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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.
I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng
S.P. Somtow’s I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng celebrates the limitless imagination of childhood with charm and originality. The story follows a suburban boy who stumbles upon Moo Deng, a newborn pygmy hippo, while browsing online. Instantly captivated, he becomes so enthralled that his mother plans a trip to Thailand to visit the zoo where Moo Deng resides. They stay with his Uncle Somtow, who helps coordinate the visit. When they finally arrive at the zoo, a long line threatens their plans. Uncle Somtow considers giving up, but the boy’s determination keeps them in place. While they wait, his imagination takes flight, spinning magical adventures where he and Moo Deng share whimsical moments together.
The book’s theme is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. The protagonist’s fascination with Moo Deng becomes a driving force, teaching children the value of pursuing their passions wholeheartedly. His family’s unwavering support creates a nurturing environment that further underscores the importance of encouragement. Somtow skillfully illustrates how creativity not only fuels joy but also builds resilience. Faced with frustration during the long wait, the boy channels his emotions into vivid daydreams, transforming a tiresome experience into a fantastical journey. Meanwhile, Uncle Somtow enriches the moment by sharing intriguing facts, turning the wait into an opportunity for discovery.
Visually, the book dazzles with its illustrations. They burst with fantasy elements and intricate details, enhanced by striking light and shadow effects. Somtow’s writing, on the other hand, is precise and engaging, seamlessly weaving together real-world events and the protagonist’s imagined escapades. Each scene flows effortlessly into the next, delivering a narrative brimming with wonder and excitement.
At its heart, I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng inspires children to chase even the wildest dreams. It’s a joyful reminder that imagination, perseverance, and the support of loved ones can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. S.P. Somtow’s tale brims with warmth and creativity, making it an enchanting read for young dreamers and the families who encourage them to reach for the stars.
Pages: 67 | ISBN : 978-1940999388
Explore and Teach
Who Says Poo is a delightful and hilarious story that plays on words from different languages, each sounding like “poo” but with entirely distinct meanings. What was the inspiration for creating this unique story?
My partner was sitting on our couch in the living room using Duolingo to learn French. I was in the bedroom folding laundry. And then I heard her say “Poupée” and I giggled at how it sounded like “poo.” Then I instantly thought, ‘I wonder if there are words in other languages that also sound like poo!’ And that single moment sparked the creation of Who Says Poo!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
I wanted to make sure that the collaboration process was as seamless as possible. So I created a few PDFs that I sent to the artist. The first PDF was about character design, thoughts on color, and overall formatting. The other PDF was the full formatted layout of the book, and I included many reference images for each page, including detailed descriptions of exactly what I wanted in the illustration of each scene. But I also made sure to leave room for the artist to experiment, have fun, and add their own twists to each image.
My artist, Mark Nino Balita, did such a great job of making the art come alive! They were easy to talk with, and a joy to collaborate with. Mark would send me proofs, and if I had any notes, I’d send them their way. Mark nailed it! I had very few notes. Mark even added a few spins on the book that I had never even thought of doing. Mark’s hard work and expertise shine on every page.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I made so many wonderful memories while writing Who Says Poo. But the scene I had the most fun writing would be on page 24, the Japanese sound, あっぷっぷ (“A-Poo-Poo”). It was the most challenging to write. Unlike the other words that have a perfect literal translation, this does not. It’s like a colloquialism, mixed with an onomatopoeia. So to try to craft the right definition for it, and use it in a sentence created such a wonderfully fun challenge, and when I look back through the book, it makes me so proud that I nailed it.
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?
I never expected to actually write one children’s book, much less a series! For now this is just a single book. But if reception is good, I do have a few great ideas to turn this into a series of books where I might explore the onomatopoeia of different languages compared to English. There are some fun sounds out there to explore and teach. Other languages and cultures teach us so much about the world, and I think it’s a beautiful thing to start getting your child curious at a young age!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
With a pet dog and a pet chicken, there are no normal days for Sally and her family. As they go about their wacky day, you learn words in different languages that all sound like the English word, Poo!
Through these pages, your child will learn words in other languages in a fun and silly way that helps to foster an enthusiasm for foreign languages and cultures.
Ideal for children ages 3-8 who think the word “Poo” is funny! Not only will this book help them steer away from Poo being “poo”, but it will show them that other languages are fun!
This Book:
• Helps kids talk about poo differently!
• Encourages language learning
• Shows that learning new languages can be fun
• Suitable for all readers and dyslexic-friendly!
The Beauty in Being Special
Bones and Friends: The Case of the Missing Mice follows three cat brothers, all with different special needs, who must work together to find their missing mice toys. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration is from a few beautiful special needs fosters that I follow. When I adopted my boys I found a wonderful cat group on Facebook. From there, I saw posts from special needs fosters. I decided to follow their pages, and it was the best thing. These little ones are hilarious and act just like any other cat. Getting to see the work, heart, and soul the humans of the foster put in is so heartwarming. It really made me want to show the world the beauty in being special as a cat too.
All three cat brothers are unique with their own talents and special needs. What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
I really wanted to ensure that all three came off cute and not funky-looking. When a cat has hydrocephalus they have big heads and smaller bodies, and sometimes their pupils are different. It was very important to me that the character came off the way I saw him, which was adorable. I think the illustrator captured my vision for all three cats and showed how adorable they can be on the outside too.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
I think that scene would be when they are all in the kitchen. In that scene, you see all three them of engaging in behaviors that are very typical of kittens. However, having a special need you may not expect them to be able to do. Like a blind cat being able to go to the top of a refrigerator or a cat with three legs jumping on a kitchen counter. The boys never let their specialness stop them. That was the theme of this book to showcase that. I think that scene is one of the best for showing that.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes! Lol right now Brainstorm Productions is working on book 2, the case of the vanishing fish. That is my favorite in the series and should be out later this year. They are doing an incredible job and I am so excited for this next part to come out. It is from the point of view of Beau who is blind. We will see if the readers can figure out where their fish friends went to before the boys do =)
Author Links: GoodReads | Tiktok | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
Despite being blind, our special needs cat, Beau, has an excellent sense of smell and hearing. When the mice dolls in his house mysteriously disappear, it’s up to our hero and his brothers, Bender, and Bones, to locate them by sniffing out their unique scent and listening to the subtle sounds they make.
A Deeply Gratifying Experience
I’m THAT Cat is a charming collection of whimsical cat tales brought to life through enchanting rhyming poetry and captivating artwork. How did you decide on the title of this children’s book?
Deciding on the title, I’m THAT Cat, for a children’s illustrated rhyming poetry book was a thoughtful process. The phrase captures the playful and confident nature of a cat, which resonates well with young readers who often find solace and joy in the whimsical world of animals. Cats are known for their unique personalities and quirks, and the title invites children to take a closer look at the character that unfolds within the pages. It suggests both familiarity and individuality, allowing kids to embrace their own characteristics while relating to the emotions of a charming feline protagonist.
Moreover, the title’s rhythmic quality aligns perfectly with the lyrical structure of the book, making it memorable and easy to recite. For me, the use of I’m THAT Cat creates an immediate connection with the audience, encouraging them to engage as they embark on a journey through the playful verses. It implies a sense of pride and individuality, inviting children to identify with the cat’s sentiments, experiences, and the joy of being one’s authentic self.
Ultimately, the title, I’m THAT Cat serves as a vibrant and captivating entry point into a world filled with colorful illustrations and lively rhymes. I believe that the title encapsulates the spirit of the book while inspiring young readers to find joy in their own stories, fostering a love of literature that can carry them through their own adventures in life.
What was the most challenging part of writing this children’s poetry book, and what was the most rewarding?
Crafting poetry that resonates with children while maintaining artistic depth posed a significant challenge. Much time was spent on careful selection of words and structure; ensuring accessible language without sacrificing literary quality. Striking the right tone and thematic elements that captivate both young readers and their parents also proved to be demanding. Given the abundance of cat-themed literature, creating original poetry that feels fresh and engaging was essential; avoiding clichés while bringing unique perspectives on cats was a significant undertaking.
The rewards experienced when writing books for children are endless! Specifically though, with I’m THAT Cat, transforming the poems into vibrant illustrations was an exciting aspect of the creative journey. In the end, seeing everything fall into place flawlessly was a deeply gratifying experience, as was an opportunity to inspire a love for reading (and with this book, poetry) among children.
In conclusion, while the journey of writing a children’s illustrated poetry book about cats was filled with challenges—ranging from maintaining an engaging tone to integrating visuals—the delight of creating I’m THAT Cat far outweighed the hurdles!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
This year, on October 7th, I will be releasing the first book of a series entitled The Alpine Dragon Legends! The series is suitable for children ages six through 10 and, of course, for all those who love dragons! I am extremely excited about this series, the first of which is titled The Dragon of Mont Blanc. This title, like all my others, boasts full-page artwork throughout the book. For the very first time, the legend of Vincent Laurent and a dragon called Rhygar is offered publicly and is told exactly as was written within the pages of this book. But this is no ordinary dragon book, The Dragon of Mont Blanc sends a powerful message: that kindness is a far mightier force than anger, encouraging young readers to embrace compassion and confront their own fears with an open heart. This book also serves to inspire young readers as they learn that the greatest treasures often lie in the connections we build with those who seem vastly different from ourselves.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Written and illustrated by award winning author and artist, August E. Allen’s, I’m THAT Cat boasts engaging full page artwork accompanied by adorable read-aloud rhyming poems all about cats whose antics are quite the sight!
“They chase their tails, a furry blur,
A comical dance, a silly purr.
They’re marvelous cats, with charm untold,
a joy to watch, a story to unfold.
So let us laugh, and share their glee,
for silly cats, are meant to be.”
“Yet another charming synthesis of art and prose from Allen that will surely captivate and entertain children and parents alike — over and over again!”
Playful Spirit
The Turkey Hands follows a colorful paper cutout that comes to life when the school empties at night, engaging in playful mischief with the art supplies. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was a student in the same elementary school where my mother taught first grade. When school was dismissed at 3:30 I’d head to her room where she would have a list of chores for me. The big job was cutting out pictures for her bulletin boards. She loved student art and was constantly changing her bulletin boards as a way of ensuring art and student work were on display no matter where you looked.
Even after I moved on from elementary school, my mom would entertain my dad, sisters, and me at the dinner table with stories from her classroom—funny, sweet, quirky stories about her students. Though it’s been a long time since those days, I think these little turkey hands embody both the experience of helping my mom after school and the playful spirit of her students. The memories of those moments have sort of fused together, and that mix of nostalgia and silliness is captured in the mischievous, endearing little birds in the story.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some obvious themes in the book are curiosity, creativity, and taking responsibility for cleaning up after yourself. But a less obvious theme is the relationship between rules and creativity. The imperious shoes at the end — I mean, who hasn’t frozen in place when an authority figure comes marching in? And you feel for those little turkey hands doing their very best not to fidget. It reminds me of all the discomfort I felt when I was a kid when I got a little too excited about something and vacillated between being expressive while also trying to exercise some restraint and discipline.
I loved the idea behind this story, what was your favorite scene in this story?
There is that one very climatic scene in the story that I love (and that I don’t want to give away). That is definitely my favorite. But the other scene that I love is the moon scene. Everyone knows what a turkey hand is. Or do they? My hope is that when the reader turns the page to see the moon, they realize they might not actually know what a turkey hand really is — and that moment feels fresh and surprising.
What is the next book that you are working on and when is that book due out?
This is my first children’s book, and I’ve been fortunate to work with Camille Easton, the owner of Ao5 Gallery in Austin, Texas. She handled the production design and provided invaluable feedback throughout the process. She worked tirelessly to help bring this book to life. Moreover, Camille has an incredible eye, and the same level of curation she brings to her gallery, she brought to this book. Quality was a top priority, and it was important to both of us to bring these characters to life in the right way. With that in mind, we’re planning to collaborate on five more books in the Turkey Hands series, with the next one coming out next fall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Beneath the glow of a full moon, magic stirs within an elementary school classroom: turkey hands, the colorful paper cut-outs pinned up for Thanksgiving, come whimsically to life! As moonlight fills the room, these crafty creations embark on a night filled with mischief and mayhem. They dive into glue, splatter ink, and even peck the alphabet off the walls in their playful spree.
But carefree adventure takes a turn upon encountering the realities of the daytime world of teachers and students. Faced with the consequences of their nighttime antics, the turkey hands race against time to restore order to the classroom before the morning light reveals their secret lives.
“The Turkey Hands” is a charming tale that mirrors the vibrant and often untidy journey of creativity in children. Much like children, the turkey hands can get carried away when having fun. No magic, only recognition and hard work, will get the turkey hands out of a mess of their own making.
