Blog Archives
Become Better Humans
Cows with Bangs: A Stylish Tale of Acceptance follows an artistic cow with a passion for hairstyling who is mocked by her peers, and eventually earns their respect when the famous Highland Queen comes to see her for a makeover. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story surfaced during a public event I attended at a local farm. This farm, Highland Hills Farm in Emmetsburg, Iowa, raises miniature Highland cows to sell as pets. I thought to myself, Oh look, cows with bangs. I knew, in that moment, I had to create a children’s book with that title. I rarely come up with a title first, but in this case, it was too cute not to. My next thoughts were bangs, hair, styles, and cosmetology. I filed the idea away for several months until I was ready to work on the story during Christmas break 2024.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My stories contain a lesson or two to help young children become better humans. As a teacher, I am with children each day and observe their struggles. Kids are constantly learning how to master the skills they need to navigate life. In doing so, they frequently suffer from hurt feelings. Sometimes kids are misunderstood or mocked by their peers for just being themselves. This was the core situation I decided to present in the character of Claire.
Another concept I hope adults pick up on is how important it is to support kids. Taking the time and giving 100% of your attention, even if only for a minute or two, and speaking kind words can deeply affect a child. This concept was shown through the character of the queen.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed the last scene when Claire becomes the herd’s cow-moo-tologist. That play on words always makes people laugh or smile.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently finishing up a chapter book for ages 8-12. That is Book Three in my series The Crustacean Chronicles. It completes the series, which follows Charlie’s Crabby Day and The Sand Sculpture Competition.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Claire is an artist with a talent for styling hair, but her passions are not welcomed and her peers shun her. That is until the famous Highland Queen comes to her rescue.
The Queen praises Claire’s skills and requests a hair appointment, causing the others to reconsider their judgment and line up for their own fabulous makeovers.
This charming tale of embracing individuality and gaining acceptance will remind us of the value of being supportive and kind.
I Have Many Layers
The Adventures of Rynnie Roo and Tater, Too! Yucatan follows a kangaroo and her parakeet friend as they explore the Yucatan jungle and make new friends. What inspired you to write this story?
Thinking about my childhood after the birth of my granddaughter.
I was raised in the Yucatán jungle. I thought about how different her memories would be from mine.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
New vocabulary words, because growing our lingual pallet is a huge stepping stone, and confidence builder. Facts about new animals from other places, and of course dinosaurs.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Not really inspired by them but I enjoy reading them. Since I write children’s books and I like crime fiction. We can say I have many layers.
I collect Sherlock Holmes the old dusty books pre 1900.
I find enjoyable entertainment in Perry Mason, Mrs. Marple, Murder she wrote, I’m an old soul when it comes to reading a good book.
Authors: Sir Conan Doyle, Erle Stanley Gardener, Agatha Christie, Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
We are heading to Alabama!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
In this book, kids will learn about the Mayan Indian language still spoken in this part of Mexico, including how to say “please” and “thank you.” Be sure you check out Rynnie Roo’s Adventures for more locations and learning fun!
The Adventures of Rynnie Roo & Tater, Too! Yucatán
In The Adventures of Rynnie Roo and Tater, Too! Yucatan, author and illustrator Jean Johnson introduces young readers to the enchanting world of Rynnie Roo, a spirited kangaroo, and her amiable friend, Tater Tot the parakeet. Their excursion to Mexico’s Yucatan Jungle forms the crux of this delightful narrative, blending adventure with the wholesome message of politeness. The duo sets a playful challenge to see who can use “please” and “thank you” more frequently, turning courtesy into an engaging game. Their journey through the jungle is not just a solitary experience; they encounter unique characters like Blakelita, a coatimundi, part of the raccoon family, and Jungle Bob, a caretaker of the region’s fauna and flora.
An educational aspect seamlessly woven into the storyline is the introduction of Spanish and Mayan languages, which Rynnie Roo and Tater Tot endeavor to learn, adding “please” and “thank you” into their new linguistic repertoire. The narrative keeps readers wondering what other fascinating animals the pair might meet next.
A notable strength of this book is its subtle educational quality. Johnson skillfully introduces language learning and native wildlife knowledge to young minds, fostering an awareness of cultural and ecological diversity in an entertaining manner. This approach enables children to absorb new information effortlessly, almost without realizing they are learning.
Jean Johnson’s illustrations deserve special mention. Her vibrant and immersive artwork transports readers into the heart of the Yucatan Jungle, complementing the story’s lively spirit. The illustrations are a visual treat, enhancing the narrative and making the book an engaging experience for children.
This third installment in the Rynnie Roo’s Adventures series is aptly suited for the intended age group of babies to 6 years. Its blend of adventure, learning, and captivating visuals makes it an excellent choice for young readers. The Adventures of Rynnie Roo and Tater, Too! Yucatan is a commendable addition to children’s literature, combining entertainment with education in a charming way.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CLB4FH2X
Kindness and Forgiveness
Ouch, You Hit Me follows a young schoolgirl who, after an incident in the sand bin, aims to navigate and resolve interpersonal conflicts, showcasing the importance of communication over physical reactions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration behind the story came from my 5-year-old daughter and the conflicts she was having at school. She struggled a lot with speaking up for herself, and I realized this was a conversation we were having often. I noticed that if she struggled with it then I’m sure others did as well. So I decided to write a book about it to make it a teachable topic.
The art in the book is charming. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Lalsho Bujer?
I found Lalsho on Fiver. It was difficult at times because she is located in a different country, so we had a big time difference, but overall her work is amazing and we pushed past obstacles.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A few themes that were important to me are conflict resolution between children, teachers modeling language for children, and lastly kindness and forgiveness.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I am working on is titled We’re All Friends–a story about a boy named Knox and the valuable lesson he learns to include others when playing. He learns through a teachable moment that it is okay to have more than one friend in Pre-K. It will be available this upcoming May.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Compassionate and empowering, Ouch, You Hit Me, is a guide to help children navigate age-appropriate behaviors. This book is a great visual for children learning to use the power of words.
LITERARY TITAN 