Blog Archives
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Sydney, Bean and The Missing Gloves
Sydney, Bean, and the Missing Gloves is a charming and heartwarming children’s story that follows Sydney, a brave-hearted but anxious Labrador, and her new little sister Bean, a lively puppy with a big heart. The story kicks off with Sydney struggling with fear and self-doubt, especially when left alone during thunderstorms. When a pair of their mom’s cherished gloves go missing, suspicion falls on Sydney, reigniting her worries. But Bean leaps to her defense, and the two embark on a mystery-filled adventure that eventually brings them face-to-face with a mischievous cat, a junkyard rescue mission, and the realization that courage and love come in many forms.
I was hooked right away by Sydney’s inner voice. Her struggle with fear felt surprisingly real for a kids’ book. Janice E. Collins does a beautiful job of giving Sydney dimension—she’s not just the “brave dog” trope. She’s messy, nervous, and trying her best. I loved how her relationship with Bean started off prickly and uncertain but bloomed into something sweet and fiercely loyal. The story sneaks in a lot of heart: it’s about family, trust, and believing in yourself even when things get tough. I found myself laughing at Monty the cat’s antics and rooting hard for Bean as she wandered into danger. There’s a cozy energy in the way the story unfolds, but it also manages to squeeze in real suspense and adventure.
One of the standout elements for me was how this book avoids being preachy while still delivering strong lessons. Kids don’t get a moral hammered at them—they live it through Sydney and Bean. The pacing was sharp, and the dialogue cracked with personality. Every animal character had a distinct voice, from the slightly dramatic Sergeant Riley to the chatty baby bird. And the emotional beats hit just right. It’s rare for a book aimed at young readers to balance silliness with sincerity so well, but this one pulls it off.
The illustrations are magical. Each scene bursts with rich colors, expressive characters, and warm, detailed backdrops that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a Disney movie. The illustrator, Artsoluki, brings the story to life with a cinematic flair.
Sydney, Bean, and the Missing Gloves is a total delight. I’d recommend it for any kids who love animals, mystery, and stories with a lot of heart. It’s also a great pick for read-aloud sessions—there’s just so much voice in every page. Parents will enjoy it too, especially if they’ve ever had a scared pup or a new sibling dynamic at home.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B0DLLR5HZD
Motivating and Empowering Kids
Jordyn’s A to Z Affirmation Book is a radiant and inspiring children’s book that transforms the alphabet into a journey of positivity and empowerment by introducing each letter with a meaningful affirmation to promote self-confidence, kindness, and inner strength. What was the inspiration for your story?
I wanted to have a book that motivated kids to dream big and to think big, my daughter suggested that I add an affirmation book to my series. She and I worked together on this project. I also added a new character to the series, Jordyn’s cousin named Jordan to this book. I wanted them to take turns motivating and empowering kids in their own way, and to let kids know there are no limits in what they can accomplish in their lives: whether it’s becoming a doctor, a professional athlete or running their own business one day. I wanted the story to build confidence, self-love, and resilience.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
First and foremost, this book encourages children to read and gives them the tools to know their self-worth. The book encourages kids to embrace their unique qualities, and to believe in themselves. All of my books encourage kids to read. That’s why I created my children’s book series to encourage children to read to have fun while doing so; while also empowering young minds to think big to dream big. The book is meant to be an educational tool for teachers, counselors, and parents to use daily to nurture a strong and positive mindset in their students and children. My inspiration was to inspire my young readers to dream and to keep dreaming, and for them to know that there are no limits in what they can achieve.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The letters V and W, where Jordyn and her cousin are a princess and a prince. I definitely wanted to include that in this book. Children need to know they are valuable and worthy, and they need to hear it or read it daily. Self-love and developing inner strength can go a long way in life, and this book does that with each letter of the alphabet. Every letter introduces a positive affirmation.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I’m still trying to figure out what’s next, whether I want to add more characters or what the next journey will be in the series. I’m sure it will be a wonderful and exciting storyline for my readers to enjoy.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Jordyn’s A to Z Affirmation Book encourages kids to embrace their unique qualities, celebrate diversity, and to believe in their dreams. This book is designed to foster a growth mindset and emotional well-being for children, while learning the letters of the alphabet with a positive affirmation and can be used daily as a tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to nurture a strong and positive foundation in young hearts and minds. This book is meant to inspire, empower and motivate all kids. The book also includes several coloring pages to keep kids engaged.
The Wandering Adventures at Hobart Mill
The Wandering Adventures at Hobart Mill is a charming and heartfelt tale that follows young Malachi Halladay as he is uprooted from New York and placed into the care of his eccentric and endlessly adventurous great-grandmother, Granny Annie, in the wilds of Tasmania. After the tragic loss of his parents, Malachi embarks on a journey of healing, discovery, and wonder. The narrative weaves his real-world grief with magical and mysterious elements, from a mischievous Tasmanian devil named Fern to a curious and long-forgotten estate called Hobart Mill. With a cast of quirky characters and an ever-growing sense of curiosity, Malachi’s story is part adventure, part emotional awakening.
What really stood out to me was the sincerity in Kinard’s writing. He doesn’t shy away from portraying the rawness of grief through Malachi’s eyes, but he balances it beautifully with warmth and humor. Granny Annie is a scene-stealer—skydiving, rock-climbing, storytelling—she’s a whirlwind of vitality and love. And then there’s Fern, a Tasmanian devil who becomes a literal and emotional companion to Malachi. Their bond feels real, honest, and surprisingly moving. The narrative’s pace is gentle but never dull, and Kinard’s prose, though simple, is surprisingly powerful in the way it captures feelings and places. The dialogue can sometimes be a little too polished for kids, but it never loses its heart.
The book leans into nostalgia and sentimentality. Some scenes play out with an almost movie-like sheen—idealized, even dreamlike. The secrets of Hobart Mill are tantalizing, but they’re teased more than they’re revealed. Still, that sense of wonder—of something just around the corner—is part of what makes the story so engaging. Kinard’s use of real-world geography mixed with fantasy elements gives the whole book an almost timeless feel, like a modern-day Narnia with a dash of Roald Dahl’s mischief.
All in all, I’d recommend this book to middle-grade readers and families looking for something cozy yet adventurous. It’s a gentle read that touches on deep themes without becoming heavy. Readers who’ve lost someone might find solace in Malachi’s journey, and kids who love exploration will adore the quirky mysteries that unfold.
Pages: 240 | ASIN: B0CWFMK31D
Science Is For All People
Nurse Florence®, What is Fibromyalgia? follows three friends who are curious about fibromyalgia, as well as the school nurse, as they chat about everything from symptoms and causes to tests, treatments, and even lifestyle changes. How did you approach writing about this complex topic in a way that makes it accessible to younger readers?
Faith. It is important to be an optimist in the dangerous world we live in. I choose to believe that kids can learn complicated things as long as it is taught properly.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book without overwhelming readers?
Thoroughness is key. Kids have a lot of questions, and we should attempt to be thorough with our answers so that they feel informed and empowered to live a better life. In the Nurse Florence® series, we thoroughly review diseases so that the whole family can be educated and all of a child’s questions can be answered.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about teaching children about medical and science concepts?
My understanding is that science is for all people, young and old, not just the educated. Let us educate the uneducated so that we have common understanding of things that affect all of us.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am in the initial planning of a third series the company will start to publish this Autumn (2025) about citizenship. I’m really excited about the impact this series could also have on societies around the world. Let us leave the world a better place than how we found it and then we’ll succeed in getting future generations to heights unimagined.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book®
A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy
Dow Creative Enterprises®
Help Civilization Reach Its Potential®
The Wonders of Oklahoma
Take Me Back to Oklahoma follows a young boy looking forward to his family’s summer road trip who is completely over his home state and can’t wait to hit the road and see the “real” excitement out in the big cities, beaches, and mountains. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Growing up in Oklahoma, I often longed to be anywhere else. It wasn’t until I left home for North Carolina to pursue my undergraduate degree at Wake Forest University that I realized how special my home state really was. The young boy in the story is very similar to how I was as a child, although it took me much longer than he did to appreciate the wonders of Oklahoma.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I want to show Oklahoman children what while their home state may seem boring, it is a place like no other. I hope that they learn to appreciate it the way I have learned to. In addition, I wanted to emphasize that the people of Oklahoma are what make it so special.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I most enjoyed coming up with the things that make Oklahoma a special place and collaborating on those pages with my illustrator.
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?
Yes. Be on the lookout for the sequel titled Take Me Back to the U.S.A. in the near future.
Author Links: Instagram | Amazon
“Get me out of Oklahoma!” Thomas declares. He’s excited for his family’s summer road trip to a busy city, a sandy beach, and giant mountains. To Thomas, his home state is boring-and don’t even get him started on the weather.
But as Thomas explores new places, something surprising happens: he begins to miss home. He misses the delicious food, the music, the feeling that he’s a part of something bigger, and even the sound of the wind and rain. Most of all, he misses the people-their kindness, resilience, and sense of community that make Oklahoma truly special.
In the end, Thomas proclaims to his parents “Take me back to Oklahoma!”
Join Thomas on this heartwarming journey that celebrates the beauty, history, and spirit of Oklahoma. Perfect for families with young readers and anyone who knows the magic of home.
Being Responsive to Educational Needs
In Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B9 or Folate or Folic Acid? the school nurse walks readers through the basics of what folic acid is, why our bodies need it, where it comes from, and what happens if we don’t get enough. What do you find interesting about this topic, making it ideal for a children’s nonfiction story?
Folic acid is essential for a growing fetus in the womb. I love to empower kids to live healthier lives and wish every girl reading this book will remember the importance to take a vitamin pill with this essential vitamin if they get pregnant in the future.
Can you share an instance where real-life events inspired your writing?
There was an outbreak of E. coli with some deaths that happened in one part of the Country, so I tasked one of my quick illustrators to do drawings for an E. coli Nurse Florence® book. We want to be responsive to the educational needs of our Country.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Watching TV shows with my wife. We are currently watching ‘Lost’ in Spanish.
What advice do you have for aspiring nonfiction writers who want to write for children?
Focus on bringing something beautiful into the world to make it a better place. Let that be one of your definitions of success.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
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