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Learning Can Be Fun
Squirrels in Antarctica takes young readers on a whimsical journey where creatures and insects find themselves in delightfully improbable scenarios far from their natural realms. What was the inspiration for your story?
Squirrels in Antarctica was inspired by a word game my young son came up with at the family dinner table. We would go around and everyone would think of the silliest or most unexpected animal/location combo they could imagine. It was perfect for all ages and so much fun! But the true win for me as a mom, was that it was engaging the two younger kids to stay in their seats and eat dinner – something the littles normally struggled to do. About a year later, I was on a long drive on my own, and all of a sudden, a bunch of these new funny combinations kept coming to me. I was so busy cracking up, I had to pull over and jot some of them down. Before long, with so many fun ideas, I wondered, “Could this be a book?!” And the answer eventually became a resounding “Yes!”
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
While Squirrels in Antarctica is certainly intended to entertain and inspire creativity, I wanted it to have an educational aspect that aims to expand the reader’s knowledge of animals and geographical locations. The book introduces a vast cast of animals – many of whom may be brand-new to young children. While they may know what a squirrel or a hippo looks like, this might be the first time they see a blobfish, a meerkat, or zooplankton. Geographically, the book does something similar. Many of the pages give the reader a peek into exotic locations around the world like Peru, Paris, Tibet, New York, Hollywood, and beyond! For kids to be able to explore our expansive world in this way while having fun, is an incredibly valuable learning tool.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process with illustrator Todd Wilkerson like?
Working with Todd has been phenomenal! He is so naturally talented and funny that he really elevates the humor with his work. Like with the “sloth who runs a marathon but isn’t ever done,” I gave him an example of how we could have the sloth making his way to mile one. But it was all Todd’s idea to have the seasons pass and the sloth age, making the concept even more wonderfully comical. Todd fully understood what I was going for, and when I would say things like, “Can you draw a giraffe with a bowtie?” He’d respond, “That is my specialty.” And not to be outdown, that giraffe got the red carpet treatment with a tuxedo, a top hot, and a monocle! Todd’s work and work ethic are awesome. With our busy lives, it took us nearly a year from start to finish to lock in all of the illustrations, but it was totally worth it. The art in this book goes above and beyond to bring the words to life, in the most charming and hilarious fashion.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
We are in talks about if this could be a series. Stay tuned!
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This fantastical book of animals in unusual places will tickle your brain, leading readers of all ages imagining their own silly combos.
You’ll see a skiing seal in Switzerland, a pufferfish piloting an airplane, a sloth who runs a marathon (but isn’t ever done), and so much more!
With fun illustrations and an educational twist, this book encourages readers to embrace their limitless imagination, explore the world, and experience animals big and small in their not-so-natural habitats.
Perfect for bedtime reading or as a classroom favorite, Squirrels in Antarctica sparks boundless imagination. So, come along on this epic journey and “Let your thoughts fly limitless like snails on shooting stars.”
Is it a book? Is it a word game? Can it be both?!
Squirrels in Antartica
Squirrels in Antarctica by Sari Karplus serves as a delightful portal into the vast and varied realms of animals and geography, sparking a child’s curiosity and imagination. This enchanting book takes young readers on a whimsical journey where creatures and insects find themselves in delightfully improbable scenarios, far from their natural realms. From a porcupine strolling through Paris clad in pink to a skunk endeavoring to remain odorless, and from a narwhal seeking rest in New York to a piglet dining with a spork, Karplus brings these scenes to life with lyrical rhymes and vivid, dynamic illustrations.
Karplus’s writing style is exceptionally child-friendly, featuring succinct, engaging sentences that captivate both young readers and adults. The book’s structure, while not following a traditional narrative, offers an educational exploration of a wide range of animals, actions, and locales. It encourages children to expand their understanding of the world, introducing them to diverse environments from the Earth’s landscapes to the cosmic expanse of Saturn’s rings. The illustrations are a standout feature, with each scenario depicted in rich, colorful detail, creating a unique and immersive visual experience. The book encourages children to think creatively and embrace the boundless possibilities of their imaginations, fostering an environment where the extraordinary is not just possible but celebrated. What makes Squirrels in Antarctica particularly captivating is its embrace of the fantastical. Each page turn is an adventure, filled with anticipation for the next delightful absurdity.
Karplus’s humor and lively pacing make the reading experience both entertaining and engaging, ideal for nurturing a lifelong love of reading. This book isn’t just a reading experience; it’s a journey into a world where the unexpected is the norm, making it a brilliant choice for inspiring young minds to learn, laugh, and dream.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9798986029757
It’s The End, But Not Goodbye
Boone and Jacque: Sahon follows two friends who are separated from everyone they love and are trying to return to Earth. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?
For starters, thank you for a wonderful review that reduced me to tears of pride and joy. Secondly, this was a hard book to write, not just because it was the last one of the series, but because I wasn’t in good health. For most of the writing, which was around six months, I had chronic tension headaches and dizzy spells due to pinched and strained muscles in my back, neck, and shoulder that was putting immense pressure on my nerves. Also, I was in a car accident with a commercial freight truck and had some inner demons that festered in my head. All of which I implemented into the story. Please know no one was hurt in the accident.
To properly close Boone and Jacque’s arcs, I had to isolate them as much as possible before bringing them back together and then return to their loved ones. Furthermore, they had to be exposed to emotions they have repressed for quite sometime.
As for how the idea for the novel developed over time, it started from when I first worked on book four, Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight. I knew that book five would be the final one because any further extension of the series would tarnish the richness of the conclusive nature of their arc. To which I had much to cover in the final leg of their journey.
I thought about how we as human beings are decision makers. Some more active than others. As in we don’t all act on our emotions all the time. We have responsibilities to uphold, people to care for, a job to go to, hurdles to overcome, endure nightmares, goals to achieve, secrets to keep for the sake of loyalty or self preservation, and many other things that occupy and complicate our minds. Therefore, getting in the way of understanding who we are. What our purpose is and what we do to get the most out of it.
Sometimes, the love we have for others is so strong, we forget to love and understand ourselves. Sometimes the ones we love see how broken and depleted we are. They try to help us but it’s not always enough.
So though Boone and Jacque have been on many adventures, it was always together. In addition, because they were so focused on surviving and keeping each other alive, while also dealing with interpersonal issues and enduring the complexities of life without parental or peer guidance, they never had a true opportunity to find themselves in a more holistic way that solidified their fate as human beings. Where they go in life as adults is up to them.
That’s why the series is complete. Because even though they have much longer to live and endure other chapters in their lives, I can’t spend my entire career obsessing over them. When I will include them in other novels, their may be a few things for them to grow from, but it wouldn’t be enough for another segment of the series. Enough as secondary characters or passersby, but not primary characters.
One thing that stands out in this series is the bond the characters form with each other, not just Boone and Jacque. What was your process in writing the characters’ interactions to develop the bond they have?
One thing I always ask of myself as a writer, is to create strong bonds or chemistry between enemies, lovers, and friends. Because how others act around us or in our world, can have a strong effect on us. Especially when we meddle or have any part in their lives. Take for example Mayor Gander and Myamirah. Those two were meant to be secondary characters and antagonist that kept the interludes in the story active and engaging. So what I did was see how the ripping and tearing of their marriage, caused by a need for more power than the other, could create a continuing need for Boone and Jacque to grow. To forget about themselves once they’ve had a sense of who they are and therefore protect others before it’s too late.
I did all this by intriguing myself in dynamics outside of my own. In the real world, people in power don’t bother getting personal or violent with the public. But what if they had the gall to do so with those that could tarnish their position and ambitions? That’s the question I asked when creating that type of relationship.
As for Xantia and Shammy, I followed the natural progression of their relationship and the weight Xantia carried with her as she did her best to accomplish many things. Help take care of children even though she had no practice in being a caretaker. Unraveling the truth Myamirah kept secret then teased Xantia when she saw how close she was getting. I saw the relationship between Xantia and Shammy as a good counterbalance to Boone and Jacque’s need to find purpose and protect the ones they love as heroes, fathers, husbands, and humans desperate for sense of stability and undying love. Their wives are striving for the similar goals but because they had no idea of the when or if they’d see their husbands again, they became territorial and valiant warriors protecting their home base and children.
In a nutshell, I love characters and intersecting relationships to make a cohesive story. Because if I had Boone and Jacque come home to no conflict, I’m saying that the world stops living until they come back. Which is not realistic and would make the story fall flat. That’s why the interludes were implemented. To show the readers that while we are fighting for the life we want, the world is doing the same in different ways. We may not see it because it doesn’t affect us directly, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening all around us. More importantly, when it involves the ones we love, the ones we are interconnected with, it’s even more important to put our need to pick up our pieces by ourselves down and help them. Lastly, when we fight for freedom, peace, and love on our own, we forget that others can help us as well. More importantly, that they may be struggling as well. We must learn to drop our baggage and help someone let go of theirs.
What was one of the hardest parts in Boone and Jacque: Sahon for you to write?
The final chapter because I drew from my experience with my mother’s passing. We never had a wake, so I imagined what it would’ve been like. I knew I had to have something raw and powerful to finish the series. And I knew it was going to be hard for me. So, despite being exhausted, scared of the series ending, being overwhelmed, I wrote the last chapter in two days. Total four hours. Because if I took any longer, I would’ve watered down the emotion and dragged it out. I couldn’t do that to Boone and Jacque. Certainly not to myself as an emotional person.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
Boone will be a secondary character in a stand-alone novel called Red Widow Waltz. As for the premise, that is still up in the air. All I can tell you is there are three things. A seedy government agency, widowers, and a boogeyman. Jacque and Xantia will have an important role in a book called Tar. In which a dark entity from the depths of a desert spawn from earth’s core seeps into a grungy town called Barlocke.
As a bonus for the readers here, once Tar is complete, I will be working on another fantasy series I’ve been meaning to write. In which for now it will be called Zephutra. Which is inspired by my sister and I’s relationship as brother and sister.
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Enduring pain on an endless, chaotic, gut-wrenching, and mind-altering voyage
that will bring them back home. But the certainty of a blissful reunion and peace on earth
is as much of an enigma as their purpose.
Boone and Jacque: Sahon
A.G. Flitcher masterfully guides us on an enthralling odyssey with Boone and Jacque in Boone and Jacque: Sahon, an exhilarating conclusion to their captivating saga. Unforeseen circumstances have mercilessly torn them apart from their loved ones, compelling them to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Jacque, renowned for his methodical and rational nature, undergoes a profound realization, recognizing the inherent value of embracing emotions when logic falls short. Meanwhile, Boone learns the delicate art of relinquishing attachments over time, understanding that powerful emotions require a graceful release. Yet, the revelation of their true selves merely marks their extraordinary expedition’s inception. To reunite with their cherished families and secure a life of tranquility, they must valiantly confront haunting memories and malevolent entities.
The personal growth of Boone and Jacque, depicted with utmost finesse by A.G. Flitcher, evoked a profound admiration within me. Their arduous voyage was an unsettling ordeal, yet it served as an enlightening experience for both protagonists. Empathy surged through me as I empathized with their plight, for the anguish of being separated from their families endured for an agonizing five years. Regrettably, their homecoming in Cytrus proved to be anything but straightforward, thrusting them into an additional expedition—this time, a quest to locate Boone’s long-lost kin. During Boone and Jacque’s absence, Xantia courageously assumed a more significant role in supporting Shammy as she grappled with a medical predicament. Witnessing Xantia’s character blossoming further since the previous installment was a delight. She admirably persisted in her inquiry into the mayor’s wife, exhibiting an unwavering dedication to unraveling the truth. Personally, I found her character to be captivating and multifaceted.
Meanwhile, Shammy exhibited unwavering strength, steadfastly protecting her children amidst their trials. Introducing Sahon as a new character injected an intriguing element into the narrative, captivating my imagination as I delved into their intricate backstory. A.G. Flitcher’s imaginative prowess shines brightly, solidifying his status as a visionary author. With each turn of the page, the author propels readers into a world teeming with enchantment and peril—Therenosita, the planet that forcibly ensnares Boone and Jacque. Within its mystical realms lie an abundance of captivating wonders and untold dangers. Amongst the remarkable creatures inhabiting this extraordinary realm, the silver trees are my favorite. Their very existence conjures images of resplendent beauty, painting an indelible portrait in my mind.
The final chapter of Boone and Jacque: Sahon left me awash in a torrent of emotions. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I journeyed through its poignant pages. Yet, while the ending carried a tinge of sorrow, it also emanated a profound sense of fulfillment. For those searching for a series that will ignite the fires of imagination, this extraordinary opus by A.G. Flitcher is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be swept away on a magnificent escapade where the boundaries of your mind are shattered, and your imagination roams free.
Pages: 478 | ASIN : B0C1DQW5DL
Scamper And The Magic Of Appreciation
In Scamper and the Magic of Appreciation by Michal Y. Noah and Loren Noah, we are taken on a journey by Scamper, the squirrel who allows us to see the beauty in everyday little moments and to appreciate all we have around us.
The poetic prose of the story from start to finish is impressive. Just like the author’s note at the beginning of the story, we read impactful words of empowerment and feel motivated by every word throughout. The illustrations by Favreau are enchanting and sweet, literally beaming joy from every page.
I agree with the author about the importance of empowering young children and knowing their happiness and self-worth are in their own minds. I believe we sometimes forget as parents or caretakers how critical it is for an adolescent mind to learn the value of self-esteem and tend to only teach our children to just be ‘good kids.’ This book helps me remember that although, yes, we want our kids to behave nicely, especially around other people, to be good to themselves and enjoy life is just as equally relevant.
I would recommend this book to anyone with children or even someone who is looking for a confidence boost or great motivational quotes. The story has loads of them strewn about its length. This quote in particular, “Above me a blank canvas, a sky that’s clear and blue; On it I can paint my dreams, each day I will start anew.”, fills me with such hope and rapture that I will very likely repeat that as a morning mantra from now on.
Scamper and the Magic of Appreciation is a beautifully written picture book that encourages children, and adults, to look for the beauty within themselves. This children’s book is empowering as well as entertaining and will be a book that the whole family will want to read more than once.
Pages: 36 | ISBN : 0996775757
Hooray for Heidi! (The Sumatran Trilogy)
Heidi, the Sumatran turtle, is excited for the day ahead. Today is the first day of the Sumatran Games, and this is the first time she gets to attend. Heidi moves as quickly as she can, given her short turtle legs, but she falls behind the other animals. Finally, a kind, friendly elephant named Jose stops and asks if she needs help. When she explains she is trying to get to the games, Jose picks her up and carries her the rest of the way. Once at the games, the two new friends watch the events, and Heidi becomes sad watching all the things she can not do. Eventually, Jose also grows sad because of Heidi’s morose attitude. Once Heidi realizes her lousy attitude has upset her new friends, she comes up with a plan to make them both feel better about the skills they do possess. While her plan doesn’t work out exactly as they hoped, they learn a valuable lesson about teamwork.
Hooray for Heidi! written by Emma Sandford and illustrated by Olena Osadcha is a beautiful picture book about teamwork and appreciating the unique skills that everyone has. Not everyone in life is strong, fast, or flexible, but that does not mean that they do not have value. This children’s book highlights that kids often feel self-conscious when watching others that have better skills or abilities than themselves. It can be challenging to overcome those feelings and feel valuable.
Emma has written this fantastic book showing that everyone can contribute and be a valued member of the team. With a focus on teamwork, kids will learn how helping others and working together brings its own rewards, even if it is not the trophy they were after. The other focus in this whimsical picture book is friendship. For example, an elephant and a turtle become great friends despite being so different from one another. This is an excellent example for young children to look past the physical differences in each other and value people for who they are inside.
Hooray for Heidi! is a beautifully written picture book that teaches children the value of friendship and teamwork. This would be a wonderful book for preschool and kindergarten classrooms to help kids learn how to work together to achieve a common goal. There is also the message that sometimes things do not go as planned, which is okay too!
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0BFNT32T1
Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight
Boone and Jacque are back again in Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight! It has been 15 years, and they are living their best lives. Boone got married to Shammy, and they have two amazing children together. Boone and Shammy just want to live a life of peace and quiet. Jacque, on the other hand has become a detective and loves his job and his woman named Xantia, who happens to be a detective as well. Boone and Jacque still have a very strong friendship, but their lives turn upside down when a new mysterious murder happens. This throws Jacque and Boone into a new quest that they never wanted. They just want to live their simple lives.
The new book in the Boone and Jacque series is stupendous! Readers that have enjoyed prior books in this series will be blown away by the new characters and adventures. AG Flitcher takes readers on a magical and fantastical adventure that surpasses prior novels, going in a completely different direction and showcasing the growth of Boone and Jacque. In addition, this an inclusive novel. Jacque, Xantia, and Coralie are all part of the LGBTQI+ community.
Jacque and Xantia are a wonderful couple. Xantia was a great addition to the group and is a strong woman. Her character is well developed and fits perfectly into the story. Coralie is new as well, and I learned a bit about her, but I do hope to learn more about her in the next book. Reading about Boone and Shammy’s children is delightful; they add a new demension to the storyline. Boone’s character is still growing and figuring himself out, but I can say he is a loving father. It made me happy to see his character get some happiness after the childhood readers learned about in past books. Having Shammy to share his life with gives his story the joyful component he had been missing.
I still have some questions, but I imagine the next book will answer them. AG Flitcher seems to be very good at wrapping up loose ends. The story overall was well written. While I have my questions about Dr. Button and Jacque’s aunt and uncle, I am sure I will get my answers over time.
I give Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight 5 out of 5 stars. This novel felt very different from the others, but I can tell it is leading up to similar adventures with an extra twist. I look forward to the next book in this amazing series!
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0B5SBNQ27
I Want To Encourage Children
The First UniBear follows a cub that through acts of kindness and compassion grows a unicorn horn and spreads acts of kindness all around the forest. When you wrote your story at the age of ten what was your inspiration?
I absolutely adore Unicorns and I loved watching the Care Bears. I never understood why there weren’t unicorns in the “Land without Feelings” or why there wasn’t a bear with a unicorn horn and special magical gift. That’s how the idea came to me to combine them.
I began by wondering why no one could SEE unicorns. I determined that they DO exist, that they are rare, and we haven’t “Earned” the ability to see them. Then I began wondering what we could do to EARN the ability. Being a good person, doing good things, that was a given, but there were plenty of good people in the world that couldn’t see unicorns. So there had to be more to it. That’s when I came up with the “Pay it Forward” idea (long before that movie came out). You have to help one person, then that person has to help another person, and down the line. So by having met all of those challenges, you could have the gift… but would you know it?
As a child, I hadn’t helped save someone yet, so that made sense as to why I hadn’t grown a horn. As an adult though, editing my rhyming story – yes, I wrote it in rhyme at ten years of age, and no, I will not share that hilarious version, I realized that it may be because I hadn’t met a unicorn yet, muchless, SAVED a unicorn. I had met horses, but none of them needed saving. There were a lot of dominoes that need to be lined up just right to get to that miraculous gift.
So in my mind, I still instilled the idea that you should all do good deeds, help each other and be kind, because in that rare chance a unicorn is involved one day – I want to earn that horn!
I really loved the artwork and character renditions. You drew some of the illustrations when you were ten what was it like working with illustrator Aashay Utkarsh to turn your vision into the final artwork?
I wrote a blog post late last year entitled “My memories behind the upcoming book” https://www.kathleenjshields.com/authors/the-first-unibear-my-memories-behind-the-upcoming-childrens-book/ and in that post, I shared the original illustration I drew at 10 years of age. It really was adorable (in my own opinion) but Aashay added a level of depth, emotion, and detail that I could never fathom! Finding him was a blessing from God and it was all due to covid! During the lockdown, so many authors that I had met over the years had extra time on their hands and they all wanted to do children’s books. Since I had done so many illustrated books, they came to me.
Over the course of the year, I worked with nearly a dozen different illustrators across the globe to help illustrate their children’s books, but it wasn’t until I saw Aashay’s first page (of another author’s book) that Unibear came rushing back to my mind. I hadn’t thought of Unibear for half a decade, easy! I had lost my father nearly three years earlier. The will to even attempt it had been shelved, and yet, seeing Aashay’s first sketch ignited that spark within me! I immediately asked him if he could draw a teddy bear and a unicorn and what he sketched for me made me feel like that 10-year-old girl – all giddy and excited! I told him he HAD to do my book (as soon as he finished with the other author) and I have been utilizing his illustrations since, in many other authors’ works.
Working with him has been an absolute joy! He understands what I want, and adds a flair and thrill to his work that I haven’t seen from any of the other illustrators. I’ve started projects with a half dozen more this year alone, only to be grossly disappointed. Good illustrators that just disappear or don’t return messages. Illustrators that charge a ton and submit subpar work… maybe Aashay has spoiled me. All I know is he was a blessing and he’s definitely a keeper!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Originally, I just wanted to tell a story. I wanted it to be nice and magical and, as a ten-year-old girl who moved a lot, I wanted to make friends (out of a unicorn and bear of course). As an adult and author, my primary focus with all of my books is to educate and inspire. I want to encourage children to use their imagination, to do good, help others, and to believe that anything is possible. I want my stories to be fun and entertaining, and I don’t want to present major protagonists. I feel childhood is difficult enough without throwing so much ‘bad’ at them. And I wanted the story to be thought-provoking and a conversation started, which I believe it is.
I feel that 3rd, 4th and maybe even 5th graders can gain a lot from this story, especially Christian schools! Teachers could have the students point out Christian symbolism throughout the book; like the butterfly, the light leading the way, the ability to see with belief, and so much more. I even put together a document that detailed scripture along with questions of the theme which is available on my website.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I currently do not have an official book in the works. I have started a memoir but that has a long way to go! I also started writing a funny book about dogs, but it will be a chapter book. My illustrator for the Hamilton Troll series has come out of hiding and might want to work on the next part of the series… we’ll see. None of those are really inspiring me at the moment, and as any good author will tell you – when you force it, the readers can tell. A good story flows through you like warm chocolate cocoa on a bitter cold day. It comes to you like a frosty breeze and dares you not to shiver! When a story comes to an author, you have a very short amount of time to get as much of it written as you can because when that muse takes off, you’re left out in the cold without your cocoa. And for me… I want it to require illustrations because I want to work with Aashay again.
I am very grateful for the reception Unibear has received, all of the wonderful reviews, the awards it has already won, along with its stellar first day almost breaking the Amazon Top 100 Best Selling books in its respective categories! I honestly feel there are more awards coming up, and I have a dream of a screenplay making this inspirational and important story into a movie! Whether or not it makes it all the way is entirely up to God! Thank you for your support and don’t forget, “The First Unibear” is not only a full-color hardback book, but you can also get the full story in the black and white coloring book, for those young eyes that need a bit more activity to keep their attention.
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LITERARY TITAN 