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Happy Thoughts: Going to the Beach
This sweet little children’s book follows Emma, a young girl with autism, as she heads to the beach with her friends Harper and Jerry. The day is full of excitement, sandcastles, and learning moments. Emma communicates using special waterproof cards her mom made, and through her friends’ kindness and understanding, the story shows how love and patience make adventures fun and safe for everyone.
I really liked how real the story felt. It didn’t sugarcoat things but still stayed gentle and positive. The way Emma’s excitement sometimes turns into overwhelm was so true to life, and the way her friends helped her made me smile. The writing is simple, but it fits perfectly for kids. I felt a lot of warmth from it, like a big sunny hug.
What really stuck with me was the message about friendship. Harper and Jerry never judged Emma, and that’s such an important thing for kids to see. The story didn’t feel preachy, just kind. The vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations depict heartwarming scenes of diverse characters. The illustrations are colorful and happy, matching that summer beach vibe. The writing has this rhythm that makes it feel like a conversation with a child, curious, honest, and full of energy.
I’d definitely recommend Happy Thoughts Going to the Beach by Lisa Jacovsky for kids around preschool or early elementary age. It’s perfect for storytime, especially for families or classrooms that want to talk about autism and inclusion in a positive way. It’s the kind of picture book that teaches empathy without even trying too hard. A good one to curl up with before a trip to the beach or anytime you just need a smile.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0FHL3Q61L
Open to Diversity
The Mystery of the Vanishing Fish follows a three-legged cat detective as he and his brothers embark on a hilarious investigation to uncover the truth behind their humans’ disappearing pet fish. What inspired you to write from a cat’s perspective?
I think it was really about showcasing the cute personality of the narrator, even though they were special with three legs. When I write, I find that it comes out with a first-person narrator. However, I think that is the best thing for my type of stories. Getting to see from the individual’s perspective or the cats, I think helps readers to understand them better.
What do you hope young readers take away from Bender’s adventure?
I want readers to see that even though he has three legs, he can still do anything and everything other cats can. I want the readers to relate to Bender and think he’s cute and silly in wanting to find where his fish friends went. Understanding and relating to him on a level as a child would can make the child more open to diversity and possibly adopting a cat too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the use of Bender’s difference in that he had three legs. I want this series to focus on each brother’s difference and show it in a positive light. The use of a detective mystery was to gain attention from the readers. Then they could read the story and see that even though he has three legs, it does not stop him from running, jumping, and exploring to find where his friends went to.
Do you have plans for more mysteries featuring Bender, Beau, and Bones in the future?
Yes I do =) There will be at least one more book, possibly two more in the series. The next one will be narrated by Beau, whom we were introduced to in Purrrfect As I Am but never got to be the head of solving a mystery. We will see if that is the final book in the series or maybe the brothers have found more mysteries to solve.
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In this tale, Bender and his brothers engage in one of their favorite activities – solving mysteries. The family owns a fish tank, which often catches Bender’s interest as he tries to interact with the fish. On this particular day, Bender notices that all of the fish are missing from the tank. Puzzled but excited, the feline brothers jump into action. Using his keen sense of smell and touch, Bender leads the investigation. He’s determined to find out what happened to their missing fish friends.
Where did the fish go? Will Bender and his brothers be able to find them? Come find out in this sweet mystery.
Silly Antics
Mischievous Cat Brothers follows two cat brothers’ daily activities and antics and the chaos they sometimes cause their “cat mom.” What inspired this children’s book?
That would be my own two silly kitties. I have a now 9-year-old and 7-year-old cat. The 7-year-old is narrating and it is his silly antics that inspired this series. Everything you read in the book are real things that happened in my place with my boys. I never knew how silly and funny cats could be and I thought it would be great to show the world this point of view for cats.
The art in this book brings the story to life, and the fact that each page is illustrated by a different artist on the autism spectrum makes it extra special. What was the collaboration process like with Brainstorm Productions?
The collaboration process is honestly one of the easiest and best for me. Brainstorm Productions individuals are brilliant. They are so talented and they send me a timeline but always deliver early. They send me different versions of each sketch I can choose from. I think my favorite though is when I am stuck on what to do for the header or back cover or an illustration and I give them total freedom to come up with an idea. They get my vision and bring my work to life the best. They are so nice, open and flexible. They make it the most enjoyable and best process for me.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Oh gosh, probably the foot under the bed one lol. That never ceases to surprise me when he does that. Even now, every winter, I forget and out shoots his paw to grab my foot lol I laugh the most probably when that happens. That was very fun to write and then figure out how to describe it for Brainstorm Productions to bring it to life. Luckily, I had pictures for them to go off of.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I recently wrote a book called Dragon Island – Football Season. It was a book that my own little cousins asked me to write which was fun. They had a hand in it too by giving me their favorite colors and the names of the dragons. Also, an author friend asked me to write about a character who was deaf. This will have a dragon that is and that was fun to research and plan out. This was probably one of the biggest planned-out books before I started to write it. I’m very proud of it and very excited for it. This one will be out In 2025 and I cannot wait for it.
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In the next chapter of the “Cat Brothers” series, Snowball takes the spotlight, sharing tales of playful antics and pranks he shares with his sibling, Midnight. Whether he’s mistaking his owner’s foot for a mouse or watching Midnight comically attempt to fit into a box, their home is always filled with laughter and mischief. Dive into the delightful escapades of Midnight and Snowball in this enchanting sequel!
The Beauty in Being Special
Bones and Friends: The Case of the Missing Mice follows three cat brothers, all with different special needs, who must work together to find their missing mice toys. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration is from a few beautiful special needs fosters that I follow. When I adopted my boys I found a wonderful cat group on Facebook. From there, I saw posts from special needs fosters. I decided to follow their pages, and it was the best thing. These little ones are hilarious and act just like any other cat. Getting to see the work, heart, and soul the humans of the foster put in is so heartwarming. It really made me want to show the world the beauty in being special as a cat too.
All three cat brothers are unique with their own talents and special needs. What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
I really wanted to ensure that all three came off cute and not funky-looking. When a cat has hydrocephalus they have big heads and smaller bodies, and sometimes their pupils are different. It was very important to me that the character came off the way I saw him, which was adorable. I think the illustrator captured my vision for all three cats and showed how adorable they can be on the outside too.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
I think that scene would be when they are all in the kitchen. In that scene, you see all three them of engaging in behaviors that are very typical of kittens. However, having a special need you may not expect them to be able to do. Like a blind cat being able to go to the top of a refrigerator or a cat with three legs jumping on a kitchen counter. The boys never let their specialness stop them. That was the theme of this book to showcase that. I think that scene is one of the best for showing that.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes! Lol right now Brainstorm Productions is working on book 2, the case of the vanishing fish. That is my favorite in the series and should be out later this year. They are doing an incredible job and I am so excited for this next part to come out. It is from the point of view of Beau who is blind. We will see if the readers can figure out where their fish friends went to before the boys do =)
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Despite being blind, our special needs cat, Beau, has an excellent sense of smell and hearing. When the mice dolls in his house mysteriously disappear, it’s up to our hero and his brothers, Bender, and Bones, to locate them by sniffing out their unique scent and listening to the subtle sounds they make.
Mischievous Cat Brothers
Mischievous Cat Brothers by Lisa Jacovsky is an utterly delightful book that captures the playful antics of two adorable fur babies, Snowball and Midnight. These two cat brothers are always up to something—whether it’s chasing their “cat mom” around the house, ambushing unsuspecting feet from under the bed, or squeezing into the perfect box. Every page brims with the joy of their endless mischief, making it a fun and lighthearted read for any cat lover.
What makes this book stand out is that it’s told from Snowball’s perspective, giving readers an inside look at the curious and playful world of these two lovable felines. It’s like a storybook version of the viral cat videos that everyone adores, with Snowball and Midnight finding joy in everything they do. But the story isn’t the only thing to love—there’s a unique and innovative aspect to the illustrations as well. Each one is crafted by different artists from Brainstorm Productions and the Center for Learning Unlimited, all of whom are on the autism spectrum. This collaboration adds a special layer of meaning to the book, with each artist contributing their distinctive style and perspective to bring the story to life. The art is truly a highlight. While the cats remain consistently charming across various illustrations, the humans in the story are depicted with a beautiful diversity that adds to the inclusive feel of the book. This blend of artistic styles makes every page turn into an exciting and fresh experience, as you never know what unique visual interpretation awaits you next. I was especially intrigued by the way the collaboration seamlessly merged different artistic voices, creating a cohesive yet vibrant aesthetic. I’ve never seen this kind of artistic collaboration in a children’s book before, and I found it to be both innovative and heartwarming. The story is filled with fun, the illustrations are inclusive and diverse, and the charm of Snowball and Midnight leaps off every page. After reading it, I was inspired to go snuggle with my own cats! I hope this kind of collaboration becomes a trend in children’s literature, showcasing the diverse talents of artists across the neurological spectrum.
Mischievous Cat Brothers is a purr-fect choice for readers of all ages, especially cat lovers. It’s an endearing tale of a cat mom and her two adventurous kitties, certain to bring a smile to anyone who opens its pages.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0DF4XY68M
Bones and Friends: The Case Of The Missing Mice
Bones and Friends: The Case of the Missing Mice by Lisa Jacovsky is a heartwarming children’s mystery that delights readers with its adorable trio of cats. Beau, Bender, and Bones—each with their own special needs—set out to solve the mystery of their missing mouse toys. Together, they show that no challenge is too big when you have teamwork, resilience, and a bit of creativity on your side.
Beau, who was born without eyes, relies on his sharp senses of smell and hearing. Bender, despite having only three legs, is an exceptional climber. Tiny Bones, living with hydrocephalus, uses his small size to explore hard-to-reach places. Each cat brings something unique to the adventure, and watching them turn their differences into strengths is both inspiring and endearing. Their mission to find the missing toys is not only a fun mystery but also a touching reminder that everyone has something valuable to contribute. The illustrations add another layer of charm to the story. They are colorful and engaging, drawing readers into the whimsical world of these courageous felines. The conclusion of the tale leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction, yet eager to follow the trio on more adventures. One of the most touching aspects of Bones and Friends is how it showcases animals with special needs in the spotlight. The way the characters’ differences are celebrated and turned into strengths resonates deeply, especially for readers who may have or know animals with similar challenges. As someone with a pet chicken who has no feet but still gets around faster than I do, this story truly struck a chord.
Bones and Friends is an adorable and uplifting read that’s perfect for storytime with young children. It’s a great pick for any cat lover or for group readings, where its themes of friendship and teamwork will surely shine. Whether at bedtime or during a quiet afternoon, this heartwarming tale of three cat brothers working together is a purr-fect choice for readers of all ages.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0CYLVX53K
Acceptance Starts With Asking Questions
In Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium, a young girl with autism overcomes her anxieties with the help of her friends when she visits the aquarium and makes a new friend. Why was this an important story for you to share?
It was important because it’s rare to see anything let alone a book from a child with Autism’s point of view. Also, it was because Emma does not use her mouth to talk; she uses her cards and writing. This is something not seen at all in the literary book world. I thought that should be changed. I wanted to children to see themselves in Emma and families to see their loved ones. There is something so magical in seeing yourself in a book, and I wanted to bring that to children and families.
Is there anything from your own life in the characters in Happy Thoughts?
Yes, I am very passionate about animals and animal conservation. What better way to encourage children to want to learn about animals than to write about a visit to the aquarium? In the book, some of my favorite marine animals are shown, too. There really are no books that show Beluga whales, and that was important to me. They are beautiful, smart, and silly creatures that I thought should be showcased.
What is one thing you hope young readers can take away from Emma’s experience?
There are many different ways to talk. Also, talking differently makes us beautiful. Embrace your friends and family members who may talk differently or have anything that makes them different. Or go up to the little different one and become friends with them. Ask your teachers how and about what Autism is. Acceptance starts with asking questions to learn.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
The next book that will come out is called Mischievous Cat Brothers, and it is book two in the Cat Brothers series. It should come out this summer and will be illustrated by the amazing individuals of Brainstorm Productions. The younger brother will narrate it, Snowball, making it a bit more silly.
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Grab your copy of Award Winning author, Lisa Jacovsky’s Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium today!
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium, by Lisa Jacovsky, presents an insightful glimpse into the life of Emma, a young girl with autism who has her own unique way of communication. Unlike her peers, Emma relies on index cards to express herself when she feels comfortable, a distinctive trait that sets her apart in social interactions. This narrative becomes especially poignant when Emma encounters new individuals, such as a boy named Alex at the aquarium, highlighting both the challenges and the triumphs of her communication method.
Jacovsky’s narrative is commendable for its sensitive and innovative portrayal of autism. By choosing index cards as Emma’s medium of expression, the author provides a tangible and relatable tool for young readers to understand and empathize with different communication styles. This technique effectively fosters awareness and acceptance among children, demonstrating that differing abilities should be embraced and respected. The aquarium setting is a masterstroke, offering a serene and engaging backdrop for this enlightening tale. It not only serves as a non-threatening environment for character interactions but also enriches the story with vibrant illustrations of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and beluga whales. John Thorn’s illustrations are noteworthy for their charm and their role in bringing the story to life.
Jacovsky‘s book stands out for its educational value, seamlessly weaving a lesson on acceptance and uniqueness into an enjoyable story. Emma’s journey, marked by her distinctive way of interacting with the world, is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding those who may seem different.
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium is a meaningful exploration of individuality and communication. Jacovsky’s thoughtful approach makes this book a valuable read for children, illuminating the richness that different perspectives bring to our world.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CVHTT9W5
LITERARY TITAN 