Blog Archives
Matti and Anty. The Secret World of Icelandic Ants
What do you get when a quiet, curious little boy meets a tiny, equally curious ant? A charming, unlikely friendship that blossoms into a magical adventure full of fun facts and heartfelt moments. Marco Mancini’s Matti and Anty: The Secret World of Icelandic Ants is a bilingual story, written in both English and Icelandic, that gently teaches kids about the fascinating lives of ants through the lens of an imaginative friendship. Matti, more into bugs than roughhousing, stumbles upon Anty, a two-legged, talking ant who watches kids from afar and is ready to share her world. As their secret bond grows, so does the reader’s knowledge of how ant colonies work, all thanks to this unique storytelling twist.
I found myself smiling through most of this book. The relationship between Matti and Anty is just so sweet and sincere. There’s no drama, no over-the-top silliness, just two very different little beings connecting through curiosity. When Matti learns that there are ants in Iceland, the story takes a fun, informative turn. Anty explains how their hive works and even shows him around. I loved that part. It made me think back to my own childhood, when the tiniest things felt like huge discoveries. The writing is warm and friendly, and the tone stays playful while sneaking in real science in a way that doesn’t feel like a lesson.
The side-by-side translation is such a cool feature. I don’t speak Icelandic, but I loved seeing both languages on the page. It adds this extra layer of cultural richness that you don’t often get in children’s books. And the illustrations are gorgeous. Laufey Jonsdottir has such a gentle, expressive style. You can feel the emotion in Anty’s tiny face and the awe in Matti’s wide eyes. The visuals really help bring their little world to life. There’s one image of Matti peeking into the grass where Anty stands waving, it’s so tender and curious, it stuck with me.
This book also hits that sweet spot where education and storytelling meet. I came for a cute kids’ book, but I ended up looking up Iceland’s insect history afterward. Who knew ants in Iceland were so rare? That’s what I love about stories like this, they open doors to more questions, more learning. It’s not just about bugs; it’s about noticing the little things around us, respecting nature, and nurturing curiosity.
If you’ve got a child who loves nature, bugs, or just a good heartwarming story, Matti and Anty is a perfect pick. Great for reading together at bedtime or even for early school science units. It’s simple, sweet, and full of wonder. It left me wishing I had an Anty of my own when I was a kid.
Pages: 45 | ISBN : 978 9935 542 36 6
A Deep Love For Protecting Wildlife
Endangered Animals ABC is a colorful and heartfelt picture book that introduces young readers to a wide variety of endangered animals, organized alphabetically from Armadillo to Zebra. What was the inspiration for this children’s book?
This book was born from my deep love for wildlife and a strong desire to protect it. After years of working on conservation projects and witnessing firsthand how quickly our oceans and ecosystems are changing, I find it heartbreaking to think that so many incredible animals are on the brink of extinction and could disappear forever.
I believe the future of these species depends not only on our actions, but also on how we raise the next generation. That’s why I created this book: to help children connect with the natural world early on, to care about these animals, and to understand that even small choices can make a meaningful difference.
The structure of the book, presenting animals alphabetically, makes it easy for young readers to follow and meet each animal while enjoying the illustrations. For those ready to dive deeper, there’s also a section with more information about each animal. This makes the book ideal for children who are learning their ABCs and beginning to read, as well as for those who are already reading. It serves as an engaging early introduction to the issue of endangered wildlife and conservation. Our kids are the future leaders and decision-makers, and the values we teach them today will guide them to protect the planet tomorrow.
What I loved about this children’s book is that it goes beyond teaching the alphabet with fun animals; it explains what makes an animal endangered and the conservation efforts that go into saving them. What was your process to teaching this important information while still keeping it accessible to young readers?
My goal was to introduce big ideas like extinction, conservation, and environmental responsibility in a way that feels gentle and age-appropriate. I did this by choosing simple, clear explanations and focusing on just one or two key facts for each animal. Each animal is so fascinating, I felt like I could write a whole book about each one! That was actually the hardest part: deciding what to include and what to leave out.
To support parents and educators, I also included a special section that briefly explains what “endangered” means, introduces the IUCN, and outlines why animals become endangered. This part is designed to help adults start deeper conversations with their kids, at whatever level feels right for them. In addition, I offer free educational worksheets, extended information, and craft ideas on my website to help families continue the learning journey together.
I really enjoyed creating the illustrations, they are colorful and vibrant to draw kids in and help them enjoy discovering each animal. Some they may already know, without realizing those animals are endangered, while others will be completely new to them.
Unfortunately, there are so many endangered animals that I couldn’t include them all in one book. I had to make tough choices about which species to highlight. But my hope is that this book is just the beginning, that it sparks curiosity and opens the door to learning more.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers come away with a sense of connection, that these animals aren’t just distant creatures, but part of the same beautiful world we all share. Each one is unique and faces real, often urgent, challenges. My goal is to spark curiosity in young readers and help them understand that without action, these endangered animals could disappear forever. I truly believe it all begins with education, and if this book inspires children to learn more, or take even a small step toward helping, then it has accomplished what I hoped it would.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
I’m currently working on a new book focused on ocean conservation and the vital role coral reefs play in the health of our planet. It will introduce kids to the wonders of underwater ecosystems and inspire them to protect our oceans. The release is planned for later this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website
Each page showcases an endangered animal from A to Z with vibrant, gorgeous illustrations. From Armadillo to Zebra, explore lesser-known species like the Monjon and Vaquita, or discover familiar creatures you didn’t know are endangered, like the Bumblebee and Whale shark.
Join the movement to protect our planet’s wildlife with this must-have addition to your library and ignite a love for nature in the next generation!
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Patterns
This children’s book is all about a group of number characters who are out at recess and get invited by their teacher, Mrs. Wiggles, to play an “I spy” game—but with patterns! Each number finds different repeating patterns in things like gardens, frogs, chickens, and even eggs. Poor Number Zero doesn’t get it at first, but by the end, he figures it out in a super satisfying way by painting a colorful 1–100 chart. It’s cheerful, it’s bouncy, and it makes patterns feel like a playground adventure.
The rhyme and rhythm in this picture book are really fun. It feels like a song you’d want to sing out loud while reading. The language is simple without being boring, which is a tricky balance to get right. The way the story weaves in real examples of patterns—visual, numerical, even animal stripes and dots—makes the idea stick without it ever feeling like a lesson. And the artwork is bright, colorful, and packed with little things to point out. It kept me smiling the whole way through.
But what really got me was how Zero has this little arc—he starts out confused and a bit nervous, and then he ends up making this huge discovery. It’s sweet, empowering, and a little inspiring. It’s one of those books where the message sneaks in without you realizing it: trying matters, noticing the world is fun, and even when something feels tricky, you can figure it out. It’s not preachy, just kind and encouraging.
If you’ve got a preschooler or kindergartener who’s starting to explore numbers or getting curious about patterns, this kids’ book is perfect. It’s also great for teachers looking for a light way to introduce math thinking. I’d recommend it for ages 3 to 6, especially kids who like to count or love to find “what’s the same.” This book has heart, color, and brains.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0F3Y48WSM
Trusting Yourself
Rewilding follows a 12-year-old girl who finds solace in nature while struggling to keep her and her brother’s difficult home life quiet. Where did the idea for this book come from?
It started when a fledgling scrub jay landed in my woodpile. I knew there was a story in my family’s experience of trying to care for the bird. We made many of the mistakes that Joy eventually makes in the book. As Joy’s journey with nature and rewilding started to bloom, the darker challenges of her life also began to surface. At that time, I had a number of friends who were wrenching themselves out of gaslighting relationships. I began to wonder about Joy and what lots of kids deal with every day. I began to ask how do you solve a problem with no good answers? Where do you turn?
Is there anything from your own life that helped inspire your characters’ traits and dialogue?
One of my favorite artistic pursuits is collage. So often my books feel like little scraps of experience pieced together to create something new and cohesive. I have a few wild and wise older women in my life who helped inspire the character of Ezzie. And Joy’s younger brother, Ian, is absolutely modeled after my daughter, Mieke, who is full of exuberant energy and big feelings. She’s now twelve, but when I started writing the book, she was about Ian’s age. She liked to climb and jump on everything. I’m happy to report that she still does.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The theme of trusting yourself is very dear to me. So many of us grow up looking to others to tell us how to think and feel about ourselves. We look to others to see if we measure up, if we’re doing things the right way. But really, each of us is the expert on our own selves. We need to learn to listen to our inner voices.
Also, nature. It has always seemed to me that we humans are not here on this planet to dominate and control, but to care for and nurture and celebrate our home.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from Rewilding?
I hope they see bits of themselves or others they know. I hope they find understanding and compassion for themselves and others. I hope those glimpses inspire them to look more closely at the world around them. Maybe that’s three things. Or maybe it’s all part of one big thing.
With her dad gone and her mom falling into depression, the responsibility of managing the household and caring for her younger brother, Ian, falls on her small shoulders. She struggles with the reality of wearing old clothes that no longer fit and constantly dealing with Ian’s hunger. Joy lives in fear that the school counselor might contact Child Protective Services due to their situation.
One day, a baby bird falls from its nest, reminding Joy of her dad’s warning, “You don’t know your own strength.” Desperate for help, Joy strikes a deal with their quirky neighbor, Ezzie, known as the “Ark Lady.” Through this new relationship, Joy, Ian, and her friend embark on a journey to restore the garden. In the process, they discover the concept of “rewilding,” which brings unexpected beauty and healing. This experience leads Joy to question her father’s views, opening her eyes to new possibilities and strengths within herself.
Endangered Animals ABC
Endangered Animals ABC is a colorful and heartfelt picture book that introduces young readers to a wide variety of endangered animals, organized alphabetically from Armadillo to Zebra. Each letter of the alphabet showcases a different animal, alongside charming illustrations. At the end of these ABC-style entries are thoughtful educational pages explaining the causes of endangerment, what conservation means, and how kids—and their families—can help. The tone is gentle but urgent, blending love for animals with a quiet call to action.
I found this book both educational and thought-provoking. The writing is simple but purposeful, clearly crafted for little ears while still managing to carry real weight with it’s message at the end. Medalsy doesn’t shy away from big ideas like extinction or habitat loss, but she frames them in a way that feels hopeful instead of heavy. A mix of delight and awareness. Also, any book that makes “X” work with “Xenosaurus” gets extra points in my book.
The illustrations are truly something special—vibrant, bold, and full of life. The use of rich, textured colors and dramatic lighting gives each animal a larger-than-life presence, making them feel majestic and unforgettable. It’s art that doesn’t just complement the words—it amplifies them, pulling kids (and adults) right into the heart of the wild.
Endangered Animals ABC feels like a love letter: to wildlife, to curious kids, and maybe even to the author’s own children (as the dedication suggests). I’d recommend it to parents, teachers, and caregivers looking for a way to introduce conservation early on, without doom and gloom. It’s a great pick for preschoolers through early elementary schoolers that are learning the alphabet and who already have a soft spot for animals.
Pages: 78 | ASIN : B0DZ68JG4M
Finding Hanna’s Happy Place
Hanna’s on a mission. Her day starts with cookies and toys, but something still feels off, she can’t seem to find her Happy Place. So she heads outside with her trusty dog, Puppy B, and sets off on a heartwarming journey through the mountains. Along the way, she meets a buffalo, a fox, a moose, a bear, and a snowy owl, each with their own idea of happiness. In the end, with a little help from her furry friend and a wise owl’s advice, Hanna discovers her Happy Place was right at home all along.
I really enjoyed this picture book. I’m always hunting for stories that not only capture my kids’ attention but also spark meaningful conversations. This one hit the sweet spot. The writing is gentle and warm, with a natural rhythm that made it a dream to read aloud. I appreciated how the story gave space for emotions. Hanna doesn’t quite know why she feels off, and that confusion is something kids really relate to. It doesn’t rush to fix the problem. It gives it air and lets it unfold. And the way the book wove in mindfulness without calling it that was brilliant.
The part where Hanna imagines her Happy Place and it’s not some big, wild adventure but sitting by the fire with her family? That moment had me. There’s a cozy magic to the message that feels like a hug. The hand-drawn illustrations are soft, sweet, and full of personality. Puppy B is the kind of character kids instantly fall in love with. My kids were giggling, pointing, and asking if we could read it again.
If you teach young kids or have young kids, Finding Hanna’s Happy Place is a gem. It’s perfect for talking about feelings, imagination, and what it means to feel at peace. I’d recommend it to families, educators, counselors—anyone who wants to help kids understand themselves a little better. It’s warm, wise, and wonderful.
Pages: 49 | ASIN : B0F5NMDZZS
Lamba’s Journey with Jesus
This sweet little picture book tells the story of Lamba, a curious baby lamb born on a cold night in Bethlehem. As he grows, Lamba’s natural wanderlust leads him on unexpected adventures—from meeting baby Jesus in the manger, to witnessing the events in Jerusalem during Palm Sunday, all the way to discovering the empty tomb on Easter morning. Through Lamba’s eyes, kids are gently guided through key moments in the life of Jesus.
As a mom who reads a ton of bedtime stories (and has heard “read it again!” more times than I can count), this one really warmed my heart. The writing is simple and rhythmic, which makes it easy for my little one to follow along. And the fact that it’s all told from a lamb’s point of view is genius. My kid was instantly hooked. It gave him someone small and innocent to connect with, and the way Lamba gets a little lost but always finds his way back—it just tugged at my heart. It reminds me of how we all sometimes stray and still get called home with love.
But what really got me was how the story weaves in the big parts of Jesus’s life without making it too heavy or confusing for young minds. It felt spiritual without being preachy, gentle without being watered down. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and just the right mix of realism and whimsy. Lamba’s eyes are so bright and expressive.
Lamba’s Journey With Jesus is the kind of children’s book I’d keep on our shelf year-round, not just for Christmas or Easter. It’s perfect for faith-based families who want to introduce Jesus’s story in a way that’s approachable and heart-centered. I’d recommend it to moms of toddlers and early elementary kids, Sunday school teachers, and honestly, anyone who wants to see the gospel through fresh eyes.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0DNRQW7N8
Woody Woodchuck: Lost in the Woods
At its heart, Woody Woodchuck: Lost in the Woods is a charming tale about getting lost, finding help, and learning that everyone’s got something special to offer. Woody, a sweet little woodchuck with big glasses and a bigger heart, sets out to surprise his Mama by doing something helpful. But things go sideways when a wild wind barrels through and scatters the laundry and his glasses into the woods. What follows is an adventure filled with new friends, a few scares, and a lovely message about teamwork and acceptance.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is how relatable Woody’s character feels from the very beginning. His intention to help his Mama is simple and sincere, yet things quickly spiral out of his control, an experience many readers, both young and old, can identify with. When Woody loses his glasses and chooses to press on despite his fear, his determination comes across as both courageous and quietly moving. The moment he realizes he is lost, standing alone in the unfamiliar woods, is especially poignant. The author captures that sense of quiet fear with subtlety and care. It’s not overly dramatic, but it resonates. The tone throughout is gentle and honest, with just enough tension to keep the reader engaged without overwhelming the story’s warmth.
The woodland characters were, for me, the most engaging element of the story. Each animal possesses a uniquely heightened sense alongside a notable weakness. For example, Billy Badger excels at navigating underground tunnels but lacks a sense of smell, while Daisy Deer can see great distances yet struggles with hearing. This dynamic offers a thoughtful and effective way to illustrate the idea that everyone has distinct strengths and limitations. It’s a subtle but powerful message about cooperation and mutual support. I especially appreciated the way each character’s abilities contributed to helping Woody find his way back to Mama’s cabin. Their teamwork felt natural and balanced, with no single character overshadowing the others. The group’s success came from their unity, not individual heroics, which made the moment feel both satisfying and meaningful.
The writing in this book is smooth and accessible, simple in style, yet far from boring. It has a warm, steady rhythm that invites readers into the story, much like a familiar animated tale. I especially appreciated the author’s pacing; the narrative doesn’t feel rushed, allowing space for readers to fully imagine the journey, whether it’s crawling through the tunnel beneath the creek or catching a whiff of Mama’s pies cooling on an old tree stump. The dialogue is natural and believable, particularly during the moments when the animals are working together to solve problems. Through small, well-crafted interactions, each character’s personality becomes clear.
I’d absolutely recommend Woody Woodchuck: Lost in the Woods to anyone with little ones who enjoy gentle, thoughtful stories with a sprinkle of adventure. It’s also a great pick for early readers who are starting to fall in love with storytelling. This book would shine during a cozy storytime or even as a classroom read-aloud. It reminded me that a little kindness, a little courage, and a few good friends can get you through just about anything.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0DYWC71FX
LITERARY TITAN 