Blog Archives
Misunderstood Creatures
Bart the Tiny Bat follows a tiny bat with one tooth who goes out one night and gets lost in a strange place, leaving him scared and alone, and only wanting to return home. What was the inspiration for your story?
So the bat hanging on the ceiling fan happened to me in real life. My initial reaction was similar to the character Barb’s in my book. I calmed down though and realized how scared the bat was. I got an oversized jar and scooped the bat gently in, and released it outside. I posted the experience on social media and it became clear this was my next book.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The importance of animals that we don’t understand and the role they play in the environment. Bats in particular play a very important role in our environment and are very misunderstood creatures. I also wanted to teach children to have empathy toward all animals.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
It was so fun learning about bats! I did my research and had some help from our local zoo. I illustrate my own books and that is honestly my favorite part. Creating characters, and drawing them into life.
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?
That’s a great question. I’m thinking about what other animals fall in the category of environmental importance and being misunderstood. There are a couple. The positive response from this book though makes me want to do more.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Bart the Tiny Bat
Bart the Tiny Bat by Edward Boyd is one of those children’s books that starts off sneaky—like, you think you’re just getting a little animal fact book, and then bam! It turns into this sweet, funny, kinda wild adventure about a teeny-tiny bat named Bart who gets chased by an owl, ends up in someone’s house, and accidentally freaks out a whole family. It’s half nature lesson, half nighttime chaos, and honestly, it’s adorable from start to finish.
As a teacher, I loved how the book mixed fun facts with the story. Right at the beginning, it dives into what bats eat (some eat frogs!), how they sleep upside down, and how they “see with their ears” using sonar. My students would eat that up. And then there’s Bart himself—he’s only 3 inches long and has one tiny tooth. The illustrations of him are so cute. I loved his little tooth hanging out and his smile was charming. Seeing him hang upside down, dodge an owl, and then end up on a ceiling fan in someone’s house? I was smiling the whole time. And when Barb’s bangs blew back from screaming? Totally relatable.
The story also really hits a sweet note. Poor Bart is so scared and lost you feel for the little guy. Trenton, the boy in the story, could’ve panicked, but instead he gently scoops Bart up in a bug jar and lets him go. The message at the end, “We all get lost sometimes.” I love that. It’s simple, it’s kind, and it’s something I can build a class discussion around.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian looking for a read-aloud that’s both fun and meaningful, Bart the Tiny Bat is a winner. Great for K-3rd grade, especially if your kids love animals, surprises, and a little nighttime adventure.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0DZ4BV3JQ
It Is Ok to Fail
Madam Hitch’s School for Witches follows a struggling witch who can not seem to master even the simplest spells or enchantments, so she returns to Witches School. What inspired your story?
The women in my life in particular my mom inspired the character of Ms. Witch. She had a knack for failure but she never gave up. She sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer but was always after me to do something with my art. I like to think she would be very proud of the book and get a chuckle out of the similarities.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
So much pressure is put on children to succeed and to win. I wanted to create a story that shows children it is ok to fail. We all do, but good things happen when we keep trying and don’t give up.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to use hand-drawn illustrations, and I wanted the book to have an old-school feel. Again, the theme of failure and that it’s ok to fail, just don’t give up. Another idea is that when you use your talents and gifts to do good things, you truly never fail.
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, this is the first book in the series. I have three stories planned and just finished the second book. You will get to see more of the castle and meet a fun new character. Something unexpected happens in the second book. Ms. Witch has to face a couple of new obstacles.
Author Interview: Goodreads | Facebook | Amazon
Poor Ms. Witch. She had failed again. Failed at the simplest of evil tasks! She failed at casting spells. Failed at enchantments. Why she even failed at taking over a kingdom. What kind of witch can’t even take over a little itty bitty kingdom. It was no use. She was going to have to just throw in her hat. There was only one thing should could do now. Go back to school! She would be joining two other witches at Madam Hitch’s School for Witches. Will she and the other students have what it takes to be a real witch?
Madam Hitch’s School for Witches
In his inaugural venture into the Ms. Witch Chronicles series, Edward Boyd presents Madam Hitch’s School for Witches, a children’s book that offers a delightful blend of whimsy and life lessons. The narrative follows Ms. Witch, a character who, upon facing challenges in her career, embarks on a journey of self-improvement and learning at the hands of Madam Hitch alongside a group of her witch peers. Boyd skillfully portrays Ms. Witch’s struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the value of perseverance and hard work in the face of adversity.
Boyd’s artistic prowess shines in his illustrations, marked by a playful exaggeration of character features that injects a unique vibrancy into the story. Ms. Witch, for instance, is distinctively rendered with long legs and a singular eye, complementing the eerie yet captivating settings of woods, towers, and castles. Boyd’s consistent use of a specific color palette — greens, greys, and blacks — adeptly encapsulates the book’s mood and enhances the gothic theme. The book’s narrative style is notably distinctive, foregoing traditional dialogue to focus on storytelling through actions and descriptions. This approach showcases Boyd’s creative storytelling and reinforces the book’s underlying message about the importance of persistence and resilience. The addition of humor weaves a layer of light-heartedness into the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience. Plot elements like a stray sasquatch and a moving castle further enliven the story, adding elements of surprise and intrigue.
Madam Hitch’s School for Witches is particularly well-suited for older elementary-age children who are drawn to gothic themes. The book successfully merges a meaningful message with a blend of slightly spooky, humorous, and engaging artwork. This combination ensures that the story remains captivating while imparting valuable lessons. Boyd’s work is a creative and thoughtful contribution to children’s literature, offering young readers an enchanting journey into a world where challenges are met with determination and a touch of magic.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CT96YTST
LITERARY TITAN 