Blog Archives
Pumpkins are a Fruit
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin follows a young girl who visits a pumpkin patch and learns many wonderful things about pumpkins. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration was the season of Pumpkin picking for Thanksgiving treats, from a food I recently learned was considered more of a fruit and not a vegetable because pumpkins have seeds, which is considered more of the nature of a fruit.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Parents staying involved in their children’s educational development through meaningful field trips, children’s social skills and learning, and children exploring the creation of nature and learning the history and value of a beautiful pumpkin.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scenes I had the most fun writing was the scene of Jewel picking a pumpkin with her parents and sharing her prized pumpkin as pumpkin pie to her classroom.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
My next book is still in the formation stages, but it will continue to promote children’s self-esteem, creative learning, social skills and healthy development.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | Book Review
Milo’s Magnificent Magnifying Glass
Milo’s Magnificent Magnifying Glass by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis is an enchanting and heartwarming children’s story about a young boy named Milo. Milo embarks on a delightful adventure of learning words, discovering the wonder of reading, and navigating the quirks of homonyms. His journey begins when he realizes he has difficulty seeing small letters and transitions to an uplifting experience that involves a trip to the eye doctor. When Milo is gifted a magnifying glass to help him see better, his world opens up, leading him to explore words with newfound fascination. This book intertwines themes of curiosity, learning, and the bond between family, with colorful illustrations that bring Milo’s experiences to life.
What I love most about this book is how it captures the innocence and wonder of a child’s perspective. Milo’s confusion over words like “write” and “right” is relatable and charming, making language learning feel less intimidating and more like a fun puzzle. The way Dr. Lewis portrays his parents is equally endearing; their loving patience as they guide Milo through each homonym creates a warm and supportive atmosphere. One scene that stands out is when Milo asks if the word “glasses” only refers to drinking glasses. This simple yet clever dialogue is both funny and insightful, perfectly capturing a child’s tendency to interpret things literally. Another highlight of the story is how Milo’s excitement about his new magnifying glass radiates through the pages. There’s a particular moment when he explores a picture book and discovers words like “bat” and “sea,” marveling at their different meanings. This scene made me smile, reminding me of how learning something new can feel wondrous. The way the illustrations are interwoven with the narrative adds another layer of joy. Milo’s reactions are beautifully captured, and you can almost feel his excitement leaping off the page. It’s this genuine sense of discovery that makes the story so engaging. The story revisits the concept of homonyms several times, which is helpful for young readers. This repetition could also be beneficial for kids who need reinforcement. The ending ties everything together sweetly, with Milo finally using his reading glasses and still loving his trusty magnifying glass. His playful handover of a bag of sugar to his mother, who asks for a kiss, left me chuckling. It’s this mix of humor and warmth that makes the story memorable.
Milo’s Magnificent Magnifying Glass is a wonderful read for children who are just starting to learn about words and reading. It’s ideal for kids curious about language, especially those who might find homonyms tricky. Parents and educators will appreciate the simple yet impactful way the story delivers educational content. Milo’s journey of exploration, supported by his loving family, is sure to inspire young readers to view learning as an adventure. This book makes you want to cheer for Milo and embrace the wonder of discovering the world through words.
Pages: 42
Jewel And The Big Pumpkin
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis is a heartwarming children’s book about a little girl named Jewel and her adventure to find the perfect pumpkin. The story starts with Jewel’s excitement over her preschool teacher, Mr. Banks, discussing pumpkins and a planned trip to a pumpkin farm. Jewel becomes determined to pick the biggest pumpkin and win a prize—a turkey for Thanksgiving. The book follows her journey from school to the farm, and ultimately, she finds the biggest pumpkin, winning both the turkey and the pride of her parents.
One of the things I liked about this children’s book is how it presents simple lessons for young readers without feeling preachy. Jewel’s determination to find the biggest pumpkin showcases her ambition and eagerness. The writing effectively reflects the inner thoughts of a child, and it’s easy to imagine how young readers might connect with her sense of adventure and curiosity. The writing is simple yet effective, with just the right amount of descriptive language to draw children in without overwhelming them.
I appreciated how the book emphasizes the importance of family involvement. Jewel’s parents are supportive throughout, from listening to her talk about the pumpkin farm trip to helping her pick out the right pumpkin. This sense of closeness and parental encouragement is touching. There’s a charming moment where her dad asks, “Why the biggest pumpkin?” and Jewel replies, “Because Momma can make more pumpkin pies with it.” That line captures Jewel’s innocence and sense of purpose, which adds to the book’s appeal.
The illustrations complement the story beautifully, bringing the scenes at the pumpkin farm to life. The vibrant pictures of the pumpkins and Jewel’s excitement as she explores the farm help keep the story engaging for young readers. I could easily picture a classroom full of children being captivated by the colorful pages.
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin is a delightful picture book for young children, especially those in preschool or early elementary school. It’s perfect for fall reading, especially around Thanksgiving, and would resonate with children who love stories about farm adventures, family bonding, and achieving goals.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0DBZRRH2Q
Playful Spirit
The Turkey Hands follows a colorful paper cutout that comes to life when the school empties at night, engaging in playful mischief with the art supplies. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was a student in the same elementary school where my mother taught first grade. When school was dismissed at 3:30 I’d head to her room where she would have a list of chores for me. The big job was cutting out pictures for her bulletin boards. She loved student art and was constantly changing her bulletin boards as a way of ensuring art and student work were on display no matter where you looked.
Even after I moved on from elementary school, my mom would entertain my dad, sisters, and me at the dinner table with stories from her classroom—funny, sweet, quirky stories about her students. Though it’s been a long time since those days, I think these little turkey hands embody both the experience of helping my mom after school and the playful spirit of her students. The memories of those moments have sort of fused together, and that mix of nostalgia and silliness is captured in the mischievous, endearing little birds in the story.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some obvious themes in the book are curiosity, creativity, and taking responsibility for cleaning up after yourself. But a less obvious theme is the relationship between rules and creativity. The imperious shoes at the end — I mean, who hasn’t frozen in place when an authority figure comes marching in? And you feel for those little turkey hands doing their very best not to fidget. It reminds me of all the discomfort I felt when I was a kid when I got a little too excited about something and vacillated between being expressive while also trying to exercise some restraint and discipline.
I loved the idea behind this story, what was your favorite scene in this story?
There is that one very climatic scene in the story that I love (and that I don’t want to give away). That is definitely my favorite. But the other scene that I love is the moon scene. Everyone knows what a turkey hand is. Or do they? My hope is that when the reader turns the page to see the moon, they realize they might not actually know what a turkey hand really is — and that moment feels fresh and surprising.
What is the next book that you are working on and when is that book due out?
This is my first children’s book, and I’ve been fortunate to work with Camille Easton, the owner of Ao5 Gallery in Austin, Texas. She handled the production design and provided invaluable feedback throughout the process. She worked tirelessly to help bring this book to life. Moreover, Camille has an incredible eye, and the same level of curation she brings to her gallery, she brought to this book. Quality was a top priority, and it was important to both of us to bring these characters to life in the right way. With that in mind, we’re planning to collaborate on five more books in the Turkey Hands series, with the next one coming out next fall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Beneath the glow of a full moon, magic stirs within an elementary school classroom: turkey hands, the colorful paper cut-outs pinned up for Thanksgiving, come whimsically to life! As moonlight fills the room, these crafty creations embark on a night filled with mischief and mayhem. They dive into glue, splatter ink, and even peck the alphabet off the walls in their playful spree.
But carefree adventure takes a turn upon encountering the realities of the daytime world of teachers and students. Faced with the consequences of their nighttime antics, the turkey hands race against time to restore order to the classroom before the morning light reveals their secret lives.
“The Turkey Hands” is a charming tale that mirrors the vibrant and often untidy journey of creativity in children. Much like children, the turkey hands can get carried away when having fun. No magic, only recognition and hard work, will get the turkey hands out of a mess of their own making.
A Heartwarming Message
In The Little Boy Who Craved Thanksgiving, Little Ricky’s wise and loving grandmother teaches him how to be truly grateful for his many blessings and to appreciate much more than just the delicious foods he relishes each year. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write this story?
The initial inspiration, or spark, for writing this story emerged from my desire to capture the essence of the season and the profound emotions associated with family, home, and love. In search of this inspiration, I delved into the memories of my childhood, recalling a true story that has resonated with me throughout my life. This recollection became the driving force, the very spark that ignited the need to craft this narrative.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Little Ricky and his grandmother?
My approach to writing the interactions between Little Ricky and his grandmother aimed to highlight the wisdom that can be gained from our elders. I also aimed to emphasize the importance of clear and meaningful communication. My inspiration stemmed from the interactions I’ve experienced with my family during holiday celebrations. In large gatherings, there is a constant buzz of activity, and there’s always someone around to lend a hand or share in the moments.
I find the process of writing children’s books fascinating. Can you tell us a little bit about your approach to imagining, drafting, and writing this book in particular?
I aimed to create a fall book that captured the warmth of home and the essence of both autumn and the holiday season. Maintaining a positive message in my books is of utmost importance to me, and I wanted to remain true to my writing style, which centers around recounting true stories that have deeply inspired me. The character Little Ricky draws inspiration from a real-life event from my childhood centered around Thanksgiving and the invaluable lessons my brother and I learned at an early age. My primary goal was to authentically capture not only the lessons I gained from that experience but also to convey the genuine spirit of the holiday season.
When it came to drafting my story, I began by identifying a central theme and engaging in brainstorming sessions to confirm that this was the story I genuinely wanted to convey. Then, I outlined all the elements I aimed to incorporate into the narrative. While crafting children’s books can present unique challenges, it’s also an enjoyable endeavor. It requires a steadfast commitment to stay true to the story’s core message and not let the constraints overshadow the creative process. I prefer to leave fine-tuning and parameter adjustments for the editing stage, allowing the initial creativity to flow freely during the drafting process.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can readers look for it on shelves?
I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming book, Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure. This book is crafted to enchant early readers with its delightful blend of simple riddles and a whimsical narrative, ensuring that the joy of reading continues to flourish. Beyond the whimsical storytelling, it carries a heartwarming message that leaves a lasting impact, reminding readers that Christmas is about more than just presents and decorations. It’s a time to cherish our loved ones, spread holiday cheer, and embrace the magic of giving back to others. Available early October.
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