Blog Archives
Charlie’s Crabby Day
Charlie’s Crabby Day is a delightful tale that highlights the values of friendship and hard work. Joan Enockson introduces us to Charlie, a crab who feels self-conscious living next to Chuck, a bigger, stronger crab with many more friends. As a sand sculpture contest approaches, Charlie decides to prove himself by gathering the best materials to win. He discovers a large shell that he plans to use as the centerpiece of his project, keeping it a secret from others. However, new rules require the sculptures to be made in teams, forcing Charlie to collaborate with Chuck, leading to an unexpected journey of learning and growth.
Charlie is a wonderfully crafted character who evolves throughout the story. He learns from his mistakes, realizes that his assumptions about others are not always correct, and shows great resilience by setting aside his prejudices. Charlie becomes more honest and communicative, gradually making new friends without even realizing it. This character development is why I found his story so compelling.
Joan Enockson’s writing is natural and fluent, imparting valuable life lessons to young readers, such as the importance of listening, sharing ideas, and understanding that teamwork, while challenging, can lead to achieving great goals. The detailed descriptions in this children’s book make it easy to visualize the scenes, emphasizing emotions, allowing readers to connect with Charlie on multiple levels. The illustrations are artistic and of high quality, adding charm to the story.
Charlie navigates various situations as he dares to try new things, faces his fears, and overcomes each challenge. Charlie’s Crabby Day is a fun and engaging chapter book that teaches children the importance of letting go of pride and shyness and encouraging them to embrace every opportunity for play and learning.
Pages: 94 | ISBN : 978-1958023433
Through Webster’s Eyes
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River follows an adventurous beagle who gets lost and finds his forever home as a therapy dog. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story came from the time that I spent with Webster at one of the places I love, the Rappahannock River, and the animals that live on it or in it. I thought it was important to tell their story through Webster’s eyes as he looked at them in wonder the first time he saw them – or maybe that was just surprise when the crab pinched him on the nose!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Romney Vasquez?
Romney Vasquez is the best in the business and made the process very simple. He asked me what was being written on each page and what I wanted for artwork but we didn’t know each other and I had never written any kind of book before. Once he read thru a draft, he provided his own ideas and produced some sketch art to send me. When I saw the sketches for the first book, I couldn’t believe them because Romney had captured Webster’s essence so perfectly—especially the joy and smiles he brought to everyone. With this being our second book, we knew what worked, and I don’t remember making any changes because, to me, it’s the illustrations that make the books such a success.
When is the next book in the series coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I’m not sure when or if there will be another book. I was inspired by Webster to write the first one and thought it was important to tell his story. The series allows me to make donations to various charities in his name so he will always be remembered. Although my wife and I did adopt a very mischievous beagle, Billy, who is an Envigo (4,000 beagles were rescued from unsafe conditions at a breeding facility in Virginia, the company, Envigo, behind it has agreed to pay a record $35 million in fines) rescue beagle and has already had quite a few adventures himself…
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Sand Sculpture Competition
The Sand Sculpture Competition is a delightful tale about friendship, teamwork, and creativity under the sea. Our main characters, Charlie and Chuck, two adventurous crabs, embark on a journey to create the best sand sculpture ever. Their project takes a magical turn when they meet Sandy, a mermaid who lends them a precious pearl necklace for their sculpture. Together, they overcome challenges, including a stolen idea and fierce competition, to create a magnificent lighthouse sand sculpture that dazzles everyone.
The writing is vibrant and engaging. The author does a fantastic job of creating an underwater world that feels fantastical and real. The descriptions of the underwater scenes, especially the kelp forest and the lighthouse, are so vivid that you can almost feel the cool ocean breeze and see the shimmering light reflecting off the shells. The characters are well-developed, with Charlie’s determination and Chuck’s strength and humor shining through, making them relatable and endearing.
The idea I enjoyed most in this children’s book is the importance of teamwork and friendship. Charlie and Chuck’s dynamic evolves from mere acquaintances to a powerhouse team. Their combined efforts, with Chuck’s physical strength and Charlie’s meticulous planning, underscore the message that different skills can complement each other beautifully. This theme is especially poignant when they face Claudia’s antagonism and still choose to focus on their own goals rather than getting bogged down by negativity.
The story also creatively integrates the concept of imaginative problem-solving. From the detailed planning of their sand sculpture to the ingenious use of Sandy’s pearls and other oceanic resources, the book encourages young readers to think outside the box. The scene where Charlie and Chuck plan the construction of their lighthouse, ensuring it stands out with unique elements like oyster shells for light and sea glass windows, is a testament to this. It’s a delightful mix of creativity and practical application that can inspire readers to tackle their own projects with similar enthusiasm.
The Sand Sculpture Competition is a heartwarming and fun read that I’d highly recommend to young readers and anyone who enjoys a good adventure. It’s perfect for children who love stories about the ocean, teamwork, and creative competitions. Author Joan Enockson has crafted an entertaining tale that imparts valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the joy of creation.
Pages: 59 | ASIN : B0D3G2S6XZ
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River is a heartwarming tale of a beagle named Webster who, after getting lost, finds his forever home and becomes a cherished therapy dog. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Rappahannock River, Webster’s adventures with various river critters are beautifully depicted, teaching young readers about resilience, friendship, and the wonders of nature.
Author Frank Payne’s writing is engaging and educational. The narrative flows smoothly, making it easy for young readers to follow Webster’s journey. Payne has a knack for blending adventure with learning, as seen in the fascinating “Did You Know?” sections scattered throughout the book. These tidbits about ospreys, blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish are not just informative, they are a fun way for children to learn about the world around them, enhancing the storytelling by providing context to Webster’s experiences.
One of my favorite parts of this children’s book is when Webster ventures down the pier in spring to check on the ospreys. This section beautifully captures the cycle of life and the rhythm of nature, reinforcing the book’s theme of continuity and homecoming. The playful tone and the light-hearted humor, like when Webster gets pinched by a crab, add a delightful touch to the story.
The illustrations by Romney Vasquez are a perfect complement to Payne’s story. They are vibrant and full of life, bringing Webster and his adventures to life in a way that is sure to captivate young readers. The depiction of the river and its inhabitants is particularly well done, with each page offering something new to discover. The illustrations support the story and provide additional layers of meaning and engagement, making the reading experience more enjoyable.
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River is a charming and educational picture book I highly recommend. It’s perfect for children who love animals and nature and for parents looking for a story that combines adventure with learning. The book’s heartwarming message about finding one’s place in the world and the joy of new discoveries makes it a delightful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0D4VZBS67
Mysterious Depths of the Sea
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles follows a group of immortal Dolphin Riders who are responsible for helping to maintain the marine ecosystem. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had been sketching out ideas for the characters and the stories that I wanted them to tell for many years, but I didn’t have time to actually write it until my newborn was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. It seems ridiculous that I would actually have more time to do something like this during such a time, but there was a lot of sitting and waiting at medical facilities. So, naturally, I rocked my baby and wrote a book on my phone. I wanted the first book to deal with the stranding of cetaceans because it is one of the most baffling behaviors they exhibit. After lots and lots of research, I discovered The Morbillivirus, dubbed it “The Great Sickness of Old,” and I was on my way.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this book?
I fell in love with the ocean at age five, and I devoured every piece of literature I could find on the subject. Sadly, the few books I found did not sweep me away into the mysterious depths of the sea quite the way my own imagination did. I wanted to share these dreams with others as well as teach them as much as possible about these majestic creatures that I love so much. By leading young readers to fall in love with these animals, I just might help ensure another generation of sea guardians.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
When the whales are stranded on the beach at the end of chapter 4, they have a quick discussion about calling out to get help from people. Their matriarch, however, has heard troubling stories about “Those Who Walk on Two Legs.” This makes her decide to keep her family quiet. Although brief, this scene offers a glimpse at the long and rocky relationship that we have had with whales over the centuries. I wanted children to think about why this caution exists as well as ways to improve the relationship in the future.
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?
This is the first of many stories I hope to write in this series. Even though I finished writing the book in 2015, I was unable to find time to publish until the Covid lockdown. It was only a strange coincidence that I published a book about a virus during that time, but I immediately began work on the next book. Entangled: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 2 is complete and with the editor now. I hope to release it within the next few months.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Website | Amazon
In this highly original book, the author combines a gripping fantasy story with impressive amounts of factual information about marine life. While the beautiful color photos illustrate the real world of marine mammals, aquatic plants, and sea birds, readers of all ages will enjoy using their imaginations to picture the magical Isle of Cetacea and its eternally young inhabitants.
Feather Chelle is a mother of five and the award-winning author of multiple books for children.
A Dynamic Learning Experience
Rainforest Rescue follows a curious tiger cub whose chase of a butterfly leads him into the rainforest, sparking his journey to find his way back home while navigating the challenges of the wild. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Numerous children have experienced the daunting fear of getting separated in places like malls or grocery stores, or even losing sight of their parents at home. This narrative resonates with many young ones, offering them a source of connection and empowerment as they learn to confront and conquer their fears.
How do you balance incorporating educational elements with storytelling to keep young readers engaged?
By infusing facts, concepts, and lessons within an engaging storyline, a dynamic learning experience is created that keeps young readers absorbed while imparting knowledge.
What inspired you to choose a tiger cub as the protagonist for Rainforest Rescue?
My aim was to acquaint young readers with the Sumatran tiger, fostering love and care for animals and the environment. Additionally, I sought to raise awareness about the habitat challenges and threats confronting these magnificent creatures, such as the perilous effects of oil palm plantation expansion, deforestation, and the grim practice of tiger poaching driven by the demand for tiger teeth, bones, claws, and other commodities.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My upcoming book will focus either on an endangered species, aiming to raise awareness and empathy among children, or on enhancing phonics skills that will foster a love for reading.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Rainforest Rescue children’s book is not just an entertaining read; it is an educational tool that sparks curiosity about wildlife conservation and environmental preservation. Children will become inspired to protect our precious rainforests and the remarkable creatures that call them home. Get ready for a thrilling journey filled with excitement, emotions, and valuable life lessons.
LITERARY TITAN 