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Intellectual Stimulation
Passamaquoddy Legends Puzzle Book takes readers on a journey through a mix of puzzles, crosswords, mazes, cryptograms, coloring pages, and storytelling, featuring Master Rabbit as he navigates trials and encounters with the Passamaquoddy people. What was your creative process for developing the activities in your puzzle book?
While researching and writing “Passamaquoddy Legends (Annotated Edition): Glooskap, Lox, Master Rabbit and other tales”, I was looking for an activity book like this. Although this puzzle book series is based upon my “Passamaquoddy Legends (Annotated Edition)”, the reader can ascertain the answers by contextual clues. This series provides hours of intellectual stimulation while learning about their culture as you solve puzzles. It contains word searches, fill-in-the-blanks, cryptograms, hidden messages, crosswords, coloring, hand-drawn mazes, fallen phrases, double puzzles, escape mazes, tic tac toe, connect the dots, and Sudoku. Because this is a book series, I incorporated reader feedback regarding some of the puzzle complexity into future volumes.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The study of knowledge (or epistemology) for an activity book designed to learn cultures and basic language is grounded in constructivist and socio-cultural epistemologies. How this knowledge is taught (or pedagogy) is presented through experiential, inquiry-based, and play-based pedagogies. It’s important to me that cultural learning is interactive, socially relevant, engaging, and enjoyable. For instance, a crossword, cryptogram, or word search promotes inquiry-based learning by encouraging the reader to deduce answers from contextual clues and decode cultural phrases. Similarly, a simple coloring page engages experiential learning through artistic expression. Likewise, a maze is a play-based activity that utilizes motor skills while providing a fun and engaging experience. A straightforward fill-in-the-blank activity supports constructivist learning because it prompts the reader to recall and apply story details, which reinforces cultural understanding. This applies to children and adult readers.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I think there’s material for another three puzzle books. I’m currently working on Passamaquoddy Legends Puzzle Book Volume 4 – Chenoo Legends and Thunder Stories. Unlike the previous three volumes, which mirrored the first three chapters, Volume 4 consolidates chapters four and five. I have drafted the first four puzzles, and I limit each puzzle book to 100 pages. Because these chapters are shorter, I may incorporate At-o-sis the Serpent chapter as well. I’m in the dissertation phase of my doctoral program and working on another book, so I don’t anticipate the next puzzle book installment until next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | YouTube | Website
Train your mind with the Passamaquoddy Legends Puzzle Book Volume 3 – Amazing Master Rabbit, learn about Native American culture, and have fun with a variety of puzzles★ Over 100 Native American inspired puzzles
★ Great way to relieve stress & relax
★ Perfect for road trips, flying on airplanes & in waiting rooms
★ Word searches, Fill-in-the-blanks, Cryptograms, Crosswords, Sudoku, Mazes, & more
★ Solutions at the end of the book
★ Large print
The Passamaquoddy Legends Puzzle Book directly corresponds to each chapter in the “Passamaquoddy Legends (Annotated Edition)”. However, the reader can ascertain the answers by contextual clues or information gathered from other puzzles. This will provide hours of intellectual stimulation while allowing a rare opportunity to learn about the Passamaquoddy language and Native American legends.
If a particular puzzle is too challenging and you do not have access to the source material, the solution to each puzzle is in the back of this book. However, the more the reader struggles to achieve each answer, the greater the chances of learning and retaining aspects of the Passamaquoddy language and legends.
From the author of Passamaquoddy Legends (Annotated Edition)
Michael W. Cook is the author of Passamaquoddy Legends and creator of the Passamaquoddy Legends Puzzle Book series. These puzzle books are designed to help you escape everyday stress and relax while learning about the fascinating legends from the Algonquin-speaking world.
Merlin’s Magical Music Island
Merlin’s Magical Music Island invites young readers on a whimsical journey with twin music notes, Melody and Mute. Eager and full of excitement, they’re honored to be the youngest selected for a grand performance. However, their enthusiasm quickly fades when surrounded by larger, more experienced notes. Feelings of doubt creep in, and the twins begin to question their worth. Believing they can’t live up to their mother’s legacy, they run away, hoping to escape the pressures of rehearsal.
Merlin, the compassionate music teacher, teams up with their parents to search for them. Rather than scolding or pressuring the twins, Merlin offers gentle encouragement. With his support and the reassurance of their parents, Melody and Mute find the courage to return. In the end, they perform with pride, realizing their contribution matters just as much as anyone else’s.
James T. Campbell delivers an uplifting and emotionally insightful story, perfect for children navigating self-doubt and self-worth. What stands out is the gentle way the author handles the emotional complexity of children. Instead of dramatizing their struggle, he paints it with empathy and accuracy, highlighting how fear of failure can lead to avoidance, and how encouragement can be a powerful remedy.
Merlin’s unwavering support is particularly touching. He doesn’t force Melody and Mute into action but guides them with patience and belief. That approach reflects the kind of teacher every child deserves, the kind who sees potential even when a child can’t. His character reminded me of a beloved teacher from my own past, someone whose quiet confidence made all the difference.
The illustrations are vibrant and playful, offering visual appeal that sparks conversation and imagination. I especially appreciated the moment when Melody and Mute choose to ignore the judgment of others and embrace their role. That decision, subtle yet powerful, reinforces the story’s message: no part is too small to be significant.
Merlin’s Magical Music Island is more than a musical tale; it’s a heartwarming lesson in self-belief, encouragement, and the quiet strength of showing up, even when you feel small.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0DYD28973
Puppy Day Jitters
Looking for a heartfelt story to help children navigate fear, nervousness, and anxiety? Puppy Day Jitters by Shannon Mori is a standout choice. Part of the Pawsome Pals series, this delightful picture book gently explores the emotional turbulence that often comes with first-time experiences, offering young readers a comforting sense of companionship and reassurance.
The story follows Dolce, an exuberant puppy preparing for her very first day at puppy school. While she begins the morning with excitement, a wave of uncertainty creeps in as the moment approaches. Supported by her human friend, Sophia, Dolce learns to name her feelings, embrace her vulnerability, and discover the quiet strength within her. Through empathy and gratitude, she begins to manage her emotions and see the beauty in the unknown.
Told in sweet, engaging rhymes and paired with irresistibly charming illustrations, Puppy Day Jitters is a joyful tool for fostering confidence in children. Its narrative is simple yet emotionally rich, making it ideal for introducing little ones to the complexity of new and uncomfortable situations. The characters are immediately lovable. Dolce, in particular, wins hearts with her genuine expressions and earnestness, while Sophia adds a nurturing, grounding presence.
Visually, the book shines. The illustrations, playful, varied, and full of energy, add layers of emotion and movement that extend beyond the text. Each page is vibrant, capturing the nuance of Dolce’s journey and pulling readers into her world with color and imagination.
Pacing is another of the book’s strengths. The story flows smoothly, keeping young readers captivated while leaving room for reflection. The emotional arc is both accessible and authentic, encouraging kids to connect deeply with Dolce’s experience. As they follow her transformation, children are invited to understand and process emotions like fear and stress in a safe, supportive space.
With its touching conclusion and empowering message, Puppy Day Jitters is more than just a cute tale; it’s an invitation for children to develop emotional resilience. Shannon Mori’s thoughtful storytelling, complemented by Ada Konewki’s warm and expressive illustrations, makes this a must-have addition to any early learning bookshelf.
The Pawsome Pals series continues to excel at blending life lessons with heartwarming storytelling, helping young readers explore emotional growth through the lovable misadventures of pets and their pals.
Pages: 24 | ASIN: B0F7FY1JBP
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
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
Crimson Hearts by Susan Reed-Flores
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 