Blog Archives
Friendship Takes Work and Time
Colin the Crab’s Friends follows a busy crab as he helps all his friends with repairs they need to have done and then throws a party for them all. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Colin the Crab and his friends represent a village community or a small town to me. In such places, people of very different types often know each other well and work closely together.
In my childhood, I lived for a decade in a small country village and another decade in a small town. The residents of the rural village, especially, left a lot of human memories in my mind. That’s why the characters and events in Colin the Crab’s Friends are inspired by real life.
I must admit that observing activities and interactions within different communities is exciting. The types of people, the networks of connections, and the behavioral patterns between persons repeat themselves surprisingly. If we change the focus from the village to the workplace or the environment of hobbies, we can observe remarkable similarities in roles and behavior.
In many respects, I am a real-life Colin the Crab, so I write Colin stories based on my personal experiences and observations. I hope the reader finds them relatable and honest that way.
Aside from Colin, what character in the series do you have the most fun writing about?
Several of Colin’s friends are amusing, although I occasionally feel pity for them. It’s because I know them “better” from what I have already written about them in the Colin the Crab Series with books for older readers. In that original series about Colin, darker shades related to each character’s funny image are more visible.
Regarding the fun of writing, I immediately think of Sally the Starfish, whose vain mood swings are fun to write about. She is earnest about her needs and ideas, which often seem meaningless to outsiders.
Another fun guy is Eddie the Eel, a tech freak who often appears in the Colin the Crab books but doesn’t play a significant role in this book in the Mini-Crab series. I know several technology-enthusiastic people closely in real life. Their optimistic infatuation with all new devices sometimes leads to comical situations. Fortunately, these people resembling Eddie have seen the humor in this eel’s character when reading my Colin the Crab stories.
Although we are now talking about the Mini-Crab Books, I am very tempted to highlight the deeper features of the characters, which are more versatile and complete in that other series—with four books already—intended for older readers.
As the children grow up and gain more reading experience, they quickly move from the Mini-Crab Books to the more demanding Colin the Crab Series, which still presents the familiar world of the riverside and water with its characters. And the fun continues!
What does friendship mean to you, and how do you show your friends you care?
Friendship is a unique relationship between people. I have a few true friends with whom I have shared life for a long time. A friendship must last so that it can develop deeply.
I’m very cautious about friendship because I’m afraid losing it would hurt too much. After disappointments, starting a new friendship is even more difficult. I’ve had to learn this life lesson as well. Talking behind the other person’s back can break even a long-term relationship. After disappointment, it isn’t easy to build new trust. Also, misusing the other person’s help and efforts is selfish and unacceptable. I always try to give more than I take—I hope to succeed. I am good at keeping secrets, too, I guess.
True friendship gives both parties the safe feeling that a reliable person exists by your side on both good and bad days. You don’t have to pretend anything to your friend. It’s enough to be honest and genuinely you. I try to be a true friend to people close to me. They know I’m there even if we haven’t seen each other for a while. The bond between us is solid and lasting.
My friendships include conversation and listening, shared experiences in nature, family parties, joint concerts, and good food. If I have enough time, I like to bake and set a good coffee table for my friends. Sharing coffee time together is one common thing in Finnish friendship!
Have you ever thought about expanding the underwater series with a book about one of the sub-characters, maybe Ms. Catfish of Sally?
Some of my avid readers have repeatedly asked me the same thing! I have noticed that Sally the Starfish has many admirers who would like to read even more about her adventures. Sally is an inspiring, great person who might deserve her particular underwater book series. Her character has also inspired me in the Colin the Crab Series for older readers I mentioned. There, we get to know her equally vain and handsome boyfriend, for example. We follow how her wishes and desires emerge and influence in connection to Colin the Crab’s wedding arrangements. Sally’s personality tends to see everything from her perspective.
I’d be glad to write a whole series of Ms. Catfish, too. She is particularly well suited to topics where different generations’ opinions and experiences differ. Her various friends at the river bay help the loneliness of the old catfish living alone in the big house. Of course, Colin the Crab has an extraordinary role as a practical help in building maintenance.
In the other series aimed at more advanced readers, we can already follow Ms. Catfish’s thoughts and opinions in more detail. Her way of life and thinking reflect the past world. This topic is close to everyone who faces generational differences in their lives. Such a separate series about Ms. Catfish could be pretty interesting for grandparents and grandchildren to read together.
Finally, let me tell you about one big dream of mine. Colin the Crab Series and Mini-Crab Books would work perfectly as animated films. They feature a fascinating underwater world with interesting characters representing different and believable types. In addition, there are exciting adventures with continuity. Now that I’ve written about this secret dream, it’s no longer a secret! —If only it would come true one day!
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Norma the Newt and Sally the Starfish constantly need Colin’s help too. On top of that, a hungry fish family hopes the crab will share his delicious soup with them.
After a busy week, a happy group of friends gets together at Colin’s blue garden pavilion.
Friends and Rivals
In Friends and Rivals, Tuula Pere delves into the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry through a captivating children’s narrative. Set in a kingdom where two princes, once inseparable friends, become adversaries in their quest for the throne, the story unfolds a poignant tale of lost familial bonds. The novel charts the journey of one brother’s ascendancy to power and the subsequent imprisonment of the other, culminating decades later in a heartwarming turn of events orchestrated by a young boy.
The book, embellished with the evocative illustrations of Iva Dukić, stands out for its compelling imagery and a distinct Old World allure. Dukić’s use of a limited color palette skillfully draws attention to the characters’ expressive faces and the setting’s unique charm. Otto, the prince confined to obscurity, emerges as a character that resonates deeply with readers. At the same time, Victor, his ruling brother, embodies the realization that wealth and power are no substitutes for happiness—a crucial message for young minds.
Pere and Dukić’s collaboration results in a book that is a delightful read and a source of valuable life lessons. Friends and Rivals transcends mere storytelling by weaving in a fundamental lesson about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Pere’s narrative, through the actions of a kind-hearted child, not only reunites the estranged brothers but also rekindles their lost friendship. This aspect of the tale, along with the gentle infusion of magical elements, makes the book particularly appealing to children. Meanwhile, educators and parents will find ample material within the story for meaningful discussions with young readers.
Pages: 42 | ISBN : 9528200133
A Pretty Strange Book
Stone Garden follows siblings who venture into a stone garden where one statue reminds them of a story of an unfortunate old man. What was the inspiration for the idea behind this story?
Stone Garden is a pretty strange book. It has both narrative and temporal levels that intertwine. The inspiration has been my own imaginary plays in old abandoned houses and between the statues and stones in cemeteries.
This interview question brought back many fond memories from my childhood. In my home village, there was an old cemetery behind the church, just opposite our house on the other side of the road. As a child, I often wandered around looking at the tombstones and wondered what kind of people they told about. At least in the daytime, sunshine, it was not scary at all!
It was a quiet and peaceful space to spend time immersed in one’s thoughts. There were plenty of trees growing around, with little birds building their nests and singing beautifully in the summer. I remember how I appreciated the history of grave sites, thought about varied human lives – in content and length – and listened to the birds singing above.
I’ve always liked rocks. I have collected small stones and broken them into pieces; I have climbed on top of large rocks and looked for caves in their shelter. Stone is a beautiful material, almost alive, depending on the temperature. A rock warmed by the sun is a comforting place to rest.
Thinking more closely, all those elements have been transferred in a way to this storybook, Stone Garden.
What were some artistic directions you wanted to take that were specific to this book?
The illustrator of Stone Garden, Andrea Alemanno, had quite a free hand when it came to the illustration. He has already illustrated many of my books in the past, so we have a mutual relationship of trust in building the book. This time, he hoped for the opportunity to try a new kind of illustration and suggested a relatively calm and minimal artwork.
When I saw the plan, I fell in love with its atmosphere. The chosen approach allowed the illustrator to bring out both the historical level and the present day of the plot in a sensitive way. From the harmonious and plain color scheme emerge colors and things that draw our attention. At the same time, they are essential details for telling the story.
When we collaborate with Andrea Alemanno, my story is in good hands. He has already illustrated my books for many years. I have tried to give his strong vision as an illustrator as much space as possible. With a skilled and experienced illustrator, there is no need to interfere with small things as long as the general artistic line is agreed upon. Stand-alone stories like Stone Garden allow the illustrator to experiment with a new style and approach. It’s always interesting to watch how it develops.
Now, I’m getting a little sidetracked, but I can’t help but bring up our long-term joint project, “The Fox Series.” It has been enjoyable to watch how it has developed. Andrea Alemanno is currently working on the fourth part of the series. Social satire for children is a demanding genre in terms of text and illustrations. Our cooperation will work very well in that.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In my Stone Garden, I wanted to bring out the layered nature of the life I described earlier. It is good that a person realizes how life is linked with things in this moment and the past. I used this to my advantage in describing my characteristic way of thinking.
The story’s main themes include the gradual isolation of the main character from the past. When greed and selfishness grow too big, a person is left alone. Money can’t buy genuine affection.
The children in the story’s present moment represent me as a curious child. In my time, I used to be a keen explorer, too! Here, the children go on an adventure to the dark stone garden and, at the same time, dive into the depths of an old story in their imagination.
As a little extra spice, I wanted to bring in the mystery of nature. Finally, the reader must ponder the little songbird’s connection with the stone garden’s history and past owner. I like the moment where a tear seems to roll out of the corner of the statue man’s eye, and the little birds rest in the folds of the stony man’s clothes.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Last fall was exceptional – in many respects – at our small publishing company, Wickwick.
The most extensive effort, my non-fiction book for adults in Finnish, with 250 pages, is now in printing, and I will have more time for children’s literature. This study, “May You Kill The Evil Troll? – Law and Justice in Topelius’ Fairy Tales” (freely translated), combines my background as a Ph.D. in Law and children’s author in a unique way. After the book is launched in a week, we can entirely focus on children’s picture books – my absolute favorite!
Waiting for its turn is The Bird Prison, which has lovely hand-drawn watercolor illustrations by Sofia Panchyschyn from Ukraine. Dane Angeli from Brazil created a fascinating visual world for two of my stories with adventurous kids: A Museum Robbery and Luke’s Sailing Adventure.
A colorful fairytale adventure, Friends and Rivals – illustrated by Iva Dukić from Croatia – has a severe topic dressed up in a fairytale kingdom. It depicts, in fact, the pursuit of power and the spiral of revenge.
The book series – Axel and Ava Books and Do You See Me? Series – aimed at my youngest readers, will also get sequels. My illustrator, Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren, from Mongolia, has made fun and colorful illustrations for the new books about Axel’s baking day and Ava’s adventure as a market seller. Another Mongolian illustrator, Majigsuren Enkhbat, has drawn funny pictures for the new story in the Do You See Me? series. It tells about the challenges of the little ones in sports activities – not everything is always fun!
As you can see, much interesting literary work is underway with the new illustrator partners just now. – And only the books closest to printing are described here. This spring is going to be very busy!
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A Small Tooth is a Big Change For Kids
Terrific Teeth educates young readers about losing teeth and shows them how to handle it. What is the biggest fear kids have about losing teeth?
The fear of losing baby teeth has many surprising connections. It’s partly a physiological condition as new and unexpected changes happen to your body. Something that you just partially control yourself. Children may also fear that the process might be painful.
But there is some mental pain, too. The period when children’s baby teeth start to fall out is an extraordinary stage in their development. It is a turning point when a small child suddenly grows up to meet new challenges. Children can also be worried that a new kind of witch’s smile greets them in the mirror! And who knows when new teeth will grow to fill the gaps – if ever!
That’s why approaching school age, in particular, often increases the children’s pressure and worries about whether they will learn everything they need in time before school starts. Losing teeth and getting them out one by one is a new task children must face simultaneously with many other matters. They may try to be as competent as possible but still feel small and need assistance and support.
What are some key factors parents should keep in mind when helping their kids deal with losing teeth?
It’s essential to remember that the period of children losing teeth is more significant than you would expect. To deal with it wisely, we’ll better consider all the challenges connected to that particular turning point in children’s lives.
The adults begin to talk to their offspring about starting school. The child might get the first proper bike and practice the route to the schoolyard. Besides that, there a many more new skills to learn at the latest, before school – such as reading, swimming, and dressing all by yourself. A familiar life at home is scaling outward to the unknown.
In rapid changes and constantly facing new things, it is essential that the children feel safe all the time. Adults provide their best support by devoting enough time and patience and taking the little one’s concerns seriously. Don’t rush – removing tiny teeth from a small mouth is a necessary process that lasts several years. Let’s be happy with our child about this new phase as well.
Regarding this matter, too, it is good to remember that things look different when we look at them through the eyes of a child. This is especially true of all fears. What seems like a small thing to an adult may worry a child for weeks.
What is the biggest challenge you had as a parent around dental health?
I’m a mother of three children. Fortunately – based on my personal childhood experiences – I was well aware of the possible dental challenges they might face with their teeth. It has helped me approach my children’s upbringing with patient compassion also in this respect.
Each of my children had a unique approach to this teeth-losing period. One was very scared, and taking the tooth away was a multi-day operation for the whole family. The other was a quiet loner who just needed a little encouragement and, finally, some ice cream treats. Somebody needed some praising after proudly presenting the loose teeth between tiny fingertips.
My father helped me get some of my first baby teeth out. He took me to buy ice cream to celebrate our joint success. It left me with a pleasant memory that I have sometimes applied to my children. It has been nice to celebrate the lost tooth somehow together. With my youngest child, we sometimes had to consult the dentist, and after each visit, we went to the bookshop to buy a book, some paperware, or pencils. Soon he was almost waiting for those visits.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have many roles in our small publishing company, Wickwick Ltd, and I work with stories along the production chain. That’s why I’m also now involved in the various stages of the books that we publish. There is writing, working with translators, editors, and illustrators.
I have just written many new manuscripts, as spring and summer are fruitful seasons for me. Stories pile up, and they will be published next year. I think the five stories I have written linked to important songs in my life will be fascinating. And I trust they’ll inspire the illustrators, too. Besides, I’m writing manuscripts for two great stories with very specific backgrounds. A family friend living on the other side of the world has “donated” me his unique experiences and suggested that I turn them into children’s books. And I will do it. However, it takes some time before these stories can be published with beautiful illustrations. I hope they will be ready for my readers sometime next year.
Fortunately, there are also books ready for publishing already this autumn. It calms my impatient mind! I’ll give you some examples. Friends and Rivals tells a story of power-hungry prince brothers. The illustration is made by the Croatian Iva Dukić. This is our first book together, and I’m delighted with the result. The book’s insightful pictures convey moods from the brothers’ carefree days as children as well as from the dark years of fighting for power.
Also coming soon is The Bird Prison – a fairy tale set in a beautiful garden with surprising limitations. The book has lovely hand-drawn watercolor illustrations by the Ukrainian Sofia Panchyshyn. A perfect garden turns out to be a difficult place to live for birds of different colors, each chirping their unique song. The stiff gardener, Griselda, is definitely not a fan of birds. I have witnessed with joy how my story has been transferred to paper in Sofia’s skillful hands. I expected wonderful pictures because I’ve seen some of her work before. But the illustration of this book exceeds all my expectations. I’m sure it will get a lot of admirers!
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“Terrific Teeth” is a book about losing baby teeth.
Is Emma about to start losing her baby teeth? What if they won’t come out–will horrible crocodile teeth grow inside her mouth, as her brother says? Luckily, Dad has some ideas in mind to help her.
Help! Emma’s first baby tooth is loose. “I want to keep this tooth. It’s just fine!” Emma insists.
But Emma’s brother is scaring her, telling her those horrible crocodile teeth will grow inside her mouth if she keeps all her baby teeth. Luckily, Dad has some ideas to help, and in the end, she gets to have a tooth party.
Literary Titan Book Award July 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are granted to children’s books that have enchanted and delighted us with their distinctive storytelling, vibrant illustrations, engaging characters, or innovative concepts. These books merit extraordinary recognition, and we are thrilled to applaud the tireless efforts, commitment, and creative talent of these exceptional authors.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Amusing ABCs
Amusing ABCs is a delightful ABC picture book meticulously crafted to aid children in their journey of learning and recognizing the fundamental letters of the alphabet. Authored by Craig Undlin, this captivating book seamlessly combines education with entertainment through its ingenious use of humorous illustrations and an engaging narrative.
Undlin’s thoughtful creation serves as a valuable resource for early literacy development, establishing a solid foundation for reading comprehension. Each page of this book acquaints young readers with a distinct letter of the alphabet, while introducing them to an assortment of fascinating animals and objects that resonate with the corresponding letter’s sound. The author effortlessly merges learning objectives with an atmosphere of enjoyment. The vibrant and lively illustrations adorning each page capture the attention of young readers, effectively captivating their imagination and sustaining their interest throughout the entire journey. The deliberate allocation of two dedicated pages to each letter allows ample space for exploration and learning, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of each letter’s distinct characteristics. One particularly commendable aspect is the author’s choice to introduce animals and objects that commence with the sound of the respective letter. For instance, the letter “A” unveils an amusing apple that just wanted to jump on his bed, while “B” introduces a fierce and strong bear that loves to sing. This ingenious approach not only facilitates letter recognition but also expands children’s vocabulary and nurtures their imaginative faculties.
Undlin masterfully weaves a simple narrative into each letter, skillfully transforming the act of reading into an enjoyable experience. By incorporating this early introduction to the concept of reading, the author adeptly imparts the understanding that letters form words and that words carry meaning—a pivotal lesson in a child’s literacy journey.
Amusing ABCs stands as a charming and informative ABC picture book that strikes a perfect balance between learning and fun. With its witty illustrations, introduction to a diverse range of animals and objects, and emphasis on early reading concepts, this book emerges as an indispensable tool in a child’s pursuit of literacy. It is certain to captivate young readers and ignite their curiosity about the alphabet, ultimately setting them on a rewarding path towards successful reading and language skills.
Pages: 58 | ASIN: B0C43MYBM9
Chocolate Space Bunnies
A long time ago, there lived cute little bunnies called Fonduliens who lived on a chocolate planet far away. Everything was covered in chocolate, but it was all melting. Three courageous bunnies head out on a quest to find a new home. They find the perfect place to live on a planet called Earth. But no one there has ever heard of chocolate. Will the Fonduliens be able to convince the earthlings to let them live there?
This is a wildly creative and fun book that sets up a great backstory before sending the characters on an entertaining quest to save their people. I was impressed with how much was packed into this children’s book. We learn about the Fonduliens, about their planet, we’re taken on an adventure through space, and then we land on Earth, where the Fonduliens encounter humans who are afraid of them.
There is so much in this kid’s book to dive into and discuss with children. Like the bunny’s planet melting, needing to find a new home, people being afraid of aliens, and the idea that chocolate doesn’t exist. These are all ideas that rarely appear in children’s books. It’s all presented in a way that is easy to follow and fun every step of the way.
The artwork throughout the picture book is absolutely delicious. The artwork is sharp, vibrant, and detailed. I loved the color choices and the cute expressions on all the character’s faces. This all makes for a perfect book to read to young children at bedtime, as they are sure to be glued to every page as their parents read the story to them.
Chocolate Space Bunnies takes young readers on a lively and imaginative adventure that is heaps of fun. I recommend this book to early elementary school children or any parent that is looking for a book that is unique and will capture children’s imagination.
Pages: 39 | ASIN: B0BTGHL62B
Vertebrate Animals for Kids
Vertebrate Animals for Kids is a great educational resource for parents and teachers looking for a fun and easy way to teach children about the five different groups of vertebrates: mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The book presents the complex concept of vertebrates in simple and child-friendly language, with colorful images that help children identify different vertebrates and their classifications.
Author Samuel John has created a captivating book full of interesting facts about each group of vertebrates, making learning about them a fun and engaging experience for children. However, the book is suitable for children and people of all ages who are interested in learning more about vertebrates. The information presented in the book is valuable and informative, and even those who thought they knew everything about vertebrates will find something new to learn.
The book is well-structured and covers various topics related to vertebrates, including their physical characteristics, bones, and how they differ from other animals like fish. The book is an excellent resource for parents and teachers who want to introduce their children to the world of animals and help them develop an interest in science. Parents and teachers will enjoy the pages at the end that contain extra animal facts as it provides even more learning opportunities.
Vertebrate Animals for Kids is a must-read children’s book for anyone who wants to teach kids about vertebrates in a fun and engaging way. The book is well-written, informative, and easy to understand, and the colorful images and interesting facts will keep children engaged and excited about learning. I highly recommend this book to parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn more about vertebrates.
Pages: 50 | ASIN: B0BRG9BGCN
LITERARY TITAN 