Blog Archives
Curious Chris- Why No Flamingos?
Curious Chris – Why No Flamingos? by Cindy B. Witty, illustrated by Sally Garland, stands out as a particularly charming and insightful children’s book. The story, centered around Chris, a boy with an insatiable curiosity, captures the essence of a child’s imaginative world. Chris’s constant stream of questions, ranging from the mundane to the fantastical, not only entertains but also reflects a deep and relatable aspect of childhood.
The narrative’s strength lies in its portrayal of how Chris’s parents navigate his endless inquiries. They ingeniously propose a pet as a way to channel his curiosity, leading to Chris’s whimsical desire for a flamingo, or “falingmo” in his endearing mispronunciation. This choice is an imaginative yet grounded approach to dealing with a child’s boundless imagination. As the story unfolds, with the realization that a flamingo is an impractical pet, it takes a gentle turn towards dealing with disappointment and finding joy in unexpected outcomes.
The introduction of Angel, the sandy-colored Labrador, marks a significant shift in Chris’s journey. The gradual shift from disappointment to affection is handled with a deft touch, teaching an important lesson about adaptability and openness to new experiences. What truly elevates this book are Sally Garland’s illustrations. They do more than just accompany the text; they breathe life into Chris’s world, making the story more immersive and engaging for young readers. The combination of Witty’s storytelling and Garland’s visuals creates a captivating experience.
Curious Chris – Why No Flamingos? is a rich, multifaceted tale that delves into themes of curiosity, adaptability, and the joys of unexpected companionship. It is an excellent choice for children, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons in a delightful package.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CFW25HT3
Entertain and Educate
Pets: Do You Want One? introduces children to sight words through vivid photos and graphics of animals while also educating them on the responsibilities of pet ownership. What was the inspiration for your story?
Growing up and throughout my adult life, animals and pets have been a constant presence in my world. I’ve noticed that my students are particularly drawn to stories about animals and pets when they read to me. One little girl in my class, in particular, had a fondness for simple pet books and would read them repeatedly. Inspired by her enthusiasm, I decided to create a vibrant pet book that showcases various pets while also emphasizing the importance of proper pet care.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Working on my books has reignited the creativity I experienced in my youth, providing relaxation and presenting me with new goals and challenges. I thoroughly enjoy the process of playing with borders, colors, and selecting just the right photos to captivate children’s imaginations. My aim is to integrate books into my classroom and the wider world that not only entertain but also cover curriculum content in literacy, math, science, and social studies in an engaging and enjoyable manner.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
As a child, I cherished the works of beloved authors such as Beatrix Potter, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Margaret Wise Brown, Richard Scarry, Janette Sebring Lowrey, and Mercer Mayer. Now, as a primary school teacher, I’ve expanded my collection to include books from a variety of other authors that I share with my students year-round. My classroom library features captivating stories from the likes of Robert Munsch, Eric Carle, Jan Brett, Patricia Polacco, Todd Parr, E.B. White, James Dean, and numerous others.
What is the next book in the series that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My upcoming children’s book, “Bunnies: Big and Small,” is set to be published just in time for Easter. This picture book is brimming with adorable bunny pictures, captivating rhyme, vibrant colors, and engaging counting activities. I’ve dedicated much of the winter to perfecting it, adding extra details, and ensuring that the layout and text are perfectly tailored for my grade 1 students. I can’t wait to share it with them and with readers everywhere!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Pintrest | TikTok | YouTube
Wild Acres Farm Series
Crafted by Carolyn Wild with extensive literacy education experience, this collection of leveled emergent readers integrates beginner sight words, picture dictionaries, science facts, repetitive decodable words, rhyming text, colored rebus picture clues, math concepts and learning-to-read tips. Recognized for its positive impact, the series has earned recognition and awards for reading success in classrooms, daycares, and homes.
Pets: Do You Want One?
Pets: Do You Want One? by Carolyn Wild is an endearing and interactive picture book ideal for young, emerging readers. The central theme of the book, “Do you want a pet?” resonates on each page, creating an engaging narrative for children. The children’s book cleverly combines high-frequency sight words with delightful images of various pets, making it an excellent tool for aiding in the development of reading skills.
The illustrations in this book are particularly captivating, with a range of small to large pictures of animals that not only adorn the pages but also aid in discussing each animal. These visuals serve as an excellent engagement point, encouraging parents to interact with their children by asking questions related to the content. Furthermore, the book extends beyond mere reading practice; it introduces young readers to the idea of pet ownership, touching on the responsibilities and care required for different animals. Carolyn Wild’s writing style is straightforward yet appealing, effectively using repetition to reinforce reading skills and familiarize children with high-frequency sight words. The repetition also enhances the learning experience, making the book a valuable resource for repeated readings.
This book’s charm and educational value make it a great addition to any early childhood classroom, especially for Pre-K and Kindergarten levels, where it can be a significant asset for teachers in developing literacy skills. The combination of adorable imagery, simple yet effective writing, and interactive elements make Pets: Do You Want One? a commendable choice for young readers.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CM2M7Q6W
Meet the Cronimoes
Meet the Cronimoes stands out as an imaginative and delightful read, especially notable for its young author, four-year-old E.J. Cooper. This book introduces readers to a whimsically diverse cast of monsters, each uniquely crafted from the vibrant imagination of Cooper. These creatures range from the playful, who enjoy tickling and sniffing stinky feet, to the helpful, assisting those who can’t reach high places. Some, intriguingly, are content doing nothing at all.
E.J. Cooper’s talent in creating a monster-filled world is commendable, capturing the hearts of young readers and igniting their imaginations. Complementing Cooper’s creativity, illustrator Sam Saddle effectively brings these characters to life with striking and colorful illustrations. The book serves as an engaging tool for parents and educators to discuss with children their favorite monsters and even encourages them to design their own Cronimoes, exploring their potential looks and behaviors.
While the book is rich in imagination and character, I feel it might have benefited from a slightly more defined storyline or various challenges for the monsters to navigate. I believe such elements could have provided deeper engagement with these creatively conceived characters. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the book’s splendor and charm. A particularly delightful touch is the inclusion of original drawings by its young author E.J. Cooper, which add an authentic and endearing quality to the book. These illustrations, both humorous and charming, are likely to resonate with both young readers and adults alike.
Meet the Cronimoes is a vibrant celebration of youthful creativity and imagination. Its appeal lies not only in the inventive characters and vivid illustrations but also in its potential to inspire young minds to explore and create. Both entertaining and stimulating, it’s a commendable addition to any young reader’s collection, promising to spark creativity and laughter in equal measure.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0CNX2KJ4F
There is Beauty in Being Different
Purrrfect As I Am is the heartwarming tale of three kittens, all with special needs, who prove that there is indeed beauty in being different. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Working in the field with children that are special needs has created a view into this beautiful world that most people don’t try to see. Along with this I am very passionate about animals. Having a different view has enabled me to see things in animals too most people don’t see or even know about. I had landed on different foster organizations for cats with special needs. I have been following these amazing organizations for a few years and that is really what the inspiration was. I realized that there are barely any books about animals with special needs. And there are people that when I would show them the pictures would think they are not cute or adorable like I do but once I explained their story they had a totally different view. Following these fosters showed me the beauty in these special animals. I wanted to share that with the world so that maybe someone out there would not give the animal back but would seek out help. Or that someone would be open to adopting one of these amazing animals. Its about showing the world the beauty in being different, not just for humans, but animals too.
What kind of research was required to make sure you portrayed the kittens’ special needs accurately?
I follow three different amazing foster organizations for special needs cats specifically. What I did was go through their pictures and posts again to ensure I had the correct information for the disorders. Also, for the behaviors the cats could be seen engaging in. Then I found online through searching some pictures that I wanted to use for my characters. I also used an amazing company named Brainstorm Productions to do the illustrations. For the style I asked one specific individual if she would do all twelve for me. I used the first book in Cat Brothers series, Rascal Cat Brothers, to decide on a specific style. With characters that need to be specific and wanting them to be cute and adorable, I took my time in deciding on a style. I got very lucky in that she agreed to do the illustrations for the whole book.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from Purrrfect As I Am?
Even though an animal is different looking, they can still be silly and funny and adorable lap cats if that is what the family Is looking for. Look beyond the differences on the outside and adopt the cat anyways. They can be just as amazing friends and companions as any other. However, if the cost is too much, to please find a suitable foster organization; please do not surrender them to a shelter they cannot help. Be kind to these beautiful creatures.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I am working on is actually a spin off Purrrfect As I am. The three characters are going to use their specialness to solve cute mysteries. The first book is going to be available sometime in 2024. It will have the same illustrator as well.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Purrrfect As I Am
Bones is a loving kitten who enjoys cuddling and playing with both humans and fellow fur buddies. Despite being a special needs cat with hydrocephalus, he doesn’t let it slow him down. Bones shares his journey with readers, explaining how his condition can sometimes make him feel sleepy and affect his ability to walk. However, a special visit to the vet helps him recover fully. His fur friend Beau, who is blind, can chase a ball across the room independently, while Bender, with three legs, can still run incredibly fast. Their disabilities do not hinder these cats from living life to the fullest and experiencing joy, fun, and love.
Purrrfect As I Am is an enchanting and inspirational read that conveys an important lesson to young readers: Treat everyone with kindness, regardless of their appearance or special needs. Author Lisa Jacovsky has crafted a story that encourages love and compassion for all. The beautiful illustrations accompanying the narrative portray the kittens’ physical disabilities in a way that neither frightens nor worries young readers. It’s heartening to see the author depict these kittens as typical feline companions who enjoy the usual activities like playing, eating, and snuggling. I loved that Bones is the narrator of the story, providing valuable insight into the world of special needs animals and teaching us that they are truly extraordinary. This perspective offers a unique and engaging way to connect with the story’s message.
Purrrfect As I Am is a delightful tale that celebrates diversity, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of special needs animals. It serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds, and every creature, regardless of their unique challenges, can lead a life brimming with joy and adventure. This book encourages readers to cherish and embrace the differences that make each of us special, echoing the resilience and spirit of these three remarkable kittens.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0C6BQTYXP
Change Is Neither Inherently Good Nor Bad
Queen Molly and Her Friends follows a young GSD puppy who finds her forever family and shares what her life is like living with her amazing humans. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have a summer cottage in PA, the ‘Summer Palace’ in the book. Molly and I spent all last summer there, and much of the time, we had the place to ourselves. I had a lot of time to really get to know how incredibly smart and unique she is. When she first came into our lives as a pup, she had to try to make sense of being taken from her mother and siblings and starting life anew in a whole new place with a whole new cast of characters. I tried to capture that experience and all that followed from her perspective but with a human slant as well.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to show that change is neither inherently good nor bad; our response to change is what matters. Molly chose to accept the changes in her life as positive experiences due to her strong sense of self-confidence. I hoped to show that change is not something to fear but rather something to embrace and grow with.
Also, the characters in the book all have a great deal of respect for each other and care deeply about each other despite being very different from each other. Molly the Mutt is a great example; some people look at mutts as ‘less than,’ but not Molly. She treats Lilly as an equal and a good friend. Despite thinking of herself as a Queen and privileged, she treats everyone in her life with dignity. I think that’s an important lesson for all of us.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Samantha Deir?
I realized that illustrations would be integral to the story, and I researched professional illustrators online. I was getting frustrated and shared that with my daughter, and she suggested that I reach out to her friend, Samantha. Samantha is a very talented tattoo artist but had never illustrated a book. She was looking to step out of her comfort zone, which I respect tremendously, so we decided to test some ideas out. I sent her photos of Molly, Lillly, the ‘palace grounds,’ etc., and explained where I thought they would fit with the text. She sent some sketches, which I absolutely loved. I fell in love with the cover illustration immediately and decided she was the perfect person to bring the book to life. She added some illustrations from scratch, no pics to work from, and added the crown and cape on her own. I fell in love with the cover illustration right away, of course. The process took a while since her tattoo business is very successful, and she is quite busy, but to me, it was well worth the wait. Interestingly, we have never met in person. It’s been a text and email-only collaboration.
Do you have more books planned featuring Molly and her friends? If so, when will it be available?
I have two more Molly books in mind. One will focus exclusively on her life at the Summer Palace. The other will focus on a huge change whereby Meghan has a baby, and her boyfriend, his dog Cooper and baby Ellie come to live at 300 Elm Street for a while, then move to their own ‘palace’, leaving Molly alone with me. I am writing the Summer Palace book now, but as for timing, that will depend on Samantha’s availability. I like her work so much that I want to keep our team together.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook
Queen Molly and Her Friends
Our pets rule our homes–let’s face it. Author Gary John and illustrator Samantha Deir know this well. They know it so well, in fact, that they have created a main character who is the queen of her home and well aware that she is in charge of her humans’ every move. Molly’s thoughts are communicated to young readers from the time she is a very young puppy leaving her home to late adulthood after living a full life of running the household. Molly’s antics keep both her owners and young readers on their toes as they follow her from one setting to the next.
Queen Molly and Her Friends, written by Gary John and illustrated by Samantha Deir, is a children’s picture book written from the perspective of a young German Shepherd who is learning, growing, and adjusting to life in a new home. What makes John’s book so special is its focus on Molly’s thoughts. Our typical reactions to our pets’ misbehavior are interpreted in a humorous way by the main character. Young readers will enjoy going along with Molly and her friend Lilly as they grow together. Deir’s illustrations are simple, colorful, and draw readers directly into the storyline.
As a pet owner myself, I appreciated the progression from puppy to adult portrayed in Molly’s story. While Molly’s story is sweet and strikes a chord with children who own pets, I feel that it lacks dialogue and is a bit heavy on narrative for young readers. The author has done an amazing job of showing young readers how a dog grows from an overactive puppy to an adult who is protective of her family and loyal to the very end.
Children and adults alike will enjoy John’s story and Deir’s sweet illustrations. The children’s book Queen Molly and Her Friends is an excellent resource for parents who are considering bringing a pet into the family.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0C63YD9B6
