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Imaginative and Clever Stories

Shani Night Author Interview

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.

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An energetic, rhythmic, and unique picture book.

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!

We Can Achieve Remarkable Feats

Kirthana J. Fanning Author Interview

The Girl and Her Noble Steed follows a young orphan with a talent for animal riding who sets out to save her orphanage by winning a challenging race. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I wanted to create The Girl and Her Noble Steed to give young readers an exciting adventure in a quirky world. I’ve always loved underdog stories, and I wanted to tell one that entertains while teaching kids important values. This story reminds us that, with God by our side, we can overcome any challenge. No matter where we come from or what talents we have, God sees us and answers our prayers in ways we might not expect.

What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?

The concept of family, defined not by blood but by love and the unwavering support they offer one another, was another essential element. I aimed to convey to children that the bonds we form with those who care about us are incredibly valuable, and together, we can achieve remarkable feats.

My love for animals played a significant role in shaping the narrative. Through this story, I wanted to inspire children to be compassionate towards animals, highlighting that while animals may not comprehend our words, they do feel our emotions. This lesson in empathy and kindness towards all living creatures is an important one.

Ultimately, The Girl and Her Noble Steed is a tale of triumph against all odds. I wanted both children and adults to recognize that they do not have to face their battles alone. The story underscores the comforting belief that God is always with us and that help will come when it is needed most. It is my hope that this story will resonate with readers, offering them inspiration, faith, and a reminder of the enduring power of love and unity.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The story revolves around the themes of perseverance, unwavering faith, and the constant presence of God’s guidance. It aims to show young readers the strength found in hard work and determination, emphasizing that they can conquer even the most formidable obstacles.

Throughout the narrative, faith and trust in God play a central role, with characters relying on divine guidance when confronted with challenges. The protagonist’s journey exemplifies courage and perseverance, while the bonds of friendship and loyalty shine brightly among the characters. The recurring motif of divine guidance underscores God’s active involvement in the story.

Adventure abounds within the tale, encouraging young readers to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery. Important moral lessons promote kindness and compassion, foster a belief in the possibility of miracles, and highlight the boundless power of God.

When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?

My Kickstarter campaign is set to go live on the 5th, and I have exciting plans. With the support of backers, I aim to create and print the second book while also securing the first print run for Book 1. I’m hopeful that people will rally behind this project, helping bring Book 2 to life and enabling it to reach readers worldwide.

Here’s the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kirthanajfanning/the-girl-and-her-noble-steed

If all goes well, Book 2 will be ready for release in May 2024.

For those who have read Book 1, you know how it ends. Book 2 picks up from there and promises an exhilarating journey. Within its pages, you can expect a thrilling voyage from one land to another, mysterious quests, detective work, moments of heartbreak, the introduction of new friends, and the unveiling of names and character arcs for some of Ofe’s companions. This sequel is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover what happens next.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | BookBub | Amazon

Embark on a remarkable journey with an orphan girl determined to conquer a thrilling race. Overcoming obstacles with the power of prayer, she’s joined by a cantankerous farmer and his singing, dancing miniature donkey.
Together, they defy the odds, showcasing the strength of faith, courage, and friendship.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you inspired and wanting more in…
The Girl and Her Noble Steed, the first book in this series.
A tale of resilience, hope, triumph, and answered prayers.

Embrace the Uniqueness

Michele L. Sayre Author Interview

In Monstrously Clever, a young witch and her friends set out to create harmony between the monsters and mortals of their little town. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I had several goals with this book. 1) Make a wonderful Halloween tale. 2) Embrace the uniqueness of every person. It doesn’t matter what you look like or how different you are – it’s what is inside that counts. 3) In the times we are living in, I want children to embrace their differences and not have those traits used against them in a negative way.

Is there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in this book?

A) Well, Joe was actually based off a friend I had in first grade. She hated her name and her short hair. B) I love fairies. The book is about magic, and fairies have plenty of that. C) I’ve always seemed a little weird to my family because I embrace the unusual and strange. I actually had an uncle who “jokingly” called me a witch, so why not a witch in this book?

I find the artwork in Monstrously Clever to be quite mesmerizing; it really brings your story to life. Can you tell us a little about the collaboration you have with illustrator Christina Cartwright?

Monstrously Clever is my fourth children’s book collaboration with Christina Cartwright. I suspect that this was her favorite one to do because she has a very creative imagination, and I gave her a lot more leeway to let that imagination run free in this book. Fantasy is one of her favorite themes. I just LOVE how she envisions the world. As you stated, some of her work is just absolutely gorgeous. As a writer, I give her an idea of what I would like to see on the page, but I also am comfortable letting her loose to “imagine” wonderful worlds. I’m truly thankful that I found her website online and took a chance on her. I’ve not regretted it once. I can see us working harmoniously together for years, and with each book we do, the partnership becomes more seamless.

Can fans expect to see Book 4 in the series soon? What are you currently working on?

Christina and I are currently working on the 4th book in the Happy Tails series. It will be available within the next 7 days. It is a Christmas story about a very naughty elf who’s mad at Santa and goes out of his way to make the big guy’s life miserable. Thankfully, he has a change of heart at the end and embraces the true meaning of Christmas!

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Halloween is a magical time for everyone to come together and have some fun, and that is exactly what Mori the witch plans on doing.

It soon becomes clear, though, that other people’s goals are solely focused upon making sure some of her monstrous friends don’t enjoy this most spooktacular time of the year.

Monsters have always existed – in real life and in people’s imaginations, but they hadn’t always revealed themselves to humans because they knew that fear was a powerful motivator for many mortals. Monster Point is a town filled with monsters who have always lived together peacefully. Now that the supernatural population have become a reality to the mortal realm, the townsfolk have encouraged humans to come live amongst them and combine the best of both realms into a world that embraces the differences of everyone and still is capable of shining with the light of friendship, understanding, and compassion for all.

Change is hard for some people, though. Sometimes it is easier to embrace fear than it is to embrace hope. With a little magic and some clever manipulations, Mori and her friends set out to bring the town together to enjoy their Halloween and each inhabitant’s unique contribution to this great celebration of life.

Monstrously Clever (Happy Tails)

Monstrously Clever, by Michele L. Sayre, part of the Happy Tails Series, presents an engaging narrative set in Monster Point, a unique town where humans and monsters coexist peacefully. This children’s book centers on Mori, a young witch, who, along with her diverse group of friends including Daffodil the Fairy and Joe the Human, orchestrates the Halloween festivities. The story cleverly explores themes of acceptance and friendship in a world where not everyone embraces the idea of humans and monsters mingling.

Sayre’s writing effectively portrays the interactions between the magical and human realms, offering a narrative that champions diversity and inclusivity. These memorable characters, crafted with charm, navigate challenges and demonstrate that differences are not just to be tolerated but celebrated as strengths. This message is subtly yet powerfully interwoven throughout the book, emphasizing that true friendship can transcend any obstacle.

The illustrations add depth and vibrancy to the narrative, with each page radiating life and emotion. The book also playfully nods to popular culture, as evidenced by a subtle reference to Stargate: SG-1, adding an additional layer of engagement for readers. The book culminates in a resonant message: individual choices and actions are pivotal in shaping a better world. Emphasizing the strength of friendship and the importance of embracing diversity, Monstrously Clever imparts a poignant and lasting impression.

Ideal for readers of all ages, this book is particularly well-suited for home reading or educational settings. It not only entertains but also imparts a meaningful lesson about the impact of tolerance and the beauty of diversity. Monstrously Clever invites readers to reflect on the significance of personal choice and the power of unity in creating a more accepting and inclusive world, possibly finding that the essence of Monster Point isn’t so far from our own reality.

Pages: 101 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CN5BZ335

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