Blog Archives
Who Are We, Really?
In Who Are We, Really?, author and illustrator Nielle P. Marques introduces readers to three inseparable tadpoles, Polly, Molly, and Joey. These best friends spend their days swimming, playing, and exploring, yet one question lingers in their young minds: Who are we, really? Each tadpole imagines what they might become: a shark, a turtle, even a dragonfly, sparking a journey of curiosity and wonder that captures the heart.
This charming story is both tender and thought-provoking. It beautifully captures the innocence of friendship and the excitement of self-discovery. What stands out most is the trio’s closeness, how they support, laugh, and dream together. Their bond gently reminds young readers that friendship is a treasure to be cherished every day.
Marques’s story also celebrates imagination without limits. As Polly, Molly, and Joey dream about their future selves, children are encouraged to do the same, to envision, to wonder, and to create. Each tadpole’s dream opens a door to boundless possibility, inspiring young minds to see beyond the ordinary and embrace their own creativity.
The illustrations, also by Marques, are a delight on every page. Full-page watercolor scenes burst with gentle hues and fluid textures, inviting readers to pause and take in every detail. The visual flow mirrors the rhythm of the story, making the reading experience both soothing and visually captivating.
Who Are We, Really? is a story that will charm readers of all ages. Its playful spirit, heartfelt message, and vivid artistry make it a book children will want to return to again and again, each time discovering something new about friendship, imagination, and the joy of growing up.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DTT8BML7
Let’s go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy
Let’s go Backer and Backer! The Playful Puppy is a heartwarming and rhythmic tale that is a beautiful celebration of love, kindness, and community. The story follows a young girl who adopts a playful puppy she cherishes with all her heart. What makes the narrative especially meaningful is the way it traces the puppy’s journey backward, from the moment the girl meets her new best friend, to the compassion of strangers who first rescued the puppy, and the care of shelter staff and veterinarians along the way. With each repeated refrain, children are reminded of the many hands and hearts that contribute to one happy ending.
The cumulative storytelling style is both engaging and educational. The repetition encourages children to anticipate what comes next, supporting memory and sequencing skills, while also giving the book a delightful rhythm that makes it perfect for reading aloud. Alongside the text, the illustrations are a joy to look at, bright, expressive, and full of warmth; they bring every step of the puppy’s journey vividly to life. The artwork not only complements the story but also deepens the emotional connection children will feel as they follow along.
Beyond the narrative, the book delivers valuable lessons. It naturally teaches empathy and kindness, showing young readers how compassion and teamwork can make a real difference. It introduces the idea of pet adoption in a gentle, approachable way, fostering both a love of animals and a sense of responsibility. Parents will also appreciate the interactive opportunities the story provides, from discussing the roles of different characters (like the veterinarian or rescuers) to connecting the tale to real-life experiences with pets and community kindness.
Let’s go Backer and Backer!: The Playful Puppy is a celebration of the caring connections that make such bonds possible. With its rhythmic text, memorable structure, and delightful illustrations, it’s a book children will want to hear again and again, and one that parents will be glad to share. A perfect choice for fostering empathy, sparking conversations about community, and, of course, for any family that loves dogs.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0FM8JGFZX
Harry the Hedgehog and the Lost Eggs
Harry the Hedgehog wakes to an unexpected problem on Easter morning. The forest animals are buzzing with holiday excitement, yet a mystery casts a shadow over the celebration, all the decorated eggs have vanished. Determined not to let Easter be spoiled, Harry embarks on a search. Alongside his loyal companions, Russell the Rabbit, Clara the Chicken, and Milo the Teddy Bear Dog, he races against time to uncover the truth behind the missing eggs. Without them, Easter simply won’t feel the same.
Harry the Hedgehog and the Lost Eggs, written by Rayner Tapia, is designed for children ages 2–7. The book is brief, easy to follow, and filled with bright pastel illustrations that bring each page to life. The artwork does more than decorate; it carries the action, introducing young readers to Harry and his woodland friends in a way that feels both playful and vivid.
The narrative itself is intentionally simple, perfectly suited to its audience, though likely too light for older readers. Its charm lies in the whimsical images and the gentle personalities of the animal characters. Each creature is rendered with human-like traits, making them instantly relatable. When the culprit is revealed and the animals spring into action, Tapia underscores a familiar but valuable lesson: teamwork makes challenges easier to overcome than going it alone.
That message resonates clearly without ever feeling heavy-handed. The adventure concludes neatly, with no sense of peril to unsettle young listeners. The absence of villains or darker tension makes the story especially well-suited for children just beginning to explore stories on their own. With its gentle pace and cheerful resolution, this tale has all the makings of a bedtime favorite, one likely to be requested night after night by eager little readers.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0FMYB1KH6
The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed
From the very first page, this imaginative story turns a classic childhood fear upside down. Instead of focusing on the terrified child who believes in monsters lurking beneath the bed, the book gives a voice to those very creatures. Fred and his trio of dust bunny companions, Brutus Bunfluff, Gunnar Puffbutz, and Dust Puff Ted, make for a quirky, lovable ensemble that children and adults alike will instantly warm to.
The brilliance of this tale lies in its inversion of perspective. Monsters are usually the source of nighttime dread, but here they are the ones unsettled by the “noisy human” above them. Billy, the new boy in the bedroom, becomes the unintentional menace with his stomping feet, bouncing mattress, and messy playtime chaos. This role reversal not only delivers humor but also provides an accessible way for children to confront their own fears. What if the things that scare us are just as frightened of us?
Each dust bunny has a distinct personality that adds charm and comic relief: Brutus, the brave leader; Gunnar, the jittery bundle of nerves; and Ted, the compulsive cleaner. Their antics make the narrative lighthearted and fun, while the underlying theme of learning to understand “the other” lends depth. One scene in particular that made me laugh was when Brutus says there are “booby traps everywhere” because he keeps tripping on Billy’s toys under the bed. Another memorable moment is when the monsters panic, convinced they are under attack by Billy’s red crayon. The illustrations are well done and bring the characters to life with so much to look at, offering young readers a chance to discover new details on every page.
At its core, the story is about more than just monsters and messy bedrooms. It’s about bridging differences, finding common ground, and recognizing that sometimes our fears are misplaced. The resolution, where Fred and his friends must decide whether to make peace or go to “war,” beautifully reinforces the values of empathy, friendship, and compromise.
The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed is a delightful, twist-filled read that offers both entertainment and gentle life lessons. With its witty premise, laugh-out-loud moments, engaging illustrations, and warm message, it’s a perfect bedtime story for children who wrestle with their own nighttime fears. It reminds readers of all ages that sometimes, monsters aren’t monsters at all, they’re just friends waiting to be found.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0FQ7T1WHX
Teaching Respect For Wildlife
Clover follows a curious bunny as he guides children through his daily life, teaching readers how rabbits live, where they find shelter, what they like to eat, and the natural challenges they face. What was the inspiration for your story?
Wildlife in our backyard, especially squirrels and cottontail bunny rabbits. Their antics are fun to watch and baby bunnies are cute just like baby squirrels. We provide nuts for the squirrels and apple chunks and grapes for the squirrels and bunnies. My husband allows for one small clover patch to remain in place just for the bunnies. Truly inspiring.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It’s important for children to know about wildlife that run through their own yards. Knowing what they nibble on and how they interact keeps children from trying to catch them, or chasing them. Watching them is fine. Nature is always a good thing. Children need to respect these furry animals.
How does your writing process for children’s books differ from writing your romance novels, as far as getting in the right mindset and how you work?
The wildlife in our area inspires me and I always look at my past career as a registered nurse. I choose a critter and a current topic that children need to read and learn about. I used mice in a book about bullies and how to overcome being bullied. I know the start and the end, so I create a story for the middle part of the galley.
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?
Clover is a standalone book and I’ve released four books this year. I plan to have my next one completed in 2026.
Author Links: Goodreads | X | Facebook | Website
Oliver the Oyster Saves Santa
On Christmas Eve in Cape Cod, a group of friends gathers for a sleepover. Oliver the Oyster, Miriah the Mermaid, and Cathy the Crab are far too excited to rest, each wishing for the perfect gift. But when an unusual sound draws them outside, they stumble upon something astonishing: Santa himself, stranded with his elves. His sleigh, damaged during a delivery to Mayo Beach, has left the holiday in jeopardy. Without hesitation, Oliver and his companions realize they must step in. Together, they craft a clever plan and throw themselves into action, determined to ensure every present reaches its rightful home.
Oliver the Oyster Saves Santa, written by J.B. Auchter, delivers a charming holiday tale brimming with whimsy and warmth. The narrative moves briskly, propelled by playful wordplay and a lively cast of characters. The premise may call to mind the enchanting style of Dr. Seuss, where fantastical figures arrive unexpectedly and transform the world around them.
Auchter’s ear for dialogue shines throughout. Exchanges between Oliver, his friends, Santa, and the elves sparkle with wit and buoyancy, their banter both cheeky and spirited. The momentum never lags, and while the stakes are clear, the tone remains lighthearted. Younger readers will find plenty of excitement without ever feeling frightened, a testament to the author’s choice to favor levity over tension.
Oliver the Oyster Saves Santa keeps readers engaged with the delightful journey it takes to get there. By the final pages, every character has shared in an uplifting adventure, and every reader has joined them in the fun. Whether read during the holiday season or at bedtime, it’s a tale children will want to revisit again and again.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0DH1XX5KX
Sweet Rescue
Sweet Rescue follows Hungry Joe, a caterpillar with a never-ending appetite who wakes up desperate for a snack. His search leads him to a golden berry pie at a picnic. In his excitement, he dives right in but quickly gets stuck in the sticky mess. His sister Becky Butterfly races to save him, rallying all the park creatures to help. There’s a near miss with the menacing Sir Raven, some clever teamwork, and even a human interruption before Joe is finally pulled free.
I had a lot of fun with this children’s book. The writing is playful and silly in the best way, and I found myself smiling at Joe’s constant “I’m soooo hungry!” It reminded me of a kid who can’t think about anything else until they’ve had a snack. The rhythm is light and bouncy, and the “somebuggy” line made me laugh. I also really liked how Becky was so quick to protect her brother. It gave the story heart while keeping it fun.
The ideas behind the story are sweet, too. It’s about family, about thinking fast in tough moments, and about how teamwork can make even the trickiest rescue possible. I liked that it wasn’t just Becky saving Joe. Every bug had a part to play. The tension with Sir Raven gave it a little edge, which made the happy ending feel earned. The pie scene was messy and funny, and the mix of danger and silliness kept my children turning pages with a smile. The artwork is super charming and imaginative. I love the quirky cast of characters; they all feel so distinct and full of personality. The warm, vibrant colors give it a really cheerful and friendly vibe, making you feel right at home in this world.
I’d say this picture book is perfect for little kids who love funny animal stories, especially ones with a touch of mischief. It would be a hit for story time, since the words beg to be read aloud in a dramatic way. I’d also recommend it to families who enjoy books with strong sibling bonds and gentle lessons about teamwork.
Pages: 26 | ISBN : 0881442704
How Flowers Got Their Colors
How Flowers Got Their Colors follows a young shepherd living in a quiet valley where the world is stuck in just three colors. Everything is green, blue, or yellow, and the flowers are plain white. One day, he sees a rainbow after a storm and dreams of capturing those colors to brighten the meadow. After many failed attempts, a bit of clever thinking, and some patience, he finally gathers the rainbow’s magic in his bucket. He pours it into the stream, and suddenly the flowers and everything around him burst into color. It’s simple, whimsical, and full of wonder.
I found myself smiling at how childlike and hopeful the shepherd felt. The writing isn’t complicated, and I like that. It’s a fun bedtime story. The repetition of him trying and failing before finally figuring out how to “sneak up” on the rainbow made me laugh. It carries a sweet message about patience and persistence without ever hammering the point too hard.
The idea of color spilling out into the world and changing everything, even the shepherd’s coat, is delightful. That moment is the kind of payoff kids love because it feels magical and surprising. I also enjoyed how the story leaned into imagination more than logic. Catching colors in a bucket is such a playful idea, and that’s exactly what makes it charming. It made me think of those times as a kid when I’d stare at a rainbow and wonder if I could touch it. The artwork in this picture book is eye-catching. The artwork is full of details that make the valley and the rainbow come alive. I especially liked how the white world transformed into a burst of colors.
I’d recommend this charming children’s book to parents who love reading short, cozy stories with their kids at night. It’s also a great fit for little ones who enjoy whimsical tales with a bit of magic and a happy ending. It feels like a story you’d remember long after because of its gentle charm.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0FC1XT5BS
LITERARY TITAN 