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One-Of-A-Kind
In A Cat Named Puppy, a cat teased for his unusual name finds support from his brother and learns that his worth is not determined by others. Where did the idea for this story come from?
My real-life cat named Puppy was the inspiration. I wanted a dog but a friend of my brother’s cat just had a litter of kittens and she had to get rid of the kittens fast because her little girl was allergic to kitten hair so I took a cat instead of getting a dog. And I got my other cat Stitch about a year later.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Well, the real-life Puppy always had to deal with people commenting on his name and his weight he was a big boy. So I figured I could incorporate them into a story for children. And the idea is that although comments will be made in life as long as you realize you are special and one-of-a-kind. That should make you feel pretty good about yourself.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
When he chased the toy cars because he liked chasing hot wheel cars when he was younger. But all the scenes are special as Stitch passed away in July of 2023, and Puppy passed away in January 2024. It just makes the book more special to me.
What is next for Puppy? Do you have more books planned?
Well, I currently have a few like early reader first chapter book series they are A Cat Named Puppy Goes To School, A Cat Named Puppy Halloween Adventure, and A Cat Named Puppy And The Christmas Mystery. And I am currently working on another children’s book and it will be A Cat Named Puppy Learns About Colors.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A Cat Named Puppy
James Breznicky’s A Cat Named Puppy is a heartwarming tale that beautifully illustrates the importance of self-esteem and embracing one’s unique identity. The story follows Puppy, a shy cat burdened by a name that makes him the target of teasing from other animals. Struggling with acceptance, Puppy feels isolated as even the dogs don’t see him as an equal. Puppy’s journey takes a turn for the better thanks to his supportive brother, Stitch, who helps him see beyond the hurtful words of others. Stitch’s encouragement reminds Puppy that there are those who care for him and that his worth isn’t determined by the opinions of others. Set in a loving home, the story underscores the critical role of a supportive environment in fostering self-confidence.
A Cat Named Puppy is an engaging story in which Puppy learns to shift his focus away from negative judgments and embrace the love and care around him. Many children will relate to Puppy’s struggle and find inspiration in his journey toward self-acceptance. The narrative conveys an essential life lesson: our differences make us unique, and recognizing the love we receive can bolster our self-esteem.
The book is enhanced by striking illustrations that use warm and comforting colors, particularly notable for their effective play of light and shadow. The inclusion of a photo of the real Puppy and Stitch at the end adds a delightful personal touch to the story. Breznicky’s writing style is simple and accessible, using short rhymes and clear ideas to communicate profound emotional truths. A Cat Named Puppy explores Puppy’s distress extensively, setting the stage for the uplifting message about the importance of developing a strong self-concept and embracing positivity.
A Cat Named Puppy remains a compelling story that also emphasizes the values of family unity and respect. It’s a book that will teach young readers to tap into their inner strength and celebrate what makes them unique.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0C2S71NT3
Imparting Life Lessons
A Witch’s Lesson follows two young friends from a small town who, on Halloween night, encounter a Witch who wants to stop the holiday from being celebrated. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for A Witch’s Lesson came from my desire to create a Halloween story that not only entertained but also carried a meaningful moral lesson, and I wanted it to rhyme because, as a kid, I enjoyed books that rhymed. I wanted to share a tale that emphasized the value of sharing and showed that positive change is possible, even in individuals who may initially seem unkind or malicious. Additionally, I aimed to showcase the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with the possibility of personal sacrifice, such as losing one’s candy. Ultimately, I wanted to create a story that would resonate with young readers while imparting important life lessons in a fun and engaging way.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In A Witch’s Lesson A Halloween Story, several key ideas were important for me to share. First and foremost, I wanted to convey the idea that kindness and empathy have the power to transform even the seemingly unlikable characters. Through the character of the witch, I wanted to show that it’s never too late to change and choose a path of compassion.
Additionally, I aimed to emphasize the value of friendship and cooperation. Mary, Gary, and let’s add Andy as well to show how friendship plays a central role in the story, demonstrating how working together and supporting one another can lead to positive outcomes, even in challenging situations.
Lastly, I wanted to celebrate the magic and fun of Halloween while encouraging children to think about the deeper meanings of the holiday. A Witch’s Lesson combines the excitement of trick-or-treating while encouraging sharing, courage, and standing up for what’s right.
Ultimately, my goal was to create a story that not only entertains but also imparts important life lessons that children can carry with them long after Halloween is over.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Rizwan Jani?
It went fine. I found him on Fiverr, and I used him on my book The Selfish Cat Who Learned How To Share And liked him so much that I used him again. He was easy to work with
Do you have more stories planned for Mary and Gary? If not, what is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
Well lately I have been working on a book series for kids called A Cat Named Puppy it’s like a first-chapter book with black and white images. I currently have 3 books in the series A Cat Named Puppy Goes To School, A Cat Named Puppy Halloween Adventure, and A Cat Named Puppy And The Christmas Mystery. The 2 cats who are the main characters in those books are based off my real life pet cats Puppy and Stitch. Stitch just passed away so its been good therapy including him in a story. But the goal is to include a lot of pictures and yes some of the pictures are of the real life puppy and stitch so the child dose not feel like they are reading as much because the kids I know when they have to pick out a book they look to see if it has pictures. I guess it makes them feel like they are reading less however these books are a whole story. And of course I am still writing my rhyming books as well I just released The Horse And The Magic Carrot.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
A Witch’s Lesson A Halloween Story
On the enchanting eve of Halloween, two inseparable companions, Mary and Gary, eagerly gear up to embark on a delightful adventure of trick-or-treating. With their meticulously crafted costumes, these youthful spirits set out to immerse themselves in the revelry of the town, anticipating the joy of encountering numerous kindred souls and partaking in various delightful treats. Regrettably, an unforeseen obstacle emerges in their path in the form of a malevolent witch residing atop a nearby hill, intent on snuffing out their merriment. The fateful encounter between the witch and the resilient children takes a menacing turn when an incantation is unleashed, threatening to cast a shadow over their Halloween festivities. Will the sinister magic cast by the witch be surmountable, or will Mary and Gary’s cherished holiday be marred indefinitely?
A Witch’s Lesson by James Breznicky is a charming children’s book centered around triumphing over malice. This rhyming tale, exuding a blend of eerie intrigue and heartwarming sentiment, strikes a balance for a Halloween read that captivates without overwhelming its young audience. The portrayal of the witch encapsulates the essence of a spiteful individual intent on sabotaging the joys of others, evoking empathy for Mary and Gary as they confront this antagonist on the night of Halloween. The narrative leads to a satisfying resolution, instilling in the reader a sense of optimism and fulfillment, like a classic children’s tale. The vivid illustrations, crafted by illustrator Rizwan Jani, radiate a vibrant and cheerful ambiance. Each character springs to life distinctively, while the artist’s bold and vibrant hues effectively reinforce the storytelling.
A Witch’s Lesson by James Breznicky is an optimistic picture book showing kindness’s power. The narrative exudes a sincerity that resonates with readers. The blend of a charming story and delightful illustrations makes this rhyming book perfect for shared reading sessions with your little ones on a brisk autumn evening.
Pages: 77 | ASIN : B0CB58DXFY
Fostering A Sense Of Pride In America
Colonial American History for Kids teaches children about American history and highlights important events related to the founding of the United States. Why was this an important book for you to write?
In today’s fast-paced world, it seems that the rich tapestry of the USA’s history is often overlooked or relegated to a mere few weeks in the confines of a classroom. However, the story of how this great nation was founded is nothing short of enthralling and surpasses the majority of the content we consume on television nowadays. By instilling a deep understanding of this history in our children from an early age, we can cultivate an enduring appreciation for the audacity and courage required to establish a new nation, as well as foster a profound sense of pride in what makes our country truly exceptional.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
The timeline for completing the book spanned a few months, primarily due to the creative process of crafting engaging rhymes. My intention was to strike a balance between education and entertainment by ensuring that each topic covered in the book was accompanied by 1 or 2 captivating facts followed by a well-crafted rhyme. My personal experience as a child taught me that it was easier to remember key information about a topic when presented in a concise and engaging manner, rather than overwhelming amounts of facts. With this approach, my goal was to make the learning experience enjoyable and accessible, transforming the book into a delightful bedtime story that parents could read aloud, while the child effortlessly absorbed fascinating facts on a subconscious level.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about teaching children history?
There’s a common misconception that teaching children about history is boring. However, it’s fascinating to note that many of the stories portrayed in movies and other forms of entertainment are actually inspired by real historical events. History is brimming with excitement and adventure, waiting to be explored. In my children’s book, I aimed to capture the essence of this thrilling past by presenting historical facts in a fun and engaging way.
Do you have future books planned to teach children other areas of history? If so, what topics will they cover, and when will they be available?
Presently, I don’t have immediate plans for another history book. However, in the future, I may consider writing a book focusing on notable figures from the Civil War, highlighting their individual stories rather than delving into the events of the war itself. Alternatively, I might explore another topic that particularly fascinates me figures from colonial history. Their stories and contributions hold a special place in my heart.
In the meantime, I have several other children’s books already published, each with its own unique charm. Additionally, I recently released my first book, “Vanishing Sweetness,” which ventures beyond the realm of children’s literature. To discover all of my published works, including the children’s books and “Vanishing Sweetness,” interested readers can visit my author’s website or find them on platforms like Amazon.
Author Website
Learn About:13 Original States
Declaration Of Independence
The Constitution
How The USA Flag Was Made
What the Stars And Stripes Represents On The Flag
Flag Day
George Washington
Betsy Ross
Benjamin Franklin
John Handcock
John Adams
Liberty Bell
The 4th of July Independence Day
Colonial American History For Kids
The United States has a rich history with many aspects young learners begin absorbing from an early age. From the Declaration of Independence to the crack in the Liberty Bell, students are inundated with facts that explain our independence and how we arrived where we are today. For younger readers, the facts are filled with terms that are not always easy to read. Thanks to James Breznicky, we have a book that lays it all out for students in a format they will appreciate. Students in grades 2-5 will benefit from Breznicky’s breakdown of colonial history.
Colonial American History for Kids, by James Breznicky, is a summary of colonial history written especially for younger readers. With a wonderful mixture of illustrations, graphic sources, and photos of actual portraits, Breznicky’s book presents colonial history in a way young readers can understand. He uses rhyme to create a fantastic narrative that brings history to life. I teach elementary students, and any time rhyme is incorporated, there is a much greater chance that students will retain information. Breznicky has successfully tapped into this technique and created a great tool for teachers.
I have always found it more challenging to teach history to young students due to the vocabulary. Non-fiction books are typically more difficult to read, and Breznicky meets this obstacle head-on. He uses a nice mix of academic vocabulary, historical terms, and more commonly-used terms that students will recognize and understand. As a teacher, I appreciate this tactic very much.
Breznicky has managed to take colonial history to a new level for younger readers. Teachers and parents will find Breznicky’s approach to be both appealing and helpful in teaching students basic historical facts.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0B1CRDGMX
LITERARY TITAN 