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Social-Emotional Learning
Liam’s Lost Sparkle follows a young girl excited for Art Day at school who discovers a classmate is sad because his best friend has moved, so she offers to help him complete the rocket ship that his friend had been building. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from those small but powerful moments in childhood when empathy shines the brightest. I wanted to capture that magic—the way kids notice when someone’s feeling left out or sad and instinctively want to help. The idea of Art Day felt perfect because creativity brings people together, and something as simple as finishing a rocket ship can feel like rebuilding a broken world for a child. I kept thinking, what if one small act of kindness could light up someone’s whole world again? That thought became the heart of Liam’s story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One of my biggest goals was to weave social-emotional learning naturally into the story. I wanted children to see empathy in action—not as a lesson being taught, but as a choice that feels good and makes a difference. Friendship, kindness, and teamwork were essential themes because they’re real-life skills kids need every day. I also wanted to show problem-solving—how helping someone isn’t about having all the answers, but about caring enough to try. If kids walk away thinking, “I can be a helper too,” then I’ve done my job.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I absolutely loved writing the scene where the classroom transforms into a creative wonderland for Art Day. There’s this buzz of excitement—paint splashing, glitter shimmering, little imaginations running wild—and right in the middle of it, you see the contrast of Liam feeling lost. Then comes that turning point where the main character offers to help him finish the rocket. That moment gave me chills because it’s where kindness takes center stage. Writing it felt like watching a gray day burst into color.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can young readers expect in the next story?
Yes! Liam’s Lost Sparkle is the very first book in the Brave Kids Series, and I’m so excited to share that the next adventure will be coming out this fall. Young readers can expect another heartwarming story that celebrates courage and kindness—this time exploring a whole new challenge kids face every day. It’s going to be filled with big feelings, brave choices, and moments that show just how powerful empathy can be. Stay tuned—it’s going to be amazing!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When Liam’s best friend moves away, his sparkle fades—until a classmate asks, “Is your heart feeling kind of… cloudy?” This award-winning social skills book for kids helps:
Understand big feelings with gentle metaphors (“shadowy moods,” “lost sparkle”)
Practice kindness through relatable examples (“You can sit with me,” “Let’s build together!”)
Spark conversations with 8+ discussion questions and a “Feelings Detective Glasses” activity
Perfect for:
Parents seeking bedtime stories with emotional depth
Teachers building SEL skills (aligned with CASEL standards)
Counselors helping kids navigate friendship changes
Kindle Exclusive Features: Read-along mode (Enhanced typesetting for young readers)
Vibrant illustrations optimized for Kindle Fire/tablets
Bonus QR code for free printable activities
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
LITERARY TITAN 