Blog Archives
Izzy Can’t Talk
Izzy Can’t Talk, by Jennifer McGee and David Diamond, is a warm and brightly illustrated picture book about a young autistic boy who communicates without spoken words. Izzy lives on a farm with Aunt Bee, Uncle Gus, and his service dog, Lucky. When he becomes excited about Aunt Bee’s razzleberry pie, his family tries to understand what he wants by offering water, a pillow fort, and time on the trampoline. The simple setup gives young readers an easy way to follow Izzy’s growing frustration while recognizing that he has clear thoughts, feelings, and preferences.
The story’s strongest idea is that communication can take many forms. Izzy rocks, jumps, flips a light switch, uses facial expressions, and responds to pictures, but the people around him don’t immediately understand those signals. The book treats this confusion with patience and gentle humor, especially through Uncle Gus’s enthusiastic mistakes and physical comedy. That playful tone keeps the story light while still showing how exhausting it can be when someone knows exactly what they want but can’t make others understand.
David Diamond’s cartoon illustrations give the book much of its personality. The pages use bold colors, exaggerated expressions, and clear visual action, making the emotions readable even before the text is spoken aloud. The pictures also help explain tools such as sign language, picture cards, a service dog, and a speech pad. When Lucky brings the device and Izzy presses the “Eat” button, the moment feels satisfying because the solution gives Izzy direct control over his message rather than asking his family to keep guessing.
This children’s book will be especially appreciated by families, preschool and early elementary teachers, speech-language professionals, and children who are learning about autism or augmentative communication. It could also be meaningful for nonspeaking children who’d enjoy seeing a character whose inner life is active, joyful, and understood. The ending delivers the book’s central point clearly: Izzy can’t talk, but he can communicate. That makes Izzy Can’t Talk a useful and affectionate read-aloud for starting conversations about listening, patience, and giving every child a dependable way to be heard.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 978-1962636001
Mimi’s Magic Kitchen: The Great Brownie Bake-Off Disaster
Mimi’s Magic Kitchen: The Great Brownie Bake-Off Disaster is an adorable and imaginative children’s book that blends a playful story with a hands-on baking experience. It’s more than just a story about brownies; it is the kind of picture book that makes kids want to run into the kitchen and start mixing.
The story follows Emma and Archer as they enter a baking competition and are challenged to make brownies with some very unexpected ingredients. With things like almond butter, pickled turnips, and Essence of Mystery in the pantry, the bake-off quickly turns into a funny and chaotic adventure. What makes the story especially charming is the way the characters learn to improvise, stay positive, and make the best of a tricky situation. It teaches kids that mistakes and surprises don’t have to ruin the fun.
The illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of energy, making the book engaging for young readers and perfect for read-aloud time. Mimi herself is hilarious, and the story has a cozy, silly charm that works well for both children and adults. My favorite scene was when the enchanted gingerbread men suddenly come alive with tiny chef hats and “very aggressive attitudes.” It was such a cute, colorful, and animated moment that completely stole the show for me. The chaos in the kitchen was funny and magical as Archer fights them off with a piping bag full of icing. It was one of those parts of the book that will be memorable for kids, and it added so much charm and energy to the story.
One of the best parts of the book is the bonus section after the story. The real recipes, useful baking tips, and ingredient explanations turn the book into a fun family activity. The recipes are simple, approachable, and kid-friendly, which makes them great for building confidence in young bakers.
This is a fun, creative, and highly engaging picture book for kids who love baking, messy kitchen adventures, or cozy family activities. The humor, positive message, and colorful artwork make it a delightful read.
Pages: 59 | ASIN : B0GXLFJ1WZ
More than a Story, an Adventure
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue follows a kindhearted girl who rescues a baby squirrel and decides to bring him everywhere she goes, until a chaotic grocery store escape teaches her that love sometimes means letting go. What inspired the character of Floo Flocky Doo and her adventurous spirit?
In 2000, our youngest daughter, Hunter—just four years old at the time—slipped on an apron to help her mother prepare dinner. With a proud smile, she carried a plate over and declared, “Miss Floo Flocky Doo is here to serve YOU!”
In that joyful moment, our family knew this delightful character had the heart of a children’s story. Inspired by Hunter’s imagination, Miss Floo Flocky Doo was born. Twenty-six years later, that spark has come to life in my debut picture book, Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue!
Beneath the humor, the story touches on responsibility and letting go. How did you balance silliness with that quieter emotional lesson?
Beneath all the laughter and mischief, that quieter message really grew out of real life. The story may feel whimsical—with a runaway baby squirrel, blueberry footprints, and grocery store chaos—but at its heart, it’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest or most fun choice.
I was very intentional about letting the humor lead the way, especially for young readers. Kids connect first through joy, rhythm, and surprise. Once they’re fully engaged—laughing, predicting what might happen next—that’s when the deeper message can gently settle in without feeling heavy or forced.
So the balance comes from layering—keeping the story light, musical, and fun on the surface, while allowing the emotional lesson to naturally reveal itself through the character’s choices. For me, the goal was never to teach the lesson outright, but to let children feel it—and maybe even talk about it afterward.
What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?
A joyful burst of fun, smiles, and giggles! Kids will delight in the book’s whimsical rhymes and love joining in on the catchy, confidence-boosting refrain—“Hootie Hoo, I know what to do!”—as the main character faces each new challenge with imagination and heart. It also combines the musicality of classic rhyming books with a personal, grounded storytelling foundation, which gives it a warm and authentic feel.
If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?
If you’re going to choose just one book to share with a child this week, make it Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue—because it delivers exactly what kids (and parents) are looking for in a read-aloud experience: laughter, rhythm, heart, and a character they’ll want to visit again and again.
This isn’t just a story—it’s an interactive adventure. Kids quickly latch onto Floo’s playful catchphrase—“Hootie Hoo, I know what to do!”—and love jumping in to say it out loud. That kind of participation turns reading into a shared moment, not just a quiet activity.
It’s also packed with high-energy, laugh-out-loud fun. A mischievous baby squirrel on the loose, a chaotic grocery store chase, and a hummingbird with a clue create the kind of delightful mayhem that keeps kids fully engaged from start to finish.
But beneath the humor is something even more important: heart. The story gently weaves in themes of kindness, responsibility, problem-solving, and friendship—giving parents and educators something meaningful to feel good about and to discuss with their children / students.
And finally, Floo herself is unforgettable. She’s bold, imaginative, and full of joy—the kind of character children connect with instantly and want to follow into the next adventure.
If you want a book that makes kids laugh, invites them to participate, and leaves them smiling at the end…this is the one to bring home.
Will Floo and Lucky Lou return for more adventures?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage young readers and adults to visit the book’s website, www.FlooFlockyDoo.com and vote for what adventure Floo Flocky Doo, should pursue in book number two!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
A runaway squirrel. A frantic chase. A hummingbird with a secret clue. And a brave little girl who knows just what to do!
Meet Miss Floo Flocky Doo—a brave, imaginative girl who loves helping others. When she discovers a tiny baby squirrel named Lucky Lou, she rescues him, loves him, and brings him everywhere she goes. But during a trip to the grocery store, Lou escapes and chaos breaks loose!
Kids will giggle as Lucky Lou jumps into a customer’s wig, races through the aisles, spreads blueberry jelly footprints, and hides in the fruit section. With the help of her hummingbird friend Peanut, Floo shouts her favorite magical phrase:“Hootie Hoo— I know what to do!”
This charming, rhyming picture book is filled with:A lovable, mischievous baby squirrel
A clue-finding hummingbird named Peanut
A brave girl who uses kindness and quick thinking
Silly, unforgettable grocery-store antics
Bright, delightful illustrations on every page
Already an international award-winning children’s picture book, Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue, is perfect for bedtime stories, classroom read-alouds, and early readers who love funny animal adventures. Families will enjoy the heartwarming themes of caring, problem-solving, and the magic of friendship. Bring Miss Floo Flocky Doo along with YOU!
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue is a buoyant and rhyme-driven picture book about a spirited little girl, Floo, who follows her hummingbird friend Peanut to a baby squirrel, rescues him, names him Lucky Lou, and then discovers that loving a creature doesn’t always mean bringing him everywhere. The story moves from cozy domestic play to mild chaos at the grocery store, where one sneeze sends Lou flying into Miss Nellie Faye’s hair and turns a simple errand into a comic chase through produce, jam, and aisles full of alarm. It’s a small adventure, but it has that enlarged picture-book feeling where every mishap becomes momentous, funny, and just a little breathless.
What I liked most was the book’s wholeheartedness. Floo’s voice is earnest and excited, and the writing understands the peculiar intensity of a child’s logic, especially that wonderful conviction that affection and improvisation can solve almost anything. I found the repeated “What should I do?” and “Hootie Hoo” refrains genuinely effective. They create a chant-like rhythm that feels made for reading aloud, and they give the story a playful musical spine. At the same time, the book’s emotional center is sweeter than it first appears. Under all the commotion, it’s really about care, attachment, and the moment a child realizes that good intentions aren’t always enough. That note of dawning responsibility gives the silliness a little weight.
I also think the illustrations deliver a great deal of the book’s charm. They have a soft watercolor brightness that suits the story’s gentle mischief, and they know when to lean into absurdity. The image of Lou tangled up with Miss Nellie Faye’s wig is the sort of visual joke that children will instantly seize on, but I was equally taken with the quieter scenes, like the baby squirrel tucked into a floppy shoe or Lou smugly sticky with blueberry jelly. Those details keep the book feeling fun.
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue is endearing and relatable. It’s funny, warm, slightly chaotic, and rooted in a real fondness for family lore, which gives it more heart than many breezier picture books manage. It believes in imagination, in little messes, in love that learns as it goes. I’d recommend it especially for children who like animals, repetition, and read-aloud stories with a lot of motion, and for adults who don’t mind a picture book being a little rambunctious as long as it has tenderness to spare. This is a lively and affectionate children’s book that shows its heart right on the page.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0GPPGLK1V
I’m Happy I’m Me!
Zeke thinks he’s stuck in a terrible day where nothing goes right. Then, to his astonishment, one of his socks begins speaking. The sock confesses envy; imagine being forced to endure the stench of feet all day. Soon, a cotton swab joins the chorus, admitting it, too, would prefer life as a boy. One by one, other household objects, baby wipes, toilet paper, and more, offer their own complaints. By the time they finish, Zeke begins to see his situation differently. Perhaps his life isn’t so bad after all.
I’m Happy I’m Me by Marsi Danielsen is a short, illustrated children’s book that recalls the playful, whimsical spirit of certain Dr. Seuss classics. Much like those stories, it begins with a child dissatisfied with life and evolves into a gentle lesson about perspective.
Parents will recognize the familiar challenge of a bored or unhappy child. Danielson captures that sense of restlessness through Zeke’s voice. Children often feel frustrated with who they are or what they have, and many adults wrestle with the same truth for years. The book’s charm lies in its message: learning to appreciate oneself is both difficult and deeply rewarding. Delivered with humor, sometimes silly, sometimes a touch gross, the story highlights that no matter how imperfect life feels, others may have it harder.
The use of inanimate objects as storytellers gives the book its delightful quirk. Combined with bright, colorful illustrations, the lesson becomes vivid and memorable. Although the book’s simplicity may not resonate with older children, younger readers will likely find it entertaining and meaningful. Ideally, they’ll finish the story feeling more comfortable in their own skin, with a new perspective on gratitude that may stay with them as they grow.
I’m Happy I’m Me succeeds as both an entertaining story and a gentle reminder about gratitude. Its playful premise and cheerful illustrations make it engaging for children, while its underlying message carries lasting value. Parents seeking a lighthearted yet meaningful read-aloud will find this book a worthwhile addition to their collection.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0FCYM18GK
Learning to Believe In Yourself
Malooca and The Look of Love follows a misfit girl who is teased for her ethnic background, causing her to struggle with loneliness and rejection until an art contest helps her find confidence and acceptance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to create in Malooca , a character who had undergone some of the same experiences I had around the same age. We were both teased for our dark, naturally curly hair…so different from the other girls in our respective classes.
Like Malooca, ethnicity was part of my life – in food, in family and in custom and culture. Our life’s journey was seen through that prism.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Empathy; first impressions are not always accurate; compete only with yourself; pursue your passion; perseverance and believe in yourself.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Callah Barnes?
With regard to writing and illustrating books, Callah and I were relative “newbies”. I contacted the art department of my former high school to get the name of an art student who would fit my purpose. Callah was selected.
With each chapter, I gave her latitude to draw an object that would relate to the chapter. We tweaked the drawings as needed. But the most important thing to me was to get the face of Malooca as I envisioned her. She “hit the nail on the head” the first time.
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 haven’t made a decision on a series as yet. But there are definitely more stories to tell.
The Substi-Tooth
In The Substi-Tooth, by Kristin Manty, readers are whisked away on a sun-soaked beach adventure with young Austin and his mother. From the moment they arrive, Austin dives headfirst into the day, splashing through the waves, digging in the sand, and soaring his kite high into the sky. But there’s a tiny distraction he just can’t ignore: a wobbly tooth on the verge of falling out. With every activity, Austin can’t resist poking and wiggling it, determined to help it along.
Eventually, the tooth does come out, and Austin is thrilled. The Tooth Fairy is sure to visit him tonight! But his excitement quickly turns to panic when a large wave crashes over the sandcastle where he hid the tooth for safekeeping, sweeping it away in an instant. With the prized tooth gone, readers are left wondering, will Austin recover it in time? Can the magic of the Tooth Fairy still happen?
This charming story is a joy to read, offering fun and heartwarming moments that children of all ages will appreciate. The opening scenes of Austin and his mother heading to the beach capture the simple, meaningful joy of spending time with family. Through Austin’s excitement and playful energy, young readers are reminded of how special shared moments can be.
The narrative cleverly centers on the loose tooth, a small but relatable childhood milestone. As Austin clutches the tooth in triumph, there’s a real sense of anticipation, only for it to be dashed when the ocean intervenes. The wave’s sudden arrival adds just the right touch of suspense, pulling readers in as they anxiously turn the pages, hoping for a happy resolution.
Kaori Iha’s illustrations appear on every page, rendered in warm, earthy tones that perfectly match the story’s tone and setting. Each image feels thoughtfully placed and richly detailed, bringing Austin’s beach day to life.
The Substi-Tooth is a delightful picture book with endearing characters, an engaging plot, and expressive illustrations, making it a standout read. Whether at bedtime or in the classroom, it’s a story sure to entertain, spark imagination, and leave young readers smiling.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0F2GS7GPC
Malooca and The Look of Love
Malooca and the Look of Love is a charming, rhyming storybook about a misfit girl growing up in a small town where she doesn’t quite belong. Malooca, teased for her clothes, hair, and food, struggles with loneliness and rejection until a surprise art contest brings out her creativity and helps her find confidence and acceptance. Through a mix-up at the award ceremony and a touching finale at the school dance, the story unfolds into a tale about self-worth, friendship, and unexpected kindness.
Reading this book was like watching a slow bloom. At first, I wasn’t sure where it was going. But the rhythm settled in, and soon I found myself completely rooting for Malooca. The writing is simple and heartfelt, almost like a poem a grandparent would write for their grandchild, which, fittingly, it is. What struck me most was the warmth that came through in the small details. Malooca’s mismatched clothes, her family’s weird sausage, her grandma’s handmade dress. It all painted a picture of someone who was loved, even if the world didn’t see it yet.
Sometimes the rhymes felt sweet and old-fashioned, like a sing-along from another era. The message was clear and meaningful. I really enjoyed the emotions it stirred. The artwork feels like it was lifted straight from a child’s imagination. Each sketch has a playful, hand-drawn style. The drawings aren’t overly polished, and that’s part of their charm. They look like a creative doodle in the margins of a notebook.
This book would be great for older kids, especially the ones who don’t always feel like they fit in. It’s also a sweet read for parents or grandparents to share with kids who are figuring out who they are. It has lessons about kindness, family, and resilience without being preachy. I think a lot of adults could use a refresher from Malooca Blutz.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 1958943037
