Blog Archives
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
The Gift of an Active Imagination!
Dr. Qooz Author Interview
Where Are We encourages children to use their imagination as a doorway to endless possibilities. What role does imagination play in the education system?
Unfortunately at about age 3 imagination is stifled accidentally by parents and teachers and replaced with discipline and suggestions of; “don’t do that, you can’t do that” because “it” is not part of the classroom curriculum, or home discipline parameters, therefore imagination and creativity are suppressed, unknowingly by the adults in the room. Books, teacher’s and forward thinking adults can revitalize the child’s imagination by complimenting the child’s ability to think outside the box, letting them know they have the “gift” of imagination.
Do you find that the current generation of children have an active imagination?
YES! After traveling the world to over 50 countries, 50 US states and many foreign provinces and states, I can assure that every child is born with the gift of an active imagination! Rich or poor nations all produce children, that when encouraged, bring forth a wealth of inventions, formulas, ideas and processes that continue to reshape and bless our present world, worldwide. This observance encompasses several generations up to 14 lustrums.
There is a helpful vocabulary list at the end of the book. Was this intentional or did you find you had a lot of big words when writing the book?
The glossary at the end of this book was added after my straight “A”, voracious reading granddaughter in 6th grade called to ask what a word meant in my new book. After a brief conversation she pointed out several other words that she knew, but her classmates did not. A glossary called, “Words to Use by Dr. Qooz” will be a trademark in every Dr. Qooz’ books. If the child understands the definition, they will incorporate the “new word” into their vernacular regardless of their age. Children are not ever too young to learn new words.
This is book three in the Fargone series. What can readers expect in book four?
Fargone is a journey that almost every child will trod to adulthood. The fourth Fargone Series Book, Chasing Scaredy Away, highlights, Child Fear. This very real state of mind or condition is addressed by discount, jest, shock or truth in hopes of the child achieving a state in which they will deal with the fear on their own. Dr. Qooz addresses child fear in a positive, truthful way without reinforcing fantasy creatures such as ghosts and monsters. The inherent fears of darkness, thunderstorms, creatures under the bed or in the closet are all fears that strike most children. These issues are revealed in a way that the child can more quickly deal with the fear crisis and get on to a less fearful event. Solutions are referenced in the story and on the back cover.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
![Where Are We?: A field Trip to Paradise! (Fargone Book 3) by [Dr. Qooz]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QNSAHy1kL.jpg)
Where Are We picture book is one of the top best sellers to debut this year. This exciting imaginative, class field trip is full of mystery and adventure.
The theme of the book continues the saga of a young class that receives a new student from a distant land that no one has ever heard of. After accepting Gerri Giraffe from Fargone as a friend, the class is puzzled of how Gerri got to the NoWay jungle when there are no roads, trains, planes or boat facilities in the jungle. This is the opening of the book.
This motivational book for children is the third book in the Journey to Fargone™ Series. #1 Best-selling author, Dr. Qooz, champions our National Treasure, our Children’s Imagination.
This historical mystery incorporates time travel, encouragement, guidance and entertainment for the children and the parents. This children’s book of positive thinking for alert growing minds keeps you spellbound to the last word!
The author encourages young readers to open their minds to amazing possibilities which an avid imagination can generate.
In addition to the animated characters, vivid colors, humor, surprise and fun, there is a lesson to learn of how important active imagination plays in all the years to come for the child.
Dr. Qooz demonstrates everyone’s imagination can lead to resourcefulness and believability.
Danloria: The Secret Forest of Germania
![Danloria: The Secret Forest of Germania by [Gonsalves, Gloria D.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61fTOoxalgL.jpg)
The magical forests of Germania beckon! When five-year-old Stan is invited to a party by a talking Fern, he eagerly enters a lush, verdant world of discovery. When Stan falls ill, his forest friends find a cure. When he gets lost, they guide him home. The forest’s generosity truly knows no bounds.
Danloria: The Secret Forest of Germania reveals the protective and healing powers of the forest and its vegetation. Author Gloria Gonsalves cleverly teaches children the names and characteristics of plants, and their ability to heal or harm. Her enchanting fable reveals the countless ways the Earth protects and provides. The true magic of this book is in the illustrations that were created by children. Each drawing is engaging and gives the story an added layer of meaning through the imaginations of young artists. It is a heart-warming story that speaks to the giving nature of the Earth.
Pages: 61 | ASIN: B07926X9S4
Oink and Gobble and the ‘No One Can Ever Know Secret’
![Oink and Gobble and the 'No One Can Ever Know Secret' (Oink and Gobble Book Series 1) by [Whaler, Norman]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/515q31PFiKL.jpg)
The story Oink and Gobble and the ‘No One Can Ever Know Secret’ is a children’s book about a group of farm animals trying to keep a secret from the humans living with them. The two main characters, Oink and Gobble, spend all of their time together, and are best friends. When Oink goes to talk to Gobble, she thinks he is joking about the little girl that’s been watching him. He lets Gobble know that the girl may suspect that they can talk. They both get worried that their secret may be revealed.
Oink and Gobble and the ‘No One Can Ever Know Secret’ is a interesting story! It really grabs the audience’s attention. The book has a great plot that utilizes suspense and humor in exciting ways throughout the story. The characters are lovable and have their own unique personalities! The change in font size definitely made the story more suspenseful, and allows the reader to understand the importance of those words. This story is definitely good for kids that are still beginners at reading. There aren’t any huge words that would be too hard to understand. The art is cute, using bright colors to showcase characters that are really emotive. The pictures make the story even more enjoyable and makes it easy for kids to imagine each scene; as it’s a still image of an animated cartoon. This is a book that is easy for kids to enjoy, and is one that kids would want to read over and over!
Pages: 30 | ASIN: B07L5W3SS6
Plum Rains on Happy House
![Plum Rains on Happy House by [Greco, Michael]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q1wl7Un%2BL._SY346_.jpg)
Lawrence Thornberry thinks he is ready for his year in Japan. However, nothing could have ever prepared him for the experience he is about to have. An experience he can never truly understand but astonishingly accepts. He discovers new elements everyday. Some of these strange things would deter anyone but not the Ichiban. A nickname he got because of the room he was assigned, room number one. This American English teacher teaches at the Slop Bucket. When he is not there he encounters strange things at the Happy House. Strange things that are brought on by the rain. Just a good old Japanese experience.
One of the strange but weirdly comfortable things is that this story is told by crow. A tale that slides seamlessly from first to third person and back. The crow has strange characteristics of its own. Note the overuse of the word strange. It is a recurring theme in Plum Rains on Happy House. The crow though not exactly living in Happy House is one of the many eclectic characters in the book. Michael Greco has done a good job of building otherworldly characters but still maintain a light touch. Another grumpy but delightfully humorous character is the Goat.
Oh the words. The author has a special gift. He weaves words into a beautifully crocheted poncho. A poncho that envelopes the reader in pure literary induced ecstasy. An example is that bit where Titty is introduced. It is so funny and accurate, I imagine. The reader cannot help but picture it. Speaking of which, the character development in this book is quite good. Not in a way that one can relate to them but in a way that makes the reader comfortable. The reader feels at home in a house that requires a symbiotic relationship between it and the resident. It is uncanny how that can be possible.
It is truly wonderful that despite the Ichiban noticing some peculiarity as he was trekking up to the house. He kept going. He continued to see the crooked house but it was like he saw something completely different. Like all the strange things were supposed to be part of the experience. It is good to take things in stride like that.
There are two issues with this book. While the language is well utilized, it still requires a bit of polishing. The plot is unique, but the story is confusing at times. Bits that arise abruptly and disrupt the flow of everything. Some people may like this as it brings a little unpredictability to the story.
This is an entertaining book with interesting characters and an imaginative creative plot. All of that and a whole lot of quirk.
Pages: 248 | ASIN: B07DWQ3R68
Survival by Escaping
John Vikara Author Interview
My Lonely Room is an emotional novel that tackles themes of belonging and loneliness. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It reflected the era of my childhood and the struggles of a young life in a non-politically correct world. It was meant to show that indifference and bullying were going on long before the present, and that it was accepted as part of growing up. The challenge was to overcome these incidences of being singled out because of not having been taught how to engage with society. But the challenge was very hard to overcome when the difficulties of a weak foundation are the starting point. I also wanted to highlight the era and the lower middle class urban youth of the time, rather than the television versions such as Father Knows Best and Leave it To Beaver depicting more affluent characters who really didn’t have any real problems in comparison.
Jimmy’s character was intriguing and I felt that you developed your characters well. What were some themes you wanted to capture while writing your characters?
Probably the most important theme was belonging, finding your place in a family, whether it be a blood family or a substitute family, as long the group accepts you for who and what you are. This applies to both Jimmy, who is looking, and Johnny, who has found. The theme of indifference, from Jimmy’s father, the landlady, the kids on the block right down to the ticket booth woman at the pool, who knew something was wrong but didn’t want to get involved. The theme of misdirection, trying to dissuade someone from their passions into a humdrum robotic existence, such as Jimmy’s mother—although consciously unwittingly from her own development—continued to push upon him. The theme of survival by escaping into a world you can cope with and where no one will enter without your approval.
This book explores issues in interesting ways like isolation, relationships, and fears. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the book?
A huge part of me went into this book. They say to write about what you know. Who do you know more about than the being you spend twenty-four hours a day with? I learned early to isolate myself from that outside cruel world and escape to my own means of entertainment and survival. In fact, I still have several copies of the Gastruck Kids. My relationship with my parents wasn’t great, but that could be said of most teenagers—of any era. There were many times my relationship with my friends was stronger than that with my parents. But, of course, there was always a home, even though with a lonely room, waiting for you.
What is the next book that you are writing and when will it be available?
I have nothing going on at the moment, but I would like to say that My Lonely Room is the prequel to a series of books I had written that began with The Vandals. Most of the characters go on into adulthood in the subsequent Adjuster, National Defense and Auld Lang Syne. They’re all available on Amazon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
![My Lonely Room by [Vikara, John A.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51soq8PfXVL.jpg)
Life wasn’t so great when you didn’t have much of a relationship with your parents or the ability to play street games while growing up in the fifties. You would rather be secluded in your lonely room, using your imagination to write stories and draw comic books than to be drowned in negativity by your mother or humiliated by your peers. All of this can change for Jimmy Yadenik when he meets Johnny, his soon to be mentor and member of the Vandals, and he applies for membership. But the transition won’t be easy.
LITERARY TITAN 