Blog Archives
Pocket Watch Portal Adventure
Pocket Watch Portal Adventure, by MM Myers, follows Justice, Teddy, Ellie, and Baby Artie as they discover an old pocket watch on their grandparents’ ranch in Moore, Texas, and quickly learn it can open portals through time and space. What begins with muddy chores and a dinosaur encounter grows into a much larger family adventure, carrying the children into an enchanted realm, a futuristic hospital in the year 2525, and even a museum on the moon. Through all of it, the heart of the story stays close to home: siblings protecting each other, grandparents listening with love, Uncle Jeff becoming part of the chaos, and Daddy Christopher proving himself the hero his children already believe him to be.
I appreciated the tenderness running underneath the wildness of the plot. The book has dinosaurs, unicorns, android doctors, holographic zoos, flying taxis, time travel, and moon museums, but the emotional center is always family. I found that grounding really moving. The children aren’t just having adventures for adventure’s sake. They’re scared, hungry, homesick, guilty, brave, and hopeful. Justice carrying the weight of responsibility felt especially honest to me. He’s still a child, but he keeps trying to protect the younger ones, and that tugged at my heart. The faith elements are woven in with sincerity, too. The children praying when they don’t know what else to do gives the story a warm, devotional thread, and the idea that a simple pocket Bible might matter in the future adds a surprisingly reflective note.
The writing has a lively, homespun quality. I liked the humor in the ordinary details, especially the mud, chores, poop shoveling, picky eating, and Baby Artie’s little comments. Those moments gave the book texture and kept the fantasy from floating too far away from real family life. The story moves quickly and loosely, with big events arriving one after another. That rush gives the book its childlike momentum. It feels full of imagination, almost breathless in the way kids tell a story when they can’t wait to get to the next amazing part.
I felt the book was really less about a magical pocket watch and more about the people we trust to come looking for us when we’re lost. It’s adventurous, openly faith-filled, and deeply family-centered. I’d recommend Pocket Watch Portal Adventure for Christian families, especially parents and grandparents who enjoy reading imaginative stories aloud to children who like time travel, dinosaurs, futuristic worlds, and stories where love, courage, and prayer matter just as much as magic.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0FW178PKP
The Very Angry Toolbox
The Very Angry Toolbox follows Leroy, a thoughtful eight-year-old who longs for a toolbox of his own so he can be like his hardworking dad and care for the special tools passed down by his grandfather. When Leroy discovers a lonely grey toolbox in an industrial mart, he sees past its shouting and grumpiness to the fear and sadness underneath. What begins as a story about anger slowly opens into one about kindness, second chances, teamwork, and the quiet pride of doing useful work well.
I found the heart of this book genuinely tender. I appreciated that Leroy isn’t written as perfect or overly saintly. He’s excited, unsure, disappointed, and even a little wary when the angry toolbox becomes his only real option. That hesitation made his compassion feel earned rather than automatic. The book has a lovely idea at its center: anger often comes from loneliness, fear, and feeling unwanted. I liked that the toolbox doesn’t magically become wonderful in one page. He has to practice being different. That’s a message children can actually understand, especially the children who feel big emotions before they know what to do with them.
The writing is earnest and full of detail, more chapter-book than picture book, with a steady, old-fashioned storytelling rhythm. I enjoyed the family warmth around Leroy, his dad, and his grandad, particularly the way tools become tied to memory, responsibility, and pride in craftsmanship. The later scenes with the international tools are playful and imaginative, though the book does ask young readers to sit with quite a lot of explanation. The artwork by Gemma Stanley gives the story a lot of charm. The toolbox’s expressive face, the bright character designs, and the little personalities given to the tools help soften the heavier moral moments. I especially liked how the illustrations make machinery feel friendly without losing the rough, workshop feeling of shelves, dust, screws, and old wood.
The Very Angry Toolbox is a sincere and quirky children’s book with a big emotional engine and a clear respect for patience, effort, and repair, both the practical kind and the personal kind. I’d recommend it for children who enjoy talking objects, tools, building, and hands-on work, and especially for families looking for a story that opens a gentle conversation about anger, kindness, and giving someone a chance to change.
Pages: 47 | ASIN : B09K4W67RN
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
