Blog Archives
My Sister Grossy: The Case of The Mystery Smell
My Sister Grossy: The Case of the Mystery Smell dives into the chaotic and humorous world of young Jack and his exceptionally gross little sister, Isabel—whom he dubs “Grossy.” The story unfolds as Jack becomes a detective in his own home, determined to uncover the source of a mysterious and unbearable stink he believes is emanating from his sister. This light-hearted tale cleverly navigates the messiness of childhood through the eyes of a bewildered yet earnest older brother.
Author Tara Rowland’s writing is vibrant and captivating. She is particularly adept at capturing the voice and musings of a ten-year-old boy who is bewildered by his sister’s shenanigans. The narrative is brimming with lively descriptions that vividly depict the chaos that Grossy disrupts in Jack’s orderly world. While the storyline is undeniably entertaining, some readers might find the repeated emphasis on “grossness” a tad excessive. Nevertheless, Rowland’s knack for infusing humor into everyday situations highlights the book and ensures a fun-filled read.
Family dynamics, childhood, and the trials of growing up are all themes in the book that will resonate with anyone who has ever had to deal with a pesky sibling. The mystery element of the story adds an engaging layer to the narrative, encouraging young readers to think critically and follow the clues alongside Jack.
My Sister Grossy is a charming read that will captivate middle-grade readers who relish humorous tales with a hint of mystery. The book also serves as an excellent resource for parents to delve into topics of tolerance, empathy, and family dynamics with their children. Schools can incorporate it into their reading lists to foster discussions on sibling relationships and personal hygiene in a light and entertaining manner. Readers who appreciate a good chuckle at the idiosyncrasies of family life will find this book a delightful read.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0CW1GBB1J
The High Sky Fliers
Priya Ramesh’s The High Sky Fliers is a charming and instructive contribution to children’s literature, seamlessly blending entertainment with educational themes. Set against the backdrop of a bird family’s life, this book follows the adventures of young birds at the High Sky Fliers Academy, learning about life and the art of flight. The story unfolds with the soothing imagery of a mother bird’s sunrise ritual, establishing an atmosphere of familial affection and care. As the narrative shifts to the fledglings’ day at the academy, readers are introduced to the significance of routine and learning.
The character of Jet Hawk, the academy’s instructor, is particularly noteworthy. He is depicted with a balance of expertise and wisdom, serving as an exemplary figure for the fledglings and the book’s youthful audience. Ramesh excels in integrating essential values such as diligence, discipline, and aspiration into the storyline. The portrayal of the young birds as enthusiastic learners reflects the innate curiosity and zeal of children. The graduation ceremony, a pivotal moment in the book, symbolizes not just achievement but the celebration of reaching important milestones, a concept that appeals to young readers. Part of the Pear Sprouts series, this book is designed to stimulate and engage young minds. Ramesh’s storytelling, a fusion of enjoyable narratives with educational components, is consistent throughout. The illustrations are a delightful complement, enriching the narrative with visual stimulation.
Targeted at both children and parents, The High Sky Fliers is an exploration of learning and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of pursuing dreams and the role of familial support in realizing them. Captivating and educational, this book promises to leave its readers both inspired and more informed about their surroundings.
Pages: 12 | ISBN: 978-2-2775-3936-0
Nuestra Hermosa Familia
Nuestra Hermosa Familia, by Miss Ayoku Joseph, is a bilingual picture book that deftly interweaves Spanish and English, presenting a valuable tool for young readers embarking on language acquisition. The book celebrates family ties through engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations. It distinguishes itself with an interactive method of introducing family member names in both languages, providing an enriching experience for young learners.
Readers meet Mary and her relatives, ranging from her brother to her grandparents, with names presented in both English and Spanish. This approach not only expands the vocabulary of young readers but also enhances their appreciation of diverse family dynamics. The artwork in Nuestra Hermosa Familia merits particular attention for its warmth and charm, capturing the essence of familial joy and intergenerational bonds. The combination of expressive illustrations and bilingual narrative makes this book an excellent selection for bedtime reading, educational activities in classrooms, and engaging family reading sessions. It also serves as an effective educational resource, fostering cognitive development within a multicultural framework.
For parents and educators looking to bolster a child’s linguistic abilities and expose them to cultural diversity, Nuestra Hermosa Familia offers a delightful and instructive addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0CQGWXXNS
Invisible Sun
Invisible Sun, by Andrew H. Housley, begins in the somber aftermath of a suicide, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of grief and familial bonds. The story unfolds through the eyes of Ian, who grapples with the harrowing loss of his brother, Hugo. As Ian sifts through Hugo’s belongings, he is plunged into memories of their challenging childhood, marked by both emotional and physical hardships at the hands of their father.
Housley adeptly employs flashbacks to reveal the depth of the brothers’ relationship and the abuse they endured, enhancing the narrative’s emotional layers. His portrayal of Ian’s emotional journey is particularly compelling, capturing the essence of a man on the brink of a mental breakdown. Despite the heavy themes of grief and loss, Housley integrates moments of humor, which bring a nuanced relief to the otherwise intense narrative. The characters’ struggles with personal demons and coping mechanisms, such as humor and alcohol, are portrayed with realism and sensitivity.
The book addresses the profound impact of suicide on those left behind, presenting a raw, unfiltered look at their varied responses to tragedy. This approach, while powerful, includes multiple trigger warnings, indicating that the book might not be suitable for younger or more sensitive readers. The narrative structure of Invisible Sun eschews a traditional action-driven format, opting instead for a rich exploration of philosophical questions and the intricate layers of human emotion. This thoughtful, non-linear approach enhances the depth of the story, offering a rewarding experience for those who appreciate complex storytelling. The interplay between reality and illusion, as experienced by Ian, adds a compelling twist to the unfolding drama.
Invisible Sun is imbued with a profound emotional resonance that adds depth and gravity to its narrative. Its insightful examination of the human condition and the intricate portrayal of its characters not only make it a compelling read but also one that merits revisiting to fully appreciate its deeper thematic elements.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0CJL1KQTP
Righting the Wrongs of the Past
Hattie’s World follows a young woman as she emerges from her father’s shadow, striving for independence and redefining her community amidst her father’s pursuit of power. What do you believe your novel conveys about the power of individual actions?
Human resilience and the importance of righting the wrongs of the past.
Hattie’s World delves into themes of family legacy and personal resilience. How do you approach weaving these themes into your narrative without overpowering the story?
I hope I simply allow the characters to grow, relate to others, go through the motions of life, and experience its highs and lows in as natural a way as possible.
What inspired the character of Hattie Winthrop, and how did you develop her journey from a marginalized figure to a symbol of hope and leadership?
Strangely, I was inspired by an abandoned mansion that had fallen into ruin and was falling apart. I tried to imagine its past and came up with a short story which is the basis for the epilogue, “Herbie Banks.” I thought there was enough in it to transform it into a novel. Hattie and her father’s story emerged from my imagination.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve recently completed The Last Tryst, a historical novel of the Belle Epoque in Paris. In it, my protagonists, a young man who gains access to high society by romancing ignored wives of the very rich and a fallen socialite who becomes a successful courtesan, mingle with some of the period’s historical figures.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website | Amazon
Convinced he needs a wife to be accepted socially, Owen marries a girl he met in Monterey. It is a loveless marriage, but when a daughter, Hattie, is born, he learns he is capable of love and becomes devoted to the child. She grows into a beautiful and confident young woman with a thirst for life outside of the confines of her home. Fascination with a Portuguese fisherman results in a torrid love affair that results in a grisly murder. To punish her, Owen confines her to their home, where she lives in isolation for twenty years until his death.
Made heiress by to a great fortune by her father as both a joke and revenge on a town that reviled him, she emerges from isolation determined to atone for the sins she discovered her father has committed. Her crusade takes her from pariah to sainthood as she molds the town in her own image. Her deeds and gifts to the town makes her everyone’s Aunt Hattie in this family saga that spans the Twentieth Century.
The Power of Imagination
The Heir of the Dynasty follows a king and queen who are responsible for running the Secret World Government who are ready to pass on the throne to their daughter and must teach their grandchildren about the family legacy. What inspired the setup of your story?
After finishing the novel The Wealth of the Great Kingdom, I felt the urge to move the story forward a millennium, into the modern world. This idea of a sequel in the distant future is at the heart of the construction of my story.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
The inspiration for my setting is complex and evolved during the writing process itself: Relation to previous story: The setting is based on the actions of the previous book, The Wealth of the Great Kingdom. This connection to an already created world is the basis of the construction of the details.
Personal experiences: I am fortunate to have traveled to many corners of the world, and some of these places are woven into the description of my world. These personal experiences enrich the details of the setting.
The Power of Imagination: Of course, I could not have created this world without my imagination. My goal was to create places that are both familiar and unfamiliar to the reader, to immerse him in a fascinating atmosphere.
Adapting to the story: As the characters developed and the story unfolded, I had to adapt some aspects of the world to meet their needs and actions. This flexibility is key to creating a realistic and dynamic setting.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In my story, several important themes are intertwined that shape the plot and the message: Family Relationships: I explore the dynamics between parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren. Different perspectives of different generations are presented to highlight the complexity of family ties.
Responsibility to Family: I consider the question of our responsibilities to our family members. How to balance personal desires with the needs of family is a key question that my characters must resolve.
Consequences of Secrets: I question the consequences of keeping secrets. When it is justified to hide the truth and when it is not – this is a dilemma that my characters face in order to understand themselves and their loved ones.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I plan to write a continuation of the story. In it, I would like to delve into some of the topics raised, such as: The implications of carrying the burden of legacy and the challenges of governance in a complex world. I would also like to further explore the development of my characters and their relationships with each other.
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The king and queen have grown old and are looking around for heirs. Their daughter Nesia, who is to inherit the throne, has been traveling the world for 20 years to get to know it. Their son Henry has dedicated himself to healing people.
Their grandchildren live the lives of commoners and are unaware of their royal lineage. But the King and Queen have decided it is time to begin their education.
To prove their worth, the grandchildren must go through a series of trials and tasks that will test their intelligence, wits and courage.
At the end of the story, they all gather in the big castle and hidden secrets are revealed. Nesia returns from her travels to take the throne and begin a new golden time for the Secret World Government.
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
Strong Line Between Good and Evil
In Joseph’s Coat, evil enters the home of a young couple when they adopt an orphan following the loss of their own baby. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had written the MC years ago, but I knew something was missing, untold. I finally, after about nine years, realized the MC’s story needed to begin with his childhood. And his situation just created itself, if that makes sense. LOL.
I felt this story was very well written. What’s your experience as a writer?
Thank you! I’m honored for you to say that. I’ve written since I was small. Sketching comic strip-style stories as a way to tell these stories. Then, during high school, I started to actually write them instead of sketching them. And have not been able to stop. I’ve had three novels/novellas that were published for which the contracts expired. Joseph’s Coat is my first novel since 2015.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I love this question. I’m not sure I ever had guidelines for emotions or morals. It all seemed to dictate itself. I did want to create a couple, though, who were deeply in love enough to withstand the pain of loss, and grief, and yet allow them high emotion that I hoped was real and relatable and, most of all, very human. As for morals, each character dictated their own if that makes sense. And, now that you mention it, maybe subconsciously incorporate a strong line between good and evil where, of course, the goodness of humanity would triumph.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside book 2? When can fans expect to see it released?
Oh, this has been a trial! I had planned to skip in years for the child in the story to be much older; however, I felt I was missing too much of his history that ought to be told. SO…Book Two will be the growth of the newly adopted child in his new environment and a new antagonist to be introduced, this time one who will be a highly trusted friend who will be a huge threat to the family. And I’m working on it now, hoping to finish by the end of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Amazon
Brooklyn, New York. 1924.
Giovanni and Kate Di Paolo are a young, affluent couple. They are wildly in love, devoted to each other, but are mourning the death of their infant son.
When Kate volunteers at Saint Hyacinth’s Orphanage, she is especially drawn to one of the orphans.
Enrico.
He entered the orphanage with no last name, no history. A mysterious child, strange but gifted, teased by the other children with the Italian name, Jettatore—evil eye, one who brings bad luck.
With Enrico’s arrival into their world, the Di Paolos’ lives will be altered forever. Secrets will be exposed. Entities of evil and darkness will battle light. Love will be tested, especially when the biggest mystery of all is revealed.
The advent of this enigma could bring the curse of division and further loss, or it could be the force to bring healing, acceptance, answers to prayers which had never been spoken.
LITERARY TITAN 