Blog Archives
What is Home?
The Girl from Korn follows an eleven-year-old Mennonite girl leaving Russia for Oklahoma in 1903, who exsperances a harsh new land and strict community that tests her courage, faith, and understanding of what it truly means to find home. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story is inspired by my grandmother’s family memoir. She was born in Corn, Oklahoma, and often spoke about her grandparents’ move to Corn and what life was like during that time. One day, after visiting Corn and seeing my ancestors’ gravestones in the cemetery, the idea for this story began to take shape in my mind. I started researching what life was like back then and created a strong-willed, curious character named Tillie as part of the DeFehr family.
How does Tillie’s journey resonate with modern immigration stories?
There are so many heart breaking stories right now about immigrants and the way they negative ways they are treated. For this reason, I wanted to include Tillie’s arrival to New York City and her seeing the Statue of Liberty, as a simple reminder that most of us descended from immigrants and the U.S. has a history of welcoming others from across the globe. We need to keep finding ways to take care of each other and treat each other with respect and kindness.
Family bonds are a major theme. Which relationship was most meaningful for you to write?
I appreciate Tillie’s relationships with several characters in the story. I admire how she struggles to understand her mother but ultimately comes to terms with her. I also love her bond with Preacher; he is kind, humble, and genuinely listens to Tillie. However, the most significant relationship is with her sister, Teenie. Tragically, Teenie passes away at the end of the book, and Tillie and her family each navigate their grief in different ways. This resonates with me personally, as my own sister passed away last year after a long illness. Therefore, Tillie’s relationship with Teenie reflects my experiences with my sister in many ways.
The idea of “home” evolves throughout the story. What do you hope readers take away about belonging?
I think our ideas of what is home changes over our lifetime, especially if you grow up in more than one culture. Tillie’s home kept changing, but ultimately it was always where her family was. However, she had to learn a new language, live in different houses, experience a new way of life. She had to contiually adapt in order to belong. Many of us do that thoughout our lives as well.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
At the turn of the century, Anna Mathilda DeFehr, known as Tillie to her friends and family, sets off on a life-changing journey from Europe to America. Immigrating with her Mennonite family, Tillie braves the open sea, a long train from the shining New York harbor to the rolling plains of Oklahoma, and the strange new world she finds herself in.
As her family journeys from the cramped and crowded steerage of a ship to the bustling crowds of Ellis Island, then again to settle in a quiet community that doesn’t understand her way of life, Tillie faces countless challenges: Learning a brand new language. Adjusting to life in a sod house. Confronting the elements and unsuitable living conditions. And, most of all, finding out how on earth she can call this place her home.
This historical fiction story explores how one girl’s faith, hope, and love for her family can propel her through a storm of obstacles to claim her rightful place within her own heart. With allies like Julius, a book-loving new friend, and Crazy Wolf, a member of the local Arapahoe tribe who introduces her to a new world, Tillie learns that home is something you build—it’s who you are and the people you belong to.
A captivating tale of the might of innocence to break barriers and adapt to change, The Girl from Korn inspires young readers to embrace their cultural roots while exploring the beauty of discovery in brand new places.
The Girl from Korn
Set in 1903, the story follows Anna Mathilda “Tillie” DeFehr on a long, perilous passage to a new life. She leaves Russia with her family and arrives in the United States. A brief glimpse of the Statue of Liberty marks the threshold. Then the journey continues to Oklahoma, where they settle among a strict Mennonite community.
From there, the book becomes a clear-eyed record of Tillie’s new reality. The American plains feel stark. Daily life demands grit. Adaptation comes slowly and often hurts. Hard lessons land early and keep coming. Yet the narrative never turns bleak. Warmth appears in ordinary moments. Joy shows up in family bonds, small victories, and shared routines. The result feels grounded and honest, capturing the immigrant experience at the turn of the nineteenth century into the twentieth.
The Girl from Korn, by Eileen Hobbs, reads as young adult historical fiction. It will likely resonate most with readers around ages 9–12. At times, it carries echoes of the Little House on the Prairie books. Familiar in the best way. Rooted in place, work, and family.
The novel unfolds as Tillie’s first-person account. She begins on her eleventh birthday, still aboard the ship, nearing her new home. Fear shapes those early pages. Homesickness presses in. Disorientation feels inevitable. She is leaving everything behind during a formative stretch of childhood, right on the edge of adolescence.
Once in Oklahoma, the detail becomes the book’s strength. The days are long. The labor is relentless. Community rules tighten the world even further. Tillie endures it with stubborn courage. She stays resourceful. She stays determined. Most of all, she stays connected to her family, and that connection steadies the story.
In the end, Hobbs delivers a strong and satisfying YA historical novel, with crossover appeal for older readers. The prose is vivid without being fussy. Scenes come into focus quickly and linger. The author’s inspiration, stories passed down from her great-great-grandparents, adds texture and conviction, giving the book the feel of a lived memory rendered into fiction.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0FZG1B334
Trying Something New
Yetis Don’t Wear Bow Ties follows a yeti who is offered a bow tie to wear and he rejects the idea at first, but then reconsiders it and gives it a try, learning something new about himself. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story came when on a family trip, trying to convince my son to try new foods. We were telling him sometimes you try something and end up really enjoying it! I started thinking the silly story up on the way home the next day.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Yeti shares with his friends was my favorite. Pixy Petal and I had so much fun imagining who his buds would be and how they might don a bow tie.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Just the idea of trying something new. I try to keep my books very light-hearted and fun. If there is a message, I try to keep it subtle so that the story is at the forefront.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book is going to be called Goodnight, Nessie – featuring some familiar faces! Without spoiling much, the theme will be helping a friend in need. It’ll be available in mid-March.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Amazon
Janice Hostetter’s creative storytelling and Pixy Petal’s playful illustrations weave together seamlessly to yield a hysterical story with a big heart.
Soft Hugs for Mommy
Soft Hugs for Mommy is a heartfelt exploration of living with fibromyalgia, wrapped in a narrative that combines raw vulnerability and an educational touch. Through poignant anecdotes and empathetic storytelling, the book brings to light the realities of chronic illness. It’s more than just a guide; it’s an emotional support system, a conversation with a friend who truly understands. From explaining the “invisible” nature of pain to depicting the strain on family and relationships, it’s a deeply personal yet universally relatable read.
The writing is what struck me first because it’s conversational and deeply honest. The section where the author, Mandy Farmer, describes the metaphor of “soft hugs” as gentle comfort for a hurting body was incredibly moving. The imagery was simple but hit home. At times, though, the casual tone made some sections feel a bit repetitive, like the book was circling back to the same ideas. That said, these repetitions felt less like oversights and more like reminders of the ongoing, cyclical nature of chronic illness—a clever, intentional choice. I loved how the author took time to focus on family dynamics, especially the chapter where a child tries to understand why “mommy can’t always play.” That scene brought tears to my eyes. The way children’s innocence clashed with the parent’s frustration and guilt was beautifully handled. It reminded me of how illness doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it affects everyone in its orbit. The final chapters, which encourage readers to open up and share their struggles, resonated deeply. The emphasis on community and solidarity gave the book a hopeful note, even in the midst of heavy topics. The inclusion of Melissa’s own story (featured toward the end) tied everything together beautifully. It’s rare to read something so intimate that also feels empowering.
Soft Hugs for Mommy is a touching read for anyone grappling with chronic pain or supporting someone who is. It’s perfect for parents, partners, and friends looking for insight into what it’s like to live with fibromyalgia. Its emotional depth and gentle honesty make it worth picking up. If you need a book that feels like a comforting chat over tea, this one’s for you.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0D7SGSJ48
Giving Back to Nature
In Nori’s Amazing First Hike, a curious three-year-old and her family embark on an outdoor adventure, revel in the beauty around them, and give back to nature by planting a tree together. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was an important book for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted it to be as a keepsake for my family and especially for my 3-year-old daughter Nori (short for Eleonora) who’s the main character in the book and of course the main inspiration. Secondly, I’m an avid hiker and generally a very outdoorsy person. I love everything about nature and hiking including writing about it. My main goal with this book was to instill nature appreciation and love for exploration of the Great Outdoors in young readers. For me, that’s very important, especially in the digital world we live in where we’re flooded with screens. Being in nature heals the sole and recalibrates our minds and the sooner one understands that the better.
Planting the tree was something that I wanted to include in the book because it shows the importance of giving back to nature.
Is there anything from your own life included in the characters and experiences in your book?
Yes, the three main characters – Nori, her mom, and dad are all real. That’s me and my family. Some scenes of the book follow some of the hikes we did with Nori. For example, the scene where Dad kneels down, points at a butterfly, and explains to Nori its life stages is something that happened in real life during one of our hikes. We saw a gorgeous butterfly and I kneeled down to marvel at it. Nori was very intrigued by it and started asking me funny questions about the butterfly and the insects.
Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Kateryna Mansarliiska?
Kateryna is a young illustrator from Ukraine. We met online via a collaboration platform and I really liked her previous illustrations. So, I asked her to help me with the book and she instantly agreed. Working with her was a breeze. There was a lot of back and forth until we nail down the right scenes and the ideal colors but it was a fun process and we both liked it.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Nothing specific to mention yet. I have an idea about writing a book involving a little boy who goes cycling with his new bike but that’s all. It’s still a very vague idea. Soon, I will start working on it more thoroughly.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Embark on a heartwarming journey with Nori, a sweet 3-year-old, inspired by the real-life experiences of the author’s own daughter.
Follow Nori as she ventures to the mountains with her parents, an awe-inspiring experience filled with discovery, learning, and the sheer joy of being in nature.
With each step, Nori learns valuable lessons about respect and love for the natural world. Most importantly, she learns how to overcome challenges.
Aimed at kids aged 2-6 and beautifully illustrated, this is the perfect book if you want to ignite your child’s imagination and instill a deep appreciation for nature, all through a narrative that combines fun and learning.
Popina & Slumberina
In the enchanting kingdom of Nimbasoy, Princess Popina is born to King Popee and Queen Mina in Popina & Slumberina by Irit Tal. To celebrate her arrival, the king and queen host a grand party at the royal palace, where guests present a variety of thoughtful gifts, including lemons, honey, a silver bell, and a rainbow. However, the gift that captures Popina’s heart is a soft green blanket from her Uncle Paul. She cherishes it so much that she names it Slumberina and takes it everywhere as her best friend. As Popina grows older, she reaches the age to attend preschool. Her parents assure her that she will learn new things and make friends. With Slumberina in tow, Popina embarks on this new adventure. However, she soon realizes that Slumberina is hindering her from engaging in fun activities and making friends. This realization makes Popina sad. One day, while walking home with her father, King Popee, Popina accidentally drops Slumberina in the dirt. At home, she begins to contemplate whether it might be time to leave Slumberina behind. Will Popina decide to go to school without Slumberina? Will she finally make friends and join in the activities?
One of the delightful aspects of this charming children’s story is its rhyming cadence. The rhythmic verses make the story enjoyable to read aloud and memorable for young listeners. The story beautifully addresses the theme of growing up and the process of becoming less reliant on comfort objects like blankets, teddy bears, or dolls. Popina’s journey resonates with children, encouraging them to understand that it’s okay to leave their security toys at home as they grow older and more independent.
The illustrations by Anat Davis are equally captivating. Children will easily fall in love with the characters, and the vibrant artwork draws readers deeper into Popina’s world. Each illustration enhances the narrative, making readers feel as if they are part of Popina’s growth and adventures. A heartwarming detail about this book is that the author and illustrator are sisters. Inspired by their daughters’ experiences with their cherished blankets, Irit Tal wrote Popina’s story to help her daughter, Shira, let go of her favorite blanket. After reading the story a few times, Shira decided she wanted to be just like Popina and began leaving her blanket at home.
Popina & Slumberina is a wonderful story that teaches children the importance of growing up and becoming more independent. It reassures young readers that it’s natural to outgrow their need for comfort objects. I highly recommend this story for its engaging narrative, relatable message, and delightful illustrations. Well done!
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CHH3CST1
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
Unique Part of Australian Fauna
Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend follows a curious young bird who embarks on a journey of self-discovery while trying to find a friend who resembles himself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have been studying Australian brush-turkeys (commonly known as bush-turkeys) for many years and I realised that even though they are such a unique part of Australian fauna, children know very little about them.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
First, to educate children about the very special way a brush-turkey incubates its eggs (by dumping them in mounds of leaf litter), and about their unique approach to parenting (not looking after your young at all).
Second, as a teacher, to address personal issues that many children face – is it ok to be different? How patient do I need to be before I can find a friend?
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Among the children’s books all those that promote Australian wildlife to young readers, such as On the Trails of the Plains Wanderer by Rohan Cleeve.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’d prefer to skip that question – still thinking about it. Not sure really! I just had to write this book because it was bothering me that children know so little about brush-turkeys.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Benefits of reading Bush Turkey Needs a Friend:
Uplifting animal adventure with valuable life lessons about friendships and the power of self-acceptance.
Creating an emotional connection to a young bird that initially struggles to find a friend.
A newfound understanding of the Brush (Bush) Turkey, a remarkable Australian native bird found in bush and backyards.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 3 to 8.
