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A Day on the Brine
A Day on the Brine is a charming, rhythmic journey through the ocean’s wonders, seen through the eyes of a curious captain and the creatures she encounters on her voyage. With lyrical, repetitive verse and vibrant illustrations, the book flows from one sea creature to the next, capturing the natural rhythms of marine life from sunrise to moonrise. Set off the west coast of Australia, this tale speaks to the interconnectedness of life on the ocean and the quiet magic of the sea.
Right from the start, I was pulled in by the rhythm. The repeated structure—“And what do you think she sees?” makes it feel like a lullaby, or a chant you’d say to a child while swaying on a boat. It’s simple, but it works. I especially loved the line about the “squid pinkpink and shy” who “peeks at the sky.” That moment stuck with me, there’s something so soft and endearing about it. It’s playful but also poetic. The use of double adjectives, “whitewhite,” “pinkpink,” “greengreen,” initially felt unusual, but they started to feel like waves lapping: steady, repeated, calming.
The writing isn’t trying to be clever. It’s honest and kind. There’s a real respect for the sea here, and that shines through the gentle language and Emma Stuart’s dreamy illustrations. I found myself lingering on the page with the “whale large and greygrey” coming up for a play. That spread, both in words and visuals, felt alive. There’s no heavy lesson being pushed, but you still get this sense of awe for marine life and the beauty of slowing down to look at the world.
One thing I appreciated deeply is the circular nature of the story. It begins and ends with the big blue boat, creating a feeling of coming home, of completing a cycle. The moon watching the boat and captain at the end made me smile. It’s subtle, but it tugs at something warm in you. It reminded me of how, as a kid, I’d imagine the moon following me on car rides home. Also, the glossary and activities at the end are a nice bonus, educational without being dry, and great for curious young readers.
This book is a delight. If you’ve got little ones who love the ocean, or if you just want something calming and beautiful to read together at bedtime, A Day on the Brine is for you. It’s got heart, rhythm, and a soft sense of wonder. I’d recommend it to families, early educators, or anyone who finds peace in the sea.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0DXG9T3HK
A Parrot Tail Lily
A Parrot Tail Lily by Tuula Pere tells the story of Cosmo, a dedicated gardener who prides himself on his lush garden full of rare and beautiful flowers. However, when an exceptionally rare parrot tail lily sprouts unexpectedly, Cosmo becomes obsessed with nurturing and protecting this single plant. His obsession, though well-intentioned, leads to unintended consequences that threaten his once-thriving garden and his own well-being. The tale unfolds as Cosmo learns the importance of balance and community, culminating in a heartwarming message about the interconnectedness of nature.
One of the most charming aspects of the book is how Cosmo’s relationship with his plants is depicted. He knows every bloom by name, speaking to them with care and pride. The vivid descriptions of Cosmo’s garden are delightful, painting a lush, colorful world that feels almost magical. I was drawn in by lines like, “Cosmo proudly presented his flowerbeds and greenhouses… I know every flower by name!” These details give Cosmo depth, but as his obsession grows, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness watching his world shrink to one plant. It’s a clever reflection of how single-minded passion can sometimes make us lose sight of what’s truly important. The author’s writing style is both simple and engaging, which makes it perfect for a younger audience while still providing layers of meaning for older readers. The narrative picks up in intensity as Cosmo’s fixation deepens. The story’s resolution, when Cosmo’s niece Nelly arrives, is touching and effective. Nelly’s presence brings a breath of fresh air to both Cosmo and the garden. Her simple, heartfelt advice carries a wisdom that’s easy for readers of all ages to understand. I loved how the author used Nelly’s character to gently nudge Cosmo toward self-realization. The moment when new buds sprout where the parrot tail lily once stood is beautifully hopeful, reminding us that life finds a way, even after our mistakes.
A Parrot Tail Lily is a charming story that skillfully weaves lessons about patience, balance, and the beauty of natural interdependence into its narrative. Tuula Pere’s tale would be especially good for young readers or anyone who loves nature and thoughtful, heartwarming stories. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a warm feeling and a newfound appreciation for the simple wisdom in letting things unfold as they’re meant to.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 9528200931
A Freezing Ski Trip
A Freezing Ski Trip, written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Catty Flores, is a heartwarming children’s adventure story that follows siblings Liam and Lily on an exciting yet challenging ski trip through the snowy woods to Pine Cottage. The plot starts with the siblings’ enthusiasm and eagerness to ski on their own, but as they journey across a frozen lake and navigate unexpected challenges like broken ski bindings and freezing cold temperatures, they have to rely on each other and show resilience. By the end of the book, Liam and Lily not only make it back home safely but also return full of pride, having survived their harrowing winter adventure.
I loved how the author captured children’s pure excitement and spirit of adventure. Right from the beginning, when Lily couldn’t wait to set off and had been “ready all morning with her wool hat on,” I could feel her thrill and impatience. The writing brought back memories of childhood adventures, where even the smallest journeys felt grand. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the reality of the unexpected, like when Liam’s warnings about the steep hill become prophetic, and Lily ends up crashing into a snowdrift. This mixture of excitement and realism makes the story relatable, and the stakes feel genuine, even if they remain accessible to a young audience. The tension and the relationship between the siblings are beautifully woven into the story. Liam, being the older brother, alternates between protective and exasperated, especially when Lily refuses to listen to his cautions. I found myself smiling when he scolded her for speeding, only for Lily to boast about her “young bones.” It’s a classic sibling dynamic that feels both authentic and heartwarming. Yet, Liam’s care for his sister is evident, particularly when the trip becomes tougher, and he reassures her despite his own fear. Their bond is the emotional heart of the book, and the way they look out for each other as things get darker and colder is genuinely touching. The story ends with a sense of triumph as the siblings realize that their courage and determination have carried them through.
A Freezing Ski Trip is a delightful and adventurous read perfect for children who love tales of outdoor excitement. It also carries meaningful themes of courage, sibling support, and perseverance in the face of challenges. I’d recommend it to kids who enjoy adventure stories with a hint of danger or for families who want a cozy storytime book with a wintery theme. It’s a simple yet powerful tale that warms the heart as much as a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 9528200613
The Fox and the Election Fraud
The Fox and the Election Fraud by Tuula Pere delivers a clever, engaging story that weaves humor and important lessons into a memorable tale. It follows Francis the Fox, a character who can’t seem to grasp the concept of honesty, despite Major William the Wolf’s best efforts. When an election campaign sparks his interest, Francis becomes determined to win at any cost. He pulls out all the stops, leveraging every connection, working tirelessly, and strategizing to sway the voters. Yet, as the reality of defeat looms over him, Francis resorts to a desperate, underhanded plan: tampering with the vote count. But the city’s robust judicial system has no tolerance for dishonesty, and Francis learns the hard way that cheating never pays.
Though it deals with themes that seem geared toward adults, The Fox and the Election Fraud keeps things light, witty, and refreshingly creative. The writing shines with clarity and vivid storytelling, drawing readers into Francis’ antics. It’s a story bursting with well-structured ideas and fast-paced action. Pere gives us a protagonist who, despite his flaws, remains oddly charming and relatable. Francis may be a trickster, but his humorous escapades serve as a vehicle for teaching critical life lessons about integrity, honesty, and the inevitable triumph of good over deceit. The various schemes he devises to bolster his campaign are as entertaining as they are instructive, making the plot thoroughly enjoyable. Tuula Pere impresses me with her ability to craft narratives that are both dynamic and meaningful. The book, though part of a series, stands strong on its own, offering just enough background to make Francis’ story accessible to any reader. Pere’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the engaging text to the vibrant illustrations that bring the world to life. The format is designed to captivate young readers while keeping adults invested, making it an ideal pick for family reading sessions.
The Fox and the Election Fraud is a standout story that I highly recommend. It’s a perfect blend of humor, moral lessons, and entertaining characters. Children will learn about honesty and responsibility while laughing along with Francis’ misadventures, and adults will appreciate the book’s wit and charm.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 9528201628
The Fox and the Election Fraud
The Fox and the Election Fraud by Tuula Pere, with illustrations by Andrea Alemanno, tells the story of Francis the Fox, a cunning and ambitious character who decides to run for mayor against William the Wolf. Francis is not exactly popular, nor is he honest, but that doesn’t stop him from hatching a scheme to manipulate the election. Throughout the book, he tries various underhanded tactics, including bribery and eventually tampering with the votes, but things don’t go according to his plans. In the end, justice prevails, and Francis, caught red-handed, faces the consequences of his actions.
I found the narrative to be an engaging and witty portrayal of political manipulation and greed. Francis’s character is amusingly over-the-top, and his audacity makes him both laughable and frustrating. The way he convinces himself that he’s the hero of his own story—despite clearly being a villain—felt so true to life, particularly when he dismisses the consequences of his past failures and tries to shift the blame onto others. The dialogue, especially Francis’s inner thoughts, added a lot of humor to the story, making me chuckle at how delusional he was, like when he complained that the city didn’t value his “remarkable skills.” The book’s pacing is snappy, and the plot kept things entertaining, and the escalating absurdity of Francis’s schemes really pulled me along. One of the standout parts of the book was the moral it carries about integrity, leadership, and the consequences of dishonesty. The climax, where Francis’s plan unravels in front of the entire city, was satisfying and drove home the point that shortcuts and deceit don’t lead to real success. The book manages to convey these lessons without feeling preachy, which I appreciated.
The Fox and the Election Fraud is an enjoyable, light read, perfect for kids but also entertaining for adults who enjoy clever allegories about power and ethics. It’s an especially great pick for young readers who are beginning to learn about fairness, honesty, and the importance of good leadership. The playful tone and vibrant illustrations make it even more appealing, and while it’s a fun read, it’s also a thought-provoking one. If you’re looking for a children’s book that blends humor, important life lessons, and a bit of political satire, this is definitely worth checking out.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 9528201628
The Fox’s New Channel
The Fox’s New Channel by Tuula Pere tells the story of Francis the Fox, a once-successful entrepreneur who, after experiencing personal and financial collapse, reinvents himself by launching a media empire. He thrives on tabloid-style journalism, creating scandal and spreading gossip, much to the dismay of his community. His path to success is filled with deception, as he manipulates stories and uses lies to climb back to prominence. The book paints a vivid picture of a fox whose relentless ambition leads him down a dark path, threatening to ruin the lives of those around him, including his old mentor, William the Wolf.
One thing that struck me about the writing is how quickly Pere immerses the reader in Francis’s world. From the start, Francis is painted as an arrogant yet oddly charming character. His fall from grace is almost pitiful, but it’s hard to feel fully sorry for him given his constant self-centeredness. The dialogue feels real, capturing the casual yet sharp exchanges between characters, like his conversations with his mother, which effortlessly reveal the tension between familial love and disappointment. What really impressed me was how the story unfolded like a satirical reflection of modern media culture. Francis embodies the worst of media moguls, using his platform not to inform but to manipulate. The section where he shamelessly plots with his assistants to fabricate stories, such as creating a fake scandal about Pauline the Bulldog, felt like a biting commentary on the ethics of today’s media landscape. It’s clear that Francis’s “success” comes at the cost of integrity, and this part of the story made me reflect on how easily public figures can shape narratives for personal gain.
The Fox’s New Channel is a smart and entertaining read, packed with moral lessons about truth, ambition, and the consequences of greed. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy stories with a touch of satire and those interested in modern takes on how media influences society. While the book might be aimed at younger readers, its themes will resonate with adults too, making it a great read for parents and kids to discuss together.
Pages: 44 | ISBN : 9528200699
Friendship Takes Work and Time
Colin the Crab’s Friends follows a busy crab as he helps all his friends with repairs they need to have done and then throws a party for them all. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Colin the Crab and his friends represent a village community or a small town to me. In such places, people of very different types often know each other well and work closely together.
In my childhood, I lived for a decade in a small country village and another decade in a small town. The residents of the rural village, especially, left a lot of human memories in my mind. That’s why the characters and events in Colin the Crab’s Friends are inspired by real life.
I must admit that observing activities and interactions within different communities is exciting. The types of people, the networks of connections, and the behavioral patterns between persons repeat themselves surprisingly. If we change the focus from the village to the workplace or the environment of hobbies, we can observe remarkable similarities in roles and behavior.
In many respects, I am a real-life Colin the Crab, so I write Colin stories based on my personal experiences and observations. I hope the reader finds them relatable and honest that way.
Aside from Colin, what character in the series do you have the most fun writing about?
Several of Colin’s friends are amusing, although I occasionally feel pity for them. It’s because I know them “better” from what I have already written about them in the Colin the Crab Series with books for older readers. In that original series about Colin, darker shades related to each character’s funny image are more visible.
Regarding the fun of writing, I immediately think of Sally the Starfish, whose vain mood swings are fun to write about. She is earnest about her needs and ideas, which often seem meaningless to outsiders.
Another fun guy is Eddie the Eel, a tech freak who often appears in the Colin the Crab books but doesn’t play a significant role in this book in the Mini-Crab series. I know several technology-enthusiastic people closely in real life. Their optimistic infatuation with all new devices sometimes leads to comical situations. Fortunately, these people resembling Eddie have seen the humor in this eel’s character when reading my Colin the Crab stories.
Although we are now talking about the Mini-Crab Books, I am very tempted to highlight the deeper features of the characters, which are more versatile and complete in that other series—with four books already—intended for older readers.
As the children grow up and gain more reading experience, they quickly move from the Mini-Crab Books to the more demanding Colin the Crab Series, which still presents the familiar world of the riverside and water with its characters. And the fun continues!
What does friendship mean to you, and how do you show your friends you care?
Friendship is a unique relationship between people. I have a few true friends with whom I have shared life for a long time. A friendship must last so that it can develop deeply.
I’m very cautious about friendship because I’m afraid losing it would hurt too much. After disappointments, starting a new friendship is even more difficult. I’ve had to learn this life lesson as well. Talking behind the other person’s back can break even a long-term relationship. After disappointment, it isn’t easy to build new trust. Also, misusing the other person’s help and efforts is selfish and unacceptable. I always try to give more than I take—I hope to succeed. I am good at keeping secrets, too, I guess.
True friendship gives both parties the safe feeling that a reliable person exists by your side on both good and bad days. You don’t have to pretend anything to your friend. It’s enough to be honest and genuinely you. I try to be a true friend to people close to me. They know I’m there even if we haven’t seen each other for a while. The bond between us is solid and lasting.
My friendships include conversation and listening, shared experiences in nature, family parties, joint concerts, and good food. If I have enough time, I like to bake and set a good coffee table for my friends. Sharing coffee time together is one common thing in Finnish friendship!
Have you ever thought about expanding the underwater series with a book about one of the sub-characters, maybe Ms. Catfish of Sally?
Some of my avid readers have repeatedly asked me the same thing! I have noticed that Sally the Starfish has many admirers who would like to read even more about her adventures. Sally is an inspiring, great person who might deserve her particular underwater book series. Her character has also inspired me in the Colin the Crab Series for older readers I mentioned. There, we get to know her equally vain and handsome boyfriend, for example. We follow how her wishes and desires emerge and influence in connection to Colin the Crab’s wedding arrangements. Sally’s personality tends to see everything from her perspective.
I’d be glad to write a whole series of Ms. Catfish, too. She is particularly well suited to topics where different generations’ opinions and experiences differ. Her various friends at the river bay help the loneliness of the old catfish living alone in the big house. Of course, Colin the Crab has an extraordinary role as a practical help in building maintenance.
In the other series aimed at more advanced readers, we can already follow Ms. Catfish’s thoughts and opinions in more detail. Her way of life and thinking reflect the past world. This topic is close to everyone who faces generational differences in their lives. Such a separate series about Ms. Catfish could be pretty interesting for grandparents and grandchildren to read together.
Finally, let me tell you about one big dream of mine. Colin the Crab Series and Mini-Crab Books would work perfectly as animated films. They feature a fascinating underwater world with interesting characters representing different and believable types. In addition, there are exciting adventures with continuity. Now that I’ve written about this secret dream, it’s no longer a secret! —If only it would come true one day!
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Norma the Newt and Sally the Starfish constantly need Colin’s help too. On top of that, a hungry fish family hopes the crab will share his delicious soup with them.
After a busy week, a happy group of friends gets together at Colin’s blue garden pavilion.
Do You See Me Playing Sports?
Ever wondered how a young kid perceives their first sports experience? Do You See Me Playing Sports? is a delightful children’s book that takes you right into the heart of that journey. It’s a charming tale of a young child, affectionately part of the Chipmunks sports group, navigating the big, noisy, and often intimidating world of sports.
Author Tuula Pere’s use of simple language and relatable situations makes it easy for young readers to connect with the protagonist’s feelings of excitement, fear, and eventual joy. The narrative flows smoothly, capturing the child’s emotions brilliantly as they face various challenges. One moment that stood out was when the child felt overwhelmed by the huge stadium and the idea of competing on such a large field. It’s so relatable for anyone who’s ever felt out of their depth in a new environment.
The illustrations by Majigsuren Enkhbat are vibrant and playful, perfectly complementing the story. Each page is a visual treat that keeps things fun and light. I particularly loved the sequence where the Chipmunks are encouraged to jump over a stretchy band instead of a high bar. It’s a great example of how the book encourages adapting sports to fit the needs of younger kids, making the experience less daunting and more enjoyable.
What I appreciate most about this picture book is its gentle approach to introducing sports. It acknowledges that sports can be scary and overwhelming for young children but also offers solutions to make them more accessible and fun. The idea of starting races with a clap instead of a pistol or playing barefoot soccer are fantastic ways to ease children into sports without the pressure of competition and noise. This book has the ability to make children feel less intimidated by sports, instilling a sense of reassurance and comfort in parents.
Do You See Me Playing Sports? is a heartwarming read that would be a fantastic addition to any child’s library. I think it’s perfect for parents who want to introduce their kids to sports in a gentle, fun, and supportive way. Highly recommended for ages 3 to 7, and a must-read for any parent looking to make their child’s first sports experience a positive one.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9528200370
LITERARY TITAN 