Blog Archives
Playful and Imaginative
Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse follows a spirited young girl who, with the help of her community, turns a crumbling dream into a glowing masterpiece built from courage, creativity, and a whole lot of pumpkin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One cozy fall evening, when I was tucking my granddaughter into bed, she asked me to tell her a bedtime story. Since we both share a love of pumpkins, I decided to tell her a story about a little girl and a giant pumpkin. Seeing her eyes light up as she listened, I knew this story was meant for more than just one bedtime, so I decided to turn it into a book, hoping it would be shared with other children and passed down for generations to come. That moment planted the seed for what would eventually grow into this book.
How did you approach balancing whimsical storytelling with deeper emotional moments like Ivy Blue’s initial failure?
Balancing whimsy with deeper emotions was really important to me. I wanted the story to feel playful and imaginative but also grounded in feelings that children can relate to—like disappointment and frustration when things don’t go as planned. Ivy Blue’s initial setback with the pumpkin patch gave me an opportunity to explore those emotions, while keeping the tone hopeful and light. By weaving in moments of wonder, friendship, humor and small victories, I aimed to show that even when things go wrong, something beautiful can still grow from it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the key themes I wanted to explore in this book were resilience, environmental stewardship, and the power of kindness. I wanted young readers to understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s how we respond to those disappointments that truly shapes our journey. Holding onto your dreams, caring for the natural world, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard—can lead to unexpected joy and rewards. Sometimes, our dreams come true in ways we never imagined, especially when we’re guided by compassion and purpose.
In addition, I wanted the book to have an extra layer of fun and engagement, so there are 29 butterflies hidden throughout the book—one in each illustration. This interactive element invites children to slow down, observe closely, and enjoy little details, reinforcing the idea that beauty and wonder are often discovered when we take the time to really look.
What message do you hope readers take away from Ivy Blues’s journey?
I hope readers come away with a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the incredible journey something as small as a seed can take. There’s so much wonder in watching a pumpkin grow—from planting the seed, nurturing it with care, and finally seeing it flourish. I also hope the story inspires kids to dream big and stay hopeful, even when things don’t go as expected. With patience, care, and a little imagination, dreams can be realized in the most unexpected ways.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
As Halloween nears, Autumn grows too large to become a jack-o’-lantern, leaving Ivy Blue with a dilemma—what do you do with a giant pumpkin?
With beautifully crafted illustrations and an interactive element that engages readers to find a butterfly in each picture, this heartwarming tale of friendship, giving back to the environment, and realizing one’s dreams in unexpected ways will delight readers in every season.
Educating Whole Families
Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B3 or Niacin in our Food? follows curious kids who learn medical science from a friendly nurse who believes young readers deserve the truth about their health. Why did you choose B3 for this story?
The series is addressing many diet related questions. Kids are usually just told by authority figures to take their vitamins. We are writing vitamin related books to help parents educate their children about the need for each of the essential vitamins as well as provide a resource for doctor’s offices so that their patients can feel informed and empowered.
How do you decide which “big words” or technical terms to introduce to young readers?​
The first draft has many terms and then after review, I remove some of the “big words” so that a child doesn’t feel overwhelmed with too many new science words. I leave the most important terms in the final version of the book.
What has been the most surprising or rewarding feedback you’ve received from kids or parents about the series?​
The best feedback we have received so far is that adults of all ages are learning from these books even grandparents. This series is helping educate whole families about their health. Since the books have started to be translated into other languages and are available in many online retailer websites around the world, this project may help to really improve the health literacy levels of people in most if not all cultures.
What challenges did you face when writing about potential risks of niacin, like overconsumption, without scaring kids?​
I want kids to know they can take too much of a good thing and that turns into a problem. Most everything should be done in moderation.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
This Amazin, Shared Journey
Woody Woodchuck: Lost in the Woods follows a young woodchuck who is taking the laundry down when a strong wind knocks his glasses off and blows the laundry into the nearby woods, causing him to lose his glasses and to go searching without them, ultimately getting lost.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I went on a 17-day African safari in 2024 to Kenya and Tanzania and was part of a six-person Land Cruiser with five fellow travelers. Over the long, 12+ hour travel days that followed, the six strangers would become six close friends. Each person had a unique personality, but we formed a lifelong friendship on this amazing, shared journey.
​What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
To show kids that it’s easy, fun, and rewarding to make new friends. All of the characters in the story had a weak sense and a strong sense (lack of smell, hard of hearing, etc.) Working together and using everyone’s unique strengths, a group can overcome whatever challenges they may encounter on the journey to reach their goal. Meet someone new. Be a friend to them. Make a new friend.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
When Woody gets hopelessly lost in the deep woods, he is alone and afraid. The scene sets up the story for Woody to meet four woodland creatures that would ultimately become friends. Together on a journey to help Woody get home, the new friends use their unique strengths to overcome the obstacles they face and get Woody back home safely to his Mama.
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?
Book two in the series, Woody Woodchuck: Adventure in the City, is being illustrated and will be out in July 2025. Woody’s love for “wild-berry and acorn” pie gets him in big trouble this time as he gets trapped in a bakery delivery truck and ends up in the city over 30 miles from home. He’ll need the help of new friends, and old, to make it back home to Mama this time!
Author Links: Website | Amazon
The Precious Children In My Life
In Hello, My Name Is Harper, a nervous little bunny beginning first grade whose fears are eased by a kind teacher and a welcoming group of classmates. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The idea for this book came from my own experiences with the precious children in my life. Starting something new can feel overwhelming, especially for children who may be a bit shy or unsure, but don’t yet have the words to describe how they are feeling. Through Harper young readers are gently reassured that new experiences aren’t so scary after all, and sometimes they can even be fun!
Where did the inspiration for Harper’s traits and dialogue come from?
The inspiration for Harper’s traits and dialogue came from a desire to show young readers it’s okay to feel unsure. Having courage doesn’t mean not being scared, but to take a step anyway. Also a reminder that kindness both from others and toward ourselves makes all the difference in new beginnings.
I really enjoyed the artwork in this book. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Leanne Falcinelli?
Leanne Falcinelli’s illustrations brought Harper’s world to life in the sweetest way.
From the start, she understood the gentle tone and emotional heart of the story.
We worked closely on things like character expressions and classroom settings to make sure every detail felt warm and welcoming. Leanne has such a talent for visual storytelling, and she truly captured the spirit of Harper.
What is the next book young readers can look forward to seeing from you? What are you currently working on?
We are excited to be working on a new series that brings each of Harper’s classmates into the spotlight. Each book will explore a different emotion through that character’s perspective, using animals as a way to make those feelings more relatable and fun for young readers.Â
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse
Wendy Schicktanz crafts a whimsical and heartwarming tale in Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse, a delightful children’s book brimming with imagination, charm, and seasonal magic. At the center of the story is Ivy Blue, a spirited young girl with one grand ambition: to build the most enchanting pumpkin playhouse the town has ever seen. With the crisp air of autumn swirling and the local fair drawing near, Ivy Blue embarks on a creative adventure fueled by determination, friendship, and a boundless belief in the power of dreams.
The writing sparkles with warmth. Schicktanz’s style radiates encouragement, weaving a lyrical rhythm into the narrative that makes each page feel like a story told beside a crackling fire. Ivy Blue leaps off the page, bold, curious, endlessly hopeful. Her journey unfolds with a pace that’s both engaging and unhurried, allowing young readers to soak in each pumpkin-spiced moment while keeping the momentum lively and inviting.
Creativity and collaboration form the heart of Ivy Blue’s world. She doesn’t dream alone. Her vision comes to life with the help of her family, friends, and even a few skeptical neighbors. It’s a gentle reminder: shared dreams often bloom brighter. The pumpkin playhouse itself is a glowing, handmade marvel that serves as a vivid metaphor for what can be built when people come together with open hearts and big ideas.
Moments of emotional depth enrich the story’s playful surface. One particularly poignant scene sees Ivy Blue confronting failure when her first pumpkin creation crumbles. Her sorrow is palpable. But it’s in this quiet setback that the story finds one of its strongest notes, resilience. With encouragement from those around her, Ivy Blue rises again, stronger, wiser, and more inspired.
This is a book that invites both laughter and reflection. Ideal for cozy classroom corners, bedtime read-alouds, or autumn storytelling sessions, Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse is a celebration of dreaming big and building together. Ivy Blue’s journey will leave little readers enchanted and remind older ones of the magic that blooms when hope meets hard work.
Pages: 37 | ASIN: B0DK22F3W5
Lexi and the Super Chair
Lexi and the Super Chair tells the heartfelt story of a vibrant young girl who loves learning, horseback riding, and singing. Her life takes an unexpected turn one morning on her way to school, and an accident lands her in the hospital. The diagnosis? Paralysis. The news is devastating. Lexi, once full of motion and energy, suddenly finds herself unable to move.
Just as hopelessness begins to settle in, a nurse arrives with something extraordinary, a power chair. But not just any chair. This one becomes Lexi’s gateway to independence. With it, she’s able to zip through her home, get ready for school, and even perform a daring kitten rescue from a tree. The chair becomes more than a mobility device; it’s her sidekick, her spark of freedom.
Though the story begins with a tragic twist, it quickly evolves into a tale of resilience and hope. What makes Lexi’s journey truly inspiring is the way she embraces possibility over despair. Rather than focusing on what she’s lost, Lexi discovers what she can still do and, even more impressively, what she can still dream. Her character is empowering without feeling idealized.
The narrative shines in its honest portrayal of childhood curiosity. Lexi’s friends ask direct, sometimes tough, questions like whether she’ll ever walk again. These moments ring true. Children often speak without filters, and the author captures that authenticity beautifully. Lexi responds not with shame, but with openness. She educates, adapts, and inspires, turning her reality into something powerful.
Visually, the illustrations leap off the page. They have the charm of a lively cartoon, making each scene feel animated and full of motion. The most memorable moment? When Lexi’s chair transforms into a rocket, pure magic. That scene, bursting with imagination, perfectly encapsulates the book’s message: disability doesn’t diminish adventure, it just changes the way it’s experienced.
Lexi and the Super Chair deserves a spot on every school library shelf. It’s an ideal pick for young readers in need of encouragement or simply a story that celebrates strength, creativity, and joy in the face of challenge.
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
Survive an Ancient Sorrow by Michael Greenwald
Native Arcana by C.J. Caughman
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
There is Something Fishy About Ed. A Gentle introduction into mental health and eating disorders by Monique Stokvis
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 