Blog Archives
The Grass May Not Be Greener
This sweet little picture book tells the story of a bunny who’s fed up with being himself. He complains to a fairy that life as a bunny is dull and tough, so she grants his wish to become different animals for a day. He becomes a bee, an elephant, a snake, and a fish. Each adventure starts with excitement and ends in disappointment as the bunny learns that every creature has its own problems. By the end, he realizes he’s happiest being himself. The book wraps up with a moral about self-acceptance and a fun page of bunny facts for curious young readers.
I have to say, I loved the rhythm and rhyme of the writing. It’s bouncy and easy to read aloud, which makes it perfect for bedtime or storytime. The bunny’s personality really comes through. He’s grumpy, curious, and kind of dramatic in a funny way. Each transformation feels like its own little mini-story, and I found myself smiling at how relatable it all was. The fairy’s gentle patience balances Bunny’s constant complaining nicely, and the message about gratitude feels earned rather than preachy.
The illustrations are just gorgeous. Bright, warm, and full of life. The charming illustrations are delightful and perfectly convey the story’s humor. The warm colors and endearing art style create a rich, engaging world that invites young readers to pore over the details and discover a new, funny antic with every look. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain kids but nudges adults too, reminding us all to stop comparing our lives to others. It hits that sweet spot of being simple enough for children and thoughtful enough for grown-ups to appreciate.
I’d recommend The Grass May Not Be Greener to parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a cheerful yet meaningful story to share with children. It’s especially good for kids who might struggle with confidence or envy. The writing is playful, the pictures are wonderful, and the lesson lands softly. It’s one of those books that makes you smile and think.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0D32GYDJ6
Believe in the Impossible
Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! follows non-identical twins who each wish for a different pet and are visited by their father’s imaginary bunny friend. What was the inspiration for your story?
When I first came up with the idea to do the Happy Tails series, I planned to have animals feature just as prominently as the humans did. Since everything is mainly featured around a holiday, well – bunnies came to mind. A good portion of the antics in the first bunny book were from real life experience. That story about the spaghetti – that was from an actual pet rabbit attacking my plate. Until then, I had no idea that bunnies could like spaghetti. Maybe it’s not good for them, but that rabbit wanted the pasta badly . . . and it makes a really good story!
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
A good portion of us have had imaginary friends or have used our imagination in play to entertain ourselves. I wanted this book to hold on to the precious land called “Childhood” where we can believe in the impossible and use our imaginations to enjoy the world around us. I wanted the twins to be like any other brother and sister – they annoy each other, but they are also capable of working together to achieve a common goal, which – in this case – was to contain Yakov the rabbit’s insane zest for life that could often go more wrong than right sometimes.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Well, the bunny story. We had bunnies on the farm, but they were outside bunnies. The bunny spaghetti story actually came from an indoor pet bunny.
Because I lived on the farm when I was a child, our house was located too far from any of my school friends to visit, so I spent a lot of time by myself entertaining myself. How did I do that? Imagination. I made up my own stories in my mind, and I read lots of books.
Will there be a follow-up book on this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
It’s funny that you should ask me this question. I honestly thought after this book, that I couldn’t take it any further, but I was wrong. I have come up with a really great idea for the third installment that will keep all the current characters and add 2 new surprising ones. If you thought the first two books were insane, the third one gets even better.
I’m not sure what the front book cover will look like. I usually watch what illustrations Christina Cartwright, my illustrator, produces to see if I like any of them for the front cover, which, eventually I do. As for the back cover, I like ending it with everyone sitting under the old oak tree, like a family.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
Sascha’s twins – Sorcha and Dmitry – have heard tales of their father’s imaginary bunny friend (Yakov) for years, and all they did was laugh at the tales that their father shared with them. At least that’s all they believed it ever would be – just funny stories to entertain.
Imagine their surprise when they meet Yakov in person for themselves. There are not enough words in the English language to prepare anyone for meeting such a wildly crazy hare!
Before they have time to prepare, Yakov is racing out the front door of their home and is set loose upon the neighborhood. Can the two kids stop him from creating more havoc than any one person should ever be allowed?
Everyone thinks at some point in their life that they would like a pet, but absolutely no one is prepared for the unbelievable trouble into which a bunny like Yakov can get! Oh, bunny, here we go again!
Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! (Happy Tails)
Stimulating children’s imagination can significantly enhance their social and emotional skills, and this is beautifully exemplified in Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! by Michele L. Sayre. The story follows non-identical twins Sorcha and Dmitry, who each wish for a different pet. Their father responds by sharing a childhood tale of his imaginary friend, Yakov the bunny. Initially, the children underestimate the importance of the story, but the next day, they are visited by Yakov himself, who encourages them to enjoy a fun-filled day at the neighborhood block party, trying new and exciting things.
I found this book delightful for its easy-to-follow narration and humorous tone. The story is dynamic, with the children engaging in numerous activities in a single day, such as participating in a three-legged race and playing in a bounce house. This lively narrative will inspire young readers to invent their own games and activities. Additionally, the interactions between the characters are heartwarming; the children share a wonderful relationship with their father, marked by honesty and open expression, which serves as an ideal example of family bonding.
Yakov, the hyperactive bunny, adds a layer of excitement and chaos, making for some humorous and loving moments with the kids. The story itself is very creative, teaching children to be themselves while understanding the limits during play. Siblings Sorcha and Dmitry serve as excellent role models, demonstrating positive behavior and strong family bonds. In addition, the interactions between the father and children are relatable, making this book enjoyable for both kids and adults to read together.
Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! is a captivating and fun story that encourages imagination, creativity, and strong family relationships, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 89 | ASIN : B0D2VQ4HGY
Empathy and Humanity
The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot: In the Realm of the Twelve Moons follows three bunnies with a sick father and a missing mother who set out on an adventure to solve the mystery of what happened. What was the inspiration for your story?
It started as a bedtime story I told my kids, about a rabbit that lived at the bottom of the garden. Slowly over time, the story developed each night I told it. Eventually, I decided to develop it into a novel, it was my way of being able to pass the story down the generations.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
Initially my garden. In fact, the front cover is a picture of the garden with the playhouse my children would play in growing up. So, for me, that location was key to how the story develops to intertwine the realms. Given my original audience was my children, I developed the locations in a way that would feel more real to them. The realm of Bunovia itself developed as the story expanded, and each district became shaped by key historical events – there might be room for a prequel in there.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The bonds between siblings are quite important to me, that each may have a different path, but it is important that bonds do not break. There is also a theme around empathy and humanity, you cannot look away when you see people in trouble, even when those in power want to pursue their own agenda.
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 following story?
It is part of a trilogy; I have just started penning the second book. On timelines, it is always a juggle between other work, family, and trying to promote the book. What I can say is that the next book delves deeper into the mythology, and not everything is how it appears.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Website
In a desperate attempt to find their mother and save their father, they’ll have to navigate a splintered society at the mercy of those who want to intimidate and control them. They must uncover a past that those in power want to keep buried, while others are eager for redemption.
As they unravel the mystery of their mother’s disappearance, they will unlock a world beyond their wildest imagination. But a darkness emerges that will ensure the realm of Bunovia will never be the same again.
The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox and Carrot In The Realm of the Twelve Moons
Fairy tales aren’t merely the realm of children; they resonate deeply with adults, weaving intricate moral lessons through captivating stories. Such is the case with The Adventures of Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot: In the Realm of the Twelve Moons, penned by NP Rayner. This enchanting tale transports readers to the tranquil district of Meadowfall in Bunovia, where the protagonists, three endearing bunnies named Pebbles, Sox, and Carrot, reside.
Their idyllic world is disrupted when their mother, Flora, ventures out to find a cure for their ailing father but doesn’t return. This spurs the trio into a quest, not just for family but for the fate of Bunovia itself. As they traverse through various realms, dark revelations emerge, forever altering their understanding of their homeland.
Beyond the rich tapestry of the main plot, this narrative shines in its allegorical depth. Even as these characters are bunnies, their struggles and emotions resonate on a deeply human level. The journey is spellbinding, making each page turn a tantalizing moment of anticipation. Rayner skillfully infuses the story with elements of mythology, introducing readers to whimsical creatures of Bunovia like the Bundusa and the Canidog, further enriching the world-building.
I was captivated by this book, absorbing its magic while traveling, juxtaposing the tale with vivid landscapes outside. It brought back cherished memories of being introduced to fairy tales in my youth. As an adult, revisiting the genre has been a rewarding experience. I eagerly anticipate my next reading, perhaps in a new setting or the comfort of my garden, rediscovering the lessons and charm it offers.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0C4CH3LCW
LITERARY TITAN 