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Who is “Not Me”?
Not Me! follows a little boy on his first day of school who learns an important lesson in responsibility when he is forced to take the blame for his own actions. Where did the idea for this book come from?
“Not Me” came from a situation that often happened to me as an early childhood educator for 39 years. Oftentimes when a child did something “accidentally” and I would see it happen, I would go over and ask “who did this”? The child didn’t want to admit their mistake, even though I had seen it, and would often reply “not me!” One day this happened 5 times before lunch. I was convinced we had someone in our class named “Not Me.” I held a class meeting with all the kindergartners sitting around me. I asked the children to stand when they heard their name and to stay standing. After everyone was standing, I added one more name, Not Me. The children glared at me and said, “we have no one in our class named Not Me.” I explained that it is important to admit our mistakes rather than blame others. I am not saying Not Me never got blamed again but instead wrote a humorous children’s book to illustrate to all of us how we can learn from our mistakes.
What is your favorite scene in Joshua’s story?
My favorite scene in the story is the last page, when Not Me leaves B.A. Friend Elementary. Joshua knows the importance of admitting his mistakes and doesn’t need to put the blame on Not Me. I often ask readers “where do you think Not Me” is going next? I listen to their priceless reactions but often conclude with “I hope he’s not going to your house/school.” I want the discussion to lead to the importance of taking responsibility for your actions. I also like the scene where Joshua and Not Me are talking in Mr. Fair’s (the principal’s) office. Not Me realizes he is not needed anymore and Joshua wants to learn from his mistakes.Things have calmed down once the principal enters the room and Joshua can admit all the things he has done wrong.
Where did you get the inspiration for Joshua’s traits and dialogue?
I loved writing the character descriptions, especially for Joshua. He is the oldest with twin younger sisters at home. He is the first child in his family to go to school and he is a people pleaser. Even though I don’t have twin siblings, I am the oldest and have always loved school and pleasing others. Joshua’s dialogue is based on my many conversations teaching kindergarten and first grade children. Most of the time, they love their teacher and want to please him/her. As I was writing Joshua’s dialogue, I felt the anguish of wanting to do everything right but making mistakes along the way. I wanted a book that let children know that making mistakes is part of growing up.
What do you hope young readers take away from Not Me?
I hope readers find “Not Me” to be humorous and that they can relate to at least one character. My illustrator, Carissa Harris, did a wonderful job bringing the story to life with Not Me’s dialog in a cartoon bubble. I think this distinguishes real from make believe. I hope my book provides discussion between the reader and those that love them, that we all make mistakes and what we learn from those mistakes is most important.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | Website
How would you handle a character like Not Me? Will he come to visit you next?
Not Me!
Not Me! by Deb Mortensen is a fun and meaningful children’s book about responsibility and honesty. The story follows Joshua, a young boy excited for his first day of school, but things don’t go quite as planned. A mischievous little character named Not Me appears on Joshua’s shoulder, whispering excuses and leading him to deny his mistakes. As Joshua’s day unravels, spilled milk, a runaway class hamster, and even a cafeteria mishap, he finds himself in deeper trouble. Eventually, he learns that blaming Not Me isn’t the answer, and taking ownership of his actions is the only way forward.
One of the best things about this book is how relatable it is. Every kid has been in Joshua’s shoes, messing up and wanting to dodge the blame. When he spills milk at breakfast and instinctively blurts out, “Not Me!,” I could almost hear the chorus of kids everywhere doing the same. The story captures that real moment of hesitation between telling the truth and avoiding trouble. Mortensen nails that internal conflict kids feel, making it an engaging and teachable story without ever being preachy.
The way Not Me! builds up Joshua’s frustration is hilarious and a little heartbreaking. Every time he tries to shake off Not Me, the troublemaker just digs in deeper. One of my favorite scenes is when Joshua, desperate to fit in, launches peas across the cafeteria and immediately hears Not Me blurt out the excuse. It’s a perfect moment of peer pressure, mischief, and regret all rolled into one. The humor keeps the story light, but there’s a clear emotional undercurrent that kids (and even adults) will recognize.
The turning point is what really makes this book special. When Joshua finally admits to everything, there’s no harsh punishment, no dramatic meltdown but a simple conversation with the principal and a realization that honesty feels better than hiding. That moment feels so genuine. When he tells Not Me to go away because he’s “not any fun,” it’s a small but powerful act of maturity. Instead of being lectured into honesty, Joshua arrives at it himself, making the lesson feel earned and real.
Not Me! is a fantastic read for kids who are just starting school or struggling with personal responsibility. The playful language and lively illustrations make it fun, while the underlying message about honesty sneaks in without feeling forced. Teachers, parents, and librarians will appreciate how it sparks conversations about accountability in a way kids actually understand. This is the kind of book that sticks with you and not just because of the charming story but because every kid will meet their own Not Me at some point. Hopefully, like Joshua, they’ll learn to send him packing.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 978-1779441867
Instill Kindness and Compassion
Rufus Finds His Way Home follows a teacher at an international school in Thailand who discovers a family of dogs and takes care of them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup of my story is inspired by my commitment to rescuing dogs and adopting street strays, as there are many dogs in need of a forever home. Rufus, an intelligent, loyal, sweet, and devoted dog despite his rough start, exemplifies this belief. As an elementary school teacher with over 20 years of experience, I aim to instill kindness and compassion in my students, values I believe are crucial in today’s world. The story, Rufus Finds His Way Home, is a fictionalized account based on Rufus’s real-life journey, which began in Rayong, Thailand, in 2013. I’ve tried to make my narrative showcase the power of love and the importance of giving all creatures a chance at a better life.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Ayan Mansoori?
The collaboration with illustrator Ayan Mansoori was a seamless and rewarding experience. Ayan, a talented artist based in India, was chosen for his unique style and portfolio, which perfectly captured the essence of what I envisioned for Rufus in illustrated form. We went through many, many revisions to get the illustrations just right, ensuring that every detail reflected the character’s spirit and the story’s tone. The final artwork exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the results. Ayan’s talent and dedication have been invaluable, and I’m thrilled to announce that he will continue as the illustrator for the next book in the series.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In crafting this children’s book, it was crucial to incorporate educational aspects that emphasize spreading kindness and compassion, fundamental values I strive to instill in young readers. Beyond these core themes, another important aspect was to create a strong emotional connection with Rufus, allowing readers to experience the same affection and bond I felt when I first met him in 2013. By fostering empathy and understanding through Rufus’s journey, the story aims to teach children the importance of caring for others, both human and animal.
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?
Yes, Rufus Finds His Way Home is the first book in a planned series exploring the many adventures of Rufus, our lovable rescue dog. I’m thrilled to announce that the second book, Rufus Finds His Calm, will be released on September 1, 2024. In this heartwarming sequel, Rufus faces new challenges as he moves to a new home. As he navigates the anxiety and fear that come with big changes, Rufus learns to find his calm with the love and support of his family. This story draws a parallel between Rufus’s experiences and the feelings children sometimes face, demonstrating that everyone can discover their inner peace with a little help. Perfect for young readers, Rufus’s journey is a tale of courage, friendship, and finding joy in new beginnings.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Then Mr. Parsons has an even worse surprise: Rufus goes missing. The worried teacher searches the entire school grounds…and even plunges into the pool! But to Mr. Parsons’ dismay, Rufus is nowhere to be found. Where will Mr. Parsons find his beloved dog? Will there be a happy ending for the puppy with the key to Mr. Parsons’ heart?
Rufus Finds His Way Home is a delightful book based on the author’s true-life story. Children will fall for this adorable little puppy, and they’ll be touched by the tale of a teacher’s devotion. Filled with beautiful illustrations, this heartfelt story encourages its audience to care for all creatures. Readers will also discover that, in this diverse world, everyone is deserving of love. A testament to the power of kindness, this memorable book contains an important lesson.
Lessons of Life
The Selfish Shellfish follows a shellfish with a bad attitude who chases off all his friends with his refusal to share. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was inspired to write this story for my daughter Haylie to help teach her lessons of life in a fun constructive way.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to include talking about friendship, bullying, dealing with bullying, and after a heartfelt apology forgiveness.
The art in this book really brings the story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Brent Plooster?
It was a fun and exciting process to work with Brent on the artwork. Zoom calls were conducted where he would create the art in front of us and we gave him live suggestions so the characters were exactly what we imagined.
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 plan on writing many more Children’s books, I have already started on another story of one of the other characters and their adventures.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Swim along with Selfish Shellfish and his ocean friends to find out!
The Selfish Shellfish
The Selfish Shellfish is a charming and poignant tale about the transformative power of sharing and kindness. Set in a vibrant underwater world, this children’s book follows a shellfish who learns the hard way that selfishness leads to loneliness. Through colorful illustrations and rhythmic prose, Middlebrooks takes readers on a journey from isolation to community, highlighting the importance of empathy and friendship.
One of the standout aspects of The Selfish Shellfish is its engaging writing style. Author Carlos Middlebrooks crafts a whimsical narrative, making it accessible to young readers while also resonating with adults. The rhyming verses add a musical quality to the reading experience, which is particularly effective in maintaining the attention of children.
The book’s illustrations by Brent Plooster are colorful and cute. The vibrant artwork brings the underwater world to life, with each page offering something new and exciting for the eyes to explore. The depiction of the great Haylie tree, with its rainbow-hued branches and delicious fruits, is particularly mesmerizing and a beautiful symbol of the joy and abundance of sharing. The visual storytelling complements the text perfectly, making the emotional journey of the shellfish even more impactful.
One of the book’s most compelling parts is the Selfish Shellfish’s emotional transformation. His journey from being an isolated ruler in his self-made castle to a humbled participant in a vibrant community is handled with sensitivity and insight. The moment he realizes that “Marco Polo is more fun with a team” is both simple and profound, encapsulating the essence of the book’s message.
The Selfish Shellfish is a delightful and meaningful picture book for children and adults alike. Its beautiful illustrations and rhythmic storytelling make it an engaging read, while its message about the importance of sharing and community is timeless and essential. I highly recommend this book for parents looking for a story that combines entertainment with a valuable life lesson and for educators seeking a vibrant and thoughtful addition to their classroom library.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CLDM63NV
Hello, Are You New?
Hello, Are You New?, by Carmen Cassar, offers a delightful exploration into the familiar anxieties and excitement surrounding a child’s first day at school, all through the eyes of a relatable possum character. This engaging narrative guides young readers through the possum’s morning preparations for school, effectively mirroring the flurry of thoughts and questions children often have about this significant milestone.
Cassar skillfully addresses common curiosities and concerns—ranging from the nature of the teacher to the classroom environment and peer interactions. This approach not only resonates with young minds but also provides a gentle reassurance about the new experiences awaiting them. The illustrations in the book are particularly noteworthy, featuring a charming, cartoon-like quality that enriches the story. They invite readers into a visually stimulating world, offering plenty of elements to observe and discuss.
A key aspect of Hello, Are You New? is its message about the value of education and the beginning of life’s adventures in school. This theme is woven seamlessly into the story, leaving young readers with an understanding of the myriad opportunities for learning and growth that school offers. Cassar’s book stands out as an insightful and heartwarming tool for parents and educators to help children navigate the transition into school life.
ASIN : B0CSND5M8T
#GrowYourCircle
In Professor Stork’s #GrowYourCircle, readers are introduced to Mila, a young girl navigating the challenges of inclusivity and friendship in her classroom. When a new student from Jamaica arrives, Mila experiences the common hesitancy of reaching out, exacerbated by her forgetting the new girl’s name. This children’s graphic novel skillfully explores the theme of opening oneself up to new experiences and the richness it brings to life.
Mila, following her mother’s advice to “grow your circle,” finds the courage to approach the new girl, Lettie, leading to a blossoming friendship. This narrative serves as a charming introduction to the benefits of embracing cultural diversity and forming connections with people from different backgrounds. The inclusion of a character from another country adds a valuable dimension to the story, showcasing the exciting possibilities of intercultural friendships.
Professor Stork employs an enriching vocabulary throughout the novel, with a helpful glossary included for younger readers. The book also features interactive elements such as coloring pages, activities to encourage readers to expand their social circles, a mini-research project about Mila’s real-life heroes, and a recipe for Jamaican coco bread, making it an engaging read. The artwork has a unique style that stands apart from conventional graphic novel aesthetics, offering readers a refreshing and engaging visual experience and inviting them to explore and connect more intimately with the story’s visual narrative.
#GrowYourCircle is more than just a story about making a new friend; it’s a journey toward understanding the value of inclusivity and the joy of discovering new cultures and perspectives. The novel is a commendable effort to educate young readers about the importance of being open and friendly, highlighting that the rewards of such an approach are indeed profound.
Pages: 87 | ASIN : B09ZJ4DC3G
LITERARY TITAN 