Blog Archives
The Not So Funny Bunny (Happy Tails)
Sascha is turning six, and all he wants for his birthday is a bunny. He believes a bunny will make not only a great pet but a wonderful friend. Sascha is a little boy who doesn’t have many friends and thinks this is his chance to turn things around. Sascha’s mother is as cautious as Sascha is insistent. For every positive he gives his mother, she gives him a reason that a rabbit will be a challenge for them both. When Sascha wakes up from an after-dinner nap one evening, he is greeted by Yakov, his new bunny friend, and their strange adventure begins.
The Not So Funny Bunny, written by Michele L. Sayre and illustrated by Christina Cartwright, is the story of a little boy who learns a difficult but valuable lesson about owning a pet. Sascha is introduced to the rigors of owning a rabbit following an evening nap. When he awakens, he is taken on an unforgettable journey by Yakov, a quirky and mischievous character. Yakov will remind young readers of The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. His hyperactive ways keep both Sascha and readers on their toes as they watch him advance from one naughty incident to the next.
Sayre’s book is meant to both entertain and teach young readers. Sascha’s frustration is palpable–he can’t seem to stop this amazing rabbit who walks, talks, and destroys everything in his path. His mother’s advice on pet ownership begins to ring true, and Sascha soon sees what most every parent wishes their children to understand–pets are an immense responsibility. Parents really do know best when it comes to talking about pet ownership.
The Not So Funny Bunny, written by Michele L. Sayre and illustrated by Christina Cartwright, will appeal to parents who are facing the pet talk with their little ones. This book is an excellent tool for teaching responsibility and emphasizing careful decision-making. Cartwright’s illustrations are crisp and vibrant and seem to take on a life of their own. I found this author/illustrator team to be one that will be difficult to beat!
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0C9LC7FR7
A Magical Tale About Leprechauns
The Unluckiest Leprechaun by Far follows an unlucky leprechaun who tries to get his luck back by kidnapping an especially lucky human girl.What was the inspiration for your story?
I didn’t want the usual capture a Leprechaun and get wishes and money from the fairy kind of story. I was trying to think of something different, and the idea of switching the story up and having the Leprechaun get his way in the end appealed to me. The usual kind of story has been overdone. I wanted something different, and that’s when this lovely tale popped into my head. It was the right kind of ornery that appealed to my sense of humor.
The art in this book is fantastic and brings the story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Christina Cartwright?
Christina’s talent is amazing. This is our second book worked together, and I feel she elevated her artwork even more so than the last time we worked together. Her attention to detail was truly sublime – she made my words on the page come to life. There really seemed to be some magic at work with how this book came together. At one point, I even asked Christina if she had a little bit of Irish in her, which she admitted she did, and I wasn’t surprised. I, of course, have an Irish ancestry as well, so is it any wonder that two American “Irish” lasses came up with a magical tale about Leprechauns? Our collaboration together was truly magical.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I do realize that I used some slightly bigger words than are traditionally found in a children’s book, but I also subscribe to the belief of pushing a person’s vocabulary. You don’t grow verbally and mentally if you are not exposed to new words. I also felt strongly about bringing the notion of karma into the story. If you are a good person with a good heart, then you have the power to change the world as long as you embrace kindness and goodwill towards others as Brianna extended to Liam. Our highest purpose in life should always be to help others whenever we are able to do so.
What will the next book in the Happy Tails series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series is about a pet bunny. Hopefully it teaches the concept of always being kind to our furry friends and to be mindful of what they truly need to not only survive, but thrive in this world. It should be out by August at the latest.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Ask Liam the Leprechaun – his family’s luck has been low for years, but all of that is about to change. Turnabout is fair play. If humans can capture Leprechauns for their magic, then why can’t a crafty Leprechaun capture a human for her overabundance of luck?
Such are the adventures of Liam and Brianna – two lonely souls connecting as friends in a way that’s truly magical. They learn that luck freely shared is luck that is never-ending.
The Unluckiest Leprechaun by Far
Little Brianna Blackwell’s visits to her grandmother in Ireland are always a delight, filled with enchanting tales of magic and her family’s rich history. However, her adventure truly begins when a mysterious boy named Liam leads her on a merry chase, ultimately bringing her to the ruins of an old castle. As Brianna discovers more about Liam’s family plight, she also uncovers more about her own unique heritage. When faced with a serious choice, Brianna alone holds the key to the outcome of this magical adventure.
Michele L. Sayre’s The Unluckiest Leprechaun by Far is a whimsical tale that perfectly captures the spirit of the “wee folk” of the Old Country. Sayre’s gentle and engaging writing style will captivate readers of all ages, making it an excellent addition to any library. The story is heavily rooted in Irish heritage, incorporating many words and names from the culture with helpful pronunciation tips for those unfamiliar with the language. The photorealistic art by Christina Cartwright is highly detailed and full of bright colors, further immersing readers in Brianna’s world.
The Unluckiest Leprechaun by Far is a charming tale of humans working together with the folk of the magical realm. This joyous tale of luck and Leprechauns is an excellent choice for independent or group reading, making it suitable for all ages. The Happy Tails series promises many more wonderful books like this one, and readers will be left eagerly anticipating the next installment. This lovingly written legend is a fresh take on classic fairy-tale lore, and it is sure to delight all who read it.
Pages: 67 | ASIN : B0BYYK4NGX
The Beauty of Imagination
What I Would Wish to Be follows Trey and his father on an adventure where they use imagination to become anything they want. How did you come up with the idea behind this story?
I had decided that I wanted to try my hand at composing children’s books. What I Would Wish to Be was the first one I was able to put together. I don’t know what it is like for anyone else, but I often have moments when I wonder what it would be like to become something else or someone else. I mean, you see a bee sailing through the air, and you wonder – is their life as hard of yours seems to be? Yes, they’re working all the time, but do they have to live with any sort of expectation for their life other than to just being a bee? The beauty of imagination is that we open ourselves up to the world around us.
Do you think all children have a good imagination, or is that something they need to work on?
I think that all children have the potential to cultivate wonderful imaginations. Now whether they will depends on the encouragement they get from the people they are surrounded with and love. If you’re not encouraged to think for yourself, to find your own solutions to problems, then your imaginative journey has been cut short before it has begun. I lived on a farm when I was a kid, so I was miles from any of my friends to be able to play with them. Imagination became my friend. As long as I could entertain myself, I was never truly lonely.
What do you hope young readers take away from your book?
It would be great if my book taught young readers to think outside the box. Yeah, everybody wants to be an astronaut at some point, but not everyone is going to get that chance, and yes, none of us will ever have the ability to turn into a bee, but neither of these things prevent us from imagining that we can have extraordinary lives. Empathy starts when we can put ourselves into other people’s shoes. Cultivate wonder around you about the amazing world in which we live.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next children’s book I’m currently working on is about luck and Leprechauns. It will become available at the beginning of March – just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. May the luck of the Irish be with us all! 😉
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website
What I Would Wish to Be
When you were a child, what did you wish to be? Was it an astronaut so you could explore space or a doctor to heal the sick? In What I would Wish to Be, Trey’s father asks him if he could be anything he wanted, what would it be? Trey’s responses are creative and unexpected and throw his father for a loop when he mentions he wishes to be a tree, the wind, the sea, and much more.
Author Michele Sayre sparks young readers’ curiosity with her charming story of Trey and his conversation with his father. I felt that Trey’s responses were spot on, and it was as if I were speaking to a child. I loved Trey’s imagination and how he dared to be something that others wouldn’t think of. This creative and free-spirited read will surely spark the imagination of young readers.
This is the perfect book for teachers to read to their students and, as an exercise, have them write about what they want to be and see what they come up with. The illustrations are eye-catching and reminded me of the Baby John videos. The rhyming scheme made this a fun read that will teach young readers how to rhyme without them even realizing it.
I highly recommend What I would Wish to Be to parents and young readers as this is the perfect book to spark up a conversation before bedtime.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0BRGYC5LX
LITERARY TITAN 