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A Story About Love And Acceptance
The Adventures of the Soul Sistas: or How the Sisters Changed the World, follows the lives of two people who want to have a family and end up adopting two baby girls of different races.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Monique Ra Brent?
It was an amazing collaboration in terms of her vision was exactly mine – a story about love and acceptance in a world that judges. We went through the process picture by picture to get the right “soul” of the book. She had painted a picture of my wife 7 years ago – thus began the discussion of working on the book
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
For me…this is more than promoting a book. It is a movement of acceptance. I see young and old people relating to this book – I have heard people say “I see myself in this book.” I had done research before the book – for it to be sensitive to the adoption community.
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?
It is my first book – I am currently completing the second book – for end of year/new year (a comic look-superhero book)
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But living in a rural town, not everyone saw the true beauty of the Spirit family. Polite but distant, the town was wary of a Black family with two diverse daughters—one Black and one white. Charm and Dawn, though, knew that this was really a superpower, and they created their own world to show others how great it is to be part of the soul sista’s dynamics.
The Adventures of the Soul Sistas celebrates diversity and the true meaning of family through the eyes of two wonderful superheroes.
The Adventures of the Soul Sistas: or How the Sisters Changed the World
The Adventures of the Soul Sistas: or How the Sisters Changed the World, is a wonderfully written story that teaches children about the beauty of adoption and multicultural families. In this heartwarming children’s book, two people, Alexandra and Nathan Spirit, find themselves living on a farm in the country, way out of their comfort zone. They want to have a family but are unable, and through some extraordinary circumstances, they wind up with the chance to adopt not one but two little girls. So in this small rural town, this unique family with two Black parents, one white child, and one Black child face constant looks and were not included in many events. How will the sisters handle heading off to school when it is time?
Author Newton Vanriel has written a fantastic book about adoption and the challenges that raising a multicultural family can face. In addition, while not biologically twins, the girls are so close in age that they act like twins. This story covers many topics parents sometimes find hard to explain to young children. This book is written in a way that is perfect for reading together and opening up discussions. It is broken up so that it is easy to stop and talk about the different situations that come up. I love the little poems that are included as well. They are like a summary and motivational lesson, all in a couple of lines summarizing the topic on the page before it. The artwork by Monique Ra Brent is bright and colorful; it will appeal to children and bring a smile to those reading this captivating story.
The Adventures of the Soul Sistas: or How the Sisters Changed the World, is an inspiring story for children struggling with fitting in, that are adopted, or who come from mixed families. The world is full of exciting and different people, and family comprises the people you love and support you. Sisters do not have to look alike, and diversity is a beautiful thing.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0BJP3JKT4
Happy In your Skin
Rafa is a young boy who recently moved to the Midwest. He loves living in the U.S., but sometimes kids ask why his skin is brown. It makes Rafa feel weird, so he goes to grown-ups he trusts to ask for advice on how to answer this question. Rafa learns about self-love, his Indian heritage, and what makes him special and shares this with anyone that asks him why his skin is brown.
Author Erlin Kakkanad has created a captivating children’s book following a charming character as he learns how to answer awkward questions from children interested in why he looks different. I enjoyed how the story has Rafa looking for answers from respected adults, but the answers are hidden and then revealed at the end. This makes the book much more engaging as I wanted to know what each adult told him. Readers get to find out in a heartwarming at the end of the story.
The artwork throughout this marvelous picture book is vibrant, and the sharp graphic artwork and shading accentuate the story’s charm. There is a diverse cast of characters throughout the book, making this a perfect book for any teacher or parent educating their young ones about diversity and inclusion.
Happy in Your Own Skin is an empowering and educational children’s book that teaches children about India and that our differences makes the world a wonderful place to live.
Pages: 47 | ASIN: B0B8W7PHHX
Near And Dear To Me
Lets talk! Learning to bowl follows two friends to the bowling alley where they learn about the importance of wearing a mask and how people with autism communicate differently. What inspired the idea to have this story take place in a bowling alley?
Each book has a different setting and activity that is near and dear to me. I grew up bowling and had even worked at the local bowling alley. In doing that I got to see a lot of children begin to bowl and fall in love with it. I thought it would be great to showcase that in a book. Not many books show bowling and I loved the idea of it being something different that can also inspire kids to want to try a bowling league too.
Was there anything that you pulled from your own experience and used in the book?
Oh absolutely I did! All of my books have things in them that are from my experience in the field. This book in particular though is special and near and dear to me because I did work at the local bowling alley and volunteer coached. In this book I bring back the idea of using the index cards for Emma to understand and communicate. That is a technique I use a lot in my current career in applied behavior analysis.
I modeled the bowling alley and coach after what I knew growing up. The bowling alley is similar to the one I worked in. I decided to use a coach because I had coached as a volunteer too. I had worked with children and seen little ones with disabilities try to bowl. I pulled from my own memories and experiences to shape the character of the coach. It also influenced the front desk and the types of shoes the characters are wearing. I made sure those were all authentic when I wrote out how I wanted the illustrations to look. I loved that I could put my experiences in and be super authentic when It came to the communication device and the activity this time.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
Most fun creating, I would have to say it was figuring out how to address Emma wanting to take the mask off and helping her to understand why it needs to stay on. Emma taking the mask off is very real and similar to experiences I had in my own career once we were able to go back to in person therapy. I think that was the most fun to actually write and pull from my own experiences. I really loved writing in the character of Coach Phil too. So many people do not realize how fun bowling is or that a little one with a disability can do it too. I loved that I was able to show people that with a little effort and a few questions, our teenage or adult coaches can understand how to work with our littles ones with disabilities too. Also, one last fun part, was making the character of Coach Phil Native American. Diversity is so important to me and being able to showcase that in a main character was really amazing.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Currently, I have a few things in the works. I have some books written that under contract. The first book in a new series with the illustrators being amazing individuals with autism. Then there is a third series that was actually picked up by a traditional publisher. That first book in the series is actually written from Emma’s point of view. There will be more information and teases coming up! Also, there is book 4 in the Lets Talk! series which is called Lets talk! celebrating the holidays. This will be available by April 2023. Lots to come! I am very excited for everything that is moving forward!
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Lets talk! Learning to bowl
Let’s Talk! Learning to bowl, is a beautiful story that follows young Harper who has a very special best friend named Emma who happens to also be autistic. Their latest adventure takes them to the bowling alley where they learn to bowl with their new friend Jerry, who is in a bowling league. While learning to bowl, Emma sometimes takes her face mask off and, because Harper is the greatest friend, she takes on the role of educating Coach Phil on how Emma understands what we are asking of her by communicating with flash cards. Which leads to everyone having a great time at the bowling alley, and another successful adventure for the friends.
This is a sweet picture book that shows how children can be amazing role models that promote inclusivity and understanding of people with special needs. The story is perfect for the developing reader who is ready to take on longer sentences and new vocabulary words. The illustrations by Blueberry Illustrations are incredibly adorable, vibrant and wonderfully shows each character’s emotions. I feel it gave the story such warmth and charm.
I enjoyed learning about the author at the end of the book and I can tell her background in working with special needs children is very near and dear to her heart, and that passion shines throughout her book. I loved how she included some of the mannerisms children with autism exhibit. This makes them seem natural and like nothing is different or strange about them.
Lets talk! Learning to bowl is a fantastic children’s book that will educate readers while promoting diversity and inclusion.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0B8BLVS1L | Blueberry Illustrations
The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish
Arya betta fish and her brother, Krishna, journey from the pet store where they were born to their new home at a lovely koi pond. While exploring their new home, Arya and Krishna meet new friends Blake and Sharktooth and explain their greatest mission: to reunite their family. However, when the world of the koi pond is turned upside-down, all the betta friends find themselves on an exciting adventure. Meeting new friends, discovering amazing new places, and helping each other survive, Arya and Krishna must use their wits and find a little luck on their quest to find their missing parents.
Bettas have a special place in my heart. My first pet was a betta, and I love this charming adventure tale of fish friends working hard to help each other. I also love the multi-cultural approach to this lively narrative, where both the fish and humans in the world are from many different ethnicities. Spunky Arya, courageous Krishna, wise Ash, and all the other friends the bettas encounter add their own personal magic to this thrilling journey. Numerous endearing illustrations add to the enchantment of the adventure. Whether fish, human, or animal, everyone works together to aid each other in this entertaining tale of friendship, family, and fun.
Author Gabriel Bietz uses lighthearted storytelling and adorable illustrations by Ananta Mohanta in this book that is perfect for children ages seven and up. The illustrations brought the story to life, making this a middle grade book that young readers will find engaging. The adventure wraps up nicely while leaving plenty of room for many more exciting stories to follow. The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish is a cheerful romp through a world of never-ending challenges and fun, where friendship and determination may be the key to everything.
Pages: 129 | ASIN : B09QH8YW9W
Superhero’s In Their Homes
My Mom has Superpowers follows a young girl who believes her mom has superpowers; once she realizes her power is prayer, she too wants to become a superhero. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for writing this book was so many kids look for superstars (football players, rappers, singers, etc., etc.) as superhero’s and they have superhero’s in their homes. I wanted children to just look to their mom or dad or even older relatives and they will see that they can be inspired from people in their own personal lives.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Ishika Sharma?
My illustrator is very talented and she worked with me to bring my story to life with her awesome work. I have recommended her to other authors since our collaboration.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters?
I saw myself in the main characters because I always looked up to my own Mother because she was so awesome! And she had much faith and belief.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book that I am currently working on is a Children’s Christmas book. This will be my first Christmas book. I have a great message to share in that book. I am working for its release in a couple of months. More to follow…
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LITERARY TITAN 