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Social-Emotional Learning
Liam’s Lost Sparkle follows a young girl excited for Art Day at school who discovers a classmate is sad because his best friend has moved, so she offers to help him complete the rocket ship that his friend had been building. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from those small but powerful moments in childhood when empathy shines the brightest. I wanted to capture that magic—the way kids notice when someone’s feeling left out or sad and instinctively want to help. The idea of Art Day felt perfect because creativity brings people together, and something as simple as finishing a rocket ship can feel like rebuilding a broken world for a child. I kept thinking, what if one small act of kindness could light up someone’s whole world again? That thought became the heart of Liam’s story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One of my biggest goals was to weave social-emotional learning naturally into the story. I wanted children to see empathy in action—not as a lesson being taught, but as a choice that feels good and makes a difference. Friendship, kindness, and teamwork were essential themes because they’re real-life skills kids need every day. I also wanted to show problem-solving—how helping someone isn’t about having all the answers, but about caring enough to try. If kids walk away thinking, “I can be a helper too,” then I’ve done my job.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I absolutely loved writing the scene where the classroom transforms into a creative wonderland for Art Day. There’s this buzz of excitement—paint splashing, glitter shimmering, little imaginations running wild—and right in the middle of it, you see the contrast of Liam feeling lost. Then comes that turning point where the main character offers to help him finish the rocket. That moment gave me chills because it’s where kindness takes center stage. Writing it felt like watching a gray day burst into color.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can young readers expect in the next story?
Yes! Liam’s Lost Sparkle is the very first book in the Brave Kids Series, and I’m so excited to share that the next adventure will be coming out this fall. Young readers can expect another heartwarming story that celebrates courage and kindness—this time exploring a whole new challenge kids face every day. It’s going to be filled with big feelings, brave choices, and moments that show just how powerful empathy can be. Stay tuned—it’s going to be amazing!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When Liam’s best friend moves away, his sparkle fades—until a classmate asks, “Is your heart feeling kind of… cloudy?” This award-winning social skills book for kids helps:
Understand big feelings with gentle metaphors (“shadowy moods,” “lost sparkle”)
Practice kindness through relatable examples (“You can sit with me,” “Let’s build together!”)
Spark conversations with 8+ discussion questions and a “Feelings Detective Glasses” activity
Perfect for:
Parents seeking bedtime stories with emotional depth
Teachers building SEL skills (aligned with CASEL standards)
Counselors helping kids navigate friendship changes
Kindle Exclusive Features: Read-along mode (Enhanced typesetting for young readers)
Vibrant illustrations optimized for Kindle Fire/tablets
Bonus QR code for free printable activities
Liam’s Lost Sparkle
A young girl named Maya eagerly anticipates her favorite part of the day, going to school. It’s art day, and she can’t wait. But when she arrives at her usual seat, she finds Liam sitting there. Something is off. Liam isn’t his usual self; he’s quiet, withdrawn, clutching a toy spaceship, and unwilling to participate in class. Maya is frustrated at first; her spot was taken, and Liam didn’t even engage in the activity. Curious and concerned, Maya turns to her teacher and learns that Liam’s best friend has moved away.
Instead of staying upset, Maya chooses kindness. She offers to help Liam complete the rocket ship he and his friend had started together. Through this thoughtful gesture, she watches Liam slowly begin to regain his lost sparkle.
Liam’s Lost Sparkle is a tender, insightful story that offers a meaningful lesson in empathy and emotional awareness. Maya’s response to Liam’s sadness is not just compassionate, it’s proactive. Rather than focusing on her own disappointment, she seeks to understand and support a classmate in need. This kind of emotional intelligence, especially when portrayed through a relatable child character, resonates deeply with young readers.
The illustrations are bright, engaging, and brimming with warmth. Each image enhances the story, bringing its characters and emotions vividly to life. At the end of the book, readers are invited to reflect with thoughtful questions, encouraging deeper conversations between children and adults. Additional activities, like crafting “feelings glasses” or practicing small acts of kindness, extend the story’s impact beyond the page.
Liam’s Lost Sparkle is highly recommended for children learning to navigate their emotions and understand those of others. It would be a valuable addition to any classroom or pediatric waiting room, where empathy, understanding, and emotional growth are essential themes.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0FG3L929K
LITERARY TITAN 