Blog Archives
How Do Children Play
The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Golfing Around follows a young girl who has no one to play with, so she uses her imagination and toys to create a miniature golf course. What inspired you to write this story?
There is a small neighborhood park across the street from my home. It has a paved treeline oval path with a grassy field in the center. On any given non-school day, it is bustling with children playing. However, when walking the path during Covid lockdown, the park was eerily quiet. I knew the children were all home in their separate houses. So I wondered, how do children play when no one else is around? That was the inspiration for Golfing Around.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
When I wrote this story, I wanted a tale that could show kids that their imagination and creativity are magic and can turn any day into a very fun day. I also wanted to make the game inclusive, highlighting each animal’s strengths and ensuring everyone could join in.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I loved the scene of when Molly, Ollie, and the animals first met Lilly Frog, who liked playing LeapFrog. The imagery of Harry Hippo trying to leap made me laugh!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Playing Ball, which will follow Molly’s efforts to join a football game. I’m working to have it ready next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Don’t miss the first book in the Molly & Ollie series, Moving Day, where Molly and Ollie first meet and become fast friends. And be on the lookout for their next adventure in book three, coming soon!
Career in Education
Can We Get a Rhinoceros? follows a young boy with an active imagination who wants to convince his mom to get him an unusual pet while she tries to be more practical. What inspired your story?
I retired from a career in education (teacher and administrator) but have substituted in retirement. While working in a long-term second-grade assignment, the kids were working on animal projects. They chose some of the more interesting animals, and one student said he told his mom he wanted an elephant.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Most definitely. I grew up in farm and dairy country, and we had animals (chickens, goats, cows, show Herefords). I was a precocious child and wanted a penguin (we had been reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins in class). My mom asked pretty much the same questions that the mom in this book did.
I loved the discussion between the mother and son about the pros and cons of a rhinoceros. What was your favorite scene in this story?
That’s a little difficult to answer because I had so much fun with this story. If I had to choose one, I would say the conclusion because I didn’t have an ending until I read it to my second graders, and one of the students said he had a dog that he dressed up for Halloween.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Actually, I have several stories I am working on and not sure which will be the next book in the Chris Kueng Library Collection. I have several stories in progress. When I tire of working on one story or get “stuck,” I go to work on another story. Fortunately, I have flow maps that plot out the stories. This makes it easier to overcome writer’s block. The books I have been working on are:
1. Granddad’s Treasures
2. Honey, the Sleeping Beauty Bee
3. Can We Get a Giraffe?
4. Winston and Cooper
5. The Principal Wore Polka Dots
My goal is to have a book out every one to two years.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
Where would you keep it?
Where would you keep its food? And
How would you get rid of all the poo he poops?
Then, if not a rhinoceros, how about a whale? a tiger? Or even a blue-footed booby? Mom finally makes a suggestion for a more suitable pet. What could it possibly be?
Mr. Fox Sells Pockets
Mr. Fox Sells Pockets, written by Mark Dantzler, is an engaging children’s book that weaves a tale of Mr. Fox, a character whose shrewd business strategy revolves around selling pockets to the townspeople, irrespective of their needs. This narrative, rich with themes of greed and deception, gives young readers a window into a world where cleverness is met with community wisdom.
The book is not only a story but also a visual delight. Its pages are adorned with bright, vivid illustrations to captivate young minds and spark conversations. The use of color is particularly noteworthy, bringing each scene to life and adding depth to the story. At the heart of this tale is Mr. Fox, depicted with a cunning personality, highlighting the consequences of prioritizing personal gain over relationships. The character’s journey is a poignant reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity. Dantzler’s storytelling skillfully imparts these values, making the moral of the story accessible and enjoyable for its young audience. As young readers follow Mr. Fox’s misadventures, they are subtly introduced to concepts of right and wrong and the downfalls associated with greed. This book not only entertains but also educates, providing a valuable lesson in a fun and thought-provoking format.
Mr. Fox Sells Pockets by Mark Dantzler takes young readers on a colorful journey into ethical storytelling. The vivid illustrations and a narrative containing a moral lesson make it an ideal read for young minds beginning to explore the complexities of right and wrong. Dantzler encourages dialogue between children and adults, making it not just a story to be read but an experience to be shared.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0CLKZBVRG
Our World Is Only Limited By Our Imagination
Gremlin Night follows a little boy as he goes on an adventure to explore a make-believe world with his strange new friend. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The inspiration for creating Gremlin Night comes from my childhood experiences. This story is largely based on my recollection of making the most of my days (and nights) with my imagination while living with less. I was the second youngest of five children. Everything I had was a hand-me-down, and that was fine with me. My childhood was a happy one. I owe that to my parents. My dad really did bring home an old brown AMC Gremlin one day. That little car became a vehicle for my imagination while serving as a second home of sorts. Many years later, that tired Gremlin really did follow me to college.
This seems like a very personal story for you. How hard was it to put this story out in the world for people to read?
Gremlin Night is a personal story. I also wanted it to be a whimsical journey for young readers and, perhaps, illustrate the point that our world is only limited by our imagination.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
When planning this book, I set a goal to tell my childhood story of surviving poverty while keeping the tone simple, positive, and whimsical. Perhaps this children’s bedtime story will be entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next children’s book is a fun unfable, of sorts. Mr. Fox Sells Pockets is a delightful story of a clever tailor who makes a plan to sell handmade pockets to everyone in town – whether they need one or not! Will the slick Fox fill his own pocket with shiny coins, or will his plan backfire? This children’s picture book is illustrated by the talented London artist Leighton Noyes and will be released in November.
Author Links: Website
Gremlin Night
In the bustling sphere of children’s literature comes a remarkable tale – Gremlin Night by Mark Dantzler. It unfolds the joyful yet complex lives of a young boy, the second smallest of five siblings, residing in a modest house brimming with love. Their seemingly everyday world takes a magical turn with the arrival of an intriguing new friend, a Gremlin. This leads to a series of fantastical escapades spearheaded by the boy and his father, proving that even in tight confines, the imagination knows no bounds.
In a whimsical fashion, Gremlin Night elegantly melds poignant storytelling with elements of fantasy. Maja Veselinovic’s intricate and heartwarming illustrations serve as a visual compass, guiding readers into this enchanted realm where each page overflows with joyous nostalgia, subtly shadowed by the grim realities of social inequity.
The tale’s climax unravels the truths not just about the Gremlin but also about the family’s situation – a stark representation of tireless parents striving to provide a joyful life for their children in the face of hardships. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the will to create beauty even amidst adversities.
Beyond its delightful narrative, Gremlin Night serves as a call to the hero within us. It underscores the societal blight of poverty that often languishes in the shadows, unheeded. As someone who has grappled with poverty, I found the tale to be a sweet yet stinging reminder of the juxtaposition of happiness and harsh realities. It sparks a renewed commitment to community-building and fostering hope for a brighter future. It affirms that even the smallest gestures of kindness can create ripples of change, perhaps even saving a life.
As a commentary on a contemporary issue wrapped in a delightful tale of magic and adventure, I award Gremlin Night a hearty recommendation. It’s an impactful yet gentle message of awareness that dares to pierce the veil of social complacency.
Recommended for ages 8 and up, this book is an ideal choice for group readings or events, fostering a deeper understanding of modern poverty. A stirring narrative that strikes a chord in the reader’s heart, Gremlin Night gracefully intertwines hope and darkness, making it a true tour de force in the realm of children’s literature.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1645385515
The String
A young boy was having a normal ordinary day when he discovered a ball of string. There is nothing magical or special about this string. However, when he ties the string to his finger, he remembers to do his chores, wear his helmet, do his homework, and brush his teeth. Then the boy uses the string to do fun things like walk the dog and fly a kite. It isn’t long before he imagines all the fun and exciting adventures he can go on with his string. What started as a simple ordinary string became an extraordinary source of imagination and inspiration for many great adventures.
The String, written and illustrated by T.C. Bartlett, is a whimsical picture book about a boy and how he discovers all the fun he can have using his imagination and a piece of string. The illustrations are humorous and engaging, taking young readers on a journey with the boy to discover all the uses for his newly found string. I loved the creative uses for such a simple object. No magic or mystery was involved, just one active imagination and willingness to see what could happen. This is an important lesson for kids, a chance to grow their minds with simple things in a world where electronics seem to rule the entertainment industry. Yet, this incredible story shows that something so simple and common can provide hours of enjoyment and use.
The String is a beautifully written children’s book that teaches children to look for wonder in simple everyday objects. It teaches them to use their imagination to find things to explore their world. This is a beautiful book for preschool and kindergarten children to read and open up discussions of exploring their environment to make the most of what is around them each day.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 1733908676
Music of the World
Sophia woke up one morning and decided it was the perfect day to walk outside. She gets ready and puts in her favorite headphones to listen to her music as she heads out for her walk. Dancing away to the music in her ears, she can not hear her mom or friends talking to her and dances right on by them all. On her walk, she trips and drops her music machine breaking it. At first, she is saddened that she can no longer listen to her music, but soon she realizes there are unique sounds and music all around her.
Music of the World by Elizabeth Despres is an inspiring children’s book about all the beautiful sounds that can be found around us each day. When technology is put away for a bit, and you listen to the world around you, you find music and rhythm in all things. Sophia learns that she loves the sounds of nature that she had never noticed before. In addition, she could connect with people she hadn’t heard when listening to her headphones. It is a wonderful message about being present in your world and seeing and hearing all that is around you. With so much technology available to children, it is an excellent reminder of the simple things in life that can still provide joy and entertainment.
The whimsical artwork by Rae West is colorful and engaging. Children will love following Sophia on her walk, pointing out all the exciting sounds she hears, and seeing everything she experiences. The illustrations perfectly express Sophia’s joy and wonder as she discovers the music around her in everyday activities.
Music of the World is a beautifully written picture book that will teach children about the amazing sounds and music in life. It teaches them to look for nature’s beautiful sounds and be present in life and the world around them. This exceptional children’s book would be a wonderful addition to a preschool, elementary school, or home library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0BKTSWHNG
Monty’s Rainbow Road Adventure
Monty’s Rainbow Road Adventure takes Monty the mouse on an adventure to discover all the colours of the rainbow. Monty wants to bring a balloon of every color to his friends birthday party, but he is unsure what all the colours are. Lucky for Monty he has friends that live on all the different colour roads and he asks them for help collecting balloons in each of their favorite colors.
This adorable picture book, written by Tina Kid, is perfect for the three to five year old age group. It is ideal as a read along and one on one reading with a child. As you progress through the colours of the rainbow, the pages give readers prompts that ask what else that colour could be used for. This makes this book a fun and interactive tool that engages a child’s imagination and helps them connect the colors in the book to the colors they see in the world.
Parents, teachers and children will be delighted by the animal friends that Monty engages with. Ruby the fox, Ginger the cat, Dorothy the duck, Freddy the frog, Wendy the whale, and the dolphin twins. Each animal has a unique personality and their homes are phenomenal. I loved the textured illustrations as they all had vibrant colors that really brought the characters to life. This book will surely keep the attention of children as the book is filled with adorable characters and brilliant art.
Monty’s Rainbow Road Adventure: Learn The Colours Of The Rainbow is exactly what teachers and parents need for preschoolers, or toddlers. This charming children’s book is a wonderfully educational tool that inspires children to think of the world around them and builds their descriptive language skills.
Pages: 37 | ASIN: B09H36WLCC
LITERARY TITAN 