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Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm
In Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm, author J.W. Zarek introduces young readers to a lively tale filled with charm, discovery, and gentle lessons. The story begins with Grandma Yetta tending her garden, inviting her granddaughter Bella to join her. Bella emerges with arms full of tools, only to encounter a buzzing bee. Convinced she’s being chased, Bella flees in panic and begs her grandmother for protection. Patient and wise, Grandma Yetta explains that bees don’t pursue people out of malice; they defend themselves and their young when they feel threatened. Respect, she reminds Bella, is the key to harmony. To bring this lesson to life, Grandma arranges a trip to a nearby bee farm where Bella can see for herself the remarkable world of bees. Will this adventure transform her fear into fascination?
Zarek’s storytelling once again shines. Choosing to educate children about bees, creatures so vital to our ecosystem, feels both timely and delightful. The narrative is simple enough for young readers to grasp, yet it conveys essential knowledge: bees pollinate plants, produce honey, and maintain balance in nature. Presented in such an approachable and entertaining way, the message resonates. Children walk away not only entertained but empowered to treat bees with respect and curiosity rather than fear.
One of the highlights of the book is the thoughtful tip sheet at the end. Zarek includes practical insights: which flowers bees adore, why bug spray should be avoided, and how children can share what they’ve learned with others. This addition transforms the story from a charming read into an educational tool parents and teachers will appreciate.
The visual storytelling is equally captivating. Every page is brought to life by Anastasia, whose full-page illustrations are bold, colorful, and enchanting. The images don’t just accompany the text; they elevate it, pulling young readers deeper into Bella’s adventure and making the experience immersive.
Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm is more than a story; it’s an invitation to wonder. Children will delight in the adventure, parents will value the lessons, and readers of all ages will leave with a new appreciation for one of nature’s smallest but most essential creatures.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0FF9C3MXF
What Would You Do?
What Would You Do? is a short and cheerful picture book that invites children to imagine a world where anything is possible. Through a series of rhyming questions and whimsical illustrations, it encourages kids to dream big, take chances, and believe in themselves. Whether it’s taming lions, flying to the moon, or becoming a superhero, the book offers a playful journey through bold possibilities, all while carrying a steady message of self-confidence and resilience.
What I liked most about this book was how simple the words were, yet how powerful the message felt. The rhymes roll off the tongue with ease, and the rhythm gives each scene a sense of energy. The ideas may seem fantastical, but they’re grounded in an honest emotional truth: fear holds people back, and belief in yourself can move mountains. It doesn’t get preachy or overcomplicated. Instead, it meets kids where they are, right in that space between curiosity and doubt, and gives them a gentle push forward. It’s the kind of picture book I would’ve loved as a child and probably read over and over until the spine gave out.
The illustrations by Vaughan Duck add a big dose of fun. They’re colorful and a little silly in the best way. Every page feels like a new adventure, full of movement and imagination. I found myself smiling through the whole thing. It also helps that the book keeps the tone light while still planting seeds of courage and personal growth. You finish reading and feel a little braver. That’s not something every children’s book can do.
What Would You Do? is a joyful and affirming read that would be perfect for kids aged 4 to 8, especially those who are shy, cautious, or afraid to try new things. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will appreciate its warm tone and clear message: your dreams are worth chasing, and the first step is believing in yourself. It’s a feel-good kids’ book that leaves a lasting impression.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0F9SRHVCT
Luella’s Library
Luella’s Library follows a young book-lover named Luella and her tech-obsessed best friend, Lino. While Lino would rather play games on his phone, Luella invites him to her magical home library. What begins as a reluctant visit quickly turns into an unexpected journey when a book literally opens a portal to a string of enchanted worlds. From leprechauns and giant flowers to pirate chases and Pegasus flights, Luella and Lino bounce through whimsical scenes to help a lost leprechaun find his pot of gold. With each chapter-like page jump, Lino inches closer to understanding the power of stories and, maybe more importantly, the joy of reading.
I really enjoyed this children’s book. The writing feels fresh and light, and it’s got this genuine warmth that pulls you in without trying too hard. Tara Lala keeps the pace quick and bouncy, which works beautifully for younger readers, but it’s the undercurrent of real friendship and curiosity that made me smile the most. Lino’s change from grumbly phone kid to wide-eyed explorer never feels forced. It happens in little moments, like when he chooses to paddle away from pirates or plans to rescue the leprechaun from cave bats, that feel earned and sweet.
The artwork is a real treat for the eyes. Every page bursts with color, from glowing portals to shimmering forests, and the level of detail in each scene adds so much depth to the story. You can spot tiny fairies dancing near fireflies, or catch the sparkle of a unicorn’s mane as it gallops. The illustrations feel alive. Each setting feels carefully crafted and full of charm. It’s clear a lot of thought went into bringing this magical world to life, and it absolutely pays off.
I think the book is strongest when it leans into that childlike sense of discovery. There’s something charmingly nostalgic in the way the story treats books like treasure maps. The dialogue stays simple, but never boring. It’s not trying to teach a lesson in a heavy-handed way. It’s just showing that reading can be magical, funny, and exciting.
I’d definitely recommend Luella’s Library to parents of kids who are hesitant readers or glued to their screens. It’s especially great for kids aged 5 to 8, and perfect for a read-aloud bedtime adventure. Honestly, it gave me that little rush you get when you remember why you fell in love with stories in the first place. It’s bright, fun, and just plain lovely.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F7NPYTC6
Social-Emotional Learning
Liam’s Lost Sparkle follows a young girl excited for Art Day at school who discovers a classmate is sad because his best friend has moved, so she offers to help him complete the rocket ship that his friend had been building. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from those small but powerful moments in childhood when empathy shines the brightest. I wanted to capture that magic—the way kids notice when someone’s feeling left out or sad and instinctively want to help. The idea of Art Day felt perfect because creativity brings people together, and something as simple as finishing a rocket ship can feel like rebuilding a broken world for a child. I kept thinking, what if one small act of kindness could light up someone’s whole world again? That thought became the heart of Liam’s story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One of my biggest goals was to weave social-emotional learning naturally into the story. I wanted children to see empathy in action—not as a lesson being taught, but as a choice that feels good and makes a difference. Friendship, kindness, and teamwork were essential themes because they’re real-life skills kids need every day. I also wanted to show problem-solving—how helping someone isn’t about having all the answers, but about caring enough to try. If kids walk away thinking, “I can be a helper too,” then I’ve done my job.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I absolutely loved writing the scene where the classroom transforms into a creative wonderland for Art Day. There’s this buzz of excitement—paint splashing, glitter shimmering, little imaginations running wild—and right in the middle of it, you see the contrast of Liam feeling lost. Then comes that turning point where the main character offers to help him finish the rocket. That moment gave me chills because it’s where kindness takes center stage. Writing it felt like watching a gray day burst into color.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can young readers expect in the next story?
Yes! Liam’s Lost Sparkle is the very first book in the Brave Kids Series, and I’m so excited to share that the next adventure will be coming out this fall. Young readers can expect another heartwarming story that celebrates courage and kindness—this time exploring a whole new challenge kids face every day. It’s going to be filled with big feelings, brave choices, and moments that show just how powerful empathy can be. Stay tuned—it’s going to be amazing!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When Liam’s best friend moves away, his sparkle fades—until a classmate asks, “Is your heart feeling kind of… cloudy?” This award-winning social skills book for kids helps:
Understand big feelings with gentle metaphors (“shadowy moods,” “lost sparkle”)
Practice kindness through relatable examples (“You can sit with me,” “Let’s build together!”)
Spark conversations with 8+ discussion questions and a “Feelings Detective Glasses” activity
Perfect for:
Parents seeking bedtime stories with emotional depth
Teachers building SEL skills (aligned with CASEL standards)
Counselors helping kids navigate friendship changes
Kindle Exclusive Features: Read-along mode (Enhanced typesetting for young readers)
Vibrant illustrations optimized for Kindle Fire/tablets
Bonus QR code for free printable activities
Liam’s Lost Sparkle
A young girl named Maya eagerly anticipates her favorite part of the day, going to school. It’s art day, and she can’t wait. But when she arrives at her usual seat, she finds Liam sitting there. Something is off. Liam isn’t his usual self; he’s quiet, withdrawn, clutching a toy spaceship, and unwilling to participate in class. Maya is frustrated at first; her spot was taken, and Liam didn’t even engage in the activity. Curious and concerned, Maya turns to her teacher and learns that Liam’s best friend has moved away.
Instead of staying upset, Maya chooses kindness. She offers to help Liam complete the rocket ship he and his friend had started together. Through this thoughtful gesture, she watches Liam slowly begin to regain his lost sparkle.
Liam’s Lost Sparkle is a tender, insightful story that offers a meaningful lesson in empathy and emotional awareness. Maya’s response to Liam’s sadness is not just compassionate, it’s proactive. Rather than focusing on her own disappointment, she seeks to understand and support a classmate in need. This kind of emotional intelligence, especially when portrayed through a relatable child character, resonates deeply with young readers.
The illustrations are bright, engaging, and brimming with warmth. Each image enhances the story, bringing its characters and emotions vividly to life. At the end of the book, readers are invited to reflect with thoughtful questions, encouraging deeper conversations between children and adults. Additional activities, like crafting “feelings glasses” or practicing small acts of kindness, extend the story’s impact beyond the page.
Liam’s Lost Sparkle is highly recommended for children learning to navigate their emotions and understand those of others. It would be a valuable addition to any classroom or pediatric waiting room, where empathy, understanding, and emotional growth are essential themes.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0FG3L929K
Learning to Believe In Yourself
Malooca and The Look of Love follows a misfit girl who is teased for her ethnic background, causing her to struggle with loneliness and rejection until an art contest helps her find confidence and acceptance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to create in Malooca , a character who had undergone some of the same experiences I had around the same age. We were both teased for our dark, naturally curly hair…so different from the other girls in our respective classes.
Like Malooca, ethnicity was part of my life – in food, in family and in custom and culture. Our life’s journey was seen through that prism.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Empathy; first impressions are not always accurate; compete only with yourself; pursue your passion; perseverance and believe in yourself.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Callah Barnes?
With regard to writing and illustrating books, Callah and I were relative “newbies”. I contacted the art department of my former high school to get the name of an art student who would fit my purpose. Callah was selected.
With each chapter, I gave her latitude to draw an object that would relate to the chapter. We tweaked the drawings as needed. But the most important thing to me was to get the face of Malooca as I envisioned her. She “hit the nail on the head” the first time.
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?
I haven’t made a decision on a series as yet. But there are definitely more stories to tell.
Listening To Your Heart
Your Heart’s Voice follows a young girl who realizes that when she stops to listen to the voice in her heart and not act on her feelings alone, she makes better choices. What was the inspiration for your story?
Me using my intuition most of my life-and being flabbergasted that there were no children’s picture books written and published on intuition. I decided to write my own. After being a School Counselor for 10 years in NYC, and now a mom of 3, my intuition has guided to me make some of the most important decisions of my life, and I wanted to teach children how they can do the same. When we make good choices we feel good about ourselves-I realized then this was part of my adult life’s mission.
Teaching children self-awareness is a challenging task, and I feel your book has made that job easier for families. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I tried to simplify it-by writing about 3 typical life lessons that most children could relate to-putting your toys away before you leave a room, asking before taking other’s things and eating healthy. Jade learns that when she listens to that whisper in her heart telling her the right thing to do-she is making a good choice and is happy, but when she doesn’t listen to it she is not making a good choice and doesn’t feel great. When she listens to it-she decides to draw a picture of an angel for her uncle-this was a tribute to my late brother, as he tragically passed away in 2022, he was always a big influence in me completing this book, by not only dedicating it to him, but by adding him as a main character-I completed it 6 months after he passed, as I realized writing was therapeutic for me during my initial stages of grief.
What experience in your life has had the most significant impact on your writing?
The loss of my brother as stated above…he was a magnetic light that brought his contagious smile to everyone’s face who were lucky enough to know him.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I plan on writing 2 sequels to Jade’s developmental journey. One as a teen and one as a young adult-navigating through life’s journey by trying to make good choices by listening to her heart’s voice!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
This book is a thoughtful approach to parenting to help assist your child to become intuitively aware, which helps create better choices or the right choice. This book will be a terrific addition to a school counselor’s library, any school teacher’s, as well as any parent or guardian of a child ages five and up.
Jade means “jewel of heaven,” “the stone of the heart.”
I hope you find your heart’s voice after reading this book.
Charlotte and Pip’s Italian Adventure
This sweet little children’s book tells the story of a curious six-year-old named Charlotte and her stuffed duck Pip as they take a big trip to Rome. It’s Charlotte’s first time on a plane, her first international adventure, and her first big moment of learning how to be brave. The story starts with excitement and wonder as Charlotte prepares for the journey, sees famous Roman landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and then gets separated from her parents while chasing a duck that looks just like Pip.
What I loved most about this picture book was how much heart it packed into a simple story. The writing feels warm and welcoming. There’s no over-complication, and that’s what works. Kids don’t need a plot twist, they need a moment they can imagine themselves in. The fantastic artwork also really helps children imagine themselves in Rome. Scenes are stunning, and Charlotte and Pip have a Pixar-like quality to them that makes them stand out from the scene. Charlotte is adventurous and impulsive in a way that feels totally real. Her pride when she finds her parents and tells them she was brave? That’s the kind of stuff that sticks with kids. Plus, the language is just right. It’s playful, honest, and filled with joy.
The illustrations are absolutely delightful. Bright colors, lots of movement, and that dreamy, wide-eyed feeling of being in a new place. The scenes of Rome feel alive. I also liked that this book sneaks in a little travel learning without being heavy-handed. A “ciao” here, a Trevi Fountain there, it gives a taste of Italian culture without ever slowing the story down.
Charlotte and Pip’s Italian Adventure is a gem for young readers who love to dream big, travel far, and imagine themselves in brave little shoes. It’s perfect for kids around 4 to 8, especially those getting ready for their own first big adventure or flight. Parents will enjoy reading it aloud, and kids will probably ask for it again the next night.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0DKFYTVTV
LITERARY TITAN 