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The Dragon Way Home follows a lonely Australian boy who meets a sand sculpture of a dragon that comes to life, takes him on a wild adventure, and teaches him some valuable lessons. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I used to live on the Gold Coast and often watched sand artists making dragon sculptures. When I moved to China, I always loved visiting the Dragon Temples. Those were my two main influences.
In many coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
The settings are definitely part of my story, but a broken family and flying dragons are pure fiction.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the idea of “home” through the eyes of a child. I also wanted him to come from an imperfect family–not a bad family–just one that didn’t fit the fairytale version of perfection.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I have just finished “Yowie Dreaming: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure”. It is about a teenage girl who discovers a baby Yowie (Australia’s Bigfoot) in her backyard.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
He must deal with four eccentric dragons. Also, he must survive a hot air balloon crash, a cyclone and getting lost in Shanghai. And that’s just the beginning!
Will he find his dad? Will he ever feel that he is truly home?
A book that will delight emerging readers and keep them engaged to the last page.
Also suitable for dragon lovers of any age.
The Dragon Way Home
The Dragon Way Home is a magical, heartfelt middle-grade novel that follows Jamison, a lonely Australian boy desperate to reconnect with his father in Paris. When a sand sculpture of a dragon named Littus comes to life, Jamison’s quiet beach day turns into a globe-trotting journey via a magical hot air balloon, tropical villages, mystical caves, and bustling metropolises, all guided by dragons of every temperament. Along the way, he meets fiery personalities (literally), faces emotional trials, and most importantly finds his way home, in more ways than one.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. James has this rare ability to slip from breezy realism to mythic magic without missing a beat. One moment, you’re sitting with Jamison at Surfers Paradise beach, watching a sand artist create a dragon. The next, that dragon is speaking, glowing, and offering to take you across the world to see your dad. And somehow, it all feels totally plausible. Littus, the baby dragon sculpted from sand, is easily my favorite character because he is vulnerable, funny, and strangely wise. The scene where he says, “Power doesn’t come from size; it comes from the heart and mind,” actually made me pause. It’s soft, sweet stuff with teeth.
There’s also a deeper sadness underneath all the fantasy that really caught me off guard. Jamison isn’t just on an adventure; he’s grieving the life he lost when his parents split. His pain isn’t dramatic, but it’s everywhere: in the microwave dinners, the absence of rules at home, the silence when he thinks of his dad. When he finally bursts into tears with Littus after the dragon gets vandalized by teens, I felt it in my chest. The emotional beats don’t scream; they hum just below the surface, and that restraint is what makes them land harder.
The parade of dragons Jamison meets is a brilliant device for exploring different cultures and ideas. Iawo, the ancient, grumpy dragon from the Solomon Islands cave, scared the crap out of me at first. But then he turns out to be fiercely protective, and he literally shields a whole village from a storm with his body. Jinlong, the Chinese fire dragon, brings speed, elegance, and wisdom. And Tesson, the crystal French dragon who shapeshifts into a Parisian woman with Swarovski accessories, absolutely stole the show for me. Her dry sass and grace under pressure made her unforgettable. Plus, the way she guides Jamison through a literal and emotional maze to find his father was so well done.
The final chapters in Paris are warm and satisfying. There’s no huge battle, no earth-shattering twist. Just a boy rediscovering his place in the world, helped by the most unexpected of allies. I got misty when Jamison stood frozen in front of the Eiffel Tower, realizing he’d made it. And the reunion with his dad was messy, real, and absolutely earned.
If you’re someone who loves gentle fantasy, emotional coming-of-age stories, and dragons that feel more like mentors than monsters, The Dragon Way Home is for you. This book would be perfect for middle-grade readers, sure, but also for adults. It’s a reminder that magic exists if you’re still willing to believe in it and that sometimes, finding your way home means leaving it first.
Pages: 50 | ASIN : B0DRZ3L1B9
Universal Theme of Love
Bella & Chantey: Mama Wants a Blue Mushroom follows a pig and her macaw sidekick as they set out on a rainforest adventure to find a rare mushroom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We work with the Ngäbe people who live on the Comarca or reservation where I had the story take place. The children do not have children’s books per se, and I wanted to write some stories for them and include their environment.
What is it that draws you to write children’s literature?
I love to watch young children learn about new places, different countries, and people in the world. I also enjoy seeing children being entertained and laughing over stories. I place educational material in the backmatter of my books to educate the children besides giving them an entertaining story. I also try to have a universal theme of love, family, or learning experience that children can see themselves in or identify with the story.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. What was the collaboration with illustrator César Meléndez like?
César is excellent to work with. He has unique ideas for illustrations and is very realistic in his drawings. He has emotions in animal faces and does a fantastic job with water scenes. He asks for suggestions and always asks if they are ok. An excellent fit between author and illustrator- we think alike.
Can fans expect to see more adventures featuring Bella and Chantey? What are you currently working on?
I am working on a chapter book with main characters from the Ngäbe Comarca, Double Trouble on the Comarca. Benny the Boa is an adapted Ngäbe folklore story, which is almost completed, and yes, a second book with Bella and Chantey, also taking place on the Comarca.
I had some people from a nearby church ask if I could write a children’s bible story picture book, so I have done that, and it is currently at a traditional editor to see whether they will accept it. Another editor I work with said if it’s not accepted, go ahead and self-publish it because she likes the story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Rooted: A Mature Tree’s Journey
Rooted: A Mature Tree’s Journey invites readers to see nature through a lens of empathy and wonder. This heartwarming tale follows Dendro, a tree maturing in both age and spirit. As he grows, he notices changes in his voice and appearance, becoming more sociable and enjoying the camaraderie of his forest companions. Dendro delights in the laughter of children playing beneath his branches and the quiet moments of people resting in his shade. Nearby, a young tree begins its journey, preparing to choose its own name—a milestone that excites Dendro. Yet, the story takes a somber turn when a red X is painted on Dendro, marking him for removal. Two devoted siblings, who cherish the tree as a cornerstone of their adventures, rally to find a way to save him.
Tammy Cranston’s storytelling shines with originality and charm, offering a rare perspective by narrating through Dendro’s eyes. Readers are immersed in the life of a tree, experiencing both joy and hardship, from the warmth of a hug to the pain of bark scarred by carvings. Cranston’s writing is precise yet evocative, delivering thoughtful lessons accessible to young audiences.
Themes of respect for all living beings and the value of peaceful problem-solving resonate deeply. The siblings’ efforts to rescue Dendro demonstrate the power of compassion and creativity, even in difficult circumstances. The story flows at a measured pace, engaging readers without rushing. Along the way, Dendro’s kindness shines, especially in a poignant moment when he supports another tree facing similar challenges.
The illustrations complement the story beautifully, bursting with vivid colors and expressive details. They transform the trees into characters that feel alive, adding depth and cheer to the story. The book’s originality and educational merit make it as informative as it is entertaining.
Rooted: A Mature Tree’s Journey is a touching and imaginative children’s book. It explores growth, change, and the importance of treasuring the natural world. This book is a delightful blend of creativity and heart, leaving readers of all ages with a deeper appreciation for the environment and its many stories.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0DLDDJ2FB
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
Who Says Poo
Who Says Poo is a delightful and hilarious story that’s sure to capture the attention of younger readers. Adam Gaudreault brings a truly original narrative that plays on words from different languages, each sounding like “poo,” but with entirely distinct meanings. On each page, Gaudreault introduces these words, guiding readers through their pronunciation and then cleverly incorporating them into simple sentences. Through this engaging approach, the story of Sally—a cheerful girl searching for her doll before heading outside to play with her dog—unfolds, while introducing children to new languages and cultures in a fun and approachable way.
What makes Who Says Poo stand out is its inventive combination of humor and learning. I particularly admire how Gaudreault seamlessly weaves foreign words from places like Greece, Japan, and France into the narrative, making them feel familiar and accessible. This clever strategy not only sparks children’s curiosity about language but also encourages them to think critically, making connections as they follow along. The repetition of new words serves as a gentle memory exercise, while the storyline itself is playful and relatable. Sally’s simple adventures—searching for her doll and playing with her dog—are presented in a humorous, light-hearted way that resonates with young readers.
The book’s format is another highlight. Each new word is bolded, followed by its pronunciation in parentheses and a brief definition that explains its origin, all wrapped up in a short sentence that moves Sally’s story forward. This layout is both engaging and easy to follow, providing structure while keeping the story lively. Visually, the illustrations are colorful and vibrant, adding to the humor with characters pulling funny faces, especially in the scenes that involve mentions of farts and poop. Though these topics can be tricky to handle, they’re presented in a way that’s playful and child-appropriate, sparking laughter rather than discomfort. The only minor downside is the use of white backgrounds on the text pages. While there are small illustrative details scattered throughout, colored backgrounds could have made the pages more visually dynamic. That said, the overall design is still very appealing, especially with the foreign words written in their original alphabets, giving young readers a glimpse of different scripts and writing systems.
In the end, Who Says Poo offers more than just entertainment. It’s a short, simple story packed with value, introducing children to new languages, promoting critical thinking, and making the learning process enjoyable. For parents and educators alike, this book is a charming and effective tool to engage young readers while teaching them something new.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0DCQ5MR7W
Loss and Acceptance
The Reaper’s Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! follows a new reaper going out on her first solo assignment who runs into some complications with a soul and now has to figure out how to put him back in his body. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea actually stemmed from a dream I had. The day before, I had been brainstorming ideas for a new story but was hitting a creative block. That night, I dreamt of venturing into the underworld, battling ghosts and monsters to find my way back to the land of the living. The excitement I felt upon waking was palpable, prompting me to quickly jot down as much of the dream as I could remember. From there, the story began to take shape almost effortlessly.
One of the highlights of this story is the depth of the characters and readers’ ability to relate to them, young and old. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The two main characters, Lyra and Casper, presented both a fun and challenging writing experience.
Casper came more naturally to me because he resembled my own experiences at his age. However, the real challenge with Casper was ensuring he didn’t come across as one-dimensional. While he serves as the typical sidekick archetype and a catalyst for the story, I aimed to give him depth beyond that role.
On the other hand, we have Lyra whose spirited personality and compelling character arc were so much fun to write. Yet, the toughest part was capturing her emotional moments authentically. I understand the struggle of opening up to others, so I empathized with her journey. As the story’s climax approached, I wanted her emotional walls to gradually break down, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level and care for her more intensely.
At the start, we’re drawn to Casper, and by the end, we’re cheering for Lyra. That was always my goal with this story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Exploring the theme of death was a significant aspect I wanted to delve into. It’s a complex topic, especially in children’s media, as it intersects with various cultural beliefs. My aim was to strike a balance between crafting an engaging fantasy adventure while also respecting diverse cultural perspectives on death.
Loss and acceptance are central themes that drive the narrative. The villain’s motivations (without giving away spoilers) are rooted in a profound experience of loss. In contrast, Lyra’s journey towards accepting her past is instrumental in her growth and ability to navigate challenges.
These themes resonate profoundly with both young readers and adults. Loss is a universal human experience that can shape our lives in profound ways, while acceptance is key to resilience and personal development. I believe these themes lie at the core of the story, offering relatable and meaningful insights for readers of all ages.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
At this moment, I’m uncertain whether this book will kick off a new series. On one hand, I’m excited about delving deeper into the world I’ve crafted. However, I’m also content with how it concludes, and I fear that extending it might detract from its impact. If fans clamor for a sequel, though, I’m open to exploring that possibility.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Best Chapter Book (FINALIST) – Children Book International 2024 (American Writing Awards)
Best Fantasy (FINALIST) – Children Book International 2024 (American Writing Awards)
Best Children’s Literature (FINALIST) – Children Book International 2024 ( American Writing Awards)
Ever since she can remember, Lyra Corvin has dreamed of becoming a Grim Reaper. So, when her mentor presents her with her first solo reaping, the young girl eagerly accepts, determined to prove she has what it takes to join the agency. Until everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Now, she’s stuck with an (understandably) furious Casper William, a young boy whose soul is caught between the realms of life and death. To put Casper back into his body, the unlikely pair must journey into the Underworld to search for answers. But monstrous creatures and sinister secrets lurk within the land of the deceased that could forever alter the lives of our heroes.Will Lyra and Casper have the strength to thwart the looming threat, or will a long-forgotten secret come back to haunt them?
Hatch Chile Willie
In Hatch Chile Willie, author Rachel Bate transports readers to a warm summer night in New Mexico, where Farmer Pablo, nestled in his greenhouse among his specialty New Mexico Chiles, encounters an extraordinary phenomenon. As he dozes off in his rocking chair, he is startled awake by the enchanting sounds of Spanish music. To his amazement, the source of this music is none other than a half-red, half-green chile strumming a guitar. This whimsical character introduces himself as Hatch Chile Willie, a chile pepper with a passion for music and dance.
The narrative unfolds as Farmer Pablo, initially convinced he’s dreaming, realizes that Hatch Chile Willie is indeed a real presence in his greenhouse. The story delicately explores the surreal yet charming bond that forms between Farmer Pablo and his musical chili companion, leaving readers to ponder the significance of Hatch Chile Willie’s appearance and his mysterious plan. What makes this tale particularly delightful is its uniqueness. The idea of a singing, guitar-playing chile pepper is both imaginative and endearing. Bate’s storytelling is captivating, drawing the reader into the magical world she creates. The bond between Farmer Pablo and Hatch Chile Willie is portrayed with warmth and humor, offering a narrative that is both fun and heartwarming. Complementing Bate’s storytelling are Rebecca Jacob’s illustrations, which are playful and visually engaging. These illustrations are likely to capture the hearts of young readers, fostering a sense of connection with Hatch Chile Willie, much like the bond he forms with Farmer Pablo.
With its blend of whimsy and warmth, this book is an excellent choice for parents seeking a unique and entertaining story to share with their children. Its charm lies not only in the imaginative storyline but also in the subtle messages of friendship and surprise. Hatch Chile Willie is a delightful read for children and adults alike, offering a journey into a world where magic and reality intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0CV9HMS8K
