Blog Archives
Mirroring Real World Science
Alexander Fleming’s Penicillin Promise follows two siblings and their time-traveling Dr friend who visit London in 1928 to meet Alexander Fleming to learn about the discovery of penicillin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The heart of this story grew from a simple idea, the moment when a scientific discovery becomes a turning point for humanity.
Alexander Fleming’s chance observation in 1928 changed the course of medicine, yet behind that historic moment was a very human story of curiosity, patience, and readiness to notice what others overlooked.
I wanted children to experience that spark for themselves. By sending Daniel, Jennifer, and Dr. K back to a bustling London laboratory, readers see how ordinary people, even those who doubt their own impact, can shape the world through careful observation and persistence.
The setup allows children to witness the discovery from the inside, giving them a sense of belonging in the world of science.
What is your approach to presenting scientific information and facts in a way that children will not only understand but be excited to learn more about the topic?
My approach is to bring science off the page and into the lived experience of the characters.
Children learn best when they feel connected to the story, so I weave scientific concepts into dialogue, sensory details, and moments of discovery rather than presenting them as lessons. I also rely on curiosity. When Daniel and Jennifer ask real questions, the answers arise naturally in the narrative.
That interplay mirrors how science works in the real world.
Rather than memorize facts, readers follow the excitement of the process, the surprise, the wonder, and the small steps that lead to breakthroughs.
The goal is for children to finish the book not only with new knowledge, but with the desire to keep exploring on their own.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Yes, and it changed the way I wrote the book. I was struck by how accidental the discovery of penicillin truly was, yet how much preparation and scientific discipline went into recognizing its significance.
Fleming did not set out to discover an antibiotic. He simply had the habit of observing carefully, even when something looked like a mistake. I was also surprised by how long it took for penicillin to become widely available. Its early development required many hands working across years, countries, and laboratories.
That collective effort shaped the book’s message. Even a brilliant idea needs a community of people who believe in the work.
I wanted young readers to see that science is never a solo journey.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Dr. K, Daniel, and Jennifer, and the direction of the next book?
The adventure continues with Albert Einstein in Book 4: Albert Einstein’s Journey Through Relativity.
This story brings the siblings into the heart of one of the most transformative scientific periods of the twentieth century.
They travel from Germany to Switzerland and witness Einstein’s early curiosity, his time in the patent office, and the ideas that became the foundations of modern physics. The focus of the next book is not only on scientific concepts, but on resilience, imagination, and the courage to pursue questions that defy the expectations of the time. Dr. K, Daniel, and Jennifer continue to grow in their understanding of science, and also in their confidence as young thinkers who see the world with wonder and responsibility.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
In Alexander Fleming’s Penicillin Promise, readers embark on a thrilling journey that intertwines history and science. Guided by the enigmatic Dr. K, Jennifer and Daniel step into a world where a simple mold changes the course of medicine forever. They find themselves in St. Mary’s Hospital, where Fleming’s groundbreaking discovery unfolds before their eyes. The children experience the excitement of scientific inquiry, learning how curiosity and observation can lead to monumental breakthroughs. As they navigate through London’s rich tapestry of scientific landmarks, they uncover the significance of antibiotics in combating infections and saving lives. The story emphasizes the importance of perseverance, showcasing how Fleming’s relentless pursuit of knowledge led to a discovery that would revolutionize healthcare.
This engaging narrative not only entertains but also educates young readers about the fundamentals of bacteria and early medicine. It inspires them to appreciate the wonders of science and the unexpected paths that lead to great discoveries. Alexander Fleming’s Penicillin Promise is the third installment in the Dr. K’s Portal Through Time series, celebrating a quiet yet monumental achievement that continues to shape our world today. Through immersive storytelling, children are encouraged to explore their own interests in science and history, fostering a sense of wonder and a desire to learn.
Book 3 – Alexander Fleming’s Penicillin Promise: Dr. K’s Portal Through Time
Alexander Fleming’s Penicillin Promise drops you right into a bright, curious world where two kids tumble through time to witness one of the biggest medical discoveries in history. The story walks through Fleming’s accident with that famous mold, the slow uncovering of penicillin’s power, and the uphill climb to prove it mattered. What starts as a small, strange spot on a Petri dish grows into something world-changing, and the book turns that whole scientific moment into a warm adventure full of wonder. It blends history with imagination in a way that feels playful and still hits the big lessons.
I had a great time with this children’s book. The writing feels cozy and easy to fall into, like someone telling you a good story over hot chocolate. I loved how it never talks down to kids. Instead, it hands them big ideas wrapped in clear moments that feel alive. The scenes with Fleming in his messy lab made me grin because they show how discoveries are often born from accidents and curiosity. The tone bounces between gentle humor, quiet awe, and those sweet little emotional beats between Jennifer, Daniel, and Dr. K. I kept finding myself smiling when the “mold juice” nickname came up.
There was also something surprisingly moving about watching these kids witness history. Seeing Fleming’s doubts, his patience, and his strange mix of order and chaos gave the journey real heart. The book does this neat thing where it makes science feel adventurous without turning it into something cold or technical. The moments with early patients hit me hardest, especially when Fleming realizes penicillin works, but there simply is not enough of it yet. The artwork throughout the book has a polished, anime-influenced aesthetic that creates a warm and approachable atmosphere. The character designs are the standout element, characterized by clean linework and expressive faces, like in a graphic novel.
I would recommend this children’s chapter book to curious kids, teachers, parents, and any adult who wants a warm and hopeful reminder that small discoveries can grow into life-changing things. If you enjoy stories that mix history with heart, or if you just want something that lights up your sense of wonder, this one is a perfect fit.
Pages: 113 | ASIN : B0FSTF3PDJ
Obesseus Feasts Of Legends (The Slam-Fu Edition 1)
I just finished Obesseus Feast of Legends, and what a wild ride. This book tells the story of Obesseus. He is a hero. His belly is big. His heart is bigger. He just wants to eat dumplings. A former friend, Monica Mango, starts a war. She leads the “Juice Regime.” She hates solid food. Obesseus must fight. He learns a power called Slam-Fu. The book follows his journey. He defends the world of Buffetland. It is a huge, sprawling, absolutely massive food fight.
The writing is a total trip. Sentences are short. Sometimes just one word. Then a long, rambling thought. Things are yelled in capital letters. It felt less like reading a novel and more like reading a script. A script for the most frantic cartoon ever. The sheer number of ideas is surprising. The author just throws everything at the wall. And honestly? I loved watching it stick. It was a blast.
I really connected with the ideas here. The book is not just about food puns. It’s about big feelings. Obesseus himself is pure joy. He represents indulgence. He fights against control. The villains are great. They are juice-cleanse tyrants and asparagus-god dictators. I felt a lot for the side characters. Conflicted Tomato was my favorite. He just wants to know where he belongs. What a mood. I will say the plot gets messy. Part 1 was simple. Part 3 was just bananas. New characters kept appearing. Muffin Ninjas. Sinister Shrimp. A gaslighting grapefruit named Grant. It was a lot.
I am genuinely happy I read this. It is a messy, chaotic, and wonderful book. Do not read this if you want a quiet, serious story. This is not that. This book is loud. This book is strange. This book is wacky. I would recommend this to anyone with a wild imagination. It’s for people who grew up on hyperactive cartoons. It’s for anyone who just wants to see a hero win. A hero who wins with a full belly and a good burp.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0FZD69XD4
A Retired School Counselor
Almost Fourteen follows a group of middle school students as they navigate the complexities of young love, friendships, and school drama, all while facing real-world dangers and moral dilemmas. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Almost Fourteen is actually a continuation of a series that originally I started for two of my grandchildren when they were in 5th and 6th grade (The Mystery of the Old Purse). As a writer I became invested in the two characters (Cali Snipe and Sky McCray), and I began inventing situations for the two characters. Also, as a retired school counselor, I was familiar with some of the school situations that teens encounter and need to navigate as they transition into adults. I try to include those situations in the novels.
I was also interested in showing examples of positive parenting, concerned and functioning adults trying to mentor their teen son or daughter in a beneficial fashion.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I hope the way they converse with each other, the dialog between teen characters, mostly ones who are motivated and have high personal expectations, would be realistic. Unfortunately for a writer, teen-speak changes rather rapidly so it is difficult to make dialog of characters always apropos for the current generation of adolescents. For example, currently (2024-25) most teens communicate largely via phone texts while when I was working as a school counselor most teens communicated face-to-face.
Judy Bloom and S.E. Hinton do this better than me. Their youth characters still register well with modern youth.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Teen romance, teen friendship, teen rivalries, inspirational teachers/coaches, healthy teen activities/sports, self-reliance when solving challenges.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
As it now stands, the series has followed Cali and Sky and their friends through junior high and into high school. In Forced Apart, Cali and Sky are in eleventh grade. If I do write the eighth volume in the series, they will be in twelfth grade, will have already seen some of their friends graduate and go on to other experiences, and they will also be graduating and moving on to develop new friendships either in college, in the military, or in the workforce.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
The Visitors
A few years from now, Earth faces total annihilation, unless two determined aliens can rewrite its fate. Bjorn and Zorn, shapeshifting observers of our troubled planet, are horrified by what they see. Determined to save humanity from itself, they leap back through time to intervene. Their unlikely allies? A ragtag band of cynical animals: Dax, a chicken-nugget-loving Maine Coon; Penelope, an irreverent Adélie penguin; Florence, a thoughtful cow; and Ptoni, a prehistoric Pteranodon with attitude. Saving the world is serious business, but with this crew, chaos comes laced with comedy.
The Visitors by Andrew Cahill-Lloyd targets a young adult audience, though its wit and inventiveness easily appeal to older readers as well. Fans of Artemis Fowl will recognize the quick pacing and mischievous tone, while admirers of Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett will find familiar notes of absurdity and satire.
Cahill-Lloyd excels at weaving eccentric characters and outrageous scenarios into a cohesive, fast-moving narrative. Beneath the laughter, however, pulse weightier themes, homophobia, racism, and the perils of blind faith. These serious undertones are handled deftly, introduced with humor and humanity rather than heaviness.
Each brisk chapter feels like an episode from a gleefully bizarre television series. The jokes land fast, the dialogue crackles, and amid the hilarity, flashes of insight remind us what’s at stake. Bjorn and Zorn’s advanced technology allows for wild journeys through time and space, yet it also highlights a sobering truth: humans, given such power, might not use it for good.
For all its zany energy, The Visitors is more than intergalactic farce. It’s sharp, funny, and oddly poignant, a whirlwind of wit and wonder that never overstays its welcome. Cahill-Lloyd writes with the kind of gleeful abandon that invites readers to laugh, think, and maybe cringe a little at their own species.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0FS6Y7YDK
Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star
When I first opened Not Logan, I thought I’d get a goofy story about a kid messing around on YouTube. Instead, what I got was a sharp, funny, and oddly moving ride through middle school awkwardness, internet fame, and the chaos that comes when the two crash into each other. The book follows Logan Blake, a painfully normal twelve-year-old who stumbles into viral success after a ridiculous video glitch. From there, his channel explodes. What begins as a small escape from everyday life turns into a whirlwind of sponsorships, trolls, fan art, cookie-shaped sidekicks, and the strange pressure of trying to keep the internet entertained. Beneath all the jokes and silliness, though, the story quietly asks what it means to be yourself when the whole world is watching.
Reading this book felt like listening to a kid tell you the wildest story of his life while constantly interrupting himself with jokes, embarrassing confessions, and sarcastic asides. I laughed. A lot. The humor is quick, self-deprecating, and just the right mix of cringe and charm. But what surprised me was how often I caught myself nodding along, feeling that familiar knot of anxiety about being “good enough” or the weird hollow feeling when attention shifted away. The writing makes those moments land without getting heavy or preachy. Instead, they sneak up in between the punchlines and the chaos. I loved that balance. It kept me grinning even while I was thinking about bigger stuff.
The book leans a little into the randomness. Whole chapters spin off into tangents about burnt cookies, bizarre sponsorships, or ridiculous meetups, that are usually funny. I found myself wanting to stay with the quieter beats, like when he doubts himself after reading cruel comments, or when he chooses to step back and just be a kid for a while. Those parts hit harder, maybe because they’re honest in a way that doesn’t need exaggeration. Still, the over-the-top bits are clearly part of the charm, and I can see why younger readers especially would eat them up.
I had a blast with Not Logan. It’s goofy, fast-paced, and full of ridiculous scenarios, but it also has a big heart. It reminded me how strange and fragile it can feel to put yourself out there, and how important it is to laugh at your own disasters. I’d recommend this book to middle schoolers who spend too much time online, to parents who wonder why their kids watch endless YouTube streams, and to anyone who’s ever felt both invisible and too visible at the same time. It’s not just funny. It’s weirdly comforting.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0FH2G6N67
Everyone Is Valuable
Santa’s Last Ride follows the Claus family after Santa throws out his back feeding the reindeer and decides it is time for his twelve-year-old son to take over; however, he does not want the job, but his sister does. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story originated with James. Getting tired of Christmas songs on the hours long trip to Iowa for Christmas, he began to tell this story to his kids to pass the time. He has two children – an older son and younger daughter also aged two years apart. They were his greatest inspiration.
I loved the interactions between Christopher and Kristy; they were believable and entertaining, with heartwarming moments as well. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
James and I are siblings. There were five more of us growing up. We are stuffed full of sibling interactions, mostly of a humorous nature. We grew up in a rambunctious and laughter filled environment.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Most important is the idea that everyone is valuable in their own way and not even a disability or a perceived disability changes that. In fact, I got involved in this book when James sent me an email of a very bare bones version of the story and asked me to put it in legible form. James has dyslexia, which was why he asked for my help. After much internet interact, we added to and filled out the story until it became ‘our’ book.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
We have had feedback from a number of fans asking what comes next. Some want to know when the movie is coming out. There are a number of issues we see that could be addressed in future. Considering their new positions in the Claus family how do Chris and Kristy, still quite young, handle the adults in the world they will have to interact with? From the North Pole how do you go to school, college, or date? With the planet warming up what will the family do about a shrinking North Pole? There’s no ground under the North Pole ice. What’s next for Mr. and Mrs. Claus?
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
While Santa’s mind is fixed on training Christopher, Mrs. Claus, daughter, Kristy, and Christopher are determined to find a way to tell Santa the obvious – which he seems to be stubbornly ignoring – that Christopher is unsuitable for the job. The family is keeping Christopher’s secret and it will only be sprung on Santa on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile Kristy, just ten years old, feels she is up to the task of taking Santa’s place.
Christmas Eve finds Santa and his trainee taking off for high flying adventures around the world, including natural disasters – angry dogs, cracking ice – and some disasters not so natural – smoking chimneys, frightening encounters with jets. When Santa discovers his family has tricked him, he nearly turns the sleigh around, to end the flight. Christopher and Kristy have to impress their father with their talents. Kristy especially has to believe in herself enough to convince Santa that, working together, they just might be able to save Christmas.
Santa’s Last Ride
Santa’s Last Ride tells the story of a family at the North Pole where Santa Claus is nearing the end of his career. His son, Chris, is expected to take on the role of Santa, but he has little interest in reindeer or flying and harbors a deep fear of heights. His daughter, Kristy, however, adores the reindeer and dreams of soaring through the skies. The story unfolds with humor, family tension, and a lot of heart, exploring tradition, expectations, and the possibility of change in a world bound by old rules.
I found myself grinning through the opening chapters. The playful back-and-forth between Kristy and Chris had the messy, real feel of siblings who know exactly how to get under each other’s skin. What struck me most was how ordinary family dynamics were woven into this magical setting. The North Pole felt less like a faraway fairy tale and more like a farm kitchen or workshop down the road. The dialogue often landed with warmth. I liked that it didn’t shy away from showing Santa as tired and even vulnerable, weighed down by age and pain.
The story leans on familiar Christmas imagery, but the book is charming. I would have liked more moments where the tradition of Santa collided with the modern world. Kristy’s longing to step into a role she’s told isn’t hers felt both funny and frustrating, and I caught myself cheering her on. The writing had a cozy rhythm that made the chapters fly by.
This is a story about family, tradition, and courage dressed up in the glitter and frost of the North Pole. I would recommend it to middle-grade readers who enjoy holiday tales that mix humor with heart. Kids who love Santa stories will find a lot to laugh at, and adults might smile at the way it reflects the small struggles of growing up and letting go. It’s best suited for anyone who wants a warm, lighthearted read in the glow of Christmas lights.
Pages: 105 | ASIN : B0DD4LR8QP
LITERARY TITAN 