Blog Archives
The True Meaning of Christmas
Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish follows a young bunny enjoying the first snow of the season who encounters a pair of cardinals, and together, they plan a tree decorating for all the animals of the forest. What was the inspiration for your story?
After writing the third book in the series, Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift, which takes place in the fall with the characters preparing for winter, Hunnie Bunny wanted to tell a story about how the woodland animals would celebrate Christmas. It was important to show the true meaning of Christmas through her eyes and actions by decorating the tree with items from the woods and spending quality time with friends. Also, I wanted to include the possibility that wishes can come true during the holiday season.
If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?
I would choose Mrs. Owl for a spin-off book because she is wise and would offer counsel and support to the woodland animals who come to her for help. Also, children love owls and find them fascinating. (She will appear again in the book Hunnie Bunny’s Great Escape.)
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
When I was in college, I did a mini-term project with the head of the Creative Writing department. He gave me some advice that I have never forgotten: “After you write your first draft, put it aside for a few days and come back to it with a fresh set of eyes and perspective. Also, be prepared to edit and re-edit your work many times until you are confident that it has been completed to the best of your ability.”
What types of questions do you ask yourself when planning a new book?
In the Hunnie Bunny series, Hunnie Bunny has guided me on the journey for each book. I ask myself what Hunnie Bunny would do in a particular situation, what types of characters children like, and then Hunnie Bunny takes the story from there. For example, there are two books with new characters, a woodland fairy and a unicorn, which can ignite a child’s curiosity and imagination. Also, I want the books to be educational as well as entertaining, so I make sure that a lot of the content is factual whenever possible, and most of the books offer a moral lesson that parents can discuss with their children. This is important to me since Hunnie Bunny seems to have become a positive role model.
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The Christmas Kittens
Julia Metzler’s The Christmas Kittens is a captivating photo book that effectively embodies the joy and warmth of the holiday season. The book skillfully uses photography to showcase kittens in a series of playful and affectionate scenarios, bringing to life the coziness and companionship that pets offer. Accompanying these delightful images are rhymes that highlight traditional Christmas elements, like decorated trees, gingerbread cookies, and festive lights. The kittens, with their fluffy charm, are shown reveling in these seasonal delights, adding a layer of whimsy and enjoyment.
Metzler’s narrative is simple yet engaging, making it accessible for young readers. The rhymes are uplifting and concise, perfect for children beginning to read. Moreover, the book’s vibrant and festive imagery is likely to hold the attention of its young audience, providing not only a pleasant reading experience but also fostering a sense of positivity. The portrayal of kittens in this book not only reinforces holiday traditions but also subtly educates about pet companionship, reflecting Metzler’s deep affection for animals and her ability to convey this sentiment to her readers.
The Christmas Kittens is a charming and heartwarming book, ideal for parents and children to enjoy together. It not only celebrates the festive season but also subtly educates young minds about the joy and responsibility of caring for pets. Metzler’s passion for animals shines through, making this book a delightful addition to any family’s holiday reading list.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 978-1778137389
My Most Cherished Memories
The Christmas Lesson: Unwrapping Love and Family follows a young boy searching for his holiday gifts who is discovered by his grandmother and learns the true meaning of the holiday from her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My grandmother, Granny held a special place in my heart. She wasn’t just a grandmother; she was my best friend. Our shared love for Christmas created some of my most cherished memories. The essence of Christmas, to me, was always about spending quality time with her, whether it was decorating the house or simply having conversations about life in general.
I felt a deep desire to honor our bond, but finding the right way proved challenging over the years. It wasn’t until I noticed the increased commercialization of Christmas, with stores jumping into the festive spirit as early as October, that inspiration struck. Witnessing this trend, which seemed to overshadow Thanksgiving and dilute the true spirit of Christmas, motivated me to do my part in taking action. That’s when I decided to channel my feelings into writing a book, The Christmas Lesson: Unwrapping Love and Family. Through it, I aim to pay tribute to Granny and, more importantly, remind readers of the meaning of Christmas.
When you think about the holidays, what is your favorite childhood memory that always brings a smile to your face?
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights holds a reputation as one of the premier holiday light shows in North Carolina. Granny and I had always planned to attend, but her fear of riding on the highway, given its 45-minute distance from our home, kept us from making the trip. Instead, we created our own tradition, exploring various parts of the city and delighting in the local Christmas light displays. Those moments, filled with oohs and ahhs, forged a deep connection between us.
Despite numerous invitations from friends to visit Tanglewood over the years, I consistently declined or came up with an excuse, holding out for the day I could share it with Granny. Sadly, that day never came as she passed away on November 4, 2010. It wasn’t until December 2016, when my daughter Haelee was nine, that I finally experienced Tanglewood for the first time. The beauty of the lights left both of us utterly amazed. Keyshia Cole’s song “Sent From Heaven” began to play on the radio just as we pulled up. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt Granny’s presence with us as Haelee stared out the window in amazement. It became clear to me that my first visit to Tanglewood wasn’t meant to be with Granny and I, it was meant to be a shared experience with Granny, Haelee, and myself.
What message do you hope children and families take away from your story?
The underlying message is that the true gift of the season lies in moments shared with family while honoring Gods sacrifices in Christian households like mine. A similar sentiment holds true for non-Christian households, in that The Christmas Lesson emphasizes that the most valuable gifts life offers are the love that exudes from family and friends.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The title is still in the works but Lamar will return in an upcoming book that focuses on mental health in children. The release date and title are uncertain because my current focus is on supporting Haelee. We’re collaborating on her debut poetry book. My goal in that sense is to ensure that her poetry book takes center stage as we enter 2024, particularly since it marks our first attempt at such a project.
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The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle
Daniel Petronelli’s The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a Christmas story of faith and hope. A drought has plagued the little town of Shiloh. There is no water, and there are no Christmas trees, and the villagers don’t know which one is worse. A spirited group of boys takes it upon themselves to sneak over the mountain to the town on the other side. They plan to take home a Christmas tree, but a terrible blizzard interrupts up their plan. Stuck in the blizzard, the boys find themselves panicking. A mysterious figure soon appears and gives them a helping hand. His help becomes significant for the whole village in ways they never expected.
The book is well-written with fun page borders and pleasing illustrations that add depth to the storytelling. It’s a heartwarming story–exactly the kind you’d want to read with children around the Christmas season. It speaks about God and about how faith can be found in even the most trying moments. Its wholesome content makes this a must-read for families.
The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a high-quality children’s book with a narrative that embodies the essence of Christmas. It’s a story that reminds us of the importance of faith, hope, and kindness during the holiday season. Its combination of well-crafted storytelling, engaging illustrations, and a meaningful message makes it special. This children’s book is a delightful addition to any Christmas reading list. The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a wonderful gift for children and adults alike, spreading the joy and magic of Christmas throughout its pages.
Pages: 74 | ISBN : 978-1737485513
The Magic of Christmas
In Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals, when Santa’s reindeer search for pen pals, they find three young girls with whom they form lasting friendships. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my first Christmas book has been my 3 beautiful daughters, Corryn, Kylie, and McKenna. I have always loved the magic of Christmas, and I wanted to amplify that with my girls. I wanted them to feel the magical power and imagination that brings Christmas to life. My kids were always inquisitive. We had woods in our backyard, and deer would calmly walk around late at night and early morning. That inspired me to the concept of Santa’s reindeer doing check-ins for Santa and engaging with my kids by becoming their pen pals. My kids dove into letter writing, drawing check-ins, and asking such fascinating questions to Dasher, Prancer, and Vixen. I so enjoyed writing back to them, and I saw their magical creativity blossom into this beautiful Christmas tradition.
The art in this book is fantastic it reminded me of my own childhood and eagerly watching the old classic animated Christmas stories. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Prabir Sarkar?
For the artwork, I had a vision of the creative works for the story. Prabir was able to take my descriptors and bring them to animated life. He listened to what I wanted the see and feel and was able to translate it magically onto the page. We enjoyed working together and sharing our passion for storytelling and Christmas. We had so much fun making this story translate through the artwork.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I so admire the innocent, vulnerable creativity children have.
Having a pen pal can be a great way for young kids to develop their creativity, as well as other skills and values. I wanted the kids to always tap into their creativity, imagination, writing, and drawing. You are never too young or old to ask questions and create dialogue.
I see a portion of the sales from this book is being donated to Kids in Crisis. Can you tell readers more about this organization and why it is an important group for you to support?
Kids are amazing human beings that have the right to be safe and thrive. Unfortunately, so many kids are facing adversity, and when kids are homeless they lack the physical, mental, medical, and educational support they need. Kids in Crisis is there 24 hours a day to help kids in any form of crisis. This can range from homelessness and domestic and emotional abuse to hunger. I want kids to have housing, medical and therapeutic support, to be kids, to live, dream, explore, learn, build positive relationships, and live in a safe world. I want to be part of the solution to making their lives better.
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A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Kids in Crisis.
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The Little Boy Who Craved Thanksgiving Leftovers: And the Lessons He Learned
Little Ricky eagerly anticipates Thanksgiving, particularly the day following the feast when leftovers abound. However, as Thanksgiving day draws near, Little Ricky’s excitement is tempered by concerns about the availability of leftovers for the following day. Noticing his distress, his perceptive grandma takes him aside for a heartfelt conversation. She imparts a valuable lesson, emphasizing that Thanksgiving transcends mere food; it’s about the cherished company of family and friends coming together.
Author Shani T. Night has written a charming and deeply touching story that imparts a profound message to young readers: the importance of gratitude for life’s blessings. The author skillfully communicates that it’s okay to experience selfish thoughts but underscores the value of thinking of others and sharing. This book firmly reinforces the idea of treasuring special moments with loved ones, especially during the holiday season. Little Ricky’s grandma serves as a voice of reason, adding depth to the narrative, given the reverence children often hold for their grandparents. The book’s vibrant, eye-catching illustrations are so captivating that they may even trigger cravings for Thanksgiving leftovers. To further enhance its educational value, the story concludes with a comprehensive recap of the essential lessons, making it an ideal catalyst for parents to engage in meaningful discussions about the story’s themes with their young ones.
The Little Boy Who Craved Thanksgiving is a must-read for young audiences, imparting the importance of sharing and celebrating with friends and family. The beautiful illustrations are bound to evoke the holiday spirit, rendering this book an indispensable addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0CDY1YR3J
LITERARY TITAN 