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Johnny and Type 1
Johnny and Type 1 tells the heartfelt story of a young boy named Johnny who wakes up one morning expecting a day of fun, only to find himself feeling unwell, tired, unusually thirsty, and out of sorts. Concerned, his parents take him to the doctor, where he receives a life-changing diagnosis: Type 1 diabetes. Initially confused and scared, Johnny worries he’s done something wrong. But with gentle reassurance, his parents help him understand that, with medicine, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, he can live a full and joyful life.
This touching narrative explores Johnny’s journey from fear to empowerment. With the unwavering support of his family and friends, he learns to manage his condition, conquer his fear of needles, and embrace his newfound strength. His bravery shines through as he takes ownership of his health and even educates his peers about diabetes.
The story is as informative as it is inspiring. Ezra and Isaiah Negassi deliver an honest portrayal of what it means to live with Type 1 diabetes, steering clear of oversimplification while highlighting the positive changes Johnny embraces. The illustrations are vivid and expressive, bringing Johnny’s emotions and experiences to life with warmth and charm.
What stands out most is the book’s ability to speak directly to children, offering both education and encouragement. It’s a wonderful resource for parents who want to open conversations about health challenges in a compassionate and age-appropriate way. I can easily envision this book becoming a staple in pediatricians’ offices and school libraries alike.
I highly recommend Johnny and Type 1 to young readers and their families. It’s a powerful reminder that challenges, though daunting at first, can be faced with courage, community, and knowledge. With the right support, anything is possible.
Pages: 27 | ASIN: B0F2JB4QMS
Her Beautiful Way of Communicating
Shining As I Am follows a young autistic boy as he shares his life from his point of view, exploring what it means to be human, different, misunderstood, and still deeply loved. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Shining As I Am came from my middle daughter, who is autistic and was nonverbal in her early years. As a mother, I witnessed how often the world misunderstood her silence, her sensory needs, and her beautiful way of communicating without words. I also saw how hard she worked just to be accepted in spaces that weren’t built with her in mind.
Her strength, her light, and her quiet resilience moved me to write a story that would speak not just to her—but to every child who feels different, unseen, or unheard. I wanted to create a book that could gently teach the world how to embrace neurodiversity, while also reminding children like her that they don’t have to change to belong.
Shining As I Am was born out of love, advocacy, and a deep hope for a more compassionate world. It’s a message to my daughter—and children like her—that their light doesn’t need to be dimmed to fit in. They already shine, just as they are.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
At the heart of Shining As I Am is the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and accepted exactly as they are. One of the most important ideas I wanted to share is that being different is not something to fix—it’s something to celebrate.
I also wanted to help bridge the communication gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical children by offering simple but powerful affirmations of identity, kindness, and inclusion. It was important for me to show that confidence and belonging grow when children feel safe being themselves.
Most of all, I wanted every reader—especially those who feel overlooked or “too different”—to hear this message clearly: You are enough. You are worthy. You shine in your own beautiful way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Siddhant Jumde?
The illustration process for Shining As I Am was a deeply collaborative and intentional journey. I worked closely with the incredibly talented Siddhant Jumde from Bear With Us Production for nearly eight months. We poured our hearts into every detail—ensuring that each expression, color, and scene honored the children the story represents, especially those who are neurodivergent. Siddhant didn’t just illustrate the book—he connected with its message. His empathy and artistry helped bring the story to life in a way that speaks to both the eye and the soul.
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?
Shining As I Am wasn’t originally planned as part of a series—but the idea of expanding it into one is definitely in my heart. There’s so much more to explore around self-worth, inclusion, and the unique ways children shine in this world.
While it may grow into a series in the future, for now, I’m excited to share that another book is on the horizon! It will continue in the spirit of uplifting children, encouraging self-acceptance, and gently guiding readers to see the beauty in themselves and others. I can’t wait to share more soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Shining As I Am is a heartfelt story that helps children understand autism through the eyes of a young child who experiences the world in a unique way. With gentle words and colorful illustrations, this book explores the beauty of differences, teaching patience, acceptance, and empathy.
Perfect for children, Parents, and educators, Shining As I am fosters a deeper understanding of what it means to embrace difference in ability and to be kind and supportive.
Angelica : Enter into the dream
Angelica: Enter Into the Dream is a dreamy and faith-filled story about a young girl named Angelica who discovers that she is a Dream Waker—someone who can step into dreams and change them. Guided by her wise grandmother and strengthened by her Christian faith, Angelica learns to use her God-given gift to help others, including her friend Amanda, who is haunted by nightmares. Along the way, Angelica gathers heavenly allies, faces spiritual darkness, and accepts her mission to rescue those lost or afraid in the dream world.
This children’s book really surprised me. It’s sweet and sincere, but it doesn’t hold back on some deep stuff. The idea of a kid going into dreams to battle dark forces is kinda epic. And mixing that with Bible armor like the “belt of truth” or the “rope of courage” was clever. The writing is simple and gentle, clearly meant for a younger audience, but there’s something pure about it. The dreams have that classic, almost fairy tale vibe—talking animals, glowing caves, eerie enemies—but the meaning behind them hits a little deeper. It talks about fear, courage, purpose, and God’s love in a way that feels comforting.
Angelica jumps from unsure kid to full-on spiritual warrior fast. I found myself rooting for her. There’s a squirrel named Todd who leads her to an eagle-lion-dove combo squad called Eagle Fort—what’s not to love? There’s this cozy fantasy feel to it all. If you’ve ever felt afraid of the dark or had a kid scared to sleep, this book feels like it’s reaching out with a hug. The artwork is charming. The bold colors and clear shapes make it easy for kids to follow, while the expressions on the characters’ faces really bring out the emotions. It uses just enough detail to let the feelings shine through.
This picture book is a gem for parents, grandparents, or Sunday school teachers who want to introduce big spiritual ideas in a soft and imaginative way. It’s great for kids who love stories with heart and a little adventure, especially ones grounded in faith. Honestly, if you’ve got a little one who’s been dealing with nightmares or big emotions, this could be exactly the kind of book to curl up with. It’s full of love, light, and enough dream magic to keep things fun while still making you feel something real.
Tail Tale Too
Tail Tale Too follows Wally, a curious and confident boy with a big imagination and a habit of believing he knows best, until experience teaches him otherwise. Each chapter shows Wally calling on a magical Tailor to give him different animal tails—a monkey’s, a fox’s, and a peacock’s—hoping each one will help him tackle a challenge. But every tail ends up backfiring in funny or unexpected ways.
I really liked the clever way the story used tails to teach lessons. Wally’s excitement is relatable and funny, and the situations he gets into, like crashing a wedding with a giant peacock tail, made me laugh. The writing is clear and rhythmic, with just the right balance of silly and sweet. Wally feels like a real kid, not just a lesson-delivery system. And Snoo, the grumpy snake sidekick, adds a snarky voice that keeps things grounded and amusing.
What hit me the most, though, was the final scene. There’s a genuine emotional warmth when Wally helps the little beaver and finally trusts his own instincts instead of magical fixes. That moment felt earned. It landed with quiet confidence, and it reminded me how kids (and adults) grow, not from being told what to do, but from trying things, failing, and choosing to do better next time.
The artwork is bright and whimsical, perfectly matching Wally’s big personality and wild tail adventures. Each page bursts with colorful details that bring the characters and their emotions to life in a way that’s both playful and inviting.
Tail Tale Too is a charming picture book with heart, humor, and a lot of wisdom tucked inside its playful pages. I’d recommend it for kids aged 4 to 8, especially the ones who like to figure things out on their own, even if it takes a few missteps. It’s also a sweet read-aloud for parents and caregivers who know the value of letting kids stumble and shine.
Pages: 30
Fun, Faith-filled, and Relatable
Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp follows six children as they bond through silly pranks, epic camp experiences, and their budding faith. Where did the idea for this book come from?Â
The inspiration for Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp came from our Pastor’s daughter, Annabelle—who actually became one of the characters in the book! She approached us with a simple request: could we write a chapter book, since she loves reading so much? My wife and I were eager to create something meaningful, but we initially struggled to land on the right concept—something fun, faith-filled, and relatable for the kids in our church.
The breakthrough came when we volunteered at our church’s four-day Vacation Bible School. Immersed in the laughter, energy, and genuine faith of the children, everything clicked. By the end of the week, the characters, camp mischief, and spiritual moments had practically written themselves.
Can you share a little about your collaboration process?
As for our collaboration process, it’s truly a team effort. My wife and I bounce ideas off each other constantly—sometimes over dinner, sometimes late at night with notebooks on the couch. We each bring a different perspective: she’s great at capturing emotional depth and faith moments, and I tend to lean into humor and story pacing. We take turns drafting scenes, then review and revise together until it feels right. Working on this book as a couple has been one of our most rewarding creative journeys.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?Â
One of the most important themes we wanted to explore—alongside clean, lighthearted humor—was the idea that children can be guided and corrected with love, patience, and understanding, rather than harsh punishment. My wife and I are both survivors of severe child abuse, so this theme is deeply personal to us. Writing this book gave us a chance to model the kind of discipline we wish we had experienced—discipline rooted in compassion, communication, and faith, not fear.
We wanted to show that kids can make mistakes, pull pranks, and test boundaries, and still be met with grace and guidance instead of punitive responses. Through the camp leaders and adult characters, we hoped to reflect a nurturing approach that builds trust and helps children grow—not just in behavior, but in their sense of worth and belonging. It was important to us that the story demonstrate how correction can go hand in hand with love, and that forgiveness, faith, and community are powerful tools for shaping young hearts.
Can readers look forward to more books featuring the Paraclete Hills crew? What are you currently working on?
We are definitely discussing the possibility of turning Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp into a full series in the very near future! The characters have so much more to explore, and we’ve already been tossing around ideas for new adventures, deeper friendships, and meaningful lessons that continue to reflect faith and fun in equal measure.
As for our current projects, my wife has returned to working on the next installment of her Charlie and The Magic Tree book series, which has its own whimsical charm and heartwarming messages. Meanwhile, I just wrapped up writing a brand-new children’s book—but this one is a total departure from Paraclete Hills. It’s very different in tone and style, which made it an exciting creative challenge. We’re both passionate about creating stories that connect with young readers in unique and lasting ways, and we’re grateful for every opportunity to do so.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When a pack of prank-loving pals rolls into Paraclete Hills Vacation Bible Camp, they have one holy mission: turn every lesson into a laugh and every campfire into chaos. From Bible lessons to epic water balloon battles, these six mischief makers keep the counselors on their toes and the camp in a constant state of “Oh, no, not again!”
But when an unexpected guest shows up – sent by someone with a prank playbook straight from the pearly gates – the tables turn faster than you can say, “Hallelujah!” Suddenly, the crafty chaotic campers are the ones begging for mercy.
Will these pranksters rise to the challenge, or end up as the punchline of the summer? Grab your flashlight, marshmallows, and best battle cry for this laugh-out-loud adventure of faith, friendship, and a whole lot of fun.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Finding Manhood in Scotland by Victor Atyas
Viper Island by Cameron K. Moore
The Ballad of Midnight and McRae by Jess Lederman
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Children’s Books
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 