Blog Archives
Let’s Work Smarter
In Let’s Work Smarter, by Katharine Mitropoulos, the delightful setting of Harmony Lane comes alive as a group of industrious animals gather at the farmer’s market. Each animal sells their goods to raise funds for renovating their worn-down playground. Mole’s delicious apple pies fill the air with a sweet aroma, Bunny offers fresh, crisp carrots, and Mouse’s stand features a variety of tiny treats, each vendor contributing to the collective goal. As the day comes to a close, the town meeting brings thrilling news from Mayor Zebra: the fundraising goal has been achieved, and playground renovations can commence immediately. The animals are ecstatic, eager to start their much-anticipated project. Plans include planting a vibrant flower garden, painting the fence, and adding new toys to the sandbox. However, they soon realize the task is more daunting than expected. Despite their hard work, progress is slow and challenging.
Mouse suggests a different approach, proposing, “Instead of working harder, let’s try working smarter.” This sparks a collaborative effort where the animals brainstorm innovative solutions to streamline their work and complete their projects more efficiently. The narrative leaves readers wondering if Mouse’s advice will lead them to success in revitalizing their playground.
I found this story utterly charming. It beautifully illustrates the power of community and teamwork, showing young readers that by working together towards a common goal, great things can be accomplished. The diverse roles the animals take on offer relatable examples for children, reinforcing the message that everyone has something valuable to contribute. The story also serves as an excellent model for inspiring children to become active, responsible citizens in their communities. The animals’ dedication to improving their playground encourages young readers to think about ways they can participate in community service and collective efforts.
Laura Watson’s illustrations are a vibrant and delightful complement to the narrative. Her colorful, whimsical artwork captures the essence of each animal character, making the book visually engaging for both children and adults. Watson’s talent extends beyond children’s books; she also creates charming textiles, stationery, toys, and puzzles, adding an interesting layer to her creative profile.
Let’s Work Smarter is a thoroughly enjoyable read that imparts valuable lessons on citizenship, teamwork, and problem-solving. It’s a wonderful addition to any child’s library, destined to be read and cherished repeatedly.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CW19SJVP
The Trouble With Bubble Gum
In The Trouble with Bubble Gum, author Shari Schwert crafts a charming tale that playfully addresses the timeless theme of a child’s adventurous disobedience. This story centers around a young boy, fixated on his delightful but excessive bubble gum chewing habit, despite his mother’s repeated warnings about its potential consequences.
Schwert’s narrative style is engaging and builds a subtle sense of anticipation. As the boy continues to disregard his mother’s advice, readers, led by the author’s hints, sense the looming trouble. This effective storytelling approach resonates particularly well in a children’s book, as it gently instills the value of heeding parental guidance. The boy’s journey to an inevitable sticky predicament serves as a light-hearted yet meaningful lesson about the importance of listening to one’s parents.
The visual appeal of the book is significantly enhanced by Mari Sebastian’s vivid illustrations. These colorful and lively images complement Schwert’s storytelling, bringing the narrative to life in a manner that is both entertaining and immersive. The artwork not only supports the story but enriches it, providing a visual delight that aligns seamlessly with the unfolding events.
My experience of reading The Trouble with Bubble Gum was one of amusement and delight. Schwert debuts in children’s literature with a tale that strikes a balance between fun and educational content. The book, with its engaging storyline and vibrant illustrations, is likely to captivate young readers and leave a lasting impression about the value of parental advice. This story comes highly recommended for its enjoyable narrative and the important message it conveys in an accessible and entertaining way.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-1637556948
Every Contribution Has Value
The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon follows an unlikely quartet who embark on a quest that, in addition to being a great adventure, teaches them about self-acceptance and friendship. What inspired the setup of your story?
I’m disabled and, in a sense, I’ve given each adventurer a small “disability.” Some strange talent they had to find a resourceful way to use. The only question I asked myself was, “How far can silly go?” That worked wonders in creating the adventurers. After that, I challenged each to show their best selves. “How much can you achieve?”
The unlikely friendship that this group finds is inspirational for children to read. What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
Even though each is very unique, they still have something of importance to contribute. Every contribution has value. I wanted to show children that even when we are feeling like the odd man out, we all have a gift that we can give to others.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to show kids that a little hard work can improve life and life skills. Everyone has a talent, yet it is unlikely that personal talents extend as far as we’d like them to. I also wanted to show that no matter where strength lies (even weird strengths) they will become useful, sometimes even mandatory when solving problems. Everyone has a place and it is of importance.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, the second in the series is entitled, Quest For the Pig-wizard. The quest at the beginning is to find the wizard who accidentally vanishes himself. Then feeling invisible, sets out to find himself. But the adventurers, as usual, find a higher calling along the way. In the next book, the heroes must stop a war. (Which is sometimes hard to do when armed with pot roast.)
Disclaimer: No pork chops were harmed in the writing of this interview.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Will they slay the dragon? Will they find a way to stop an oncoming war? Will they save the Five Kingdoms Over the Wilds? Or will they turn into bacon? It’s anyone’s guess, in the book, The Knight, the Pig-wizard And The Dragon.
The Knight, The Pig-wizard and The Dragon
Angel Dunworth’s The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon presents a delightful exploration of friendship and self-discovery. The story centers around Buttrumple, a would-be knight hindered by the ridicule his name incites. Despite this, his unshakeable bond with Steve, a magician with the peculiar ability to only transform objects into pigs and pork products, anchors him. Dunworth cleverly constructs a narrative where Buttrumple, at Steve’s behest, embarks on a daring rescue mission to thwart a dragon menacing local villages.
Joining Buttrumple and Steve are Mandolin, a shape-shifter limited to morphing into geometric shapes, and Glyth, a strong but impatient dwarf. This unlikely quartet sets off on a journey marked by both valor and unpredictability. The dynamics among the characters, particularly Buttrumple’s evolving relationship with his team, are deftly portrayed. Dunworth excels in illustrating how their differences become strengths, navigating challenges with both brawn and brains. Dunworth’s storytelling shines in its ability to captivate young readers through varied settings and underlying positive themes. The narrative serves as a reminder to look beyond first impressions and celebrates the uniqueness of each character. The book’s dynamic, humorous tone keeps the pace brisk and engaging, offering an original plot that is compelling and instructive. Dunworth has crafted a whimsical, magical world where the true essence of desire and the value of friendship are profoundly explored.
The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon not only sparks imagination and creativity in its young readers but also teaches self-acceptance and respect for others’ individuality. It’s an enchanting journey through a unique fantasy world that resounds long after turning the final page.
Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0CQRL3DG3
Why?
In Why? by Elena Kayne, readers are introduced to the insatiably curious three-year-old protagonist, Ella. From the moment she opens her eyes, Ella embarks on a daily quest for knowledge, bombarding her mother with a cascade of questions ranging from the movement of her eggs at breakfast to the whimsical shapes of clouds. Each query, no matter how whimsical, is met with patience and love, illustrating the deep bond between Ella and her mother. This story charmingly captures the essence of a child’s curiosity and a parent’s enduring affection.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is the portrayal of the mother’s unwavering dedication to nurturing her daughter’s inquisitive mind. Despite the demands of her daily life, she remains committed to answering Ella’s endless stream of questions. This not only showcases a beautiful aspect of their relationship but also highlights the value of encouraging a child’s natural inquisitiveness. Tetiana Matiikiv’s illustrations add a delightful dimension to the story, with their whimsical style perfectly encapsulating Ella’s boundless curiosity. Children are likely to be drawn to the vivid imagery, following Ella and her dog through their adventures on each page. An interesting note is the author’s personal inspiration for the story – her own daughter, Ella Marie. This real-life connection adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making Ella’s character even more relatable and endearing.
Why? is a delightful book that takes readers on an immersive journey through the exciting yet challenging world of raising a curious child. The story is heartwarming and insightful, providing a unique perspective on the joys and struggles of parenting. The illustrations are beautifully crafted, adding a new layer of depth and emotion to the narrative. Whether you are a parent or a child, this book is a must-read that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
Pages: 47 | ASIN : B0CK2LK6DL
Finding Peace at Christmas
Christmas Switcheroo follows a family preparing for the holidays who get overwhelmed with preparations and cause a gift mix-up that could be disastrous. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have to admit right away that I am a Christmas person. So, it’s fun to write stories about the Christmas season. The inspiration for my ”Christmas Switcheroo” can naturally be found in the things related to Christmas in my home country. However, I left out many Finnish-related and religion-related issues and instead focused on the general rush associated with preparations for the festive season. Christmas provides a good background for how different people’s expectations and preparations for a big celebration differ.
People’s age is significant when we follow how they feel about the upcoming holiday season. In children’s minds, fun activities, happy excitement, and the “fairytale” elements of the holiday season are highlighted. The adults may be worried about schedules, financial issues, and various responsibilities. They think about who to buy gifts for, who to visit, who to invite… It is easy to conclude that for many adults, for example, Christmas time is not the same joyful thing as for carefree children.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In ”Christmas Switcheroo,” I also wanted to transform some typical roles into slightly new positions. I wrote about children who love peace and seek an authentic Christmas atmosphere. I tried to bring peaceful atmospheres and places where you can find genuine Christmas spirit into the story. It doesn’t happen in the hustle and bustle of a shopping center but can be found, for example, in a quiet library or a small cafe. Crafting paper snowflakes or drinking warm cocoa on a cold winter evening can give a much more incredible feeling than flashy neon advertisements and theme music blaring everywhere.
I also wanted to show that exhausted adults can even get help from children. Christmas comes for the whole family, even with less stress. Everything can be fun if the family’s Christmas preparations are done together and kept to a reasonable level. Of course, each family member may have particular wishes that must be considered and respected. One likes to bake, another puts up decorations and Christmas lights, and someone listens to music. There is a place for all of these when there is a good spirit of togetherness.
The most important message I wanted to convey is that families must also have a peaceful time together. The most valuable moment during the entire holiday season can be a quiet moment together, looking at Christmas stars and snow lanterns and singing a familiar Christmas carol together.
What is your favorite part of the Christmas season?
All parts of Christmas are dear to me and associated with many memories from different stages of my life. What is important is how the experiences of Christmas are made up of layers of all the years of my life.
My mind can take me back to situations from decades ago: To the Christmas atmosphere of the village church or visits and Christmas carol performances at a local nursing home for older people. They are dear memories to me, and I hope that as many children as possible today could experience the same.
The joy of having a good memory is that even the deceased relatives and all my departed loved ones are still present at my Christmases. I can light candles to burn on their graves and next to their photos. I can think of them as grateful for all the intangible gifts they have given to my life.
The most meaningful things in my Christmas are the children and their bright eyes as they admire the candles and the Christmas tree. Christmas time is the darkest time of the year in Finland. You can imagine how beautiful it is if there are lights outside in the dark and in the middle of the snow, even in the trees and bushes.
I had a somewhat tight childhood financially, but I felt nothing was missing in my Christmases. I collected Christmas pictures from the newspaper in a small box and admired them in the evenings. I also saved a small amount of Christmas money, which I used to buy tiny presents for my little sisters and my parents. The joy of giving was great, even though the package was insignificant.
Finally, I have to mention Christmas music and candles. What could be more beautiful than listening to music that you have chosen yourself by candlelight? – But remember to be careful with fire! As a child, I enthusiastically burned candles – and once accidentally almost a wooden table.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I always have many books in various stages of the publishing process. And in our small family business, I am involved in all those stages. I’m about to send many stories to my editor in the USA just now. They include yet another sequel in The Fox Series, as well as stories for the new ”Lyrics of Life Series” and two beautiful stories set in India.
I would also like to mention the ongoing illustration projects where my new “Active Kids Series” will have the first two books illustrated by Dane D’Angeli from Brazil. They feature new kinds of adventures – even an exciting detective story about a museum robbery.
Another interesting illustration is the fourth book in my “I Did It!” series. This time, the story illustrated by Catty Flores takes place in icy winter landscapes.
For next Christmas, we will have another Christmas book, which takes place in Northern Finland. As a child, I experienced similar moods at the mercy of nature and in the middle of snowstorms in the landscapes of my mother’s childhood home. In that story, I could also include many memories of my late Grandpa, his old house and horse, and the big clock that now ticks on my living room wall.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
For Dad, the most important thing is to have the garden decorated with tons of Christmas lights to delight himself and the neighbors. But the fuses blow nearly every time he comes up with a new lights arrangement!
This year the Perksons get the last presents ready in the nick of time. But things don’t play out quite as they planned. Will Christmas still come despite this year’s less-than-perfect preparatio
The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn, The Dreaded Pirate Captain
The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn: The Dreaded Pirate Captain is a captivating children’s book that effortlessly merges the world of make-believe with real-life adventures. It starts with three children, initially engaged in a playful pirate fantasy in their treehouse. The story takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves aboard an actual pirate ship on the vast ocean. Here, they stumble upon a treasure chest, seemingly unclaimed, sparking their curiosity. However, the discovery of a note reveals the treasure’s true owner, Owen Edward Fastbottom, setting the children on a mission to return what isn’t rightfully theirs. This quest is not without its challenges, as they encounter rival pirates along the way.
This book stands out for its vivid, full-panel illustrations that bring the narrative to life. More than just a thrilling adventure, it serves as a conduit for imparting valuable lessons to young readers. The story underscores the joy of imaginative play and the importance of honesty and integrity. A particularly notable moment is the children’s encounter with Mr. Fastbottom, where they demonstrate kindness and refrain from mocking his name. This subtle yet significant detail emphasizes respect and empathy, crucial virtues in a child’s development. Young readers will find themselves enthralled by The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn. The book successfully blends entertainment with meaningful life lessons, fostering its audience’s imagination and moral development. The narrative encourages children to embrace creativity, showing them the boundless opportunities that imagination can unlock.
The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn is a splendid example of children’s literature that leaves a lasting impact. Its enchanting blend of adventure and moral instruction resonates deeply, making it a valuable addition to any young reader’s collection. This book not only entertains but also imparts wisdom, making it a memorable read that nurtures the minds of its young audience.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0CNSF9NLJ
“Clean Your Dog’s Poop!”
Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? follows a young girl who rescues a new puppy and leans all that is involved with pet ownership. What was the inspiration for your story?
I knew I wanted to write a humorous series for middle grade readers (ages 8-12) that was (an age appropriate) spinoff of the young adult story of Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools, using Blaze’s little sister Maya as the protagonist. I wanted to weave in themes of dog care and responsibility while continuing the absurdity of the Puddin’ Heads vs. the Sweeties because the us vs. them polarization and thinking in the U.S. and beyond has become so ridiculous that even six-year-olds can see it. Because Maya’s best friend is a Sweetie visiting Puddin’ Head Island, the themes of friendship and courage are taken to new levels. I thought it would be interesting if the series revolved around an entire nation (Island Nation) suddenly having dogs for the first time. And Maya would be in the middle of learning how to take care of a rescue puppy, Waggers. My family’s lab mix, which has a ridiculous wagging tail, inspired the creation of Waggers. The character Boofie was inspired by pillow fights with my niece (boof!). Community complaints on social media about “clean your dog’s poop!” inspired book #1.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The values of responsibility, friendship, community, critical thinking, and inclusion rise to the top. As one reader said to me, “In a funny way, this story teaches kids to think critically.” That made my day.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Find the courage to face fears and question ludicrous ideas. See the joy, wonder, and beauty alongside the mundane. Stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Find the unity in diversity.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
It will be an even wilder story involving a stolen pooper scooper and a firestorm of upset neighbors. Spring 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website
“I Have to Scoop What?” follows Maya and her best friend Lily’s hilarious efforts to take care of a new rescue puppy, Waggers, at Uncle Puddin’ Head’s home. But Maya refuses to scoop poop, her uncle really, really cares about his perfect lawn, and the odd neighbors aren’t exactly fans of Maya’s creative solutions in their yards.
A humorous tale of friendship, responsibility, and courage within one of the strangest neighborhoods you will ever see, hear, or smell.
A chapter book for ages 8 and up. I Have to Scoop What? is the book series launch of Maya and Waggers!
Children’s Fiction / Dogs / Humor / Adventure
Themes: dogs, animals, pet care and responsibility, humor, courage, friendship, community and inclusion, growing up.
LITERARY TITAN 