Blog Archives
Hair Dreams
Hair Dreams, by Antwinette Scott, is a bright, joyful children’s book about loving natural hair and seeing it as something full of life, beauty, and possibility. The story moves through all kinds of hairstyles, from twists and locks to Bantu knots, braids, afros, and wraps, and it shows hair as playful, powerful, and deeply personal. This precious picture book feels like a celebration of self-expression and pride, told in a simple, rhythmic way that is easy for kids to follow.
I liked how warm and happy the writing felt. It has a sing-song flow that makes it feel made to be read out loud, and that gave it a lot of charm for me. The repeated line about dreaming of hair for “me” and for “you” stuck with me because it made the whole book feel open-hearted and sweet. It felt like the author was not just talking about hairstyles, but also about confidence, identity, and joy. I also liked how the hair is described, almost like it has its own personality. That made the book feel lively and fun.
This children’s book is clearly about more than hair. It is about being seen, being proud of who you are, and finding beauty in things that the world does not always celebrate enough. I loved that. It felt uplifting and full of love. At the same time, the language stays very simple, which works well for young readers. The heart of it is so strong that it made me smile, and it also felt meaningful in an authentic way.
Each page has colorful artwork that really brings the story to life. I liked how the illustrations show the hair and the character in lots of different situations, which makes the book feel lively and fun from start to finish. The artwork is clear, detailed, and easy to follow, so young readers can stay engaged while also enjoying all the different hairstyles and playful scenes. It adds a lot of charm to the book and makes the reading experience fun for kids to follow along as parents read.
Overall, I think Hair Dreams is a lovely book with a big heart. I would recommend it for young children, parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a positive story about natural hair and self-love. It would be especially great for read-aloud time, classroom shelves, or families who want books that help kids feel proud of who they are.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0GL9P88CG
Goldie and the Three Kind Bears
Goldie and the Three Kind Bears is a sweet twist on the classic Goldilocks story with a cozy baking vibe mixed in. Goldie stumbles into the home of three kind bears who do not scold her or chase her away. Instead, they welcome her in with open arms and full hearts. Goldie bakes a Gingerbread Man as a thank you. He then comes to life, panics about being eaten, and asks for freedom. In the end kindness wins, the Gingerbread Man goes off on adventures, and the bears and Goldie share blueberry biscuits and a real sense of home.
The tone of this children’s book feels warm from the very first page. The writing is simple but not dull. It flows like a bedtime story that wants you to relax. I liked how the bears are gentle and thoughtful. That choice made the whole book feel safe and comforting. It honestly made me smile more than once.
The ideas in this story really worked for me. Kindness is the big one, but it never feels preachy. It just shows up again and again in small ways. Letting someone stay. Sharing food. Letting someone go even when you want to hold on. I also loved the baking scenes. They feel homey and relatable. The Gingerbread Man storyline adds a fun bit of tension, and I genuinely felt bad for the little guy hiding under the bed.
The artwork on every page is adorable. It is bright, colorful, and soft in a way that feels cozy. Each scene feels full of little details that make kids want to look around. The Gingerbread Man is especially cute and very expressive. His big eyes and tiny face make his fear, excitement, and hope easy to feel, even without the words.
Goldie and the Three Kind Bears would be great for young kids who like fairy tales with gentle lessons. It also feels perfect for families who enjoy reading together at bedtime. If you want a picture book that leans into warmth, generosity, and cozy feelings, this one is a solid pick.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DQ4YBG5C
Wordless Ways
Misconceptions of an Introvert follows a quiet sixth-grader who loves her own space, only to find herself misunderstood by classmates and even her teacher. What inspired you to write a story centered on an introverted child?
This story is based on one of my sixth-grade experiences. I have been an introvert since I was in elementary school and have often been misunderstood. I wrote this story to raise awareness of the personality trait of introversion.
Why was it important that Sherry advocate for herself rather than having an adult fix the problem?
Sherry needs to know how to advocate for herself because her parents will not always be there to support her.
What misconceptions about introverts did you most want to challenge?
The misconceptions I want to challenge are that introverts may not know what is happening in conversations or discussions because of our wordless ways. However, we are quietly observing and thinking. We process information more deeply before we verbalize our thoughts. Also, people may think that introverts are antisocial because of our love of solitude. Being alone helps us recharge and be better the next day.
Why did you feel this was an important story for classrooms today?
Introversion is a misunderstood personality type. Therefore, having classrooms aware of the personality type will help introverted students feel included and understood.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Tiger and My Eye Patch
A young girl begins her summer burdened by an eyepatch meant to correct her lazy eye, and the weight of it grows heavier each time her classmates sneer. Branded “Pee Wee the Pirate,” she endures a name flung at her by children blind to the harm it causes. Relief arrives only when she escapes to Johnson City, where her grandparents wait with open arms, and with Tiger, their towering, gentle Great Dane. Tiger adores her. He offers no judgment, no mockery. Just warmth. Yet Tiger’s size and enthusiasm often land him in trouble, and before long, the girl’s courage and ingenuity are put to the test as she tries to save the companion who has quietly saved her.
Tiger and My Eye Patch, written by Colleen Lent, is a children’s story best suited for readers around ages 3 to 8. Its spirit echoes classic series like The Berenstain Bears, delivering an abundance of life lessons without losing its sense of play.
Lent draws from her own childhood, and that honesty radiates through the narrative. The sharper emotions, the confusion, and the vulnerability surface in the protagonist’s perspective and give the story a lived-in quality. Her world feels colored by past hurts, yet not dominated by them.
Joy still rises. It unfolds through tender moments with her grandparents and through the undeniable bond she forms with Tiger. The giant dog, good-natured yet misunderstood, mirrors her own struggle. His size invites assumptions, and he, too, carries the burden of being judged before being known. Their connection emerges naturally from shared experience, and it becomes the emotional heart of the tale.
Tiger and My Eye Patch maintains a light tone, but beneath it runs a clear thread of catharsis. Lent writes toward healing her own and that of any child who has ever been singled out for being different. The lesson she imparts, treat others with kindness, especially when they stand apart, is delivered with grace rather than force. Paired with lively, colorful illustrations, the story becomes both a comforting read and a meaningful one, offering young audiences a narrative they can enjoy again and again while absorbing its gentle wisdom.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FV9W4242
Awe and Tenderness
Who Are We, Really? follows three inseparable tadpole friends who go on an adventure to figure out who they are meant to be and learn an important lesson in the process. What was the inspiration for your story?
As a mother, watching my little one grow, explore, and dream inspired me to write this story. One moment in particular sparked the idea for this book. I was walking with my son along a trail here in New England when we came upon a small pond filled with tadpoles. My son immediately scooped up a few into his hands. His eyes opened wide with wonder. It was the first time he had ever held tadpoles, and watching him study them so carefully, with such awe and tenderness, was pure magic. I knew then that I wanted to capture a part of that beautiful moment — to preserve the innocence, curiosity, and joy that childhood brings.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One important educational aspect I wanted to explore in this story is self-discovery. While we all grow and change, who we are goes far beyond our appearance. It is our actions, choices, and character that truly define us. Another educational aspect that I also wanted to explore is creative thinking. Children learn through play, exploration, and imagination. Imaginative play is a vital part of childhood, helping them grow, make sense of the world around them, and discover more about themselves. In Who Are We, Really, the tadpoles imagine themselves as sharks, turtles, and dragonflies. This encourages children to play with different possibilities and outcomes and explore different perspectives.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where the three friends discover they have become frogs. Joey, the most stubborn and spirited of the trio, continues to believe they are dragonflies, even though his reflection in the water reveals the truth. In that moment, I wanted to capture a simple yet powerful idea — that who we are comes from within. It isn’t our appearance that defines us, but our feelings, our choices, actions, and the kindness we carry inside.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am currently illustrating my fourth book, and I started writing my fifth. It tells the story of a bear cub trying to make friends in a forest where all the animals fear him. At its heart, it is a gentle reminder about kindness, acceptance, and seeing beyond appearances.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Who Are We, Really? is a heartwarming adventure with three tiny tadpoles―Polly, Molly, and Joey―on a BIG quest to figure out what (or who) they’re meant to be. Sharks? Turtles? Dragonflies? The sky’s the limit when you’ve got imagination!
Along the way, they meet wise creatures, swap wild ideas, and stumble onto a truth bigger than any dream: the best thing you can be….is yourself.
With vibrant, handmade watercolor collages and a story packed with heart, humor, and the power of believing in yourself, Who Are We, Really? is perfect for little dreamers ages 0–7—and anyone who’s ever dared to wonder who they might become.
Exciting and Rewarding Career
Charli’s Turtle Triumph follows a young girl who, after a field trip to learn about sea turtles, finds one stranded on the beach and, with the help of her friends, organizes a beach cleanup for her community. What was the inspiration for your story?
I knew I wanted to write a series of STEM chapter books and was toying with ideas when my thirteen-year-old granddaughter painted the portrait of a sea turtle that appears on the book’s dedication page. I was so entranced by that painting that I knew I had to give the turtle a story, which is why I began the series with marine biology. I live in a coastal community where beach and ocean pollution are a real concern, and that gave birth to the plot line.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This series is written to help young readers transition from picture books to chapter books, hence its format. Too often, STEM appears boring and dry to kids. I want them to see and experience the fascinating and fun aspects of STEM! As a former teacher, I know all too well that kids always ask WHY they need to learn something. In this book, I wanted to answer that for them in a practical way by showing them an example of an exciting and rewarding career path in marine biology. It’s also important to me that my characters demonstrate kindness and compassion towards themselves, others, animals, and the environment.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Being a teacher gave me a front-row seat to how kids learn to write, and a lot of that comes from the books they read. Of course, I want my books to be inviting and fun to read—but I also want them to teach the readers even if they aren’t aware that they’re learning. As I write, I think of my former students and try to put myself in their headspace to write something they would have enjoyed reading and that would have benefitted them.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes! In fact, this is the first book in the Charli Explores STEM™ series. The second book, Charli’s Pawsome Park: An Architectural Adventure, will be released later this year. The titles that I plan to release in 2026 are: Charli’s Dorsal Device: An Engineering Adventure, Charli’s Bee-utiful Butterflies: An Entomology Adventure, Charli’s Critter Crusade: A Veterinary Science Adventure, and Charli’s Robot Rally: a Robotics Adventure. I have ideas for additional titles that I haven’t yet started.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Entertained and Empowered
Adora’s Dance With the Prince follows a young West African woman forced to serve her stepmother and stepsisters who is granted a magical night that brings her one step closer to the man of her dreams. What inspired this reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale?
The Ashanti Kingdom (modern-day Ghana) was renowned for its sophisticated governance, vibrant art, and elaborate royal ceremonies. By setting my story here, I replaced European castles with an Akan palace and transformed the “ball” into a royal festival rooted in communal celebration.
The prince isn’t just a romantic trope—he reflects Ashanti ideals: wisdom (nkontompo), respect (animuonyam), and the responsibility to choose a partner who embodies the spirit of the kingdom.
Do you have a favorite scene in this book? One that was especially fun to write?
Absolutely—The Dance with the Prince. This scene is pure romance and validation. I loved describing the palace courtyard, the hush that fell as Adora arrived, and the crowd whispering, “Who is she?” It’s the ultimate Cinderella entrance moment. Writing the prince’s immediate captivation, his gentle request—“May I have this dance?”—and their tender exchange—“You dance like you’ve done this forever.” / “Only in my dreams”—captured the dreamlike, enchanting quality I wanted. The sensory details—the flute weaving through drum beats, the moonlight casting a soft glow, and the “enchanted energy” as they danced—made this scene especially magical to write.
I am the type of reader who loves to hate the villain. What is your approach to creating the villains in your stories?
My villains—Lady Ikúnsolà and her daughters—are crafted with psychological depth and cultural nuance. I avoid one-dimensional “cartoon evil,” instead shaping antagonists whose motives, flaws, and desires feel real, making their cruelty more impactful.
Can we look forward to more books in the Black Girl Magic Princess Fairy Tales series soon? Where will it take readers?
Definitely! I recently published Black Onyx & The Three Little Rasta Men, a Caribbean twist on Snow White filled with humor, heart, and rich cultural fusion.
Three more books are coming in the series. I just finished Aliyah’s Songs: The Voice That Broke the Spell—an African American Southern spin on Rapunzel. I’m especially excited about this one; the Creole and African American folklore blend is pure magic. Like all my princesses, Aliyah wears a crown of courage and conquers doubt with confidence.
I don’t just want readers to turn pages and be entertained—I want them to close the book feeling empowered.
Author Links: Website | Instagram
Adora is a kind-hearted young lady who dreams of more than chores and worn-out old clothes. When the Chief and Queen announce an exciting festival with a chance of a lifetime, Adora longs to go—but her mean stepmother and stepsisters have other plans. When all hope seems lost, her Spiritual Mother appears with a dress, shoes, and a magical palanquin that takes her to the grand palace.
Adora’s beauty and grace catch the Prince’s eyes. But when the midnight drums begin to play, the magic ends, leaving behind only one gold shoe—and a royal mystery!
This enchanting tale, filled with West African culture, vibrant imagery, and heartwarming lessons, will captivate readers aged 5-9. It is perfect for children who love princess-style adventures with a fresh, inspiring twist.
✨A story of kindness, courage, and believing in yourself
📚Ideal for bedtime reading, classrooms, and storytime fun
🖌️Beautifully crafted to spark imaginations and teach timeless values
Add “Adora’s Dance With The Prince” to your child’s bookshelf today and let the magic begin!
Adora’s Dance With the Prince
Adora is a bright, imaginative young woman living in a vibrant West African kingdom. Her heart longs for the grand festival newly announced in the capital, yet her days are consumed by the thankless drudgery imposed by a cruel stepmother and selfish stepsisters. Just as hope begins to fade, a shimmering twist of fate arrives, her Spiritual Mother appears, bearing a gown of breathtaking beauty, elegant shoes, and a magical palanquin to carry her to the palace. There, among the lantern light and music, Adora captures the attention of a handsome prince. But magic has limits. When the enchantment dissolves, she flees into the night, leaving behind a single shoe and a prince determined to find her.
Adora’s Dance with the Prince, by Tricia Knights, offers a fresh, culturally rich reimagining of the timeless Cinderella legend. Targeted toward children aged five to nine, the book blends a familiar story arc with vivid West African flair and a generous infusion of magic.
Cinderella’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes. Children, across cultures and generations, understand the sting of unfairness, being excluded from something wondrous, as Knights so vividly portrays with the festival. At the same time, they embrace magical thinking with ease. The sudden arrival of a benevolent Spiritual Mother at the very moment she is needed feels not just believable, but inevitable in the boundless logic of childhood.
Knights, however, doesn’t simply retell the classic. She bends the arc, subverting expectations in small but satisfying ways, keeping even seasoned readers leaning forward. And while the plot charms, the illustrations astound. Each page bursts with color and life, every detail layered with texture and movement. These are not incidental embellishments; they elevate the narrative, making the book as much a visual feast as a storytelling delight.
The combination of luminous imagery, lively pacing, and a heroine worth cheering for ensures Adora’s Dance with the Prince will resonate with young readers everywhere. It is a story that celebrates courage, beauty, and the belief that magic, whether literal or not, can change everything.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FCD8KGSD
