Blog Archives
Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo
Family moments have the power to create enduring memories for children, a theme beautifully explored in Dr. Shon Shree Lewis’s delightful book, Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo. The story begins with Coco, an inquisitive young girl, watching TV with her faithful dog, Chico. Captivated by a cartoon featuring tigers, Coco’s curiosity is piqued, prompting her to ask her mother about these magnificent creatures. Her mother explains that tigers live in various places, including the zoo, which sparks the idea for a family outing. With a visit to Grandma Sarah already in the plans, Coco’s dad agrees to a family trip to the zoo on the Fourth of July, setting the stage for a day filled with fun, learning, and celebration.
Dr. Shon Shree Lewis’s narrative shines through her use of concise sentences and clear concepts, making her storytelling accessible and engaging for young readers. She effectively weaves in themes of courtesy, good manners, and proper behavior, presenting her characters as excellent role models. The story depicts a family working together harmoniously to create a memorable day, a portrayal that reinforces positive family dynamics. The adventure at the zoo is both educational and enjoyable, as Coco learns fascinating facts about animals such as tigers, lions, and giraffes. The vibrant illustrations complement the narrative, capturing the joy and wonder of the zoo visit. The family’s Fourth of July celebration culminates in a splendid display of fireworks, adding a festive touch to their special day.
Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo is a charming read that fosters a love for learning and family bonds. Dr. Shon Shree Lewis crafts an engaging tale that celebrates children’s curiosity and the joy of discovering new things. This book is a delightful way to spend time with children, inspiring them to ask questions and embrace the excitement of new adventures.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0C4T66BVD
Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming
In Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow, Vonnetta Mayo tenderly reveals the brutal reality of slavery in America. With a sensitive yet compelling approach, Mayo crafts a narrative that highlights the innate human desire for freedom and the pivotal role of religion as a beacon of hope for those enduring desperate circumstances. The book is concise and accessible, aiming to shed light on the inhuman treatment faced by slaves. Central to the story is Betsy, a cheerful young girl who shares her days with her three brothers, her mother, and her mother’s three friends. Despite the harsh realities of their existence, the children find solace and distraction in each other’s company, while the adults toil under oppressive and abusive conditions on a plantation. Through unwavering faith and constant prayer, they cling to hope, trusting in God’s plan and longing for the day they will be free.
Mayo’s straightforward and easy-to-read prose draws readers into the daily lives of the plantation’s inhabitants. Each chapter lays bare the grueling labor and the systemic oppression they endure. As the narrative unfolds, readers are gripped by a sense of foreboding about the future of these individuals, yet the innocence and resilience of the children provide a glimmer of hope. This hope is sustained by the recurring theme of prayer, imbuing the story with a sense of faith that persists even in the bleakest of situations. The structure of the book reinforces the monotony and inescapability of the slaves’ routine, characterized by scarce resources and distant dreams of freedom. Despite these harsh conditions, what unites and sustains this small community is their unwavering faith in God. The narrative invites readers to ponder whether their fervent prayers will ever be answered, and whether they will finally attain the freedom they so ardently seek.
Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow stands as a moving short story that humanizes the experiences of those subjected to the atrocities of slavery, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience and spirit of Black communities. Mayo brings to light the harsh truths of American history, while also revealing the profound beauty found in family, hope, faith, and religion. This book not only illuminates the past but also underscores the enduring power of faith and the unbreakable spirit of those who, despite facing unimaginable hardships, continued to dream of a better tomorrow.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09VWR3S4K
Valtoha
Valtoha, by Hamant Singh, is a poignant and contemplative journey into the past, offering a narrative rich in family history and human growth. The story begins with Singh’s quest to uncover the history of his grandfather, Singara Singh Valtoha, who tragically passed away when Singh’s father was still a child. This exploration takes him from the bustling streets of Singapore to the small town of Valtoha in India, weaving a tapestry that examines identity, memory, and legacy.
Singh introduces a deeply personal touch through his grandfather’s heartfelt and direct letters. These letters serve as a bridge across time, allowing readers to engage in a generational dialogue. Through them, Singh’s emotions and thoughts are powerfully conveyed, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The novel is characterized by its rich sensory details and cultural references, painting vivid images of the diverse emotional and physical landscapes Singh traverses. His keen attention to detail and poetic descriptive passages vividly capture the essence of each location, from the dynamic streets of Singapore to the tranquil town of Valtoha, immersing readers in these environments.
The conclusion of Valtoha is both tragic and enlightening. The discovery of newspaper articles about his grandfather’s death brings Singh’s quest to a bittersweet end. Singh handles the irony and tragedy of his grandfather’s passing with sensitivity, highlighting its profound impact on the surviving family members and adding a layer of moving insight to the narrative.
Far from being a mere biography, this book is a celebration of resilience, family, and the enduring power of storytelling. Singh’s expressive and passionate prose offers a vivid portrayal of his grandfather’s life and legacy, resonating with anyone who has felt the pull of their roots or a desire to reconnect with their heritage. A notable stylistic feature of Singh’s writing is his introspective tone. He frequently pauses to reflect on the broader implications of his discoveries, offering philosophical musings on identity, memory, and legacy. This reflective approach deepens readers’ connection to the story, encouraging them to consider their own cultural heritage and familial bonds.
Valtoha stands as a touching tribute to family history and the exploration of personal identity, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0D2B5NJ4R
Igniting a Love for Languages
Nuestra Hermosa Familia follows two siblings who take readers on a bilingual adventure to meet their family and celebrate diversity. What was the inspiration for your story?
Several things that I’m passionate about inspired this story: my family, my love of the Spanish language and my love of reading, teaching and learning. I firmly believe that in today’s world, being multilingual is a big advantage if not a necessity and according to experts the best time to introduce a foreign language is when a child is between three and seven years old. Being trilingual has enriched my life; it has expanded the conversations I can have, the people I can interact with, the places I can navigate; it has allowed me to gain an understanding of other cultures in a way only understanding the language can. My hope with Nuestra Hermosa Familia (and others to come) is to ignite a love for languages, culture and learning in young people.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Medie Big?
The collaboration with Medie Big was an amazing experience. I start by creating a dummy book complete with character profiles, indicating who’s on which page, what they are saying and what the scenes look like in my head. From these Medie does their magic, they are genius at turning my stick people and mishmash ideas into something special. They begin with several initial sketches to ensure we’re on the same page, once we agree on a direction, all the sketches are created and approved before Medie does the colouring. The whole process is very collaborative, Medie is a very talented artist who is also great at receiving and acting on feedback and delivering for her clients, wait till you see what she’s done for my new book!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This book was written around one of the units in the English KS1 & 2 Spanish national curriculum – (for children aged 4+ to 7 years old). I learnt (and continue to learn) Spanish as an adult. Drawing from this experience and from my experience as a teacher, I didn’t want my readers to simply have a compilation of pictures and words; I wanted them to understand and be able to use these words in context. There’s a lot of subtle repetition, keywords are used in sentences and then highlighted within the sentences, the illustrations really help bring it all to life. I have also created a several resources, including a read along video, flashcards and worksheets to complement the book. These are all available for free on my website: www.missjoseph.com
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, Nuestra Hermosa Familia is the first of twenty planned books. My next book, Pelotas Deportivas, is all about sports and colours and it’s fab. Look out for it from July 2024. In this next book, you can expect more fun adventures with Juan and Maria as they explore the world of sports and learn about different colours in both English and Spanish. And of course beautiful illustrations from Medie!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Pinterest
‘Nuestra Hermosa Familia – Our Beautiful Family’ is a charming picture book that celebrates language diversity and the special bond of family.
This bilingual book features:
✓ Full sentences in context – not just a list of words,
✓ Engaging storytelling, and
✓ Lovely, vibrant pictures that capture the love and happiness of a family.
Open the door to a bilingual journey that fosters language proficiency and offers the priceless advantages of bilingualism such as cognitive growth, better academic performance, and Cultural awareness.
Buy ‘Nuestra Hermosa Familia – Our Beautiful Family’ today and give your child the gift of a brighter future!
Part of God’s Plan
Becoming Forever Families follows the experiences of a woman who finds love later in life and marries in the LDS church. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This woman, Sarah, was previously married and had three children with Randy. He later divorced her; however, she felt that she needed to be married to a faithful husband, and prayed to God that this would occur. This story shows how God answered her prayers, and how she was married in the Lord’s House according to her desires.
Is there anything from your own experiences that you include in the lives of your characters?
Foremost is Ethan’s autism, which was introduced in my prequel Living a Miracle. I show how he was able to overcome many of its characteristics, as I have. I also relate Ruth’s situation of living alone with my being single and living by myself until I met my wife. She then later passed on, placing me in the same situation.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme is the Lord’s plan for families to be together forever, as we have strong family bonds which we want to continue forever. Our struggles in life now are part of God’s plan to help prepare us to achieve this result after this life is complete. Another theme is that God will bless us during our difficulties in life as we stay faithful to Him.
Can readers look forward to seeing another installment following the Wilkinson family?
I have no immediate plans to continue this story; however, I may continue it later, with a message about how a high-functioning autistic adult can teach and help other people so that they can realize that their family lives are able to continue forever.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
We desire our strong, loving family connections we presently experience, to continue in the Spirit World and beyond.
What is Christ’s real plan for our families after this life?
This great question is answered here. You will learn about:
• What Christ’s blessings are for us, now and forever
• What the real purpose of this life is for us and our families
• What Christ’s plan is for those with no family in this life
• How we can actually become as Christ is now, and the purpose of doing it
• How Christ can lovingly help us
This sequel continues the life story of the Wilkinson family, showing us how to become a forever family. It illustrates how we can view ourselves from an even greater perspective, and shows our true missions in life.
Included is a thought-provoking Reading Guide, to assist you to have a much better understanding of yourself. You will truly see the great significance of living this life, individually and with your family, along with your incomprehensible potential after this life is completed. Becoming Forever Families will prove to be very beneficial for everyone.
This work also promises to make great reading for a book club.
Living With the Land
Adventures with Granny: Butterflies and Bravery follows a young girl spending the summer away from home with her Granny, who has mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety about this adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
The original inspiration for a fun, adventurous granny came from watching my mom take her grandchildren on trips to the river, the redwoods, and up the mountain to her little homestead. I have such fond memories of my mom teaching me about how the spring water got into our sink and of crossing the creek on logs that the story of Granny began to unfold. As I created the characters of Hazel and Finn, the need for understanding, accepting, and working on anxiety seemed prevalent in the world. I have struggled with it, as have other family members, and I know many children who do, so Hazel’s anxiety arose. Nature is studied as one way to help children with their anxious feelings, so Granny and Hazel fit well together.
Most parents and children will be able to relate to the fears Hazel has in this story. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I have struggled with working through and overcoming anxious feelings my entire life. One scene, in particular, is based on a time when I was a young child faced with crossing the creek after my older brother. For some reason, though I’d never been afraid before, I was scared and my brother had to coax me across.
I think Granny’s enthusiasm for sharing nature with her grandchildren is from both my mom and me. As a Waldorf teacher for several years, I loved taking children on nature walks.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to include both an introduction to living with the land and a guide to working through anxious feelings. I’m happy it’s a relatable story because I want readers to connect to both these very real needs in modern life. We need to understand and appreciate nature in order to make crucial changes to how we live on our planet, and we need to work through hard feelings such as anxiety with the help of a guide.
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?
I do have ideas for more adventures with Granny connected to life lessons. I’ve been waiting to see how this first one lands so I haven’t written any other stories. The one forefront in mind is about race. I had many memorable moments with a childhood friend, some I didn’t understand until later, and I feel children today could connect with such a story. And Granny will come up with an adventure to take her grandchildren on regarding this subject. We’ll see. My butterflies flutter quite a bit when I begin a new story, so I have some overcoming of my own to do, a lot like Hazel.
I also have a tween YA series of four books I published between 2017 and 2021. Celtic Magic is about modern children who find out they are descended from Scottish druids and the Celtic myths are their ancestral stories. It also has a strong link to connecting with nature.
Author Links: GoodReads | Celtic Magic | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Based on the author’s childhood in the mountains of Northern California, this series is about a whimsical granny who shares her back-to-the-land lifestyle with her grandchildren. Mixing magical realism with the natural world, this story will delight fans of Mary Poppins and Pippi Longstocking.
Freedom in Acceptance
Within Family: In Search of Genuine Belonging, you examine the various factors that impact family dynamics and provide insight into how to end the toxic patterns that plague family relationships. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There are two reasons making the writing of this book important to me. The first was my understanding of the power of boundaries which control the flow of affection, inclusion, decision making, problem solving and communication as well as trauma resulting when physical, emotional, or sexual boundaries are violated. I wanted to better understand what family constellations created particular kinds of boundaries. Secondly, I came to believe that people can more easily interrupt toxic patterns and legacies when they can identify the root of these dynamics.
Can you share with us a little about the research process required to write this book?
Much of my research came from listening to hundreds of clients offer reports regarding their families of origin.
What is one thing you hope readers can take away from your book?
My hope is that readers can take away a deeper understanding of the family role they played and see it as just that, a role, and not the cornerstone of their identity. When that occurs, people have more choice to claim how the role might serve them and let go of material that offers no substantial service. An example would be a person who occupied the role of hero being able to more fully accept their limits and the freedom which comes from such acceptance.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My current work is entitled “Living Intimately – Devotionally Serving the Generous Moment”. My hope is that it will be available during the summer of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads
Through examining childhood roles and family expectations, readers are encouraged to step out of limiting beliefs and find their own path towards a healthy, whole love story. Dunion explores the concept of Enmeshment, where the family unit becomes the primary focus at the expense of individual interests, and the Estranged Family, where independence is valued above all else.
But the real power of Family lies in its ability to guide readers towards a more complete understanding of love, one that cherishes both the self and others. With practical advice on how to navigate emotional intimacy and address relational breakdowns, Dunion’s work is a profound invitation to find acceptance for where we come from while charting our own path towards individuation.
Whether you come from a family that embraces or rejects individuality, Family: In Search of Genuine Belonging is an essential read for anyone looking to create a more authentic, fulfilling life. Dunion’s insights and guidance offer a roadmap towards a whole love story that values both deep connections with others and a strong sense of self.
Aim For Your Target
The High Sky Fliers follows the adventures of young birds at the High Sky Fliers Academy, learning about life and the art of flight. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for “The High Sky Fliers” was the theme of the story itself. The theme is that it can be sometimes daunting when we are working towards aspirational goals. The story intends to break this challenge down and show the young readers that learning, listening, focus, and dedication can help you reach difficult goals in life. When we think of possibilities, goals, and successes, we think of the sky as the limit. Hence, this story was written with the bird family, as birds fly and soar into the sky with an innate ability, just like the way we advance in our lives towards our aspirational goals. You can read “The High Sky Fliers” for free on the pearsprouts website (https://www.pearsprouts.com/free-stories/the-high-sky-fliers).
I enjoyed the character of Jet Hawk. He challenges the young birds and offers them the support they need to reach their goals. Was Jet Hawk based on anyone in your own life?
Growing up as a child, I was fortunate to have studied with teachers and mentors who were encouraging, supportive and were great role models. So depicting those great qualities in the character of Jet Hawk was a natural outcome of my experiences as a student.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Life could be a little bit of a stretch when working towards high aspirational goals. The key to success is to keep working towards them in a dedicated way without giving up just like what the great archers do. When they take aim, their focus and aim is only on one thing – the target.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on my next book “The Life of an Inchworm” which is an interesting story about the Sun and an Inchworm, who is a non-stop eater. One day, the Sun comes out and is not able to find the Inchworm anywhere. What happened to the Inchworm? Will the Sun ever be able to see him again? The Sun ends up learning an invaluable lesson at the end and so will the young readers with this wonderful story. This story will be published within a couple of months for free on the pearsprouts website for children to enjoy.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 