Blog Archives
Twins Mac & Madi Go Camping
Adventure abounds in the pages of Twins Mac and Madi Go Camping, written by Linda Herron and illustrated by Marie Delon. Come along as we join this family of four on an exciting camping trip. There will be fishing, making new friends, s’mores, and tales around the campfire. There’s a lot of excitement to be found within this little book.
Written in rhyme, this book is sure to be a memorable one. It’s a wonderful way to keep a rhythm while reading, which may be helpful for beginning readers learning new words. The font is easy on the eyes, and the illustrations are bright and colorful. Herron’s story is a great representation of a family camping trip from start to finish. It might inspire readers to want to camp themselves. It’s hard not to get caught up in the sing-song rhyming of the story as readers wait to see what happens next. This children’s book covers all the ingredients for a fantastic trip, so it’s quite fun to read. The theme of friendship is evident in Herron’s tale as Mac and Madi make a few friends while they are on their excursion with their parents.
If you are looking for an engaging picture book to introduce the idea of camping to your little readers and maybe a fun rhyming story to help them learn some new words, look no further than Twins Mac and Madi Go Camping by writer Linda Herron and illustrator Marie Delon.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 978-1959140085
Catatonia
Catatonia, by C.S. Crane, is a captivating exploration of the human quest for meaning, artfully presented through a diverse cast of characters. These characters, including a Catholic priest, a troubled young man, a conniving uncle, a young woman, her devout elderly mother, and her teenage brother, offer a rich tapestry of perspectives and beliefs that ultimately converge in a tragic yet thought-provoking narrative.
The author skillfully delves into the intricate lives of these characters, providing readers with an intimate look at the world through their unique eyes. In doing so, Crane masterfully illustrates how conflicting beliefs can both clash and merge, weaving a complex web of reality for each character to navigate. At the heart of it all lies the manifesto of the mentally ill young man, a belief system that disrupts the lives of everyone it touches, even though he initially appears catatonic. While the story takes unexpected twists, it’s precisely this unpredictability that keeps readers engaged. The author’s ability to create a web of interwoven plotlines adds depth to the narrative, leading the characters down an unsettling yet riveting path. The resulting tragic events, though deeply disturbing, serve a purpose in highlighting the immense impact of the young man’s manifesto.
In the end, Crane’s storytelling prowess shines through, achieving his intended effect of leaving readers both puzzled and disturbed. It’s a testament to his ability to challenge conventional narratives and evoke a wide range of emotions. While the story may not be without its unsettling moments, Catatonia ultimately offers a unique and thought-provoking reading experience that makes it a standout within its genre.
Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0C1J6Q1ZF
You Are…Volume One
In You Are…Volume One, Lauren Brownrigg embarks on a beautiful journey, artistically intertwining gentle illustrations and melodious rhymes to convey integral messages of love, self-worth, kindness, and remembrance to readers. The book tenderly starts its thematic exploration by delineating that love transcends mere emotion; it encapsulates the very essence of protective, caring, and unconditional gestures, affirming that to bestow love upon another is a treasured gift.
Brownrigg elegantly threads other themes in a harmonious fashion, each illustrated and described with equal tenderness and depth. Notably, the inclusion of journal pages provides a space where readers—whether they be children or adults—can write down their cherished memories and reflections pertinent to each theme. The delicate watercolor illustrations of animal mothers and their offspring illuminate the initial themes, while the theme of remembrance is poignantly symbolized by a solitary, ethereal butterfly.
A boundary-blurring narrative, You Are…Volume One serves as a heartfelt tapestry, equally captivating for both children and adults. The illustrations and poetic eloquence unravel each subject in a manner that is both comprehensible and relatable to children, while the journal sections offer a canvas for introspection. The dialogic nature of the narrative—emulating a parent speaking to their child—is particularly enchanting. A striking example from the book encapsulates this: “My love will remain as sure as the setting sun, And I will remind you each time the day is done…”
The illustrations are executed with a sublime and gentle sophistication, both interesting and uncomplicated, while the small poems punctuate the book with well-crafted and emotive prose. Brownrigg has cultivated a nurturing ground to foster emotional intelligence and confidence within young minds. It presents numerous avenues for parents and guardians to embolden and convey their love and care.
You Are…Volume One unfurls as a uniquely crafted and heartwarmingly resonant book. This comes as a heartfelt recommendation to any parent or guardian who wants to embark upon a literary journey that is as emotive as it is insightful, gently steering through the essential teachings of love, kindness, and memory.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 978-1957262383
Great for Bilingual Families
Chato, the Puppy-Cat follows a homeless puppy who is adopted by a loving woman who thinks he is a cat, and he is afraid to show her he is a dog. What was the inspiration for your story?
The story presented itself in my head one day, as if it wanted to be told. It wasn’t until later that I realized it came from childhood experiences, and from watching both children and adults around me having to conform and behave in ways that went against their grain.
Chato struggles with wanting to belong and with showing his true self out of fear of being accepted. Was there anything from your own life that you put into this emotional story?
I was born with a vision disability which affects various aspects of my life, and I often had to conform to fit in and not inconvenience others. I had a lot of trouble in school because I couldn’t see the board or read small print. The bright lights indoors and sunlight outdoors blinded me so recess and gym class were torture.
Also, I can’t see color. I debated about doing the illustrations as pencil sketches or ask someone to help me with the colors. I was told that black and white would limit the commercial appeal of the book, but I had to think of my brave main character, Chato. What would he do? And I knew I had to stay true to myself.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Going back to the previous questions, I think it is good for kids to see that they are not alone if they feel different. Also, it might be educational for them to learn about how someone can still think the world is a beautiful place without color vision.
As a language teacher, however, I love rhythm and rhyme and I believe it can help kids (and adults) learn and remember things. It helps them learn how words with the same sounds can have different spellings, and can also engage them while being read to; predicting the next words based on their sounds. The fact that the book is bilingual English/Spanish makes it great for bilingual families or for children learning one language or the other.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have just finished a collection of short stories for adults and a few more picture books, one of which helps kids learn to tell time. I hope they will be available soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Todostuslibros
Tú eres un perro, pero todo el mundo piensa que eres un gato. ¿Qué haces? Una fábula animalista sobre el derecho natural a la personalidad propia.
You are a dog, but everyone thinks you are a cat. What are you doing? An animalistic fable about the natural right to one’s own personality.
Walking Their Walk
All About Us follows a young woman living in the height of the Jim Crow era as she and her siblings fight seemingly endless obstacles in search of a brighter future. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write this book?
As flight attendants, we often had nice layovers in New Orleans. It was 1995. I flew with a co-worker who was from Yazoo City, Mississippi, a place I had never heard of. My co-worker asked that I ride the three-hour drive with her to visit relatives. Upon entering the city, I was surprised. I could see how downtrodden the area was. Yazoo City’s downtown is a place with colorful dilapidated buildings surrounded by poor areas. I knew growing up that my family, like many other black families, was poor. However, the city was shocking.
The residents were poor, poorer, and poorest. I witnessed families without running water and electricity. Sagging tin roofs appeared to be the norm. Thick plastic used as makeshift barriers for windows and doors. Houses without indoor plumbing. The need for infrastructure was visible.
This was a wake-up call for me to write a story about poor blacks. Of course, I knew I would insert in this story a few experiences of my own growing up poor, as well as friends and neighbors I once lived around. I knew I had a story to tell and blending other’s experiences with my own would, maybe just maybe make a great novel.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Caiti and her siblings?
Realizing that siblings play an important role in the development of social skills, I wanted to incorporate pretend-play interactions between younger and older siblings. I felt this could teach empathy, sharing, and cooperation between the characters.
It was important that nonverbal interactions be established early on. I did not want too many speaking interactions with the younger siblings until later in the story. After making that decision, I decided to showcase the younger siblings by taking their personalities, and rather than have dialogue, their physical mannerisms would lead mostly until they were a little bit older.
There is a lot of time and care spent with descriptions and building the setting and tone of the story. Was this out of necessity to develop the depth of the story, or was it something that happened naturally as you were writing?
Definitely a necessity. Giving vivid descriptions was an attempt to make the reader feel as if they were right there with the characters, walking their walk and experiencing their pain, joy, and their surroundings.
What is the next novel you are working on, and when will that be available?
Tainted Money, how it ruins lives, relationships, and at times murder, is about a young male Venezuelan, named Vincent, in the United States illegally. He meets Riley and falls in love with her. Months later in a convenience store, he purchased a lottery ticket and won two million dollars. Apprehensive about having anyone cash his ticket was wearing him down.
He finally selects Riley as the one person he could trust with the winnings. He would often think of the things his winnings could mean for him. He would hire an attorney to help him obtain legal status in the USA. Start his own business and perhaps purchase a house and marry Riley.
Riley cashed in the ticket and disappeared. After a few days, he set out to find her. He visits the places they had ventured together. He sought out her friends and relatives and they all claimed to have no knowledge of her whereabouts. He was becoming angrier and angrier at Riley. Why and how could she do this to him?
It now becomes a manhunt for Riley who was skilled with firearms. Although Vincent was not one who was interested in firearms. He had migrated from a country where guns were laid out like your favorite coffee mug.
It soon becomes a cat-and-mouse game. The one thing Vincent was good at was a slingshot. It had saved him and Rico, his traveling buddy, from a brutal attack as they made their way through the dangerous jungles of Venezuela.
Stay tuned, the book will be out in the summer of 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Horrible conditions beat down the older kids, buckling their spirits. Their strong determination to protect their family while simultaneously being pulled in opposite direction resulted in a life of early labor, despair, anxiety, and subsequent murder. One child, scarred for a lifetime, something Pres and Caiti must keep to themselves. A best friend admits at a youthful age a secret they both must keep until their friend tragically meets his death.
Determined to remove themselves from their troubling past, was not an easy thing to do, particularly during the height of the Jim Crow era. One by one each of the Morris children left home in search of a better life, gambling on their dreams but not without obstacles. Their adult lives came with tragedies they never imagined.
The Rascal Cat Brothers
The Rascal Cat Brothers by Lisa Jacovsky expertly delves into the theme of adjusting to the arrival of a new sibling, a common challenge for children. The narrative unfolds through the endearing perspective of Midnight, a solitary black cat closely bonded with his owner, affectionately called Mommy. Midnight initially grapples with discomfort when Mommy introduces Snowball, an exuberant kitten, into their home. However, as their relationship develops, Midnight discovers the joys of companionship.
This book skillfully addresses significant topics such as adapting to new family members and responsible pet care, making it an excellent choice for young children and feline enthusiasts. It also serves as a valuable tool for parents and caregivers to facilitate discussions about family dynamics with children. The story underscores the importance of sharing space and attention at home when a new member joins the family. Through Midnight’s engaging adventures, young readers learn that having a new sibling can be an enjoyable experience. Midnight’s exploration of new toys and shared moments emphasizes the positive aspects of togetherness. Lisa Jacovsky thoughtfully emphasizes that both cats can receive love and attention simultaneously, conveying a heartwarming and reassuring message.
Jacovsky’s narrative employs simple vocabulary tailored for young readers, complementing Midnight’s engaging perspective. This approach enriches the storytelling and effectively conveys a beautiful message of unity and harmony. The book not only offers an exciting and enjoyable reading experience for children but also serves as a valuable resource for parents and caregivers to broach topics related to family, friendship, and adaptability. The charming narrative, complemented by endearing illustrations, renders this book a delightful addition to any child’s book collection.
The Rascal Cat Brothers is a heartwarming and relatable story that celebrates the beauty of embracing change and the joy of welcoming new friends into our lives. Midnight and Snowball’s journey underscores the transformative power of friendship and the enduring bonds that define us as a family. This book has a wonderful message for children and families seeking an engaging, heartwarming, and meaningful story.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0BXLV8QMX
LITERARY TITAN 