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Creating Joyful Moments of Discovery

Ricardo Demi Author Interview

Where Are You Going, Little Max? follows a little mouse as he visits various farm animals to collect items to bring back to his family, always ensuring he uses good manners. What was the inspiration for the character of Max?

I wanted to create a character that young children could easily connect with through simple and relatable actions. Max represents a child’s natural curiosity and openness to the world. His politeness and kindness set a good example, helping children understand the importance of respecting others. I also wanted Max to feel like a warm and friendly companion, someone children could see as a caring friend.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I aimed to show little ones how wonderful and diverse the world around them can be. Through Max’s adventures, I wanted to convey that kindness and politeness help build friendships and make each journey more enjoyable. It was important to create joyful moments of discovery for children, introducing them to the sounds, colors, and images of different animals in a way that felt exciting and engaging.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

My main goal as an author was to make the story simple and accessible for young readers. I focused on creating a plot that not only holds their attention but also teaches valuable life lessons. Additionally, I wanted children to learn something new about farm life and animals. The illustrations play an important role here, adding detail and helping to make Max’s adventures vibrant, easy to follow, and memorable for young readers.

I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers? 

The series already continues in Where Have You Been, Little Max?, where Max embarks on adventures beyond the farm. He visits the zoo to meet lions, giraffes, and elephants, heads to the beach to see dolphins and crabs, and enjoys the fair with games and sweets. Max ends his day in the park, playing and watching squirrels.

I truly hope that the continuation of Max’s adventures will bring as much joy to children and their parents as the first book did. These new journeys are designed to be both entertaining and educational, encouraging young readers to discover the world alongside a kind and curious character.

Author Links: Website | Amazon

Are you looking for an exciting and useful book for your little one?
Do you want to engage them with rousing stories?

Take a look at this wonderful children’s book, which:

• is perfect for children aged 1 to 3 years
• contains cute hand drawn illustrations that children love
• is filled with love, support and care for our little fidgets
• consists of short stories that are ideal for reading together before bed or at any other time
• teaches your child the basics of friendship, kindness, and respect for others in an easy and engaging manner
• contains funny incidents and clever stories that will interest your child, who will want to go back to them again and again
• will take its rightful place in your family book collection
• is a good match for first-time readers, new parents, and primary school teachers
• is an ideal gift for birthdays, holidays or any other important events

Books are small steps towards a big future!
Take this step! Take this book with you! Give your child the gift of a wonderful story!

Explore and Discover the World

Ricardo Demi Author Interview

In Where Have You Been, Little Max?, a little mouse takes young readers on a journey of discovery through the zoo, the fair, and a local park as he encourages outdoor play. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I wanted to give young readers the opportunity to explore and discover the world alongside Max. His trips to the zoo, beach, fair, and park are filled with delightful places and new friends, helping children see the world as a place full of surprises. Each setting was carefully chosen to showcase the wonder around us and bring kids the joy of exploration.

What were some educational aspects you felt were important to include in Max’s tale? 

In each story, Max helps children learn something new about the world around them. His simple adventures promote well-rounded development by broadening their horizons and vocabulary, introducing them to new places in nature, animals, and the wonders of their surroundings in an engaging and memorable way.

Do you have a favorite scene in the book? One that was particularly fun to write? 

One of my favorite scenes is the beach, where Max plays with the waves and meets marine creatures. This fun and meaningful scene allows kids to experience the beauty of the ocean. The illustrations are especially vibrant here, bringing the beach to life and making each of Max’s encounters with his new friends memorable.

Can young readers look forward to more books featuring Max? What are you currently working on?

I’m thrilled to bring more of Max’s adventures to life! I’m currently working on new stories that will take him to even more amazing places where he can explore and learn. I hope each of Max’s adventures brings children as much joy and inspiration as his first journeys.

Author Links: Website | Amazon | Book Review

New stories! New stories! New stories about Little Max that are perfect for parents to read aloud with their toddlers!

Max is a little mouse who loves to learn everything new and exciting.
When children meet him, he tells them wonderful stories.
Each Little Max story is a new discovery for the little explorers!

Who lives in the Zoo? How does the Elephant take a shower? What does the Zebra like?
What were the Dolphins doing while Max was building a sand castle? What did the Parrot say?
Who was sitting in the trees in the park? Why is the Fair so much fun?

What makes Little Max’s stories so interesting to children? They:

• are simple and understandable
• are perfect for children aged 1-3 years
• contain beautiful and cute illustrations created by hand
• are filled with love, support and care for our little fidgets
• describe funny and clever situations that will interest the child, leading them back to these books over and over again
• consist of short stories that are ideal for shared reading before bedtime or at any other time
• expand children’s vocabulary and improve their memory
• will be useful for young readers, new parents, and teachers
• will be an ideal gift for a birthday, holiday, any special occasion or important event

Children’s books are small steps towards great future achievements! Take this book with you! Add it to your cart! Give your child the gift of a new, wonderful story!

Where are you going, Little Max? The Magic of Discoveries for Kids

Where Are You Going, Little Max? by Ricardo Demi is a delightful and heartwarming tale that follows a curious mouse named Little Max on his adventure. As Max ventures out, he politely asks various farm animals for items to bring back to his family, using good manners and always saying “please.” Along the way, he gathers eggs, wool, and feathers, making his journey not just an adventure, but a valuable lesson for young readers.

This charming short story is ideal for keeping young children captivated, with its engaging narrative and simple, yet meaningful, messages. Demi cleverly introduces a range of farm animals, seamlessly incorporating the sounds they make, which adds an extra layer of fun for little ones. The author also subtly educates readers about where everyday items like milk and eggs come from, helping children understand the importance of farm animals in our lives. One of the story’s key lessons revolves around the importance of manners, Little Max models how to ask politely for things, a crucial behavior for young readers to learn. The illustrations are vibrant and full of detail, offering plenty for parents and children to discuss as they read together. The concise nature of the story ensures it holds the attention of even the youngest readers, making it a great choice for beginners just starting to explore books on their own. Another valuable theme in the book is sharing—Max doesn’t just collect items for himself, but generously shares them with his friends. This act of kindness serves as a gentle reminder to children about the importance of sharing and caring for others.

Where Are You Going, Little Max? is a sweet, educational read that offers both entertainment and valuable lessons, making it a wonderful addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.

Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0DCPZPX6Z

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Where Have You Been, Little Max?

Where Have You Been, Little Max?, by Ricardo Demi, is a heartwarming and engaging tale that introduces young readers to animals, places, and outdoor adventures. Little Max, an enthusiastic and curious mouse, takes readers along on his delightful journey through various exciting locations. He starts at the zoo, where he meets lions, giraffes, and elephants, then heads to the beach to admire dolphins, crabs, and the vast beauty of the ocean. His next stop is the fair, a vibrant spot filled with games, sweets, and music. Max finishes his day at the park, playing on the playground and watching squirrels scurry around.

What makes Demi’s storytelling particularly enjoyable is the way he weaves in educational elements. As Max embarks on his adventures, the narrative provides simple explanations and definitions, helping young readers grasp new concepts. For instance, when Max visits the beach, Demi explains the beach and ocean in a way that’s easy to understand, and at the zoo, the animals’ unique traits are highlighted. The story feels like watching a child experience the joy of discovery, capturing the magic of learning through everyday exploration. I especially appreciated how the entire story takes place outdoors, encouraging children to appreciate the natural world. Demi’s focus on outdoor activities makes this book a great tool for showing young readers how much adventure awaits just beyond their doorstep. The illustrations are equally charming, depicting cheerful scenes full of togetherness and fun. Though the story is brief, Max’s adventures are filled with creativity and excitement, allowing children to explore a variety of environments in a short span.

Where Have You Been, Little Max? not only helps children identify different animals and habitats but also enhances their vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. This sweet, lively story is perfect for young readers eager to learn more about the world around them.

Pages: 52 |  ISBN : 978-1963328585

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Light Fright

Light Fright is a whimsical journey into the nighttime world of Marley, a lovable little monster with a big imagination. As darkness falls, Marley’s mind is racing with fears. Unlike typical bedtime stories that calm children’s fears, this one flips the script by exploring the notion that even monsters can be afraid of children hiding in the shadows. Marley’s family tries everything to help him sleep, from magical nightlights to cozy blankets, but it’s Marley’s own bravery and a touch of humor that finally calm his fears.

I enjoyed this book so much! First off, the writing is absolutely charming. Judy De Young has a knack for blending light-hearted humor with gentle reassurance, making this book a delightful read for kids and adults. The way she depicts Marley’s fear of children hiding under the bed or in the closet flips the usual monster-under-the-bed trope on its head. Such a clever twist brings a fresh perspective to common bedtime anxieties.

What really stands out is the relationship between Marley and his family. The various attempts by Marley’s family to help him fall asleep are both fun and heartwarming. Plus, the amusing names of all the family members add a fun dynamic to the story, making it engaging from start to finish.

This picture book is filled with stunning illustrations by Nathalie Kranich. The vibrant and cute artwork captures the essence of Marley’s world perfectly. Each page is filled with intricate details that bring the monster family to life in a way that’s endearing rather than frightening. I especially loved the page where Marley is reminded that there is a child “staring straight into our picture book!” The illustrations do a fantastic job of balancing the eerie with the adorable, making it a visual treat.

Light Fright is a fantastic read for children who might be dealing with their own bedtime fears or even young readers who love a good monster tale with a twist. It’s perfect for bedtime reading with a comforting, funny message that even monsters have fears, but with a little courage and support, those fears can be overcome. If you’re looking for a children’s book that mixes humor, heart, and a dash of the spooky, Light Fright is definitely one to add to your bedtime story collection.

Pages: 64 | ASIN : B0CLSZ47T3

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Subtle Life Lessons

Kristen Puma Author Interview

Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure follows a family getting ready for bed, who turns the mundane task into an exciting, fun-filled adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration for this story came from multiple sources. The first, from my own children. The second, from my brother.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Aaron R.?

Thank you! It was incredibly easy to collaborate with Aaron. I reached out to him and luckily the timing was right. He was efficient, engaging, and open to answering all of my questions about the process. I had a vision in my head and he truly brought it to life. Needless to say, he will be the Abby and Liam Series illustrator.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Great question! I wanted this book to have a strong focus on wholesome content. It was important to me that Abby and Liam specifically showcased a strong family bond with subtle life lessons and was a relatable story where kids could let their imaginations run free and creativity soar.

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?

This is the first book of a series! The second installment (title reveal coming soon) will be released sometime later this year or early next year. Abby and Liam fans can expect the same imaginative playfulness but with a new scenario and a new problem to solve. Stay tuned!

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon

Join a thrilling journey with a fantastic sibling pair! Dive into a world of imagination, creativity, and curiosity. Can they fit in one last escapade before sleep? Tomorrow holds more adventures!
In the first book of the series, Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure, we meet Abby and Liam, a dynamic duo of siblings whose bond is as strong as their imaginations are wild. Their world is one where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, where a simple bedtime routine transforms into a journey of discovery and excitement.

Every night, as the moon rises and the stars twinkle, Abby and Liam embark on a new adventure. From the depths of the ocean to the heights of the mountains, from the heart of the jungle to the expanse of outer space, there’s no place they can’t explore. Their adventures are fueled by their curiosity and creativity, teaching young readers the power of imagination and the joy of exploration.

But as the night deepens, the question remains: Can Abby and Liam squeeze in one more adventure before it’s time to say goodnight? The anticipation of their next escapade keeps them, and the readers, on their toes. The thrill of the unknown, the joy of discovery, and the warmth of their sibling bond make every adventure a memorable one.

As they finally drift off to sleep, their hearts filled with memories of their escapades and their minds buzzing with anticipation for the adventures that tomorrow will bring, Abby and Liam demonstrate the endless possibilities that imagination and curiosity can unlock.

Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure is more than just a story, it’s an invitation to young readers to unleash their creativity, to embrace their curiosity, and to discover the world around them through the power of imagination. It’s a celebration of the bond between siblings, the joy of adventure, and the magic of childhood. So, come along and join Abby and Liam on their bedtime adventure. Who knows where your imagination will take you?

What I Would Wish to Be

When you were a child, what did you wish to be? Was it an astronaut so you could explore space or a doctor to heal the sick? In What I would Wish to Be, Trey’s father asks him if he could be anything he wanted, what would it be? Trey’s responses are creative and unexpected and throw his father for a loop when he mentions he wishes to be a tree, the wind, the sea, and much more.

Author Michele Sayre sparks young readers’ curiosity with her charming story of Trey and his conversation with his father. I felt that Trey’s responses were spot on, and it was as if I were speaking to a child. I loved Trey’s imagination and how he dared to be something that others wouldn’t think of. This creative and free-spirited read will surely spark the imagination of young readers.

This is the perfect book for teachers to read to their students and, as an exercise, have them write about what they want to be and see what they come up with. The illustrations are eye-catching and reminded me of the Baby John videos. The rhyming scheme made this a fun read that will teach young readers how to rhyme without them even realizing it.

I highly recommend What I would Wish to Be to parents and young readers as this is the perfect book to spark up a conversation before bedtime.   

Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0BRGYC5LX

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