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I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That!
Mansi Sharma’s I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That! is a tender picture book about a little boy whose anger toward his mother softens through imagination, play, and the steady reassurance of love. After Grandma’s glasses break by accident and Mommy scolds him, the boy decides he won’t talk to her, hug her, or even accept her slice of cake. But when he begins pretending he’ll become grass, a cloud, a river, a rock, a flower, a shark, the wind, and finally a bird, his mother answers each transformation with one of her own. She’ll be the soil, the sky, the shore, the beetle, the hummingbird, the sea, the mountain, and the mama bird beside him. Slowly, the game carries them both back to warmth, laughter, cake, and closeness.
What I liked most is how honestly the book treats a child’s anger without making it seem silly or wrong. The boy’s feelings are big, prickly, and dramatic, exactly the way they can be at that age, especially when shame sneaks in after an accident. I found the mother’s response quietly beautiful. She doesn’t lecture him into forgiveness or rush him past his feelings. She joins him. That idea feels simple on the page, but as a parent, it landed with real weight. The writing has a soft, repeating rhythm that makes the story feel almost like a call-and-response lullaby, and some of the images are genuinely lovely.
The artwork has a sweet, hand-drawn warmth that suits the emotional arc of the story. I especially liked the way the early pictures hold the boy’s stubbornness in bright, crayon-like color, while the nature scenes open the book outward into clouds, rivers, birds, flowers, and wind. The artwork feels childlike in a way that matches the story’s imagination. The strongest image for me was the one where the mother and child are hugging at the end, because the emotion is immediate and easy to read. You can see the happiness in their faces.
By the end, I felt moved by the book’s gentle confidence in repair. It understands that children don’t always need a perfect explanation for love; they need to feel that it’s still there when they’re messy, mad, embarrassed, or trying very hard not to care. I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That! is a sweet and emotionally aware children’s book for families with preschool and early elementary children, especially kids who are learning how to name anger, accept comfort, and come back after a hard moment. I’d recommend it to parents who want a cozy story about unconditional love that also gives them a quiet little model for patience.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0GKY1FWFR
Silly Antics
Mischievous Cat Brothers follows two cat brothers’ daily activities and antics and the chaos they sometimes cause their “cat mom.” What inspired this children’s book?
That would be my own two silly kitties. I have a now 9-year-old and 7-year-old cat. The 7-year-old is narrating and it is his silly antics that inspired this series. Everything you read in the book are real things that happened in my place with my boys. I never knew how silly and funny cats could be and I thought it would be great to show the world this point of view for cats.
The art in this book brings the story to life, and the fact that each page is illustrated by a different artist on the autism spectrum makes it extra special. What was the collaboration process like with Brainstorm Productions?
The collaboration process is honestly one of the easiest and best for me. Brainstorm Productions individuals are brilliant. They are so talented and they send me a timeline but always deliver early. They send me different versions of each sketch I can choose from. I think my favorite though is when I am stuck on what to do for the header or back cover or an illustration and I give them total freedom to come up with an idea. They get my vision and bring my work to life the best. They are so nice, open and flexible. They make it the most enjoyable and best process for me.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Oh gosh, probably the foot under the bed one lol. That never ceases to surprise me when he does that. Even now, every winter, I forget and out shoots his paw to grab my foot lol I laugh the most probably when that happens. That was very fun to write and then figure out how to describe it for Brainstorm Productions to bring it to life. Luckily, I had pictures for them to go off of.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I recently wrote a book called Dragon Island – Football Season. It was a book that my own little cousins asked me to write which was fun. They had a hand in it too by giving me their favorite colors and the names of the dragons. Also, an author friend asked me to write about a character who was deaf. This will have a dragon that is and that was fun to research and plan out. This was probably one of the biggest planned-out books before I started to write it. I’m very proud of it and very excited for it. This one will be out In 2025 and I cannot wait for it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
In the next chapter of the “Cat Brothers” series, Snowball takes the spotlight, sharing tales of playful antics and pranks he shares with his sibling, Midnight. Whether he’s mistaking his owner’s foot for a mouse or watching Midnight comically attempt to fit into a box, their home is always filled with laughter and mischief. Dive into the delightful escapades of Midnight and Snowball in this enchanting sequel!
Who Says Poo
Who Says Poo is a delightful and hilarious story that’s sure to capture the attention of younger readers. Adam Gaudreault brings a truly original narrative that plays on words from different languages, each sounding like “poo,” but with entirely distinct meanings. On each page, Gaudreault introduces these words, guiding readers through their pronunciation and then cleverly incorporating them into simple sentences. Through this engaging approach, the story of Sally—a cheerful girl searching for her doll before heading outside to play with her dog—unfolds, while introducing children to new languages and cultures in a fun and approachable way.
What makes Who Says Poo stand out is its inventive combination of humor and learning. I particularly admire how Gaudreault seamlessly weaves foreign words from places like Greece, Japan, and France into the narrative, making them feel familiar and accessible. This clever strategy not only sparks children’s curiosity about language but also encourages them to think critically, making connections as they follow along. The repetition of new words serves as a gentle memory exercise, while the storyline itself is playful and relatable. Sally’s simple adventures—searching for her doll and playing with her dog—are presented in a humorous, light-hearted way that resonates with young readers.
The book’s format is another highlight. Each new word is bolded, followed by its pronunciation in parentheses and a brief definition that explains its origin, all wrapped up in a short sentence that moves Sally’s story forward. This layout is both engaging and easy to follow, providing structure while keeping the story lively. Visually, the illustrations are colorful and vibrant, adding to the humor with characters pulling funny faces, especially in the scenes that involve mentions of farts and poop. Though these topics can be tricky to handle, they’re presented in a way that’s playful and child-appropriate, sparking laughter rather than discomfort. The only minor downside is the use of white backgrounds on the text pages. While there are small illustrative details scattered throughout, colored backgrounds could have made the pages more visually dynamic. That said, the overall design is still very appealing, especially with the foreign words written in their original alphabets, giving young readers a glimpse of different scripts and writing systems.
In the end, Who Says Poo offers more than just entertainment. It’s a short, simple story packed with value, introducing children to new languages, promoting critical thinking, and making the learning process enjoyable. For parents and educators alike, this book is a charming and effective tool to engage young readers while teaching them something new.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0DCQ5MR7W
I’m THAT Cat
August E. Allen’s I’m THAT Cat is a charming collection of whimsical cat tales brought to life through enchanting rhyming poetry. This beautifully illustrated children’s book combines Allen’s artistic brilliance with a storytelling style that captivates young readers and their families. The poems introduce a delightful array of feline characters, each embarking on lighthearted adventures. Whether celebrating birthdays, dodging raindrops, or tackling the ever-dreaded bath, readers are whisked away on a fun and relatable journey.
Allen’s rhyming narration gives the book a lively and musical rhythm that makes it easy to follow and a joy to read aloud to younger audiences. The text has a whimsical flow that elevates the playful tone, ensuring every turn of the page is met with enthusiasm. What truly stands out to me is how Allen’s playful language captures the joy in everyday moments. From the simple pleasures of a cat’s life to the more special celebratory occasions.
The illustrations are vibrant and full of life and perfectly match the spirited verses. They enhance the storytelling and will hold the attention of young readers. These full-page artworks offer visual appeal, and they convey the emotions and personalities of the cats, sometimes without needing words at all. The mischievous expressions during bath time, for example, are particularly amusing and will undoubtedly make children laugh. The book’s ability to appeal to both children and adults is a testament to its versatility and charm. Allen’s mix of engaging poetry and delightful illustrations creates an experience that can be enjoyed time and time again.
The book offers a fresh dose of joy with every reading. Whether you’re a cat lover or simply appreciate a well-crafted children’s book, I’m THAT Cat is sure to win your heart and leave you smiling.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DBL2G4MY
