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Looking for Unicorns on Safari
Looking for Unicorns on Safari is a super sweet and whimsical picture book that follows Lotta, Leo, and their mom on a safari adventure through Africa. Lotta is on a mission to spot a real unicorn—with glittery wings and a rainbow mane, of course—while her brother and mom enjoy the sights of more traditional animals, like lions, zebras, and giraffes. Each page is a colorful spread packed with animals dressed up in fun outfits and some fun Swahili words sprinkled in along the way. It’s part story, part seek-and-find, and all kinds of fun.
This picture book made me smile from page one. It’s got that perfect mix of silly and sweet that kids just eat up. The illustrations by Nita Candra are just gorgeous. There’s this one part where the giraffe is “on stilts, reaching up to the leaves,” and I had to pause and just appreciate how imaginative and playful it all looked. You can tell this children’s book was made with a lot of love.
One thing that stood out to me was how the story never shuts down Lotta’s belief in unicorns. Even though we see a bunch of real animals, no one ever says, “Unicorns aren’t real.” Instead, the story just rolls with it. That moment near the end when Lotta finally sees her unicorn? Pure joy. And the ending, where Mama calls the kids her “two monkeys”? Adorable. Plus, I think it’s really neat that the book also donates a portion of its proceeds to Save the Children. It adds a little heart to the magic.
Looking for Unicorns on Safari is a lovely read for little kids who still believe in magic—and for grownups who wish they still did. It’s perfect for bedtime, storytime, or any time you want to go on a little adventure without leaving the couch. If you’ve got a kid who loves animals, dress-up, or magical creatures, this one’s a total win.
Pages: 36 | ISBN: 9783952620724
A Day on the Brine
A Day on the Brine is a charming, rhythmic journey through the ocean’s wonders, seen through the eyes of a curious captain and the creatures she encounters on her voyage. With lyrical, repetitive verse and vibrant illustrations, the book flows from one sea creature to the next, capturing the natural rhythms of marine life from sunrise to moonrise. Set off the west coast of Australia, this tale speaks to the interconnectedness of life on the ocean and the quiet magic of the sea.
Right from the start, I was pulled in by the rhythm. The repeated structure—“And what do you think she sees?” makes it feel like a lullaby, or a chant you’d say to a child while swaying on a boat. It’s simple, but it works. I especially loved the line about the “squid pinkpink and shy” who “peeks at the sky.” That moment stuck with me, there’s something so soft and endearing about it. It’s playful but also poetic. The use of double adjectives, “whitewhite,” “pinkpink,” “greengreen,” initially felt unusual, but they started to feel like waves lapping: steady, repeated, calming.
The writing isn’t trying to be clever. It’s honest and kind. There’s a real respect for the sea here, and that shines through the gentle language and Emma Stuart’s dreamy illustrations. I found myself lingering on the page with the “whale large and greygrey” coming up for a play. That spread, both in words and visuals, felt alive. There’s no heavy lesson being pushed, but you still get this sense of awe for marine life and the beauty of slowing down to look at the world.
One thing I appreciated deeply is the circular nature of the story. It begins and ends with the big blue boat, creating a feeling of coming home, of completing a cycle. The moon watching the boat and captain at the end made me smile. It’s subtle, but it tugs at something warm in you. It reminded me of how, as a kid, I’d imagine the moon following me on car rides home. Also, the glossary and activities at the end are a nice bonus, educational without being dry, and great for curious young readers.
This book is a delight. If you’ve got little ones who love the ocean, or if you just want something calming and beautiful to read together at bedtime, A Day on the Brine is for you. It’s got heart, rhythm, and a soft sense of wonder. I’d recommend it to families, early educators, or anyone who finds peace in the sea.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0DXG9T3HK
Maverick and the Big Game
Maverick and the Big Game is a heartwarming children’s story that follows a young hockey player named Maverick as he gears up for one of the biggest games of his season. It’s more than just a story about sports; it’s about grit, teamwork, and learning how to deal with pressure while keeping your joy intact. The book blends action on the ice with emotional insight, all wrapped up in colorful illustrations and told through the eyes of a determined, passionate kid with big dreams and an even bigger heart.
The writing has this genuine, almost nostalgic tone to it. It reminds me of those old-school sports movies where the underdog gives it their all. The dialogue feels natural, especially when Maverick chats with his mom before the game. That moment really tugged at my heart. She tells him, “No matter what, win or lose, you never give up!” It’s simple but powerful. You can tell that love and support are the backbone of Maverick’s confidence. It made me smile and maybe tear up a little. I also liked how the book didn’t try to over-explain the hockey stuff. It trusted the reader to go along for the ride.
The pacing of the story is perfect. There’s a real sense of buildup to the big game, and the way the tension grows had me flipping pages like I was watching the third period in overtime. Maverick’s nerves, his excitement, even his self-doubt, they’re all there in the little details. There’s a scene where he’s getting ready in the locker room, and his thoughts are racing. We’ve all had that pre-game or pre-performance moment where everything feels a bit too big. But he pushes through. Making his experience feel real.
The illustrations by Jason Velazquez are bold and bright, with this sort of comic-book flair that kids will love. But beyond the style, they add warmth. One panel with Maverick high-fiving his teammates after a goal, man, it just radiates energy. You don’t even need the words in some parts; the art says it all. The words and pictures dance together.
Maverick and the Big Game is a total win. It’s perfect for young readers who love sports, especially hockey, but even more so for any kid who’s learning to believe in themselves. It’s also a great pick for parents who want to share a story about persistence and love with their children. Whether your kid is lacing up their skates or just facing a big challenge at school, this book is like a warm, encouraging hug in paper form.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0DZF67Z3D
Inspiring Children
Oceans of Thoughts Book Four: The Little Pianist follows several children who get together for a playdate, which becomes an adventure in learning and fun. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have been a pianist from childhood and have lived in a music family environment. I have seen different cultures embrace music in their own way, and how they relate to their baby’s attraction to the piano or any other musical instrument. Some mothers encourage the attraction of their children from a very young age, and others hesitate and pull them away from the piano keys, disturbing their flow of their frequency in music within their being. Oceans of Thoughts is an inspirational poetry book series and Book Four falls nowhere short of that inspiration. The Little Pianist is written with a burst of passion and meant to inspire the children, expand their creativity, excite their curiosity, and their science and observation skills.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to include much of music learning and interest the children in music theory and math skills. My goal was to educate the children along those lines and to show them that interactive learning with educational toys can be exciting and interesting and much fun.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Ali Raza?
Ali Raza is a brilliant illustrator. When I hired him, I told him that I wanted to take this project slowly. I wanted him to understand and to realize the mission on Oceans of Thoughts. It was difficult at first as the interest is to get the work done quickly, but I was not interested in that pace. I was not in a rush. I was interested in a slower pace and getting detailed work with those illustrations. And we persevered and did it . It took a lot more time than usual, but we had a triumphant finish. With patience comes excellence.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Oceans of Thoughts is an inspirational poetry book series. Occeans of Thoughts Book Four was written after much interest from educators, teachers and parents for a book for the children. I only write from life experiences and so ‘The Little Pianist’ was written and published. The children’s passion is sure to continue. Look out for other books for children in the series.
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Mrs. Collins and her children, Joselyn, Jonathan and Jenny, invited Mrs. Jeffrey and her daughter Alana to their house one afternoon in June. Jenny and Alana had lots of fun together as they played happily with Jenny’s educational and musical toys. They played music on the pianos and used the abacus, reading books, and other toys that stimulate learning in childhood education. The children’s creativity and observation skills are shared with each other, along with their eagerness and encouragement for learning. All children are invited to dive into The Little Pianist to explore the adventure of reading.
Perfect for children ages 2-8 as a read along book. For children ages 5+ for independent reading.
Bart the Tiny Bat
Bart the Tiny Bat by Edward Boyd is one of those children’s books that starts off sneaky—like, you think you’re just getting a little animal fact book, and then bam! It turns into this sweet, funny, kinda wild adventure about a teeny-tiny bat named Bart who gets chased by an owl, ends up in someone’s house, and accidentally freaks out a whole family. It’s half nature lesson, half nighttime chaos, and honestly, it’s adorable from start to finish.
As a teacher, I loved how the book mixed fun facts with the story. Right at the beginning, it dives into what bats eat (some eat frogs!), how they sleep upside down, and how they “see with their ears” using sonar. My students would eat that up. And then there’s Bart himself—he’s only 3 inches long and has one tiny tooth. The illustrations of him are so cute. I loved his little tooth hanging out and his smile was charming. Seeing him hang upside down, dodge an owl, and then end up on a ceiling fan in someone’s house? I was smiling the whole time. And when Barb’s bangs blew back from screaming? Totally relatable.
The story also really hits a sweet note. Poor Bart is so scared and lost you feel for the little guy. Trenton, the boy in the story, could’ve panicked, but instead he gently scoops Bart up in a bug jar and lets him go. The message at the end, “We all get lost sometimes.” I love that. It’s simple, it’s kind, and it’s something I can build a class discussion around.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian looking for a read-aloud that’s both fun and meaningful, Bart the Tiny Bat is a winner. Great for K-3rd grade, especially if your kids love animals, surprises, and a little nighttime adventure.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0DZ4BV3JQ
Nite Nite, Piggies
Sometimes, bedtime feels like a never-ending battle, and Nite Nite, Piggies by Jane E. Ruth captures that struggle in the most adorable way. The book follows a little piggy who, like most kids, comes up with every excuse imaginable to avoid going to sleep. From wanting to play one last game to suddenly feeling hungry or thirsty, this piggy is determined to stay awake. But in the end, love, warmth, and bedtime prayers bring a peaceful close to the night.
As a parent, I couldn’t help but smile as I read through the pages. This book absolutely nails the reality of bedtime negotiations. The simplicity of the dialogue makes it easy for kids to follow along, and the bilingual format is a fantastic bonus. Reading it in both English and Spanish added a fun rhythm that kept my little one engaged. The final lines, where the piggy finally settles down with blessings for all, made for such a sweet and comforting ending.
The illustrations by Yassibel Duque are just as charming as the story. The piggies are full of personality, making the book feel warm and inviting. I also loved the inclusion of different pig breeds—it was an unexpected and delightful touch that sparked a whole new conversation about animals before lights out.
I’d recommend this book to parents with toddlers and preschoolers who put up a fight at bedtime. It’s a great read-aloud that turns the usual back-and-forth into something fun and lighthearted. If you’re looking for a bedtime story that speaks to real-life experiences with a little humor and a lot of heart, Nite Nite, Piggies is a fantastic choice.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0DP1GKRVL
Joy is a Timeless Companion
I Am NOT That Cat is a delightful, illustrated collection of poems, each one a whimsical ode to the feline mystique. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Like all of my children’s books, happiness, compassion, kindness, and empathy are always in the forefront of my mind when writing children’s literature; each poem a different kitten with a lesson to share. I want children to enjoy my books, yes, but I also believe that beyond the cheerful mood, small, positive, encouraging life lessons should be the underlying tone.
While the book is considered a children’s book, it appeals to cat owners, young and old. Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
Creating children’s poems about cats holds a delightful charm that bridges generations, uniting both the young and the young at heart in a shared experience. Cats, with their playful antics and mysterious nature, naturally lend themselves to the imaginative world of poetry. Writing about them in a way that appeals to everyone is like opening a window to a world where age is but a number, and joy is a timeless companion.
For children, a poem about a frolicking feline can spark curiosity and empathy, teaching them about companionship and the simple joys of life through the relatable antics of their furry friends. It’s in these tales they find laughter and lessons, wrapped up in a rhythm that dances in their minds long after the story ends. The whimsical style captures their imagination, inviting them to explore and dream.
For adults, these poems offer a warm nostalgia that reminds them of their own childhood or perhaps the pets they cherished. The playful language can stir a sense of light-heartedness, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s about recapturing that sense of wonder and allowing oneself to pause, smile, and remember that magic exists in everyday moments.
Bridging this gap between young and old, these cat poems become a shared secret, a universal language of affection and joy. They celebrate the silly and profound, anchor us in the present, and remind us of the beauty found in both the simplicity of a child’s perspective and the rich tapestry of life experiences that adults carry. In the world of cats and poems, age fades away, leaving only the joy of a purring heart.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
My favorite poem in I Am NOT That Cat is the true story about the newest member of our household, a once malnourished, tiny abandoned kitten, now called Itty Bitty Kitty. When I first saw her shivering in the rain it was a sight that tugged at my soul. I knew in that moment that I had to help the poor thing who was quite literally howling in desperation.
As I brought her into our house, my thoughts swirled with emotions. I was angry that someone could do such a thing to a helpless creature, but I also felt a mix of compassion empathy and a determination to right this terrible wrong. That’s when the idea struck me: why not capture this experience in a poem? Writing has always been my way of processing the world around me, and this little creature deserved more than just my help; she needed her story told.
Through my poem, I wanted to express the journey we shared—from the initial fear and uncertainty in her eyes to the eventual spark of trust and love. Each stanza became a tribute to her resilience and spirit, a reminder that even in abandonment, hope can bloom.
Ultimately, my poem is a celebration of our bond. It serves as a reminder to others about the importance of kindness and compassion toward all creatures, big and small.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book that I am working on, is, no surprise, another rhyming poetry book for children. This will be the third in the That Cat series and is titled Silly Cats. This book, however, is not just about cats as I have introduced a little blue spider called Jack! Like the previous two titles in the series, Silly Cats boasts full-page artwork accompanied by humorous rhyming poems. I plan on releasing this book in late October or early November, this year.
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“Oh our wonderful felines, both regal and wild, in their world of enchantment, we’re forever beguiled. For the love of a cat is a treasure that’s rare, a gift in our lives, beyond compare. From tabby to tuxedo, each one a delight, with whiskers that twitch and hearts pure as light.”
Get ready for a PURRFECTLY delightful bedtime experience that will spark joy and laughter in every household!
Bringing Joy to Everyone
Charlie Gets Glasses follows a sweet little dog who starts having trouble seeing, so he visits the eye doctor and learns he will need glasses leading him to worry about what others will think or if he will like them. What was the inspiration for your story?
My sweet book is based on my real-life pup Charlie who does in fact wear glasses. At one of Charlie’s vet visits the doctor told me that due to his age he was starting to get cataracts. Since we go out to a lot of dog friendly places and he is always in the sun I wanted something to help protect his eyes. He had a pair of dog googles but didn’t seem to really like them much. So, I went online and looked for another pair to try with him. When I found this brand, I was super excited to see that they had clear lenses and thought that maybe having clear lenses may be more comfortable for him. They do have a UV coating to help with sun rays. And to my surprise when I got them Charlie kept them on. I got asked a lot about how he keeps them on, if they are really prescription, does he need them, and how cute he looks. But the best part was seeing how happy Charlie made kids and adults alike. I wanted to write this book to continue to bring that joy to everyone and give children a furry friend to look too when they are feeling different.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Since I grew up wearing glasses it was sometimes hard to feel like I fit in. I tended to get made fun of but now as an adult I love to be different. I have a lot of different color frames and embrace the difference. So, it was important to bring in that small detail that Charlie was scared of how he will look and to also show that not everyone will be mean. That people will embrace how cool it is to wear glasses.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I don’t think there was one particular part I had the most fun writing. The whole book itself was a labor of love. Something that I will be able to look back on when Charlie passes. The memories made and the friends we have created through this experience.
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?
This book is not part of a series but more of an introduction to Charlie’s character and how he got his glasses. I had many people ask if more was coming and since Charlie and I have had many adventures over the years I thought why not create a series! I am in the middle of writing my second book which will be part of a series. Each book will also have one of Charlie’s real-life doggie friends in them. I am hoping to have this done by the end of the year and start on the next book in series right after.
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