Blog Archives
The World is Their Oyster
Looking for Unicorns on Safari follows a mom and her two children who go on a safari adventure through Africa and her daughter spends the trip looking all over for a real-life unicorn. What was the inspiration for your story?
Very simple, the inspiration is quite simple, I went on safari with my kids in beautiful Kenya. My daughter loves unicorns and of course, we were discussing our favorite animals and looking for them – including unicorns. I love how kids live in their own version of reality and everything seems possible. The world is their oyster. I noticed in the museums and books stores that there was a limited selection of children’s books, so I wanted to write one and add some Swahili, to hopefully make the book more attractive to visiting foreigners like us, but also to locals.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
All families have their own little nicknames and stories, I want to encourage children and parents to embrace their stories and discover the world from their own perpsective, and enjoy the wonder they discover.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I like the scene with the line ‘I see the grand gazelle with their bow ties and dow eyes’. This is my daughter’s favorite animal from the safari – besides unicorns of course.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a story I am working on focusing on the fun and silly interactions between young children. There is a lot of humor in these ones. I think it will be available later this year.
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Looking for Unicorns on Safari
Looking for Unicorns on Safari is a super sweet and whimsical picture book that follows Lotta, Leo, and their mom on a safari adventure through Africa. Lotta is on a mission to spot a real unicorn—with glittery wings and a rainbow mane, of course—while her brother and mom enjoy the sights of more traditional animals, like lions, zebras, and giraffes. Each page is a colorful spread packed with animals dressed up in fun outfits and some fun Swahili words sprinkled in along the way. It’s part story, part seek-and-find, and all kinds of fun.
This picture book made me smile from page one. It’s got that perfect mix of silly and sweet that kids just eat up. The illustrations by Nita Candra are just gorgeous. There’s this one part where the giraffe is “on stilts, reaching up to the leaves,” and I had to pause and just appreciate how imaginative and playful it all looked. You can tell this children’s book was made with a lot of love.
One thing that stood out to me was how the story never shuts down Lotta’s belief in unicorns. Even though we see a bunch of real animals, no one ever says, “Unicorns aren’t real.” Instead, the story just rolls with it. That moment near the end when Lotta finally sees her unicorn? Pure joy. And the ending, where Mama calls the kids her “two monkeys”? Adorable. Plus, I think it’s really neat that the book also donates a portion of its proceeds to Save the Children. It adds a little heart to the magic.
Looking for Unicorns on Safari is a lovely read for little kids who still believe in magic—and for grownups who wish they still did. It’s perfect for bedtime, storytime, or any time you want to go on a little adventure without leaving the couch. If you’ve got a kid who loves animals, dress-up, or magical creatures, this one’s a total win.
Pages: 36 | ISBN: 9783952620724
A Double-Edged Sword
Just Like You, Papa follows a young boy who dreams of moving just like his father until he learns that even the strongest need time to rest. Did you draw from personal experiences when creating the father-child relationship?
Yes, this is the story of my son and his father. While we are an active family, and my son thrives in sports and looks up to his father, what he needs to learn is to take it easy sometimes. Ambition is a double-edged sword. I want to teach him balance in life.
How did you decide on the rhythmic, capitalized style for the book?
I love reading books to my kids, and I found I especially love those with rhythmic, simple text, and which use repetition. Kids love repetition. I explicitly aimed to achieve this effect myself. This book relies on the illustrations and bold text so that the energy jumps off the page.
What message do you hope both children and parents take away from the story?
To enjoy life to the fullest, dream big, but also to achieve a balanced outlook and enjoy the process. For example, if my son doesn’t manage a climbing route he wants to be able to do, his frustration and anger overwhelm him at times, and he needs reminding that he climbs because it is fun. He can sometimes then simply enjoy the process of learning, and take a break. He needs to learn to let go sometimes.
Was there a particular moment in the story that was especially meaningful to you?
There is no particular moment, but I like how the voice changes in the middle of the book from the perspective of the child to the perspective and wisdom of the father.
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A Universal Message
Thunderstorm Dragons is a heartwarming adventure where two kids uncover the magic within a storm, learning that fear can transform into wonder if you dare to see it differently. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My daughter was afraid of thunderstorms, and I told her the thunderstorms mean that the dragons at the mountain pilatus are coming. Thunderstorms come directionally from Mount Pilatus where we live. She then imagined how she would stomp on the dragons with her princess shoes. The story evolved thereon.
Lotta and Leo have such distinct personalities. Did you base them on real people?
Yes, they are based on my son who is 6, and my daugther is 4. Both of my children are very active and outgoing. My son is fearless and gives his younger sister nudges and confidence to become more independent.
The book beautifully conveys the idea that fear doesn’t disappear but evolves. Was that always a central theme for you?
No, this theme isn’t central in my writing in general. What is central, however, is that so far all of my children’s books (3) have a universal message which applies equally to children as it does to adults. The messages are not moralistic, but life lessons.
How did you collaborate with Nita Candra to bring the dragons to life through illustrations?
Nita has a beautiful classic style and is a pleasure to work with. I start with providing her with the complete text and a description of each scene, sometimes with pictures or very rough sketches. We then agree on the key characters. She then makes the sketches, which we do a few versions of, adding some details in each iteration before moving on to the illustrations. While it is my vision we are implementing, it is important to me that she has free creative range. I continue to be impressed by how well she illustrates dynamic and complex scenes.
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Just Like You, Papa
Mila Winter’s Just Like You, Papa is a charming and heartfelt children’s book about the bond between a father and his child, celebrating adventure, movement, and shared experiences. The story follows a young boy who admires his father’s strength and abilities, aspiring to run, ride, swim, and climb just like him. With rhythmic and simple prose, the book encourages young readers to embrace physical activity while also recognizing the importance of rest and reflection.
What I loved most about this picture book is its sense of boundless energy and admiration. The child’s enthusiasm leaps off the page. He doesn’t just want to run, he wants to RUN like his father. The capitalized words add an extra punch, making the emotions feel larger than life. The boy’s desire to do everything his dad does, even dreaming of flying, captures that innocent yet fierce determination kids have. It’s a lovely tribute to the way children look up to their parents and see them as their ultimate role models.
The book also reminds kids that even the best athletes need to pause. “Did you know even the best take time to REST?” This shift in tone is beautifully done. After pages of movement, the story slows down, encouraging children to appreciate quiet moments. It’s a subtle but effective way to teach balance, something both kids and adults often forget.
The writing is beautifully simple yet impactful, with a rhythm that makes it delightful to read aloud. The light, playful language creates a joyful experience that children will love hearing again and again. The story itself is wonderful, and the perspective through the child’s eyes adds a heartfelt touch.
Just Like You, Papa is a warm and energetic read that is perfect for parents and children who love outdoor adventures. It’s a book that encourages movement, admiration, and the joy of simply being together. Young kids, especially those who look up to a parent or older sibling, will find it relatable and inspiring.
Thunderstorm Dragons
Mila Winter’s Thunderstorm Dragons is a charming adventure that turns childhood fears into thrilling discoveries. The story follows Lotta and Leo, two curious kids who stumble upon the magic hidden in a storm. When a thunderstorm crashes over their campsite, instead of running for cover, Leo imagines dragons hiding within the clouds. He convinces Lotta to join him on a wild ride, transforming fear into wonder. Through their adventure, they learn that the rumbles of thunder are actually dragon wings beating, and the lightning is the fire from their breath. By the end of their journey, Lotta sees thunderstorms in a whole new light, not just scary, but magnificent.
The way Winter captures childhood imagination is delightful. Leo’s enthusiasm jumps off the page as he spins the idea of dragons into reality, and Lotta’s hesitation feels real. The contrast between their personalities makes the story engaging. Leo, the fearless dreamer, and Lotta, the cautious skeptic. The moment Lotta finally takes Leo’s hand and joins him on the dragon’s back is pure magic. It’s that perfect blend of excitement and bravery that kids will connect with. The writing flows effortlessly, making it an easy and enjoyable read for young minds.
I also loved the book’s message about fear and perspective. Lotta starts out terrified of thunderstorms, but by the end, she embraces them. The transformation feels natural and satisfying. The line, “You know Leo, thunderstorms are still scary… but wonderful!” is a beautiful takeaway. It acknowledges that fear doesn’t just disappear, it evolves. That’s a powerful lesson for kids who struggle with anxieties. Instead of dismissing fears, the story encourages looking at them differently, and that’s a lesson even adults could use.
The illustrations by Nita Candra bring the magic to life. The dragons are awe-inspiring yet friendly, making them the perfect bridge between fantasy and reality. The golden hues of the dragon’s gift at the end add a touch of warmth and wonder. The artwork perfectly complements the story, making it feel even more immersive. The pacing of the picture book is just right, with each page turn offering a new thrill. Even the little details, like Lotta carrying a stick in her purse, make the characters feel real and relatable.
This children’s book is perfect for kids who love adventure and need a little encouragement to face their fears. It’s an ideal bedtime story, exciting, but with a comforting ending. Parents, teachers, and librarians will find Thunderstorm Dragons a great addition to any child’s book collection. If you’ve ever had a little one afraid of storms, this might just be the book to help them see the magic hiding in the clouds.
LITERARY TITAN 