Blog Archives

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

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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.

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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

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The Book Began As A Poem

Dorothy Phillips Author Interview

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

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Ringo the Ginkgo

Ringo the Ginkgo is a radiant blend of science, imagination, and art, a picture book that whisks readers, young and old alike, on an extraordinary journey through time. Ringo is no ordinary leaf; it’s a “living fossil,” a witness to the Jurassic era, steadfast through millions of years of change. Readers encounter ancient dinosaurs, stroll through prehistoric landscapes, and uncover the remarkable legacy of the ginkgo tree, one of nature’s most enduring species.

Arshak Martirosyan delivers a masterful balance of education and enchantment. The language sparkles with playfulness, while the illustrations burst with color and life. Complex ideas, such as photosynthesis, unfold with delightful clarity. Scientific truth transforms into poetry here, each page a celebration of the invisible partnership between plants, oxygen, and the world we breathe into being.

What truly distinguishes Ringo the Ginkgo is its inventive design. The book invites readers to participate, not just observe. In the final pages, a simple flip turns the story on its head, revealing a “curiosity key.” This imaginative twist captures the spirit of discovery, urging readers to see the familiar from a brand-new angle.

At its heart, Ringo the Ginkgo is more than a story about a tree; it’s a gentle summons to wonder. It reminds us that science and art belong together, partners in sparking awe and expanding perception. Whether shared in a classroom or curled up at bedtime, this book hums with curiosity, creativity, and gratitude for the living world that sustains us.

Ringo is as memorable as the message it carries. Its shimmering leaves, bright green in summer and golden in fall, breathe life into every page. Born in the age of dinosaurs, the ginkgo stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. Through Martirosyan’s vivid words and joyful art, young readers meet a hero both ancient and alive.

Perhaps most importantly, Ringo the Ginkgo encourages questioning, an open invitation to explore, imagine, and never stop wondering. Its beauty lies not only in its science, but in its soul.

Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0CVNHJ8FL

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Have a Good Trip, Lucky! A Dog Diplomat Adventure Series

This children’s book follows Lucky, a sweet little dog from Conakry, Guinea, who gets adopted by a U.S. diplomat and then has to travel across the world when his owner gets transferred to Washington, DC. The book tells the story through Lucky’s eyes, so you feel every bit of his confusion, fear, and excitement as he goes from Africa to France to the United States. Along the way, Lucky meets new friends, kind people, and even learns what it means to be brave and loved across distances. By the end, Lucky understands that even though his “trip” was scary at first, it brought him to new family and adventures.

I really liked how this picture book mixes heart and real-world experiences. You can feel the author’s love for animals and her deep understanding of the Foreign Service life. The writing is simple enough for kids, but it still carries a lot of emotion. It’s a tender story about trust, change, and belonging. And the idea of showing life through the eyes of a traveling dog was brilliant. It gives kids a safe, gentle way to explore big feelings like separation and homesickness without it ever feeling too heavy.

The illustrations are so warm and full of life. They make every scene feel colorful and comforting. And I loved the glossary and tips at the end. They turn the story into something more than a bedtime read. It becomes a small lesson in global living, empathy, and courage. You can tell the author’s background in diplomacy shaped how thoughtfully she explains the idea of travel and duty. There’s a quiet pride behind every word.

I’d definitely recommend Have a Good Trip, Lucky! for kids who have parents in the military, Foreign Service, or any job that involves moving a lot. It’s also perfect for any child who has ever had to say goodbye, even for a little while. The story is gentle, hopeful, and real. It reminds you that home isn’t just one place. It’s the people, and sometimes the pets, who love you no matter where in the world you end up.

Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1779445385

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Love is Golden: Lessons From a Therapy Dog

This picture book tells the story of Ted, a golden doodle who works as a therapy dog, and his furry friends Rosie and Nacho. Ted explains that being a therapy dog takes more than being cute; it takes training and a special badge. Rosie and Nacho want to help too, so they learn about what therapy dogs and service dogs do with the help of Macho, their teacher. Along the way, they discover that helping others and giving love are what really matter. It’s a warm, gentle story about friendship, kindness, and working hard to make a difference.

I have to say, I really loved the heart behind this children’s book. The writing feels simple but genuine, just like a conversation you’d have with a kid while cuddling on the couch. The dogs have real personalities, and their banter made me smile more than once. There’s this balance between humor and sincerity that keeps it from feeling overly sweet. I liked how the story slipped in lessons about patience, empathy, and teamwork without sounding preachy. It’s the kind of kids’ book that reminds you that love isn’t just a feeling, it’s something you do.

The ideas in the book hit me in that quiet way that good children’s books often do. The message about “LOVE being golden” feels so pure and honest. And the addition of real-world information about therapy dogs gives it a nice educational touch. I also liked the bit about “if one thing doesn’t work, try something else.” That’s a powerful little line for kids, and honestly for grown-ups too. The illustrations are bright and full of personality, making each page feel alive.

I’d recommend Love is Golden for kids who love dogs, teachers who read stories about kindness, or any family that wants a bedtime book with heart. It’s sweet, it’s light, and it leaves you smiling. I finished it thinking the world could use a few more Teds, Rosies, and Nachos, and maybe a few more people who believe that love really is golden.

Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0D99TDMVH

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