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Cultivate Good Money Habits
Tom Learns About Money follows a young boy who gets money for his birthday, and his older sister tries to teach him how to manage it. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My children and our everyday life inspire the stories. They are based on true events, with a touch of fantasy added to enrich the tale. However, children seem to connect more easily when the message comes from a “friend,” someone their age. For this reason, the role of teacher or guide in the book is played by Tomi’s sister, Ellie.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To be honest, my main goal was to demonstrate that financial literacy can be fun, playful, and extremely simple. Reading and math skills should not be obstacles to learning about money.
I believe it is important to cultivate good money habits and other useful practices from a very young age. When the characters in the book make mistakes and learn new skills to manage money wisely, it becomes easier for young readers to relate to them and look up to them as role models. I consider it crucial to focus on developing the right mindset rather than anything else.
What is interesting about this children’s book is it blends activities into the lessons seamlessly to help children understand the concepts without feeling like they are in school. How did you come up with the format and activities for this educational book?
This book was something I needed to teach my children about financial literacy. It is primarily designed as a tool for parents, making it easier for them to nurture good money habits in their children. Over time, it became clear that the book also works well as a study guide in schools.
The questions at the end of each chapter are designed to foster deeper engagement with the material and help families relate the lessons to their financial circumstances.
The “clouds” at the end of each chapter serve as gentle reminders of the key financial wisdom covered in that section. Recognizing that play is one of the most effective ways to learn and reinforce knowledge, I made it a priority to include games at the end of every chapter.
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 book Tom Learns About Money is designed as a collection of ten different financial literacy stories. These stories cover the most essential topics in the field, offering a clear and comprehensive understanding of how the „money game“ is played in the real world.
It’s possible that in the future, Tom and Ellie will delve deeper into the world of investing, or we might uncover the story of how Ellie gained her financial knowledge. Time will tell!
Author Links: GoodReads | Rinn Tuttelberg | Facebook | Tom õpib rahamängu | Website | Amazon
Tom and the readers learn about the consequences of not knowing money, the importance of having three money jars, distinguishing between needs and wants, making wise shopping decisions, understanding borrowing, budgeting and investing, choosing a job, and being entrepreneurial. Tom gains this financial wisdom from his incredibly wise sister, Ellie.
The book contains 10 stories, each providing knowledge and lessons about money. Each story ends with discussion points, wisdom clouds, and a small game to reinforce the learning.
The book offers various tools for organising finances, making money, and spending the allowance. Most importantly, the content is presented in a fun and easy-to-understand manner for children.
Learn the real-life money game with joy and ease!
It is best suited for children aged 6–10 but is great for anyone who needs a reminder about the important things in life and wants to gain financial knowledge simply and playfully.
Wonder and Mystery
In King of the Condors, a village plagued by drought and famine receives mysterious deliveries of much-needed supplies delivered by condors under the leadership of an enigmatic figure. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I was living in Ecuador at the time, in a city called Cuenca, high in the Andes at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet. The condor is a national symbol in Ecuador and is featured prominently on the country’s flag. The condor was sacred to the Inca whose empire extended through what is now Ecuador and the mythology of this majestic bird was an important part of their folklore. I wanted to write an original story that read like a traditional folktale and that celebrated something uniquely Andean. Imagination took flight and soon after, so too did the hero of our story.
What do you think makes a great children’s story?
A profound sense of wonder and mystery is what has always captured my interest in a children’s story. Robust elements of the fantastic, the fabulous, the speculative, the mythical, and the magical.
Do you have a favorite scene in King of the Condors? One that was especially fun to write?
I actually most enjoyed writing the conclusion of the story. The idea that this young fellow, saved by condors at the cliff’s edge and now their king, stands watch over his village from somewhere in the craggy heights filled me with a sense of the splendid.
The artwork in this book is wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Stephanie Suter?
For sure! Stephanie is a Swiss transplant whose art is really quite spectacular. Cuenca is famous for its arts & crafts and her vibrant work has found a home there. I emailed Stephanie a copy of the story and she pulled from it the key imagery that she felt most inspired to create in ink on silk. The results are perfectly stunning.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
King of the Condors: El Rey de los Cóndores is a beautifully illustrated, dual-language children’s picture book (English/Spanish) written in the style of a traditional folktale that adults will enjoy reading too!
From Ecuador, high in the Andes Mountains of South America, comes the legend of the King of the Condors.
Desde el Ecuador, muy arriba en las montañas de los Andes en América del Sur, viene la leyenda del Rey de los Cóndores.
A Divine Calling
Bella Brown’s Messier than Messy Room follows a creative but messy girl who wants to go to the butterfly garden she finds out she can not till she cleans her room. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Bella Brown’s Messier than Messy Room came through an unexpected series of events in November 2021. I woke to a divine calling to write a book about butterflies for children. I wiped sleep from my eyes. “Write a book about butterflies for children?”
“Yes, write a book about butterflies for children,” boomed in my head.
I shrugged it off, went to work, and that same day received my second divine calling when my director insisted I take two weeks of vacation, which led to a zany butterfly research road trip across America. I visited butterfly farms in seven states – Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Texas. Each stop added layers to my understanding and vision for the story.
In Texas, I was pulled over for speeding. After explaining my cross-country butterfly research mission and showing the officer my GPS history of butterfly farm visits, he offered to waive the ticket if I promised to include a police officer in my butterfly book. Of course, I said “Yes.”
When I returned home, an author I didn’t know contacted me on Facebook asking if I wanted to participate in their online writing class.
I said, “Sure, I can always learn something new, and might be able to incorporate what I learn into the next book I’m writing. So, what’s your online class about?”
“Erotica” was their response, which I declined.
A story about a girl named Bella who has to clean her room if she wants to visit a butterfly garden is one thing. But a story with a plot twist where Bella and her Grandma Yetta disappear in a hail of bullets as they get caught in the middle of a shoot-out between law enforcement and a drug-dealing cult of strippers may send the wrong message to kids and their parents.
Ironically, it was the third divine calling, a near-death hospital stay that became the catalyst for revisiting and revising the manuscript that previously sat gathering dust over two-and-a-half years, that would become the first two books in the Bella Brown series.
This dedication paid off when Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room became a Golden Book Award Finalist, with its book trailer garnering 5.1K views in just eleven days. The book has also received five-star reviews from both Chanticleer Reviews and Literary Titan Reviews.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
At its heart, the story addresses a universal challenge: feeling overwhelmed. Eight-year-old Bella faces the seemingly impossible task of cleaning her room before she can visit the butterfly garden. Through her journey, I wanted to share an important life lesson: large, overwhelming tasks become manageable when broken down into smaller, controlled steps.
The story demonstrates how Bella, with her grandmother’s guidance, transforms an intimidating challenge into achievable goals. This approach resonates not just with children facing messy rooms, but with anyone encountering seemingly insurmountable tasks in their lives. It’s about building confidence through strategic problem-solving and celebrating small victories along the way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Anastasiia?
The collaboration with Anastasiia was facilitated through Get Your Book Illustrations, where all communication went through a project manager. While I never directly communicated with Anastasiia, her methodical approach to bringing the story to life was impressive.
The process began with character development, where Anastasiia created and refined illustrations of all the story’s characters. She then moved on to draft storyboards, which underwent revisions before establishing the final layout.
The last stage involved creating individual illustrations and two-page spreads. Interestingly, it was only after adding color that minor revisions were needed, and the final illustrations turned out uber-awesome-fantastic.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series, Bella Brown—Grandma’s Missing Butterfly Locket, follows Bella and her Grandma Yetta on a journey through memories of their butterfly adventures around the world.
When Grandma calls asking for help finding her missing butterfly locket, they reminisce about their incredible experiences: witnessing ten thousand Red Wing Butterflies take flight in China, encountering a mystical white butterfly at a Japanese temple, meeting a curious Blue Morpho butterfly in Colombia, and dancing among migrating Monarchs in Arkansas.
The story weaves together their precious memories while building to an unexpected and heartwarming surprise.
All eight books in the Bella Brown series will launch between September 2025 and January 2026 on the following dates:
Wednesday, September 03, 2025 – Book One: Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room
September 27, 2025 – Bella Brown—Grandma’s Missing Butterfly Locket
October 27, 2025 – Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm
November 19, 2025 – Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi
January 14, 2026 – Bella Brown–Dragonfly-Dragonfly-Dragonfly
January 21, 2026 – Bella Brown–Pip’s Perfect Purple Present
January 28, 2026 – Bella Brown’s Ten-Moon Mysteries
January 31, 2026 – Bella Brown’s Baking Bedlam
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
With Grandma’s loving guidance, what starts as a dreaded chore becomes a delightful adventure. One mountain of clothes, four stuffed animals, a tower of games, and a bed to make – can Bella conquer the mess before butterfly garden time? Together, grandmother and granddaughter discover that even the biggest tasks become manageable when broken into smaller steps, sprinkled with love and encouragement.
This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren while teaching valuable lessons about responsibility, persistence, and the joy of accomplishment. Through Bella’s journey, young readers learn that sometimes the best help comes from someone who loves you, and the sweetest rewards are those you earn yourself.
Perfect for children ages 4-8, this beautifully illustrated picture book:
*Shows how to tackle overwhelming tasks one step at a time
*Demonstrates problem-solving with a positive attitude
*Highlights the special connection between grandparents and grandchildren
*Encourages independence while showing it’s okay to ask for help
*Features warm, engaging illustrations that bring Bella’s world to life
Join Bella on her clean-up adventure and discover that with a little help, determination, and love, even the messiest room can become a masterpiece!
Marvel at the Magic
The Paper Butterfly follows a delicate butterfly as she emerges from her glass cocoon and takes flight while protecting a tiny monarch egg till it hatches and joins her on her adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
My garden is a registered Monarch Waystation and a Canadian Wildlife Federation Habitat Garden. Three summers ago, while placing the tiny Monarch Watch paper ID tags on a couple of newly eclosed monarchs, I felt compelled to write and illustrate a story about their migration south to help raise awareness about this amazing species.
My protagonist in the book, a paper butterfly, evolved because the Monarch Watch tags are made of paper. A single piece of paper is also known as a ‘leaf of paper’, and monarch butterflies shelter under leaves for protection against the elements. From these connections, the idea for ‘The Paper Butterfly’ was born.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
When I worked as a teacher of the deaf one 13-year-old once said to me ‘Mrs Kingdon, you don’t teach us. We just have fun and I learn.’ It made me think about both education and the way most of us continue to learn through life. We absorb information when we are engaged; when we laugh or cry, get angry or empathize, not when we are given a list of isolated facts that have no meaning. It was the student’s words that echoed in my mind as I wrote The Paper Butterfly. As we laugh with, cry with, or feel many other emotions with her, we too are absorbing information.
I wanted the book to appeal on many levels to different age groups because, as both a teacher and a parent, I know that, even if it is essentially a story for children, it won’t be just children who will read, or become engaged in the book.
To the young, the paper butterfly will probably become as real as any butterfly in their minds. They will learn about the environment and marvel at the magic of metamorphosis with her. They will hopefully want to track her adventures on maps and follow her process as she migrates. A teenager, on the other hand, might be encouraged to reflect on what true beauty is and take on board the message the veteran monarch conveys. They might also empathize with the paper butterfly as she tries to find how she fits into the world and what her ultimate purpose is. To a mother reading the book, their focus may be more on the caring and love that the paper butterfly shows others. To someone who loves nature, whatever their age, it may encourage them to discover more about raising and tagging monarchs or making their garden a more pollinator-friendly environment. To someone older, it might encourage them to look more closely at the world around them and notice the small pockets of magic that the paper butterfly is so good at seeing.
If the book encourages people to dwell upon the questions the paper butterfly asks as she interacts with the world around her then, to me, it has been successful; if there is discussion or reflection afterwards, even better. Many of the questions the paper butterfly asks have no right or wrong answer and this in itself is an important thing to learn especially when reading to or working with children. Very little in life is black or white, yes or no. There are so many factors that can affect things including our experiences. Knowing that it is ok not to know the whole answer at that moment is important too. If we want to improve our world these are the things we need to be encouraging.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
As a young child, I grew up in the world of the theatre, so bringing the characters to life in the book was the part I enjoyed the most. Each animal that the paper butterfly meets became real in my mind. I imagined the Karner Blue butterfly that the paper butterfly meets early in her adventures as a knowledgeable university professor, the father of the Child of the Moon as a battle-worn veteran returning from duty, and the spider, who is my only animal antagonist in the book, as one of the witches of Macbeth to name but a few. All three were such fun to bring to life. My favourite part to write, however, was when the paper butterfly first met the Child of the Moon. As my two main characters of the book, I wanted to form a strong bond between them from the onset, and having such a young, innocent character to play with meant I could really have fun with it. I have made a short video of me reading a small snippet from this first interaction. I hope you enjoy listening to it.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I actually liken the creation of any book to the metamorphosis of a butterfly. At first, you have the small egg of an idea. The ideas grow and seem like a lumbering caterpillar with too many legs. The idea needs to be broken back down to the essence of what I want to convey, then and only then can I let my imagination truly fly. With my next book, I am still at the lumbering caterpillar stage, with way too many legs or ideas, so I am slowly breaking it down to its essence and then I will be ready to share my process of creation. I can reveal though that it will be brimming with watercolours and will be ecologically/conservation-based as these are where my two main passions lie.
When will it be available? Some things are just worth waiting for. To me, the joy is in the creation so writing and illustrating a book is not something I want to rush. I love to include my followers in the process of creation, so if you want to jump on board as I create the next book, follow me on Facebook, or bookmark my website. These will be the two places where I share my next journey of creation with you all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Emotive Expressions | Website | YouTube | Amazon
The paper butterfly felt certain that her Maker had designed her to be beautiful, but she also wondered if there was a deeper reason why he had created her. Skillfully formed with many paper folds, she knew that he never intended her to take to the skies. But when a sudden gust of wind lifts her out of an open window, she is propelled into a world brimming with life, beauty, and adventure. How can a mere paper butterfly, however expertly crafted, play a role in this fascinating place?
With over 80 breathtaking watercolour illustrations, this book takes you on a journey of discovery through the eyes of the paper butterfly. Feel her curiosity as she eagerly interacts with the environment around her. Sense her excitement as she experiences the life cycle of the endangered monarch butterfly and sees, first-hand, the magic of metamorphosis. Connect with her as she befriends, defends, and journeys with a super monarch on his epic migration south. Follow her quest to discover her true purpose.
Axel’s Baking Day (Axel and Ava)
Axel’s Baking Day, by Tuula Pere, with delightful illustrations by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren, is a charming tale that captures the heart of childhood curiosity and the joy of baking. The story follows young Axel, who faces an unexpected challenge when his parents have to leave, disrupting their usual Saturday baking routine. Determined to uphold the tradition, Axel sets out to bake on his own, leading to a series of humorous and relatable mishaps.
Pere’s writing is both engaging and accessible, making it a perfect read for children. Tuula Pere has a knack for capturing the essence of a child’s perspective, particularly through Axel’s determination and disappointment when things don’t go as planned. The narrative is straightforward yet rich in detail, which makes it easy for young readers to follow along and stay interested. For instance, the description of Axel struggling with the sticky dough and his efforts to call his friend Ava for help are both vivid and entertaining.
One of the highlights of the book is the illustration work by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren. The images are colorful and expressive, adding depth to the story and bringing Axel’s adventures to life. Each page is filled with charming details that complement the text, from the messy kitchen to the final triumphant pancake. The illustrations not only support the narrative but also provide visual cues that enhance comprehension for younger readers. The book also subtly imparts valuable lessons about perseverance, problem-solving, and the importance of friendship. Axel’s determination to bake despite the obstacles, and Ava’s willingness to help, showcase the power of teamwork and resilience. The humorous tone and light-hearted approach make these lessons enjoyable and memorable.
Axel’s Baking Day is a delightful book that I would highly recommend to parents and educators looking for a fun and educational read for children. Its engaging story, combined with beautiful illustrations, makes it a joy to read aloud or enjoy independently. This book is particularly suited for young readers who are beginning to explore their own interests and hobbies, as well as those who enjoy stories about friendship and family traditions. Whether you’re a fan of baking or simply enjoy a good laugh, Axel’s baking adventures are sure to entertain and inspire.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-9528200536
Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister
In Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister, author Linda Herron, with illustrator Marie Delon, explores the emotional landscape of Molly, a child who often feels overshadowed by her younger twin sisters, Mac and Madi. The story delves into themes of sibling dynamics, individuality, and the importance of feeling seen and valued within a family.
Herron skillfully captures the essence of sibling rivalry while also presenting parents and children with poignant examples of unconditional love and the distinct connections shared among siblings. The narrative offers a realistic portrayal of the complexities and joys of family life, effectively resonating with both young readers and adults.
Marie Delon’s vibrant illustrations are a standout feature of this book. Her artwork vividly portrays Molly’s range of emotions – from frustration and jealousy to joy and acceptance. These illustrations complement the story’s text, which is crafted in rhyming verse. This stylistic choice ensures a smooth and engaging reading experience, particularly suited for lower elementary-level readers. The book is more than just a story; it’s a tool for families to explore and discuss the nuances of sibling relationships and personal identity. It serves as an excellent resource for parents seeking a meaningful shared-reading experience with their children, as well as for those interested in narratives that reinforce family bonds.
Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister is a well-rounded children’s book that combines a heartfelt storyline with dynamic illustrations, making it a valuable addition to any family’s reading collection.
Pages: 33 | ISBN : 978-1959140115
Home and Belonging
Finding Andy’s Home follows the adventurous journey of a curious tortoise and his clever cat friend as they traverse Germany, unraveling secrets and learning about themselves in a quest to discover Andy’s origins. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Unlike Andy, the tortoise, I am an immigrant who knows where I come from. The subject of home and belonging wherever one finds themselves is universal. Nostalgia and lack of belonging are triggers for any immigrant. I wanted to write a book that, if anyone read it, they would find comfort in knowing that an unlikely friendship can make one feel at home even when away from home.
You chose to set the story in Germany and include aspects of immigration and travel. What led you to incorporate these themes, and what do you hope young readers take away from them?
On 29 April 2015, a story was published in The Local (a German online magazine) titled “Munich Police Save Giant Tortoise From Train Tracks.” I recall thinking about where that tortoise was heading to. Was it lost or wanted to escape? And where was home? Meanwhile, this newsworthy story happened in the background of events that shook the global community: 2015 saw the largest exodus of people fleeing the Syrian Civil War and the Germanwings plane crash. These two events fixated the subjects of immigration, home, and travel into my mind.
I hope this story will teach young readers to be open-minded about making friends outside their comfort circle. I, too, have to remind myself that home can be the friends I make.
How did you and illustrator, Silja Schüler, collaborate to ensure that the illustrations beautifully emphasized the storyline? Can you share any insights into the creative process behind the visual aspects of the book?
This book was my second collaboration with Silja. I prefer to give an illustrator the freedom to visualize the story first without me meddling with initial instructions. After seeing the sketches, we discuss changes and improvements before painting.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a few ongoing projects but have committed this year to poetry. The next book will be available hopefully before the end of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Können eine Schildkröte und eine Katze trotz ihrer Unterschiede Freunde sein? Andy ist eine afrikanische Riesenschildkröte, die als Haustier nach Deutschland kommt. Dort trifft er die Hauskatze Audi. Trotz ihrer Unterschiede werden sie enge Freunde. Gemeinsam machen sie sich auf den Weg, mehr über Andys Herkunft zu erfahren. Begleiten Sie die beiden Freunde bei ihren Abenteuern. Zeigen Sie Ihren Kindern, wie wichtig es ist, dem Anderen offen und freundlich zu begegnen und ermutigen Sie sie, Fragen zu stellen.
Henry and the Hidden Treasure
B.C.R. Fegan’s Henry and the Hidden Treasure is the story of one little boy’s quest to keep his “treasure” a secret from one person in particular. Henry’s tale of overwhelming desire to keep his treasure box from his sister’s clutches leads the reader on a journey into a child’s imagination and its endless possibilities. The threat posed by his baby sister is the driving force behind a long string of scenarios designed to trick, intimidate, and trap his sister as he shields his beloved treasure from her greedy hands. Henry, for all his planning, learns a valuable lesson about jumping to conclusions in the process.
Henry and the Hidden Treasure is a delight in both text and illustrations. As a third grader teacher and parent and one who has read more than my share of picture books to Kindergarten through 5th grade students, I can say Fegan has written a real gem. Children of all ages love a surprise ending, and the author has more than provided such a conclusion with a fantastic build-up and an added bonus on the last page. Teachers appreciate the opportunity to have students predict endings, and Fegan and Wen’s last page of text allows us to do just that with the simple yet powerful lone illustration of Lucy stealthily peeking at Henry.
The author/illustrator team of Fegan and Wen has created a story for both families and classrooms. The older brother versus baby sister dynamic is addressed via detailed, colorful illustrations which demonstrate the intensity of a child’s imagination. Each subsequent illustration adds a sense of drama children find appealing. My personal favorite of all the illustrations, as a mother, is the one depicting the reality of Henry’s room.
Teachers looking to create text sets for their students will find Henry and the Hidden Treasure a delightful addition to sets alongside books like Charlie McButton Lost Power where sibling rivalry is the theme. With the open-ended conclusion given by Fegan and Wen, I certainly hope there is a sequel to the saga of Henry and Lucy.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0719JXRRT
LITERARY TITAN 