Blog Archives
Winston The Titan Terrier : Adventures In Ancient Egypt (Book 2)
Winston the Titan Terrier returns for another thrilling quest, this time alongside his loyal friends Diesel and Teddy. Their mission in Adventures in Ancient Egypt by award-winning authors Colin Peter Van Dongen and Mia Van Dongen leads them through a labyrinth of twisting tunnels, riddled with ingenious traps and mind-bending puzzles. Each solution propels them deeper into danger, and each wrong move threatens disaster. Along the way, formidable foes emerge, determined to halt their progress. At the heart of their journey lies a daunting challenge: stop Sad Face, a mischievous yet oddly endearing octopus, from rewriting Egyptian history, or risk arriving too late.
From the very first page, the story bursts with energy. The fast-paced narrative kept me eagerly turning pages, invested in whether Winston, Teddy, and Diesel could outwit the countless challenges placed before them. For children, the sheer variety of puzzles, traps, and encounters ensures that every reread reveals a new detail or hidden layer of fun.
The characters shine with personality. Winston, Diesel, and Teddy are more than companions; each stands out as a hero in their own right. Readers will find it difficult to choose a favorite among them. Meanwhile, the villains, Sad Face the alien octopus and Smokestrike the sly ninja cat, add both tension and comic mischief, often stealing scenes despite their role as obstacles.
Equally impressive are the illustrations by Colin Peter Van Dongen. Detailed, crisp, and vividly colored, the images elevate the storytelling. Their clarity, reminiscent of AI-rendered sharpness, invites readers to pause, explore, and savor every page.
Winston the Titan Terrier: Adventures in Ancient Egypt is a delightful read for all ages. It blends clever storytelling, dynamic characters, and striking illustrations into one unforgettable package. Highly recommended for children, and equally enjoyable for adults who love fast-paced adventures filled with heart and humor.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 1738448746
A World Where Anything is Possible
Journey to Superhero School follows twins Jessica and Oliver, who discover their unique posers at the age of four and navigate their unique challenges with the help of their supportive parents. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the set up of my story was my creative mind. To be a little more elaborate, I’ve always struggled with mental health. There are some days where I wish I could be somewhere else so I decided to make a world where anything is possible. That’s what you do when you write. You make your own world where anything can happen. There are no rules and no limits. It’s very freeing.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I love all the supporting characters and I had so much fun writing all of them! Although, Nick was a favorite of mine because of his elaborate backstory. Also, I liked writing about Rachel because at first, she is morph as my late dog, Snowball.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There were so many things I wanted to get across in this book. I’ll just mention the main things. Friendship. I wanted everyone reading to know that friendship isn’t just black-and-white. You have ups and downs. What I wanted to get across was that true friendship means for giving each other and holding onto a really strong bond of trust and love. Family. Same thing really with friendship. You have a lot of ups and downs, but a familiar bond is one of the most important bonds you could ever have. I wanted to present my idea of an ideal family where everybody loves each other and respects each other. A big part of family is also the bond between siblings. That’s the one that I really really wanted to get across in this book. Sibling relationships can be messy. Once again, you have ups and downs. I truly believe the bond between siblings is one of the most powerful things in the world.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Oliver and Jessica and the direction of the next book?
In the second book of the VORK, Chronicles, Oliver and Jessica, and all of their friends have to face their deepest, darkest fears and overcome them. As Oliver and Jessica continue to grow, their sibling bond and friendship bond will become stronger and stronger.
Author Links: Instagram | Website
Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles
Journey to Superhero School by Gracie Dix introduces readers to an extraordinary world through the eyes of twins Jessica and Oliver Fletcher. From the moment they discover their unique powers at the age of four, their lives are transformed into a whirlwind of excitement and chaos. Raised by resourceful and supportive parents, the twins navigate the challenges of being different in a world that doesn’t quite understand them. Their days are filled with hilariously chaotic family moments, daring rescues, and quirky encounters. But when a mysterious phone call steers their family toward Superhero School, the real adventure begins.
This book is a masterful blend of humor, heart, and a dash of sarcasm, making it an unforgettable introduction to the Fletcher twins’ larger-than-life escapades. The story strikes a compelling balance between laugh-out-loud humor and meaningful life lessons, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply resonant. Jessica and Oliver’s sibling dynamic is a standout feature, perfectly capturing the love, playful banter, and steadfast support that define their relationship. Their bond feels authentic and relatable, drawing readers into their world with ease. The author excels in weaving together the ordinary and the extraordinary. Everyday family chaos is juxtaposed with thrilling scenarios that highlight the twins’ quirky powers and heroic efforts. Each chapter flows effortlessly, keeping the pace brisk and readers eagerly turning the pages. The humor is sharp and perfectly timed, delivering lighthearted moments that offset the more poignant themes. What truly sets Journey to Superhero School apart is its empowering message. At its core, the book celebrates embracing one’s uniqueness and finding strength through the support of loved ones. This theme is especially inspiring for young readers, offering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is adventurous.
As the start of what promises to be an exhilarating series, Journey to Superhero School delivers in every way. The Fletcher twins are a delight to follow, and their unpredictable adventures brim with energy, heart, and humor. Highly recommended for anyone who loves superhero stories that blend action with emotion and a generous dose of sibling sarcasm.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0874LZ2V2
Vork Chronicles Welcome to Superhero School
Welcome to Superhero School! by Gracie Dix delivers a thrilling, action-packed adventure that never lets up. The story centers on twins Oliver and Jessica, who, along with their friends, take on the evil forces of Vork. These young heroes wield jaw-dropping Powers like Flight, Morphing, Invisibility, and Mind Reading. Their mission leads them through dark sewers, dense jungles, and encounters with dinosaurs and dragons. Yet, the challenges they face aren’t just monsters and villains. Each hero must confront inner fears and past struggles to fully harness their abilities and come together as a team. The stakes are sky-high, and the world’s fate hangs by a thread, creating a compelling narrative about courage, unity, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
This book is a delightful blend of pulse-pounding action, humor, and touching moments. The author brilliantly intertwines themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of friendship in a story that keeps you guessing. The dynamic between Oliver and Jessica is especially engaging; their journey from hesitant siblings to inspiring leaders is heartwarming and relatable. Watching them navigate trust and leadership feels real and powerful, a genuine highlight of the narrative. The settings burst with imagination, from perilous sewers crawling with danger to lush, magical jungles brimming with mythical creatures. It’s hard not to get swept up in these vividly crafted worlds. Each character’s unique Power brings something fresh to the table, and it’s fascinating to see how they creatively combine their abilities to tackle obstacles. Oliver’s arc, in particular, is a standout. His growth from uncertainty to a confident leader adds emotional weight to the story, making every battle feel personal and impactful. What truly sets Welcome to Superhero School! apart is its seamless balance of relentless action and rich character development. The villains of Vork are a constant, cunning threat, always keeping the heroes on edge. Yet the story’s heart lies in learning to accept one’s individuality and discovering strength through teamwork. The emotional highs are as gripping as the suspenseful action, creating a reading experience that feels deeply satisfying.
This is a page-turner in every sense, captivating from beginning to end. With humor, intense suspense, and valuable life lessons, Welcome to Superhero School! is an unforgettable read for all ages. Fans of superhero adventures with a strong message will find so much to love. I’m already eager for the sequel, this world is too exciting to leave behind.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B085FZD6QW
Welcome To Superhero School (The Vork Chronicles)
Welcome to Superhero School, the first book of The Vork Chronicles by Gracie Dix, takes readers on an energetic adventure into a world where young superheroes-in-training must learn to control their powers and face off against the threats lurking in their midst. The story centers around Oliver and Jessica Fletcher, twin siblings with remarkable powers, who find themselves thrust into an exciting yet dangerous life at a school designed specifically for super-powered individuals. With a cast of diverse characters possessing unique abilities and a plot packed with schoolyard antics, perilous missions, and self-discovery, this book is a vibrant dive into a world of youthful heroism.
One thing that stood out to me was how lively and fast-paced the writing was. Dix pulls no punches when it comes to moving the plot along, with one action-packed scene quickly following another. This is especially clear when Oliver and Jessica find themselves amid a school fire, both showing off their impressive powers in a tense and heartwarming sequence. However, the speed at which the story unfolds also means that, at times, it can feel rushed, leaving less room for the characters to breathe and develop. I also appreciated how the book tackled themes of friendship and self-acceptance. Dix weaves these into the narrative in a natural and relatable way, especially for younger readers. The dynamic between Oliver and his best friend Teddy and Jessica’s loyalty to her brother underscores the importance of looking out for those you care about. The twins’ journey from feeling out of place to finding their identity as superheroes is engaging. However, some emotional beats, like Jessica’s internal struggles, could have been explored further to give more depth to their growth. That said, some of the side characters could have been more fleshed out. While figures like Ondrea and Darla add a lot of fun to the mix with their varied powers and personalities, they sometimes feel overshadowed by the action. The idea of a superhero school is brimming with possibilities, but the classroom and social dynamics sometimes play second fiddle to the explosive showdowns. A little more focus on the day-to-day lives of these students would have enriched the worldbuilding, making the stakes feel even higher when things inevitably spiral into chaos.
Welcome to Superhero School is a fun, action-packed read with plenty of heart. Gracie Dix creates a colorful world where young heroes navigate both extraordinary powers and the ordinary challenges of growing up. I’d recommend this book to younger readers, particularly those who love stories with a quick pace, larger-than-life characters, and lots of superhero excitement. It’s a lighthearted, high-energy adventure that is sure to appeal to fans of superhero tales with a dash of school drama thrown in.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B085FZD6QW
The Power of Imagination
Winston The Titan Terrier: The Cosmic Bone follows a clever superhero dog who loses his bone and goes on a quest to find it. What was the inspiration for your story?
We have an incredibly entertaining Boston Terrier named Winston. He absolutely loves snacks, especially a South African treat called biltong, or beef jerky as it’s known in America. He’s also a huge sports fan and can often be found chewing on basketballs and rugby balls, all while constantly nagging us to play with him. He absolutely loves to win! Mia has known him her entire life and absolutely adores him. So, when we collaborated on her own book concept at the age of five, she didn’t hesitate to turn him into Winston the Titan Terrier, a superdog with a unique backpack that can launch all sorts of awesome sporting equipment and gadgets.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some of the important ideas that we wanted to share in this book were:
- The Power of Friendship and Teamwork: The book highlights the importance of cooperation and support in overcoming challenges.
- Overcoming Adversity: It emphasizes the theme of resilience and perseverance in the face of difficulties.
- The Value of Curiosity and Learning: The story encourages exploration and a thirst for knowledge.
- Interactive Storytelling and Engagement: The book offers puzzles, mysteries, and interactive elements to keep readers engaged.
- Adventure and Exploration: It takes readers on journeys to new and exciting worlds.
- The Thrill of the Quest: The plot involves thrilling adventures, gadgets, and a formidable villain.
- The Imagination at Work: The book explores the power of imagination to see the world differently.
- Appeal to a Wide Audience: The story is designed to resonate with readers of all ages.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
My personal favourite, due to my love for big waves, is the scene where Smokestrike activates his Sea Sweeper device, which has the power to truly generate gigantic waves. Winston must quickly find a way to avoid being completely overwhelmed as one of these massive waves is barrelling towards him.
Some of Mia’s favourite scenes is when Teddy, the Australian Shepherd, leads Winston through secret entrances to his laboratory deep beneath the Bone Shop. There, Winston discovers a special cosmic bone that grants him incredible SuperDog abilities. As Winston demonstrates the bone’s powers, they stumble upon an ancient tunnel system that was built thousands of years earlier. Using the cosmic bone, Winston is able to translate the ancient text on the walls, revealing that they must complete five challenges to unlock a portal capable of transporting them anywhere in the universe. One of the most exciting interactive challenges on their journey is the Milky Way Gate. Here Teddy and Winston need to unlock a door by solving a code in front of them, using hints from various animal shapes illuminated by star systems.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
We are excited to communicate that we have already storyboarded and mapped out Books 2 and 3 as part of the series over the last few weeks. The story is set to become even more exciting and intense as it unfolds, with the introduction of the ‘Time Twister’ device. Winston and the other characters will face off against old and new intergalactic villains across various time periods, as they journey through Mia’s favourite moments in history. We are aiming to launch Book 2 on World Book Day next year. In this instalment, Winston is transported back to Ancient Egypt in its original glory, where he must find a way back to his own timeline and save his world.
We plan to continue delivering all the adventure, mystery, secret tunnels, and interactive puzzles, ensuring readers of all ages remain captivated by what is going to happen next.
Author links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Music Video | Book Trailer | Chat with Winston
Packed with vibrant illustrations that ignite imaginations, this action-packed story follows Winston’s journey through daring rescues, ingenious inventions, and surprising alliances. As he teams up with quirky characters, the adventure takes an unexpected turn, leading him to an ancient underground world filled with mysteries and challenges. Winston must race against time, using his transformative backpack and cunning wit to outsmart Smokestrike and prevent a catastrophe that threatens their planet. This is just the beginning of Winston’s adventures!
This exciting tale is a treasure trove for young readers (ages 5-12) seeking action and excitement, and adults looking for a heart-warming story filled with camaraderie. Perfectly blending illustrations and narrative, this book promises a visual feast, an enthralling journey, and interactive puzzles and riddles that seamlessly engage young minds.
Prepare for an extraordinary escapade with Winston, where every page brings vibrant illustrations, unexpected surprises, and a world brimming with wonder!
Purchase from:
Amazon USA http://tiny.cc/winstonamazonusa
Amazon UK http://tiny.cc/winstonamazon
Amazon Global Links http://tiny.cc/winstonamazonglobal
Barnes and Noble http://tiny.cc/winstonbn
Apple Books http://tiny.cc/winstonapple
Takealot http://tiny.cc/winstontakealot
Winston Titan Terrier : The Cosmic Bone (Adventure Book 1)
In Winston The Titan Terrier: The Cosmic Bone, authors Mia van Dongen and Colin van Dongen introduce readers to Winston, a clever Boston Terrier with a spy alias, Titan Terrier. Winston’s adventure begins when he loses his precious bone and embarks on a thrilling quest to recover it. Unknown to him, this is no ordinary lost item. Smokestrike, a ninja black cat, is behind the disappearance. Smokestrike wants to steal the secrets of Winston’s transformative backpack and sporting equipment. The result is an action-packed children’s book filled with clever twists and engaging challenges.
One aspect I loved about this picture book is Winston himself. He’s a charming character surrounded by a diverse group of dog friends, each with unique skills contributing to the story. This adds depth to the story and serves as an educational element that introduces young readers to various dog breeds and their characteristics. The authors enhance the reading experience by posing questions directly to the audience, encouraging them to spot hidden details or predict the next move in the mystery. This interactive approach keeps readers engaged and makes the story feel more dynamic.
The story is engaging and filled with unexpected details that take readers through various imaginative settings. The illustrations are another highlight. They are beautifully realistic and draw readers deeper into Winston’s adventurous world. The inclusion of photos of the real Winston at the beginning of the book is a delightful touch. It allows readers to connect even more with the character.
Winston The Titan Terrier: The Cosmic Bone is a fun, educational, and visually captivating picture book. The story’s interactive elements and vibrant artwork make it a worthwhile addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CW1KLGM6
A Unique Superpower
The Birth of Agent Big Butt: Butt of Steel, Heart of Gold follows a newborn boy who is born with the superpower of explosive farts that can defeat any advisory. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a family, we love telling stories. So, one night, while making up silly stories, an image of a big butt newborn popped into my mind. Immediately, the story began to unfold. It would be a story about a baby with a big steel butt that can fart the most powerful farts. The farts could form into anything he needed, and this baby decided to use these powers for good.
Big Butt is an entertaining character with a superpower that will make kids laugh and encourage them to want to read more of his story. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
There are many children fart books. We wanted to add a different spin to our version. We also wanted the humor in the book to be more than just farting. We wanted a character that was immersed in real world challenges who had many crash courses…dealing with family, friends, and bullies. And in that a lot of humor was discovered. We also wanted a main character that was lovable and cute – and our illustrator, Tom McWeeney, captured our ideas perfectly!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
As a newborn, the main character had to deal with the learning curves of life, such as not only understanding his feelings but the feelings of others. He learned that sometimes there is no clear right or wrong. He also had to learn how to be responsible with his powers. So, when he faced insults from bullies or attacks from the media, he had to give a mature response. In short, he had to grow up fast.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
In Book 2, The Defeat of Agent Big Butt: Out of Gas, Agent Big Butt loses all his powers and has to deal with a rampaging mechanical big butt operated by his nemesis Justin. It was pretty fun exploring what AB (our hero’s nickname) was like without his powers, as well as coming up with all the new, dastardly farts used by Justin.
In Book 3, The Brainwashing of Agent Big Butt: Under an Evil Smell, we see what AB is like when he goes over to the dark side. Writing a villainous AB was so exciting!
As for the future…AB3 was the last book in the series, but many fans have expressed an interest in an Agent Big Butt movie. It is definitely part of our vision!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
With a wild doctor pursuing him, this walking, talking newborn – known as Agent Big Butt – has to navigate the life of a superhero while dealing with newfound fame, going to school, making friends and defeating bullies, all before his first birthday.
LITERARY TITAN 