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The Sumatran Trilogy
The Problem with Poppy is about a porcupine that has trouble making friends and overcomes that fear. What was the inspiration for your story?
Like Poppy, I have been defensive where I didn’t need to be out of fear as I had experienced trauma which made it difficult for me to trust people and make friends. I wanted to write a book that drew on my own personal experiences but in a child appropriate way to show children that if they too have an issue with making friends, they need to overcome a fear and trauma or are defensive, they are able to overcome this. Everybody has a natural defence system, it’s a survival skill, but there is a time and a place to use it and as Poppy learns in the story, being defensive when she doesn’t need to be can have upsetting consequences. However, Poppy makes the brave step to address the issue and makes a lifelong friend in the process. I think people can relate to Poppy and learn that being brave and addressing your issues can make your life so much better and happier.
What inspired you to write a series about the rainforest?
The rainforest is so important as it enables so many different species of animals to live there. Sadly, with deforestation and poaching occuring around the world, I wanted to write a book which teaches children the importance of protecting these animals and the rainforest as well as educating them about how to deal with their own issues. I also wanted to help protect the animals and rainforests in any way I could and as a result of book sales from The Problem with Poppy and the next two books in the Sumatran Trilogy I donate £1 per book sale to Rainforest Trust UK which is then used to save the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra, where the book is set. The Leuser Ecosystem is the last place on earth where tigers, porcupines, orangutans and elephants co-exist in the wild so I wanted to educate children on this amazing part of the world and what we can all do to preserve it.
How did collaboration go between you and the illustrator for the book?
My illustrator, Olena Osadcha, is based in Ukraine. It has been a pleasure working with her for this book. Olena is also illustrating the next two books in the Sumatran Trilogy, What’s Troubling Tawny? and Hooray for Heidi! Olena shares the same passion that I do in relation to the story and feels that the book has some important messages for children. Olena and I have worked very closely in getting the illustrations as perfect as possible to make them fun, cute and captivating for the reader.
I see there are two more books in the series set for publication, are they going to build on The Problem with Poppy or are they their own stories?
The next two books in the Sumatran Trilogy have some similarities to The Problem with Poppy but also some differences. They will both be set in the Sumatran rainforest but they will introduce new characters into each story while at the same time the characters from the previous book making cameo appearances! The next two books will, again, touch on important messages for children such as self confidence, self esteem, self worth, working as a team, trying your best, taking part in activities, along with reinforcing the importance of saving the rainforest and the animals that inhabit them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | theproblemwithpoppy.co.uk
Poppy the porcupine has always wanted to make a friend, but her defensive nature prevents her. When a young tiger cub stumbles upon her one day in the rainforest, she reacts badly and scares him away.
Determined to change her ways, she sets out to find him, but little does she know that the tiger cub is about to have a problem of his own. In the face of danger, will Poppy find a way to save the day?
The Problem with Poppy is an award-winning picture book aimed at children aged 4-8 and is the debut by British author Emma Sandford. Illustrated by Ukrainian artist Olena Osadcha.
“The Problem with Poppy by Emma Sandford is a perfect combination of fun and learning that any little kid will love.” – Readers’ Favorite ★★★★★
The book is the first in a series called The Sumatran Trilogy. The second book, What’s Troubling Tawny?, will be published in December 2021 and the third book, Hooray for Heidi!, will be published in June 2022.
£1 per paperback book sale donated to Rainforest Trust UK.
Merry Christmas, Bobby the Bear!
It is Bobby’s favorite time of the year, Christmas! Each year Bobby has a Christmas Party in his cave for all his woodland friends. While off walking in the woods to collect items to make gifts for his friends he meets a deer named Danny. Being the good neighbor that Bobby is he invites Danny to join him and his friends that night for the party. Once there Bobby and his friends find out that Danny has much different traditions than they do.
I really enjoyed the variety of characters in this short story. They all had different personalities and Bobby made sure to highlight them in his gifts. It shows readers the value in appreciating the difference in people. All around the world people celebrate different things and in different ways, this story emphasizes that just because something is different it doesn’t make it bad.
Merry Christmas, Bobby the Bear! by author Ryan O’connor is a beautifully written children’s book about how people celebrate the holiday’s differently. This picture book conveys a feel-good and engaging story with creative artwork by illustrator Xiang Manke. Together the story comes to life for readers in a way sure to delight young children.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B08M41B2BL
The Greatest Light
When two children asked Poppy what the greatest light is, the three of them go on an adventure to discover the answer. While trying to discover the greatest light the three get balloons in the park, have some cookies, eat by a fire and catch lightning bugs. While enjoying all these fun activities the children see people that could use some help and they gladly go about helping. Poppy just watches and tells them how kind they are to help out others.
The Greatest Light is a feel-good Christian picture book that communicates the message of kindness and how we should help those in need. Tim & Cindy Morrison have written a story that is easy for children to understand using themes and topics that will appeal to young kids. Steve Worthington illustrates the story in a whimsical manner. The pages look like watercolor paintings and the colors used highlight the focus of each page. Together the prose and artwork create an engaging and entertaining book to read to children that will draw them into the story and teach without feeling like a lesson.
The Greatest Light is heartwarming and spiritual book ideal for parents, teachers, and those in religious education. This Christian picture book will emphasize that kindness is achievable in your day to day interactions
Pages: 54 | ISBN-10: 1664231641
Our 20/20 Journey Back to School
![Our 20/20 Journey Back to School by [Maria Thompson, Daria Shamolina]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61QyaDD6olL.jpg)
The year of 2020, one none of us will soon forget. For teachers this is especially true. Teachers and students were thrown into a new world of uncertainty and change. What was not expected, was how strong students and teachers would come out of this year. Maria Cedolini Thompson’s children’s book, Our 20/20 Journey Back to School, is one of perseverance, strength, and having a positive attitude in the wake of things that you can not change.
This story gives a teacher’s perspective to children on the events of the past year without fear or an agenda, just explaining things in a way children in elementary grades can understand and empathize with. Thompson address the fears children had and applauded their successes.
Daria Shamolina has illustrated this book that is engaging, creative and just fun. One example is the children all have masks with funny faces on them. The colors are vibrant and draw the reader into the story. Together the prose and illustrations make for a touching story, a teachers passion to teach, and children’s desire to be in the classroom learning. Our 20/20 Journey Back to School by Maria Cedolini Thompson will delight readers of all ages with a bright outlook for getting through a COVID world stronger.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B09JW2WHHK
Literary Titan Book Awards December 2021
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and imagination of these talented authors.
Gold Award Winners
Silver Award Winners
The World Between Us by Diane Farrugia
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Conspiracy U
![Conspiracy U: A Case Study by [Scott A. Shay]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413IJHhvxnL.jpg)
Ever listened to some of the beliefs and theories uttered by renowned scholars and wondered how they could possibly say that out loud? Ever wondered how they can believe in these things despite possessing the capacity to research and disprove them?
Conspiracy U takes readers on a deep dive into the realm of conspiracy theories. The author uses his alma mater as a case study for this thought-provoking book. He discusses how these beliefs become so deeply embedded in people’s minds that they even start to champion for them. His aim with this book is to attempt to repair the cracks caused by anti-Zionist conspiracy theories that are peddled by trusted academicians.
The author’s concern for what these conspiracy theories can do to society is seen through his passionate writing. His words are a wake-up call to anyone who may be tempted to believe anti-Zionist conspiracy theories because of the authority those speaking about them have.
Author Scott Shay starts off with a definition and outline of conspiracy theories. His intention is to help readers understand the difference between healthy discussions about different possibilities and beliefs and intentionally aggressive misinformation.
This enlightening book is a voice of reason. It is a beacon of light in the murky waters these beliefs have led us into. It is a call to action for everyone to do their due diligence before taking sides in the conversation. It is a push to bridge the divide between those who dare to challenge the anti-Zionist theories. It is a plea to attempt to right the winds of institutional, national, and global politics.
Conspiracy U is a book that discusses social issues with far reaching impacts but it still feels very personal. The author is discussing this subject from a place of concern and a need to change things. This book is well researched and meticulously written. Illuminating and compelling, this is a must read book on a critical topic that is explored intelligently and passionately.
Pages: 198 | ASIN: B09DTLMXML
How Did It All Start?
As human beings, it is only natural to wonder where we came from and how we came about. It is only natural to wonder about the Earth and its history. Biku Ghosh has contributed to the conversation with an enlightening book that provides an exploration of the origin of the earth that the average person can understand. The author Biku Ghosh has done extensive research and provides a lot of great ideas to ponder.
This book reads like a campfire story session. It contains different origin stories from around the world, from Africa to Europe and Asia, and I found them all to be fascinating. It provides interesting insight into the beliefs of different communities. Although, a common element is a deity as the originator of the world. The Slavic creation story is especially funny in that it suggests that mountains came about as the devil coughed and fell over while trying to scamper away.
The author seems committed to presenting a well-rounded book. He begins the book with the scientific basis of the history of the planets. It also provides a historical account of the evolution of human beings. He ends the book with a catalog of interesting facts about Antarctica like the Blood Falls and diamonds floating in the air, for example. All of this is intellectually invigorating and provides plenty of food for thought.
Like all human beings, the author admits that no one really knows much about where everything came from and what was there before the Big Bang. His is a simplified account of what is known about the origin of planets and evolution. He strikes a delicate balance between scientific lingo and symbolism making the book more palatable.
How Did It All Start is not a menu of conspiracy theories, it is a museum of beliefs and scientific findings. It is a literary presentation of conversations we have all had in our heads. It is an excellent source for interesting tidbits to share with friends over wine under the stars.
Pages: 180 | ASIN: 183819178X
Delilah & Samson Adventures World
![Delilah & Samson Adventures World by [Miz Marta]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ijrJAXX1L.jpg)
It’s not unusual for a child to be close with a pet, but the bond between Delilah and Samson goes beyond a normal connection. Delilah’s big heart and fearless nature would make it easy for her to confront those that would dare to hurt and exploit animals anyway, but the support of Samson, a huge German shepherd, makes it possible. With the help of various other animal friends in the neighborhood, Delilah and Samson go on adventures, saving animals in need and stopping the people responsible. As the years pass, they continue their good deeds, never revealing themselves as the heroes they are.
Delilah & Samson Adventures World by Miz Marta introduces us not only to the title characters, but an entire host of animals who play a part in their adventures. The book is a delightful combination of children’s fantasy and educational blurbs about the natural world. Each chapter begins with an informational piece about the animal being featured in that particular story, with details about their habitats, diet, and physical appearances, just to name a few. Delilah’s romps with Samson read just like something a big hearted and adventurous child would imagine doing with a beloved pet, and all the chapters focus on a central theme of kindness and compassion toward the animal kingdom. Even in the chapters where another creature stands as the villain, Delilah is hurt by any harm that has to befall it.
The biggest hurdle the book faces is the language and style of writing. I’m unsure if the problems are an editing issue, or more of something lost in translation, but the sentences don’t flow especially well and it definitely distracts from the message. With a little more focus on cleaning that up, this book could stand as a beautiful and educational children’s classic.
This book has the potential to stand as a beautiful and educational children’s classic with some editing that can help with flow, sentence structure, and writing style to help ensure readers stay focused on the fantastic message within the book.
I loved the story, I loved the message, and I loved the fantasy Delilah creates with all her favorite animals. It was utterly charming.
Pages: 187 | ASIN: B08X778257
LITERARY TITAN 