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Who Is Living In Apartment #203?
Who is Living in Apartment 203?, by Cheryl Johnson, is an engaging teen fiction novel that masterfully intertwines themes of adolescence, mystery, and friendship. The story follows Richard, a bright yet impulsive high school student, as he navigates the turbulent waters of teenage life, dealing with peer pressure, the pangs of first love, and the complexities of personal loss. Alongside his loyal best friend Josh and Josh’s perceptive cousin Kelly, Richard embarks on a captivating adventure to solve the enigma surrounding their new neighbor in Apartment 203.
Richard’s character is a genuine and relatable depiction of a modern teenager grappling with the challenges of growing up. His impulsive nature and occasional recklessness add authenticity to the narrative, illustrating his struggle with the conflicting demands of peer pressure, love, and personal loss. As he delves deeper into the mystery of the enigmatic neighbor, his determination and resilience shine through, adding excitement and depth to the story. While his impetuous actions sometimes lead to trouble and disrupt the narrative flow, they also humanize him, making his journey all the more compelling.
Josh and Kelly serve as strong supporting characters, each bringing their unique strengths to the story. Josh’s unwavering friendship provides Richard with a stabilizing force amidst his chaotic teenage experiences, while Kelly’s keen insights offer a refreshing and thoughtful perspective. Their interactions with Richard enhance the narrative, highlighting the crucial role of a supportive network in overcoming life’s challenges and reinforcing the theme of friendship. The mysterious neighbor adds well-crafted intrigue and suspense to keep the plot moving forward. Her enigmatic presence and the unfolding revelations about her true identity captivate the reader, maintaining a steady level of engagement throughout the book.
Who is Living in Apartment 203? is a compelling read that skillfully balances the trials of adolescence with an intriguing mystery. Cheryl Johnson’s ability to create relatable characters and an engaging plot makes this book a worthwhile read for teens and anyone who enjoys a well-told coming-of-age story infused with mystery.
Pages: 64 | ASIN : B0D24J81X7
Timothy Gets Stuck
Timothy Gets Stuck, by Mark Lawrence, is a delightful and educational tale that highlights the values of friendship, responsibility, and listening to advice. The story centers on Timothy, a bright red tip truck who takes great pride in his work, enjoying the process of loading and unloading dirt to keep areas clean. On a Monday morning, Timothy heads to a park for his assignment and reunites with his friend, Lisa the Loader. Lisa cautions him about the soft ground following the weekend rain and advises him to stick to safe areas. Together, they successfully restore the local park, demonstrating effective teamwork. However, when left alone, Timothy forgets Lisa’s advice and is tempted to play in the puddles, leading to his tires getting stuck in the mud. Feeling sad and scared, Timothy is relieved when Lisa, still nearby, comes to his rescue.
Lawrence’s narrative delivers important lessons through an engaging storyline. The book underscores the significance of teamwork, heeding warnings, and listening to advice, making it particularly beneficial for children learning to follow instructions for safe play and social integration. The story also promotes environmental care and tidiness, woven naturally into the plot. The characters of Timothy and Lisa are charming and interact seamlessly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The colorful illustrations bring the story to life, featuring expressive characters that captivate young readers. The dialogue flows naturally, with Timothy and Lisa cheerfully conversing as they work and explore the park, adding to the story’s appeal.
Timothy Gets Stuck effectively teaches children the value of learning from their mistakes and the importance of attentive listening. Mark Lawrence’s love for nature and insightful life lessons shine through, making this book an invaluable resource for young readers. This engaging and heartwarming story is perfect for teaching children about active listening and nurturing friendships.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B0CLZ45KXD
Bertie and The Garden of Wonders
In Bertie and the Garden of Wonders, Mandy Woolf crafts a delightful and heartwarming tale of friendship and discovery. Poor Bertie, a faded beachball, spends his days on a shelf, watching the children choose other toys over him. Feeling neglected, Bertie yearns for the vibrant beauty of the garden he can see through the open door. Determined to experience the garden’s wonders, Bertie rolls himself outside and encounters Puff Ball, a soft, white fluffy flower who unexpectedly begins to talk to him. Delighted to make a new friend, Bertie and Puff Ball enjoy each other’s company, sharing entertaining stories and working together to protect Brian, a bee in need. As the seasons change, Bertie learns that Puff Ball must leave for a while but promises to return. The story leaves readers eagerly wondering whether Puff Ball will keep her promise, adding an element of suspense and anticipation.
The unique friendship between a flower and a beachball teaches children valuable lessons about the beauty of diverse friendships. Woolf’s storytelling is both fun and endearing, emphasizing that differences can make friendships special. The interactions between Bertie and Puff Ball also highlight the importance of teamwork, showing young readers that collaborating can help solve problems.
Adding to the book’s appeal, Woolf includes engaging activities at the end of the story. These activities encourage children to continue enjoying the adventures of Bertie and Puff Ball beyond the pages of the book. From crafting their own Bertie and Puff Ball to exploring their surroundings in search of plants and animals, children can extend the story’s magic into their own lives.
Elmira Georgieva’s illustrations beautifully complement Woolf’s narrative. The artwork is not only enjoyable to look at but also enhances the storytelling, making readers feel as if they are part of the adventure. Each page invites readers to immerse themselves fully in the story, with illustrations so vivid they seem almost tangible.
Bertie and the Garden of Wonders is a charming book that teaches children the true meaning of friendship. Mandy Woolf’s engaging storyline, coupled with Elmira Georgieva’s delightful illustrations, makes this book a must-read for young readers. I highly recommend it for its endearing message and captivating presentation.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-1923020597
Bridges Between Our Hearts
Bridges Between Our Hearts, by Jennifer Collins, is the poignant conclusion to the Love That Does Not Die trilogy. Set against the backdrop of post-pandemic recovery, the story explores Larissa’s journey as she reconnects with her family, navigates complex relationships, and finds solace in her memories and the act of writing. Readers gain intimate insights into her struggles and triumphs through her diary entries, making this a deeply emotional and relatable narrative.
Collins’s writing is rich and evocative, immersing the reader in Larissa’s inner world. Her prose is both lyrical and accessible, making complex emotions and situations resonate on a personal level. One of the standout aspects of the book is how Collins portrays grief and healing. For instance, Larissa’s reflections on her daughter Emma, who passed away, are heart-wrenching yet filled with a sense of enduring love and connection. This is particularly evident when Larissa participates in a TV show discussing Emma and the tribute song written for her, where she shares her fears and the beauty of her daughter’s legacy.
The novel’s structure, alternating between diary entries and narrative storytelling, allows readers to directly experience Larissa’s raw emotions and thoughts. This format adds a layer of intimacy and authenticity, making the characters’ experiences feel more profound. The scenes where Larissa interacts with her family, especially her grandchildren, are touching and realistic. For example, her relationship with her granddaughter Beth is beautifully depicted through their shared moments and the special “birthday in a tote bag” tradition, highlighting the depth of their bond and the legacy of love Larissa aims to leave.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that there were moments where the pacing felt somewhat uneven, particularly when transitioning between memories and present events. While these shifts are essential to understanding Larissa’s character development, I think they occasionally disrupt the narrative flow. Despite this minor issue, the book’s emotional weight and heartfelt messages remain impactful. Collins effectively uses these transitions to underscore the theme of bridging past and present, showing how memories and current experiences shape Larissa’s journey.
Bridges Between Our Hearts is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the enduring connections that define our lives. The author captures the essence of familial bonds and the healing power of writing. This book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate deeply emotional narratives and those who have followed Larissa’s story from the beginning of the trilogy.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B0CRXJ357K
Persistent Positivity
Penelope the Pesky Pelican follows a friendly pelican who sometimes does not have her cheerful disposition appreciated and needs encouragement from her best friend. What inspired your story?
It all started as a bit of an inside family joke about a Pelican statue we had at my late grandparents house on the coast. We named her Penelope and would always make up funny little stories and jokes about her. After years of erosion and rust, Penelope eventually succumbed to the elements, but my father wanted something to help her spirit live on in the family. One day he called me out of the blue to express his excitement about the short story he had written, starting off as just a casual way to pass the time and share with family. With my experience in both design and development and having previously worked with many publishers on their book promotions, I knew we had to bring this story to life.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Evelina Losich?
Collaborating with Evelina was fantastic. We knew exactly how we wanted the spreads laid out, and worked with her to develop the characters and styles, and provided direction on the layout to create what came to be a very vibrant experience our children love to just look at while being read to.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The core message of persistent positivity and the significant impact it can have in your life is a virtue my father has always instilled in us from a very young age. We wanted this book to really personify those values and provide a creative outlet for us to share them with the world.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
This book has really created a “domino effect” with my father and me on our journey into authoring the book, we don’t have anything concrete yet, but we have a number of other concepts in the works that we’re excited to share when the time comes!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
False and Outworn Traditions
The Ravens of Castle Keep follows a young girl who after her mom’s car accident is sent to school in a real castle that holds many mysteries waiting to be discovered. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The pen and ink illustrations were originally an art study. I noticed that when ravens crane their necks, it looks as if there is a bone or tissue that other birds do not have. So as an artist (as most artists will) I began drawing the birds over and over to master them.
My mother told me to write a book about them. So I did. What an opportunity! I’d have the means to un-demonize these birds that are now proven to be the smartest birds on Earth!
Marcy and Ryan learn to trust one another and build a strong friendship in this story. What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
I’m a “pantser,” a phrase coined by Stephen King. That means that I write off the top of my head. I first write the situation they must overcome. Next, I continue writing until my characters find a way out of that situation. (Though to be fair, I believe that none of us can do this by ourselves. Ergo, I make them compatible.)
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Most importantly, that animals are just that. They are not demonic, and neither do they understand the superstitions and personas that we assign them. A black cat has no idea why it’s not allowed outside on Halloween. Neither does a raven have any idea that people believe they walk the threshold between the living and the dead.
These are ridiculous, backward ideas. We rather disgrace ourselves when we distance ourselves from nature by following false and outworn traditions.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a child’s picture book, The Pixie and The Elethunk. It is done in cut-paper illustrations and should be released soon. It is a lesson in gratitude.
I believe the next issues of Sonnet and the Dorthy L Sayers Literary Journal are due out this year. I have a few pieces in those. Pick them up!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Award-winning writer, poet and artist, Angel Dunworth creates a fictional world, that teaches kids the truth about corvids. She seamlessly goes about the business of “un-demonizing” one of nature’s true miracles. Through her illustrations, factoids and fast-paced plot these birds are brought to life. The Ravens of Castle Keep, educates, entertains and enlightens. It’s a great addition to any bookshelf.
Acceptance Starts With Asking Questions
In Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium, a young girl with autism overcomes her anxieties with the help of her friends when she visits the aquarium and makes a new friend. Why was this an important story for you to share?
It was important because it’s rare to see anything let alone a book from a child with Autism’s point of view. Also, it was because Emma does not use her mouth to talk; she uses her cards and writing. This is something not seen at all in the literary book world. I thought that should be changed. I wanted to children to see themselves in Emma and families to see their loved ones. There is something so magical in seeing yourself in a book, and I wanted to bring that to children and families.
Is there anything from your own life in the characters in Happy Thoughts?
Yes, I am very passionate about animals and animal conservation. What better way to encourage children to want to learn about animals than to write about a visit to the aquarium? In the book, some of my favorite marine animals are shown, too. There really are no books that show Beluga whales, and that was important to me. They are beautiful, smart, and silly creatures that I thought should be showcased.
What is one thing you hope young readers can take away from Emma’s experience?
There are many different ways to talk. Also, talking differently makes us beautiful. Embrace your friends and family members who may talk differently or have anything that makes them different. Or go up to the little different one and become friends with them. Ask your teachers how and about what Autism is. Acceptance starts with asking questions to learn.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
The next book that will come out is called Mischievous Cat Brothers, and it is book two in the Cat Brothers series. It should come out this summer and will be illustrated by the amazing individuals of Brainstorm Productions. The younger brother will narrate it, Snowball, making it a bit more silly.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
Grab your copy of Award Winning author, Lisa Jacovsky’s Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium today!
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium, by Lisa Jacovsky, presents an insightful glimpse into the life of Emma, a young girl with autism who has her own unique way of communication. Unlike her peers, Emma relies on index cards to express herself when she feels comfortable, a distinctive trait that sets her apart in social interactions. This narrative becomes especially poignant when Emma encounters new individuals, such as a boy named Alex at the aquarium, highlighting both the challenges and the triumphs of her communication method.
Jacovsky’s narrative is commendable for its sensitive and innovative portrayal of autism. By choosing index cards as Emma’s medium of expression, the author provides a tangible and relatable tool for young readers to understand and empathize with different communication styles. This technique effectively fosters awareness and acceptance among children, demonstrating that differing abilities should be embraced and respected. The aquarium setting is a masterstroke, offering a serene and engaging backdrop for this enlightening tale. It not only serves as a non-threatening environment for character interactions but also enriches the story with vibrant illustrations of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and beluga whales. John Thorn’s illustrations are noteworthy for their charm and their role in bringing the story to life.
Jacovsky‘s book stands out for its educational value, seamlessly weaving a lesson on acceptance and uniqueness into an enjoyable story. Emma’s journey, marked by her distinctive way of interacting with the world, is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding those who may seem different.
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium is a meaningful exploration of individuality and communication. Jacovsky’s thoughtful approach makes this book a valuable read for children, illuminating the richness that different perspectives bring to our world.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CVHTT9W5
LITERARY TITAN 