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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
Filaments by KZK Zuganelis Kasling
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Star’s New York City Adventure: Being kind to Animals
Star the cat embarks on the adventure of a lifetime in Star’s New York City Adventure. For the first time, she’s exploring the vibrant heart of New York City, a dazzling metropolis alive with soaring skyscrapers, bright lights, and endless discoveries around every corner. Yet amid the excitement and bustle, Star’s journey takes a heartfelt turn when she encounters a lost kitten named Jet. Determined to help, she sets out to guide him to safety, realizing that the city’s glittering wonders pale beside the joy of kindness and connection.
Denise Alicea’s children’s book is charming and accessible, written with warmth and care for young readers who enjoy stories filled with color and heart. The tale evokes beloved series like The Berenstain Bears, combining expressive illustrations with a gentle moral lesson. Through Star’s eyes, children learn that empathy and compassion are powerful forces, traits that shape good friends, caring communities, and better futures. If nurtured early, those values can grow into lifelong habits of understanding and generosity.
The book also serves as a delightful introduction to New York City’s famous landmarks. Star and Jet explore the sprawling greenery of Central Park, marvel at the Statue of Liberty, and visit the fascinating exhibits of the Natural History Museum. Each stop adds a layer of excitement and discovery, turning their adventure into both a heartwarming story and a miniature travel guide.
With its cheerful tone, lovable characters, and timeless message, Star’s New York City Adventure shines as a perfect read-aloud for bedtime or classroom settings. Young readers will be drawn to its playful energy and positive spirit, while adults will appreciate its meaningful lesson about caring for others. This uplifting tale may easily become a cherished favorite, one that inspires kindness long after the final page is turned.
Pages: 31 | ASIN: B0FQ9WVB8H
Take Meaningful Steps
A Father’s Presence follows a boy growing up with a father who is physically present but emotionally distant, who decides to break generational cycles and learn how to be present and emotionally available to his own son. What was the inspiration for your story?
My middle name is Curtis. This book is loosely based on my life. My father did not meet his father until he was a teenager. This had a significant impact on not only his life but ours as well (I.e., my mother, sister, and brother). My father took lessons from the military and life in general to model his approach for fatherhood; however, that foundation wasn’t there due to his own father’s absence. To him, being there was the most important thing a father could do. I was able to build off of what my father did. This is what inspired the book. I wanted to a way to convey to men and children that may have grew up without a father that they are not destined to repeat that cycle. If they are determined to heal their traumas and seek council, they can take meaningful steps forward which can repair the damage caused from the past absence.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I am a visual person. I wanted to show positive men, black love, effective communication, vulnerability, generational trauma, and generational healing. It was important these elements were in this book. I didn’t want the book to be preachy though. I added subtle details throughout the book. For example, in the book when Curtis is at the dinner table with his son and wife, there is a wedding picture in the background. This is a minor detail some may miss, but subconsciously it is received.
The art in this book brings the story to life and has a strong emotional impact that children can relate to. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Salar Seif?
Before starting this project, Salar and I had a talk. He had done some cover art work for some of my other projects, so I was confident in his work. However, during this talk I wanted to make it clear how important this project was not just for me but for black people everywhere. It could not come across without class. My people had to be shown with dignity and care. He understood the importance and potential impact.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from A Father’s Presence?
While we cannot change our past traumas, we are responsible for healing from them. That is not easy, but it can be done. I believe this book shows a way, and I am sure there are other ways. Additionally, I want this book to be conversation starter, and it has been. Some of my friends told me they’ve had some very insightful conversations with their children after reading it. Discussions around what it means to truly be present and how they can show up better in their lives.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon
The story follows three generations:
Curtis’s grandfather: Absent, leaving a wound
Curtis’s father: Present but distant, trying to heal without the tools
Curtis: Present AND emotionally available, completing the healing
Core themes include:
Breaking generational cycles through intentional growth
The difference between being there and being present
How children learn emotional skills wherever they can find them
Building the kind of father you wish you’d had
A Father’s Presence is a gentle, powerful story about how love can grow across generations when someone has the courage to learn what they weren’t taught, creating a new legacy of connection and emotional healing for their family.
Perfect for fathers and children to read together, sparking conversations about feelings, presence, and the daily work of building strong family bonds.
To Be Content
The Grass May Not Be Greener follows a little bunny bored with being a rabbit who is granted a wish from a fairy to become different animals for a day and learn what life is like for them. What was the inspiration for your story?
I’ve always loved the proverb “The grass may not be greener.” It’s something we can all relate to, no matter our age. For a kindergartener, it might be as simple as thinking someone else’s toys look more exciting or their lunchbox seems more delicious.
It’s not always easy to be content with what we have—especially in a world where ads and social media constantly show us what everyone else is doing or buying. That’s why I believe it’s so important to teach children, from a young age, not to keep looking over their shoulders at what others have. Instead, we can help them focus on their own journey and appreciate the wonderful things already in their lives. When we learn to be grateful for what we have, we build a deeper sense of happiness and confidence that lasts.
I wanted to share this message in a way that children would truly enjoy and understand—and what better way than through a story full of magic, animals, and imagination?
I found the lesson in your story valuable, not just for children but also a great reminder for adults. What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
I chose animals that children already know and can easily relate to. It’s easy to imagine how wonderful it would be to soar high in the sky, swim freely like a fish, or be so big and powerful that other animals run away in fear. I wanted young readers to understand why the rabbit longed to be these exciting, fascinating creatures who seemed to live such extraordinary lives—rather than just a busy bunny who spends his days munching carrots and caring for all his little ones.
Children learn best through stories, and my hope is that these tales bring each proverb to life in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and memorable—stories they’ll carry with them and maybe even share with their own children one day.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I’ve always loved writing the endings of my stories most of all. I enjoy adding a fun twist that children don’t see coming—something that surprises them or makes them laugh. In The Grass May Not Be Greener, the rabbit uses his final wish to become himself again. After using his wishes from the fairy to try life as other animals, he realizes that his own life is actually his favorite. The others might have looked more exciting, but in the end, he discovers that being himself is the best thing of all.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I’ve just finished writing Fear of the Unknown is the Greatest Fear of All, which will be released in December. Like all my books, this story uses animals to share a moral lesson. It’s set in the jungle, where a lion goes for his morning stroll and discovers a large hole with a mysterious, frightening creature inside. Curious and cautious, he asks the other animals to help figure out who or what it is—and why the creature won’t come out when he asks it to.
So often in life, we feel afraid when we face something new. Whether you’re a child starting a new school or a parent going through big changes, not knowing what’s ahead can feel overwhelming. Our imaginations run wild, and we often picture the worst.
Through this story, I hope to help children see that when we ask questions and take small, brave steps forward, the “unknown” starts to feel less scary—and with understanding often comes relief. And, like all my books, it ends with a funny twist that I hope makes the message stay with readers, leaving them smiling as they learn.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Being a bunny is frightfully tough!
I’d love to change just for one day,
To see the world in a different way.”
Uplifting, humorous and full of surprise, “The Grass May Not Be Greener” is a charming tale about a rabbit who learns to accept himself as he is and enjoy it. Lawrence teaches the important life lesson that even if other people’s circumstances seem better than our own, in reality this is often not the case. This empowering adventure is sure to entertain and enrich young learners of all ages and be a firm bedtime favourite!
Bunny has had enough of his boring life.
Good fortune is bestowed upon him when he bumps into a fairy who helps him transform into a bee, an elephant, a snake and a fish for a day.
What do you think he discovers?
100% of profits from “The Grass May Not Be Greener” go to children’s charities. We support KidsOR, who save children’s lives in the world’s poorest countries, and The Reading Clinic, who help children with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Thank you for helping us to sustain this must needed work.
Mother Earth
Dorothy Phillips’s Mother Earth is a lyrical and tender meditation on our planet as a living, feeling being. Through a series of rhythmic, questioning verses, Phillips invites young readers to see Earth not just as home but as a mother, an artist, and a divine creation. Each page feels like a whispered prayer or a child’s innocent curiosity about the world. The poem asks if Earth sings, if she feels pain, if she heals, and if she loves us despite how we treat her. The language is simple yet full of reverence, and the illustrations match that tone, gentle, flowing, and almost sacred.
Reading this children’s book felt like pausing to breathe after a long day. The words have a quiet rhythm that wraps around you, and I found myself thinking about the world in a more personal way. I liked how the questions didn’t need answers. They worked like small mirrors, reflecting both wonder and guilt. Phillips doesn’t lecture or scold. She nudges. There’s honesty in her curiosity, and that makes the poem hit harder. It’s the kind of writing that stirs emotion without ever raising its voice.
This picture book doesn’t try to be grand or complex. It just feels sincere. The rhyme and rhythm flow like a lullaby, and that simplicity gives it power. It reminded me of how faith and nature often meet quietly, in the space between awe and gratitude. The book contains stunningly vibrant and colorful illustrations that immediately capture the eye. The clean, bold art style uses a rich, saturated palette to beautifully render each image. The pages are a visual feast that sparks curiosity and wonder in young readers.
I’d recommend Mother Earth to young readers or families who love poetry that feels spiritual but accessible. It’s perfect for children learning to see the planet with care, and for adults who have forgotten to. This is not a children’s book to race through. It’s one to read slowly, maybe out loud, maybe under a tree. It leaves you with a sense of calm and a nudge to look at the world with softer eyes.
The Adventures of Moly: The Time Traveling Dog, Journey to Pompeii
This children’s book follows Moly, an irresistibly lovable therapy dog who works with kids and also happens to be part of a science foundation that sends her on time-traveling missions. The tale starts with her ordinary morning before it takes a wild turn when Moly is teleported to ancient Pompeii right before Mount Vesuvius erupts. Along the way, she befriends a boy named Marcus and his dog Spartacus, plays in Roman streets, and witnesses the chaos of the city’s final moments. Just when you think she’s safe, Moly’s teleportation goes haywire, landing her in another historical disaster and leaving you hanging for the next adventure.
This picture book hit me right in the feels. It’s sweet, adventurous, and just the right mix of heart and history. I love how Moly is both an adorable pet and a brave explorer. The writing is simple but fun, and the author really makes ancient Pompeii come alive. The dogs are the real stars, though. There’s a warmth to the story that makes you want to hug your own dog afterward.
The idea of a time-traveling therapy dog is just plain charming. The mix of lighthearted moments and sudden danger worked surprisingly well. It’s clear the author poured a lot of love into this, not just for Moly but for teaching a little bit of history in a way that doesn’t feel like schoolwork. The charming illustrations are wonderfully inviting and perfectly capture each scene. The art style is soft and friendly, using bright, warm colors to create heartwarming scenes. The expressive faces of both the people and the dogs convey their emotions well.
If you’ve got kids who love dogs, adventure, or a dash of science fiction, this one’s a winner. It’s also great for anyone who just wants a cozy, feel-good story with heart and humor. I’d totally recommend it for bedtime reading or classroom story time. Moly’s story is full of love, loyalty, and wonder, and I can’t wait to see where she time-travels next.
Pages: 42 | ASIN: B0FQ33WMJR
I then had a story to write!
Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz follows a Zoodle who breaks a rule by getting a pet, he winds up in a prison no one has ever escaped from. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from my illustrator, Andy Case. In November 2023, he released his first album, Leap of Faith. There were three songs that came one after the other that set up the story in my head. Literally, it was one song after the other! “Lost Souls in the Dark” had that guitar rift that remined me of U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” but in a darting kind of way, and I pictured Snoodles flying through space to rescue our heroes. The next song “Break Free” had a slower guitar play and reminded me of a spaceship slowly rising from the planet. Then came “Should Have Sent a Card”. It is a hysterically funny song about someone trying to write a love song and failed. Because he failed, he sings out “I should have sent a card!”
I then had a story to write!
In your story, Droodle meets some amazing new characters. What was your inspiration for their characters’ interactions and backstories?
Well, they are inspired by Pop Culture! Swifty Swoodle is definitely Tayor Swift. Grandfafoodle was inspired by the crazy father of Dick VanDyke in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Trash Can Cats was inspired by seeing a bunch of cats around a trash can looking for mice in NYC.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
This is the fourth book in the series. I couldn’t write a book just to write a book knowing that it was not up to the first three. I had to write something that would surpass them, and make the universe of character bigger and the story crazier. I felt with this book, it was “mission Accomplished!”
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
We will find out that Cloodle did not come from the planet Zoodle! Similar to the Superman story, Cloodle is a baby on a planet that is disintegrating because of global warming, and he is put in a small spaceship with his poodle, Krazoodle, and lands on the planet Zoodle. Strap up because you will be in for quite a ride?
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Enter a cast of brilliantly bonkers heroes: noodle-powered scientists, intergalactic musicians, talking cats with trash can drum kits, and a villain so cranky he reads self-help books about revenge. There’s also a Jalapeño Popadoodle Noodle, a flying Balloonadoodle, and something called a Cloakadoodle Swoodle Car. Don’t ask, just roll with it.
This wackadoodle tale is packed with vibrant art, making it perfect for young and old readers who love silly stories, bold visuals, and absolutely zero boring parts.
Whether your kid’s obsessed with noodles, aliens, or saying the word “Groodle” over and over again, Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz! is the laugh-out-loud ride you’ve been waiting for.
Time to get ready for your NEXT GREAT ESCAPE!
LITERARY TITAN 