Blog Archives
Literary Titan 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 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
The Moments Between Choices by Harris Kamal
Secretos De Familia by Diego Uribe
Once Upon A Time In The Big Easy: Down On The Bayou by Wilson Jackson
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Dali & Banksy’s Brave Bite Adventure
Dali and Banksy set out on a bright morning for what they call a Brave Bites Quest. Gram sends them off with a picnic full of surprise foods, and Pepere gives them a sweet little pep talk about being bold with new bites. It feels like the whole day is meant to nudge them into trying things they have never tasted before, and turning it into an adventure instead of a chore.
I had a warm and fuzzy feeling while reading it. Something about Gram waving from the window made me smile. The writing is simple and upbeat. It has this cozy family energy that feels familiar. I like how the story frames trying new foods as something exciting rather than scary. The tone is gentle throughout.
The ideas behind it hit me in a good way. I love it when a children’s book teaches something without sounding like a lecture. This one just lets the adventure do the work. Pepere’s line about every new bite making you stronger actually stuck with me for a second. It is a tiny message. It still feels encouraging. The illustrations help too. They add a soft, friendly look that makes the whole thing even sweeter.
I’d recommend Dali & Banksy’s Brave Bite Adventure to young kids who get nervous about new foods and to the adults trying to help them along. It is cheerful, cute, and easy to read. It would be great for preschoolers and early elementary kids who enjoy simple adventures told with kindness.
Pages: 36 | ASIN: B0FKTCRQRJ
A Very Fun And Weird Detour
Ringo the Ginkgo follows a remarkable leaf, who is also a living fossil from the Jurassic era, as he takes readers on an adventure back to the time of ancient dinosaurs. What was the inspiration for your story?
Being a visual artist, my initial interest in Ginkgo was an aesthetic one. A bright yellow carpet of Ginkgo leaves almost pulsing against the drab, dirty grey pavement caught my eye and made me realize something so obvious it was easy to overlook: These leaves did not look like what most people think of when they think of a leaf. It was almost as if somewhere on the evolutionary road, the Ginkgo took a very fun and weird detour—resulting in its pleasantly oddball appearance. Aesthetic appreciation led to curiosity, and the first very cool fact research revealed was that they were “living fossils.” This fact sparked my imagination, and the story slowly took shape. I thought the idea of this leaf acting as a ‘tour guide’ through the past, teaching and stirring up curiosity, might be a good concept for a picture book.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
- The origin of the species dating back to the Jurassic period.
- The reliance of most life on Earth on the oxygen produced by plants.
- The symbiotic relationship between plants and animals.
- Environmental preservation and awareness.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Again, being a visual artist before anything else, my favorite scene may be a split between the Baboon holding a ‘Moon’ balloon or the scene with the Sun and boat explaining the photosynthetic process and leading the viewer to the closing pages.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
No, I think this was a one-off. It was a labor of love, but at one point, the labor part became quite overwhelming. Factoring in working full-time, life, etc., the book took almost three years to finish.
Author Links: Instagram | Amazon
A wiggling anomaly of a leaf? Check.
A photosynthesis factory? Check. A living breathing key to curiosity? Definite check.
That’s Ringo the Ginkgo.
Throughout the picture book, Ringo the Ginkgo leads the reader on an adventure through the Jurassic period where the reader meets some of Ringo’s amazing dinosaur pals and learns Ginkgo trees are living fossils that have been unchanged for millions of years.The journey continues with a quick brush-up biology course covering the glorious life sustaining process of photosynthesis.
This homage to science, nature, and art is also a gentle, yet necessary, reminder of how much we rely on plants for our oxygen and how important it is to live symbiotically. The closing pages engage the reader with a set of questions and a request to flip Ringo upside down.This results in a visual transformation revealing a ‘curiosity key,’ which opens perception and imaginationwhile encouraging creativity and wonder.
Nurse Florence®, What are Memory B Cells?
Nurse Florence®, What Are Memory B Cells? is a warm and easygoing picture book that follows three curious girls, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, as they join Nurse Florence in the cafeteria to learn what memory B cells are and why they matter. The story blends kid-friendly dialogue with simple explanations, showing where these cells come from, how they help the immune system remember past invaders, and how healthy habits keep the body strong. It feels like a gentle science lesson tucked inside a casual lunchtime chat.
The girls wander over to Nurse Florence with the kind of natural excitement you’d see in a real school cafeteria, and that relaxed tone carries through the whole story. The explanations build step by step, first what B cells look like, then that they’re made in bone marrow, then how they “remember” infections and transform into plasma cells when needed. The pacing is slow enough for kids to follow but fast enough that it never drags. It reminded me of a friendly teacher who always knows when to pause and when to move on.
I also appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from big ideas. The parts about abnormal B cells leading to autoimmune issues or cancers are handled simply and calmly, making the information clear without being frightening. It’s refreshing to see a children’s book trust young readers with real science instead of watering everything down. The drawings help too, they give the concepts a visual anchor without overwhelming the pages.
My favorite section comes near the end, when the girls start brainstorming ways to keep the immune system healthy. They take turns suggesting things like eating fruits and veggies, exercising, sleeping well, washing hands, managing stress, avoiding smoking or vaping, and staying up-to-date on vaccines. It feels lively and almost playful, like a little health pep talk disguised as a conversation between friends. It also helps kids connect the science to their real lives, which gives the book a nice sense of purpose.
Nurse Florence®, What Are Memory B Cells? is a warm, engaging introduction to immune science. I’d recommend it to kids who enjoy learning how the body works, to parents who want clear and friendly explanations, and to teachers looking for accessible science material. It’s upbeat, informative, and surprisingly charming, a great pick for sparking curiosity.
Page: 72 | ISBN : 1300914262
Nurse Florence®, What is Plasma?
Nurse Florence®, What is Plasma? offers a clear and engaging introduction to one of the body’s most essential components. The book follows three students, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, who meet with Nurse Florence during lunch and ask her how the body transports things through the blood. From there, the book presents a structured overview of plasma: its proportion within blood, its proteins and electrolytes, and its roles in immunity, hydration, nutrient distribution, and waste removal. The narrative is concise, accessible, and grounded firmly in basic health science.
One of the strengths of the book lies in its ability to introduce complex ideas without overwhelming young readers. When Nurse Florence points out that plasma makes up 55% of blood and shows an image of the yellow plasma layer above the white and red blood cells, the explanation is both simple and accurate. Similarly, the description of albumin as a protein that transports various substances, including medications, manages to convey the concept effectively without unnecessary technical language. These moments demonstrate a thoughtful balance between scientific precision and readability.
I also appreciated the book’s straightforward approach to explaining plasma’s functions. Descriptions of how plasma carries electrolytes, regulates pH, moves hormones, and distributes nutrients are presented in short, direct statements that build well on one another. Even the discussion of health concerns, such as bruising, bone pain, irregular heartbeat, and immune weakness, feels measured. The book acknowledges potential symptoms of plasma-related issues without creating fear, presenting them instead as part of a broader understanding of how the body maintains balance.
The practical guidance provided near the end reinforces the educational value of the book. Reminders to drink adequate water, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and practice proper hand hygiene are framed as sensible ways to support overall health. The story closes with the girls reflecting on what they learned, emphasizing the theme of continuous curiosity and encouraging readers to think more deeply about how their bodies work.
Nurse Florence®, What is Plasma? is a well-crafted resource for children, educators, and parents seeking a gentle introduction to human biology. It combines approachable storytelling with reliable scientific information, making it especially suitable for young readers who show an early interest in science or health. The book succeeds in presenting plasma not as an abstract concept, but as an active and vital part of daily life, and it does so with clarity, intention, and an encouraging tone.
Pages: 69 | ISBN: 1300913959
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Skin.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Skin offers a delightful addition to a series designed to spark children’s curiosity about health and self-care. Michael Dow authors the text, with vivid illustrations by Madrid Rosario. The tone stays warm and welcoming throughout, inviting young readers into the basics of skin health.
The book opens with three eager students comparing human skin to Earth’s ozone layer. The analogy lands immediately and turns a complex idea into something friendly and approachable. Nurse Florence steps in as a calm, encouraging guide. Her explanations flow clearly and suit early readers well. Short scenes, straightforward dialogue, and familiar interactions make the material ideal for children ages 6–9. Biology feels less like a lesson and more like a natural part of the story.
Skin appears as the body’s largest organ, presented with clarity and helpful visual support. The three primary layers receive simple yet accurate descriptions. Common concerns, bug bites, allergies, stress-related flare-ups, enter the conversation, along with practical tips on hygiene, moisturizing, and sun safety. A glossary of dermatological terms and end-of-book reflection questions help solidify understanding and encourage deeper thinking.
A dedication to Florence Nightingale and Dr. Jean Watson anchors the book in compassion. Themes of hygiene, safety, empathy, and caring relationships gain added depth through their influence. Some scientific terms may feel ambitious for the youngest readers, yet the intention is clear: build confidence in early STEM learners.
The illustrations burst with personality. The characters’ subtle asymmetry gives the art a warm, lived-in feel. Nurse Florence moves with lively energy across the pages, and the playful layouts draw attention to expressive faces and dynamic gestures.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Skin encourages children to value and care for their bodies with gentle reassurance. Its narrative promotes healthy habits without overwhelming young readers.
Pages: 70 | ISBN: 130091422X
Nurse Florence®, How Bad are Health Problems from Agent Orange?
Nurse Florence®, How Bad are Health Problems from Agent Orange? by Michael Dow is an outstanding and remarkably effective introduction to a difficult chapter of medical and military history. The book follows Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they sit down with Nurse Florence in their school cafeteria, seeking to understand the health issues affecting Jean’s uncle after his service in Vietnam. What begins as a simple lunchtime conversation becomes a clear, thoughtful, and deeply informative overview of Agent Orange, its use during the war, and the extensive long-term illnesses associated with exposure.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to handle a heavy subject with clarity, calmness, and compassion. The narrative structure, anchoring complex information within a child’s question, allows the material to unfold naturally. When Nurse Florence explains how soldiers came into contact with chemical-coated vegetation, the understated description makes the reality even more powerful. The book never resorts to dramatization; instead, it relies on plain, direct language that honors both the historical truth and the people harmed by it.
The detailed list of presumptive illnesses is especially notable. Conditions such as bladder cancer, chloracne, Hodgkin’s disease, and ischemic heart disease are introduced with concise explanations that strike a rare balance: scientifically accurate yet easily understood. The breadth of information is impressive, and although the format is systematic, the cumulative effect is striking and reinforces the gravity of Agent Orange’s legacy. The author’s careful wording ensures the content remains accessible without diminishing its emotional impact.
Equally memorable are the reflections from the three girls at the end of the story. Their brief but sincere comments about the cost of war and the value of peace provide a graceful conclusion that ties the factual content back to human experience. These moments offer warmth and perspective, reminding readers of all ages why understanding history and health matters.
Nurse Florence®, How Bad are Health Problems from Agent Orange? is an ideal resource for families, classrooms, and anyone seeking a clear, compassionate explanation of Agent Orange and its long-term consequences. Its thoughtful tone, well-organized information, and respectful handling of sensitive material make it a standout in children’s educational nonfiction. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages who want an introduction that is both informative and genuinely moving.
Pages: 92 | ASIN: 1300911409
LITERARY TITAN 