Blog Archives
Different Solutions
The Grubby Feather Gang follows a boy plagued by bullying and fear who finds himself part of a small circle of friends who together find adventure and hope in a village otherwise torn by war and chaos. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m really not sure, to be honest. I am very interested in the experiences of those who lived through either or both of the world wars because both wars plunged otherwise peaceful, ordinary people into extraordinary and horrific situations. But I love the idea that different people can have different solutions to the same problems; most young men of fighting age during WW1 wanted – or felt the need – to go overseas and join the fighting whereas some, such as George’s father in the story, believed in a totally different, peaceful approach. The amount of courage needed for either approach must have been immense, and thankfully, most of us today can only imagine what it must have been like to face that dilemma. I’m fascinated by the fact that these experiences, that seem, to us today, to exist only in the realms of fiction, really happened to real people.
What do you find is the most challenging aspect of writing for middle-grade readers?
Other than the usual challenges of writing for any audience, I’m not sure I find anything especially challenging about writing for middle-grade readers. It can be a challenge when you’ve been hired by a publishing company – rather than writing just because you yourself have decided to do so – because if the project is for a young audience the publishers give you a tight word-count which creates restrictions and challenges, ones which, I have to say, I really enjoy working within. However, I wrote The Grubby Feather Gang off my own bat, so I didn’t have those restrictions, even though I did want to keep the book short. But middle-grade is a wonderful age range. I don’t hold back on the complexity of the language I use or the depth of the issues the story tackles. The only thing I do differently when writing for children as opposed to adults is to make the main characters children.
Is there anything from your own life included in the characters in The Grubby Feather Gang?
I’m happy to say that the experiences of the children in this story are very different from mine. I don’t think you have to have experienced something to write about it in a believable way though. I hope I’m right about that! But there often elements of the writer’s personality in the characters they create. George is prone to anger and sulking, and as a child, I was a little like that. (I’ve grown out of it now though!) I would add that I am always warmed by people – real or fictional – who turn out to be more impressive in some way than you originally realised, like Mr Haxby. And in a way, the same can be said of each of the three main characters.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on a novel for adults. Unlike most of what I’ve written before, this is a fantasy novel, with elements of horror. It features werewolves and witches. There is so much literature about such things, so the challenge is to present them in a new way, avoiding stereotypes and tropes, and I think I’ve achieved that…
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Worse still, the school bully hangs George upside-down from the hayloft, and the next day, George gets the cane! So, with a bit of help from Emma, a curious newcomer to the village, he decides to take daring and drastic revenge on both the bully and his teacher. But he could never have predicted what happens next…
The Grubby Feather Gang is the story of four friends helping each other cope with their parents’ problems.
The BigShorts books are short, stand-alone novels for strong Key Stage 2 readers. Each novel is around 100 pages long. The content is rich and detailed, tackling discussion-worthy themes. Being shorter than most novels, BigShorts books are a great length for teachers to read to their class, or for use as guided-reading texts.
The Adventures of Belle Bear
The Adventures of Belle Bear tells the story of a cheerful polar bear cub who lives in snowy Mount Bearia with her loving grandmother, Baba Bear. Life is warm and cozy even in the cold. Then everything changes when they must move far away to sunny Calibearia. Belle Bear struggles with loneliness, new faces, and a school where she feels totally out of place. With Baba Bear’s steady encouragement and a magical new orange cape, she slowly finds her courage, makes friends, and discovers that who she is has always been enough.
This picture book captures that weird mix of excitement and fear that comes with starting over. The writing is simple in the best way. It feels comforting. I loved how Baba Bear’s words repeat like a song. It made me smile every time because it reminded me of the kind of thing a real grandma might say. The gentle rhythm of the book pulled me in. I didn’t expect to feel so moved by a polar bear pep talk, but here we are.
Moving, making friends, trying to fit in. It all felt honest. That moment when Belle Bear loses her cape on the journey felt symbolic in a way that surprised me. When the new cape appears as she speaks those affirmations in the mirror, it feels empowering. The story doesn’t pretend that being brave is easy, and I appreciated that. The artwork in the book is bright, friendly, and the characters are full of personality. Every character looks lively and expressive. The colors are soft but cheerful, which gives the whole book a cozy vibe. Each animal has its own charm. The style overall feels playful and comforting, perfect for a children’s book about friendship and courage.
By the end, I felt genuinely happy for Belle Bear. The book wraps everything up with this sweet feeling of hope, and it left me wishing every kid could hear Baba Bear’s nightly reminder. I’d recommend this book for kids who might be moving, starting a new school, or feeling unsure of themselves. Honestly, it’s also lovely for any child who just needs a confidence boost or a comforting story at bedtime. It’s warm. It’s kind. It’s the sort of book that stays with you.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1966786506
Lunch Tales: Teagan
From the very first page of Lunch Tales: Teagan, I was pulled straight into Teagan Quinn’s world. The book begins with warmth, ease, and a glimpse into a contented life, marriage, motherhood, and family. Then suddenly, that life is shattered. Her husband dies in a freak accident, and we follow her through the crushing grief that follows. We see her try to put one foot in front of the other. There’s love, loss, friendship, heartbreak, and a tentative hope that life can still hold beauty, even when it feels like the world has gone cold. The story unfolds through Teagan’s eyes as she faces widowhood, single motherhood, and the slow, painful path toward healing.
Reading this felt like listening to a friend spill her heart. Teagan’s voice is honest. Author Lucille Guarino doesn’t palliate grief. It’s raw, messy, and stretches out longer than you’d think. What I loved most is that she doesn’t turn Teagan into a saint. She’s angry. She’s tired. She lashes out. She feels selfish. She feels broken. But she keeps trying, and that’s what makes her feel real. The writing is clean, almost conversational. At times it’s quietly poetic, but mostly it’s grounded, warm, and intimate. And while the story could easily slip into melodrama, it doesn’t. The emotions feel earned. I laughed. I cried. I caught my breath in parts. There were scenes I had to reread just to sit with the weight of them.
What surprised me was how much I came to love the side characters. Suellen, Bridget, even Luke. Everyone felt like someone I’d met in real life. The friendships, especially among the lunch moms, were such a balm. They held her up when she couldn’t stand. And while there’s a flicker of new romance by the end, it’s not rushed or forced. It’s more like a door left slightly open. The book isn’t about moving on. It’s about moving forward. There’s a big difference. And Guarino nails that. She doesn’t give us a fairytale. She gives us the slow, stumbling rhythm of real healing.
I’d recommend Lunch Tales: Teagan to anyone who’s ever had to start over when they didn’t want to. It’s a gentle, moving story for readers who crave depth and feeling over plot twists and speed. I found that the book reminded me somewhat of The Light We Lost in its raw emotional core, and it had echoes of Still Me with its theme of rebuilding life, though it carries a gentler, more hopeful tone overall. I think this book is for women who understand how complicated love is. And how precious.
Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0FR582BPJ
The Grubby Feather Gang
The Grubby Feather Gang follows George, a boy caught in the middle of a village torn up by war and judgment. He deals with bullying, fear, and the shame that others try to pin on his family because his father refuses to fight. As he meets Emma and Stan, the three of them slip into this oddly sweet little friendship that grows out of chaos. They stumble into adventures, trouble, and eventually form the Grubby Feather Gang, a tiny group held together by loyalty and a grubby feather that somehow becomes a symbol of hope instead of cowardice.
Reading it felt like sitting beside these kids as their lives spun between fear and laughter. I found myself rooting for George right away. His thoughts felt real in this quiet, aching way. Sometimes I wanted to shake him, other times I just wanted to hug the kid. The writing surprised me. It has this softness running through all the messy bits. Even the sad scenes didn’t feel heavy for long because there was always some little spark of warmth or humor waiting around the corner. And Emma cracked me up constantly. She felt like the friend who shows up loud and strange and instantly makes everything better.
What I liked most were the ideas behind the story. It’s a book about courage that doesn’t sound preachy. It tackles judgment and fear and the pressure to fit in. But it does it through the eyes of children who are trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t make sense at all. Some moments hit harder than I expected. Other scenes felt gentle and simple in a way that made me smile without thinking about it. I liked that the book didn’t pretend everything gets fixed, only that sticking together makes the hard stuff feel less impossible.
I’d recommend The Grubby Feather Gang to kids who enjoy stories with heart and a bit of grit, and to adults who like children’s books that don’t talk down to anyone. It’s great for readers who want friendship, trouble, and a little hope woven into history.
Pages: 113 | ASIN : B01FARFVUG
What Bear Said: About Life, Love, and Other Stuff
What Bear Said is a tender and beautifully illustrated children’s book following the conversation between a wise bear and a curious child. Through a series of heartfelt exchanges, the book explores themes like friendship, love, forgiveness, grief, and the importance of being present. Each chapter touches on a different life lesson, framed in simple yet profound dialogue that feels timeless. The story doesn’t follow a traditional plot but instead unfolds like a walk through the woods, where each stop along the trail offers a new truth about what it means to live, love, and grow.
Reading this book felt like sitting by a fire with someone who understands life’s messiness. The writing has this soft rhythm that slows you down. I loved how Wiens captures the innocence of a child’s questions and pairs them with Bear’s gentle wisdom. It’s not preachy or forced. It feels natural, even when the topics get heavy. The artwork complements the words perfectly. The imagery is warm, earthy, and full of quiet emotion. I found myself smiling at some pages. The talk about grief and forgiveness hit me hard. It reminded me of my own moments of letting go, and how much courage that takes.
What really stood out to me was the honesty of the book. It doesn’t sugarcoat pain or pretend that love fixes everything. It just says, “This is how it is, and that’s okay.” The simplicity of the language makes it easy to read, but the ideas stay with you long after. There’s a humility in Wiens’ voice, like he’s still learning along with us. The bear isn’t some all-knowing creature; he’s patient, kind, sometimes unsure, and that makes him real. The book feels less like a children’s story and more like a letter to anyone who’s ever struggled to understand their own heart.
I’d recommend What Bear Said to anyone who loves reflective, soulful reads. It’s perfect for parents and grandparents to share with kids, but also for adults who need a quiet reminder that love, kindness, and forgiveness still matter. This isn’t a picture book you rush through. It’s one you sit with, maybe under a tree or on a rainy afternoon, and let its calm wisdom sink in.
Pages: 98 | ASIN : B0DNRH1H8F
Explore Life’s Adventures
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery follows three friends living in a new part of the woods who hear a strange sound in the dark, leading them to embark on a quest to discover its source. What was the inspiration for your story?
Bunny and Fawn are based on my two rescue dogs, Lulu and Pixie. I’ve drawn from their quirks, personalities, and even some of their funny habits to shape the characters and their adventures.
This second book picks up where the first one left off. After being separated during a storm, Bunny and Fawn find each other again with the help of their new friend, Bear. They decide to stay near Bear’s home by a pond, a perfect spot since swimming is one of their favorite activities.
As for the mysterious creature they meet later in the story, I won’t spoil the surprise, but the character was inspired by Pixie’s love of burrowing into blankets and making playful noises. This new addition will return in future books as part of the continuing story.
Much like my first book, I’ve woven in themes that children can relate to, but that also resonate with readers of all ages. Diversity is a central idea, shown through different species of animals sharing the forest and learning from each other as they explore life’s adventures.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For all my books, I intentionally include themes that are applicable to children. In Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery, several main themes include friendship, resilience, and discovery. All three themes are truly universal. Our lives are shaped by those around us. We seek guidance from those who have the experience, like Bunny in my first book, when Fawn taught her ways to be safe in the forest. Life is unpredictable, and we need to be ready for various opportunities and obstacles that come into our lives. I want readers to understand that it’s important to learn from experiences, be it good or bad, and that taking away those experiences makes us stronger. Also, specifically related to discovery, there’s so much to our world, and to simply ignore opportunities to meet someone new or experience a new adventure will only serve as a disservice.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Damien Hall?
I’ve worked with Damien on both books, and the process has been wonderful. I shared my manuscript along with a short description of what I pictured for each illustration, but I encouraged him to bring his own creativity to the art. The process usually went from sketches to final renderings, with my feedback at each stage. Many times, he suggested changes that ended up making the illustrations even better than I imagined. Collaborating with him was smooth and inspiring.
Will this story be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature is the second book in the Bunny and Fawn series. I’m currently writing the third book in the series, which will be revealed in January of next year, marking the start of the illustrations phase of the process. I have no plans to stop writing books in the Bunny and Fawn series.
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Awe and Tenderness
Who Are We, Really? follows three inseparable tadpole friends who go on an adventure to figure out who they are meant to be and learn an important lesson in the process. What was the inspiration for your story?
As a mother, watching my little one grow, explore, and dream inspired me to write this story. One moment in particular sparked the idea for this book. I was walking with my son along a trail here in New England when we came upon a small pond filled with tadpoles. My son immediately scooped up a few into his hands. His eyes opened wide with wonder. It was the first time he had ever held tadpoles, and watching him study them so carefully, with such awe and tenderness, was pure magic. I knew then that I wanted to capture a part of that beautiful moment — to preserve the innocence, curiosity, and joy that childhood brings.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One important educational aspect I wanted to explore in this story is self-discovery. While we all grow and change, who we are goes far beyond our appearance. It is our actions, choices, and character that truly define us. Another educational aspect that I also wanted to explore is creative thinking. Children learn through play, exploration, and imagination. Imaginative play is a vital part of childhood, helping them grow, make sense of the world around them, and discover more about themselves. In Who Are We, Really, the tadpoles imagine themselves as sharks, turtles, and dragonflies. This encourages children to play with different possibilities and outcomes and explore different perspectives.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where the three friends discover they have become frogs. Joey, the most stubborn and spirited of the trio, continues to believe they are dragonflies, even though his reflection in the water reveals the truth. In that moment, I wanted to capture a simple yet powerful idea — that who we are comes from within. It isn’t our appearance that defines us, but our feelings, our choices, actions, and the kindness we carry inside.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am currently illustrating my fourth book, and I started writing my fifth. It tells the story of a bear cub trying to make friends in a forest where all the animals fear him. At its heart, it is a gentle reminder about kindness, acceptance, and seeing beyond appearances.
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Who Are We, Really? is a heartwarming adventure with three tiny tadpoles―Polly, Molly, and Joey―on a BIG quest to figure out what (or who) they’re meant to be. Sharks? Turtles? Dragonflies? The sky’s the limit when you’ve got imagination!
Along the way, they meet wise creatures, swap wild ideas, and stumble onto a truth bigger than any dream: the best thing you can be….is yourself.
With vibrant, handmade watercolor collages and a story packed with heart, humor, and the power of believing in yourself, Who Are We, Really? is perfect for little dreamers ages 0–7—and anyone who’s ever dared to wonder who they might become.
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery by Michael Lingo is a delightful and heartwarming children’s story brimming with curiosity, courage, and gentle humor. The tale introduces readers to Bunny and Fawn, who, after a devastating event, must leave the comfort of their cozy hollow log and begin anew in a different corner of the forest, accompanied by their steadfast friend, Bear.
Life in their new woodland home seems peaceful until one night, a strange noise breaks the quiet. Fear ripples through the trio, yet Bunny’s curiosity outweighs her fright. Determined to uncover the truth, she ventures out the next day in search of the mysterious creature. Along the way, they meet Truffles, a timid pig equally frightened by Bunny, Fawn, and Bear. What begins in fear soon turns into friendship, and the four spend a joyful afternoon swimming and laughing together.
Lingo crafts a story that feels alive, almost cinematic, each scene unfolding with the charm of an animated short. The illustrations, lush and nature-centered, bring a soothing tranquility to the pages and perfectly match the tone of the narrative. Bunny’s fear of the unknown is deeply relatable; many children will recognize themselves in her cautious curiosity. Moving to a new place can feel daunting: new faces, unfamiliar sounds, strange shadows. Yet, through Bunny’s journey, young readers learn that the things that seem frightening in the dark often lose their power in the light of day.
Equally touching is the friendship between Bunny, Fawn, and Bear, a reminder that change feels easier when you’re not facing it alone. Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery is more than a bedtime story; it’s a gentle lesson in bravery, empathy, and the comfort of companionship. Lingo’s work captures the magic of childhood wonder while reassuring readers that fear can give way to friendship, and that even in unfamiliar places, warmth and kindness can be found.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0FNQGCMPW
LITERARY TITAN 