Blog Archives
Rewilding
At its heart, Rewilding is a tender, poignant middle grade novel about twelve-year-old Joy, who finds herself juggling way more than any kid should. While taking care of her younger brother Ian and hiding their struggling home life from nosy adults, Joy stumbles into something unexpectedly healing: nature. Between dodging Child Protective Services and trying to keep her family from falling apart, she begins to rewild a neglected yard and, in the process, slowly begins to rewild herself.
Joy’s narration is painfully real, funny in all the right ways, and completely heartbreaking when it needs to be. Right from chapter one, when she eavesdrops on a conversation between the school counselor and her brother, we’re dropped into a world where Joy is already carrying the emotional weight of an adult. “Big clumsy Joy strikes again,” she says after barging into Bertie’s office, and that moment hits like a brick. She’s trying so hard to hold things together that you want to jump into the story and tell her she doesn’t have to. But that’s the thing, she does have to. No one else will.
The themes Gerlits weaves through the story of neglect, gaslighting, mental illness, and body image are handled with honesty and subtlety, but they never weigh the book down. Joy’s relationship with her own body, for instance, is explored quietly and compassionately. She’s constantly aware of her size, of how her clothes don’t fit right anymore, of how people react to her strength. And then comes the moment when Joy discovers a baby bird in the woodpile and makes the quiet but profound decision to care for it. The scene is deeply moving. When she gently says, “You trust me,” to the fragile creature in her hands, it becomes a powerful symbol of her own longing to be trusted, needed, and capable. For a brief instant, everything else in the story seems to pause around that simple, tender exchange.
But what I loved most was the metaphor of rewilding. Not just the literal ecosystem restoration Joy does in the ARK yard, but the way she’s unknowingly restoring herself. Her home life is rough. Her mom is barely functioning, her dad is unreliable, and her little brother is too young to understand the danger they’re in. Yet Joy never gives up. She mows the lawn, feeds her brother, protects her mom’s dignity, and tries (with mixed results) to raise a bird. The passage in which Joy resolves to clean up the yard to prevent others from suspecting neglect is among the most emotionally wrenching in the novel. It reveals a fierce, protective love intertwined with a desperate desire to maintain control over an unraveling situation. The moment is rendered with striking authenticity and emotional depth.
Rewilding isn’t just a story for kids. It’s for anyone who’s ever tried to make the best of a messy situation. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or overwhelmed or not strong enough, only to discover they are. I’d recommend this book to middle grade readers who like realistic stories with heart, but also to adults who remember what it was like to be young and scared and brave all at once. This book doesn’t shy away from hard truths, but it also offers hope in the shape of a baby bird, a patch of wildflowers, and a girl who learns she really does know her own strength.
Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0DZCJYQHW
One Grain of Sand
This sweet children’s book by Ruthie Godfrey starts with a colony of ants who are thrown into chaos when what they think is an earthquake turns out to be a dog named Scruffy digging with wild abandon. Their carefully built home is in shambles. Just when things look a little hopeless, an elder ant shares how the colony was first built—patiently and bit by bit, “one grain of sand at a time.” Inspired by that wisdom, the young ants rally together and rebuild their home through teamwork and determination. It’s a simple message wrapped in a colorful and heartwarming tale.
There’s something so powerful about how the book takes such a big idea—perseverance—and shrinks it down into something kids can really get. I loved the part where the elder ant said, “Each day we worked. Little by little, bit by bit.” It’s the same thing I tell my students when they’re frustrated with math or trying to read a big book. The story doesn’t shy away from showing how hard things can feel at first, which makes the ending so satisfying.
And oh my goodness, the illustrations! Pablo D’Alio nails it. The ants are full of personality, especially the one in the purple cap—my kids started cheering when he rallied everyone. The expressions are priceless, and the way the chaos of the dog turns into organized teamwork by the end is just awesome.
One Grain of Sand is a gem. It’s the kind of picture book that’s fun to read out loud, sparks big conversations, and leaves kids feeling like they can do big things—even if it’s one tiny step at a time. I’d recommend it for any classroom, especially early elementary. It’s also a great pick for bedtime reading with a message that sticks. Teachers, parents, counselors—basically anyone raising or teaching little humans—this one’s for you.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0D8RCYXF4
Being Middle
Lori Orlinsky’s Being Middle is a heartwarming picture book that speaks directly to the woes and wonders of being the middle child. Told through the eyes of a young girl caught between her older and younger sisters, the story starts with frustration and ends with pride. She laments hand-me-downs, cramped car rides, and cold showers, classic middle-child grievances, but slowly learns that being in the middle isn’t just tolerable. It’s kind of amazing.
What really grabbed me was the honesty in Ellie’s voice. That opening line “My tummy is achy, and I feel quite queasy” sets the stage for a raw, relatable peek into the middle-child mindset. She feels overlooked and underappreciated, evoking a strong sense of empathy as her emotions unfold on the page. The moment she laments receiving only hand-me-down shoes is both humorous and strikingly relatable, an all-too-familiar reality for many middle children. When she remarks, “Most of the time, they don’t even call me the right name,” it brings to mind the common mix-ups that happen in families with multiple children, a small detail that rings true and adds to the authenticity of her experience.
What truly sets this book apart is its thoughtful shift in tone. Rather than dismissing Ellie’s feelings, her mother gently reinterprets them, offering a new and affirming perspective. The line, “There’s a sis to look up to and one who looks up to you,” stands out as particularly poignant, reframing the middle child role as one of unique connection and importance. In this way, being in the middle transforms from a source of frustration into a powerful metaphorical bridge. The comparison to the center of an Oreo, universally regarded as the best part, adds a lighthearted yet effective touch, reinforcing the message with humor and warmth.
Visually, the illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre add a playful, expressive energy to the story. They carry just the right mix of whimsy and warmth. Every pout, eye-roll, and smile feels familiar, especially for anyone who’s ever been stuck in the middle seat. The layout flows well, too, making it perfect for a bedtime read or a classroom circle.
I found Being Middle to be a thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful read. It strikes a careful balance of thoughtful without being didactic, and heartfelt without veering into sentimentality. I would recommend this book to families with multiple children, particularly those with a middle child who may be struggling to find their place. It would also serve as a valuable resource for educators seeking to initiate discussions about family roles, emotions, and self-worth. Even for readers who are not middle children themselves, the book offers a charming reminder to appreciate the value found in the spaces between, whether in families, food, or everyday life.
Pages: 24 | ISBN : 0881441058
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.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Helping Children Be Better Humans
Moonbeam’s Halloween Wish follows a lonely stray cat looking for a family who crosses paths with a girl dressed as a black cat, instantly forming a connection, and hoping that she has found her forever home. What was the inspiration for your story?
I wanted to write a Halloween story that wasn’t scary, and since I have an adopted cat, the idea of incorporating the concept of adoption was appealing to me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
All of my books include lessons to help children be better humans, and in this book, I combined adoption and caring for those who are lonely as the primary concepts.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Taylor Johnston?
Taylor is an extremely talented artist and a close coworker. She is also a cat owner and works daily with kids, as I do, so her understanding of the concepts I wanted to portray was seamless. Taylor is also a highly creative individual and brought fresh ideas to her illustrations that I hadn’t thought of. We started with ideas that I had in mind, and after a few tweaks, the book was finished. We collaborated very well.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a book about a Tulip. It is targeted for ages 6-8, and the theme will be attractive to towns that present tulip festivals.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Meet Moonbeam, a lonely feline who roams the streets in search of a family to call her own. Moonbeam’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a group of children on Halloween night. Dressed as a black cat, one little girl offers Moonbeam a chance at a forever home filled with love and warmth.
Targeted for children ages 3-8, this endearing Halloween-themed book is clean, ethical, and appropriate for any public or private library, classroom, daycare, or home. Kids are sure to enjoy this heartwarming story for years to come.
Sharing the Message of God’s Love
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny follows a little larva who makes her cocoon in the window of a troubled boy and watches him transform after hearing a moving sermon about jellybeans and their connection to the Gospel. What inspired your story?
The inspiration for The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny came from my desire to share the message of God’s great love with little ones, especially during Easter, a season of new beginnings. Spring symbolizes renewal, and just like the boy in the story, Little Larva undergoes her own transformation into a butterfly, representing hope and new life.
I have six grand-littles, and I want each of them to know God loves them. This book is for them and all the Littles of the world—whether they’ve heard of Jesus and what He did for them or not. I wanted to create a story that uses something familiar, like a bunny and jellybeans, to show children how deeply loved they are and how the message of Easter speaks to that love.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny, I wanted to focus on a few key educational elements that would resonate with children. First, I wanted to show the concept of transformation and how change can lead to something beautiful, just like the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It’s a simple yet powerful way to explain growth and renewal.
Another important aspect was introducing children to the idea of God’s love in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. I wanted to show that we are always loved and can change for the better. The connection between jellybeans and the Gospel is a fun way to help children understand that God’s love is sweet, abundant, and available to all. I also wanted to spark curiosity about Easter and its deeper meaning, making it accessible to kids who may not be familiar with the story of Christ’s resurrection.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Alicia Renee?
Working with Alicia Renee on The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny was an absolute dream! We share a passion for little ones knowing Jesus, and that made this collaboration a perfect fit for bringing the story’s message to life.
I sent Alicia the manuscript and told her I wanted her to have the creative freedom to bring the illustrations to life as she saw fit. Having worked with her before on my book Angel on Assignment, I already knew the incredible talent she possesses. She transformed my words into illustration notes that sounded amazing, then brought the story to life in such an incredible way. The illustrations are truly stunning, and I genuinely love working with her.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m excited to share that my next book, Where Would You Go with Magical Balloons?, is already illustrated and just needs to be designed for print. This book is especially close to my heart as it was created to celebrate National Give a Bunch of Balloons Month on the National Day Calendar. This initiative celebrates another day in the life of a child with an incurable disease or a life-altering illness, offering them a moment of joy and hope. It’s an uplifting story that encourages kids to dream and embrace the gift of today, with balloons as a symbol of happiness and possibility. After all, who doesn’t love to see a bunch of balloons? You can’t help but smile when you see them! I think this month can equally have an impact on the giver as much as the young one receiving the balloons. I’m looking forward to this book complementing the month celebrated in June and helping spread joy and hope during National Give a Bunch of Balloons Month.
Author Link: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Little Larva should be in Egg Land with the other caterpillars, but she wandered off…
Now dangling from a mischievous boy’s windowsill, her cocoon trembles. Then unexpectedly, a colorful bag of jellybeans changes everything.
Inspired by the boy’s transformation, Little Larva takes flight, spreading the good news to Mr. Easter Bunny and beyond.
Join Little Larva, Little Lad, and Mr. Easter Bunny as their story begins a new tradition in Egg Land: Easter baskets filled with the colorful message of God’s love, one jellybean at a time.
What you’ll find inside:A FUN EASTER STORY – A rhyming tale of a butterfly, a boy, and a born-again bunny.
JELLYBEAN GOSPEL POEM – A colorful way to explain the life-changing message of the Gospel to children.
ABCs OF SALVATION – Introduce little hearts to the simple steps of Salvation. ~Accept, ~Believe, ~Confess. Includes Bible verses.
IDEAL FOR YOUNG READERS – Designed for ages 4-8, for grades K- 3, this picture book engages readers to explore faith, and the miraculous change made possible because of Jesus.
This book is perfect for children’s church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and grandparents who wish to introduce little hearts to the love of Jesus.
Discover the sweet message of faith and transformation in this whimsical Easter adventure—share the joy of the Jellybean Gospel with a child today!
Icy The Iceberg
Icy the Iceberg is a sweet little children’s book about a snowflake-turned-iceberg named Icy, who goes on this long emotional journey through the water cycle. It starts with him forming from vapor and becoming a happy, floaty snowflake, but then he gets buried under layers of snow for centuries and eventually becomes this huge, majestic iceberg. He gets to float in the ocean, make friends with whales and otters, and have the time of his life… until he starts melting. But don’t worry, it loops back around when he turns into vapor again and floats up into the sky, ready to start his cycle all over. It’s science meets story time.
What I loved most was how the book gave real feelings to a snowflake. Icy goes from joyful and curious to scared and lonely, then back to joyful again. It really hit me when he was buried under all that snow for hundreds of years. And then that comeback moment on page 26 when he finally cracks free and splashes into the ocean was fantastic. The book’s voice is simple but so full of heart. Kids will get the science, sure, but adults will see a metaphor for life, change, growth—all that deep stuff hidden in a floating snowflake.
The artwork is adorable. Each spread has this cheerful, crayon-colored vibe, and the “Color Me” pages give it a whole activity-book feel that’s just brilliant. And don’t get me started on the animals! That whole section where he makes friends with sea creatures and even gets a surprise visit from a polar bear was wholesome and reminded me of how friendship can come from the most unexpected places.
Icy the Iceberg made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. It’s the perfect picture book for curious little readers who love stories with heart and a bit of science thrown in. It’s also great for parents or grandparents who want something thoughtful but not preachy. I’d recommend it for anyone who likes their bedtime stories with a side of wonder and a little tug on the heartstrings.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0F461HMGS
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny
In The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny by Wanda Carter Roush, readers are invited into a whimsical yet spiritually rich tale where caterpillars in Egg Land hang their cocoons in anticipation of a greater purpose of awakening to help Mr. Easter Bunny prepare his Easter baskets. But among them is one curious little larva who chooses a different path. Her reasons are never fully explained, adding a gentle layer of mystery to her journey. She settles near the windowsill of a young boy’s room, unknowingly selecting a place filled with turmoil.
This young boy, frustrated and distant, often clashed with his family. He was disrespectful toward his parents and sister, struggled in school, and neglected his responsibilities at home. Though his family spoke to him with concern and love, their words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Then, one Sunday, as the family prepared for church, the boy reluctantly agreed to go. That decision would change everything.
During the sermon, something stirred within him. The message of the Jellybean Gospel broke through his resistance. He learned of Jesus and how he died for our sins, rose again, and offered salvation to anyone willing to receive it. Each color of the jellybeans symbolized a truth: black for sin, red for Christ’s blood, white for purity, and a new beginning. This vibrant symbolism touched the boy’s heart. He repented and embraced a fresh start.
The little larva, witnessing this remarkable change, was so moved that she shared the story with Mr. Easter Bunny himself. Inspired, he decided that every Easter basket from then on would include jellybeans with each color, a reminder of grace, redemption, and the transformative power of faith.
This story is nothing short of wonderful. It beautifully captures the essence of Easter and presents it in a way that is accessible and heartfelt for children, without coming across as overly preachy. The use of jellybeans as a teaching tool is both clever and engaging. It’s a concept that sticks and is simple enough for kids to understand, yet powerful enough to leave a lasting impression, even on adult readers. Personally, I now see jellybeans through a new lens, each color telling a piece of the Gospel story.
Alicia Renee’s illustrations are a perfect match for the narrative. Bright, cheerful, and in line with Easter’s pastel palette, her artwork brings every page to life. Each illustration enhances the text, offering young readers a visual treat that deepens their connection to the story. Renee’s whimsical style complements Roush’s message with charm and heart.
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny is not just a seasonal read, it’s a timeless tale that can be shared year-round. With a blend of faith, fun, and vibrant imagination, this book will leave children and adults feeling uplifted and inspired.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DWKRJ71Z
LITERARY TITAN 