Blog Archives
“Sunshine of Life”
TIP’S Magical Journey: The Ride of Discovery and Inspiration follows a young boy traveling on a train who meets people from all over the world and learns about their homelands. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for the story was from my father. He was a pharmacist in Center City Philadelphia in the 50s. On the weekends, I would get into bed with my parents, and he would tell me about Little Audrey – a girl without a home he engaged on the train.
I loved the Little Audrey stories and was actually jealous that she engaged with my Dad more than me. It was a true bonding with a working father. When I became a grandmother and had my first grandson, I switched Little Audrey to a boy. Years and years went by, and my grandson kept telling me he remembered those stories on a train, and I should write a book. My father was my first inspiration and grandson David was my second. I took my business, The Inspiration Project, and used the first letters of each word to form TIP.
Nine years ago, I started the not-for-profit, The Inspiration Project, where now 260,000 read my inspirations and over 110,000 follow me each day. I am the founder of this amazing company where I sent over 15,000 frames embedded with my inspirations to 12 charities – and I had at least 10 volunteers help me. The pandemic happened, and I was forced to switch gears. I have not taken any salary, and none of my volunteers did. I was privileged to be written up in the Philadelphia Inquirer and in the Jewish Exponent as a senior making a difference in Pennsylvania.
The artwork really stands out and allows the reader to immersed in the storyline, providing opportunities to enhance discussions with children. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Jason Shiver?
The collaboration between Jason Shiver and me was wonderful. While my editor told me about Jason, I knew he would surround my dialogue with great pictures. And he delivered! We had a give-and-take with what Tip would look like; it was a joyful collaboration that I will cherish. I had an ongoing conversation with Jason with the pictures every couple of weeks – and I was blown away with his professionalism and his artistic skills. I hope Jason will agree to do my future books. He is a gem.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The educational aspects were many. First, I wanted a “clean” look to the book – no distractions – simple dialogue and equally simple pictures, but it had to be equally “friendly” to children who could not read yet. I was hoping the pictures would be important until a parent could read to the child and then the child could read the book themselves. It was important for me to talk about countries that people came from and get a sense of their mores and customs. It was important to talk about the food – which most children would recognize very freely as most go to restaurants. I researched a lot of the geographic aspects as I wanted children who may not travel to get a sense of other countries. I truly wanted the “sunshine of life” to tell children what other people are like, that to open our world to diversity and love would not make it scary and more friendly. I hoped that children reading this book would hold it close to them forever – and perhaps they could discover a world more open to them.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, it will be a series. The next book is going to my editor soon – It is Tip’s Birthday Bash, A Celebration of Friendship.
Tip is now 10 years old – his parents throw him his first party. His friends from the neighborhood are invited – it is a diverse neighborhood. The friends each bring a gift that is important to Tip as it is all about them as individuals. There is a dog mascot and at the end of the book, I tell what each of these children, through inspiration, become in their lifetime. However, a final aspect of the book is that Tip and his friends decide on a summer volunteer project which they all partake. There are the kids we hope are growing up now in our society – they bring love, friendship, and diversity to the lives of many. Many are foreigners where their parents are on visas and they live in Tip’s community. They will provide children to be open with others, provide a community volunteer program and continue on with inspiration for children’s lives.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon | The Inspiration Project
The main character is Thaddeus Isaac Pendleton, but because that is a mouthful, he is called Tip. Tip, an 8 1/2 year old boy, rides a commuter train each day. He meets up with immigrants, travelers and learns much about them. Some are carrying tote bags with their homeland delicacies. The book celebrates the diversity, customs, and morals of those he meets. Just what America needs now. Tip’s journey is filled with youthful buoyancy and innocence. It has thoughtful lessons. There are 23 special illustrations in the 60-page book. The book also gives the reader the chance to find some of the many objects on the train. The story speaks of the importance of learning about the world you and paying attention to detail.
TIP’s Magical Journey
In TIP’S Magical Journey, readers are taken on a heartwarming adventure that underscores the joys of social connection and the richness of multicultural interactions. Centered around the endearing Thaddeus Isaac Pendleton, or ‘Little TIP’ as he’s fondly called, this tale captures a boy’s enthusiasm for city explorations, particularly on trains. As he traverses the urban landscape, he crosses paths with an array of individuals hailing from diverse locales such as Greece, China, and Mexico. Each interaction imparts insights into varying cultures, life lessons, and traditions, brilliantly illustrating the magic of forging new friendships and expanding one’s horizons.
Barbara Mishkin artfully communicates the importance of being receptive to learning from others and the beauty of a borderless world. The story champions values like attentive listening and lending a hand–principles that resonate deeply. Through TIP’s experiences, young readers get a delightful taste of global dishes, customs, and even linguistic expressions. The narrative, coming from TIP’s vantage point, engages readers, making every encounter and anecdote feel both relatable and captivating.
Visually, the book boasts distinctive illustrations that exude tranquility. The muted tones offer a serene touch. I would love to have seen a splash of brighter hues mixed in. I feel this might have been a wonderful way to capture the effervescence of our protagonist, TIP. Nevertheless, the journey is beautifully crafted, with each train stop revealing a fresh story, making this book a tapestry of tales. The highlighted quotes peppered throughout add a thoughtful touch, serving as memorable takeaways.
TIP’S Magical Journey is a captivating, enlightening, and thoroughly enjoyable read that young readers will undoubtedly cherish. It’s a celebration of friendship, cultural appreciation, and the timeless act of sharing stories.
Pages: 62 | ISBN : 1733156860
The Connection Playbook
In The Connection Playbook: A Practical Guide to Building Deep, Meaningful, Harmonious Relationships, Andy Chaleff presents readers with a profound roadmap to a fulfilling life, drawing from his personal and profound journey. Navigating the challenges of growing up with an abusive and bipolar father, Chaleff discovered an innate ability to empathize and understand human behaviors more deeply than most. His vast experience in mentoring and coaching relationship dynamics shines through every page, offering readers tools to navigate the complex web of interpersonal relationships—be it with partners, parents, friends, or children.
Diving into the book, readers are invited on an introspective journey into the psychology underpinning our relationships, starting with the foundational one: the relationship with oneself. Chaleff thoughtfully divides the book into six distinct sections, each shedding light on a unique facet of relational dynamics. From unveiling how our behaviors mirror our innermost feelings, beliefs, and thoughts to delving into respect, trust, codependency, and even the nuances of influence and manipulation, Chaleff leaves no stone unturned.
A standout feature of this book is Chaleff’s approachable style. Far from being a dry tome of theoretical jargon, The Connection Playbook interweaves academic knowledge with compelling real-life narratives, making complex concepts feel immediate and relatable. As a budding psychologist myself, I was particularly taken with the book’s emphasis on the pivotal role our self-relationship plays in shaping our interactions with the world. This resonates with the growing societal dialogue on mental well-being, underlining the significance of self-awareness and introspection for holistic health.
Moreover, Chaleff’s inclusion of brief lessons and exercises at the close of each chapter is a thoughtful touch. These practical takeaways encourage readers to pause, reflect, and truly integrate the book’s insights into their daily lives.
The Connection Playbook is more than just a book—it’s an invaluable guide for those yearning for richer, more meaningful relationships. It serves as a beacon for introspective individuals, psychology enthusiasts, and professionals alike. I commend Chaleff on this enlightening work and eagerly await his future contributions to the field.
Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0CHMLS4D5
A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving
A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving by Blair Sorrel is a captivating memoir that dives into the author’s journey through an over-parented childhood, leading to the discovery of her schizoid personality disorder (SPD). Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, Sorrel’s narrative vividly portrays the era’s music and social dynamics, growing the reader’s experience. The memoir opens with Sorrel in a memoir writing class, struggling to put her thoughts on paper. She reflects on her upbringing, marked by a distant father and an overly strict mother who emphasized even the smallest wrongs. Despite her intellectual gifts, Sorrel faced social anxiety and difficulty forming connections with her peers. Her solace was found in the music of the time, which is beautifully woven into the narrative.
The book shines in its candidness and depth of self-exploration. Sorrel bares her soul, going through her family dynamics and their contribution to her suffering. Her diagnosis of SPD in her thirties adds another layer to her narrative, shedding light on a condition that often goes unnoticed. Sorrel’s purpose is twofold: to share her unique perspective and to caution parents against the negatives of overparenting.
On the positive side, the memoir is a heartfelt and emotional journey. It offers valuable insights into the impact of overparenting on a child’s psyche and serves as a cautionary tale. The addition of music and cultural references from the 60s adds depth to the storytelling. However, at times, the narrative can feel somewhat scattered, moving between different time periods and aspects of Sorrel’s life. While this may reflect the author’s inner turmoil, it could potentially confuse some readers.
A Schizoid at Smith is a touching and introspective memoir that is a must-read for those facing similar challenges and a valuable resource for parents seeking guidance in raising their children with a balanced approach. Blair Sorrel’s honesty and resilience shine through her storytelling, making this book a compelling read.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0CGPYW9XT
Ruby The Emotional Stingray
Ruby the Stingray is three years old and has all the emotions that come with being an active youngster. She reacts quickly and without first thinking. Ruby is learning, though. Her parents are diligent and intentional with their lessons on controlling reactions to emotions and remembering to think before she speaks. Being little is certainly hard, and Ruby is in the perfect position to help her little brother navigate the same emotional waters. From accidents to dangerous situations, Ruby does a wonderful job keeping herself calm and thoughtful and passing her knowledge on to her brother.
Ruby the Emotional Stingray, by Christal Majestic, is a unique children’s book written with parents and toddlers in mind. Majestic’s main character, Ruby, is typical of every little one who reacts with intense emotion and tends to lash out before giving themselves think-time. She is the ideal character for the 2-5 age group. Young children and emerging readers will find the author’s memory tools for remaining calm easy to remember and even easier to use. Majestic’s story provides parents who may be at their wit’s end with a wonderful strategy that can be immediately employed.
Majestic’s illustrations are precious. Sweet, expressive faces against bold but simple backgrounds dominate the pages. Readers will find themselves focused on Ruby and the other characters’ faces as they grapple with each trying situation. Majestic clearly understands the importance of conveying emotion through both text and illustrations.
As a mother, I would love to have had a book like this when discussing self-control and how to remain calm in stressful situations with my little ones. Majestic’s contribution to the parenting genre is invaluable. I will, without a doubt, gift Majestic’s fantastic story to my friends and coworkers who are currently fighting the good fight with their headstrong toddlers.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0BFVCL9M2
Tell Me About Your Scars
Struggle Bus: The Van. The Myth. The Legend is more than just a memoir; it is a source of amusement, reflection, and a testament to having faith. How did your Craigslist ad for a van manifest into this inspirational book?
I learned long ago that one of the best “ice breaker” questions to get a group of people to start talking/interacting is this: “Tell me the story of one of your scars.”
Scars are painful in the moment but often provide a lifetime of stories—sometimes painful, sometimes hilarious, sometimes both, always memorable. It dawned on me that our viral Craigslist ad was essentially a long list of our van’s scars. I thought it would be fun to tell all the fun stories (in gory detail) of our van’s many scars—as much to preserve the stories for our family as to give others something to laugh about. I think my ridiculous little book did just that.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The stories of our kids’ medical issues were easily the hardest things to write about. Even though there’s a dose of humor in many of the stories, reliving the moments brings back sort of an echo of the extreme parental fear, panic, and dread each of those moments created. I physically winced retelling many of the stories. That said, I think it was oddly therapeutic to write about all our moments—good and bad. I’d recommend it to any parent.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I can’t remember where I heard this quote (and I’m probably butchering it…sorry), but there’s some truth in it:
“In your twenties, you’re constantly worried about what everyone else is thinking about you.
In your forties, you stop caring what others are thinking about you.
In your sixties, you realize that no one was thinking about you the whole time.”
Basically, I wish I would have spent less time caring so deeply what other people think. Of course, young Josh Wood probably wouldn’t have listened had anyone given him the advice to stop caring so much about what other people are thinking. I will never be smarter than I was at 20-years-old. Oh, to be young and stupid.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
First and foremost, I hope readers take away the peace, hope, joy, and genuine fun that faith in Jesus infused into the messes of my life. Additionally, I hope parents both A) embrace some new ways to engage with their kids…and engage their families as a whole with the world around them; and, B) feel some grace and solidarity for not being the perfect parent. Life is too short and too hard to hold yourself to an impossible standard. Embrace the messes of life (both self-inflicted messes and those out of your control), stumble forward, and try to laugh along the way.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
This one-of-a-kind literary adventure you are about to embark on is about more than a viral van. It’s about managing the wonderful chaos of a family of 11. It’s about parenting. It’s about marriage. It’s about success. It’s about failure. It’s about faith. It’s about fun. It’s about a van becoming a metaphor for life as it is given a fun-filled beatdown for the ages.
As you roll along with the Wood family, you just might feel driven to:
• connect a little more with the God who made you.
• give yourself a little more grace when you fail.
• smile and laugh a little more—both at the Wood family’s expense and your own.
Hop in, buckle up, hold your nose, laugh, and join the Wood family to explore one of life’s fundamental truths: the struggle is real.”
Struggle Bus: The Van. The Myth. The Legend.
In Struggle Bus, Josh Wood presents a captivating chronicle of his life revolving around a family bus that rose to internet fame through a viral Craigslist ad. The narrative is a rich tapestry of humorous, personal, and unforgettable tales about Wood’s large family of eleven and the myriad adventures they embark on. Some of these journeys take place aboard the iconic Struggle Bus, while others transport them beyond national borders, immersing them in diverse cultures and lifestyles.
With a lively family of nine children, the book is a treasure trove of engaging moments – from comical blunders and emergency situations to enlightening encounters with refugees and profound reflections on faith. The Struggle Bus itself is more than just a backdrop to these stories. Its physical attributes and even its flaws, such as scuff marks and a malfunctioning air conditioner, become integral narrative elements, each with a story to tell.
Yet, beneath the humor and the tangible, Wood deftly weaves profound themes of Christianity, social consciousness, travel, family, parenting, and the pursuit of happiness. He skillfully employs conversational language and inventive metaphors, crafting a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.
Wood’s book provides valuable insights into parenting, both directly and indirectly, making it a valuable resource for parents managing a large family. One particularly inspiring example is Wood’s commitment, along with his wife, to regularly host refugee families for dinner. This simple act of welcoming strangers into their home and educating their children about global disparities embodies their personal contribution to shaping a better world.
Struggle Bus serves as a poignant reminder that life and parenting are not about seeking perfection but about cherishing love and togetherness and finding joy in our shared experiences. It highlights the wisdom to be gained from remaining open to life’s lessons, as Wood himself learns from his children, his bus, and even his own comedic errors.
If you’re a fan of memoirs or books that delve into the intricacies of family life, Struggle Bus: The Van. The Myth. The Legend is a must-read. You’ll find yourself laughing, learning, and reminiscing about your own cherished moments with your loved ones. Dive into Josh Wood’s entertaining and introspective world; you’ll be glad you did.
Pages: 145 | ASIN : B0859KSKF8
My Pineapples Went to Houston
Immerse yourself in the riveting narrative of Lee Gaitan’s poignant yet humor-laden memoir, My Pineapples Went to Houston. This chronicle of personal resilience traces Lee’s navigation through life’s most challenging hurdles triggered by a series of devastating events. The sudden cancerous demise of her hitherto healthy father, swiftly followed by her mother’s unexpected coma induced by the grief, marked the commencement of her trials. The anguish was further compounded when her husband of 22 years abandoned her in a state of financial ruin, having squandered their savings, and ran off with an exotic dancer. An icy reception from her in-laws added to her sense of alienation. Amid health tribulations and an absence of familial support, Lee’s world seemed to be imploding. The pivotal question that arises is, can she rediscover joy?
Notwithstanding the deep-seated pain and torment, Lee’s indomitable spirit, her knack for humor, and her unwavering resilience steer her forward. Choosing to eschew self-pity, she musters the strength to reconstruct her shattered life, penning a powerful memoir that candidly articulates her tribulations, victories, and ongoing battles. Her personal narrative is a testament to the power of humor and determination in the face of adversity.
The memoir’s intriguing title is derived from a memorable encounter during a flight, setting the stage for the subsequent recounting of her life’s journey, including its darkest hours, infused with an unyielding dash of humor. Her unique lens on life, coupled with her formidable resolve and relentless pursuit of surmounting hardships, renders this memoir genuinely inspirational and profoundly moving.
My Pineapples Went to Houston is a rare literary gem, seamlessly blending emotionally resonant narratives with a generous dose of humor. Lee’s anthology of essays offers readers a rollercoaster ride of emotions, inducing laughter one moment and eliciting sympathy the next, a testament to life’s unpredictable turns. Her storytelling prowess, which keeps readers engrossed without resorting to self-victimization, is commendable. In addition, the narrative is refreshingly candid and highly accessible.
This masterfully crafted memoir will leave you both uplifted and thoroughly entertained. I wholeheartedly recommend My Pineapples Went to Houston for its unflinching honesty and engaging wit. This book is a must-read if you are looking for a vibrant read replete with a blend of humor and heartfelt personal anecdotes.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0971CCJJF
LITERARY TITAN 