Blog Archives
Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: Splish Splash Surprise
Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: The Splish Splash Surprise, by Maria Cedolini Thompson, is a joyful romp through a hot summer day with two irresistibly mischievous golden retrievers. This story is a perfect blend of playful chaos, heartfelt lessons, and charming illustrations that bring Paisley and Posie to life.
When left alone for just a short while, Paisley and Posie give in to temptation and take an impromptu dip in the backyard pool. What unfolds is a wonderfully soggy mess, full of splashes, tail wags, and comedic panic when they hear the front door swing open. The tension of their last-minute attempts to “hide the evidence” will have kids giggling and turning pages eagerly.
What makes this book more than just a tale of cute canine mischief is its thoughtful underlying message. Young readers are gently reminded that curiosity and mistakes are part of growing up, but love and forgiveness are always waiting on the other side. The story handles these themes with warmth and grace, making it a valuable addition to any child’s library.
Parents will appreciate the way the book encourages discussions about accountability, consequences, and teamwork without ever feeling heavy-handed. Meanwhile, children will be drawn in by the humorous antics and expressive artwork that capture every splash and shake.
Whether read aloud at bedtime or explored independently by early readers, Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: The Splish Splash Surprise is sure to make a splash in any home. It’s a charming tale that proves even the biggest messes can be cleaned up, with a little help and a lot of love.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0FBS5PGPG
Marvelous Marcus and Master Mason: 6th Grade Super Sleuths
This quirky kids’ chapter book follows two clever brothers, Marcus and Mason, who aren’t your average sixth graders. Marcus can draw things that come to life, literally. Mason has the power to focus so hard that he can teleport himself and his brother right into Marcus’s illustrations. Together, they solve goofy, gross, and often ridiculous mysteries at their school, taking on characters like Farting Freddy, Stinky Cheese Chuck, and Bad Breath Billy. Each chapter reads like a mini adventure where the boys use their wild powers to outsmart bullies and save the day, usually with a good laugh.
This book had me grinning more than I expected. The writing is simple, which makes it easy to follow for kids, but what really got me was the nonstop silliness. The names, like Big Bad Booger Bobby, are the kind of thing that kids eat up. You can tell the author had fun writing it, and that energy bubbles up on every page. Sometimes the plot jumped too fast, and I found myself flipping back to make sure I didn’t miss something. Still, the playful tone kept it from feeling like a drag.
I also really liked the bond between the brothers. It’s not spelled out in long paragraphs, but you can feel their teamwork and trust through all the chaos. And let’s talk about the ideas—superpowered drawings? A brain that can teleport you? That’s gold for kids with big imaginations. Even when things got downright disgusting (there is a chapter about an evil fart artist), it was clear this book knows its audience and leans into what makes them giggle.
Marvelous Marcus & Master Mason is a silly and heartfelt ride through a world where gross is good and being clever wins the day. It’s perfect for kids around 7 to 11 who love comics, fart jokes, and offbeat superhero stories. If your kid is into wacky humor and wild adventures, they’ll be hooked from the first page.
Pages: 51 | ISBN : 1963737296
Math Operations
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Patterns follows a group of number characters who are out at recess and get invited by their teacher, Mrs. Wiggles, to play an “I Spy” game—but with patterns! What was the inspiration for your story?
A few things inspired the story. First, children told me they wanted Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers to count to 100. (Infinity, actually, but that would be difficult even for Mrs. Wiggles.)
Second, teachers asked for a fun, read-aloud, rhyming picture book about patterns with a storyline.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
First, children must understand the concept of patterns to learn how to read and perform math operations.
Second, teachers often use a 1-100 number chart in the classroom to illustrate math patterns. I wanted to help them by incorporating a number chart in the story.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
They were all fun! If I had to pick one, I’d say having Mrs. Wiggles ride the cow. I live in Wisconsin, and one day while writing the story, I went past a farm with a herd of cows that formed a pattern.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Mrs. Wiggles and the direction of the next book?
I have lots of ideas for Mrs. Wiggles. It’s exciting planning out the next adventure!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A fun and educational adventure comes from the creator of the award-winning Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers! Join Mrs. Wiggles as she introduces her classroom to the fascinating world of patterns. Number Zero doesn’t quite understand at first, but everything clicks when he discovers the most exciting pattern of all! SPOILER ALERT: He paints a vibrant 1-100 number chart and exclaims, “We are patterns on the wall. Numbers are the best of all!”
Learning about patterns is a key part of the kindergarten curriculum, and this charming story is a perfect tool for introducing young learners to this essential concept. Patterns help children build foundational math and language skills, making this book a valuable early-education resource.
Bright, playful illustrations invite kids to explore patterns in everyday things-flowers, animals, and even on the farm! Whether used in the classroom or at home, the book encourages children to spot patterns everywhere they look.
A 1-100 number chart is included to help children visualize number patterns, and a bold two-page spread shows the numbers together to help little ones count by tens. The delightful rhyming text is ideal for read-aloud sessions, and young readers will love spotting Number Nine, who can often be found napping throughout the story. Onomatopoeia adds an extra layer of fun, keeping kids engaged and enhancing the visual experience.
The rhyming scheme also introduces children to poetry and rhyming words, making it an excellent tool for early literacy. With easy-to-read text, this book is perfect for beginning readers, creating an enjoyable experience for teachers and children alike.
“Books like this give young children a wonderful head-start at developing an essential life skill. All families should be reading this book to their children by the time they are two years old and beyond.” Richard Schramm, MD, American Psychiatric Association Fellow
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers stories are the perfect learning books for preschool and kindergarten, ages 3-6.
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Patterns
This children’s book is all about a group of number characters who are out at recess and get invited by their teacher, Mrs. Wiggles, to play an “I spy” game—but with patterns! Each number finds different repeating patterns in things like gardens, frogs, chickens, and even eggs. Poor Number Zero doesn’t get it at first, but by the end, he figures it out in a super satisfying way by painting a colorful 1–100 chart. It’s cheerful, it’s bouncy, and it makes patterns feel like a playground adventure.
The rhyme and rhythm in this picture book are really fun. It feels like a song you’d want to sing out loud while reading. The language is simple without being boring, which is a tricky balance to get right. The way the story weaves in real examples of patterns—visual, numerical, even animal stripes and dots—makes the idea stick without it ever feeling like a lesson. And the artwork is bright, colorful, and packed with little things to point out. It kept me smiling the whole way through.
But what really got me was how Zero has this little arc—he starts out confused and a bit nervous, and then he ends up making this huge discovery. It’s sweet, empowering, and a little inspiring. It’s one of those books where the message sneaks in without you realizing it: trying matters, noticing the world is fun, and even when something feels tricky, you can figure it out. It’s not preachy, just kind and encouraging.
If you’ve got a preschooler or kindergartener who’s starting to explore numbers or getting curious about patterns, this kids’ book is perfect. It’s also great for teachers looking for a light way to introduce math thinking. I’d recommend it for ages 3 to 6, especially kids who like to count or love to find “what’s the same.” This book has heart, color, and brains.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0F3Y48WSM
Conquering a Challenge
Noodles Noodles Everywhere follows a spirited child who embarks on a whimsical adventure to conquer the challenges of dinnertime, one noodle at a time. What was the inspiration for your story?
My two-year-old granddaughter had just finished lunch and walked into the room, completely covered in noodles. I looked at her and exclaimed, “Noodles, noodles everywhere!” And that’s when the inspiration hit!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I’m a big fan of rhymes and stories where the child takes center stage as the hero. I wanted to create a story that shows a child conquering a challenge, all while blending humor with a fun, rhythmic rhyme.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Mark Nino Balita?
I shared my manuscript with Mark and asked him to design a character. I was thrilled with what he created. His artwork was incredible in my last book, and I had full confidence in his talent and illustrations.
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 book isn’t part of a series, but I do have another one being released this month. It’s the first in a series about an adorable, dancing cow named Missy Moo and her barnyard friends.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
It starts with a plate of noodles—but before long, noodles are everywhere! From the floor to the door, the walls to the ceiling, this noodle disaster is quickly spiraling out of control. What began as a simple dinner has turned into a wild, wiggly mess as noodles take over every corner of the house.
As chaos erupts, someone must step up to stop the noodle madness before it’s too late. With the family scrambling to contain the disaster, it’s up to one clever little girl to find a solution. But where will all the noodles go when the madness finally slows down?
Packed with giggles, messes, and plenty of imagination, Noodles, Noodles Everywhere! is a deliciously fun story of a dinner gone wildly wrong—and how one child saves the day. Perfect for young readers who love big laughs, crazy adventures, and—of course—oodles of noodles!
Are you ready for a side-splitting, noodle-twisting adventure? Get your copy of Noodles, Noodles Everywhere! and find out how one clever kid saves the day—before the house is buried in spaghetti!
Noodles Noodles Everywhere
Noodles Noodles Everywhere is a delightful children’s picture book written by Heidi Brooks and illustrated by Mark Nino Balita. This engaging story follows a spirited child who embarks on a whimsical adventure to conquer the challenges of dinnertime, one noodle at a time.
The story is filled with humor and relatable scenarios that will resonate with both children and parents. The protagonist’s imaginative journey transforms the often mundane task of eating dinner into an exciting escapade, encouraging young readers to approach new experiences with courage and creativity.
The story is crafted with simple and accessible language, making it perfect for beginner readers to tackle with minimal assistance. The rhythmic flow and playful rhymes create a lively reading experience, helping young readers anticipate words and build confidence as they go. The repetition and engaging cadence make it easier for children to follow along, while the humor and excitement of the story keep them entertained.
Mark Nino Balita’s vibrant and expressive illustrations perfectly complement the lively rhyming story. The colorful artwork brings the story to life and captures the chaotic fun of noodles seemingly everywhere, and adds depth to the characters’ emotions and actions.
Noodles Noodles Everywhere is a charming and amusing read that entertains and encourages children to face new challenges enthusiastically. It’s an excellent addition to any child’s bookshelf, promising giggles and inspiration with every turn of the page.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0DT7T9F8Z
Our Collaborative Effort
The Big Dream follows two best friends who want to enter a remote-controlled car race, but first, they must raise $2000 while dealing with school, family & a mischievous crow. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Big Dream has a transformational tale. It is book two in The Crow’s Tales series; however, it was written before book one. The most recent publication is the second edition of what originally was a Christmas gift for our four grandchildren. Since then, we’ve taken a more serious approach to writing and the story underwent a substantial makeover. The genesis of the story is attributed to Thorir more than fifteen years ago scribbling notes about his ten-year-old self growing up in Iceland with his friends. Pigeons, ravens, and seabirds were accessible and gave inspiration to the book’s pet crow, Ralph, and the original title, The Pigeon Flyer. Retirement sparked our collaborative effort on Thorir’s drafts, resulting in a lasting story for our grandchildren and a shared passion.
There were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
Thank you for the comment and the question. The Big Dream’s twists and turns occurred as a hybrid of planning and merely following where the story took us. The crafting of those events, however, was carefully staged. As new writers, we’ve learned pacing is one of the critical elements of a good middle-grade story, and having twists and turns hit in the right place encourages reader engagement.
Constant action, fast pace, and a quick read is our attempt to compete with computer games, tablets, TVs, and other electronic social media for kids’ attention. It’s an uphill battle. Victoria is a retired schoolteacher and has a background in shaping young minds. We try to cater to how kids think today and how fast their world has become, it keeps us racing through our golden years.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
We strive to create contemporary realistic fiction for young readers offering important themes without being in-your-face didactic. Each book in the series offers its unique theme. The Big Dream is a quietly compelling story of honesty while integrating additional important values such as friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. These themes are woven into the narrative, offering young readers meaningful insights while maintaining the story’s engaging, lighthearted tone. The book subtly imparts lessons on these themes, illustrating how challenges can be overcome through collaboration and understanding.
The challenge we set for ourselves is to write relatable and wholesome narratives featuring characters and events that readers can identify with, providing entertainment and meaningful value. The Crow’s Tales series, The Bird Caper, book one, explores “change,” The Big Dream, book two, shines a light on “honesty”, and book three, The Crow’s Ring, will explore “truth.” All valuable life lessons.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
We are super excited about working on the third book of the series, The Crow’s Ring, and expect it to be released early in 2026. It’s a mystery and it will keep readers on their toes. The main characters are older, and the story’s plot gets precarious. Brandon’s (our protagonist) friends (and pet crow) become entangled with a scruffy old police detective – the Captain – who owns a rusty dank tugboat destined to be scrapped by the city (Riverside). Roped into helping him save his tug, the kids find a confidential police file on board of an unresolved jewelry heist that took place in the 1930s, the Stony Creek Case. Solving this cold case could save the crusty Captain’s career and repair his tug with the million-dollar reward for finding the stolen loot. It’s a journey filled with nail-biting adventures that turn Riverside upside down and capture the imagination. Through their hair-raising experiences, Brandon learns the value of truth. He and his friends learn the importance of history, determination, and the meaning of working as a team to resolve complicated questions and conflicts, to uncover the truth.
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The Big Dream – The Crow’s Tales Series (Book 2)
“Holy Ravioli! The police are forming a special unit to investigate thieving birds in my hometown, and even though I’m only twelve years old, I can’t shake the vision of myself behind bars in an orange jumpsuit! We’ve got to stop Ralph before it’s too late!”
The small city of Riverside is buzzing with excitement as the spectacular remote-controlled car race approaches. For Brandon, this is the chance to make his dream come true and prove himself to the world. But with distractions at every turn, including a pesky English assignment and a mysterious bird thief, will he be able to stay focused and build his winning car in time?
With the help of his family, friends, and pet crow, Ralph, Brandon sets out on a journey of hard work and determination. But as the race draws closer, a special unit of the police is formed to investigate the bird thefts, leaving Brandon worried about his fate. Can he raise the funds, construct a victorious speedster, and win the race before time runs out?
The Big Dream is the second book in The Crow’s Tales series, a thrilling action-adventure about chasing your dreams and never giving up. If you loved the heartwarming story of The Million Dollar Race, the suspense of The Vanderbeekers On the Road by Karina Yan Glaser, or the humor in How To Win A Slime War by Mae Respicio, you’ll love this book! Don’t wait, read now, and DREAM BIG! Perfect for boys and girls 8-12.
Sometimes it Takes a Village to Raise a World-Class Hot Rod!
Bonus! Teacher Reading Resources Included.
Don’t forget to read The Bird Caper! Book 1 of THE CROW’S TALES, a 3-book series. Exciting stories with wholesome values from award-winning authors Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson.
Make Readers Laugh
Nate’s Noisy Nose follows the hilarious and heartwarming journey of a boy whose musical nose disrupts his life until he discovers the power of embracing his unique melody. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I honestly don’t know where this idea came from! It just popped into my head and away it went! I liked the idea of having a noisy book where kids join in to repeat the sound words and I had great fun thinking up the words to accompany the character’s noisy nose.
I like to write stories that are fun. There are so many books out there that want to teach a moral lesson or highlight a particular theme – and although my story does have an underlying message, it’s not the main idea of the book. The main idea is to make readers laugh.
How did you develop the character of Gabby the Geek, and what was her role in shaping the story’s resolution?
My illustrator and I dreamed up Gabby. We wanted a mad-looking techy person who could invent a machine to help Nate. I liked the idea of kids being inspired by Gabby and designing their own machines. Initially, the machine Gabby invented was going to solve Nate’s problem by having a dial on it so he could turn the volume up and down, thereby being noisy when necessary but quiet in school and around town. But we thought it would be much funnier if the machine caused Nate’s nose to ‘explode’ and spew out the instruments! Do I give a spoiler alert here and say what happened next – perhaps not!
The illustrations are incredibly vibrant. Did you work closely with the illustrator, and how did you bring Nate’s world to life visually?
Dotti Colvin is an extremely talented illustrator. She illustrated one of my other picture books, Baby Worries, and I just knew she would be perfect for this story. We had great fun inventing each character and Dotti is an expert at adding hilarious detail to every scene. Her illustrations brought the story to life in a way that many other illustrators could not achieve. Nothing is left to chance with her illustrations – they are expertly planned and beautifully finished.
Can we expect more adventures featuring Nate, Rascal, or Gabby in the future?
I already have plans for future tales involving Nate and Rascal – after all, Rascal does become world famous! I am thinking of creating a chapter book series as a spin-off. There’s so much that these characters could get up to. Will have to wait and see what happens.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Join Nate as he navigates the challenges of a nose that’s a bit too special. With every tuneful toot, he finds himself in a new misadventure, whether it’s at home, at school, or out and about, making him the centre of attention wherever he goes – but not always in a good way!
Amid the chaos, Nate’s longing for peace grows stronger. If only he could find silence and slip under the radar like a regular kid.
But fear not! Nate isn’t alone on his quest. His loyal furry friend, Rascal, is by his side, ready to help him snuffle out solutions. Will Rascal’s devotion be the key to Nate’s noisy problem, or will a team of brilliant doctors and scientists come to the rescue?
This laugh-out-loud gem is perfect for families who love to giggle together. As Nate’s story unfolds, readers are reminded that even the quirkiest traits can lead to the most unexpected outcomes.
This noisy, interactive book is more than just a funny tale of a musical nose; it’s a celebration of friendship, loyalty, creativity, and finding solutions when life gets a little too loud.
LITERARY TITAN 