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What Did You Do At School Today?
What Did You Do At School Today?, by C.C. Lacavera, is an adorable, engaging picture book that encourages meaningful conversations between parents and children. It turns the simple question, “What did you do at school today?” into an imaginative adventure, transforming ordinary school experiences into playful and poetic moments. From counting to infinity, creating colorful art, or even pretending to sail with pirates, this book captures the boundless curiosity of childhood. With lyrical rhymes and whimsical illustrations, Lacavera helps make talking about school fun and inviting.
I really enjoyed how the author makes everyday school activities sound magical. The rhyming questions, like “Did you clap your hands to the beat or whistle a tune? Did you play flutes and trumpets or bang drums that go boom?” make even routine music class sound exciting. The playful rhythm of the words pulls you in, and I found myself smiling while reading. The way Lacavera brings energy to the simplest things—drawing with glitter, building castles in the sand—feels authentic to how a child sees the world, full of wonder and endless possibilities. The writing shines because it’s both fun and interactive. It’s almost impossible to read this book without wanting to ask a child, “Well, did you draw something with googly eyes today?” The questions are an invitation, sparking real conversations that let parents share in their child’s day. When Lacavera asks, “Did you blow like the wind and sail out to sea?” it almost dares you to imagine what kind of games your child played. Yet, not every page is packed with action—there are moments that encourage stillness and reflection, like counting ants in the grass. It’s this variety that keeps the book fresh from start to finish.
What Did You Do At School Today? is a delightful read that’s perfect for parents and caregivers looking to make conversations about school more engaging. It’s great for children who are just starting school or even for families who love creative storytelling. The book makes you want to sit down, cuddle up, and just let your imagination run wild together. For any parent who’s struggled to get more than a “Fine” when asking about their child’s day, this book is a game changer.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0DG9C46BG
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
Duty, Courage, Honor
Charlotte’s Ghosts: The Mystery of the Vanishing Boy follows a grieving middle school girl who moves across the country and meets a ghost on the Civil War Battlefield near her new home. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The original idea for Charlotte’s Ghosts began almost exactly as the story opens, I was running with my dog on a Civil War Battlefield in Virginia, although it wasn’t Manassas. The enormity of the tragedy that occurred there overwhelmed me; of the people lost, and the effect those losses would have had on the families of the young men who gave their lives. In a time with no genetic testing, and when dog-tags were not standard issue, I wondered about the difficulty of the task of identifying those who were killed. I couldn’t imagine the grief associated with not knowing what happened to a brother, father, son or husband of that era. Or, to be the ghost of someone who could not rest because they would never be reunited with their loved ones.
Charlotte struggles with losing her father, moving across the country, and starting a new school all at once at a challenging time in childhood. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Charlotte adored her father. For her, losing him knocked the very Earth off its axis. To honor him, and to keep his memory alive, she tries to stay true to the ideals he instilled in her: duty, courage, honor. Those are hard ideals to uphold. By rediscovering the depth and strength of his love for her, and hers for him, she is able to help Jeremy, and despite the distractions that tempt her to give up on all that he taught her, she finds her place in a new world without him. In the end it is experiencing Jeremy’s grief, and remembering her father’s love for her, even after he is gone, that connects her to Jeremy and that moves them both to the beginning of healing.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The story originally explored the role of Southern intransigence around slavery. As the story evolved, I realized that the most genuine information the story could convey was the indiscriminate horror of war. The US Civil War was the bloodiest war in American history in which hundreds of thousands of people suffered, were injured, or died. The tragedy of war is not just in the battles, but the privations and destruction that war causes. The true horror of war is the same for those who fight it, and those who witness it as civilians, no matter the weapons or the reasons for it.
Also, I hoped readers would learn a little about life in the 1860s by comparing a world without cell phones, electricity, mass communication, or even grocery stores to their own lives. Life for Jeremy and Charlotte could not have been more different, but the pain they experienced was equally devastating.
Will this book be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
I am currently working on a totally new story that definitely has series potential, but unrelated to Charlotte and Jeremy. It involves a secret intelligence agency that is composed entirely of animals.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website – Dragon Song Publishing | Author Website
The spring before 7th Grade, tragedy strikes C. C. Cross. Dad won’t be coming home from Afghanistan. When her mother packs her up and moves her across the country to Manassas, Virginia, C.C. finds herself in a new neighborhood, a new school and a new life, one without her mighty, fearless, and beloved father.
As C.C. struggles to build a new life, she meets a boy on the Civil War Battlefield near her home. Then he disappears right before her eyes. C.C. knows that somehow, she must uncover the truth about the disappearing boy, and why he haunts the Battlefield.
…In the spring of 1861 Jeremy Turner wants nothing more than to join Lincoln’s army and shoot himself some Rebels, if only Ma would sign the enlistment papers. Not until he abandons his family farm and leaves behind everything he loves, will Jeremy find his way into the bloodiest war in American history.
Can these two broken hearts help one another find their way home?
Charlotte’s Ghosts
Charlotte’s Ghosts by L.P. Simone is a thoughtfully crafted novel that deftly weaves the threads of historical fiction, mystery, and supernatural elements. The book opens with the protagonist, C.C. Cross, grappling with the loss of her father, a pivotal event that sets the stage for an intriguing narrative. Simone artfully navigates the dual storylines of C.C. in the present and Jeremy Turner, a boy from the Civil War era, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives.
The plot centers on C.C.’s quest to unravel the enigma surrounding a boy who vanished on a Civil War battlefield, a mystery that gradually intertwines her life with Jeremy’s. Simone’s skillful storytelling oscillates between these two distinct periods, maintaining suspense and intrigue while expertly avoiding spoilers. The novel’s setting is rendered with vivid detail, immersing readers in both the turmoil of the Civil War and the nuances of modern life. The characters of C.C. and Jeremy are particularly noteworthy for their depth and development. Their individual journeys, marked by challenges and discoveries, form the backbone of this dynamic narrative. Simone’s writing style, characterized by warmth and a personal touch, underscores the emotional layers of the novel, particularly in its exploration of themes like grief, connection, and the lingering impact of historical events.
For those drawn to the allure of mysteries, this book offers a brisk and engaging pace, seamlessly blending the lives of characters separated by over a century. Simone’s depiction of the Civil War era is immersive, lending authenticity and depth to the historical backdrop of the story. The characters’ struggles are portrayed with a sensitivity that evokes empathy, enhancing the reader’s engagement with their journeys. The book’s structure, alternating between different timelines, enriches the story’s complexity and depth. The resolution of the central mystery is both satisfying and thought-provoking, adding a layer of depth to the novel’s exploration of grief and historical context.
Charlotte’s Ghosts is a commendable addition to the realms of historical fiction and mystery. L.P. Simone’s novel is original and resonates with a wide range of readers, appealing to both young and mature audiences. Its unique blend of genres and eras offers a reading experience that is as enlightening as it is captivating.
Pages: 184 | ASIN : B0C77VVTX2
LITERARY TITAN 