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its relatable and encouraging narrative. Grantham captures the feelings of frustration and determination that children often experience when learning new skills. Sundae’s journey is filled with ups and downs, perfectly exemplified in the scene where she falls into the trash but gets back up to try again. This moment is particularly poignant, as it teaches children that failure is part of the learning process and resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
The dialogue and interactions in the book are realistic. When Sundae’s friends, Junior and Journey, initially tease her for using training wheels, it reflects a common childhood scenario. However, the story’s resolution, where these same friends cheer her on once she succeeds, underscores the themes of personal growth and peer support. This shift is both heartwarming and instructive, demonstrating the impact of perseverance and the value of supportive friendships.
The vibrant and expressive artwork captures the attention of young readers but also enhances their emotional connection to the characters. For instance, the depiction of Sundae’s proud moment riding without training wheels visually reinforces the triumph of the narrative. Every other page is filled with colorful imagery that makes the story accessible and delightful.
Daddy’s Favorite Sundae is an excellent picture book for children who are navigating the challenges of learning new skills and seeking encouragement. Its positive messages about resilience, the importance of family support, and the value of friendship make it a perfect choice for parents and educators alike.
Pages: 58 | ASIN : B0CV51TX9K
Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister
In Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister, author Linda Herron, with illustrator Marie Delon, explores the emotional landscape of Molly, a child who often feels overshadowed by her younger twin sisters, Mac and Madi. The story delves into themes of sibling dynamics, individuality, and the importance of feeling seen and valued within a family.
Herron skillfully captures the essence of sibling rivalry while also presenting parents and children with poignant examples of unconditional love and the distinct connections shared among siblings. The narrative offers a realistic portrayal of the complexities and joys of family life, effectively resonating with both young readers and adults.
Marie Delon’s vibrant illustrations are a standout feature of this book. Her artwork vividly portrays Molly’s range of emotions – from frustration and jealousy to joy and acceptance. These illustrations complement the story’s text, which is crafted in rhyming verse. This stylistic choice ensures a smooth and engaging reading experience, particularly suited for lower elementary-level readers. The book is more than just a story; it’s a tool for families to explore and discuss the nuances of sibling relationships and personal identity. It serves as an excellent resource for parents seeking a meaningful shared-reading experience with their children, as well as for those interested in narratives that reinforce family bonds.
Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister is a well-rounded children’s book that combines a heartfelt storyline with dynamic illustrations, making it a valuable addition to any family’s reading collection.
Pages: 33 | ISBN : 978-1959140115
May I Come to Your Party?
Grace A. Wolf’s May I Come to Your Party? is a poignant and thoughtful exploration of the challenges faced by children on the autism spectrum, as seen through the experiences of the protagonist, Jimmy. Wolf portrays Jimmy as a compassionate and endearing character, grappling with the complexities of social interaction and inclusion. His journey underscores the often-overlooked emotional impact of feeling excluded due to being perceived as different.
The narrative unfolds with Jimmy’s realization that he has not been invited to his classmate Clara’s birthday party. This moment serves as a pivotal point in the story, highlighting the nuances of social dynamics among children. Clara’s response to Jimmy’s query about the party, masked by a lie, is a critical moment that Wolf handles with sensitivity and insight. Alice, another classmate, emerges as a key figure in the story. Her response to the situation reflects a deep sense of empathy and understanding. Wolf uses Alice’s character effectively to convey a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity and kindness toward those who may seem different. Wolf’s depiction of Jimmy’s autism is done with care and respect, emphasizing his sensitivities to sensory stimuli and communication challenges. The narrative strongly advocates for seeing beyond these differences, affirming that every child, including those with autism, deserves acceptance and inclusion.
May I Come to Your Party? is a significant contribution to children’s literature, addressing vital themes of empathy, understanding, and the value of including everyone, regardless of their differences. Wolf’s narrative is a testament to the transformative power of embracing physical and intellectual diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among children.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CLKZ25C6
Promote Empathy and Inclusion
May I Sit at Your Table? follows a second-grade girl who is deaf and experiences a transformative moment when her teacher introduces American Sign Language, sparking her goal to connect with her peers. Why was this an important book for you to write?
At one of my brother’s neurodiverse basketball games, I experienced a pivotal moment. While signing “hello” and “good job” to a Deaf teammate on my brother’s team, his father, moved to tears, approached me and shared how meaningful it was to see someone communicate with his son. This encounter inspired me to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and the culture. I’ve always been concerned about bullying and exclusion, and my research disclosed that Deaf children are often victims. I wanted a book that would promote empathy and inclusion of this ostracized community.
The art in the book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Samuel Gross?
Thank you for your kind comment! It was truly a work of love. Sam is my brother. He is 14 years older than me, and he suffers from autism. I worked with him in creating the sketches for the book by reading the book to him over and over and then explaining the specific storyline on each page. He then would interpret those events and draw the scene in pencil. It’s fascinating to watch him draw because he holds the pencil in his fist and never picks the pencil off the page when drawing. It’s also amazing to see the world through his eyes. I then traced the drawings in pen and added color and shading.
Doing the illustrations was one of the highlights of Sam’s life. It has bolstered his self-esteem and brought him great happiness. It has also brought us closer together.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My book is more than a children’s book; it’s a social story about how to accept people who are different. Here, a young Deaf girl is ostracized by her peers because she is seen as “different.” It’s my belief that these actions are simply a result of a lack of knowledge. I wanted to show that educating grade school children about diverse communication styles fosters empathy and teaches inclusiveness.
Another key theme is that exclusion often occurs in less supervised settings like school lunchrooms.
Finally, I wanted to explore the often-private nature of the pain caused by exclusion. Children, like the character Abby in my book, may feel reluctant to express their hurt and only confide in their families. Abby’s experience highlights the importance of attentive and caring teachers who can recognize and address such issues, offering support where it’s needed most.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book has already been published. It is titled, May I Come to Your Party? and is about a young boy who suffers from autism and is never invited to parties, and he invites everyone to his birthday parties, but no one ever comes. Here is an Amazon link: May I Come to Your Party? I also have a website with more information: Grace Wolf Books
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
The story beautifully captures the transformation that comes with understanding and acceptance, underscoring the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and embracing our unique attributes. May I Sit at Your Table? leaves readers with the important message that everyone, no matter how they communicate, deserves to be heard, seen, and accepted.
LITERARY TITAN 