Blog Archives
Gaining Confidence
Ava as a Top Seller, follows a young girl who dreams of becoming a market vendor and gets a chance to help a local shopkeeper one weekend. What was the inspiration for your story?
Almost all of us have childhood memories of how much fun it was to create our own play store. I’ve set up many of these shops with my siblings, friends, and later with my children. I’ve been both a salesperson and a customer, and it has always been just as enjoyable.
That kind of play is full of imagination and, at the same time, practicing essential skills. The best experiences from my own childhood were shops where the diverse selection consisted of various natural products.
Some of the sold items were edible, such as berries or vegetables in the summer. But others were stones, sticks, plant leaves, hay – anything our imagination turned into interesting goods or treats. My little sisters started a flower shop, selling wildflower bouquets to passersby. The related funding, however, sparked discussions with parents…
Now, it’s fun to watch my visiting grandchildren rush to the same toy vegetable store where my adult children once played with the sales counters, cash registers, baskets, and toy fruits and vegetables.
Ava has a special bond with Mr. Stuff, and he helps guide her while allowing her to problem-solve and learn. Did you have your own “Mr. Stuff” growing up?
As a child, I was surrounded by adults who gave me a lot of freedom but enough security. I remember the feeling of encouragement and confidence. Because of this, I dared to tackle new things independently and wasn’t unnecessarily afraid of possible mistakes.
There are many happy memories to cherish. I was able to take out a cookbook and bake the first cinnamon rolls of my life as a surprise for my absent mother. The teacher gave me the task of choosing a play and actors and directing the performance for the Christmas party. It went well!
Throughout my life, I can name many adults who have played a role similar to the friendly “Mr. Stuff” in my Ava as a Top Seller story. I am genuinely grateful to each one of them. They were relatives, teachers, coaches, and tutors for different hobbies.
With their help, I transformed from a curious and enterprising child into an adult who reasonably trusted her skills. This belief in possibilities and survival has helped me sometimes make significant life changes and pursue things that initially seemed very challenging.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
All of my Axel and Ava series books tell stories for children, parents, and other adults in children’s lives. I hope young readers—and listeners—gain self-confidence from these tales. In these stories, they learn that new abilities must be tested and that damage can occur but can be repaired.
An equally important goal in my books is to make adults aware of the role they play in guiding a child to new experiences and skills. It is a question of finding the appropriate balance of freedom and safety. I hope those adults closest to each child would spend time and effort supporting the child from a suitable distance. It is crucial to find that appropriate distance. This is challenging because every child is an individual, and every family is different.
In my stories, I aim to highlight positive ways for adults to engage with and motivate children to face potential mistakes and harmful situations. I’m sure parents sincerely try to do good in raising their children. Sometimes, they even try too hard and forget that a child’s growth also needs free space. Opportunities to try, fail, and try again.
Perhaps the worst thing an adult can do is continually doubt or belittle a child’s abilities while assuming the role of the adult who knows better. It’s also incredibly frustrating for the child when their past mistakes are frequently mentioned.
With a right mindset, even failure does not leave unpleasant traces but acts as encouragement for needs. There will always be the next day and the next opportunity!
What do you have planned next for Axel and Ava, and when will it be available?
The Axel and Ava Series has four books published so far: Axel and Ava as Cat Sitters, Ava and the Last Bird, Axel Washes the Rug, and Ava as a Top Seller. The books explore various situations in which children’s enthusiasm leads to surprising outcomes.
The lives of active children are full of such situations, so there is no shortage of topics for future parts of the series.
I already have a few funny coincidences in my head for the new parts of the series. It is still too early to reveal the names of these books, but I can tell you that my memories are involved again.
For example, I’m considering a book in which the events revolve around a children’s performance that doesn’t go as planned. Another idea involves a situation full of good intentions to make a loved one happy but not succeeding in that.
I can’t give an exact schedule for the new books in the series, as I currently have many book projects in various stages. During the year, I will also participate in at least three international book fairs in different ways: in the spring, the London Bookfair, and in the fall, the Bologna Children’s Bookfair and the Frankfurt Bookfair.
But I can promise that Axel and Ava will always travel with me, no matter where I go in the world, to talk about children’s books.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website
By accident, Axel stains his grandmother’s rug with blueberries. During Granny’s afternoon nap, he tries to correct the mistake all by himself. The result is a surprise for both of them!
Cultivate Good Money Habits
Tom Learns About Money follows a young boy who gets money for his birthday, and his older sister tries to teach him how to manage it. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My children and our everyday life inspire the stories. They are based on true events, with a touch of fantasy added to enrich the tale. However, children seem to connect more easily when the message comes from a “friend,” someone their age. For this reason, the role of teacher or guide in the book is played by Tomi’s sister, Ellie.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To be honest, my main goal was to demonstrate that financial literacy can be fun, playful, and extremely simple. Reading and math skills should not be obstacles to learning about money.
I believe it is important to cultivate good money habits and other useful practices from a very young age. When the characters in the book make mistakes and learn new skills to manage money wisely, it becomes easier for young readers to relate to them and look up to them as role models. I consider it crucial to focus on developing the right mindset rather than anything else.
What is interesting about this children’s book is it blends activities into the lessons seamlessly to help children understand the concepts without feeling like they are in school. How did you come up with the format and activities for this educational book?
This book was something I needed to teach my children about financial literacy. It is primarily designed as a tool for parents, making it easier for them to nurture good money habits in their children. Over time, it became clear that the book also works well as a study guide in schools.
The questions at the end of each chapter are designed to foster deeper engagement with the material and help families relate the lessons to their financial circumstances.
The “clouds” at the end of each chapter serve as gentle reminders of the key financial wisdom covered in that section. Recognizing that play is one of the most effective ways to learn and reinforce knowledge, I made it a priority to include games at the end of every chapter.
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?
The book Tom Learns About Money is designed as a collection of ten different financial literacy stories. These stories cover the most essential topics in the field, offering a clear and comprehensive understanding of how the „money game“ is played in the real world.
It’s possible that in the future, Tom and Ellie will delve deeper into the world of investing, or we might uncover the story of how Ellie gained her financial knowledge. Time will tell!
Author Links: GoodReads | Rinn Tuttelberg | Facebook | Tom õpib rahamängu | Website | Amazon
Tom and the readers learn about the consequences of not knowing money, the importance of having three money jars, distinguishing between needs and wants, making wise shopping decisions, understanding borrowing, budgeting and investing, choosing a job, and being entrepreneurial. Tom gains this financial wisdom from his incredibly wise sister, Ellie.
The book contains 10 stories, each providing knowledge and lessons about money. Each story ends with discussion points, wisdom clouds, and a small game to reinforce the learning.
The book offers various tools for organising finances, making money, and spending the allowance. Most importantly, the content is presented in a fun and easy-to-understand manner for children.
Learn the real-life money game with joy and ease!
It is best suited for children aged 6–10 but is great for anyone who needs a reminder about the important things in life and wants to gain financial knowledge simply and playfully.
The Fabric of Childhood
The Victorian Era is an engaging blend of storytelling and historical facts centered around Queen Victoria’s reign. What inspired you to write this children’s book?
I really struggled in History class. We were taught the dates of Historical events. It seemed like that was all that we were taught. I’ve always felt that History needs to come alive for kids to understand it.
Why did you feel it was important to incorporate rhyme throughout your text?
Rhyming is fun for kids. Music, nursery rhymes, and children’s poems–these are the fabric of childhood. If you want kids to learn, turn it into a game.
What is one misconception you think children have about learning history?
Well, as with all school subjects it’s boring to kids. Sometimes tedious.
Learning doesn’t have to be that way. Anything can be a game if it is done creatively. We have to start teaching children in the way that they learn. Children learn the most through play.
Can you give us some insight into where Book 2 will take young readers? When will it be available?
I’m not certain. I have several planned, but only 2 started. In the future, there will be one that gives a history of the contributions of monks. Another is planned for the Medieval Era. In addition, I am playing with an idea for a History of children’s literature. Whichever is done and polished first will be the next in the series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
History’s easy to understand in The Victorian Era:
History for Kids Who Hate History, Book 1.
Come along and play with us today!
Award-winning author, artist and poet, Angel Dunworth, makes learning fun. Her cut-paper illustrations bring a colorful edge to days of old. With poetry, sing-alongs and puzzles, what could be better than education? Everyone in the family can enjoy History For Kids Who Hate History. It’s the perfect addition to any library or classroom!
Marvel at the Magic
The Paper Butterfly follows a delicate butterfly as she emerges from her glass cocoon and takes flight while protecting a tiny monarch egg till it hatches and joins her on her adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
My garden is a registered Monarch Waystation and a Canadian Wildlife Federation Habitat Garden. Three summers ago, while placing the tiny Monarch Watch paper ID tags on a couple of newly eclosed monarchs, I felt compelled to write and illustrate a story about their migration south to help raise awareness about this amazing species.
My protagonist in the book, a paper butterfly, evolved because the Monarch Watch tags are made of paper. A single piece of paper is also known as a ‘leaf of paper’, and monarch butterflies shelter under leaves for protection against the elements. From these connections, the idea for ‘The Paper Butterfly’ was born.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
When I worked as a teacher of the deaf one 13-year-old once said to me ‘Mrs Kingdon, you don’t teach us. We just have fun and I learn.’ It made me think about both education and the way most of us continue to learn through life. We absorb information when we are engaged; when we laugh or cry, get angry or empathize, not when we are given a list of isolated facts that have no meaning. It was the student’s words that echoed in my mind as I wrote The Paper Butterfly. As we laugh with, cry with, or feel many other emotions with her, we too are absorbing information.
I wanted the book to appeal on many levels to different age groups because, as both a teacher and a parent, I know that, even if it is essentially a story for children, it won’t be just children who will read, or become engaged in the book.
To the young, the paper butterfly will probably become as real as any butterfly in their minds. They will learn about the environment and marvel at the magic of metamorphosis with her. They will hopefully want to track her adventures on maps and follow her process as she migrates. A teenager, on the other hand, might be encouraged to reflect on what true beauty is and take on board the message the veteran monarch conveys. They might also empathize with the paper butterfly as she tries to find how she fits into the world and what her ultimate purpose is. To a mother reading the book, their focus may be more on the caring and love that the paper butterfly shows others. To someone who loves nature, whatever their age, it may encourage them to discover more about raising and tagging monarchs or making their garden a more pollinator-friendly environment. To someone older, it might encourage them to look more closely at the world around them and notice the small pockets of magic that the paper butterfly is so good at seeing.
If the book encourages people to dwell upon the questions the paper butterfly asks as she interacts with the world around her then, to me, it has been successful; if there is discussion or reflection afterwards, even better. Many of the questions the paper butterfly asks have no right or wrong answer and this in itself is an important thing to learn especially when reading to or working with children. Very little in life is black or white, yes or no. There are so many factors that can affect things including our experiences. Knowing that it is ok not to know the whole answer at that moment is important too. If we want to improve our world these are the things we need to be encouraging.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
As a young child, I grew up in the world of the theatre, so bringing the characters to life in the book was the part I enjoyed the most. Each animal that the paper butterfly meets became real in my mind. I imagined the Karner Blue butterfly that the paper butterfly meets early in her adventures as a knowledgeable university professor, the father of the Child of the Moon as a battle-worn veteran returning from duty, and the spider, who is my only animal antagonist in the book, as one of the witches of Macbeth to name but a few. All three were such fun to bring to life. My favourite part to write, however, was when the paper butterfly first met the Child of the Moon. As my two main characters of the book, I wanted to form a strong bond between them from the onset, and having such a young, innocent character to play with meant I could really have fun with it. I have made a short video of me reading a small snippet from this first interaction. I hope you enjoy listening to it.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I actually liken the creation of any book to the metamorphosis of a butterfly. At first, you have the small egg of an idea. The ideas grow and seem like a lumbering caterpillar with too many legs. The idea needs to be broken back down to the essence of what I want to convey, then and only then can I let my imagination truly fly. With my next book, I am still at the lumbering caterpillar stage, with way too many legs or ideas, so I am slowly breaking it down to its essence and then I will be ready to share my process of creation. I can reveal though that it will be brimming with watercolours and will be ecologically/conservation-based as these are where my two main passions lie.
When will it be available? Some things are just worth waiting for. To me, the joy is in the creation so writing and illustrating a book is not something I want to rush. I love to include my followers in the process of creation, so if you want to jump on board as I create the next book, follow me on Facebook, or bookmark my website. These will be the two places where I share my next journey of creation with you all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Emotive Expressions | Website | YouTube | Amazon
The paper butterfly felt certain that her Maker had designed her to be beautiful, but she also wondered if there was a deeper reason why he had created her. Skillfully formed with many paper folds, she knew that he never intended her to take to the skies. But when a sudden gust of wind lifts her out of an open window, she is propelled into a world brimming with life, beauty, and adventure. How can a mere paper butterfly, however expertly crafted, play a role in this fascinating place?
With over 80 breathtaking watercolour illustrations, this book takes you on a journey of discovery through the eyes of the paper butterfly. Feel her curiosity as she eagerly interacts with the environment around her. Sense her excitement as she experiences the life cycle of the endangered monarch butterfly and sees, first-hand, the magic of metamorphosis. Connect with her as she befriends, defends, and journeys with a super monarch on his epic migration south. Follow her quest to discover her true purpose.
The Victorian Era: History for Kids Who Hate History Book 1
Angel Dunworth’s The Victorian Era: History for Kids Who Hate History is a lively and whimsical dive into the fascinating time of Queen Victoria’s reign, as told through the eyes of Punxy, a playful character with a magic guitar that whisks them back in time. The book is a blend of storytelling, history, and imaginative engagement aimed at young readers. It makes the past approachable by weaving historical facts with vibrant illustrations and a touch of humor.
One of the standout qualities of this book is how it distills complex historical ideas into digestible bits without ever feeling dry. The story of Alice explaining how Lewis Carroll invented Alice in Wonderland is both charming and informative. Carroll’s whimsical storytelling origins, as recounted on a boat ride for Alice Liddell, capture the spirit of creativity that defines this era. I found myself smiling at how cleverly Dunworth uses rhymes to make details stick. This technique makes learning feel like a game.
Another highlight is how the book juxtaposes modern life with Victorian innovations, helping kids connect with the past. Punxy’s excitement over seeing an old-fashioned phonograph and realizing it’s now combined into our smartphones is pure joy. The playful “dance of joy” Punxy shares adds a layer of fun and relatability to what might otherwise feel like a dull history lesson. The book also touches on cultural aspects, like poetry and literature, with anecdotes about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This section shows how creativity in the Victorian era shaped modern storytelling.
The Victorian Era, by Angel Dunworth, is a delightful read that excels in making history fun for kids. Its mix of colorful illustrations, engaging dialogue, and clever rhymes makes it perfect for young readers who might typically shy away from traditional history books. I’d recommend it to children between ages 7 and 12, parents looking for interactive learning tools, or even teachers wanting to add a splash of fun to their curriculum. This book truly rocks and not just because of Punxy’s magic guitar!
Pages: 45 | ASIN : B0DK9PHSH5
See the World Through Words
Milo’s Magnificent Magnifying Glass follows a young boy with trouble reading small letters who visits an eye doctor and is given a magnifying glass. What was the inspiration for your story?
Children understanding how to see the world through words and not to feel ashamed about using glasses or a magnifying glass for their health and learning.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Learning words that sound the same with different meanings called homonyms, advances children’s reading and comprehension of language.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene of Milo giving his Mom a bag of sugar in humor.
What is the next story that you’re writing, and when will it be published?
I am still developing the next story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A Magical Process
Harriet’s Hungry Worms follows a young girl who is given the task of taking care of the worms in her family’s compost bin while learning valuable lessons about sustainability. What inspired your story?
Harriet’s Hungry Worms was inspired by my children’s curiosity about the environment and their eagerness to contribute to sustainability at home.
My children were learning about the environment, but with texts that weren’t connecting with them through their ‘childhood’. While there were many educational books about environmental topics, I noticed that some of them could be overwhelming for young children due to their fact-heavy nature.
I’m a big believer in keeping things light-hearted, fun, and simple in order to naturally inspire genuine interest in children and create positive habits for life – especially when it comes to the environment. My aim was to write an eco-book that wasn’t didactic – instead sparking children’s interest in worm farming in a fun way and showing them how simple it is for them to try at home.
I wrote the first draft with my three children – Tom, Ben, and Evie – who are just as excited about bringing Harriet’s Hungry Worms to life and sharing it with their friends.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Melissa Johns?
Working with Melissa was an absolute delight! Her unique style using recycled materials brought the story to life in such an inventive way.
Melissa’s creative process of repurposing everyday items into beautiful collages captures the heart of the book, extends the sustainability discussion, and aligns perfectly with the theme of giving new life to what might otherwise be discarded.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to share the message that caring for the environment doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating—it can start with small, fun activities like feeding kitchen scraps to worms!
The book emphasises the value of turning waste into something beneficial, inspiring young readers to see composting as a magical process.
I also aimed to encourage kids to see themselves as little “worm warriors” who can make a real difference in the world, even from their own backyards.
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?
Yes, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the first in what I hope will be a series of fun and inspiring eco-picture books. I have another book coming out with EK Books in 2026—stay tuned! Readers can expect more eco-adventures filled with fun characters and plenty of hands-on ways to learn about sustainability and caring for our planet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
This funny, engaging eco story invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet’s ravenous compost worms as they munch their way through their wide and wonderful weekly menu.
Harriet’s nine-hundred-and-eighty-three hungry worms live in a shady corner of her backyard in a big, green box. They spend their days munching on anything from Aunt Tilda’s herbal teabags to the sports pages of Uncle Sam’s paper. Harriet watches and waits, eventually deciding the worms are ‘so BORING.’ Until one day, the worms leave Harriet a big surprise … worm wee!
Packed with worm facts, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the ideal companion for worm warriors and curious composters keen to roll their sleeves up and put their kitchen food scraps to good use.
Continuing the sustainability message, inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page, breathing beautiful life into this fun-filled story.
BLITZED: What I Learned Reading 100 Books in 100 Days in My Target Language
Blitzed, by Jason S. Comely, is a fascinating and somewhat eccentric dive into language learning through an intense, self-imposed challenge. Comely embarks on a 100-day journey to read 100 books in Polish, a language he is just beginning to learn. The book chronicles his experiment, blending personal anecdotes, language-learning tips, and reflections on the books he blitzes through in this mental marathon. It’s a quirky mix of language-learning guide and memoir, offering insights into the highs and lows of this unconventional approach.
One thing that stands out immediately is Comely’s relentless drive and creativity. His creation of the “Bimodal Blitz” method—reading while simultaneously listening to audiobooks—shows a commitment to hacking his way through the frustrating walls of traditional language learning. For instance, when he tackles classics like Animal Farm and Candide, the struggle is palpable. He often loses his place, gets mentally exhausted, and admits to barely understanding chunks of the text. Yet, there’s something inspiring in his persistence. He doesn’t sugarcoat the experience. That honesty makes the book relatable and motivating for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by learning a language.
Comely is open in sharing his thoughts througohout this experience. When he blitzes through Lolek, a memoir about the bond between a man and his dog, Comely notes improvements in his Polish comprehension but doesn’t seem to connect emotionally with the content. In some cases, the rapid-fire consumption of literature sometimes reduces the books to mere stepping stones in his language journey rather than meaningful experiences.
The book is also full of moments that resonate emotionally. Comely’s reflections on books like Anne Frank show a more introspective side. He finds himself moved by Anne’s unwavering optimism despite the grim historical context, a sentiment that clearly touches him on a personal level. It’s in these moments that Blitzed transcends from being just a log of a language experiment to a heartfelt exploration of human resilience and connection through the written word.
Blitzed is not your typical language-learning book. It’s raw and sometimes chaotic. Full of triumphs and stumbles. Comely’s journey is a testament to the power of immersion and persistence in learning a new language. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in learning a new language, especially through an unorthodox method. It is also great for people who enjoy stories of personal challenges and growth, with the added bonus of discovering new books along the way.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0D8BLRXJN
LITERARY TITAN 