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A Message From a Butterfly
Marty and the Dragon follows a little butterfly out enjoying a sunny day at the park, who ends up meeting a lonely dragon and teaching him about friendship and kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration was unique, in that one of my favorite songs talks about a crow chasing a butterfly. This made me think of the high contrast between the two entities. Since I am in SW Florida, I thought about “a hurricane and a butterfly”, but how would I give life to a hurricane. So, I then thought of a dragon. And seeing as how I am a huge advocate of anti-bullying, I thought that a children’s book using these two characters would be a nice contrast. This lead me to also write the other 6 stories, all giving easy teachable life lessons.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to help teach simple life lessons for young children. Sometimes, a message from a butterfly will make an impact better than that of elders.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The playground scene with the arrival of Drako, was alot of fun, even though at first it could be scary.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
There are 8 books in total, that have all been launched at the same time- 7 stories and 1 free coloring book. All of the stories are different and fun adventures with a fun life lesson. All of these stories will be available on Martysfantasticadventures.com, around July 15.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
What would you do if a giant dragon landed in your favorite park? Marty the butterfly loves adventures, making new friends, and having fun at the park. But one day, just as Marty enjoys the swings and slides, a dark shadow covers the sky. With a loud thud and a roar, a huge dragon named Drako appears, scaring all the animals! Drako isn’t like other dragons—he’s big, loud, and… lonely. He thinks being a bully is the only way to get noticed. But Marty isn’t scared. He’s brave enough to fly up to Drako and discover the reason behind the dragon’s roars. Can Marty help Drako find friends and show him that kindness is the greatest strength of all? Join Marty on this heartwarming adventure filled with bravery, friendship, and a little dragon-sized fun! Perfect for kids who love exciting stories with an important lesson about kindness and understanding.
Will Marty’s courage turn the dragon’s roar into a smile? Open the book to find out!
Marty and the Dragon
Marty and the Dragon is a bright and cheerful picture book about a bold little butterfly named Marty who sets out to enjoy a sunny day at the park and ends up changing a dragon’s life. At first, Marty simply wants to have fun, riding swings, watching bees, and enjoying the sunshine. But when a scary shadow appears and the animals panic, Marty shows his real courage. The shadow belongs to Drako, a misunderstood dragon who just wants friends but doesn’t know how to ask. With warmth and bravery, Marty talks to Drako, learns his story, and helps him become part of the group. What starts as a potential disaster turns into a heartwarming lesson in kindness, empathy, and the power of one small voice.
The writing is playful and sweet, full of rich imagery that paints the day in vivid color, which perfectly complements the accompanying artwork. The rhythm of the story has a gentle bounce to it, and the language is inviting, like a storyteller chatting directly with a child at bedtime. The part that really stood out, though, was how naturally it moved from silly fun to a deeper message. Marty doesn’t fight the dragon or run away—he talks.
The beginning lingers on the beauty of the day for quite a while before the real adventure kicks in. The rhyme at the end ties things up nicely. I loved how the book didn’t shy away from talking about things like loneliness, misunderstanding, and how being mean is sometimes just a mask for wanting to belong. There’s a lot of heart in this children’s book, more than some adult books, frankly.
Marty and the Dragon is a charming, feel-good story that’s perfect for young kids, especially those who might struggle with confidence or fitting in. It’s also a solid pick for parents or teachers who want to gently introduce themes like bullying, empathy, and making friends in a way that’s hopeful, not heavy. If you’re looking for something light and lovely with just enough depth to start a meaningful conversation, this one’s a winner.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0DWLTCNSX
Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles
Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles is a vibrant children’s book about London, a thoughtful young girl grappling with what costume to wear for a party. Unsure whether to stand out or blend in, she wrestles with self-expression versus social norms. Guided by her mom’s encouragement to celebrate her individuality, London designs a unique spacesuit costume that reflects her love for science and technology. By the end of the party, her confidence shines as she leads her friends in a joyful costume parade, embodying the book’s central message: embrace your true self.
What I loved most about this picture book was its sweet and empowering message, delivered in rhyming verses that roll off the tongue. The line, “You, my love, are one of a kind. Like a star in the sky, you’re a unique design,” was particularly touching. It struck me as a beautifully simple way to affirm individuality. The cadence of the writing makes it perfect for reading aloud, and it holds just enough whimsy to captivate young readers while still delivering a meaningful message. The transition from London’s self-doubt to her decision to create a unique costume was a great way to show her thought process. I liked reading about her different ideas and how she also thought of what her friends were going to wear.
The illustrations are another standout feature for me. They’re bright and cheerful and perfectly complement the playful yet reflective tone of the story. When London imagines her costume, a glowing spacesuit accessorized with a telescope, it’s depicted with such charm that I found myself smiling. The visuals bring the scenes to life and help underscore the book’s theme of celebrating creativity and self-expression.
This book is an absolute delight for kids who love imaginative tales and for parents who want to reinforce the value of being true to oneself. I think it’s especially ideal for children who may need encouragement to step into their own light. If you’re looking for a children’s book that’s both fun and meaningful, Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles should be at the top of your list.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DLPHCGZB
A Magical Array of Colors
Princess Iridescent and the Cloudy Day follows a princess in a magical kingdom of color and light who encounters a cloud trying to take their colors away and teaches him about kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this book all started with my favorite word: Iridescent. It’s a magical array of colors that always brings me happiness when I see it. One day I wondered, “What would iridescence look like if it were personified as a person? Obviously a colorful princess, of course!” But she needed to be more than that, I wanted her to be a role model for all young readers to aspire to be like. I thought this Princess should embody kindness, empathy, and wisdom. And thus, the Princess was born! And when it came time to give the Princess an obstacle that could be a great lesson for young readers, conflict resolution with someone who was the opposite of her seemed like a fun story to me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Patience was the most important idea I wanted to share with this book. While it’s not the main theme of the story, I wanted Princess Iridescent to show, not tell, how it can be used to handle conflict resolution. Patience is not once mentioned in the book, but you can see it throughout the Princess’ actions. No matter how many times King Cloudius dismisses the Princess she never gets frustrated, knowing that staying calm and kind will be what helps King Cloudius in the end.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Patrizia Diana?
Getting to work with Patrizia Diana was a dream come true. She is so knowledgeable and skilled at what she does. While I had the story and a vision of what I wanted the book to look like, I have absolutely no art skills. So it was wonderful being able to rely on Patrizia to take just my words and bring them to life with her art. I learned so much from her, one of the biggest lessons being to take a step back and see what new ideas the artist can bring to your vision instead of micromanaging.
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?
This is indeed the first book in the Princess Iridescent series! And I’m excited to announce the second book, Princess Iridescent and the Scary Night, will be coming to Amazon the first week of this October (2024)! This book is made for children who are afraid to go to sleep at night. We follow Princess Iridescent helping a young dragon pup face her fears of the creaks, bumps, and shadows in the night. The Princess will once again teach this lesson through patience, kindness, and empathy. You can expect this book to be just as colorful and magical as the first book! If interested, you can join the mailing list on my website below so you can be notified once it’s published!
Author Links: Instagram | X | Website | Book Review
Well, when King Cloudius rolls in to take all the color of the kingdom away, its up to Princess Iridescent to show him that true colors shine brightest when kindled by kindness.
Cleverly woven into a rhyming story, Princess Iridescent teaches us that the best way to handle someone mean is by being nice. This beautifully illustrated children’s book will help little princesses and princes learn how to resolve conflict in a magical way. You’ll encounter adorable creatures that live throughout the kingdom, magic that brings color to life, and a princess who believes that a little compassion can go a long way.
Imagine Your True Purpose
In Pigs Have Wings, a pig who aspires to sing and dance is encouraged to pursue her dreams with the support of her friends. Where did the idea for this book come from?
For the past few years, I have taken classes in the Writer’s Program at UCLA Extension. My confidence gradually increased with the excellent instructors and colleagues in the classes. I realized that creative writing was something that I really wanted to keep doing. When a few colleagues and a good friend encouraged me to write my own books, I leaped at the chance.
The line “And whether pigs have wings” from Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter” stuck with me and deserved some sort of answer from me. Whether I could be a writer or not?
A challenging time in my life led me to understand that if you “believe in yourself” and imagine your true purpose, then you can achieve your dreams. So I started writing lots of lines and this book Pigs Have Wings was the result. The illustrator, Chau Pham, was wonderful to work with. I love her owl illustrations.
What draws you to writing books for young readers?
My mother was a kindergarten teacher and one of the first books I remember reading was a book from her, A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You, by Joan Walsh Anglund. I treasured that book and still have a copy on my bookshelf. In my mind, introducing young readers to books is more important than ever. Giving back has always been an important part of my upbringing. I am hoping that my books can inspire a love of learning as well as increased literacy.
Is there anything from your own life included in your characters’ experiences?
Inspiration, collaboration, and creativity have always been important to me. I am grateful to many people who encouraged my writing career and helped my dreams take flight. They believed in my abilities to write a book. They encouraged me to embark on a journey as a creative soul. And others truly understood the importance of having a room of one’s own. My parents built a family library of classic works and encyclopedias—one book at a time—and inspired a love of learning at an early age. All those positive activities came together.
My publishing career has shown time and time again how books enrich lives. At this point in my career, I value what I learned from the many authors and colleagues that I have worked with over the years. They believed in me and my talents and for that, I am forever grateful.
Can readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
There are several projects that I am excited about publishing and writing over the next few years. As an independent publisher, the first book in a series of puzzle books for kids is coming soon in 2025. Going forward, I value the opportunity to continue to work with amazing editors and illustrators on my picture books—more are in process. In addition, I have partial manuscripts for a YA novel trilogy and concepts for perhaps a novel or two down the road.
Collaboration with partners and working with others are the keys!! It all forms a connection with something greater than yourself. And I always like to learn new things.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | AKABooks | Myrtle the Turtle | Amazon
Miz Peg dreams she can dance and sing, but it‛s harder for a pig than you‛d think! With a little help and inspiration from her friends, Miz Peg finds she can do almost anything.
I’m Beautiful Because I Am: Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care
Azizi Tuere’s I’m Beautiful Because I Am: Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care offers a heartwarming and insightful exploration of self-love and empathy for young readers. The story introduces us to a young girl who starts her day with an appreciation for her unique qualities, from her hair and eyes to her smile. She recognizes the beauty in everyday details, like her hands, which she imagines planting seeds that grow into tall trees. Through this narrative, Tuere conveys the message that each day presents a new opportunity to love oneself and appreciate the world around us.
Tuere’s holistic approach to self-esteem goes beyond the physical, encouraging readers to value the environment—whether it’s appreciating the rain or enjoying the warmth of the sun. The book also addresses important social skills, teaching children the value of kindness, not just towards themselves but also towards others, including friends, family, and pets. Tuere’s emphasis on imagination and creativity, combined with her message that true beauty lies in how we perceive the world and treat others, makes this book a powerful tool for young minds. Visually, the book is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors and charming illustrations perfectly complement the story’s themes of harmony and positive energy. The narration is engaging, with a pace that keeps young readers entertained while conveying important life lessons. The language is simple and accessible, making the concepts easy for children to grasp. The overall design and messaging make this book a delightful and impactful read.
I’m Beautiful Because I Am: Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care is a valuable resource for teaching children about empathy, self-esteem, and the importance of pursuing their dreams. It’s a book that both entertains and educates, making it an excellent addition to any child’s library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D96R3446
Princess Iridescent and the Cloudy Day
Princess Iridescent and the Cloudy Day by Hope LaVelle is a captivating children’s book that transports readers to a vibrant world filled with color and light. The story unfolds in the idyllic kingdom of Prismatica, where everything is bright and beautiful. However, the tranquility of the kingdom is disrupted when King Cloudius arrives with a dark plan to steal all the colors, plunging Prismatica into a dull, lifeless state. The task of restoring the kingdom falls on the young Princess Iridescent, who understands that the true power of color and beauty comes from kindness and compassion.
Through a cleverly crafted rhyming narrative, Princess Iridescent embarks on a journey to teach King Cloudius that the most brilliant colors are those that are kindled by kindness. Along the way, readers are introduced to a host of charming creatures and enchanted elements that bring the kingdom to life. The story is a feast for the imagination and a gentle lesson in conflict resolution, showing that even the meanest of characters can be transformed through acts of kindness.
Princess Iridescent and the Cloudy Day is a delightful and enchanting read, perfect for young children and their parents alike. The rhyming text adds a rhythmic charm that makes the story enjoyable to read aloud, and the beautifully crafted illustrations bring the kingdom and its inhabitants to life in a magical and memorable way. One of the standout features of this book is its underlying message. In a world where children are often exposed to negativity and conflict, Princess Iridescent’s approach to dealing with King Cloudius serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and kindness. The story skillfully conveys that kindness is not a weakness but a strength that can overcome even the darkest of intentions. The character of Princess Iridescent is a wonderful role model for young readers. She embodies qualities such as bravery, compassion, and wisdom, showing that true leadership is about guiding others with a gentle heart. Including adorable creatures and magical elements adds an extra layer of charm that will undoubtedly capture any child’s imagination.
Princess Iridescent and the Cloudy Day is more than just a beautifully illustrated children’s book; it’s a valuable tool for teaching important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Whether read at bedtime or during storytime, this book is sure to become a cherished favorite in any child’s library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CWKHKR66
The Power of Words
Popina & Slumberina follows a young princess who is attached to her favorite blanket as she learns what it means to become more independent. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was inspired by life itself. When my daughter was born she received a blanket as a gift, and it was love at first sight. As soon as she touched it and smelled it, she calmed down. There was a real connection between my daughter and the blanket. It really made her feel better.
As my daughter grew up, she named her blanket Bibi and took it everywhere. When she started preschool, she brought Bibi along, keeping her close throughout the day. I remember the preschool teacher telling me that because of the blanket, my daughter wasn’t making new friends or participating in activities. As a parent, I wanted to help my daughter open up to the world, meet new friends, and feel secure even without relying on a comfort object.
Since I am a great believer in the power of words, I decided to write her a story that would illustrate the situation she is in and the great benefits that can be had in releasing the blanket and discovering the inner powers that exist in her.
Writing the story was not easy. Since I wanted the story to be written in rhymes, and convey the message in a fun, non-didactic way. To my great joy, I rose to the challenge. After my daughter had heard the story several times, she asked to leave Bibi in bed, and then I knew I had accomplished the task successfully.
Do you have a favorite scene in your story? One that was especially fun to write?
My favorite scene is the one when the guests arrive at the party and give Popina gifts, some of which are magical. I tried to think of gifts that would excite children and put a smile on their faces. I believe that all children would love to receive a rainbow in a cloud or candies in all flavors as a gift.
An amusing anecdote regarding the scene with the presents happened when I read to my daughter the part where Princess Popina receives a shell from the juggler Sanil that she could hide in very well. My daughter insisted that I bring her a shell exactly like the one in the book. I had to explain to her that such a shell doesn’t exist, which was an answer she did not like to receive.
The artwork in this book is wonderful. What was the art collaboration process like with Anat Davis?
Thank you, I’m so glad you liked the artwork in the story! It was wonderful to collaborate with Anat on the illustrations, not only because she is my sister and I love her, but also because I knew she understood the essence of the story (her eldest daughter also had a blankie) and had the talent and sense of humor that fit the story perfectly.
Our cooperation was seamless. When illustrating a story, the possibilities are unlimited, so we discussed the general style and came up with ideas for the illustrations together. Seeing the story come to life through my sister’s illustrations was a truly moving experience.
Can young readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
In recent years, I have written several stories for children, each at different stages of development. I invest a lot of time and effort in my stories, carefully selecting editors and illustrators, so the publishing process can take some time. But yes, there is definitely something to look forward to.
In the near future, a book will be published featuring Cecilia, a mouse who goes to the dentist for the first time. This book aims to give children a positive perspective on dental treatments and will include tips from an expert in pediatric dentistry.
Another story I wrote is currently in the illustration stages. It explores the natural cycle of life, depicting the transformation from seed to tree and the perpetuation of this cycle.
Finally, another story I wrote, which is currently in the final stages of editing, follows a sprite named Dwight and his journey to fulfill his dream of winning the Sprite Champions Race.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
With humor and warmth, this rhyming picture book takes young readers on a journey of growth and self-discovery.
On Popina’s first day of preschool, she brings her beloved blanket along. But with Popina unwilling to let Slumberina go, how will she join in on all the fun games and activities? And how will she find new friends? Will Princess Popina be brave enough to go on her own?
Especially suitable for children with a transitional object, such as: blankie, teddy bear, or any other toy.
Recommended by psychologists and featuring a ‘Note to the Parents‘ by a psychologist and analytical psychotherapist.
LITERARY TITAN 