Blog Archives
Simple Questions With Positive Responses
Play With Me follows a young child and their companion who go on a picnic adventure and explore their world and invite young readers along to join them. What was the inspiration for your story?
Do you want the official answer or the truth? Official answer: I saw a TED talk about how kids learn to talk with questions. Someone asks, “What’s your name?” They answer. Someone asks, “What color do you like?” They think about it and answer. It’s how most conversations begin—a question and an answer. So that’s what I wrote. (That’s all true, it’s just not the full truth. For that…see below.)
The secret, unofficial answer is that I watched a relative reading to my granddaughter and was surprised that he just read the words. There was no pausing, no interacting, no questions with the child. That’s when I realized many people don’t know how to “read” a book with a toddler or how to engage the child in the book. So, I wrote the questions and the interactions to help the adults engage with their child and the book together.
And I’m thrilled, thrilled, thrilled with how it turned out!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Lorraine Nam?
That was all RISE publications. My incredible editor Nicole Fox chose Lorraine, and I was over the moon. Lorraine made sketches that the art director critiqued. I was shown them, but mostly said, “OMG that’s gorgeous!” And voila, beautiful book!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I needed the book to be interactive. Simple questions with positive responses. My editor and I discussed what activities to portray. I was happy with all her suggestions because, for me, it’s about the question/answer format of the book.
Will this children’s book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
A series! (A Playdate Series)
Book 1 – Play With Me. Releases April 2, 2024
Book 2 – Play with Me Outside Releases June 11, 2024
Book 3 – Play Games with Me. Releases Nov 11, 2024
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.
Unique Part of Australian Fauna
Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend follows a curious young bird who embarks on a journey of self-discovery while trying to find a friend who resembles himself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have been studying Australian brush-turkeys (commonly known as bush-turkeys) for many years and I realised that even though they are such a unique part of Australian fauna, children know very little about them.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
First, to educate children about the very special way a brush-turkey incubates its eggs (by dumping them in mounds of leaf litter), and about their unique approach to parenting (not looking after your young at all).
Second, as a teacher, to address personal issues that many children face – is it ok to be different? How patient do I need to be before I can find a friend?
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Among the children’s books all those that promote Australian wildlife to young readers, such as On the Trails of the Plains Wanderer by Rohan Cleeve.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’d prefer to skip that question – still thinking about it. Not sure really! I just had to write this book because it was bothering me that children know so little about brush-turkeys.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Benefits of reading Bush Turkey Needs a Friend:
Uplifting animal adventure with valuable life lessons about friendships and the power of self-acceptance.
Creating an emotional connection to a young bird that initially struggles to find a friend.
A newfound understanding of the Brush (Bush) Turkey, a remarkable Australian native bird found in bush and backyards.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 3 to 8.
Impressions Are Always Changing
Nugget and Bandit’s First Winter follows an adventurous and curious raccoon living on one side of a mountain who makes friends with another raccoon and two squirrels, and together they explore the other side of the mountain. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Nugget & Bandit’s First Winter came from my own “tail” of friendship. My adventure started with learning to ski at West Mountain with the instructor who became the inspiration for Bandit. I swear when I first met him, I thought he was crazy, so it was only fitting that Bandit experienced the same first impressions in our wintry “tail.”
The gifts inside our debut chapter book were also reminiscent of the “Chicklets from your chick” I used to give Bandit. The necklace in the book was one of my most cherished gifts from Bandit. The mountains on the map are all places that we explored together, and Bandit did actually gift me a day of skiing at Bromley that ended in a terrible tumble. My right big toenail will never look the same!
The art in this book is fantastic. Each page is filled with wonder and draws young readers’ attention right into the story. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Anthony Richichi?
When starting my author journey, I was encouraged to query traditional publishers, but during my research, I found that was not the best publishing path for me. I wanted to be fully hands-on throughout the whole publishing process, including illustration design and layout. In the end, this desire to retain full rights to all decisions made indie publishing the best for me. When I found Saratoga Springs Publishing, owned by Vicki Addesso Dodd, she was as passionate about creating my books as I was!
As I created this “tail”, images were already swirling around my head like the snowflakes in this wintry adventure. After drafting my image ideas and placements, SSP and I storyboarded. There were so many little details from my own memories that I wanted to highlight! The names of the trails are actually from West Mountain on page 67.
My amazing publisher, Vicki, introduced me and Anthony. I had told Vicki I had all the images already thought of but would be in need of an illustrator and she had happily provided referrals. I fell in love with Anthony’s gorgeous nature paintings.
It was amazing to be able to storyboard with Vicki, and her encouragement has led me to actually like my “Franken-coons” as we call my cat-faced, stick-bodied, and raccoon-tailed attempts at drawing! After creating our storyboard drafts, we all worked together with Anthony through initial drafts to final images. Watching Anthony be able to capture the images that were in my head with such skill is mind-blowing. I look forward to more fantastic artwork collaborations with Anthony and Vicki!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In this chapter book, I wanted the message of friendship to resonate throughout the adventure. As a mother of five children, I think that it is important to remember that friendships won’t bloom if you don’t give them a chance. Anyone and everyone you meet could possibly become a friend. While first impressions are very important, I wanted to remind my children that impressions are always changing. Having an open mind to try new adventures with all kinds of people makes life memorable. I would know from experience! If I hadn’t become friends with Bandit, I would not have earned the nickname Nugget. There would have been a lot of experiences I would have never enjoyed as well!
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?
This is the first book in a winter and summer series featuring the adventures of Nugget and Bandit. Fans can expect a sassier Nugget and even bigger surprises from Bandit! There will also be lots of new friends made along the way. The next book will really highlight the underlying message of exploration and believing in yourself as you continue to learn new skills. We anticipate another furry release in Winter 2024! While you wait for the next snowy adventure, check out Nugget and Bandit on the Hudson River in Raccoons Go Rafting. The rafting sequel, Raccoons Ride the Dragonback, will be released this summer!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Everyday she would visit her favorite log on West Mountain until Nugget meets new friends and experiences a different side of the mountain.
Join the adventure as Nugget learns to ski with Bandit, the raccoon, and Pip and Squeak, two squirrel brothers.
Explore West and Bromley Mountain with these furry friends. Both mountains bring new lessons and new memories.
“There are more skiing adventure to come,” promises Nugget.
It’s Okay to Be Different
Timmy the Martian is the story of a Martian who ventures to Earth and meets a young boy with whom he forms a unique bond when they realize they share the same facial anomaly. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story for Timmy including the character and the opening verses actually appeared in a dream and I wrote it down the next morning. Even the illustrations mirror exactly how it appeared in my dream.
Is there anything from your own life you put into the characters in your book?
Being mixed race you experience a lot of issues surrounding visual differences during childhood. My son is also diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, and we spent a lot of his younger years helping him understand that it’s okay to be different and you can still have friends and fun. So those experiences were useful in the storytelling of Timmy the Martian.
What led you to incorporate science fiction into a book with this particular theme?
I’ve always been fascinated by science fiction and thought the differences in species would make for a great children’s story about differences, bullying, and friendship. I also recognised how important it is for a children’s book to have great illustrations to accompany the story, and I’ve always loved illustrations of space and planets.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
When my 7-year-old stepdaughter read Timmy the Martian, she was curious to understand more about what Timmy’s home on Mars would look like and what pets Timmy would have. So I am working on a follow-up to Timmy the Martian with a second book called Timmy’s Home on Mars. It will follow a similar theme of Timmy’s home not being as big and impressive as some of the other Martian homes, but it is filled with happiness and love – which is all that matters. This will be available in time for her next birthday in September.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Amazon
The two new friends set off into space for amazing adventures, before returning home.
Empathy, Kindness, and Acceptance
Wishes Are Free: Rose O’Reilly and Grandpa follows a ten-year-old girl whose best friend moves 2000 miles away, and she worries she will never have another friend like her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Wishes Are Free came through the back door. It began as short stories I wrote for fun and read to my neighbor who is developmentally disabled. She loved them and I thought, I might have something here. I strung those stories together and added more, and the result is Wishes Are Free.
I knew I wanted to write a story about friendship. Losing your lifelong best friend would set the quest for a new best friend in motion. I thought it would be cool for Rose to discover, on the way to finding a new best friend, that marginalized kids make excellent friends too.
Rose learns that there are different kinds of friends in each person’s life, grandparents, classmates, and even animals. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Empathy, Kindness, and Acceptance. Wishes Are Free is part biographical. As children often are, I was misunderstood at times, as Rose is when she wants to help a classmate who suffers abuse at home. I drew on those memories, those feelings of frustration when my motives were misunderstood.
I hope that young readers will recognize themselves in Rose’s acts of kindness, in her acceptance of kids who are different, and feel validated.
Rose is autonomous, too. Grandpa shares his wisdom but always leaves it up to her what to do with his advice. I want kids to identify with Rose’s struggles and present a model who seeks help but believes in herself, as well.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Rose’s friendship with Grandpa demonstrates how talking out your problems is a positive, results-oriented path to finding solutions. Asking for help is good practice for adulthood, and I hope readers will discover how you can grow close to family members when you ask for help. And encourage them to ask for help.
Wishes Are Free spotlights kindness without preaching. Rose’s big heart leads the way, and ultimately kindness pays off. Maybe not in the way you expected but it always pays off.
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?
The next book, Be Careful What You Wish, follows Rose into summer vacation and her quest for the third wish (a dog of her own), the only wish that didn’t come true in Wishes Are Free. It introduces Rose’s nemesis, Bea Buffett, the neighborhood fussbudget. The target date is Christmas 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
“Friends are everywhere if you have a big heart and know where to look.”
It’s 1959 in California, and ten-year-old Rose O’Reilly has sworn an oath to stay friends always with her best friend from birth. Then, boom, Linney moves 2,000 miles away.
She worries that she will never find another friend like Linney and turns to Grandpa, who just lost his wife and best friend, Mawnie. They hold weekly chat cafes in the kitchen, and Rose discovers your grandpa can be your friend. Or a boy with cerebral palsy, and a lost dog, or a classmate who comes to school with unexplained bruises. Still, there’s that achy hole in her heart Linney left behind.
She wishes on Venus, the Evening Star, for a new best friend to take Linney’s place, for Grandpa to come to live with them, and for a dog. She may as well wish for a dog, too. Wishes Are Free.
Mikey’s Treasure
Mikey’s Treasure, by Missy Moe Hap, is a delightful children’s book that takes us into the imaginative world of Mikey, an uncut key. Nestled on the wall of a corner shop, Mikey dreams of belonging to a pirate’s treasure box, a whimsical aspiration that sets the tone for this endearing tale.
As Mikey eagerly anticipates being fashioned into a key, he fantasizes about pirates and treasures, igniting the curiosity of young readers. The story takes an unexpected turn when Mikey, freshly cut and ready for his new life, finds himself lost. It’s here that the narrative deepens, weaving in themes of friendship and self-discovery. Mikey, with the help of his newfound friends, embarks on a journey that reveals a poignant truth: the greatest treasures are often not what we initially imagine.
Author Missy Moe Hap crafts a narrative that is both unique and captivating. The choice to personify keys as characters is a creative leap that adds a distinct charm to the story. As a character, Mikey is not just adorable but embodies the essence of youthful optimism and big dreams, making him relatable to young readers. The plot is skillfully designed to stretch the boundaries of imagination, taking children on an exciting and meaningful adventure.
The conclusion of Mikey’s Treasure is satisfying, wrapping up the story in a way that leaves the reader with a sense of fulfillment and joy. This book is more than just a narrative; it invites young minds to explore the vast realms of their imaginations and understand the value of intangible treasures in life.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CH3Z42SJ
Timmy the Martian
W.B. Thompson’s Timmy the Martian is a charming tale that invites young readers into the world of Timmy, a green Martian distinguishable by three moles on his face. Seeking companionship, Timmy embarks on an adventure to Earth, where he hopes to forge new friendships. However, his arrival on Earth doesn’t go as smoothly as anticipated, with his unique appearance initially causing fear among the children he encounters. This emotional journey takes a positive turn with the introduction of Henry, a boy whose three facial moles mirror Timmy’s, leading to an instant and meaningful connection despite their interplanetary differences.
Thompson skillfully weaves a narrative that addresses the theme of diversity and acceptance. The shared trait between Timmy and Henry serves as a clever device to explore and celebrate differences, imparting an important message about inclusivity to young readers. The story unfolds in a way that’s both engaging and empathetic, making it relatable for children who may feel different for various reasons. The book’s visual aspect is as impactful as its narrative. The illustrations in Timmy the Martian are noteworthy for their vibrancy and detail. Full-page spreads bring the story to life with vivid colors and imaginative depictions of both Earth and space. These illustrations are not just complementary to the story but are integral in drawing children into Timmy’s world, enhancing their reading experience.
W.B. Thompson’s Timmy the Martian is more than just a story; it’s a resource that can help children understand and embrace diversity. Its captivating illustrations and meaningful narrative make it a valuable addition to any young reader’s library. I find Timmy the Martian to be a delightful and educational read and one that I confidently recommend to both parents and teachers alike.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CQQ1MW6L
Try To Give It Your Best
The Pink Crayon is the story of a little girl who learns the value of sharing, even when it comes to her most prized possession. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I distinctly remember a peaceful day in my backyard, enjoying the sunshine on a beautiful afternoon. Seated beside me, my daughter was immersed in coloring, going through a phase where everything had to be in shades of pink, from her clothes to her favorite spoon at daycare.
Just for fun, I asked if I could use her beloved pink crayon. What unfolded next was unexpectedly touching, revealing the pure innocence and creativity inherent in children.
This moment became the focal point of my story. I also sought to incorporate educational concepts suitable for the 2-5 age group. My writing inspiration stems from daily interactions with kids, and I strongly believe that a picture book has the potential to empower and educate them more effectively than parental rules alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In today’s world, where everything is so fast-paced, there is an ever-increasing need for empathy, collaboration, kindness, and generosity. The need of the hour is to work with people, make choices—possibly difficult ones—each day, and try to give it your best. Sharing does not always mean giving up things; it also means showing empathy, respecting, helping, and taking people along with you as you embark on any adventure. These skills not only help build grit and character but also help us stay grounded and always learn from others. The Pink Crayon has a true entrepreneurial spirit, not just in creating something but also in helping others make their dreams a success.
The artwork in your book is fantastic. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Noor Alshalabi?
I feel truly fortunate to have discovered Noor Alshalabi for my book. What initially drew me in was her impressive portfolio. Noor’s natural artistic style embodies transparency, rich textures, and a serene atmosphere—qualities that were crucial for capturing the essence of my book. To my delight, Noor generously provided a free sample page based on the text I supplied.
Our collaboration began approximately 6-7 months ago. In our initial phone call, I shared the vision and details about the character. The first phase involved character design, where Noor showcased exceptional attention to detail, patiently incorporated my feedback, and underwent multiple revisions.
As we progressed to the book pages, Noor presented initial sketches outlining the entire narrative. We engaged in several revisions, and Noor was accommodating enough to add extra pages to enhance the story’s flow. While the sketching phase demanded time, the transition to colored illustrations was seamless.
Noor’s professionalism shines through in her work. She adopts a modular approach, creating designs with multiple layers, allowing for swift additions or revisions. Her punctuality in updates was commendable, maintaining weekly email conversations throughout the project.
Upon completion of the book, Noor provided all necessary files for uploading to various POD platforms. She remained available for any queries and even made adjustments for specific platforms after the contract concluded. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional and delightful illustrator. Working with Noor was a pure joy.
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?
This kicks off the series of five books. I’m honing in on the social aspects of early learning for this character—tackling anxiety, being assertive, and building grit. These ideas are on my mind, and I’ll likely start working on them, possibly late next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Pink Crayon tells a captivating story that subtly imparts valuable lessons in early learning like empathy, critical thinking and independent decision making. This book encourages young readers to explore the exciting world of numbers, counting and colors, turning learning into a delightful adventure.
The pages are adorned with vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life, ending with a heartwarming and colorful conclusion. But the fun doesn’t stop there! After the story, readers can enjoy hands-on activities like puzzles and quizzes, extending the joy of learning beyond the book.
A must-have for every bookshelf, “The Pink Crayon” seamlessly combines learning with joy. It’s perfect for parents, teachers, and makes for a thoughtful gift for any occasion. Grab your copy today!!
LITERARY TITAN 