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Ella Minnow P.
Ella Minnow P. is a sweet and clever picture book that follows a bright little girl named Ella on her first day of school. Excited to learn and meet new friends, Ella introduces herself during a name game, only to be met with giggles because her name sounds suspiciously like the trickiest part of the alphabet song. As the class struggles to recite the letters past “K,” Ella draws strength from her name and confidently sings the entire song, earning cheers from her classmates and ultimately helping them remember the tough part. More importantly, she shows kindness and empathy to those who once laughed at her, turning a moment of teasing into a lesson in courage and friendship.
I loved how this picture book turned a simple pun, “Ella Minnow P.,” into something that felt meaningful and empowering. It’s lighthearted and fun, but also carries real heart. The writing is bouncy and rhyming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace for young readers. The way Ella turns a moment of embarrassment into triumph felt really satisfying, and I appreciated that the message wasn’t heavy-handed. It felt like a genuine moment any kid could go through, and the solution came from confidence and kindness instead of an adult swooping in to fix it.
What I really liked was Ella’s response to the teasing. She doesn’t just bask in her success; she makes a point to reach out to the classmate who laughed at her. That felt powerful. It would’ve been easy to let the story end with her being the hero, but instead it went further to show what empathy looks like. The idea that even young kids can choose to be kind, especially after being hurt, makes this more than just a fun classroom tale.
I’d recommend Ella Minnow P. to parents, teachers, or anyone helping a child start school or navigate new social situations. It’s especially great for kids who feel nervous about fitting in or getting laughed at, because Ella shows them that being yourself is actually your superpower. It’s joyful, warm, and wise.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0F42YJXSR
Hope in Any Situation
Walking with the Sun follows two best friends who decide to walk to the West in an attempt to escape the scorching Sun, only to find no relief. What was the inspiration for your story?
My humble greetings to all the Readers! Long back, around 2010, I was a member of an online writing community. I had a Basic Portfolio with my poems and writings. We could participate in various contests; this particular contest had a picture prompt. The picture captured a beautiful Sunset; in the foreground were silhouettes of an Elephant on the ground and an Eagle flying. We all know that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. This idea of what happens if you travel and move with the Sun was the intriguing question that lingered in my mind. I could only think of a Children’s story. And I wrote Walking with the Sun.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Julia Duclos?
Thank you! Yes, @juhd is fantastic. We have collaborated on six books so far. We are working on the next one. I love Julia’s unique, dreamy illustrations and memorable character designs. First, she read the story and made a storyboard; we split the text into a standard 32-page book with 12 full Illustration spreads. Then, we started with the characters Gaja and Garud. I was specific about the characters’ features being expressive. After a few attempts, we locked the character-looks. I was highly impressed! Having your characters come to life after almost 10 years is a great feeling. We celebrated by posting the Character introduction on all our social media platforms. Once the characters were designed, everything else just flowed. Despite any artistic disagreements, we share a beautiful friendship after working together for so long. We have a really strong bond that way. To work together as collaborators, we need the delicate understanding to treat work disagreements separately and not take things personally. After all, both the Author and the Illustrator are walking towards the same destiny and want the book to excel. Keeping the best ideas of both is the key. To more collaborations!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
“Following Garud’s idea, they walk towards the West to escape the scorching heat. The ignorant friends only learn at the end that they are walking with the Sun. Later, there is a big surprise awaiting Gaja!”
As I wrote the story, I knew I had to talk about sorrow and how to handle discomfort. It is essential to show Children that it is impossible to come out of sad feelings if you sit with them.
You have to walk out and move away to overcome discomfort. And there is hope in any situation. There is definitely a way out.
Three key talking points/messages in the book:
- An interesting journey with Gaja, the Elephant, and Garud, the Eagle. Beautifully illustrated
characters and story events. The illustrations are dreamy, soothing, and intriguing all at the same
time! - Morals:
●Walk away from discomfort to overcome it.
●Sorrow is never permanent.
●After every sunset, there is a promising sunrise. - A sweet surprise and a celebration at the end!
Walking with the Sun is a cute jungle friendship story, with an Elephant and an Eagle as
characters. This book is a winner of 2023 Literary Titan Award and a 2024 Next Generation
Indie Book Awards Finalist.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
After Walking with the Sun, I have published a poetry chapbook (A Mirage of Golden Glitter). And I recently published a Science Fiction Novella, Lost. Leap. Loop. Both of these are available on Amazon. Also, I recently published an Audiobook version of Walking with the Sun. It is free if you have a Library Card (Overdrive and Libby). It is available on Audible, too. I am currently working on another Children’s Picture Book, The Work of Art on the Wall.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Libby | Amazon
round the clock,
Did they find a hawk?
Or a big rock?
What did Gaja talk?
Who did Garud mock?
Ideas, they unlock!
Squawk… squawk…
Knock… knock…
Following Garud’s idea, they walk towards the west to escape the scorching heat. Did they really walk away from the Sun? Later, a big surprise awaits Gaja!
Storytelling Heals, Teaches, and Inspires
This anthology of children’s stories teaches children about emotional intelligence, for example, courage, empathy, and understanding. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write The Magic in Metaphor?
The Magic in Metaphor was sparked by the profound challenges of the pandemic, which illuminated the emotional toll on both adults and children. As a hypnotherapist, I’ve seen the transformative power of metaphorical storytelling in healing and growth. The rising concern among my clients about their children’s well-being—echoed by reports on increasing mental health emergencies among youth—inspired me to take action. This book is crafted to arm families with the tools needed to guide children through the emotional challenges of these trying times.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It was vital to integrate aspects of emotional learning that aren’t always addressed in traditional education. I wanted to ensure each story would foster emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and self-reflection, empowering children to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, empathy, and understanding.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write The Magic in Metaphor?
With a background in mental health and hypnotherapy, I focused on my ability to communicate complex concepts in a simple way. My experience guiding others through personal journeys informed the narrative structure of the book and allowed me to create stories that children and adults alike can relate to.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope readers recognize the profound power of storytelling to not only entertain but also to heal, teach, and inspire. If each reader, young or old, comes away with a deeper empathy for themselves and others, and the courage to face their own stories, “The Magic in Metaphor” will have fulfilled its purpose.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
From Archie, the lovable puppy overcoming his first-day anxiety at Doggie Daycare, to Cally, the caterpillar bracing for her transformative journey into a butterfly, each narrative serves as a metaphor for real-life experiences, helping children navigate their own emotional landscapes.
Beyond the compelling narratives, this book provides a unique blend of therapeutic value, offering detailed insight into each story, suggested activities for children, and highlighted activities for parents, teachers, and counselors to engage with children.
The Magic In Metaphor is more than a collection of tales; it’s a comprehensive guide that equips adults with the tools to foster emotional intelligence, personal growth, and emotional expression in children.
The Magic In Metaphor
The Magic in Metaphor: Empowering Children Through Healing Stories is an enchanting and heartwarming anthology of stories meticulously crafted to guide young children on their journey to understanding emotional intelligence. Within its collection of 25 tales, each narrative introduces an animated character navigating the intricacies of their journey with imaginative anecdotes of emotional growth.
A great thing about The Magic in Metaphor is how it helps kids develop empathy and understand emotions better. The book does this by letting them dive into the stories of animated characters. It’s like they’re walking in the characters’ shoes and feeling what they feel. This makes it easier for children to grasp how people’s feelings work and how relationships can be complex.
Author Harley Sears has crafted an incredible resource that is entertaining and educational. The stories within this collection are skillfully designed to engage young minds, sparking thoughtful conversations and introspection. For instance, in the book, children get to link feelings with colors and things they do. Connecting emotions with what they see and do makes it easier for them to think about why they feel a certain way and how they can learn from it. It’s like a fun journey of getting to know themselves!
This book is not just great for helping kids understand their feelings, but it also allows parents and teachers to explain things in a more hands-on way. When children read this book, it sparks their imagination and makes them think about their experiences. That’s a fantastic way for them to learn and grow emotionally.
Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0C8F2GJVD
Oliver the Oyster and the Cheerless Clam
Oliver the Oyster and the Cheerless Clam is an enchanting children’s book in the coastal town of Wellfleet, MA. The story introduces readers to Clara the Clam, a newcomer to the harbor who has faced difficult times and feels down. But, with the help of her new friends, including Oliver the Oyster, Cathy the Crab, and Miriah the Mermaid, Clara discovers the key to a happy life.
J.B. Auchter provides readers with a heartwarming story of friendship, kindness, listening to others, and not letting the fear of the unknown stop you from being happy. The vivid illustrations and descriptions of the harbor, the living creatures, and the surrounding environment transport young readers to the seaside world and spark their imagination.
Each page is filled with exciting information about the sea, enticing young readers and leaving them yearning for more. Through the characters in the story, Clara learns that everyone sometimes feels sad, but they don’t let that stop them from being happy. I appreciated that Clara’s friends supported her and worked together to cheer her up. This is a great message for readers: the right friends will nurture and value your opinions and emotions. The message in this book is solidified with every chapter with relatable content and allows the reader to come to the basic conclusion that life is hard and we all go through tough times, but friends who listen and give their time can make a sad time a fun time.
The book’s beautiful illustrations, charming characters, and engaging storyline make it an excellent addition to any children’s library. Oliver the Oyster and the Cheerless Clam is a must-read childrens book for young readers who love adventure, friendship and learning about the wonders of the natural world.
Pages: 127 | ASIN : B0BHKZFS34
Oliver the Oyster and the Pearl Gifts
The ocean is filled with so many beautiful and mysterious things and is still over 80% unexplored, unknown, and unmapped. In Oliver the Oyster and the Pearl Gifts, written by J.B Auchter, we are taken on an incredible journey through different parts of the ocean, meeting new friends and learning some of the known mysteries of the ocean.
We begin at Mayo Beach, a popular and majestic beach where we meet Oliver the Oyster, who has lived in the mudflats his entire life. He hears people speak about how special oysters are in this area, but he doesn’t understand what they mean. Finally, Oliver’s curiosity is piqued and leads him on an adventure to answer the egging question, what could make oysters special?
This is such a charming story of what can be gained when we work together and be kind to one another. It’s an important message to display to children making this book a fantastic vessel to navigate the conversation of kindness, friendship, and selflessness. I feel this early reader chapter book would be perfect for children just starting out with chapter books and lovers of the ocean as it is loaded with information and facts about this and its creatures.
Oliver the Oyster and the Pearl Gifts is an entertaining and educational children’s story that even adults may learn a few things from as they go on this adventure. The lessons of kindness and friendship are mixed in with facts about the ocean and the wildlife that lives in it. Families and classes will enjoy reading this heartwarming story together and using it to open up discussions on spreading kindness to all.
Pages: 61 | ASIN : B0B61VY6ZM
Thought is Not the Boss of Me!
Our minds are very powerful things. It allows us to do many things, such as dancing, sports, and learning new skills. They can, even without us knowing, control our entire bodies to stay alive. Our minds can also get lost in thought, and thought can sometimes cause mischief.
In, Thought is Not the Boss of Me! by Sheila Booth-Alberstadt and Sarah Lamb, we are introduced to Lincoln. A young child who tends to get into some trouble without realizing he is being coerced into doing so by none other than ‘Thought.’ ‘Thought’ bosses Lincoln around and makes him do not nice things, and ends up being punished.
This relatable story is beaming with delight, from the vibrantly adorable illustrations by Elizabeth George to the comical and inviting writing. This picture book was such a clever way of showing young kids how thoughts and the mind work and how to overcome the negative thoughts that come along with them. I love how Lincoln is presented as innocent during the entire ordeal but makes a conscious decision to stop listening to ‘Thought.’ Once Lincoln realizes ‘Thought’ only gets him into trouble, he starts thinking as well as acting on his own account. What an extremely difficult thing it is to do, to master one’s thoughts, as a growing child.
Thought is Not the Boss of Me! is an extraordinary children’s book about recognizing and dealing with big emotions. This well-written story helps children realize that big feelings are normal and that they can learn how to manage them. I Would absolutely recommend it to any family or young reader, as the message is valuable to people of all ages. It would make a great addition to a school library or classroom.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09LFLLS9N
LITERARY TITAN 