Blog Archives
A Father’s Presence
A Father’s Presence tells the story of Curtis and his father, tracing the ripples of absence that echo through generations of men learning what it truly means to “be there.” It begins with a boy whose father, though physically present, feels distant, carrying the quiet ache of growing up without his own dad. Through small, tender moments and the wisdom of mentors like a patient coach, Curtis learns how listening and empathy can heal old wounds. The story blooms into a celebration of connection, showing how one family breaks free from the heavy weight of inherited silence to build something whole and loving.
Reading this children’s book stirred something deep in me. The writing feels honest and simple, yet it cuts right to the heart. Each page carries warmth and quiet power through its words and its illustrations. The author doesn’t hide behind fancy words or big speeches. Instead, he shows us the small gestures like a pat on the head, an empty chair, a son’s whispered promise, that build and break a life. The pacing is gentle, but the emotions sneak up on you. By the end, I wasn’t just reading about Curtis and his father. I was thinking about my own family, about the times I could have listened more or spoken less. There’s something raw and comforting about that.
I loved how the book balances pain and hope. The illustrations by Salar Seif add another layer of heart, soft and sincere, helping the story feel alive. The scene where Curtis and his dad finally spoke, not as man and boy, but as two souls trying to understand each other, that scene hit me hardest. It reminded me that presence isn’t about showing up, it’s about seeing, hearing, and feeling with someone.
I’d recommend A Father’s Presence to anyone who’s ever wished for a deeper connection with their parents, their children, or themselves. It’s a picture book for fathers trying to unlearn the quiet, for sons who crave more than words, and for anyone brave enough to break old cycles. This children’s book doesn’t just tell a story. It gives you a reason to sit down, listen, and start again.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B0FRQ28YTJ
Everyone Has Something To Offer
No Books For Benjamin? introduces young readers to a lovable little worm who lives and works at the Library of Congress and finds himself heartbroken when a mysterious illness forces libraries across the country to close. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I originally did not plan a sequel to Books For Benjamin. However, in visiting schools and talking to kids, many asked if there would be another Benjamin book, as they liked the character. The idea for this second book came during the pandemic, when so many libraries had to close their doors. I remember feeling how strange and sad it was not to have that space open, and I thought about what it would mean for someone who lived and breathed books every day. The book is my nod to librarians who personally witnessed as a teacher come up with creative ways to get real books into the hands of children. They are the real-life heroes! I thought it would be fun to have Benjamin and friends take on this role.
Do you have a favorite scene in this book? One that was especially fun to write?
It’s actually not one scene, but starts with Ginger, the ant, offering to help deliver books by flexing her muscles and declaring how strong ants are. This is followed by scenes of Whizby, the dragonfly delivering books by air, as dragonflies are super-fast fliers, and Dotty, the ladybug, contributing by landing up and down on a spray disinfectant can. I imagined writing funny scenes where there are a few hiccups with this (For example, the ant group falls like dominoes when one ant ignores “halt” because he is reading a book, one dragonfly accidentally drops his parachute of books on a dog’s head). But ultimately, the plan works. The message I hoped to impart to kids is that everyone has something to offer, no matter how small.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Uliana Barabash?
Uliana was incredible to work with. From the very beginning, she just got Benjamin—his warmth, his curiosity, and that spark of determination. We talked through ideas, but honestly, she always surprised me with details that made the illustrations feel alive. Seeing her bring Benjamin’s world to life was one of the most rewarding parts of this whole process. I just get a big smile every time I look at this purple worm she illustrated with his crazy hair and funny expressions. Kids have often thanked me for writing a story about a not-so-often-loved character, but I really know it is Uliana’s magical illustration and choice to make him purple that turned this character into a lovable one.
Can you give us a glimpse inside the next book in the Benjamin and Friends series?
Yes! In the next book, Benjamin ventures outside the library and starts to discover that stories aren’t only found in books—they’re in people, places, and even in the adventures we have. He meets some new friends who help him see the world in new ways. It’s really about friendship, resilience, and finding stories everywhere you look. I am also trying to imagine a story where Benjamin helps reluctant readers find the magic in books!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Benjamin the worm loves his job at his favorite library – reading, organizing, and receiving letters from kids who share their favorite books. Yet, everything changes when a strange illness sweeps across the world. Schools close. Libraries shut their doors. And suddenly … no more books!
With the help of his clever and determined friends, Benjamin sets out on a mission to bring books back into children’s hands.
Because stories matter. And heroes come in all shapes … even squiggly ones.
Shogologo Babies
The story follows Auntie Miisher, who wakes up each morning with a sign that she will have a baby by dusk. Each day of the week brings a new child, and each baby is tied to the cultural significance of being born on a particular day. Their names, traits, and destinies reflect the traditions of West African day naming. The rhythm builds as we meet Kwesi, Ajua, Kobina, Ekuba, Aba, Kofi, Amba, and more, until Auntie Miisher finally decides she has had enough babies. Alongside the story are playful rhymes, interactive activities, and bright illustrations that capture both humor and heritage.
Reading this felt whimsical and rhythmic. I liked the way the repetition pulled me along, almost like a song, with each new baby bringing a fresh description and name. There’s something very charming about how each baby is tied to nature and elements like breezes, sunsets, waves, and trees. It felt magical and grounding at the same time. The writing has a sing-song quality that would work well when read aloud, especially to young children.
What really stood out to me was how the book weaves in culture without being heavy-handed. The idea of day names and their meanings is not only explained but also celebrated through the babies’ personalities. It’s educational without feeling like a lesson. The trilingual presentation (English, French, and Ga) adds another layer, making it both inclusive and rich.
This is a joyful, vibrant children’s book best suited for young children and families who enjoy storytelling traditions. It would be especially meaningful for readers with connections to West African culture, but honestly, any child could find delight in the rhyme and repetition. I’d recommend it to parents who like to read aloud with energy and to classrooms that want to celebrate diversity and language in an engaging way.
Pages: 100 | ISBN : B0FRYJV96C
Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story
In Just the Way I Am, readers meet Sabrina, a brand-new school bus brimming with anticipation for her very first day on the job. Determined to win the children’s approval, she devises an ambitious plan, each day she will dress in a different theme. One morning, she’s a rockstar, the next a carpenter. By the end of the week, though, Sabrina discovers the truth: trying to reinvent herself daily is exhausting, and ultimately unnecessary. The children don’t admire her costumes, they cherish her for who she truly is.
Sabrina’s nerves mirror the feelings of countless children at the start of a school year. Will she fit in? Will she be liked? Even with her schedule memorized, uncertainty gnaws at her confidence. This gentle parallel captures the universal anxieties of children stepping into new environments.
The core of Sabrina’s journey lies in her belief that she must mold herself into what others expect. She polishes, prepares, and imagines every possible way to impress, only to realize that such efforts deepen her self-doubt. The book delivers a meaningful metaphor: striving too hard to conform often distances us from our authentic selves.
With the warm support of her friends Sam and Gupta, Sabrina learns that friendship does not demand perfection or performance. It blossoms when we are genuine. The message is timeless, reassuring children who may feel pressured to change just to be accepted.
Beyond its moral, the book layers in delightful educational touches. The days of the week appear in vibrant illustrations, while playful rhymes and colorful word art immerse young readers further. Orange for “carpenter,” shimmering blue for “jewel,” these choices create a multisensory experience that reinforces early learning. Parents and caregivers will find Sabrina’s story a natural springboard for conversations about friendship, nerves, and individuality.
Warm, uplifting, and filled with heart, Just the Way I Am resonates with both children and adults. It reminds us all that the truest friendships and deepest confidence emerge not from who we pretend to be, but from embracing who we already are. Whether shared at bedtime or read before the first day of school, Sabrina’s story offers comfort, courage, and joy.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0FKSKTRH1
Have Fun With Your Fandom
How to Celebrate Your Fandom is an interactive guidebook structured around 52 activities designed to help fans of any age dive deeper into their chosen fandoms, showing readers that you are never too old to find your passion. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
NICHOLAS SEIDLER: We had an experience at a convention, in which we went to a panel on fanzines, and the presenters at the front of the room were talking about how difficult it is to make one. I was honestly totally disappointed in the panel, because doing a fanzine is as simple as writing down your thoughts on a piece of paper, making copies of it, and sharing it with others who are interested in the same topic. The point of entry should be so simple and available to everyone, but the fanzine editor presenters — in an attempt to make themselves a bit self-important – were giving bad advice to the audience. It actually demotivated the new and younger fans in attendance. After that panel, we had a conversation about how we needed to give fans better advice and encourage anyone to be a part of whatever fandom they are interested in!
STEVEN WARREN HILL: Together, we all became friends through our shared interest in several fandoms. We sought to express our enthusiasm for promoting “best practices” among fans by fostering positivity, encouragement, representation, and camaraderie, while rejecting the negative aspects of certain portions of fandom.
LIBBY SHEA: When I was brought into the project, the original idea for the title was “How to Be a SuperFan.” To me, that felt like we were setting a “higher level” of fan, which could very easily be used to separate and discourage those that may already feel excluded. All I could think of is 8-year-old me being told “Oh, you aren’t a superfan because you haven’t done everything in the book” and that set a negative tone for something that we all wanted to be very positive. So, we transitioned away from putting a label on fans to focusing on how to be more involved in what you enjoy. All of us (the authors) have become friends by being in the same fandom and celebrating what made our friendship as strong as it is, is the core of what inspired this book.
ROBERT WARNOCK: We’ve seen too much negativity in fandom over the years. We wanted to write something that was inclusive and non-judgmental, especially if someone was just starting out in their fandom.
What were some ideas that were important for you and the other writers to share in this book, and how did you come up with the activities you suggest?
ROBERT WARNOCK: It was important to keep the activities at the beginning fairly simple, so we didn’t intimidate new fans. We started thinking of activities in a brainstorming session at a convention.
LIBBY SHEA: Because this is a book aimed primarily at kids, teenagers, and those just entering into the fandom space, we really wanted it to be a guide of how to be an overall positive influence in fandom. So often you hear of fans taking it too far and forgetting that everyone they interact with are still people. The activities are there to give you a starting place. We originally came up with over 100 ideas, but wanted to focus on 52, so that you could do one a week for a year and allow yourself to deep dive into your fandom. They are in order from easiest to (our perceived) most difficult to complete. When coming up with our final list of ideas, we tried to keep in mind what it would actually look like for a younger child to complete them. We kept the ideas generic enough so that if you had limited money or resources, you could still have fun and feel like you’re a part of something.
STEVEN WARREN HILL: Coming up with the ideas was a lot of fun. Some of the ideas stemmed from odd things we did ourselves when younger. Once we had a long list of ideas, we grouped them in several different ways (such as by difficulty, and how much we liked each one) and also eliminated the ones that were too similar to others. As Libby said, we decided the final list should number 52, so they could be weekly goals, adding another functional facet to the book.
NICHOLAS SEIDLER: We also realized that fandom was a very broad topic – and we wanted to give advice that applies to them all. Whether someone is a bibliophile, a sci-fi fan, interested in gaming, likes to cheer for a sports team, enjoys horseback riding, music, or whatever, the advice in the book applies to their interests. We chose to select activities that everyone can do, regardless of ability, and they become more complex further into the book, as a person’s fandom and experience grows.
What are some tips you have for older generations that are just now learning to embrace the world of fandom and feel behind the curve from the younger generations, or even like a fraud for not being involved sooner?
LIBBY SHEA: It’s okay that you found your fandom when you did. It’s not about younger or older, and it’s not about how long you’ve been in the fandom. Everyone walks different paths to get to where they are. What matters is how you show up to engage today. Feel safe and confident in the knowledge that you are a fan now and that’s all that matters.
STEVEN WARREN HILL: I used to bristle somewhat at younger people joining the same fandom that I’ve been in for decades, for the usual flawed reasons, until I realized that without young people joining my fandom, the fandom would just keep aging until it died. We need to remember, first and foremost, that if someone says they are a fan of something, then they ARE, even if they enjoy it in a different way. Conversely, for older people who have privately been fans of something and are only just stepping into fandom, my number one tip is to treat all your fellow fans as equals, regardless of anything, especially their age or the extent of their knowledge.
ROBERT WARNOCK: It’s never too late to get started. Your involvement can be as immersive as you want it to be. Be observant early on in your involvement to get a lay of the land, so to speak.
NICHOLAS SEIDLER: Be your authentic self. If you love something, own it – most people will love you for it. It’s our interests and fandoms that make us interesting.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from How to Celebrate Your Fandom?
LIBBY SHEA: Everyone has to start somewhere. When you finally get to the point of feeling fully immersed in your fandom, embrace others who are just starting out, pass this along to them, and join in their journeys.
ROBERT WARNOCK: That anyone can be involved in whatever fandom they choose, at whatever level they choose.
STEVEN WARREN HILL: That it’s okay to focus on positivity! Not just the positivity of your specific interest, but positivity among your fellow fans and across other fandoms.
NICHOLAS SEIDLER: And have fun. We interviewed over 30 fans from ages 5 to 101 years old (their interviews appear in the book) and that was the advice they each shared with us — have fun! I think that’s what our book is all about.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Fandoms build friendships and communities through many engaging activities. With the help of this book, you can learn new ways to enjoy being a fan. Inside are numerous pathways that one can connect with others with similar pursuits! Whether it is through starting a collection, dressing in cosplay, writing a blog, or attending a convention, each of these brings happiness to those who participate.
This book also contains interviews with fans of all ages (5 to 101), who tell their stories and share how they participate in their hobbies. Celebrate your fandom and the things that you enjoy the most! Fun Things to Do! New Things to Learn! Cool Things to Try!
No Books For Benjamin?
In No Books for Benjamin? by R.G. de Rouen, readers are introduced to an extraordinary little worm with an insatiable love for books. Benjamin isn’t your typical earth-dweller; he lives and works at none other than the Library of Congress, where he enjoys a daily feast of fresh stories and endless pages. Surrounded by the written word, his life couldn’t be more perfect, until a mysterious illness called The Purple Dots sweeps through the country, forcing libraries everywhere to close their doors indefinitely.
Suddenly, Benjamin is left heartbroken. No new books. No new stories. Just silence. Desperate to keep his passion alive, he consults Ms. Nicholas, the wise librarian, and together, with the help of both human and animal friends, they hatch a clever, collaborative plan. But what exactly is their idea? And will it be enough to bring books back into Benjamin’s life?
This delightful picture book is a heartfelt celebration of reading. Benjamin’s charm is undeniable, and children will instantly connect with his wide-eyed enthusiasm and boundless curiosity. He’s not only adorable, he’s inspiring. His determination to find a solution teaches young readers the value of teamwork and creative problem-solving.
What stands out most in de Rouen’s storytelling is his ability to deliver meaningful messages without ever being heavy-handed. The book playfully emphasizes the joy of collaboration and community, with Benjamin and his friends working together toward a common goal. Even the concept of “The Purple Dots” illness, while referencing a challenging event, is portrayed with humor and imagination that will spark giggles rather than fear.
De Rouen enriches the experience further by including a page of fascinating insect facts, tying the story to educational content in a seamless way. His website also features a treasure trove of engaging extras, printable bookmarks, coloring pages, and even a maze that extends the fun long after the last page is turned.
The illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a visual treat. Rendered in bold, full-page acrylic-style paintings, each image bursts with color and whimsy. Her attention to detail and affection for animals, plants, and nature shine through, adding depth and personality to every scene. It’s easy to get lost in the expressive characters and lush backgrounds she’s brought to life.
No Books for Benjamin? is a joyful, imaginative journey that celebrates books, friendship, and perseverance. Charming, educational, and beautifully illustrated, it’s a must-have for any child’s library.
ASIN : B0FQ3R91TG
How To Celebrate Your Fandom
How to Celebrate Your Fandom is both a guidebook and a love letter to the communities that form around shared passions. It is structured around 52 activities designed to help fans of any age dive deeper into their chosen interests. From writing an elevator speech about your fandom, to hosting watch parties, making crafts, or even creating charity projects, the book celebrates creativity, connection, and joy. The later sections include interviews with fans of all ages and backgrounds, showing just how wide and welcoming fandom culture can be. The tone is encouraging, lighthearted, and inclusive, with constant reminders that there is no “wrong” way to be a fan.
I loved the spirit of this book. It feels like a big hug from the fandom world, the kind of thing that makes you smile while reading. The writing is simple, but it’s clear that the authors want everyone to feel included and safe. I especially liked the emphasis on kindness and respect, because fandoms can sometimes get messy. The little tasks are fun and surprisingly practical. Even something as small as decorating a bag with fan art or sending someone a compliment reminded me of why I fell in love with my own fandoms in the first place. It’s not just about stuff. It’s about joy, and that comes across on every page. The charming sketch artwork scattered through the book gives it a playful, handmade feel that makes the whole thing warmer and more inviting.
Some of the activities, like “put a photo of your fandom on your phone wallpaper,” made me smile because I already do that without thinking twice. But then I realized that’s part of its charm. The book isn’t about reinventing fandom, it’s about celebrating even the small things. It’s almost childlike in tone, but there’s a sincerity here that cuts through cynicism, and in a world that’s often harsh, that kind of sincerity is refreshing.
I think this book would be a wonderful fit for younger fans just starting out, or for families who want to share fandom activities together. It’s also a sweet pick for anyone feeling jaded and looking for a reminder of why being a fan matters. If you’ve ever cheered too loudly at a game, cried at a show finale, or stayed up way too late talking about your favorite character, you’ll find something here that sparks a smile. It’s not heavy reading, but it is heartwarming, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need.
Pages: 135 | ASIN : B0DGN4VSLK
Therapeutic Tools
Bella and Bird Explore Anger follows a young boy who is visibly upset after being denied a slice of his favorite pie, as he learns about anger and how to process it. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for the first book in the Bella and Bird the Emotion Explorers series came after Hurricane Ian devastated our island in Southwest Florida. Just three weeks before the storm, I had adopted my therapy horse, Bella, from Southern California. After traveling across the country to her new home, Bella endured and survived a Category 5 hurricane.
Her resilience was incredible, and as I thought about her journey, I also kept thinking about the children who lived through that hurricane and children everywhere who face devastating events, whether storms, fires, floods, or tornadoes. I wanted to create a story that would help adults talk with children about big emotions in a way that felt safe and approachable.
More importantly, I wanted my books to provide practical, therapeutic tools children could carry with them for life so they would know not only that it’s okay to have big feelings, but also how to process them in healthy ways.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One of my main goals was to help children develop both emotional literacy and emotional intelligence. Emotional literacy is the ability to recognize, name, and understand our feelings, while emotional intelligence is the ability to manage those emotions, express them appropriately, and empathize with others.
In Bella and Bird Explore Anger, I wanted young readers to not only see a character experiencing a big feeling, but also to learn the vocabulary to describe it and the tools to manage it. The story introduces simple, therapeutic strategies like box breathing, cool-down counting, and using an emotion wheel to help children process anger in a healthy way.
By embedding these skills into a relatable story, my hope is that children begin to understand that all feelings are valid, but how we respond to those feelings matters. This combination of emotional literacy and emotional intelligence sets a foundation they can use for the rest of their lives.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I had the most fun creating the box breathing scene because it gave me a chance to show a calming tool in action in a way that children can easily understand and try for themselves. But even more than that, I loved creating the character of Bird, who is based on a real bird that lives in Bella’s stall. In the story, Bird brings comic relief to balance out the heavier emotional themes. These books deal with big, sometimes difficult feelings, and I think sprinkling in humor makes the lessons more engaging, comforting, and memorable for children.
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, Bella and Bird Explore Anger is the first book in the Bella and Bird the Emotion Explorers series. The second book, Bella and Bird Explore Sadness, is going to print soon. In that story, readers will meet Molly, a little girl experiencing the heavy emotion of sadness. Bella and Bird gently teach her how to tend to her sadness, while also offering therapeutic tools that nurture both emotional intelligence and emotional literacy; skills she can carry for life.
Following that, fans can look forward to Bella and Bird Explore Happiness. Oh, what a joyful adventure that one is! And then Bella and Bird Explore Fear. Each book is designed to help children and the adults in their lives talk openly about big emotions, build the vocabulary to name those feelings, and learn practical strategies to understand, manage, and express them in healthy ways. In doing so, the series aims to nurture emotional literacy (recognizing and naming feelings) and emotional intelligence (understanding and managing those feelings with empathy and self-awareness).
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Henry storms into the pasture, Bella, the wise horse, and her wisecracking sidekick, Bird, step in to help. Together, the friends set out to explore why Henry is angry and offer better ways to cope.
By the time Henry leaves the pasture, he’s gained new insights, is in better control of his feelings, and has tools to take along with him.
Bella and Bird Explore Anger helps children understand and manage their anger, making it a valuable resource for open and honest conversations about this challenging emotion.
LITERARY TITAN 