Blog Archives
Pursuing Our Own Passions
The Literary Hedgehog follows a mouse poet who struggles to have her voice heard and starts to doubt her worth, yet with the help of friends, she finds her confidence. What was the inspiration for your story?
Every author who questions their self-worth as a writer. Derek and I have both experienced this at some level, and we see this online in the Writing Community every day and with students when we present writing modules in local high schools. We want to offer support and encouragement to writers and let everyone know— you have a voice and deserve to be heard, just like Evie.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
We wanted to juxtapose some biases and stereotypes by sharing a deeper view of the main characters. For example, when Mr. Hedgehog’s attitudes are shown, his beliefs are stuck in the past. When presented with an alternate perspective by Ms. Rabbit, he isn’t really a misogynist, and he proves this again when a crisis at City Magazine arises. He changed his mindset and gave Evie a chance— an opportunity for publication.
With Ms. Rabbit and even Evie, we wanted to demonstrate a common gender-role bias of a woman’s role in society that lingers today. Granted, this bias isn’t as strong as it once was, but gender bias still has a foothold in cultures around the world.
For Brayden, we wanted to demonstrate that although he has gifts and talents of his own, supporting others like Evie along their path doesn’t mean he isn’t pursuing his own. It shows he is supportive, friendly, and encouraging— help and be helped.
And finally, Evie demonstrates the importance of being true to ourselves by pursuing our own passions and not falling prey to doing what we think others or society expect from us. We all have gifts; we all have talents, and we live our most fulfilled lives when we utilize them.
Overall, there is more to each of us than meets the eye.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
One of our favorite scenes is when Brayden is searching for Evie so he can deliver the post message to her from City Magazine. He finds her near the woods picnicking and delivers Mr. Hedgehog’s request for Evie’s poetry. At first, Evie is uncertain, but Brayden tells her it is her big chance and that she can’t miss it. When Evie realizes he is right, she takes the lead, jumping on the front of the tandem bicycle, and Brayden hops on the back, and they head to the post office to call City Magazine. This is fabulous— it’s the moment Evie takes control of her fate.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
We are always working on the next project and usually more than one. Right now, we are creating Our Spring: Imagination, Creativity, & More, the fourth book in our family-focused Keepsakes series, which includes Our Christmas: Traditions, Memories, & More, Our Halloween: Mysteries, Monsters, & More, and Our Summer: Adventures, Amusements, & More releases on March 20th.
Additionally, we are creating the fourth book, The Enchanted Summer Faerie Realm, in our Enchanted Realms series of faerie-themed poetry books, each with a different aspect introducing children to the elements of poetry. It releases on May 6th. The next two books in our Enlightenment series are near completion and include kintsugi- inspired Life is Sweet: Words of Gratitude (February 11th release) and Bloom: Ho’oponopono Words of Love and Gratitude (March 11th release).
While all that is going on, I’m writing The Golden Locket, the sequel to Katie’s Attic, for my MG supernatural historical fiction Thread Through Time series, and it will be released on March 25th. And Derek released a new poetry book in December, New Year’s Frost, and he has another poetry book, Soulmates Forevermore, releasing January 7th. But his current solo project and this is exciting, is his first fiction novel— a sci-fi thriller, which is slated for release in the third quarter of 2025.
Needless to say, we aren’t short of projects; each brings us much joy.
Derek King’s Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Julie Kusma’s Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon
This delightful tale teaches children the importance of believing in themselves, challenging outdated assumptions, and the value of friendship and encouragement. Evie Mouse’s journey shows that determination, courage, and the support of others can make dreams come true.
What this book can teach young children: The importance of self-belief and following your passions.
Challenging stereotypes and societal expectations.
The value of encouragement and support from friends.
Courage in seizing opportunities and taking risks.
Introduce your young readers to The Literary Hedgehog, and let them discover how far self-confidence and the support of friends can take them. Spark their imaginations and inspire them to find their voice—just like Evie did. Add The Literary Hedgehog to your library today and join Evie on her literary adventure!
Learning Should Be Fun
Our Dinosaurs: Discoveries, Distinctions, & More takes readers on a journey through the prehistoric period to explore the age of dinosaurs and make the science of paleontology accessible to children and adults alike. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write this book?
I always had a fondness for dinosaurs as a little boy, and when Julie and I were discussing our next educational book to follow “Our Planets: Moons, Myths, & More,” I suggested we do a book about these ancient creatures. At first, Julie wasn’t as excited as I was, seeing the idea as a mammoth project, but she was equally excited as me when our research began.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
We had several goals. First, we wanted to share dinosaurs that really don’t make it into the spotlight. Second, we always want to present information or find connections that perhaps haven’t been thought about or presented yet. Third, we always want to make a fun and entertaining presentation. Learning should be fun.
Did you discover anything surprising in your research of this book?
Yes, quite a bit. There is a diversity of dinosaurs, especially in their size, and there are discrepancies regarding each species. In the end, we reconciled this as paleontology is a living science, and by that we mean it is an ever-changing, ever-evolving science, as new information is found almost daily. We may never know all the truths about dinosaurs, but we know a heck of a lot more today than we did in 1676 when Robert Plot described the first dinosaur bone.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be published?
Julie and I are constantly working on books and since the publication of “Our Dinosaurs: Discoveries, Distinctions, & More” we’ve published our third children’s fantasy poetry book, “The Enchanted Faerie Realm, Too Volume 3,” a pair of ABC children’s concept books offering nutritional information entitled “Fruitabet: the alphabet one fruit at a time” and “Vegetabites: the alphabet one veggie at a time,” also “Ho’oponopono: Words to Forgive and Love, ”Illusion, The Lighter Half, Volume 4,” and “Slag & Other Worthy Things.” Oh, and “Monster Me ABCs: My First Look at Understanding Me,” a concept book about emotions with tips for parents on helping children de-escalate when their emotions run away.
Still, this year, we plan to publish the second book, “The Literary Hedgehog” in our Hedgerow Series, which includes book one, “The Poetry Mouse,” published in 2022, and maybe one more children’s book this year, too. Regarding my writing, I have two poetry books slated for publication, one in December of this year, “New Year’s Frost” and one in January 2025, “Beyond This Realm.” I’m also working on my first fiction novel. Julie’s writing a YA version about understanding emotions and has a MG supernatural vampire story coming out later this year. Next on our educational list of books to write? It just might be “Our Periodic Table,” and I wonder what fun spin we’ll put on it.
Julie L. Kusma Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website
Derek R. King Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website
Dive into the prehistoric world of “Our Dinosaurs: Discoveries, Distinctions, & More” and embark on an extraordinary journey through time. From the dawn of Earth’s formation to the twilight of the Mesozoic Era, this captivating book offers a panoramic view of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous Periods, where giants once roamed and ruled.
Uncover the mysteries of Paleontology as you explore the fascinating realms of Saurischian and Ornithischian Dinosaurs. From the fearsome predators of the Theropoda and the colossal herbivores of the Sauropodomorpha to the majestic Ceratopsia, formidable Ankylosauria, and graceful Ornithopoda, witness the incredible diversity and distinctiveness of these ancient creatures.
Discover where dinosaurs are now and unravel the tales of the pioneering dinosaur hunters who traversed uncharted lands in the 1800s and 1900s, laying the groundwork for modern paleontological discoveries. Meet the trailblazers of today who continue to unearth new fossils and push the boundaries of our understanding of the prehistoric past.
Packed with mesmerizing artist representations, engaging activities, and some coloring pages, “Our Dinosaurs” offers an immersive experience for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. This book is sure to spark your imagination and ignite your passion for these ancient marvels.
Our Dinosaurs: Discoveries, Distinctions, & More
Our Dinosaurs: Discoveries, Distinctions, & More by Derek R. King and Julie L. Kusma is a captivating journey through the prehistoric world designed to educate and entertain readers of all ages. This delightful book offers a thorough exploration of dinosaurs’ age, from their grand beginnings in the Triassic period to their dramatic end in the Cretaceous period. With engaging prose and vivid illustrations, King and Kusma bring these ancient creatures to life, making the complex science of paleontology accessible and fun.
One of the most impressive aspects of this book is the way it seamlessly blends scientific accuracy with engaging storytelling. The authors provide detailed descriptions of the different periods and types of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth. The explanations are clear and concise, making it easy to understand the evolutionary changes that occurred over millions of years. The illustrations and diagrams are not only beautiful but also serve as excellent visual aids that enhance the reader’s comprehension and enjoyment.
The authors also do a fantastic job of humanizing the study of dinosaurs through their chapters on paleontology and the history of dinosaur hunters. The sections “Dinosaur Hunters of the 1800s” and “Dinosaur Hunters of the 1900s & Beyond” are particularly fascinating as they delve into the stories of the pioneers who unearthed these ancient giants. Their passion and dedication are palpable, and the anecdotes shared add a personal touch to the scientific content, making it even more engaging for readers. Another highlight of this book is the inclusion of interactive activities that encourage readers to apply what they’ve learned. The book also features puzzles and quizzes that not only test knowledge but also reinforce learning in a fun and interactive way. These activities are perfect for young readers and make the book an excellent resource for educators looking to incorporate more hands-on learning into their lessons.
Our Dinosaurs: Discoveries, Distinctions, & More is a must-read for anyone with an interest in these magnificent creatures. Derek R. King and Julie L. Kusma have crafted a book that is both informative and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s perfect for young dinosaur enthusiasts, educators, and anyone looking to rekindle their childhood fascination with the prehistoric world. The authors’ enthusiasm for their subject is infectious, and by the end of the book, readers will undoubtedly find themselves just as excited about dinosaurs as King and Kusma are. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge and fun, making it a fantastic addition to any bookshelf.
Pages: 183 | ASIN : B0CZS9B655
Education Should Be Fun
Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More is an educational children’s book on the universe with beautiful images and activities included. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Our Planets?
Julie Kusma and I were discussing what educational books we might like to write following the success of “Our Trees: Botanics, Beliefs, and More,” specifically what we find interesting and can we present that information in a fun and creative way. “Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More” felt like another fantastic opportunity to weave our magic and let the creative fun flow while presenting educational content as an introduction for young and old.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It’s always important for us to include ancient perspectives like mythologies, customs etc. With planets all named after Roman or Greek gods and goddesses it was a clear take-off point for us and include the mythology associated. We also thought it would be fun to include current pop culture for each planet such books and movies and an alien tour guide for a wee bit more humor too.
We believe education should be fun and as your reviewer noted, this book, as does our entire Our Education series, includes activities at the end of the book. In this case, a playable board game, and printable planet passport cards for young explorers to record their discoveries as they journey through “Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More.”
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
While we were amazed by the widely varying geology of the planets, especially those without a solid surface, the fact that the length of an earth day i.e. 24 hours, is not representative of the number of hours in a day on other planets, was not something we were aware of.
What is the next educational book that you are working on and when will it be available?
We will shortly be publishing, likely sometime in April 2024, “Our Dinosaurs: Discoveries, Distinctions and More,” which is with our editor at the moment. This has been a significant project for Julie and me on a variety of levels and we hope our readers find this volume as fun, educational and inspiring as our other books in the Our Education series.
Julie L. Kusma Author Links: Amazon | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Derek R. King Author Links: Amazon | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Your first stop on this planetary voyage will be in the Milky Way Galaxy, where you will observe unique constellations and other galactic objects.
You’ll be guided through the solar system, where you’ll be introduced to the different types of planets. Each planet is unique in its composition; some may be uninhabitable, while others may suggest the possibility of life.
Next, you’ll meet past and present astronomers and what they are most famous for.
At the end of your glorious planetary journey, you’ll find coloring book pages, a board game, and a passport game. Links to additional learning resources are also provided.
Lighter Shades of Grey
(the) Elegy is a collection of poetry that explores the darker emotions of humanity and push the reader to explore emotions that are uncomfortable. What was the inspiration for this collection of poems?
It certainly does, but there is a deep background to ‘the Elegy’ that may go some way to explaining the book’s content.
I had a close friend who was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with a grade four brain tumour, a fatal diagnosis. That was a real shock to me, and led me to explore feelings of grief, impending death, life and the value we place on life, as well as some of the mundane things we get sucked into by media and advertising etc that, in reality, are just froth and bubbles when faced with certain life altering situations. But ‘the Elegy’ isn’t always pitch black, there are some lighter shades of grey in there too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Within the scenario outlined above, it was really important to me to drill down and question what are the things we truly value in our lives, what would we miss the most when the end time comes. As well as questioning the meaning of things we encounter in everyday life. For example, marketing and adverting, how the message is presented and delivered, societal values and concerns, how we can sometimes be led to certain things unknowingly and without realising what is actually happening. I think you touched on that in your review to be fair.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this collection?
Like the prior two books in this trilogy, “Noir (or When the Night Comes) and “Natyre Boy”, this book also consists of four sections.
I wanted to try to encourage folks to think about things, as the back cover poem states ‘Elegy or legacy, you decide,’ meaning you decide how you want your life to turn out.
Each section confronts different scenarios, some more challenging than others, with the final section, somewhat more of a resurrection, and making clear there is always hope.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Solo project wise, and with the trilogy now complete, I’m returning to much happier joyful themes with a second volume of love poetry, ‘More Twelve Red Roses in Verse’ slated for release in January 2023. Other solo projects to follow. And I am also highly excited to continue my collaborations with awesome author/ poet Julie Kusma, who herself has a solo project ‘We Three’ slated for spring publication.
Collaboration wise we release The Enchanted Winter Faerie Realm in February 2023, a follow-up to last year’s successful The Enchanted Faerie Realms and around another twenty books are slated throughout the year, from alphabet concept books, keepsake, educational and inspirational books and much more besides. It is a hugely exciting time for us and we look forward to continuing our secondary schools talks on creative writing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website | Amazon
The sun will rise as the moon begins to wane.
The river will flow, the deer will run,
swans will glide on water and fly through air.
And these stones?
Well, they’ve been here for millennia already.
Elegy or legacy?
Ah, that’s for you to decide.
Our Planets
The wide, wonderful world of outer space has fascinated humankind since the beginning of time. Looking up from our own planet, Earth, millions of stars light up the night, prompting many people and cultures to muse about the far-flung reaches above us in the ebony skies. Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More by Derek King and Julie Kusma builds on this inherent curiosity. Exploring the solar system, with the many varied planets in our “neighborhood,” this gorgeously illustrated introduction to the infinite possibilities of space is the perfect guide for the budding scientist or explorer in your life.
This journey across the solar system is full of fun. Each planet has an adorable space alien and intrepid astronaut as a guide as readers learn about the eight planets, with declassified Pluto still honored with an entry. A comprehensive glossary of terms helps newcomers understand the terminology of space science and further define their world. However, the book does not focus on scientific statistics alone. Also included are the fascinating myths surrounding each planet’s name, as well as popular culture references that feature each individual celestial sphere.
The stunning illustrations on each page, full of light and color, draw the reader further into exploring the universe. And the fun doesn’t end there! Featuring a playable board game and printable planet cards at the back of the book, the journey comes to a most satisfying conclusion, with a page of further resources for you and your junior scientist to learn even more about the solar system.
Prompting further research even for older readers like myself, this beautiful guide to the solar system is a must-have for readers 7 and up who love to gaze up at the night sky and imagine what must be up there. Perfect for reading together or independently, Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More by Derek King and Julie Kusma is an engaging, informative, and beautiful introduction to the exploration of our vast universe.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B0B6CYH31X
Nature Is Amazing
Our Trees: Botanics, Beliefs, & More is a fun and creative book for families to learn together about the many uses and the history of different trees. What was the inspiration for writing this book?
I love nature, hence my book Naytre Boy, and with Julie here in Scotland with me I just had to share all the different trees. As does all our conversations, this led us down a rabbit hole of research and adventure.
Julie just loved the Ogham alphabet and I loved the connection and the ancient knowledge associated with the trees. This became the foundation of Our Trees: Botanics, Beliefs, & More.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Yes, the plethora of information surrounding these sacred trees in Celtic culture was amazing. We had to find a way to include all of this information in a clear and friendly manner. I took as many photographs as I could and Julie wove the information and images on each page.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
Nature is amazing. The knowledge our ancestors had of each tree, their properties, and how to best utilise these gifts merits respect.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
We recently published Our Planets: Moons, Myths & More as part of Our Education Series and for Halloween, we have just published Our Halloween: Mysteries, Monsters & More, Alphabites: The Alphabet One Bite at a Time, and Jaggy Little Babies. All three were so much fun to create and we are loving watching them climb the Amazon charts. As for current projects, we have many, but our next releases will for the holiday gift season and include a sequel to Honey: Words to Heal & Mend, entitled Nectar: Words Of Self Love & Care which follows in the Kintsugi tradition. Additionally, and this is the first time anyone has heard this, we are releasing a children’s inspirational book entitled With Love, the Universe this book is full of affirmations for authenticity.
Author Links Julie: Website | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
Author Links Derek: Website | Twitter | TikTok
Our Trees takes you on a botanical exploration of various trees and their symbolic meanings. Each page fills you with the knowledge that past generations knew–what each tree symbolized, their medicinal properties, and many other uses for each.
Your children will love the games included inside, from a board game to a word search and even a puzzle. Our trees is a family-friendly book that will entertain and inform everyone who reads it.
You will adore the short story at the end of this book—“Why Trees Lose Their Leaves” is a heartwarming tale of bravery and selflessness. It is a perfect story for all, especially children.
Our Trees
If you are interested in biology and nature, Our Trees: Botanics, Beliefs, & More is definitely the book for you. In this book, you will find a compendium of trees that include past beliefs from ancient Celtic cultures and what the trees represented. You can also read about the medicinal properties and uses that the tree can offer to this day.
This fun yet informative book is also family-friendly and even has activities for kids. These games will encourage children to want to know more about the green giants that surround them. I definitely recommend reading this incredible walk through nature.
This book is aesthetically pleasing and is also very informative. Readers will definitely learn a ton about what trees can offer us. I love a book that is written with the goal of educating today’s youth and Our Trees does exactly that. While I enjoyed the book, I would have liked a deeper explanation of the Celtics Runes, because I found them so fascinating and I wanted more information.
I also enjoyed that it is an interactive book. The fact that the book has activities and games for all of the family to enjoy takes the learning experience to a whole other level. The games are a great recreational activity but they also reinforce the knowledge that is spread throughout the pages of this wonderful book.
I would even recommend it to teachers for their classrooms. You could do a whole week of activities for your students from the ideas in this amazing book. The short story at the end of this illuminating book also provides a thought-provoking narrative that will give children plenty to ponder after they put this book down.
If you are a fan of nature or are curious about learning more about trees, don’t miss out on Our Trees: Botanics, Beliefs, & More. This is an enlightening and informative book that provides an interesting array of facts about trees.
Pages: 100 | ASIN: B09TN3H6ZS
LITERARY TITAN 