Blog Archives
A Magical Journey to Save Christmas
In A Magical Journey to Save Christmas, author C.D. McKaig delivers a delightfully original tale that blends familiar holiday charm with an unexpected twist. The story opens with Santa abruptly awakened from a nap. Christmas preparations are behind schedule, and the elves need reinforcements. An elder elf proposes seeking help from Ireland’s leprechauns, who, like elves, are small in stature but rich in craft.
Across the sea, however, the leprechauns face their own crisis. A new rainbow-making machine has disrupted their gold production, leaving them out of work and searching for purpose. As the two magical communities unite, what follows is a heartwarming collaboration. Together, they harness their unique talents to manufacture toys and rescue Christmas from the brink of disaster.
What sets this story apart is its fresh narrative. While countless holiday tales spotlight elves saving the season, McKaig turns the spotlight toward the leprechauns, an inspired and welcome twist. The cooperation between the two groups not only saves Christmas but also finds a clever solution to the leprechauns’ gold dilemma.
The visual storytelling enhances the experience tenfold. Vivid, cartoon-like illustrations leap from the page, immersing readers in a world brimming with color, character, and holiday wonder. One particularly imaginative moment sees reindeer transporting a rainbow back to the North Pole, a magical detail that captures the story’s inventive spirit.
A Magical Journey to Save Christmas sends young readers a meaningful message: teamwork, adaptability, and the power of combining strengths. The ending suggests this new partnership between elves and leprechauns may become a cherished Christmas tradition, one that young readers will be eager to revisit year after year.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-1-998753-43-7
Laughter and Joy
Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure follows a man strolling through the streets observing the Christmas magic present in the families he sees. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure comes from a long-standing saying in my home for over 20 years. It started with my husband, the real Mr. Nap A. Lot, and his way of explaining Christmas to our kids. His belief that “the spirit of Christmas lives in us all” has always touched me deeply. This heartfelt sentiment sparked the idea for the story, capturing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a Mr. Nap A. Lot strolling through the streets and observing the joy in the families he sees.
Christmas is my favorite time of year, not for the gifts but for being with family and friends. What comes to mind when you think of Christmas Magic in your own life?
Christmas is my favorite time of year, and when I think of Christmas Magic in my life, I think of the love shared, the stories told, and the memories made. The air feels magical as we prepare for the Holiday Season. It’s truly a time to believe in something bigger than ourselves. I’ve always noticed how people come alive during this season, filling rooms with laughter and joy. There’s something about the lights, the evergreen smell, the fireplaces, the family togetherness, the freshly baked goods, and the sound of children laughing – all of these ingredients make Christmas so memorable for me.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
I have so many favorite scenes from beginning to end, but the one where he finds love and the magic of Christmas sets his spirit free is my absolute favorite. I also can’t help but cherish the moments where he witnesses kindness and selfless giving. Finding the true meaning of Christmas is another favorite scene, making it a tough choice. Every time I re-read the book, it feels like a toss-up between these wonderful moments.
I hope the Interesting Tales series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Thank you! I hope the Interesting Tales series continues as well. I initially planned for six books in the series, so I’m thrilled it’s continuing to grow. This series is one of my favorites because it allowed me to have fun and not set boundaries. I want kids to gain a love for reading, and if one of my stories can do that, I’ve done my job. This series has given me so much joy and has allowed me to be a kid at heart. I have five new books already written, each covering new and funny events about families, animals, and another fun holiday. I’m continuously inspired to add to this series and take readers on delightful journeys. For an author, I think the best ingredient is inspiration, and that’s all I can ask for.
I can say that the Interesting Tales collection has three more books written and ready for release in 2025, all aimed at continuing the tradition of bringing imaginative and clever stories to young audiences.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Mr. Nap A. Lot returns for a captivating Christmas adventure, a whimsical tale that beautifully captures the true spirit of the season. Join him on a heartwarming journey that will spark the Christmas magic within you. This delightful story, sprinkled with simple rhymes, is perfect for readers of all ages. So, cozy up and let the enchantment of Christmas unfold in the most whimsical way!
Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals
Michele Monaco delivers a touching narrative that brings the essence of friendship and holiday cheer to life in Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals. This charming children’s book weaves a tale of three of Santa’s reindeer—Prancer, Vixen, and Dasher—as they set off on an adventure to find new friends to write to. Their quest brings them to a quaint street in Pennsylvania, where they stumble upon three spirited sisters engrossed in play. Captivated by the girls’ unique charm, the reindeer watch from afar before leaving behind personalized notes, igniting an exchange of lively, decorated letters and the start of an endearing pen pal exchange.
Monaco’s creation is a seasonal picture book that plunges young readers into the heart of Christmas, urging them to embrace their artistic side and express themselves uniquely. The art of letter writing, featured prominently here, is presented as a fun way to hone writing abilities and stretch the imagination. Monaco’s storytelling is accessible and vivid, making this book a top pick for family storytime. The bonds between the characters, their cheerful pursuit of new friendships, and their embodiment of warmth and generosity provide an excellent example for young minds.
The sisters and their reindeer friends are portrayed as lovable and considerate, setting the stage for lessons in compassion and goodwill. Coupled with illustrations that bring the story’s vivid scenes and emotions to life, Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals is an entertaining read and a tool for nurturing young readers’ emotional intelligence. It’s a festive children’s book that captures the enchantment of Christmas and the joy of forming new bonds, ideal for sparking a love of reading and social interaction in children.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0CLNJ64J7
The Value of Giving
“The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story” is a heartwarming Santa Claus origin story that follows young orphan Lucas, who, after a selfless act of kindness, is taken on a magical journey to the North Pole. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My father was a great storyteller. When I was a boy, he entertained me and my friends by reciting poems and spinning yarns. I am sure that I inherited the ability to write songs and tell stories from him.
The inspiration for The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story came from a childhood event that taught me the value of sharing.
I applied the lesson that I learned from that event and expanded it to form the basis of the story. I placed the characters in situations that would exhibit the value of giving away something that one holds dear, in an entertaining way for children.
Since Christmastime is a time of giving, it seemed like the perfect setting for the story. The trappings of the holiday and the general spirit of the season allowed for the plot to be conveyed through some traditional experiences and a twist in the plot that added a new wrinkle to a well-established tale.
The illustrations by Erin O’Leary Brown play a significant role in bringing your story to life. Can you share more about the collaboration process between you two?
When I first approached Erin with the project, she was busy working on other tasks and was unable to get involved with the story. Happily, after a few weeks, her schedule loosened up and we were able to exchange ideas about the book. After I sent her the manuscript, she thought that we had a good match of skills and could effectively bring the book to life. From the outset, she and I agreed on ninety-nine percent of everything we thought about the manner in which the story should be illustrated. Her initial list of illustrations matched mine to a tee. Her sketches were spot on and really captured the magic and beauty of the story. We shared an identical vision of how the book should look. Working with her was a joy.
What do you hope young readers take away from Lucas’ journey and transformation in The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story?
The most important takeaway from the story is the value of giving and how it can be transformative in one’s life.
It’s always better to be kind to others. Kindness is the most powerful magic known and will always reward the bestower as much, if not more, than the recipient.
Lucas learns these lessons from an unselfish act that he performs to make another person happy.
The initial joy of his good deed is far surpassed by the magical journey that leads him to his destiny.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
At the moment, I am working on two books.
One is a story about elves and the other is a novelty book about Grandfathers.
I would expect that one or both books will be available in 2024.
I am also working on the background music for the audiobook that will be released after the initial launch.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook JR Buchta | Website
It’s an all-around feel-good story with a surprise ending and a powerful message.
Brought to life by beautiful illustrations, this enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of a single good deed that changed the world forever. It has all the makings of an annual read for families at Christmastime and a fresh look at some age-old traditions that will surely pique the interest of readers.
Lucky’s Halloween
It is Halloween night, and one little black cat has received magical powers on this one night. See black cats become lucky cats on Halloween night and have the ability to appear where needed and help children. Little Lucky spends his night helping lost children, helping replace lost candy, calming an anxious child that is afraid of a dog, and even helping lead a group of lost kids home in the dark. Lucky has a busy night assisting others as the lucky black cat of Halloween.
Lucky’s Halloween, written by Shan Frazier, is an entertaining story that helps dispel the myth that black cats are unlucky. So often, black cats get a bad reputation in America, and Frazier is doing her part to debunk these myths with this wonderful children’s book. The artwork is whimsical and bright, and there are many details that children will love looking at in this picture book.
I really loved everything about this children’s book. The message is positive and informative, teaching children that all animals are unique and not bad luck. The empathy the children show to Lucky, and each other teaches them about friendship and how to treat others.
Lucky’s Halloween, by Shan Frazier, is a beautifully written picture book sharing the magic and wonder of Halloween. It highlights the vital message that black cats are, in fact not bad luck. This is the perfect book for families and classrooms to use around Halloween to spread the message of compassion and kindness.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 979-8354915347
LITERARY TITAN 