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Nite Nite, Puppies
Nite Nite, Puppies by Jane E. Ruth is a sweet and simple bedtime book that wraps kids in a warm hug of sleepy puppy love. Each page features a different kind of puppy, some fluffy, some spotted, some big, some small, saying goodnight in both English and Spanish. It’s a gentle, repetitive rhythm that soothes like a lullaby, making it a perfect wind-down story for little ones.
I loved the way this children’s book celebrates all kinds of dogs. As someone who thinks every pup is special, I appreciated how the book highlights different breeds with their unique traits. The “Nite Nite, puppy, with a big smile” page made me grin because, let’s be honest, every dog has a goofy, heart-melting smile. And the “Nite Nite, puppy, that likes children” line hit home. Nothing beats the bond between a kid and their furry best friend.
The writing is simple but soothing, perfect for bedtime. The repetition of “Nite Nite, puppy” creates a comforting rhythm, like a soft pat on a sleepy pup’s head. The illustrations are a huge part of the book’s charm. Puppies are naturally adorable, so it’s cuteness overload in this picture book.
Nite Nite, Puppies is a cozy, bilingual read for toddlers, dog lovers, and anyone who enjoys a gentle bedtime story. It’s great for families who want a sweet, calming way to say goodnight while sneaking in a little Spanish practice.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B0CJTCJ7JD
Nite Nite, Piggies
Sometimes, bedtime feels like a never-ending battle, and Nite Nite, Piggies by Jane E. Ruth captures that struggle in the most adorable way. The book follows a little piggy who, like most kids, comes up with every excuse imaginable to avoid going to sleep. From wanting to play one last game to suddenly feeling hungry or thirsty, this piggy is determined to stay awake. But in the end, love, warmth, and bedtime prayers bring a peaceful close to the night.
As a parent, I couldn’t help but smile as I read through the pages. This book absolutely nails the reality of bedtime negotiations. The simplicity of the dialogue makes it easy for kids to follow along, and the bilingual format is a fantastic bonus. Reading it in both English and Spanish added a fun rhythm that kept my little one engaged. The final lines, where the piggy finally settles down with blessings for all, made for such a sweet and comforting ending.
The illustrations by Yassibel Duque are just as charming as the story. The piggies are full of personality, making the book feel warm and inviting. I also loved the inclusion of different pig breeds—it was an unexpected and delightful touch that sparked a whole new conversation about animals before lights out.
I’d recommend this book to parents with toddlers and preschoolers who put up a fight at bedtime. It’s a great read-aloud that turns the usual back-and-forth into something fun and lighthearted. If you’re looking for a bedtime story that speaks to real-life experiences with a little humor and a lot of heart, Nite Nite, Piggies is a fantastic choice.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0DP1GKRVL
Universal Theme of Love
Bella & Chantey: Mama Wants a Blue Mushroom follows a pig and her macaw sidekick as they set out on a rainforest adventure to find a rare mushroom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We work with the Ngäbe people who live on the Comarca or reservation where I had the story take place. The children do not have children’s books per se, and I wanted to write some stories for them and include their environment.
What is it that draws you to write children’s literature?
I love to watch young children learn about new places, different countries, and people in the world. I also enjoy seeing children being entertained and laughing over stories. I place educational material in the backmatter of my books to educate the children besides giving them an entertaining story. I also try to have a universal theme of love, family, or learning experience that children can see themselves in or identify with the story.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. What was the collaboration with illustrator César Meléndez like?
César is excellent to work with. He has unique ideas for illustrations and is very realistic in his drawings. He has emotions in animal faces and does a fantastic job with water scenes. He asks for suggestions and always asks if they are ok. An excellent fit between author and illustrator- we think alike.
Can fans expect to see more adventures featuring Bella and Chantey? What are you currently working on?
I am working on a chapter book with main characters from the Ngäbe Comarca, Double Trouble on the Comarca. Benny the Boa is an adapted Ngäbe folklore story, which is almost completed, and yes, a second book with Bella and Chantey, also taking place on the Comarca.
I had some people from a nearby church ask if I could write a children’s bible story picture book, so I have done that, and it is currently at a traditional editor to see whether they will accept it. Another editor I work with said if it’s not accepted, go ahead and self-publish it because she likes the story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Giving Children Books From Their Culture
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest follows a boastful agouti who loves winning and challenges a cicada to a hunger contest, confident that he will triumph. What inspired you to write this folklore adaptation story from The Ngäbe Comarca in Panama?
The Ngäbe people do not have any children’s books about their culture per se, and they brought the original story to me to write a children’s picture book. I adapted it to my own story and gave names to their animals but kept their theme throughout the book. Created my own story. We work on the Comarca with the Ngäbe people. I wanted to have some books for the children of their own culture.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Yassibel Duque?
It was great, as usual. She is adaptable and comes up with unique ideas. She also lets me have my say, and we work well together. I appreciate the camaraderie with her.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to educate children on the agouti and cicada. The agouti is from Panama, and people know cicadas. I wanted to incorporate how cicadas get their food differently than the agouti. But the agouti didn’t realize how the cicada ate their “food”; the cicada only had to stay on the branch. The agouti had to hunt for his food.
I also wanted to bring out the pride, arrogance, and eventual defeat that enabled Nathan to change his perception of other animals. I wanted to keep that theme from the original Ngäbe folktale.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently waiting for my illustrations for another folktale from the Ngäbes. The title of my adapted story is Benny the Boa Meets His Match. I will then get it formatted and uploaded to Amazon, probably mid-March 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Bella & Chantey: Mama Wants a Blue Mushroom
Bella & Chantey: Mama Wants a Blue Mushroom is a quirky jungle adventure with a heartwarming twist. It’s the story of Bella, a determined little pig, and her macaw sidekick, Chantey, as they embark on a mission to find a special blue mushroom for Bella’s mother’s birthday. The journey takes them through the lush, mysterious rainforest of the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, past a grumpy black panther, and into the fantastical Land of Mushrooms. Along the way, they encounter colorful creatures, tricky riddles, and challenges that test their courage.
What I loved most about this children’s book was its charm. Bella’s personality shines through, especially with her dramatic “oh dear” moments. Like when she nervously tackles a suspension bridge blindfolded or builds a raft to cross a river because she can’t swim, each scene feels relatable and funny in that “overcoming your fears” kind of way. Chantey’s witty remarks, like reminding Bella to stop eating every mushroom in sight, add just the right amount of humor. It’s these little interactions that make their friendship feel so real and delightful.
The illustrations by César Meléndez absolutely stole the show for me. The rainforest scenes, with vibrant plants and exotic animals like giant anteaters and purple snakes, are nothing short of magical. The pages where they finally find the indigo milk cap mushroom, with its vivid blue “bleeding” juice, are amazing. The art pulls you into this lush world and adds so much depth to the story. Honestly, I found myself flipping back just to soak it all in again.
One thing that caught me by surprise was how the story introduced cultural elements, like the reference to Urracá, a Ngäbe warrior. It’s such a thoughtful way to teach kids about history while keeping the tone light and adventurous. Plus, there’s a handy mushroom facts section at the end, which is both fun and educational. Did you know some mushrooms glow in the dark? It’s clear that the author wanted this book to be more than just a story. It’s a window into the beauty of Panama’s rainforest and the importance of respecting nature. What makes this book even more special is that it’s a bilingual story, with text in both English and Spanish, making it a fantastic way for kids to learn or enjoy two languages while diving into Bella and Chantey’s adventure.
I think this picture book is a gem. It’s perfect for kids who love adventure and animals, and it’s a great pick for parents who want a story that sparks curiosity about the environment and other cultures. I’d recommend it for bedtime reading or as a fun gift for young explorers.
ASIN : B0BSRCVF16
Nathan Ñeque : The Hunger Contest-El concurso del hambre
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest by Jane E. Ruth, with illustrations by Yassibel Duque, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) children’s story adapted from a Ngäbe folk tale from Panama. The story revolves around Nathan Ñeque, a boastful agouti who loves winning. Nathan challenges a cicada to a hunger contest, confident that he will triumph. As the days pass, Nathan’s overconfidence is challenged by the cicada’s quiet endurance, leading to an amusing conclusion that leaves Nathan humbled and wiser. This tale offers a playful, yet meaningful exploration of themes like humility, persistence, and community.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the way it brings an authentic cultural folk tale to life for modern readers. Nathan’s over-the-top confidence, shown through his loud boasts and exaggerated gestures like puffing on his pipe, made me chuckle. I could almost hear his voice declaring, “No one can catch me!” The contrast with the cicada, calm and still throughout, is not only funny but also thought-provoking. The author captures this dynamic beautifully without overcomplicating the language, making it accessible for kids while still entertaining for adults. It feels like being told a bedtime story with a moral tucked inside, which is exactly what folk tales should be.
The illustrations by Yassibel Duque are another highlight. They add so much charm and energy to the story, from Nathan’s frantic pacing on the third day of the contest to his dramatic, smoke-filled pondering on the stump. The visuals complement the text perfectly, bringing the characters’ emotions and actions to life. I especially loved the little details, like the swirling smoke from Nathan’s pipe or the serene look on the cicada’s face. It’s the kind of art that pulls you in and makes you want to linger on each page a little longer.
The story’s engaging structure uses repetition to emphasize Nathan’s growing hunger and frustration as the contest progresses, creating a vivid sense of time passing. This approach mirrors the endurance theme beautifully and helps younger readers connect with Nathan’s experience. While the steady pace might feel familiar in the middle, it builds anticipation for the satisfying conclusion, where Nathan admits defeat and learns a valuable lesson. The payoff is both heartwarming and impactful, making the journey feel truly worthwhile.
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest is a delightful read with a heartwarming message. It’s ideal for children who love animals, folk tales, or bilingual stories. The book would also be great for parents and educators looking for a fun way to introduce cultural stories from Panama. If you’re after a story that combines humor, wisdom, and beautiful artwork, this one is definitely worth adding to your collection.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0D8QG8JK3
LITERARY TITAN 