Blog Archives
Good Overcoming Evil
The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City follows a young boy visiting with his grandparents in the Arizona desert who winds up in an exciting Wild West showdown adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
My grandson, Daniel remains the inspiration for my children’s books. During another difficult period of my life he came along just at the right time, and since his birth, he has been a constant inspiration to me. I firmly believe, that in everything we do in life, we need to be inspired – after all, life is not a rehearsal, and nothing is more important than family.
I am a big believer in fate, things happen for a reason, as has happened in my life. I started Biddick Hall Infants School in 1962; Daniel started the same school in 2022. He has called me Papa since he started to talk.
In addition to this, I wanted to write stories that would create escapism for children but at the same time add a dash of magic. I want children to understand that if they work hard, they can play hard too, and behind every marshmallow cloud, there is a dream – because dreams do come true.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Undoubtedly, good overcoming evil is the fundamental message in the book. The story also has a strong moral message, like ‘no one likes bullies.’
I also felt it was important to demonstrate that helping each other can have its rewards.
So, Daniel and his Papa along with the help of some colourful characters defeat the evil gun (water- pistol) slinger, Wild Will Hickory Dickory Jock.
I found Two Clouds to be an interesting character. What was your inspiration for that character and his role in the story?
Good questions, here is the short answer:
I am humbled to be one of the longest survivors of cancer in the UK at fifty years since diagnosis. I wrote my three-dimensional memoir, Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor, in the hope it would deliver hope and inspiration to anyone in society touched by cancer. I mentioned above about the importance of inspiration – my inspiration during the years of failed treatment was the Lakota Sioux Nation, after I read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown. In 2018, despite being in the UK, I contacted the tribal council of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, in South Dakota, requesting a visit. Subsequently, I spent a week on the reservation with the indigenous people who, unknowingly supported me through my cancer journey – whilst there, I was made an honorary member of the tribal council.
In all of my books, there is a Native American. On this occasion, as the story is set in Arizona, then it had to be a Navajo.
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?
So this is the third book in a series of Daniel and Papa. The next release will be early 2025 and is title, Kingdom of Huckleberry Jam. On this adventure Daniel goes it alone and is tasked with saving the kingdom from an invasion of super powered ants, deriving there super power, and growing four- times larger from consuming huckleberry jam – hence their invasion.
Following this book, again likely for 2025, will be, Lunar Von Buella, the Mystical Mouse from Missoula. This is the story of a warlock from the underworld, determined to destroy the American dream with the help (against his will) of a field mouse called Lunar. During his vacation in Montana, and on a trip down the mighty Yellowstone River, Daniel is contacted once again by Two Clouds and tasked with stopping Zagan, the warlock.
Two further titles are complete but without a publication date: Admiral Percival Pigeonforge (the cave of eternal screams). Finally, Mind-Boggling Stories will be published at a future date.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Splodge City is being bullied by a band of evil gunslingers, determined to get their grubby hands on Papa’s book of magic.
Two Clouds, an Indian chief with more magic than there are stars in the sky, whispered an old Indian spell and the surrounding ground began to shake, revealing the entrance to Splodge City.
When the fighting started, the water was flying everywhere. In the corner sat a smelly stranger with bloodshot eyes, which hid a hundred and one evil secrets. Ringo Smarty Farty Pants was his name, and no good tricks were his game. When Spike ‘The Fool’ Gooseberry steals Papa’s black book, it seems that Daniel and his friends are beaten. However, Weston Wolf has other ideas.
Eventually, Daniel stood face to face with Sir Stumpy Slugworm from Spoonstone. Their hands twitched and they both went for their water pistols – SPLOOSH!
But who would be The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City?
Human Physiology
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Lymphatic System offers young readers valuable information about the lymph nodes, spleen, and the thymus in easy-to-grasp language and serves as a valuable resource for families and educators. Why was it important for you to cover this topic in your children’s series?
We will be covering all basic human physiology questions in the Nurse Florence series, and it was time to do this topic.
Did you find anything interesting in your research for this installment in the Nurse Florence series?
I think this is a little-known system of the body and many families of all ages will learn many things from this book.
Your Nurse Florence series is extensive. Do you receive feedback about your books from schools? How are they being utilized?
The long-term plan is for there to be a set of the series in every library.
Can you give us a peek inside the next topic explored in your series?
We are about to publish books about the inner and middle ear. There are some fascinating things about the ear that I think many people will learn new things with these books. The book about the outer ear should publish next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence(R) book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book(R) A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy Dow Creative Enterprises(R) Help Civilization Reach Its Potential
A Happy and Uplifting Character
Gigglet, The Happy Little Piglet Goes To The Beach, follows an energetic piglet on an adventure exploring the beach. What inspired your story?
I love everything about the beach and Maui happens to be my favorite island with some of the most magnificent beaches in all the world. When the Maui fires befell this beautiful island and caused such devastation, I felt this book come to life with every fiber of my being. I knew immediately that my sweet little Gigglet would be on my favorite beach in Maui ‘getting her giggle on’ and living her best life. Thus my book’s dedication “To the forever beauty of Maui, my island of inspiration”. Gigglet is such a happy and uplifting character that even on the worst of days, it’s hard not to smile when looking at her, reading about her adventures, or even just having a casual conversation about her being the happiest little piglet in all the land.” Maui will always be beautiful and will always be a symbol of hope, strength, and love.
Gigglet has a wonderful time exploring all the different things at the beach. What is one of your favorite memories of going to the beach, either as a child or as an adult?
I didn’t get to see my first beach until I was 15 years old when my family moved to South TX near South Padre Island. I will never forget that day…The sound of the ocean waves crashing along the shoreline, the warm sand and crushed seashells under my feet, the flocks of seagulls hovering above in search of food, and the sounds of families laughing, splashing, and playing in the water. Everything about that day was magical, exhilarating, and unlike anything I had ever experienced. The beach is the perfect place for me to lose my mind and find my soul.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Always write 100% from your heart and follow your gut. Don’t listen to naysayers. Don’t force anything. Writing should always be about ease, flow, and allowing.
Where is Gigglet off to next, and when will that story be available?
I’m so excited to share the third children’s picture book in the Gigglet series! Our giggly little piglet is off to summer camp to have a fun adventure with two of her best pals Dandy and Waddles. They enjoy summer camp to its fullest embracing the fun and activities that wait around every corner! Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp is available now in hardback and ebook and also has an activity/coloring book that can be purchased as a companion to the book. All three books can be purchased on Amazon.
The Gigglet series can also be accessed via my new website.
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist, by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis, is an engaging and educational children’s book that follows Coco on her first day of kindergarten. Eager to make new friends and learn new things, Coco’s excitement is palpable. However, during lunchtime, she finds a bag of fruit candy on the floor and, with no one around, decides to take it and hide it in her pocket. She brings the candy home and hides it in her closet, planning to indulge in the sweet treats whenever she wants. As Saturday arrives, Coco is thrilled about a sleepover at her grandmother’s house. That night, after her grandmother falls asleep, Coco helps herself to more candy from a jar on the table without asking for permission, intending to add it to her secret stash at home. But soon after consuming the hidden candy, Coco starts experiencing pain in one of her teeth. She confesses to her parents, who then make an appointment with a children’s dentist to check for cavities. Aware of her wrongdoing, Coco decides to come clean to her parents about sneaking the candy. During her dentist appointment, Coco learns she does indeed have a cavity. Despite her mistakes, she feels relieved that God has forgiven her and grateful for the strength and courage to face the dentist.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Coco’s journey. She made mistakes by taking the candy from school and her grandmother’s candy jar, but deep down, she knew it was wrong. This story is highly relatable for children and teaches them that actions have consequences. Through Coco’s experience, young readers can understand the importance of honesty and the inevitable consequences of their actions. Parents, grandparents, guardians, and school staff will appreciate the valuable lesson conveyed in this delightful children’s book.
The illustrations, by Viona Betzy and C. Lola, are vibrant and captivating, perfectly complementing the story. The pictures bring the narrative to life, making readers feel as if they are right there with Coco. Each page features beautiful illustrations that enhance the overall reading experience.
Coco’s Courage: Meeting The Dentist is a wonderful story that teaches children the importance of making the right choices to avoid negative consequences. This book serves as an excellent teaching tool, delivering an essential lesson in an engaging and memorable way.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 978-1667892337
Meatball Man Head Detective Book 1: Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker
In the idyllic community of Town-City, Meatball Man, the head detective of the local police force, spends his days mildly enforcing the law. With virtually no crime to combat, Meatball Man often finds himself playing cards with his trusty sidekicks, Bread Stick and Cheese Stick. That is until Sally Saltshaker presents him with a new mystery: her husband, Petey the Peppershaker, has gone missing, and it’s up to Meatball Man to crack the case and save the day.
Meatball Man, Head Detective Book 1: Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker, by Sandy Whiting, is a delightful and engaging read. This gentle and humorous adventure takes young readers on a rollicking journey through Meatball Man’s investigation, filled with numerous twists and turns. Rather than focusing on a mystery for kids to solve, this chapter book offers a playful romp through Meatball Man’s world, making it a lighthearted and fun experience. The story is enriched by Meatball Man’s sarcastic attitude, which adds a layer of humor as he races against time to find Petey Peppershaker, ideally before Sally floods his office with her salt-crystal tears.
The unique illustrations and the creative setting in a world of “foodlings” add to the charm of this narrative. Told from a first-person perspective, the book is perfectly sized for a summer afternoon read, making it a charming addition to any child’s bookshelf. Meatball Man’s debut adventure wraps up nicely while leaving plenty of room for future escapades. As an added bonus, the book includes an interview with Meatball Man and his friends at the end, giving readers a closer look at their favorite characters.
Meatball Man’s sarcastic yet endearing personality, coupled with a fast-paced plot and entertaining side characters, ensures that this debut is both captivating and enjoyable. Suitable for children aged 7 and up, Meatball Man, Head Detective Book 1: Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker, marks a promising start to what is sure to be a beloved mystery series for kids. Don’t miss out on this whimsical journey—Meatball Man is ready to bring his quirky charm to your bookshelf today.
Pages: 70 | ASIN : B0CYZ15HXN
A Positive Role Model
In Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift, an industrious rabbit with a special gift to share and her hard-working forest friends prepare for the long winter ahead. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since the first three books (Hunnie Bunny’s Garden, Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery and Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish) take place in the spring, summer and winter, I wanted to introduce a fall theme where I could show how the woodland animals in the story prepare for the cold months. For example, Mr. Frog hibernates, so he doesn’t appear in Hunnie Bunny‘s Christmas Wish. In this book, Hunnie Bunny’s fur gets thicker, and both she and Mr. Squirrel store food so they won’t go hungry when their food supply is hard to find or non-existent.
Do you have a favorite character? Is there one whose dialogue and traits are especially fun to craft?
Hunnie Bunny is my favorite because, through her, I can present a positive role model for young children by showing her compassionate, helpful nature and loyal friendships. Also, her leadership and problem-solving skills are fun to integrate into the stories, making her personality even more appealing.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from Hunnie Bunny’s latest adventure?
I hope young children will see how important and special it is to consider the needs of others, and be willing and happy to share, especially with those who are less fortunate.
Do you have more books planned for this series? If so, where can readers expect to see it take your colorful cast of characters?
Yes, indeed! There are eleven books in the Hunnie Bunny series so far. In the upcoming stories, Hunnie Bunny will encounter fairies, new neighbors, a magic flute, a unicorn, and a daring escape. She and her friends will also share in a new beginning and a rescue. The next book in the series, Hunnie Bunny and the Lost Fairy, is currently being illustrated and should be released sometime in August. A list of future titles can be found on my website: www.simplereadsbooks.com.
Even though the Hunnie Bunny books have been written sequentially, they can be read in any order. The purpose of these stories is to offer some education and learning in an entertaining way, while encouraging imaginative play. My journey thus far has brought me so much joy and happiness knowing that children all over the world are enjoying the adventures of Hunnie Bunny and her friends.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
How do Hunnie Bunny and her friends prepare for winter? Read the story and discover the reason behind her special gift.
Timothy Gets Stuck
Timothy Gets Stuck, by Mark Lawrence, is a delightful and educational tale that highlights the values of friendship, responsibility, and listening to advice. The story centers on Timothy, a bright red tip truck who takes great pride in his work, enjoying the process of loading and unloading dirt to keep areas clean. On a Monday morning, Timothy heads to a park for his assignment and reunites with his friend, Lisa the Loader. Lisa cautions him about the soft ground following the weekend rain and advises him to stick to safe areas. Together, they successfully restore the local park, demonstrating effective teamwork. However, when left alone, Timothy forgets Lisa’s advice and is tempted to play in the puddles, leading to his tires getting stuck in the mud. Feeling sad and scared, Timothy is relieved when Lisa, still nearby, comes to his rescue.
Lawrence’s narrative delivers important lessons through an engaging storyline. The book underscores the significance of teamwork, heeding warnings, and listening to advice, making it particularly beneficial for children learning to follow instructions for safe play and social integration. The story also promotes environmental care and tidiness, woven naturally into the plot. The characters of Timothy and Lisa are charming and interact seamlessly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The colorful illustrations bring the story to life, featuring expressive characters that captivate young readers. The dialogue flows naturally, with Timothy and Lisa cheerfully conversing as they work and explore the park, adding to the story’s appeal.
Timothy Gets Stuck effectively teaches children the value of learning from their mistakes and the importance of attentive listening. Mark Lawrence’s love for nature and insightful life lessons shine through, making this book an invaluable resource for young readers. This engaging and heartwarming story is perfect for teaching children about active listening and nurturing friendships.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B0CLZ45KXD
Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift
Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift is the delightful fourth installment in the Hunnie Bunny series, a charming tale that captures the warmth of friendship and the spirit of giving. In this book, we join Hunnie Bunny, Mr. Squirrel, and Mr. Frog as they prepare for the approaching winter season.
The story is set in a beautifully depicted woodland, where the three friends ready themselves for the cold months ahead. The narrative is engaging, drawing readers into the heartwarming activities and the camaraderie shared among the characters. Central to the plot is the mystery of Hunnie Bunny’s special gift. The story gently unfolds, revealing how each friend contributes to the preparations and the significance of Hunnie Bunny’s unique present. The anticipation builds as readers are invited to discover not only what the gift is but also who receives it and why it holds such special meaning. The book excels in conveying themes of cooperation, kindness, and the joy of giving. Young readers will find themselves enchanted by the colorful illustrations and the relatable characters, while also learning valuable lessons about the importance of community and generosity.
Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift is a heartwarming addition to the series, perfect for children and parents to read together. It’s a story that celebrates the simple yet profound pleasures of friendship and the thoughtful acts that make the winter season special.
Page: 32 | ASIN : B0D3B6D5TR
LITERARY TITAN 