Blog Archives
A Breed of Their Own
Being Middle follows a young girl feeling overlooked and underappreciated as the middle sister in the family, who gradually learns that being in the middle is pretty special. What was the inspiration for your story?
My middle child Ellie was the inspiration for writing this book. I always joke that middle children are a breed of their own because they are so difficult to raise, but there are so many overlooked advantages and qualities that only middle children have. I wanted this book to be a nod to what Ellie puts us through and why she’s so uniquely special to our family.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I always write in rhyme because rhyming books are powerful tools for building foundational literacy skills in early readers. In addition to being engaging and fun, rhyming books help kids anticipate what’s next and aid in sound and pattern recognition.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I loved writing about the middle child getting the hand-me-down shoes because I could actually hear Ellie’s voice in the sentence. Vanessa Alexandre also captured her expression so well!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
I’d love to build on the BEING ME series and I am tossing around ideas for book #3. HINT – I think for that book, I’m going to focus on how I feel different from others since the first two books were about my children feeling different.
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Being Middle is a heartwarming and playful picture book that celebrates the special role of middle children in family dynamics. With lyrical rhymes and relatable scenarios, it captures the ups and downs of being caught between a big sibling and a little one. From sharing cramped car rides to getting only hand-me-downs, the story explores challenges with humor and honesty—while ultimately revealing why being in the middle is something to treasure.
The second installment of the award-winning Being Me series, this book is perfect for middle children who sometimes feel left out and for families looking to celebrate their unique dynamics. Full of warmth, charm, and an empowering message, Being Middle is perfect for ages 4-8.
Order now to celebrate the middle child in your life—because the middle is a great place to be!
Famous Places and Memorials
When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA, Central follows an adventurous snake and his crew as they travel across the central United States. What was the inspiration for your story?
Fred and friends enjoyed visiting sights in the Eastern States and asked Jim to take them further.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Bonnie Lemaire?
Great illustrator living near Toronto, Canada. We connected via the publisher and worked together online until we started on the 4th book, about Charleston, SC, where Fred and I live. She came down to see what she would be drawing. Terrific talent. She not only draws my ideas, but enhances them, adding lots of special wrinkles. Purple hair then…
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Introducing young kids to famous places and memorials.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Fred and his friends and the direction of the next book?
Jim says they will be off to the West Coast. Maybe Hollywood? Alaska?
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Learning About Other Cultures
Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure follows a compassionate little girl who learns a new song in Sunday school, which leads her to become curious about children in other parts of the world and her family to take a missionary trip. What was the inspiration for your story?
My husband and I do missionary trips and have taken our children many years ago. Now, as my grandchildren age, I wanted to write something that might encourage them to go on mission trips when they are old enough. I also wanted them to understand that God loves everyone and that learning about other cultures is important.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Jack Foster?
Jack was wonderful to work with in the art collaboration. I sent him some photos from my trips to Kenya and he ran with the concept. Jack came up with Mary and then emailed me the concept before we continued. I love his work and hope to work with him again in the future.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
With all my travels to other countries, I’m always amazed at the little people know or understand about people from other countries. I love to spend time visiting with local people in the countries we visit. I learn we are all the same at a human level and we have many of the same dreams for our families. I want people to learn that God loves everyone the same regardless of our backgrounds.
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 next story?
Yes, this is the first in the Mary the Missionary series. I’m contemplating writing more in the series but just trying to decide on what country Mary will visit next.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new friends aren’t different, and Jesus loves all children.
Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, “Mary the Missionary” teaches important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and how it transcends all barriers.
Never Give Up
Talent Show Troubles follows a sea turtle as he tries desperately to find a talent for the upcoming talent show. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, it all started with some doodles in church. My mom taught me how to draw turtles, and so I drew a turtle named Crush Sir Turtletin, the third. Then I drew three more until I had 4 generations of the royal Crush Sir Turtletin family. I wanted to write a series that featured each of the turtles as an introduction and then wanted to expand the series to show different adventures.
For this first book, I thought it would be a fun story to have this great-grandpa tell about a time when he was younger and asked his son to help him learn to dance. The dad knows how much his son loves to dance and thought that would be a great talent for the talent show. Sometimes, I help my grandfather learn how to play games, so that was part of my inspiration for having the younger generation help the older generation.
What scene did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite chapter is the “Shell-Shaking Dancing King.” I think it’s a very entertaining and comical chapter in the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to show that it’s important to try new things, even if you aren’t good at it. We aren’t all good at everything, but there is something we can all do if we just keep trying. The king wasn’t afraid to try new talents and didn’t give up when he failed at some of them. He kept trying new activities until he found something he was good at and I think that’s an important lesson for everyone. Try new things and never give up.
Where will Book 2 in this series take young readers? Can you give us a peek inside?
Book 2 introduces Crush Sir Turtletin, the 2nd. He starts off gathering a group of young turtles and tells them a tale of when he was young and wanted to take a vacation. His dad was against vacations, so Crush Sir Turtletin, the 2nd, sneaks off to have a grand adventure but instead finds himself facing mishap after mishap. It is a funny adventure that you won’t want to miss!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Inspire a Whole New Generation
Nurse Florence, What is Multiple Sclerosis? follows a young girl with a cousin who has MS and goes to her favorite school nurse to learn more about the condition. Why was this an important topic for you to write on?
The Nurse Florence® series will address all diseases, so this was eventually going to be written. The illustrator said MS affects her family, so we decided to go ahead and do this book with Angel. I try to assign topics to illustrators which affect them personally so that there is more motivation and inspiration for them while completing the illustrations.
Your book offers a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of multiple sclerosis, covering its definition, impact, and symptoms. What is the most important thing you want young readers to know about living with Multiple Sclerosis?
We attempt to be very thorough with every disease book in the Nurse Florence series so that the disease book will be the only needed book by a family to purchase in order to inform and educate all family members. With every book I write, I also get educated about something I did not know. From my research, I found out that an increase in body temperature can trigger an MS episode. Also, people with low levels of vitamin D have an increased risk to develop the disease, so this stresses the importance of people eating a balanced diet so that they get all of their vitamins and minerals they need for a healthy life.
As an author, what has been your favorite memory or experience in sharing the Nurse Florence® series with children?
At the Tucson Festival of Books in March 2023, we had our first fan come up to the table. The mom walked over with her child and told her, “Look there’s Nurse Florence!” After talking with them, they have been checking out every Nurse Florence® title they could get from the local library. We hope to inspire a whole new generation of kids into the health science professions.
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
My wife, Perla. She believes completely in the project and has allowed me to get the family into some debt to help launch the series. She is also the Latin American Spanish translator for the series. I could not do this without her love and support. I’m a lucky man!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Harvard Bookstore | Amazon
Candace’s Big Audition
Candace’s Big Audition, the second installment in Joan Enockson’s Adventures on Apple Orchard Farm series, is a delightful exploration of the challenges and joys of farm life through the eyes of its animal residents. Set against the backdrop of the bustling preparations for the May Day Festival, the story follows Candace, a young cow with aspirations to join the Cow Quartet at the festival’s concert. Alongside her friend Marny, Candace navigates the complexities of competition and friendship, presenting young readers with a relatable and engaging narrative.
Enockson’s storytelling is both accessible and engaging, capturing the essence of life on Apple Orchard Farm. The narrative adeptly tackles the theme of decision-making, highlighting the importance of weighing options and understanding the impact of choices. This book goes beyond simple entertainment, offering insights into emotional intelligence. Candace, with the support of her friends, learns to understand her feelings and make choices that align with her values.
Abra Shirley’s illustrations enhance the story with their realism and charm. They vividly depict the rural setting, adding depth to the narrative and bringing the characters to life. Shirley’s artwork complements Enockson’s writing, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the reader. Candace’s Big Audition stands out for its depth and the warmth with which it portrays everyday farm life. The story strikes a balance between being instructional and entertaining, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. It’s particularly effective in conveying real-world skills like problem-solving and emotional understanding, themes that resonate with readers of all ages.
Ideal for both individual reading and group discussions in educational settings, Joan Enockson’s book offers valuable lessons in friendship, selflessness, and personal growth. Candace’s Big Audition is a heartfelt celebration of life, love, and the small yet significant moments that define our experiences.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0CN3Y92FR
T-Rex and Tuck Explore Outer Space
Join T-Rex and Tuck on a journey through the cosmos. While Tuck’s heart is captivated by the twinkling stars, T-Rex’s curiosity propels them toward a thrilling voyage into the great expanse of outer space. In the delightful tale of T-Rex and Tuck Explore Outer Space, our dynamic duo embarks on an extraordinary adventure, venturing to Mars, the moon, and the wondrous planets of our solar system, all before drifting off into a dreamy slumber.
Author Katie Marie has crafted a truly enchanting and enlightening children’s picture book destined to capture the hearts and minds of young readers. This literary gem serves as the perfect tool to introduce budding astronomers to the marvels of our solar system. Its vibrant illustrations transport readers into the amazing world of T-Rex and Tuck, igniting their imaginations for a mesmerizing expedition through the cosmos.
T-Rex, with his endearing charm, inspires Tuck to embark on a quest for knowledge about our celestial neighbors. Remarkably, within the pages of this short yet compelling read, Katie Marie weaves a tapestry of fascinating facts about outer space, making learning an exhilarating adventure. This adorable children’s story is destined to set young readers’ imaginations soaring into uncharted realms, leaving them with a lasting sense of wonder and awe.
I highly recommend T-Rex and Tuck Explore Outer Space, by Katie Marie, as it contains a delightful blend of entertainment and education, featuring charming characters and stunning visuals. This is the perfect children’s story for parents and educators who wish to instill a passion for learning about space and inspire young minds to reach for the stars.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0C5GLZ2GX
The Power of Friendship
The Emu Family follows a family of emu who decide to spend the day at the beach and encounter unexpected situations and adventures. What was the inspiration for your story?
I live in Australia and I love animals. I write stories that are easy to connect to and that children will love. As a therapist who knows the importance of nurturing kids with positive outlooks, I write stories that inspire children to live their best lives and live confidently. I want them to know what is truly important in life; friendship, fun, and connection.
Life can be negative sometimes, unlike when I was young. Kids were allowed to be kids and explore in the trees, get dirty, and use their imagination, nowadays kids have a completely different way of living. I want to help children see the world in a fun light. To know there is positivity, and they can always find a good positive outcome from most situations, especially with the right support around them.
As a therapist, I have seen many adults in my therapy room not knowing or understanding the basic values of connection. This could have been taught in childhood so those kids grow into healthy adults. My wish is that my books do this for children.
What made you decide to write this children’s book series around emu? What is about them that makes them perfect for children’s stories?
It starts off with emus but they quickly introduce their friends. Snap the crocodile, Kiki the koala, Kanga Blue, and Rooby Red the kangaroos, and Kira the kookaburra. These animals are not typical animals, they are fun, colourful, wear clothes and hats, and sing and dance. These animals love to express themselves in a fun way. Together they make up a group of (unlikely) friends who support each other through so many of life’s ups and downs. Kids love animals and love to learn, so I thought I would write a fun series while planting some seeds of positivity into their lives too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Together with their friends, The Emu Family teaches children wonderful concepts like the power of friendship, the importance of community, meditation, self-love, growing food, healthy living, dental hygiene, and so much more. It is important that each book gives a child a good takeaway message so that they can use it in life to make their experience a more positive one.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of what adventures readers will go on with the Emu family?
Book 2 will be available in November 2023. This book is about Kira the kookaburra; the story is about her hat collection, but the underlying story is a journey to her finding self-love. Her friends join her and encourage her on her journey. I have written several of the books in the series, and they are all stories to inspire kids to live a healthier, happier life. I have started on the artwork for the second series with more animal characters from London! It’s very exciting!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Emu Family & Friends series teaches children wonderful things like:
The Importance Of Community
The Power Of Friendship
The Importance Of Family
Growing Food
Healthy Eating
Exercise, etc.
This series of books is designed to bring fun and positivity to the reader and also teach them healthy ways of living in this world.
It is also designed to encourage communication between the parent and the child. And maybe even some fun projects to work on together.
This is the first book in a series of adventures.
LITERARY TITAN 