Blog Archives
Hair Dreams
Hair Dreams, by Antwinette Scott, is a bright, joyful children’s book about loving natural hair and seeing it as something full of life, beauty, and possibility. The story moves through all kinds of hairstyles, from twists and locks to Bantu knots, braids, afros, and wraps, and it shows hair as playful, powerful, and deeply personal. This precious picture book feels like a celebration of self-expression and pride, told in a simple, rhythmic way that is easy for kids to follow.
I liked how warm and happy the writing felt. It has a sing-song flow that makes it feel made to be read out loud, and that gave it a lot of charm for me. The repeated line about dreaming of hair for “me” and for “you” stuck with me because it made the whole book feel open-hearted and sweet. It felt like the author was not just talking about hairstyles, but also about confidence, identity, and joy. I also liked how the hair is described, almost like it has its own personality. That made the book feel lively and fun.
This children’s book is clearly about more than hair. It is about being seen, being proud of who you are, and finding beauty in things that the world does not always celebrate enough. I loved that. It felt uplifting and full of love. At the same time, the language stays very simple, which works well for young readers. The heart of it is so strong that it made me smile, and it also felt meaningful in an authentic way.
Each page has colorful artwork that really brings the story to life. I liked how the illustrations show the hair and the character in lots of different situations, which makes the book feel lively and fun from start to finish. The artwork is clear, detailed, and easy to follow, so young readers can stay engaged while also enjoying all the different hairstyles and playful scenes. It adds a lot of charm to the book and makes the reading experience fun for kids to follow along as parents read.
Overall, I think Hair Dreams is a lovely book with a big heart. I would recommend it for young children, parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a positive story about natural hair and self-love. It would be especially great for read-aloud time, classroom shelves, or families who want books that help kids feel proud of who they are.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0GL9P88CG
Honesty as a Skill
The Tail That Told the Truth follows a young fox who, if he tells a lie, has his tail change colors, causing him great embarrassment. What sparked the idea of a fox whose tail changes color when he lies?
The concept grew out of observing how children experience honesty long before they can fully explain it. In my own life, watching children navigate moments of truth, hesitation, and accountability–including my own–made it clear that these experiences are deeply emotional and often confusing. I wanted to translate that internal process into something concrete and visible. The fox, traditionally associated with cleverness, provided a familiar character, while the tail became a visual metaphor for how truth has a way of surfacing, even when we wish it wouldn’t.
The book frames honesty as something to practice, not something to fear. Why was that approach important to you?
Honesty is often taught through consequence rather than understanding. From both observation and experience, it’s clear that children don’t avoid honesty because they lack values, but because they fear disappointment or punishment. Framing honesty as a practice allows room for growth, reflection, and reassurance. It shifts the focus from being “caught” to learning how to do better, reinforcing honesty as a skill that strengthens with guidance and patience.
What conversations do you hope this story opens between children and adults?
I hope the story encourages adults to slow down and ask why instead of reacting immediately. Conversations about why a child felt compelled to lie-fear, uncertainty, or a desire to belong-are often far more meaningful than focusing solely on the behavior itself. The book is meant to create a safe entry point for discussions about accountability, trust, and empathy, helping adults model the kind of honesty they hope to see. The story was intentionally written to work both as a quiet read-aloud and as a starting point for gentle discussion, allowing children to engage with the idea of honesty at their own pace.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, this book is part of a broader emotional-growth series focused on helping children understand and navigate internal experiences such as honesty, self-trust, belonging, and emotional regulation. Each story stands on its own while contributing to a larger framework designed to support meaningful conversations at home and in educational settings. Additional titles in the series are currently in development.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
This heartwarming book opens up powerful conversations about truth, trust, and the bravery it takes to admit when we’ve made a mistake. Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions, or emotional learning at home.
For ages 4–8, this story will resonate with any child who’s ever felt the pressure to hide the truth—and the relief of letting it go.
Whimsical Tale
How Flowers Got Their Colors follows a young shepherd living in a quiet valley where the world is stuck in just three colors, who dreams of capturing the colors of the rainbow to brighten the meadow. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This and 18 other stories I made up as nighttime tales for my younger daughter when she was 6 and 7 years old, and is now 36 and has been CEO of the Company! I began the publishing process when I began to have grandchildren!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This whimsical tale is intended to convey the power of “sticking to it” or persistence when trying to accomplish something, and a willingness to listen and take a suggestion to heart and follow through to accomplish a goal.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Alejandro Echavez?
When Amplify Publishing and I commenced working together, I was sent a list of 25 artists with samples of their styles. I was asked to pick five, and then those artists sent their interpretation or rendition of a frame or two from one of my stories. Once I had those frames, I was asked to pick two, and Alejandro was one of them. His work is rich and presents the storyline beautifully. He has completed my fifth book, The Lost Locket, and is working on my sixth, Way Up North, a coming-of-age story of a young Eskimo who lives near the North Pole. Alejandro is very accessible and revises and updates his artwork through dialogue and mutual collaboration.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have completed The Lost Locket, a tale about a little girl who loses an heirloom necklace on the Golden Gate Bridge, which is collected by a pigeon and returned 30 years later when the little girl, now a mother, returns to the Bridge with her daughter. This book will be shipped in several months. The next book, Way Up North, is a story about a coming of age for a young Eskimo who lives near the North Pole and learns how to hunt whales. Alejandro is currently working on the artwork frames for this story, and the book ought to be available sometime early next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Join the shepherd in How Flowers Got Their Colors, a heartfelt story about how dreams, persistence, and a touch of magic can change the world around us. This charming story reminds us that even the simplest wishes can bring remarkable change.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf! And Other Great Stories With Lessons
The Boy Who Cried Wolf!, by Dr. Uzma Farooq, Samir Ahmad, and Amani Ahmad, is a charming collection of thirteen timeless fables originally told by Aesop, retold here with fresh language and vibrant illustrations. Each story comes with a clear moral, from “The Tortoise and the Hare” to “The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” The retellings stay true to the heart of the originals while making them more engaging for a modern audience. The lessons are simple and bold, making this book a go-to resource for both children and adults looking to reflect on honesty, patience, effort, and the consequences of one’s actions.
I found myself smiling often while reading. The writing is clean and energetic. It doesn’t try to be clever for the sake of it, and that’s what makes it feel real. There’s no fluff here, no over-explaining. Each fable gets right to the point, but it’s done with flair and warmth. I especially appreciated the playful rhythm and the subtle humor. The story of “The Fox and the Crow” made me laugh, while “The Ants and the Grasshopper” hit with a little sting of truth.
The heart behind the work is a standout feature of this collection. This wasn’t just a lazy rehash of old stories. You can feel that Dr. Farooq and her sons cared deeply about the messages in each tale. The dedication and acknowledgments give a window into that love for family, for storytelling, for teaching life’s harder truths without being preachy. And Kam Wing Lo and Lai Sun Ip’s illustrations are a delight. They give the book an extra layer of warmth and make it easy to imagine a parent and child reading together before bed.
I heartily enjoyed The Boy Who Cried Wolf! It’s funny, sharp, and full of heart. I’d recommend it to parents, teachers, or anyone who wants a sweet dose of old-school wisdom with a fresh coat of paint. Perfect for reading aloud, discussing over dinner, or just flipping through when you need a reminder of what really matters.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F7S5YK3X
Parents Are People Too
Saanvi’s Bad Day follows a young girl who is having a very bad Tuesday and how she learns to deal with her overwhelming emotions. What was the inspiration for your story?
When I write, I always have my children in mind. I have 2 children, a 5-year-old daughter, and a 7-year-old son. I think about lessons that I would like them to learn about. I always try to find books to help introduce new or difficult topics. And while there are plenty of books about managing a bad day, I hadn’t come across a children’s book that highlights that grown-ups have bad days too. I wanted this book to emphasize that parents are people too, and can have similar emotions and experiences.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I really wanted to focus on tools that can be used to turn bad days around. I think it’s important for children to feel empowered, and to realize that these tools can be used by anyone at any age.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
I love Anais! She was the illustrator for my first book, Saanvi’s Family Tree, and she perfectly captures the feelings I want to convey on every page.
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?
My first book was entitled Saanvi’s Family Tree which was released by Mascot Kids in May 2024. It deals with the taboo subject of familial estrangement which is a very rare topic in children’s literature. I wrote that book for my son to explain my own difficult family dynamics. My next book will be released in 2026 and will focus on the topic that grown-ups don’t have all the answers and are also life-long learners! Another lesson I would love to teach my children!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Join Saanvi as she learns the different ways to turn her bad days around. When Saanvi has another bad day at school the next week, will she be able to tackle her unhappiness in a positive way?
Saanvi’s Bad Day
Saanvi’s Bad Day is a sweet and honest look into a young girl’s very bad Tuesday and how she learns to deal with her overwhelming emotions. After a series of small but frustrating mishaps—forgotten homework, spilled lunch, a lost umbrella, and a final splash of humiliation in the school parking lot—Saanvi comes home soaked, mad, and defeated. Her father gently listens and shares a story of his own tough day, guiding Saanvi through the process of naming her emotions, accepting them, and finding simple ways to feel better. Later in gym class, Saanvi draws on these lessons to navigate another tough moment with courage and calm. It’s a story about the everyday emotional hurdles kids face and the quiet strength that comes from love, connection, and a little bit of perspective.
What I really liked about this children’s book is how tender and grounded it is. The writing is straightforward, but there’s a warm rhythm to it, like a conversation between a parent and child after a long day. The dialogue feels real. Saanvi talks the way actual kids talk when they’re upset. Her dad’s calm, understanding tone never feels preachy. He doesn’t swoop in with a magical fix; he just offers empathy and tools. That small moment of emotional coaching felt big. I love that this picture book treats children’s emotions with seriousness but not drama.
Teaching kids to name their emotions and give themselves permission to feel them was such a valuable lesson, and Sharma delivers it in a way that feels safe and relatable. No big lectures, just lived experience and gentle encouragement. I especially liked the follow-up scene at gym class—how Saanvi uses what she learned. It’s hopeful without being cheesy.
I’d absolutely recommend Saanvi’s Bad Day to parents, teachers, or anyone with a kid navigating big feelings. It’s perfect for ages 4 to 8—especially the ones who come home after school a little soggy in spirit. This book doesn’t just tell kids it’s okay to feel upset, it shows them how to ride it out and bounce back.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0DSJYJRQP
One Grain of Sand
This sweet children’s book by Ruthie Godfrey starts with a colony of ants who are thrown into chaos when what they think is an earthquake turns out to be a dog named Scruffy digging with wild abandon. Their carefully built home is in shambles. Just when things look a little hopeless, an elder ant shares how the colony was first built—patiently and bit by bit, “one grain of sand at a time.” Inspired by that wisdom, the young ants rally together and rebuild their home through teamwork and determination. It’s a simple message wrapped in a colorful and heartwarming tale.
There’s something so powerful about how the book takes such a big idea—perseverance—and shrinks it down into something kids can really get. I loved the part where the elder ant said, “Each day we worked. Little by little, bit by bit.” It’s the same thing I tell my students when they’re frustrated with math or trying to read a big book. The story doesn’t shy away from showing how hard things can feel at first, which makes the ending so satisfying.
And oh my goodness, the illustrations! Pablo D’Alio nails it. The ants are full of personality, especially the one in the purple cap—my kids started cheering when he rallied everyone. The expressions are priceless, and the way the chaos of the dog turns into organized teamwork by the end is just awesome.
One Grain of Sand is a gem. It’s the kind of picture book that’s fun to read out loud, sparks big conversations, and leaves kids feeling like they can do big things—even if it’s one tiny step at a time. I’d recommend it for any classroom, especially early elementary. It’s also a great pick for bedtime reading with a message that sticks. Teachers, parents, counselors—basically anyone raising or teaching little humans—this one’s for you.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0D8RCYXF4
Lifelong Love for Nature
Macie and the Magic Veggies follows a lively five-year-old who adores vegetables and when she gets to go grocery shopping, it turns into a thrilling adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
After I stepped away from the corporate world, my initial plan was to write a leadership book—something that distilled the professional lessons I’d picked up over the years. But then my granddaughter, Macie, was born, and it hit me that the most meaningful way to pass on those insights might be through her eyes instead. That’s how Macie and the Magic Veggies came about. I wanted to infuse the story with curiosity, compassion, and a sense of wonder—so it wouldn’t just share lessons, but truly inspire Macie and future generations to grow a little magic in their everyday lives.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
My goal in writing Macie and the Magic Veggies was to create a story that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. It’s an engaging tale that blends vibrant illustrations with hands-on, interactive elements—making the learning journey fun from start to finish. Through Macie’s eyes, I want to spark a passion for growing vegetables, a love for the environment, and a deeper understanding of how caring and kindness can help things flourish. This story shows children that the world around them is brimming with magic, just waiting to be discovered!
And the best part? The adventure doesn’t end when you turn the last page. Kids can keep the fun going with activities like singing Macie’s Veggie Song, searching for hidden gems in the artwork, or even starting their own little gardens at home. Ultimately, it’s all about fostering a lifelong love for nature, a sense of wonder, and bringing families closer together.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene that brings me the most joy is when Macie exclaims, “Now I’m a farmer too!” Originally, she said something more along the lines of “I can share with you,” but I changed it after one of my daughter’s elementary school students mentioned she’d never seen a book where a girl took on the farmer’s role. That moment flipped a switch for me—I wanted to celebrate the idea that girls can absolutely be farmers, too! It’s a small line change that carries big meaning, reflecting how excited my own family felt when we planted blueberries and built a barn on our property. Even now, that scene makes me smile every time, knowing it might inspire a future generation of young farmers.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I’m so glad you asked! The Macieverse is expanding in wonderful ways, with fresh adventures designed to spark curiosity and fun at every turn. We’ve already started crafting stories like Macie and the Magic Berries, shining a light on sharing and kindness; Macie and the Magic Beans, where kids discover patience and perseverance; and Macie and the Magic Dirt, showing how we can turn “waste to wow!” through composting. Each story even comes with its own original song, so children can sing along while they learn.
But that’s just the beginning! We’re also hard at work on Macie and the Magic Water Garden, exploring how small spaces can hold big gardening ideas—thanks to vertical planting. Plus, there are more songs and even Macieverse TV projects on the horizon.
At the heart of it all, every Macieverse story is created to inspire young minds to explore nature, care for each other, and nurture our planet. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more magic on the way!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Linkedin | Amazon
From Grocery Aisles to Garden Rows-Join Macie’s Journey to Where Real Magic Grows!
Are you ready to discover where all your favorite veggies come from? Macie sure is!
As Macie sets off on her adventure, she learns that the true magic of vegetables reaches far beyond soil and sunshine. With the guidance of her Grandpa, they meet Farmer Lundyn, a friendly young farm girl who helps Macie discover the joy of planting, nurturing, and harvesting her own food-and shares the secret that makes her farm extra special.
Filled with vibrant illustrations and rhythmic, engaging language, Macie and the Magic Veggies captures the wonder of a child’s curiosity and celebrates the love that grows from family and nature. This heartwarming story is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, inviting them to explore the magical journey from seed to table and the power of connection.
Sprinkle on Some Extra Magic-Activities Await!
Once the last page is turned, the adventure continues! Macie and Grandpa invite you and your little one to enjoy fun interactive questions and delightful activities to deepen the story’s magic and meaning. Let the learning and laughter continue as you revisit Macie and the Magic Veggies, cultivating curiosity and a love for nature together, one page at a time.
