Blog Archives
Shell School
Young Jake doesn’t care much for school. Why bother slogging through lessons when the beach promises freedom and fun? That’s exactly where he intends to go, until the unexpected happens. Suddenly, he is pulled into Shell School, a place unlike anything he’s ever known. Trapped inside a shell, Jake becomes the reluctant student of Mrs. Olly, a no-nonsense octopus who refuses to let him slack off. To escape, he must outwit sea creatures in a series of unusual competitions, each challenge bringing new hilarity beneath the waves.
Lisa Peardon’s Shell School is an illustrated children’s book brimming with playful energy. Its whimsical spirit recalls the clever absurdity of Shel Silverstein and the offbeat charm of Louis Sachar’s Sideways Stories from Wayside School. The narrative thrives on imagination rather than logic; Jake’s sudden entrapment in a shell is never explained, nor does it need to be. Children embrace the impossible with ease, and here, that leap into magical nonsense makes the story sparkle.
Jake himself is an engaging lead. Resourceful, likeable, and always one step from mischief, he anchors the tale while sparring against an assortment of quirky ocean classmates. The artwork is bright, uncomplicated, and expressive, and punctuates each encounter, adding humor without overshadowing the text. Importantly, the book never strays into menace; the tone remains buoyant, reassuring its young readers that Jake will triumph and return home.
Beneath the laughs lies a clear moral: skipping school carries consequences. Yet the message is never heavy-handed. Instead, it arrives wrapped in fun, leaving children entertained while quietly nudging them toward responsibility. Shell School feels destined to become a favorite for young readers who relish imagination-driven adventures. If your child loves playful storytelling with a dash of mischief, this book is one to place at the top of the reading list.
Pages: 64 | ISBN : 0648278115
Bella and Bird Explore Anger
In my first-grade classroom, big feelings show up every day. Sometimes it’s over a broken crayon. Sometimes it’s because someone else got the last spot in line. That’s why Bella and Bird Explore Anger was such a breath of fresh air. It’s a story that understands what anger feels like for a child, how fast it can take over, and how confusing it can be to calm down.
The artwork is just beautiful. It’s soft, gentle, and full of heart. Every page feels like a quiet sketch brought to life with care and warmth. The pencil-like textures and warm colors give the story a calming feel. It’s all done in a way that matches the tone perfectly. It’s the kind of art that invites you to slow down and take a closer look.
What I loved most was how Bella and Bird talked to Henry with kindness and patience. They didn’t scold him or try to shut down his feelings. Instead, they explained things in a way that made sense. The tools they offered like counting to cool down and using an emotion wheel are things I could actually use in my classroom.
The pictures are warm and full of gentle humor. Bella feels like the wise teacher we all wish we could be every day, and Bird keeps things light just when it’s needed. As a teacher, I’m always looking for books that help kids grow in ways that matter beyond the ABCs. This one does exactly that. I’ll be keeping Bella and Bird Explore Anger close by.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FG5MSTNB
Educating and Encouraging
Not Everyone Walks the Stage follows a young girl who is about to start kindergarten, and while she is excited, she is also nervous about fitting in because she is different. What was the inspiration for your story?
Sierra: The inspiration came from a joke that Nick made about myself working on my university’s commencement planning committee. He said something along the lines of “She helps people walk the stage but she won’t ‘walk’ the stage herself” and a friend of Nick’s thought that it would be a wonderful book idea. He and I both agreed and now here we are!
Nick: Sierra was the Lead Commencement Assistant (student worker) at our university, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and she never let her disability or her being in a wheelchair stop her from anything We worked together to make this wonderful story about a girl that goes to school for the first time and is concerned because she hears at school that at the end of the year ‘not everyone walks the stage” and graduates. The readers do not know exactly why she is worried, and at the end of the book we discover that she is in a wheelchair and has been taking the phrase literally rather than as an idiom meaning to graduate. Sierra’s own drive as a person is reflected by the character of Sophia who makes sure she does well in school so that she can cross the stage at graduation like everyone else!
The art in this book is fantastic, representing diversity so that all children can find someone with whom to relate. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Alisa Tverdokhleb?
Sierra: It was amazing! I have never been good at art myself and it was so cool to learn more about the creative process and watch her bring the ideas and words to life while adding her own unique voice. She did a fantastic job and I had a blast getting to know her more as well. She’s an absolute sweetheart.
Nick: Alisa Tverdokhleb is the behind-the-scenes hero of this project. She is a master visual storyteller who listened to what the writers needed and added her own creativity. Her unforgettable vibrant and beautiful artwork gave an even more resounding voice to Sierra’s story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Sierra: I would say the most important part for me was educating people on life in a wheelchair while showing encouraging others to go out and live their life to the fullest. I think it’s easy for anyone of any age to get caught up in the ableist belief that your life is “over” after becoming wheelchair bound for any reason and that simply isn’t the case. However, it is still a commonly held belief that is hard to shake for multiple reasons and it’s why the Q and A portion of this book is the most important educational aspect to include.
Nick: Sierra and I agreed that this book could be more than just a wonderful book for kids, but an opportunity to educate people of all ages about what it is like to be in a wheelchair, or how one can support wheelchair bound people. We agreed that helping and educating others is what we wanted to do. On our website there’s even free lesson plans for how teachers and parents can use the book to teach concepts in school. We also wanted every to just smile and realize that no matter how different we are we are all the same.
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?
Sierra: I’m gonna leave this one to you to answer Nick, LOL.
Nick: I am hoping that this question means that people want more of Sophia’s story, or our style of book. We have talked about continuing Sophia’s adventures, but want to find the right story to tell. I think we also want the whole team back together for this if we can.
If you think we should do a sequel, please leave a comment here or on our social media pages and let us know. We love hearing from readers more than anything!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Sophia is excited about kindergarten and just wants to fit in. She is worried that at graduation at the end of the year she won’t walk the stage like everyone else. Join her as she learns about — how things work at school, how to make friends, how sometimes we all struggle, how learning is fun, and how she is exactly like her friends!
Sophia’s has a mobility impairment that makes her think that she might not succeed in school. Her literal misunderstanding of “being able to walk the stage” at the end of the year worries her. We follow her journey through her first year in school, where we discover that her experiences are identical to all other students. Sophia’s wheelchair is hidden in the book until the very end to emphasize her common experiences with other students. This wonderful book is perfect for all students to learn important broad lessons about how we are all the same, yet all different at the same time.
The book includes an interview with author Sierra Andrews who herself is in a wheelchair due to a car accident at 18-years old. She gives information about being wheelchair-bound to parents, educators, and students. She answers questions people want to ask but are often afraid to do so. It also includes special sections called Can You Find, Other Ways to Use This Book, Fun Things to Do, and Fun Facts that give readers additional activities that they can do to learn and enjoy themselves. An interview with illustrator Alisa Tverdokhleb gives advice to those who want to be artists.
“A story so full of delightful surprises from the unexpected ending to the detailed attention given to the whole-child development. Not Everyone Walks the Stage is a book so inclusive and informative that no classroom, library, school, or home should be without a copy. Not Everyone Walks the Stage shares an essential story that highlights valuable lessons for both kids and adults on how to acknowledge and respect our differences. This is a graduation ceremony you really won’t want to miss. Zepo Publishing takes the good that already exists in the world and amplifies it. A common thread in its books is its message of inclusion and acceptance of our individual differences that connect us in unique ways to one another.” – Dr. Janet Canino Ph.D., LMFT
Bella and Bird Explore Anger
Bella and Bird Explore Anger is a warm, accessible, and insightful children’s picture book that tackles one of childhood’s most overwhelming emotions: anger. Written by clinical therapist and educator Deana Plaskon, this book is part of the Bella and Bird the Emotion Explorers series, which aims to help children ages 5–10 build emotional literacy and healthy coping mechanisms.
The story follows a young boy named Henry who is visibly upset after being denied a slice of his favorite pie. With support from Bella, a gentle therapy horse, and Bird, her humorous avian sidekick, Henry explores what anger feels like, how it affects others, and how to handle it constructively. The narrative flows naturally, balancing humor and wisdom, and gives children clear, memorable tools such as “box breathing” and “cool-down counting” to self-regulate their emotions.
What sets this children’s book apart is its balance of psychological insight and kid-friendly storytelling. Through repetition, metaphor, and hands-on practices, children are empowered to identify and express their emotions in healthier ways.
Lea Marie Ravotti’s watercolor illustrations are charming and expressive, bringing tenderness and vibrancy to every page. Bird’s quirky remarks lighten the mood while reinforcing key concepts, making the book as entertaining as it is educational.
This picture book is not just for children, it also provides guidance for caregivers and educators. The Author’s Note is a thoughtful note, offering practical advice and additional coping strategies beyond the story. Plaskon’s background in mental health brings credibility and depth to the narrative, without ever making it feel clinical or preachy.
Bella and Bird Explore Anger is an engaging and emotionally intelligent picture book that successfully demystifies a tough emotion. It’s a must-read for parents, therapists, teachers, and, most importantly, children navigating big feelings. Highly recommended as both a story and a therapeutic tool.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FG5MSTNB
Not Everyone Walks The Stage
At first glance, Not Everyone Walks the Stage looks like a simple children’s book about a girl named Sophia starting kindergarten, learning new things, dealing with tough moments, and preparing for graduation. But as the book unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more going on beneath the surface. We watch Sophia grow in confidence, navigate her struggles with school and classmates, and ultimately find her own strength. Then comes the twist: Sophia uses a wheelchair. That reveal adds a whole new layer to the story and makes the title resonate in a deeply personal way.
I found the storytelling refreshingly gentle yet brave. The authors let their message simmer quietly until you’re hit with it, and it stays with you. The writing is warm and simple in the best way. It invites kids in, and leaves space for adults to reflect too. I liked how real Sophia felt. She wasn’t a “perfect” kid. She was nervous, unsure, and sometimes afraid. But she worked through it. She learned. She helped. And she tried, even when she didn’t feel ready. That made her journey feel authentic and meaningful.
The book is also clever. It uses familiar moments like the nervous excitement of the first day of school or the build-up to a graduation ceremony to introduce bigger ideas about kindness, disability, and perseverance. I especially liked how it never made Sophia’s wheelchair the center of her identity. The reveal is subtle, and by the time it arrives, you already love her for who she is, not what she uses to get around. The bonus content at the end, including the author’s own story and Q&A, adds a lot of heart and insight. Every page is bursting with color and emotion, like a comic book. The characters’ faces are so expressive that you can tell what they’re feeling. The background is packed with fun little details too.
I’d recommend Not Everyone Walks the Stage to parents, teachers, and really anyone looking for a book that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and quietly powerful. It’s perfect for classrooms and storytimes, and it’s a wonderful way to talk with kids about differences, empathy, and determination. It reminded me that the bravest stories are sometimes the ones that start quietly and end with a cheer.
Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0DVLH26YH
Bella and Bird Explore Anger
Bella and Bird Explore Anger follows a young boy named Henry who’s having a rough day. He’s angry because he can’t have his favorite pie. Enter Bella, a gentle horse, and Bird, her cheeky companion. Together, they help Henry name his feelings, understand what’s going on inside his body, and learn tools like box breathing and cool-down counting to manage his anger. Along the way, Henry learns that emotions aren’t bad, but what you do with them matters.
I found the writing clear and thoughtful, but also playful enough to keep kids interested. The pacing moves along well, and the dialogue between characters feels natural. Bella is the calm, reassuring type. Like the adult you’d want nearby during a meltdown. Bird adds a touch of humor that keeps things light. What impressed me most was how the book tackles a tough subject without being preachy. It doesn’t shame anger, which is a big deal. Instead, it treats it like something normal, something manageable, something even adults mess up sometimes.
I also really liked the breathing exercises and the way the book tied feelings to physical sensations. That’s such a smart and helpful concept for kids, and it’s presented in a way that feels doable. Honestly, the pie metaphor might be my favorite part, it’s funny, but also relatable. We’ve all gotten mad over something that feels huge in the moment but ends up being something small and understandable once we calm down. The artwork throughout the book is colorful, beautiful, and full of warmth, wrapping each page in a comforting glow.
I think Bella and Bird Explore Anger is a kind and clever picture book that would be great for kids ages 5 to 10, especially those who are learning to handle big emotions. It would be just as useful in a classroom as it would be at home, and it’s perfect for any child who sometimes explodes. It’s comforting, practical, and full of warmth.
Prickles the Porcupine Learns about Peace
This sweet little children’s book follows Prickles, a grumpy porcupine who just wants some quiet time to nap in his cozy forest den. But his peace is wrecked by Patty, a cheerful puppy who loves to dig and happens to be doing it way too close to Prickles’ home. As the story unfolds, Prickles tries all the wrong things—puffing up his quills, hiding, and even yelling—to make the noise stop. But it isn’t until Patty suggests they talk and work together that Prickles learns a better way: finding a peaceful solution that makes both of them happy.
We’ve all had those moments where we feel irritated or overwhelmed and just want some quiet. The way Prickles reacts—first with frustration, then anger—is pretty true to life, especially for little ones still learning how to manage emotions. I appreciated that the story didn’t shy away from showing how his actions didn’t help, and how things only got better when he chose to be kind and helpful. That’s a strong message, simply told, and it landed with warmth.
The writing is straightforward, with lots of repetition, especially of the “whish-swish” sounds—that adds a fun rhythm kids will enjoy. There’s a gentleness to the storytelling that kept me engaged, and the lesson about peace doesn’t come across as preachy. I loved how Patty responded to Prickles’ anger with calm curiosity. That turn from conflict to teamwork was touching. And the way it all wrapped up with Patty happily digging far away and Prickles finally catching some Z’s made me smile.
Prickles the Porcupine Learns about Peace is a feel-good story for kids learning about emotions and how to handle them. It’s especially great for bedtime or quiet reading moments when you want to sneak in a lesson without making it obvious. I’d recommend it for ages 3–7, or for any family working on patience, problem-solving, and being a little more like Patty.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0CD1MN33S
When I Was
When I Was by Antwinette Scott is a delightful children’s picture book that explores the journey of growing up through the eyes of two engaging teenagers. The narrative cleverly intertwines their life stages with comparisons to various animals, a technique that not only captivates young readers but also elegantly illustrates the milestones of childhood. Kira T.’s illustrations are a significant highlight, offering vivid, detailed imagery reminiscent of classic animated films. These illustrations bring an extra layer of enchantment to the story, particularly in how they capture the evolving emotions in the children’s eyes.
The narrative is enriched with creative analogies, making the concept of comparison accessible and intriguing to a younger audience. The book is adorned with vivid and captivating illustrations that are sure to draw the eye of any reader. A particularly memorable segment of the book compares being 13 years old to a grumpy bear, humorously encapsulating the turbulence of teenage hormones and moods. Author Scott effectively immerses readers in the story, sparking curiosity about the changes and challenges that lie ahead in their own lives. Moreover, the book opens a valuable opportunity for parents to engage with their children. It acts as a catalyst for sharing personal childhood stories, fostering a deeper connection between parent and child. This aspect of the book makes it not only a journey through life’s stages for young readers but also a tool for family bonding and understanding.
When I Was emerges as a tender and thought-provoking reflection on growing up. Its combination of beautiful artwork and a narrative that encourages introspection makes it a fitting read for a wide range of ages. The book invites readers to engage in discussions about the nuances of growing up and the fleeting nature of childhood, making it an excellent choice for shared reading experiences, particularly for those who appreciate animal themes and storybook art that encourages deeper thinking.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0CR3ZKRVL
LITERARY TITAN 