Blog Archives
Bring Excitement to Reading
Racky’s Magic Letters follows a young raccoon struggling with his speech, who discovers a cave filled with letters and he learns how the shapes can come together to create sounds.What was the inspiration for your story?
Racky’s Magic Letters was inspired by my son’s journey working through a speech delay. He experienced a lot of frustration because he understood what he wanted to say, but he did not have the language to express himself. Around the same time, he discovered the alphabet and fell in love. He had some foam bath letters and a wooden alphabet puzzle that he played with for weeks, studying all the letters and sounds until he could name each and identify, if not produce, all the sounds. Soon after, his words started coming in a torrent, which led to sentences, and now he speaks non-stop.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I was blown away by my son’s experience and it became important for me to show kids that the alphabet is more than just letters and sounds. I wanted to bring excitement to the entire concept of reading, showing kids the endless ways that letters come together to create all the different words we understand, speak, and read. My hope is for the book to become a tool for early literacy.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Indira Muzbulakova?
Indira was a dream to work with and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to benefit from her talent. I had a vision for each of the pages, which was then relayed to Indira (with the help of my wonderful production editor). Indria took my thoughts and the magic of the story to create something even better than I could have imagined. Her attention to detail added touches of whimsy and magic that I’d never thought of. Indira truly brought Racky’s story to life and I am so thrilled to share my vision through her work.
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?
Once Racky stepped into that cave, I knew there could be so much more magical fun. I hope to turn Racky’s Magic Letters into a series as I have several stories I would like to bring to life. While I do not have a timeline for the next book, yet, I do have a first draft! Hint: it will focus on another learning concept that most kids are introduced to along with the ABCs.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Racky is a clever little raccoon who is great at using his hands to communicate through sign language but finds it difficult to communicate with his mouth. One day, while out on a walk with his mom, Racky stumbles upon a mysterious cave filled with something fascinating: letters! As he explores these hidden treasures, he learns how the funny shapes can come together to create sounds. With his newfound knowledge, Racky discovers how to use letter sounds to create words he can communicate through speech as well as with his hands.
Racky’s Magic Letters, a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children’s book from author Jenna Anderson, offers a gentle introduction to speech delay, celebrating the many ways we can share our thoughts and feelings. Perfect for young readers, this story fosters understanding and empathy, encouraging every child to find their own voice, whether through signs, words, or both.
Racky’s Magic Letters
Jenna L. Anderson’s Racky’s Magic Letters is a heartwarming story about a young raccoon named Racky who struggles with speech. His words tangle before they can reach his mouth, leaving him frustrated and misunderstood. With the support of his loving mother, he discovers a magical cave filled with glowing letters that help him understand sounds, form words, and ultimately express himself. It’s a beautifully illustrated journey of self-discovery, patience, and perseverance, celebrating the magic of language in a way that feels both relatable and inspiring.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book is how it treats language as something exciting and full of wonder. When Racky stumbles upon the glowing letters in the cave, they aren’t just shapes on a wall; they’re treasures, singing their sounds like music. The way the story transforms learning into an adventure makes it feel less like a lesson and more like an exciting quest. I could feel Racky’s joy when he put two letters together and heard the word “go” for the first time. It’s a small moment, but it carries so much weight. You can almost hear the excitement in his tiny raccoon voice as he realizes he’s cracked a code that was once impossible to him.
Another thing that really struck me was the emotional depth of the story. Racky’s frustration is so real. When he feels unheard, it stings. When his mother doesn’t understand him, he’s not just sad, he gets mad. That kind of honesty is important in children’s books. It doesn’t shy away from the harder emotions kids face, especially those who struggle with speech. And yet, the book never lingers too long in those tough moments. Instead, it gently guides the reader toward hope. The way Racky’s mom supports him, teaching him to sign and taking him on walks when he’s upset, feels like a warm hug. It’s a reminder that patience and encouragement can make all the difference.
The writing itself is simple yet lyrical, making it a perfect read-aloud book. The rhyming and rhythm keep things flowing smoothly, and the repetition of sounds helps reinforce the theme of learning letters and words. The illustrations by Indira Muzbulakova are just as magical as the story. The glowing letters, the soft forest backgrounds, and the expressive little raccoon bring everything to life. You can feel the warmth of the world Racky lives in, making it even easier to connect with his journey.
I’d recommend Racky’s Magic Letters to any child who’s learning to read, struggling with speech, or just loves a good story about discovery. It’s a fantastic book for parents and educators who want to introduce the magic of letters in a way that feels natural and exciting. More than that, it’s a story about persistence, about finding new ways to communicate, and about celebrating every small victory. Racky’s journey is one that sticks with you, and by the time you reach the last page, you can’t help but cheer for him.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DKGCB453
LITERARY TITAN 