Blog Archives
The Courage to Change
I Can Do Bad All by Myzelf follows a disgruntled elf who was not hired by Santa, so he decides to get revenge by sabotaging Santa’s workshop. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It was the month after Christmas in January 2023, and I was trying to generate some children’s book ideas. I was thinking about what the perfect job would be, and working for Santa came to mind. But Santa can’t hire everyone, right? So, even though this book was the fourth one published in the Holiday Tails series, it was the idea for this book that led to the development of all the other books, and, believe me, there will be many. Four are complete, and two more are slotted for this year.
The art in this book is unique and modern, really drawing in the older elementary-level children. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Christina Cartwright?
I always give Christina an idea of what I’d like to see on the page, but I leave it up to her imagination as well. There have been a couple of times that Christina misinterpreted what I was wanting (or more like I wasn’t as clear as I could have been), and I ended up going with what she gave me because I could see it was a better idea. For example, she proposed that we make the other elves’ skin colors be nontraditional human tones, and I thought it was a fantastic idea, so we ran with it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main themes I focused upon were:
Disappointment in life. Sometimes we can’t seem to make our dreams come true, no matter how hard we wish for it.
Finding the courage to change. Bad things happen – are we going to let them define us or are we going to listen to our hearts when they warn us we are on the wrong path? Can we find the courage to change?
Unconditional love. No matter what we do, everyone deserves a chance to be loved and do the right thing.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is a follow-up to last year’s bunny book. Yakov is a wild and funny character, so it’s great to revisit his crazy antics. It should hopefully be done by summer and available to read and enjoy by all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Amazon
But what if Santa won’t hire you? He can’t hire everyone. The greatest job in the world will only go to a select few. What do the rest of the rejected applicants do?
Well, if your Myz the elf, you get revenge on Santa. You make him rue the day he ever turned you away from the one thing you’ve ever wished for – working for the big man himself, Santa Claus.
Myz does everything he can think of to make the big guy’s life miserable and when he finally succeeds in attaining his naughty goal? Myz sees a side of Christmas that isn’t very beautiful or joyful.
Will his heart change in time to save Christmas? Sometimes we don’t know the true meaning of things until we almost lose them.
The Christmas Kittens
Julia Metzler’s The Christmas Kittens is a captivating photo book that effectively embodies the joy and warmth of the holiday season. The book skillfully uses photography to showcase kittens in a series of playful and affectionate scenarios, bringing to life the coziness and companionship that pets offer. Accompanying these delightful images are rhymes that highlight traditional Christmas elements, like decorated trees, gingerbread cookies, and festive lights. The kittens, with their fluffy charm, are shown reveling in these seasonal delights, adding a layer of whimsy and enjoyment.
Metzler’s narrative is simple yet engaging, making it accessible for young readers. The rhymes are uplifting and concise, perfect for children beginning to read. Moreover, the book’s vibrant and festive imagery is likely to hold the attention of its young audience, providing not only a pleasant reading experience but also fostering a sense of positivity. The portrayal of kittens in this book not only reinforces holiday traditions but also subtly educates about pet companionship, reflecting Metzler’s deep affection for animals and her ability to convey this sentiment to her readers.
The Christmas Kittens is a charming and heartwarming book, ideal for parents and children to enjoy together. It not only celebrates the festive season but also subtly educates young minds about the joy and responsibility of caring for pets. Metzler’s passion for animals shines through, making this book a delightful addition to any family’s holiday reading list.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 978-1778137389
My Most Cherished Memories
The Christmas Lesson: Unwrapping Love and Family follows a young boy searching for his holiday gifts who is discovered by his grandmother and learns the true meaning of the holiday from her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My grandmother, Granny held a special place in my heart. She wasn’t just a grandmother; she was my best friend. Our shared love for Christmas created some of my most cherished memories. The essence of Christmas, to me, was always about spending quality time with her, whether it was decorating the house or simply having conversations about life in general.
I felt a deep desire to honor our bond, but finding the right way proved challenging over the years. It wasn’t until I noticed the increased commercialization of Christmas, with stores jumping into the festive spirit as early as October, that inspiration struck. Witnessing this trend, which seemed to overshadow Thanksgiving and dilute the true spirit of Christmas, motivated me to do my part in taking action. That’s when I decided to channel my feelings into writing a book, The Christmas Lesson: Unwrapping Love and Family. Through it, I aim to pay tribute to Granny and, more importantly, remind readers of the meaning of Christmas.
When you think about the holidays, what is your favorite childhood memory that always brings a smile to your face?
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights holds a reputation as one of the premier holiday light shows in North Carolina. Granny and I had always planned to attend, but her fear of riding on the highway, given its 45-minute distance from our home, kept us from making the trip. Instead, we created our own tradition, exploring various parts of the city and delighting in the local Christmas light displays. Those moments, filled with oohs and ahhs, forged a deep connection between us.
Despite numerous invitations from friends to visit Tanglewood over the years, I consistently declined or came up with an excuse, holding out for the day I could share it with Granny. Sadly, that day never came as she passed away on November 4, 2010. It wasn’t until December 2016, when my daughter Haelee was nine, that I finally experienced Tanglewood for the first time. The beauty of the lights left both of us utterly amazed. Keyshia Cole’s song “Sent From Heaven” began to play on the radio just as we pulled up. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt Granny’s presence with us as Haelee stared out the window in amazement. It became clear to me that my first visit to Tanglewood wasn’t meant to be with Granny and I, it was meant to be a shared experience with Granny, Haelee, and myself.
What message do you hope children and families take away from your story?
The underlying message is that the true gift of the season lies in moments shared with family while honoring Gods sacrifices in Christian households like mine. A similar sentiment holds true for non-Christian households, in that The Christmas Lesson emphasizes that the most valuable gifts life offers are the love that exudes from family and friends.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The title is still in the works but Lamar will return in an upcoming book that focuses on mental health in children. The release date and title are uncertain because my current focus is on supporting Haelee. We’re collaborating on her debut poetry book. My goal in that sense is to ensure that her poetry book takes center stage as we enter 2024, particularly since it marks our first attempt at such a project.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Canada’s Cultural Fabric
Yuletide Harmony: My Christmas and Your Christmas A Duet of Joy, Cheer, and Hope shares with readers the Canadian traditions revolving around the Yuletide season based on Christian beliefs. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Julian: Yuletide Harmony: My Christmas and Your Christmas, A Duet of Joy, Cheer, and Hope delves into Canadian traditions surrounding the Yuletide season, deeply rooted in Christian beliefs. Writing this book was crucial for me as a Canadian immigrant from Asia, navigating a 15-year journey living in Canada and raising two young children born in this wonderful country. I was driven by a desire to share the richness of these traditions, drawing not only from my personal experiences but also from the collective stories of friends and colleagues. Through this book, I aimed to spotlight the immense significance of these traditions in shaping Canada’s cultural fabric during the cherished Christmas season.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Julian: Throughout the book, I aimed to convey the essence of unity and shared joy during the holiday season. It was important for me to emphasize the cultural diversity within Canadian Christmas traditions, illustrating how various customs harmoniously blend, fostering a sense of togetherness and understanding among different communities.
Gloriane: Yuletide Harmony is a true labor of love and a heartwarming tale. We wanted to develop a book that not only gave insight on the many traditions celebrated throughout Canada today but also create something that could be cherished by families everywhere.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Julian: As a writer, my goal was to paint a vivid and heartwarming picture of the unique Canadian Yuletide celebrations. I aimed to capture the essence of love, compassion, and the spirit of giving that permeate through Canadian Christmas customs. Additionally, I strived to evoke nostalgic sentiments while highlighting the modern adaptations of these traditions, ensuring the relevance and resonance with contemporary readers.
Gloriane: As a young writer, it was important to me to write with a greater sense of purpose. I wanted my writing to stand out as a younger perspective, but also open up to everyone. It was a challenge for me to push myself to write with an eloquence and weight as that of an adult, but I feel satisfied with this book, and overall; I enjoyed my time writing it.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Yuletide Harmony?
Julian: Ultimately, my hope is that readers take away a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of Canadian Yuletide traditions. I aspire for readers to embrace the spirit of unity, understanding, and shared joy depicted in the book, fostering a sense of togetherness during the holiday season and beyond.
Gloriane: I hope readers don’t shy away from this book because it is written from a Christian perspective. Despite being written from this perspective, this book provides readers with an understanding that there is much more to Christmas than what we think we know. Through every tradition, there is a story to be told, and I would never want readers to miss out on those beautiful stories.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Someone Who Gives Lovingly and Freely
Santa Claus: The Beginning is the enchanting story of a young man tasked with assuming the role of Santa Claus and the adventures and friendships that follow as he realizes his destiny. What inspired you to write this reimagining of the age-old tale of Santa Claus?
The inspiration came from a dream I had. A voice said, “Terry, write a new version of A Christmas Carol, but make the main character the man who would become Santa Claus.”
I then thought about what kind of man would become Santa and what kind of boy grows up to be that man.
And more importantly, how and who convinces the man to become Santa.
What was your favorite scene in this story and why?
My favorite scene in this story is Santa and his Chief Elf, Pinnacle, discussing Pixies and pixie dust used in some spaghetti. I thought it was a fun way to show the loyalty of the two characters and some of their personalities.
What, if any, types of challenges did you face as you created this new version of a beloved classic?
The key challenge was to ensure that my new additions to the traditional story of Santa would fit and make sense. I wanted the reader to think to themselves, “I understand how these events add some fun information and more dimension to Santa.”
Giving a definition of the name of Santa Claus was important. Someone who gives lovingly and freely.
I also hoped to introduce some new characters to the story who would embody the traits of Santa.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be out?
That is a good question. I’ll have to get back to you on that.
Author Links: GoodReads
Follow John as he encounters magical elves and meets Jessica, the manager of Santa’s castle at the North Pole. Experience the excitement of Santa’s first global trip on Christmas Eve, 1840, as the story reaches its heartwarming conclusion.
This enchanting tale unveils the origins of a talented toy maker, his special abilities, the loyal reindeer by his side, and the devoted friendships that shape his destiny. Suitable for all ages, this classic story is a delightful adventure filled with magic, imagination, and the spirit of Christmas.
Let’s Talk! Celebrating the Holidays
Let’s Talk! Celebrating the Holidays, by Lisa Jacovsky, is an engaging narrative that thoughtfully highlights the value of embracing cultural diversity through festive traditions. The book centers around Harper, who celebrates Christmas, and her friends Emma and Jerry, who observe Diwali and Hanukkah respectively. Their curiosity about each other’s traditions leads to a collaborative effort to learn and celebrate together, culminating in a party that integrates elements from all three festivals.
Jacovsky skillfully portrays the characters’ diverse backgrounds and personalities, weaving them into the fabric of the story. The author underscores the theme of inclusivity with the addition of Emma, an autistic character, who communicates using special cards. The characters’ interactions embody mutual learning, emphasizing the significance of understanding and valuing different cultures. This is particularly evident as the children work together to blend their traditions into a harmonious celebration.
The narrative, while straightforward and without a central conflict, succeeds in being both educational and enjoyable. It effectively imparts universal values such as empathy and friendship, alongside fostering creativity in problem-solving and event planning. Jacovsky’s writing style is clear and accessible, making the book suitable for young readers. The story’s vibrant illustrations further enrich the experience, vividly portraying moments of joy and cultural sharing.
Let’s Talk! Celebrating the Holidays emerges as an effective resource for initiating conversations about inclusivity, tradition, and respect among children. It not only entertains but also educates, making it a valuable addition to any young reader’s collection. Jacovsky’s balanced representation of the three holidays reinforces the book’s message of equality and mutual appreciation among different cultures.
ASIN : B0CKTY4TSS
The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle
Daniel Petronelli’s The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a Christmas story of faith and hope. A drought has plagued the little town of Shiloh. There is no water, and there are no Christmas trees, and the villagers don’t know which one is worse. A spirited group of boys takes it upon themselves to sneak over the mountain to the town on the other side. They plan to take home a Christmas tree, but a terrible blizzard interrupts up their plan. Stuck in the blizzard, the boys find themselves panicking. A mysterious figure soon appears and gives them a helping hand. His help becomes significant for the whole village in ways they never expected.
The book is well-written with fun page borders and pleasing illustrations that add depth to the storytelling. It’s a heartwarming story–exactly the kind you’d want to read with children around the Christmas season. It speaks about God and about how faith can be found in even the most trying moments. Its wholesome content makes this a must-read for families.
The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a high-quality children’s book with a narrative that embodies the essence of Christmas. It’s a story that reminds us of the importance of faith, hope, and kindness during the holiday season. Its combination of well-crafted storytelling, engaging illustrations, and a meaningful message makes it special. This children’s book is a delightful addition to any Christmas reading list. The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a wonderful gift for children and adults alike, spreading the joy and magic of Christmas throughout its pages.
Pages: 74 | ISBN : 978-1737485513
LITERARY TITAN 