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Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog
Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog, written by Natalie McCurry and Cadie McCurry and brought to life through Chris Shwink’s vivid illustrations, delivers a delightful blend of learning and laughter. The story follows Cadie, a lovable German Shepherd adopted from a rescue shelter, as she joins her family on a lively outing to the M.D. Zoo, a teaching zoo brimming with unusual and captivating species. With guidance from Miss Melissa and her assistant, Sadie, Cadie ushers readers from exhibit to exhibit, introducing everything from zebras and lions to kangaroos and macaws. Each stop includes fun facts, pronunciation tips, and playful sketches. The design feels bright and interactive, and a thoughtfully included zoo map helps children visualize the journey as it unfolds.
The charm of the book rests heavily on its warm narration. Cadie’s voice feels friendly and inviting, almost conversational, as though she’s chatting directly with the reader. The writing stays accessible while still nudging children to think, speak, and participate. Because the M.D. Zoo emphasizes hands-on learning; the educational elements appear naturally, never heavy-handed. Pronunciation guides, in particular, are a welcome touch that builds confidence as kids encounter unfamiliar names. I especially appreciated the appearance of animals rarely seen in children’s books, such as the Binturong, which keeps the experience fresh for adults sharing the story.
Every page delivers small bursts of information that feel lively rather than encyclopedic. Cadie outlines how each creature lives, eats, and behaves, all in a tone that remains upbeat and curious. The teaching-zoo setting subtly reinforces ideas surrounding conservation, responsible animal care, and exploration-driven learning. Underneath the fun lies a gentle message about compassion: Cadie’s own rescue story serves as a reminder of the joy that comes from giving a home to an animal in need. The activity page at the end, “Cadie’s Notes,” invites children to draw their favorite animal, offering a simple but meaningful moment of creativity and reflection.
Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog stands out as a wonderful choice for young readers and the families who read alongside them. It pulls children away from screens and into a world of discovery, curiosity, and kindness. Wholesome, spirited, and full of imaginative energy, it deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0FY4PDQHG
Twinkling Wings and Toothy Things
Twinkling Wings and Toothy Things tells the story of Nutter Nate and his crew of tiny tooth-builders who live in the Tooth Fairy Realm. They plant lost baby teeth in the ground, grow them into strong adult teeth, and then team up with a tooth fairy named Maribel to deliver them to kids like Sam and Sadie. A mix-up, a pup, and a lot of teamwork turn their mission into a late-night adventure. By the end, they learn about cooperation, courage, and that mistakes don’t mean failure.
I got a real kick out of the whole idea of teeth growing like crops in neat little rows. It made me smile right away. The writing feels playful and warm, and it moves fast. I liked how each character had a goofy name that matched their job. It made the world feel silly in the best way. I enjoyed the teamwork in this children’s book as well. I kept thinking about how sweet it was that they all supported each other when things went sideways.
As I kept reading, I felt this surprising wave of nostalgia. It reminded me of being a kid and believing that tiny magical creatures zipped around at night. The pup made me laugh. I loved how the story didn’t pretend everything has to go perfectly. Mistakes happen. The fix matters more. That part actually felt kind of touching.
The illustrations in this book are bright, playful, and full of tiny details that make each scene feel alive. The soft colors and warm lighting create a cozy mood while still keeping everything fun and energetic. The little fairies are bursting with personality. Every image has something charming for kids to spot. The style feels gentle and expressive and fits the story’s sweet, whimsical tone perfectly.
I really enjoyed this picture book. I think it’s perfect for young kids who like magical stories and bright, cartoonish art, and any child who finds the whole tooth fairy thing exciting or a little mysterious. It would be especially great for kids just starting to lose teeth. It might even calm a few nerves. I’d happily recommend it to parents, teachers, and anyone who wants a bedtime story that feels gentle, silly, and full of heart.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1966786239
Be Willing To Try
Love is Golden follows a golden doodle who works as a therapy dog and teaches his friends what therapy dogs and service dogs do. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration came from my sister’s dogs. She was taking Ted to therapy dog training classes, while his little sister Rosie had to stay home. This made me think about the big brother, little sister dynamic. I thought it would be fun and a little different to tell the story from the dogs’ perspective. At the time, I was also teaching at a high school where therapy dogs would visit, and I saw firsthand how much joy and comfort they brought to students. That experience inspired me to write a cute story that also shares an important message about never giving up.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Overall, I wanted this book to focus on empathy, compassion, and resilience. I hope kids come away knowing that they can do anything if they’re willing to try. Sometimes one thing doesn’t work out, and that’s okay, you just try something else. I’m hoping the book will encourage kids to think about the many ways they can be helpful and to recognize the unique talents that make them who they are.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Nomrota Saha?
I found Nomrota on Fiverr.com. She lives in India and is an aspiring art student. The process was amazing! I shared my manuscript, she would share the line drawings, the flat versions and then the final versions of each page. It was a really nice collaboration, in which she was able to take my words and make them come to life through the images.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
I started with “We Love Nacho” and then “Nacho Loves Salsa” and then I wrote this book. It wasn’t meant to be a series but the characters carry throughout. This book mainly features the dogs, with an appearance of my nephews, but Nacho is seen throughout all of the books. I have a few more ideas in mind. I’d love to make this book bilingual, as I went back and did with my first two books, and I’m currently working on the companion, “Love is Golden Coloring and Activity Book”. What comes after that, we shall see!
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Merry Christmas Missy Moo
Readers are introduced to Missy Moo, a spirited and lovable cow who carries herself like the star of the farm. Everywhere she goes, she brings a whirl of movement and joy, dancing through her day with the kind of carefree energy that instantly draws young readers in. Her love of dancing isn’t just a hobby, it’s who she is. But one snowy afternoon, as she twirls along a snowy path, her enthusiasm gets the better of her. She slips, tumbles, and becomes buried in the cold, fluffy snow. Startled and disappointed, Missy Moo realizes that she simply can’t dance her way through winter without something to keep her safe and warm. Mittens, she decides, might be exactly what she needs.
Worried that she won’t make it to town in time to buy presents for her friends, she begins to lose hope. That’s when Mr. Cat arrives, offering both comfort and assistance. His kindness sets off a chain reaction across the farm. One by one, the animals rally together, determined to help Missy Moo regain her snowy-day confidence. Their teamwork results in a pair of handmade mittens created with care, and, in the sheep’s case, a generous donation of wool that leaves them humorously bare.
When Missy Moo slips on her new mittens, her spirits soar. She can finally dance again, freely, joyfully, and without fear of falling. The simple gift restores not only her confidence but also her holiday cheer.
Merry Christmas, Missy Moo is a warm, charming Christmas tale that celebrates friendship, generosity, and the magic of helping one another. Missy Moo’s playful personality makes her a wonderfully relatable character for young readers, while the lively illustrations add humor and heart to every page. It’s a delightful story that encourages kindness and highlights the joy found in giving.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0FYC4VQF5
Allan Learns to Talk
Readers meet Allan, a five-year-old autistic boy who does not speak. His silence often leaves him overwhelmed; when the words simply won’t come, he collapses into tears and screams, unable to express what he needs. His sister Ashley worries constantly, unsure how to bridge the gap between her world and Allan’s.
Everything shifts when Allan begins working with a speech therapist at school. She introduces him to sign language, and the discovery feels life-changing. At last, he has a way to share his thoughts. His family, eager to support him, learns to sign alongside him. As Allan gains this new voice, they notice a remarkable change; he glows with happiness.
Allan Learns to Talk by Sharon Austin offers a gentle, motivating, and deeply inspiring story for young readers, especially those who have siblings or friends on the autism spectrum. Austin’s portrayal of Allan’s experience feels authentic and compassionate, allowing readers to view the world through his eyes. The illustrations elevate the narrative, capturing Allan’s intelligence, creativity, and vibrant imagination with striking clarity.
Equally moving is the family’s unwavering commitment to understanding him. Their willingness to learn sign language enriches the story and highlights the power of support and connection. The book deserves a place in school libraries, pediatric offices, and anywhere children and families seek stories that reflect real challenges and real hope.
As Allan grows more confident, spoken words gently emerge, an especially touching moment occurs when he says, “Mom.” Many parents will recognize their own journeys in these pages, making this book both relatable and heartwarming.
The Adventures of Troy Home Again
Troy the Bald Eagle has soared through many adventures, but this time, he faces a new kind of journey: adulthood. With maturity comes the yearning for companionship, for someone to share the beauty of his beloved farm and the rhythm of daily life. Though Troy loves his home and friends, life feels incomplete without a partner beside him. Fortune smiles when he spots Aliana, a graceful female bald eagle. Their connection is instant. Through gentle gestures and shared moments, the two discover they are perfectly matched. Together with the farm animals who have long been Troy’s friends, they embark on a new and heartwarming chapter.
The Adventures of Troy: Home Again is a children’s book designed for readers ages 2 to 9. Hope Kelley not only penned the story but also brought it to life through her own illustrations. The tale is short and accessible, crafted with young and beginning readers in mind. There’s no peril here, no great conflict, just the comforting story of friendship, affection, and discovery. The focus rests squarely on Troy and Aliana, offering a gentle introduction to how two creatures (or people) might notice, admire, and grow fond of one another.
As in most children’s books, the artwork carries equal importance to the text, and Kelley proves herself skilled on both fronts. Her illustrations burst with color and warmth; dogs, swans, and other farm animals practically leap from the page. Each image is lively enough to hold a child’s attention, whether the story is being read aloud or enjoyed independently. Thoughtfully, Kelley has also woven in an educational component: advanced vocabulary words appear throughout the story, supported by a glossary and fun facts about bald eagles at the end of the book.
There’s much to appreciate here: the gentle narrative, the endearing characters, and the subtle encouragement for young readers to expand their vocabulary. Simple, sweet, and visually engaging, this book delivers both charm and learning in equal measure. The Adventures of Troy: Home Again is the kind of story that can easily become a bedtime favorite, offering warmth, imagination, and just the right touch of wonder.
Pages: 60 | ASIN : B0F4T7V27D
The Book Began As A Poem
Mother Earth is a lyrical picture book that invites readers to see the planet as a living, loving being through tender, rhythmic verse and luminous art. What inspired you to personify Earth as a mother and divine artist in your poem?
The book began as a poem that I wrote for my father. He’s an artist and subsequently someone who has taught me to think outside the lines that are so often drawn for us. While I cannot give an exact reason as to why I decided to personify Earth in this book, I do think in retrospect it’s likely because in the hardest times in life it has seemed like nature has taken care of me in ways that felt sacred. You can have what feels like the very worst day of your life and the sun on your back still brings warmth and comfort! That is a gift, and a divine one in my opinion.
How did you collaborate with the illustrator to match the book’s spiritual tone visually?
I am also the illustrator for Mother Earth so that was an easy one. I knew I wanted to approach the illustrations with a more modern /pop art vibe. I liked the idea of contrasting the depth of the message with fun visuals.
What do you hope young readers will feel or think after reading Mother Earth?
I hope readers will look around and appreciate the beauty in the world and consider it a gift, to always ask questions, and have hope.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on one I’m really excited about. The story is in the editing phase and I have only begun to brainstorm with illustrations! It is going to be less philosophical, and more of a fun story told from a kid’s perspective! I think it will be released for sure in 2026, so stay tuned!
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Beach
This sweet little children’s book follows Emma, a young girl with autism, as she heads to the beach with her friends Harper and Jerry. The day is full of excitement, sandcastles, and learning moments. Emma communicates using special waterproof cards her mom made, and through her friends’ kindness and understanding, the story shows how love and patience make adventures fun and safe for everyone.
I really liked how real the story felt. It didn’t sugarcoat things but still stayed gentle and positive. The way Emma’s excitement sometimes turns into overwhelm was so true to life, and the way her friends helped her made me smile. The writing is simple, but it fits perfectly for kids. I felt a lot of warmth from it, like a big sunny hug.
What really stuck with me was the message about friendship. Harper and Jerry never judged Emma, and that’s such an important thing for kids to see. The story didn’t feel preachy, just kind. The vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations depict heartwarming scenes of diverse characters. The illustrations are colorful and happy, matching that summer beach vibe. The writing has this rhythm that makes it feel like a conversation with a child, curious, honest, and full of energy.
I’d definitely recommend Happy Thoughts Going to the Beach by Lisa Jacovsky for kids around preschool or early elementary age. It’s perfect for storytime, especially for families or classrooms that want to talk about autism and inclusion in a positive way. It’s the kind of picture book that teaches empathy without even trying too hard. A good one to curl up with before a trip to the beach or anytime you just need a smile.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0FHL3Q61L
LITERARY TITAN 