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Old Long Snout
In Old Long Snout, readers meet Nellie, a quiet, introverted girl who longs for connection. Her world changes when a magical pig emerges from her attic, bringing wonder and warmth into her lonely days. Nellie names him Old Long Snout, bathes him, teaches him tricks, and soon they become inseparable companions. Together, they join the neighborhood pet parade, where, despite Old Long Snout being imaginary, Nellie wins the “Best Loved Pet” award.
As the years pass, Nellie grows up and makes new friends. Gradually, she sees less of Old Long Snout until, one day, he disappears altogether. Life moves on, Nellie becomes a mother, and when her daughter confides that she, too, needs a friend, Old Long Snout returns, bridging generations with the same magic that once comforted Nellie.
Old Long Snout stands apart from typical children’s stories. It captures the tender intersection between imagination and emotional truth. Nellie understands that her pig isn’t real, yet her affection for him feels genuine, something many young readers will deeply identify with. The story gracefully explores themes of growth, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of letting go.
The illustrations deserve special mention. Vivid and lifelike, they pull readers into Nellie’s imaginative world with warmth and charm. The author also includes thoughtful discussion questions at the end, encouraging meaningful conversations between parents and children. As a delightful finishing touch, a cheerful song about Old Long Snout adds rhythm and joy to the reading experience.
Heartfelt, imaginative, and beautifully told, Old Long Snout reminds us that even imaginary friends can leave lasting footprints on our hearts.
Pages: 38 | ASIN: B0FPZJXCFX
Just a Puppy
Heart Trouble for ZZ follows a playful dog who receives a lot of help from his loving family when he has a difficult time remaining calm after being diagnosed with a heart condition. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I love golden retrievers. I have had many of them over the years.
When I got my newest English golden retriever, Zawadi, (his nickname is ZZ), he was a handful. Just kooky!
But that was okay, I loved him regardless.
Then, I took him to the vet for his first check-up.
They told me they thought ZZ had a heart problem!
What…?
A heart scan was done, and I had to wait days for the results.
I was a crazy dog mommy, trying to keep both ZZ and me calm.
One of the worst weeks.
Then, I thought, If this is tough for me, it must be even harder for ZZ. He’s just a puppy! He doesn’t understand what’s happening.
Then…ding, ding, ding! The idea of Heart Trouble for ZZ came to me.
Is there anything from your own childhood experiences included in ZZ’s story?
When I was young, my family had an absolutely nutty dog called “Maxwell Smart.” I included some of his antics in this story.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Zoe Saunders?
Zoe was a dream to work with. Every day, she would send me a page she worked on to get my approval or for me to tell her what to “tweak.” She took any suggestion with a positive attitude and changed anything I asked for. Zoe is quite talented! I was amazed at the variety of expressions she was able to give to ZZ! After six weeks of working with her daily, I had Zoe withdrawal when the book was completed!
Can young readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, I have three more picture books coming out in 2025.
Fried Taters is about a little girl in W.V. who is on a quest to find potatoes so her grandmother can fix her fried taters again.
LillieMae’s Safari Hat (Zoe illustrated this book too!) is about a girl who goes on safari wearing her favorite hat, but when it blows off her head, different baby animals find it and use it for their own devices!
Old Long Snout is about a shy little girl who befriends an invisible pig that helps her overcome her loneliness and timidity.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with ZZ, the lovable golden retriever pup whose resilience and zest for life shine bright in ‘Heart Trouble for ZZ.’ Join ZZ as he navigates the challenges of a heart condition with unwavering determination and the support of his devoted family. This heartwarming tale is more than just a story about overcoming obstacles—it’s a celebration of unconditional love, courage, and the joy that pets bring into our lives.
A must-read for animal lovers, ‘Heart Trouble for ZZ‘ promises to uplift and inspire readers of all ages. Don’t miss out—order your copy today and discover why ZZ’s story is touching hearts everywhere!
Heart Trouble for ZZ
Heart Trouble for ZZ is a delightful and educational picture book that teaches children the importance of caring for a sick pet. The story centers on ZZ, a spirited and playful dog whose only desire is to enjoy life despite a concerning diagnosis from his veterinarian. When the vet warns that ZZ might have a heart problem and advises him to stay calm until the test results are in, ZZ tries his best to settle down, but his exuberant nature gets the better of him. That’s when his loving family steps in, offering the support and guidance he needs.
The adventures of ZZ throughout this vibrant children’s book are a joy to witness. His antics, whether bouncing on the couch or racing around the yard, perfectly capture the playful spirit of a typical dog, and children will be thoroughly entertained by his lively behavior. However, beyond the fun and silliness lies a deeper lesson. As readers follow ZZ’s journey, they learn ways to help a rambunctious pet calm down, even when it’s essential for their health. Heart Trouble for ZZ excels in demonstrating gentle and compassionate ways to care for pets who struggle to settle down when it matters most.
The book’s charm is further enhanced by Zoe Saunders’ stunning illustrations. Her use of a soft color palette and beautiful sketch-style artwork vividly conveys ZZ’s emotions, whether he’s feeling frightened at the vet or discouraged while hiding in the closet. Every page is a visual treat, and children will be captivated by the expressive depictions of ZZ’s experiences.
Heart Trouble for ZZ is a heartwarming and insightful children’s book, ideal for families with pets, especially those dealing with health issues. Even for those without pets, young readers will be enchanted by ZZ’s rambunctious nature and come away with a valuable lesson in caring for loved ones.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DFVTFHT1
Encourage, Motivate, and Empower Children
Piper’s Perfect Pick follows a young girl frustrated with trying to excel in sports who takes the advice of her cat to try out boxing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I absolutely love to box, even though I didn’t start boxing until I was 60 years old. The first time I punched a boxing bag I felt empowered. I thought, “Oh, I like this. I want to learn this sport!” So I did! Now I box 4-5 days a week.
Before I started to box, the only thing I knew about boxing was what I saw in the Rocky or Creed movies, which was pretty scary to me!
What I didn’t realize was that boxing is really about discipline, focus, and strategy, not just about throwing punches. It’s an amazing sport that is not well understood.
I wondered, “What if I had started to box when I was younger, say 8 or 9?” I probably would have been so much stronger, both mentally and physically. I would have had much more confidence in myself.
I started to think about how I wanted kids, especially little girls, to know that boxing is a great sport for them to try.
I thought, “Why don’t I tell them?”
Then…ding, ding, ding! The idea for Piper’s Perfect Pick came to me.
My rescue cat, Camelot, was the inspiration for Piper’s cat, Tater Tot. Before Cami got comfortable living with me, he would swat at my face whenever I walked by. I called him my little boxer!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Penny Weber?
I loved working with my illustrator, Penny Weber. We have a great relationship – after all, we are both a Peni/Penny! I had been looking for someone who did realistic illustrations, instead of cartoony ones. When I saw her portfolio I knew she was the one.
We are each other’s biggest fan – she loves my writing and I love her illustrations.
The only direction I gave Penny was the approximate age of my main character and the desire for her and her family to be of mixed race. Other than that, she had free rein. I had complete trust and faith that she would illustrate this book superbly – which she did!
Penny is already lined up to illustrate two more upcoming books of mine.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I write books to encourage, motivate, and empower children, so my debut picture book needed to showcase all of those themes.
It was important to show that Piper’s family encouraged and supported her.
It was important that Piper showed resilience and determination to follow her own path, even though it was an unexpected choice.
And it was important that children feel personally empowered after reading Piper’s story. If she could do it, then they could too!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book, Heart Trouble for ZZ, is due out November 3, 2024. I have three more books coming out in 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
In this compelling tale of resilience and determination, Piper teaches us an invaluable lesson: true strength lies in the willingness to explore the unknown, to never surrender to failure, and to keep pushing the boundaries until we uncover our own unique path. Sometimes, what we love most is not what we expect, and Piper’s story serves as a powerful reminder that our passions are waiting to be discovered, only if we persevere and never stop searching.
In Piper’s Perfect Pick, witness a heartwarming transformation that will leave you cheering for Piper and inspire you to keep exploring until you, too, find the one thing that sets your soul on fire.
Piper’s Perfect Pick
Piper’s Perfect Pick, by Peni Clark, is a charming tale of perseverance and discovery. Piper is eager to find a sport she excels in, but her journey is fraught with mishaps. From running the wrong way on the basketball court to tripping on the soccer field and missing every tennis ball, Piper tries every sport imaginable, yet success eludes her. Feeling disheartened, Piper confides in her cat, Tater Tot, who playfully swats at her. At first perplexed, Piper soon realizes that Tater Tot might be suggesting boxing. Intrigued, Piper gives boxing a try and discovers it might just be the perfect sport for her. The story leaves readers wondering if boxing will be Piper’s ultimate pick.
I thoroughly enjoyed Piper’s journey, as it resonates with many children who struggle to find their niche. Piper’s determination and resilience are inspiring, teaching young readers the importance of persistence and the value of not giving up, no matter how challenging the quest. The story also beautifully highlights the supportive role of Piper’s family, reinforcing the message of familial love and encouragement. Piper’s family’s unwavering support is a heartwarming aspect that underscores the importance of having a nurturing environment.
An additional delight is the “Boxing Basics” sheet included at the end of the book. This educational feature introduces readers to various boxing terms and their definitions, enhancing their understanding of the sport. Peni Clark, a retired kindergarten teacher, brings her passion for storytelling to life, aiming to encourage, motivate, and empower readers of all ages. Her fondness for boxing is evident, making it a fitting central theme for this children’s book. The illustrations, by Penny Weber, are vibrant and engaging, complementing the story perfectly. Each page is detailed and colorful, creating a vivid visual experience that feels like watching a movie unfold.
Piper’s Perfect Pick is an enjoyable and relatable read for children. Piper’s determination and her journey of self-discovery are both inspiring and heartwarming. This book is highly recommended for young readers and their families, offering valuable lessons in perseverance and the joy of finding one’s passion.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D913V2DB
LITERARY TITAN 