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Ringo the Ginkgo
Posted by Literary Titan

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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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: Arshak Martirosyan, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's book, Children's Environment & Ecology Books, Children's science and nature, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture book, read, reader, reading, Ringo the Ginkgo, story, writer, writing
Have a Good Trip, Lucky! A Dog Diplomat Adventure Series
Posted by Literary Titan

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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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: adoption, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's book, ebook, goodreads, Have a Good Trip Lucky, indie author, kindle, kobo, Lisa Alderson, literature, nook, novel, picture book, planes and aviation, read, reader, reading, story, Vida Gecas, writer, writing
Love is Golden: Lessons From a Therapy Dog
Posted by Literary Titan

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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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: Amy L Watkins, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's Beginner Readers, Children's book, Children's Dog Books, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Love is Golden: Lessons From a Therapy Dog, nook, novel, picture book, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing
What Bear Said: About Life, Love, and Other Stuff
Posted by Literary Titan

What Bear Said is a tender and beautifully illustrated children’s book following the conversation between a wise bear and a curious child. Through a series of heartfelt exchanges, the book explores themes like friendship, love, forgiveness, grief, and the importance of being present. Each chapter touches on a different life lesson, framed in simple yet profound dialogue that feels timeless. The story doesn’t follow a traditional plot but instead unfolds like a walk through the woods, where each stop along the trail offers a new truth about what it means to live, love, and grow.
Reading this book felt like sitting by a fire with someone who understands life’s messiness. The writing has this soft rhythm that slows you down. I loved how Wiens captures the innocence of a child’s questions and pairs them with Bear’s gentle wisdom. It’s not preachy or forced. It feels natural, even when the topics get heavy. The artwork complements the words perfectly. The imagery is warm, earthy, and full of quiet emotion. I found myself smiling at some pages. The talk about grief and forgiveness hit me hard. It reminded me of my own moments of letting go, and how much courage that takes.
What really stood out to me was the honesty of the book. It doesn’t sugarcoat pain or pretend that love fixes everything. It just says, “This is how it is, and that’s okay.” The simplicity of the language makes it easy to read, but the ideas stay with you long after. There’s a humility in Wiens’ voice, like he’s still learning along with us. The bear isn’t some all-knowing creature; he’s patient, kind, sometimes unsure, and that makes him real. The book feels less like a children’s story and more like a letter to anyone who’s ever struggled to understand their own heart.
I’d recommend What Bear Said to anyone who loves reflective, soulful reads. It’s perfect for parents and grandparents to share with kids, but also for adults who need a quiet reminder that love, kindness, and forgiveness still matter. This isn’t a picture book you rush through. It’s one you sit with, maybe under a tree or on a rainy afternoon, and let its calm wisdom sink in.
Pages: 98 | ASIN : B0DNRH1H8F
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: author, author/illustrator, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, childrens book, ebook, forgiveness, friendship, goodreads, grief, indie author, Jack Wiens, kindle, kobo, life lessons, literature, love, nook, novel, picture book, read, reader, reading, story, What Bear Said, What Bear Said About Life Love and Other Stuff, wisdom and life lessons, writer, writing
Blue Bubble Gum
Posted by Literary Titan

Blue Bubble Gum follows one sticky piece of gum from the moment it’s chewed to all the places it ends up afterward. The story starts small, just “gum,” and keeps growing with every page, adding playful, sing-song words until the gum becomes this big, messy, funny nuisance. It sticks to shoes, clothes, and even hair. It rides through rain and roads, and before you know it, the gum’s journey turns into this wild chain of sticky adventures.
The rhythm in this book made me smile. The repetition feels like a chant, something kids would giggle through while pointing at each silly situation. The way the words build up, all gooey and goofy, makes it fun to read out loud. It reminded me of those tongue-twister rhymes you mess up but laugh at anyway. There’s no deep message here, and honestly, that’s kind of refreshing. It’s just pure play.
I started thinking about how it’s also a tiny lesson in consequences. The gum goes everywhere it shouldn’t, just like the messes kids get into when they don’t throw things away properly. The illustrations are charming, with a hand-drawn aesthetic that feels both classic and inviting, perfectly suited for a children’s picture book. The use of colored pencil on textured paper lends the art a warm, tactile quality that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The simple, earnest style creates an atmosphere of sweet simplicity and community that will undoubtedly capture the attention and hearts of young readers.
I’d recommend Blue Bubble Gum to parents of preschoolers or early readers who love silly rhymes and word play. It’s perfect for storytime when you want something short, rhythmic, and full of laughs. Kids will love saying “sticky-tacky, wicky-wacky” again and again, and adults might secretly enjoy it too.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0CW18WG1F
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: author, Blue Bubble Gum, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's book, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Martha Goldner, nook, novel, picture book, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing
The Grass May Not Be Greener
Posted by Literary Titan

This sweet little picture book tells the story of a bunny who’s fed up with being himself. He complains to a fairy that life as a bunny is dull and tough, so she grants his wish to become different animals for a day. He becomes a bee, an elephant, a snake, and a fish. Each adventure starts with excitement and ends in disappointment as the bunny learns that every creature has its own problems. By the end, he realizes he’s happiest being himself. The book wraps up with a moral about self-acceptance and a fun page of bunny facts for curious young readers.
I have to say, I loved the rhythm and rhyme of the writing. It’s bouncy and easy to read aloud, which makes it perfect for bedtime or storytime. The bunny’s personality really comes through. He’s grumpy, curious, and kind of dramatic in a funny way. Each transformation feels like its own little mini-story, and I found myself smiling at how relatable it all was. The fairy’s gentle patience balances Bunny’s constant complaining nicely, and the message about gratitude feels earned rather than preachy.
The illustrations are just gorgeous. Bright, warm, and full of life. The charming illustrations are delightful and perfectly convey the story’s humor. The warm colors and endearing art style create a rich, engaging world that invites young readers to pore over the details and discover a new, funny antic with every look. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain kids but nudges adults too, reminding us all to stop comparing our lives to others. It hits that sweet spot of being simple enough for children and thoughtful enough for grown-ups to appreciate.
I’d recommend The Grass May Not Be Greener to parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a cheerful yet meaningful story to share with children. It’s especially good for kids who might struggle with confidence or envy. The writing is playful, the pictures are wonderful, and the lesson lands softly. It’s one of those books that makes you smile and think.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0D32GYDJ6
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's anatomy and physiology, Children's book, Children's Pig Books, Children's rabbit books, ebook, goodreads, Hilary Lawrence, indie author, Katherine Summerville, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture book, read, reader, reading, story, The Grass May Not Be Greener, writer, writing
Finding Happiness
Posted by Literary_Titan

Ocean’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers follows a spirited boy whose bad day turns into a journey of discovery and lessons in mindfulness and emotional balance when his grandfather takes him for a walk by the sea. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As the mother of an anxious child, I was inspired to write this story to help children learn healthy ways to manage strong emotions and navigate life’s challenges.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to teach wellness concepts while fostering an appreciation for animals and the natural world. I hope children can take away lessons in mindfulness and finding happiness in everyday life.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing the scene showing the cooperation between the clown and sea anemone because it beautifully illustrates how two very different creatures can rely on each other for survival and support.
Do you have more books planned for the Animal Teachers series? If so, where will they take young readers next?
I am considering a picture book about the valuable lessons we can learn from insects for the third installment of this series, tentatively titled Smallest Creatures – Wellness Teachers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: Annie Yu, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, children's book on health, childrens animal books, childrens book, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Maggie Chen, nook, novel, Ocean's Creatures - Wellness Teachers, picture book, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing
Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day
Posted by Literary Titan

This delightful children’s book tells the story of Bluebird and Songbird, two feathery friends celebrating their engagement in the middle of a rainy day. The forest becomes a stage for their love as their woodland companions, Harry the Hedgehog, Sally the Squirrel, Maurice the Magpie, and others, gather to help. Despite the grey skies and splashing puddles, the day brims with warmth and excitement. The story builds from the drizzle and gloom of the forest to a radiant, sunlit ending that feels earned and joyful.
Reading this story made me smile more than once. There’s a gentle rhythm to the writing that sounds musical when read aloud, almost like a lullaby mixed with laughter. I loved how each animal had its own moment to shine, bringing a sense of community and celebration. The rhymes are simple but sincere, and the pacing keeps young readers hooked. What struck me most was how the author found beauty in the rain. The gloom never felt sad, just patient, waiting for sunshine. It’s a small but sweet reminder that happiness often grows from unexpected days.
The playfulness of it all works perfectly for younger readers. There’s a sincerity to the story that’s hard not to love. It doesn’t try too hard; it just feels genuine, like a story told by someone who remembers the wonder of being small.
Rayner Tapia’s Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day is a charming read for children who adore animals, rhymes, and gentle lessons about love and friendship. Parents will enjoy reading it aloud, and kids will enjoy repeating the sounds and rhythms. It’s a cozy and heartwarming tale. I’d recommend it for ages four to eight, especially for families who love bedtime stories that leave everyone smiling.
Pages: 29
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: author, Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, childrens book, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Marian Marinov, nook, novel, pictuer book, picture book, Rayner Tapia, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing










