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Santa Claws: A Christmas Tail for Cats
Apollo is a fortunate black cat. He enjoys a warm, loving home, rests comfortably by the fire, and has everything he could ever need. Yet life was not always so kind. Although his memories are faint, Apollo once lived on the streets, struggling to survive. That all changed when he was rescued and brought to an animal shelter. Now, grateful for his second chance, he cherishes every moment of his life. On Christmas Eve, Apollo receives an unexpected visitor—Santa Claus himself. Unfamiliar with the jolly figure, Apollo listens as Santa explains his mission to deliver gifts to children around the world. Curious, the black cat asks if there is a Santa Claus for cats. Santa admits there isn’t but offers to transform into one, a gesture Apollo eagerly accepts. Driven by his past, Apollo hopes to spread the Christmas spirit and help other cats facing struggles similar to his own.
Denise Alicea delivers a heartwarming and meaningful story that resonates deeply. Her ability to convey so much with so few words is remarkable. Through Apollo’s journey, Alicea highlights the challenges faced by pets, reminding readers to value and care for animals. At its core, the story explores themes of home, affection, and selfless giving—perfect lessons for children during the holiday season. The narrative is fast-paced yet thoughtfully structured, ensuring readers remain engaged while gaining insight into Apollo’s experiences and heartfelt thoughts.
Children will find the story both uplifting and relatable. Apollo’s desire to share joy and help others captures the true magic of Christmas. The charming illustrations further enhance the book’s warmth, evoking feelings of comfort, hope, and festive cheer. Together, the words and visuals create an immersive and delightful experience for young readers. Alicea emphasizes empathy, generosity, and kindness—values that extend beyond the holiday season. Apollo and Santa, as characters, are sweet, kindhearted, and serve as wonderful role models for young readers.
Santa Claws: A Christmas Tail for Cats is a beautifully crafted tale that captures the essence of giving, gratitude, and the joy of sharing. It is a perfect holiday read, offering children a fun and thoughtful way to embrace the Christmas season while reminding them to appreciate what they have and extend kindness to those in need. Denise Alicea’s story will undoubtedly warm hearts and inspire young readers to spread love, empathy, and generosity.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DKJPF9S4
Boundless Imagination
In A Christmas to Remember, a young girl sets out to renew her best friend’s belief in Santa Claus and the two find themselves on an adventure at the North Pole. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration comes from the joy and magic that stories can bring to people of all ages, especially during special times of the year. My wife, Linda, has a deep love for Christmas and all the wonder that comes with it, including festive films and timeless traditions. I wrote this book as a gift for her, capturing the warmth, hope, and enchantment that the season offers.
What draws you to write children’s literature?
Writing children’s literature allows me to tap into a sense of innocence, curiosity, and boundless imagination. Through these stories, I can create moments of joy, encourage belief in magic, and celebrate the values of kindness and togetherness. Knowing that these tales can spark joy in children, and the child within every adult fills me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Are there any of your own childhood experiences included in this story?
Yes, there are several elements of my own childhood experiences woven into this story. Christmas was always a magical time for me, filled with wonder, excitement, and cherished traditions. One thing that stands out in my memories is that we always had mistletoe in the house, a small but meaningful symbol of Christmas.
We weren’t wealthy, but my parents worked hard to keep the magic of Christmas alive for us children for as long as they could. Their love and dedication ensured that the season felt special, no matter our circumstances. The anticipation, the togetherness, and the small traditions they upheld created a sense of wonder that has stayed with me to this day.
I drew on these feelings of hope, love, and enchantment to shape the story’s themes. My goal was to capture that childhood sense of magic and share it with others, reminding readers of all ages that the true spirit of Christmas comes from the love and joy we share with one another.
Can young readers look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Absolutely! I’m excited to share that I’m currently working on another Christmas book set to be released next year, continuing my love for festive storytelling.
Additionally, Book 2 in the Shamera trilogy is on track for release around Easter, and I can’t wait for readers to continue that journey. Beyond that, I am also co-writing a supernatural horror novel titled The Eye of Vengeance and working on Book 2 in the horror series Ravenswood.
It’s shaping up to be a very busy and thrilling year ahead, with stories for a range of readers, whether they’re seeking holiday magic, fantasy adventures, or spine-chilling horror.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Amazon
In the snow-draped village where children’s laughter pierces the cold air, “A True Believer” unveils the stirring story of Lily, a young girl with fiery red hair and emerald eyes, facing a profound Christmas revelation. Clad in her pink scarf and bobble hat, Lily writes to Santa in her diary, her faith in holiday magic unwavering. Yet, her spirit is tested when her friend Sophie reveals a sombre truth: Santa might just be a myth. This revelation threatens Lily’s cherished beliefs, but instead of succumbing to doubt, she embarks on a quest to discover the reality of Santa Claus. “A Christmas to Remember” weaves a heartwarming narrative of innocence, faith, and friendship, as Lily and Sophie navigate the true essence of the Christmas spirit, proving that some magic is indeed real. This tale is a testament to the enduring power of belief and the magic that binds us during the festive season.
From the hushed whispers of doubt to the resilient bonds of friendship, join Lily as she seeks to uncover whether the spirit of Santa Claus really exists. This enchanting narrative is a testament to the enduring wonder of Christmas, promising to warm your heart and restore your faith in the magic of the season. Perfect for anyone who cherishes Christmas traditions and the timeless question of what it truly means to believe.
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift, by Istvan Sanyi, is a charming holiday story that takes us to a humble village where a poor family struggles to make Christmas magical. The narrative focuses on two children, Oliver and Francesca, whose heartfelt plea to their late grandfather brings about an extraordinary miracle. Through an angel named Elsa, their grandfather grants them the joy of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, thoughtful presents, and a feast to remember. The story culminates in a heartwarming moment of gratitude and familial love, reminding readers of the spirit of giving and the strength of family bonds.
The writing feels wonderfully nostalgic, almost like a bedtime story from another era. I loved how the snowy setting was described, it really made me imagine a cozy Christmas scene. The story’s central message—that love and kindness can create miracles—is beautifully conveyed. Grandpa’s intervention from heaven and Angel Elsa’s generosity show how even the smallest acts can change someone’s world. The scene where the angel decorates the house and leaves a note from Grandpa made me smile. It was a little predictable, but that’s part of what makes it feel like a classic Christmas tale.
Chloe Nyiri’s illustrations added a lovely charm to the book. The pictures matched the cozy tone of the story and brought the snowy village and the little family to life. One particularly endearing image was of the children dancing in the snow. It was so sweet that I found myself lingering on that page.
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift, by Istvan Sanyi, is a delightful story that will resonate with families looking for a wholesome holiday read. Its simplicity is both its charm and its limitation, but it shines brightest in its earnest message of love, faith, and generosity. I’d recommend it to young readers, parents who enjoy reading aloud, and anyone needing a little reminder of the magic of Christmas.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CP9JJR1Q
Guided By Grace
It’s Christmas Tonight: Santa’s Visit follows a curious young girl who, in the stillness of a snowy evening, has a delightful encounter with Santa Claus himself and finds out the true meaning of the holiday. What was the inspiration for your story?
In a way, that’s a difficult question because inspiration just is. It comes from God. I wanted to write a Christmas verse and began playing with it. I remembered my own childhood when I was sitting by the window, looking at the dark garden with old trees covered in snow, and hoping for something amazing to happen.
And then, when I was working on the poem, I simply started writing and came up with some rhymes. And then, when the story reached Santa’s reply to the girl’s question, I had a feeling that I was writing it down while someone was dictating. Looking back at it, it was an experience guided by grace.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Chloé Nyíri?
Chloé is a very talented artist. She does something very few book illustrators do these days – draws and paints by hand on paper, with real watercolors. Her technique is beautiful and her art is a true reflection of her soul. Chloé is a lovely person. Also, she has a little daughter who is her inspiration, and she can truly relate to a child’s curiosity on a Christmas Eve.
Working with Chloé was a breeze. I simply shared the poem and told her to draw and paint as if it were her own. In the end, there were only one or two tiny revisions. The artworks were perfect.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
If we talk about the fun part, it was the bit where the girl is humming a tune she made up about Santa flying to the moon. That reminded me of myself and of my children who make up silly songs all the time.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Chloé and I are now working on a children’s story about a Border Collie dog who liked playing handball with his best friends – three boys. They play every day but then the boys grow up and move out.
Another project we’re working on together is a book about pregnancy and motherhood. So, hopefully, we’ll soon have plenty to share with our readers even though we don’t have a release date planned yet!
Author Links: Eliza’s Website | Chloé’s Website | Book Review
Santa, with his twinkling eyes and hearty laughter, sits down with the girl in her warm living room, sharing a magical revelation about the essence of Christmas, illuminating the profound significance of this holiday.
Beautifully illustrated by a traditional watercolor artist from Hungary, Chloé Nyíri, this picture book makes the perfect Christmas gift.
It’s Christmas Tonight: Santa’s Visit
It’s Christmas Tonight is a heartwarming and enchanting picture book that invites readers into a magical Christmas Eve. The story follows a curious young girl who, in the stillness of a snowy evening, has a delightful encounter with Santa Claus himself. She bravely asks the question every child has wondered: “Santa, what makes Christmas truly unique?” As they sit together in the cozy warmth of her home, Santa shares a heartfelt revelation about the true meaning of the holiday, adding a special layer of wonder to this timeless tradition.
One of the things I loved most about this book is the way it combines the magic of Christmas with a deeper message. The rhyming narrative flows beautifully, making it an enjoyable read-aloud experience for both kids and parents. Santa’s response to the girl’s question doesn’t focus on presents or decorations, but rather on the joy of togetherness and the spirit of giving, which gives the story a meaningful and wholesome touch. It’s a reminder that Christmas is about more than just the material side of things, and that’s a message that resonates deeply. The illustrations by Chloé Nyíri are absolutely stunning and add so much charm to the story. The traditional watercolor dotillism style creates a cozy, dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the gentle snow and the warmth of the girl’s home. Each page feels like a piece of art, with soft colors and intricate details that bring the magic of the season to life. The illustrations not only capture the spirit of Christmas but also evoke the wonder and excitement that children feel during the holiday season.
The story is simple yet profound, with a message that will touch the hearts of readers both young and old. The combination of rhythmic storytelling and beautiful artwork makes It’s Christmas Tonight a truly special book. It’s the perfect addition to any family’s holiday tradition, whether you’re reading it by the fire on Christmas Eve or gifting it to a loved one. I’d recommend it for families with young children, or anyone looking to recapture the magic of Christmas through a story that emphasizes love, joy, and the beauty of togetherness.
Pages: 42 | ASIN: B0CLM3VPRP
Creating Lasting Memories
In The Christmas Kittens, readers are treated to photos and rhymes that convey the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. What inspired you to write this book?
The inspiration for The Christmas Kittens came from wanting to create a lasting memory for my children, capturing the special time we shared during the pandemic while caring for six adorable kittens. It was such a fun and joyful experience that I wanted to preserve it in a way they could revisit and cherish. The idea of combining the festive magic of Christmas with the playful antics of kittens seemed like the perfect blend for a heartwarming story. A fun fact—one of the white curly kittens stayed with us, and my children named him Inteleon, after the Pokémon character!
I love the idea of using photos to illustrate poetry. Can you tell us a little about the process of getting that “just-right” picture?
It was a combination of patience, creativity, and a bit of luck! My children and I created a Christmas house for the kittens using a cardboard box, complete with a brick backdrop and a cozy fireplace, all using printed materials. We decorated the house with festive touches like a mini Christmas tree, a ceramic Mrs. Claus with her gingerbread cookies, and cotton-ball snow. While my kids played with the kittens, I snapped many shots, trying to capture that perfect moment of joy and playfulness. The photographic illustrations were brought to life using multiple artistic techniques, blending natural moments with creative backdrops for a truly unique visual experience.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from your book?
I hope young readers take away the idea that the holiday season is about more than just gifts—it’s about joy, curiosity, and spending time with loved ones. Through the kittens’ adventures, I want children to see that simple pleasures like playing with ornaments, discovering new things, and being together are what make the holidays truly special. I also hope the rhymes inspire a love for language and that the book encourages them to explore reading in a fun and interactive way.
Can we expect to see more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, absolutely! I am currently working on a few new projects, including a series of level-one reader books for young children. In addition, I’m excited to be working on a story about a fuzzy caterpillar and the wonder of its life cycle, introducing young readers to the magic of nature. My goal is to continue creating heartwarming, engaging stories for young readers that celebrate the beauty of everyday moments and the joy of animals.
Author Links: GoodReads | Book Review
Playful Spirit
The Turkey Hands follows a colorful paper cutout that comes to life when the school empties at night, engaging in playful mischief with the art supplies. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was a student in the same elementary school where my mother taught first grade. When school was dismissed at 3:30 I’d head to her room where she would have a list of chores for me. The big job was cutting out pictures for her bulletin boards. She loved student art and was constantly changing her bulletin boards as a way of ensuring art and student work were on display no matter where you looked.
Even after I moved on from elementary school, my mom would entertain my dad, sisters, and me at the dinner table with stories from her classroom—funny, sweet, quirky stories about her students. Though it’s been a long time since those days, I think these little turkey hands embody both the experience of helping my mom after school and the playful spirit of her students. The memories of those moments have sort of fused together, and that mix of nostalgia and silliness is captured in the mischievous, endearing little birds in the story.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some obvious themes in the book are curiosity, creativity, and taking responsibility for cleaning up after yourself. But a less obvious theme is the relationship between rules and creativity. The imperious shoes at the end — I mean, who hasn’t frozen in place when an authority figure comes marching in? And you feel for those little turkey hands doing their very best not to fidget. It reminds me of all the discomfort I felt when I was a kid when I got a little too excited about something and vacillated between being expressive while also trying to exercise some restraint and discipline.
I loved the idea behind this story, what was your favorite scene in this story?
There is that one very climatic scene in the story that I love (and that I don’t want to give away). That is definitely my favorite. But the other scene that I love is the moon scene. Everyone knows what a turkey hand is. Or do they? My hope is that when the reader turns the page to see the moon, they realize they might not actually know what a turkey hand really is — and that moment feels fresh and surprising.
What is the next book that you are working on and when is that book due out?
This is my first children’s book, and I’ve been fortunate to work with Camille Easton, the owner of Ao5 Gallery in Austin, Texas. She handled the production design and provided invaluable feedback throughout the process. She worked tirelessly to help bring this book to life. Moreover, Camille has an incredible eye, and the same level of curation she brings to her gallery, she brought to this book. Quality was a top priority, and it was important to both of us to bring these characters to life in the right way. With that in mind, we’re planning to collaborate on five more books in the Turkey Hands series, with the next one coming out next fall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Beneath the glow of a full moon, magic stirs within an elementary school classroom: turkey hands, the colorful paper cut-outs pinned up for Thanksgiving, come whimsically to life! As moonlight fills the room, these crafty creations embark on a night filled with mischief and mayhem. They dive into glue, splatter ink, and even peck the alphabet off the walls in their playful spree.
But carefree adventure takes a turn upon encountering the realities of the daytime world of teachers and students. Faced with the consequences of their nighttime antics, the turkey hands race against time to restore order to the classroom before the morning light reveals their secret lives.
“The Turkey Hands” is a charming tale that mirrors the vibrant and often untidy journey of creativity in children. Much like children, the turkey hands can get carried away when having fun. No magic, only recognition and hard work, will get the turkey hands out of a mess of their own making.
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.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 