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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
Fear Is Normal
The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly follows a young sparrow who is afraid to fly, prompting him to embark on a journey that leads to self-discovery, quiet bravery, and ultimately, a leap of faith. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I have always had a crippling fear of falling. To me, it just seems obvious, like, I could die if I fall from this height, so clearly I’m freaking out. Of course, my friends are dancing on the edges of mountains, so it’s not quite the universal fear of imminent death, it seems to me! Anyway, I was spending a few weeks in Italy, and while visiting a friend in Siena, I was taken by the Torre del Mangia in the city’s main square, Piazza del Campo. I had never written a children’s book before, but for some reason, my imagination took flight (pun not intended!), and I couldn’t help but think about how terrifying it would be to be at the top of the tower. And at dusk, birds would circle above the piazza, and I don’t know when I connected it, but I realized I wanted to write about a bird who is afraid to fly. So when I got back home to Los Angeles, I set about writing it!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted it to be a lesson about understanding that fear is normal and even healthy. Fear is our mind’s way of protecting us when it perceives we’re in danger, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when you’re afraid. And I thought having Sam just work up the courage to take that first step out of his fear was obvious and easy and had been done a million times. So I wanted another lesson to be that it’s okay to accept help from others when we’re not strong enough to do something ourselves.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing about the different kinds of birds there are in the world. Birds who swim and birds who can’t fly, and how Sam is envious of bats because they can’t see well, and how he wants to flit with the fireflies, and how he imagines starlings to be like stars and bluebirds like patches of sky. I got to be really creative building the world through Sam’s tiny worldview.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I have two more completed children’s books. Up next is Violet’s Pretty Purple Playground, about a little girl who loves purple so much that she wishes for the whole world to be purple (I mean, it sounds lovely to me), and when her wish comes true, she finds that variety–not singularity–is what makes the world so rich. The second is about a young unicorn whose horn doesn’t change color to mark his passage to adulthood, and he worries that means he isn’t special. I also have a story about a tomboy damselfly and a Christmas story called Holly Jolly about a mischievous white cat, both of which still need to be written. And I’m working with a producer on notes for my mind-bending psychological thriller screenplay, The Alexandrite Ring, to get it into shape so he can start looking to attach a director. There’s always a lot happening!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
What are you afraid of?
Sam is afraid to fly.
Being a bird makes this awkward.
His parents don’t understand.
His brothers and sisters don’t understand.
Sam himself doesn’t understand.
He wants to bob with the bats and flit with the fireflies and soar with the starlings.
But he can’t even look over the edge of his nest.
What to do when fear stops you from living?
Suitable to be read to younger children, or read by ages 8–11, The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly will captivate readers with charming illustrations of Sam, his family, and the Italian countryside while they learn that it’s OK to be afraid and to accept help from others.
A Quest of Creativity
Dim the Moon is a dreamlike picture book in which moonlight awakens a rooster and the farm seeks slumber once more, reminding young readers that even the liveliest nights must come to rest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My rooster, General, was a funny fellow. I would hear him crow and think… The moon must be too bright. Have you ever stood by the window and looked out at a full moon? If you have, then you know what I mean. But I also felt reassured. I knew when he crowed that all was well on “the farm.” Even if it was the middle of the night. Then he’d settle down again and have his second sleep. Something my children often did when they were very small.
How did you approach the balance between whimsy and the underlying message about the importance of rest?
I wanted the words to be simple, so the illustrations could have a chance to speak. Dim the Moon is just as fun to look at as it is to read. A second bedtime story, for when our eyes and minds are too tired to focus on anything overly complicated, but we still need a minute or two to settle.
The illustrations are fantastic. Did you collaborate with an artist, or are they your own work?
I took my strengths as a photographer and created the illustrations. Popcorn kernels as fireflies, pickles, and watermelon made frogs. It was a treasure hunt, a quest of creativity, to find the perfect landscape and item to make my detailed illustrations. I carried a white piece of paper with me to use as a background for random leaves or grasses I might come across. A puzzle of cut and paste, repeated for hours. You’ll find a tiny hidden self-portrait, a signature in the eyes of the owl.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Children’s Picture Books:
Theodore Won’t Float Summer 2025
Pumpkin Surprise Fall 2025
Magic Makers Winter 2025
Friendship Feathers TBD
Just Too Sweet (Type 1 Diabetes) TBD
Young Adult:
Hearts on Paper Summer 2025
New Releases:
Hurricane Stew
Dim The Moon
Preorder:
The Gobblers (Nov. 25 2025 Clavis Publishing)
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Author-illustrator E. G. Creel takes a playful and imaginative approach to her artwork, using photographs of objects found in her garden and pantry to bring the story to life. Pickles become frogs, corn kernels glow as fireflies, and an owl is cleverly crafted from a pinecone, a chicken feather, and an apple slice. The moon itself is a moonflower, softly blooming on the page. Look closely and you’ll spot the artist’s “secret signature” —a tiny self-portrait waving from the owl’s eyes.
Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey
Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey tells the story of Dendro, an aging tree who can no longer transport nutrients from his roots due to damage from oak beetles. As the seasons pass, he loses his leaves, his bark, and even the strength of his roots. But he gains something greater: wisdom, perspective, and a deep sense of purpose. Though no longer flourishing in the traditional sense, Dendro finds new ways to serve and support the forest around him, from feeding insects and birds to offering shelter and comfort to animals. His quiet, unwavering friendship with a younger tree named Vince grounds the story in warmth and gentle reflection.
The writing is tender, honest, and beautifully simple, and it carries a quiet depth that snuck up on me. I found myself caring deeply about Dendro and Vince, not just as characters, but as metaphors for aging, loss, and self-worth. There’s something powerful about how Dendro never complains. He just keeps giving, even as pieces of him fall away. That kind of silent strength, the way he stays rooted in love and purpose, is something I’m still thinking about. The humor, too, dry and a little bittersweet, adds a charming layer to the story that makes it feel real and human, even though it’s all told through trees.
The ideas in this children’s book are sneaky in the best way. It’s not preachy or pushy, but it makes you sit up and think about aging, sacrifice, usefulness, and legacy. It made me wonder how we define value and why it’s so easy to overlook quiet contributions. The dynamic between Dendro and Vince mirrors the way the older generation passes down strength to the younger, without resentment, with grace. That last page especially gave me a lump in my throat. It’s rare for a children’s book to move me like that.
I’d recommend Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey to kids who are just learning about the natural world, adults who are caring for their aging parents, and honestly, anyone who needs a reminder that giving matters, even when it looks different than it used to. It’s a beautiful and thoughtful read that plants a seed and stays with you long after the last page.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0DSLJQW6Y
Choosing To Be Friendly
Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey follows a young tree as he embraces the cycles of life in the forest and gains an understanding of his role as a provider of shelter and protection. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
Loyalty of a mother bird and the theme of relationships prompted the thought of “Nurtured,” a title for a new book. But I realized I could use this idea to create a sequel to Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey. The mother bird could make her nest on Dendro’s branches, the first nest he would host. The tree’s hesitation in welcoming noisy chicks would add dimension to the story. And this is how the “Rooted” series was born!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Key themes of Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey are:
– Making choices: Reliance on generational wisdom and being true to oneself
– Being welcoming: Choosing to be friendly opens doors for new relationships and opportunities
– Dedication: Persistence and focus are endearing character traits
– Learning from others: We are significantly influenced by the actions of others
– Choosing friends: Look for good qualities such as dependability and good character
– Managing feelings: Identifying and regulating emotions can positively shift perspectives
– Value relationships: Contentment and satisfaction are benefits of investing in others
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
In the last scene, through self-regulation, Dendro models a growth mindset that reflects resilience. Dendro’s mood shifts when he dismisses negative thoughts and instead focuses on gratitude and valued relationships. Children also deal with difficult emotions, but connections are built when they can identify with characters in a story.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
In Rooted: A Mature Tree’s Journey, the third book in the series, Dendro’s character growth continues. Dendro experiences physical changes and becomes more of an extrovert. He develops a special relationship with siblings who visit him often in the forest. When Dendro faces a dangerous threat, the siblings heroically intervene to save their beloved tree. The story highlights the bond between humans and nature and the importance of leadership as Dendro continues to mentor the young seedling.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey
Tammy Cranston’s Rooted is a heartfelt and whimsical children’s book about resilience, change, and connection, told from the unique perspective of a tree named Dendro. Through his watchful eyes, we witness the cycles of life in the forest—stormy seasons, the growth of new friendships, and the struggles of nature. Dendro interacts with a little seedling, a devoted mother robin, and a lively critter named Rocco, all while navigating his own growth, challenges, and emotions. It’s a beautifully simple yet deeply reflective tale about embracing change and standing strong in life’s storms.
I loved how Rooted took something as quiet and still as a tree and made it feel so alive. Dendro is emotionally invested in the world around him. When the mother robin builds a nest in his branches, he has a choice—to embrace her presence or push her away. He chooses kindness, and in return, he gains a front-row seat to the miracle of life. There’s something touching about how he protects the nest from the sneaky rat snake, trembling with tension as he signals Rocco to step in.
One of the most striking moments in the book is when the baby birds finally leave the nest. After days of noise and motion, suddenly, there’s silence, and instead of relief, Dendro feels a strange sadness. That hit me hard. I also found myself chuckling at the seedling’s endless questions. The little one is so full of curiosity and complaints, but instead of indulging in negativity, Dendro gently guides him toward focusing on growth. It’s such a great metaphor for the way we should handle our own worries.
The illustrations bring so much life to the story, and I loved how expressive the characters are. The artwork adds an extra layer of charm that makes the book feel even more immersive and heartfelt.
I’d recommend Rooted to anyone who enjoys fable-like picture books with a gentle but meaningful message. It’s perfect for young readers but just as impactful for adults who appreciate nature’s quiet wisdom. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or nostalgic for something that’s changed, this book will speak to you.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DJKDBF4Z
The Power to Forge On
The Missing Children of Blackwood follows a sharp, quirky, and self-assured girl who gets swept up in the town’s haunted and dark past and needs to solve the mystery of the missing children to save her parents. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My daughter was the inspiration for the setup of my story. She inspires everything I do. I’m a bit of a nervous dad, so if we are walking together in a grocery store or a restaurant or whatever, and I turn to grab something or look away for just a moment—and when I look back I don’t see her, even if it’s only a split-second, I panic. I mean, I really do. I swallow my throat into my stomach every time. She thinks it’s hilarious, but it scares the living shrimp out of me! I’m not a helicopter parent, (not fully) but I couldn’t imagine being separated from her for even a day, especially under circumstances like in my book where I have no control over it. Just the thought is scary. So, when writing the book, I tried to imagine what it might be like for her to feel the same way, and then tell it from her point of view. Obviously, there are some really terrible ways in which a parent and child could be separated in real life that may be more serious and less fun for a kid to read compared to something a bit far-fetched and fantastical, so I decided to go more supernaturally with it and keep it fun, for the most part. I wrote DaPhne to be brave and kept the focus of the story on her conquering whatever obstacles were thrown at her—be it the sadness of separating from her parents and eventually Sparrow, giant rocks of falling death landing razor close to her human body as she watched in her ghost form helpless to do anything about it, or the ground opening up like a monstrous mouth to swallow her whole. I wanted her to be strong and capable through it all and to keep moving forward, no matter what.
When creating DaPhne, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
I never had a solid plan when writing this story. I started in the middle and worked backward. I knew, more or less, where I wanted to go with it, I just needed to find the right path. But I always had a clear vision of how I wanted to write DaPhne. I wrote her based 100% on the personality and style of my twelve-year-old daughter. I simply toned down the snark, and the sass (not kidding). One of the things I thoroughly enjoyed when writing the character, was feeling like a kid again, myself, and getting the stamp of approval from my wife and daughter about making sure not to sound too much like a “dude,” when writing the female characters. I got it wrong a few times, I’ll admit—even the editor called me out on it—but it all came together in the end and I’m pleased with how it turned out.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the most important themes for me, when writing this book, was perseverance. I never wanted DaPhne to give in, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. I wanted her to be a little fighter, just like my own DaPhne. I also wanted kids who read the book to feel like they can be little fighters—mighty, just like DaPhne —and that if they ever find themselves in a tough situation like DaPhne (whether it’s a ghost town possessed by a witch or something else), I want them to know they have the power to forge on and keep fighting, no matter what the odds are—because they do! We all do. Aside from that, I didn’t want the reader to become too settled. I took a few chapters in the beginning to plant the seed and get the story growing, but afterward, I wanted something happening (or about to happen) in each chapter. I have severe ADHD (three extra scoops of ADHD in a cone made of ADHD), and so does my daughter, so my main goal was to keep the suspense gripping as well as a fast-paced story told by a relatable character so as not to lose her attention. I figured if I could get her to read it, and she enjoyed it, I might have a chance with others her age. And of course, the humor. There needs to be humor in everything. The more humor the better. Thor 1 and 2 were good (anything with Chris Hemsworth is a winner), but Thor Ragnarok was GREAT : ) because it had more humor.
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?
I don’t think I have fans just yet, but I like the idea : )
As far as the book goes, it was actually written to be a stand-alone book. I personally like the cliffhanger ending, I always have. The editor is the one who introduced the idea of a series. If I do decide to make it into a series, I have a few ways in which direction I could take it. All I can say for now is that the trucker lady would definitely be returning as one of the main characters—transporting some precious museum cargo that is more than just cargo—along with DaPhne and her parents and a few new characters, (DaPhne’s friends) for a new adventure. But like the weather, that could all change.
Fun fact, that bit in the book with the gum actually happened … to me : (
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
