Blog Archives
Whimsical Tale
How Flowers Got Their Colors follows a young shepherd living in a quiet valley where the world is stuck in just three colors, who dreams of capturing the colors of the rainbow to brighten the meadow. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This and 18 other stories I made up as nighttime tales for my younger daughter when she was 6 and 7 years old, and is now 36 and has been CEO of the Company! I began the publishing process when I began to have grandchildren!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This whimsical tale is intended to convey the power of “sticking to it” or persistence when trying to accomplish something, and a willingness to listen and take a suggestion to heart and follow through to accomplish a goal.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Alejandro Echavez?
When Amplify Publishing and I commenced working together, I was sent a list of 25 artists with samples of their styles. I was asked to pick five, and then those artists sent their interpretation or rendition of a frame or two from one of my stories. Once I had those frames, I was asked to pick two, and Alejandro was one of them. His work is rich and presents the storyline beautifully. He has completed my fifth book, The Lost Locket, and is working on my sixth, Way Up North, a coming-of-age story of a young Eskimo who lives near the North Pole. Alejandro is very accessible and revises and updates his artwork through dialogue and mutual collaboration.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have completed The Lost Locket, a tale about a little girl who loses an heirloom necklace on the Golden Gate Bridge, which is collected by a pigeon and returned 30 years later when the little girl, now a mother, returns to the Bridge with her daughter. This book will be shipped in several months. The next book, Way Up North, is a story about a coming of age for a young Eskimo who lives near the North Pole and learns how to hunt whales. Alejandro is currently working on the artwork frames for this story, and the book ought to be available sometime early next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Join the shepherd in How Flowers Got Their Colors, a heartfelt story about how dreams, persistence, and a touch of magic can change the world around us. This charming story reminds us that even the simplest wishes can bring remarkable change.
Someone Needs to Explain This Stuff
Humans Are Awesome! is a lively and colorful children’s book that sets out to explain the difference between human abilities and artificial intelligence in a way that feels both playful and empowering. What was the inspiration for your story?
You know that moment when your kid asks Alexa if she has feelings, and you realize you have NO idea how to explain AI to a six-year-old? That was us. We were watching our kids interact with technology like it was magic – or worse, like it was human – and we thought, ‘Someone needs to explain this stuff before an entire generation grows up thinking Siri is their best friend.’ Cal knows AI inside and out, and I know how kids’ brains work. It was like peanut butter meeting chocolate – we HAD to make this book happen.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The biggest thing? We wanted kids to know that THEY’RE the boss, not the iPad. You know how kids can get totally zombified by screens? We’ve all seen it – that glazed look when they’ve been watching YouTube for three hours straight. We wanted to snap them out of it and remind them that technology is supposed to work FOR them, not the other way around. Plus, we needed to tackle the scary stuff – like not telling ChatGPT where you live – without making kids paranoid about every piece of technology. It’s like teaching them about fire safety without making them afraid of birthday candles.
I loved the activities that were incorporated into this story, giving the lesson an interactive quality that can last beyond the time it takes to read the story. How did you come up with the activities? Also, I would love to see printable resources for teachers and parents that they could use to help reinforce these lessons. Is this something you have considered?
Honestly? We tested everything on our youngest daughter. She was our guinea pig – poor kid! We’d come up with an activity and she’d either be totally into it or give us that look that says ‘this is lame, Mom.’ Kids are brutal critics, which is exactly what we needed. The activities that made it into the book are the ones that got her excited enough to drag her siblings into trying them too.
And YES on the printable resources! Teachers have been asking for them since day one. We kept this first edition short because, let’s face it, kids’ attention spans aren’t getting any longer. But we’re already working on downloadable worksheets, discussion guides, and even some games that parents and teachers can use. Should be ready by the holidays!
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?
“The Try Again Kid” is coming out in late November, and honestly? This one’s personal. We watched so many kids during the pandemic just… give up when things got hard. They’d try something once, fail, and decide they’re ‘just not good at it.’ Meanwhile, they’ll die 50 times in a video game and keep going! So we thought – how do we transfer that video game resilience to real life?
This next book is all about failing spectacularly and getting back up. Think of it as the antidote to participation trophy culture. We’re teaching kids that messing up isn’t just okay – it’s NECESSARY. And yeah, we might have snuck in some lessons about growth mindset and perseverance, but mostly it’s about making failure fun instead of terrifying.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
“Humans are Awesome! A Kid’s Guide to Staying Smarter Than AI” empowers children ages 5-11 with crucial digital literacy skills through an exciting superhero journey.
What Makes This Book Special:
Transforms AI safety into a fun superhero adventure
Teaches 5 “superpowers” that make kids uniquely human
Includes practical safety rules kids will actually remember
Features vibrant, engaging illustrations throughout
Perfect for independent reading or family discussion
Your Child Will Learn:
Why their creativity beats any computer
How to protect their personal information online
When to trust their “gut feelings” about digital content
The difference between AI suggestions and real thinking
How to maintain healthy screen-time boundaries
Created by Experts Who Understand:
Cal Lopez: Technologist and acclaimed sci-fi author
Natalia Ulloa: Educator with 25+ years experience
Abdel Hassam: Talented illustrator bringing concepts to life
Don’t let technology intimidate your family. Give your child the confidence to navigate our digital world while staying wonderfully, powerfully human.
Hello, Egypt!: A Children’s Picture Book Thrilling Treasure Hunt Adventure Through Ancient Wonders for Kids Ages 4-8
In Hello, Egypt!, the ever-curious Travel Sisters, Sophie and Stephie, embark on another vibrant adventure, this time across the sun-soaked landscapes of Egypt. Accompanied by their loyal pets, their magical globe Globik, and their friend Ali, the girls dive headfirst into ancient wonders and modern marvels. What begins as a sightseeing trip quickly transforms into a captivating treasure hunt, blending discovery with delight as the trio explores bustling souks, iconic pyramids, and so much more.
Ekaterina Otiko’s latest installment in the Sophie and Stephie: The Travel Sisters series is a dynamic fusion of entertainment and education. Brimming with curious facts and cultural insights, the story reads like a hands-on PBS Kids episode but in book form. From ancient history to contemporary surprises, the narrative seamlessly incorporates fascinating details about Egypt’s past and present. Even Arabic vocabulary appears throughout the pages, complete with easy-to-follow pronunciation guides that make learning feel natural and engaging.
Reading this book transported me straight back to those cozy Saturday mornings spent in front of the TV, soaking in every bit of fun and knowledge from shows I adored. That same warm nostalgia pulses through every illustrated page, brought to life with Jose Gascon’s colorful artwork that perfectly captures the animated energy of childhood curiosity.
Among the delightful discoveries, who knew the Red Sea is literally red or that Alexandria boasts a modern library built in the early 2000s? Readers will also find the heart of the story lies in the bond between the characters. Sophie and Stephie’s sibling dynamic feels real and relatable, while Ali’s guidance brings a grounded sense of wonder to their journey. And of course, Globik and the pets add that whimsical spark, echoing the charm of timeless cartoon sidekicks.
Hello, Egypt! is a joy to read. It’s fun, informative, and deeply engaging. Ideal for curious readers aged 5–10, the book offers something new with every revisit. Whether you’re a young explorer eager to learn about world cultures or an adult craving a nostalgic return to educational adventures, this trip through the Land of the Pharaohs is an unforgettable ride.
Pages: 35 | ISBN : 978-1959490197
The Little Things
Oh No, There’s Poo on My Shoe follows a young boy who is upset about having poo on his shoe and his mom, who reminds him in a fun and gentle way that things could be worse. What was the inspiration for your story?
Just to gently remind kids not to get all worked up over the little things, and try to see the bright side of life, as you can always wipe poo off your shoe!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There could be worse things than having poo on your shoe!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed the scene when the son didn’t trip over his shoelaces, or lose at the sports races, but most importantly, the wind didn’t change when he pulled funny faces!
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?
No, it’s not in a series.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
All the while his mum keeps reminding him, in a rhyme, that there are other unpleasant things that could happen too and that it’s not that bad because you can always wipe poo off your shoe!
If I Had One Wish: I’d Wish That You Were Here
If I Had One Wish: I’d Wish That You Were Here, by August E. Allen, introduces us to Wynter, a snowman whose heart aches with loneliness. One quiet winter’s night, he lifts his gaze to the stars and makes a simple wish, for friends to share the snowy world around him. His wish is answered with gentle magic as a pair of cardinals and a colony of bunnies arrive, filling his days with laughter, warmth, and companionship. Though Wynter delights in this newfound joy, a quiet longing remains. He comes to understand that those he misses are never truly gone; they remain close, tucked deep within his heart, and with friends by his side, he will never be alone again.
Wynter is a character brimming with charm and relatability. His yearning for connection mirrors our own human need for belonging. The story’s closing realization, that love endures across distance and even loss, is both poignant and universal. It speaks to anyone who has felt the absence of a loved one and found comfort in the strength of family and friends.
The illustrations enrich the narrative beautifully. They capture Wynter’s solitude with quiet grace, then burst into joy and warmth as his companions gather around him. The snowy scenes evoke the enchantment of winter nights and the anticipation of the holiday season, adding layers of coziness and wonder to the tale.
If I Had One Wish: I’d Wish That You Were Here is a gentle reminder, cloaked in snowy wonder and touched with starlight. For young readers, it offers a way to understand the complexities of missing someone, whether through loss, distance, or change. For adults, Allen provides a reminder of the healing power of companionship. Heartfelt, tender, and visually delightful, If I Had One Wish is a perfect winter read for families to share.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0FNDJ4JQ5
A Touch of Fantasy
Bugs That Bug You is a rhyming story centered around a young boy frustrated by the numerous bugs that inconvenience him at every turn. Where did the idea for this story come from?
Yes, I experienced bugs who bugged me at the time. A very annoying fly would buzz around my head every morning and wake me up. Then a cockroach flew directly towards me. This is what inspired me to write the book.
What is it that draws you to write children’s literature?
I love the fun of it all. Usually, children’s literature has a positive tone to it, and you can add a bit of fantasy to it. This is why I love childrens literature, you can almost come up with anything you like 😊
Is there anything from your own childhood included in Fred’s character or his experiences?
Yes, we had weasels in our oats when I was a child; that’s why I added the weasels to Fred’s breakfast.
Can young readers look forward to seeing more from Fred? What are you currently working on?
At the moment, there’s nothing more from Fred. But you never know I might come up with in the future. I’m currently working on “Oh Dear, There’s Gum in My Hair,” a series of “Oh No, There’s Poo on My Shoe.”
Thank you, I hope you enjoy my books. Thanks Again
Author Website
It all begins when a fly buzzes around his head first thing in the morning. Then come the weevils in his breakfast, a moth that munches a hole in his favourite jacket, and an ant that crawls up his pants!
As the day goes on, more and more bugs appear, and Fred is getting fed up. But Mum has some wise words: don’t let the bugs bug you – enjoy the rest of the day!
A fun, rhyming story full of pesky pests, giggles, and a gentle reminder to shake off the small stuff and keep smiling.
Everyone Has Something To Offer
No Books For Benjamin? introduces young readers to a lovable little worm who lives and works at the Library of Congress and finds himself heartbroken when a mysterious illness forces libraries across the country to close. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I originally did not plan a sequel to Books For Benjamin. However, in visiting schools and talking to kids, many asked if there would be another Benjamin book, as they liked the character. The idea for this second book came during the pandemic, when so many libraries had to close their doors. I remember feeling how strange and sad it was not to have that space open, and I thought about what it would mean for someone who lived and breathed books every day. The book is my nod to librarians who personally witnessed as a teacher come up with creative ways to get real books into the hands of children. They are the real-life heroes! I thought it would be fun to have Benjamin and friends take on this role.
Do you have a favorite scene in this book? One that was especially fun to write?
It’s actually not one scene, but starts with Ginger, the ant, offering to help deliver books by flexing her muscles and declaring how strong ants are. This is followed by scenes of Whizby, the dragonfly delivering books by air, as dragonflies are super-fast fliers, and Dotty, the ladybug, contributing by landing up and down on a spray disinfectant can. I imagined writing funny scenes where there are a few hiccups with this (For example, the ant group falls like dominoes when one ant ignores “halt” because he is reading a book, one dragonfly accidentally drops his parachute of books on a dog’s head). But ultimately, the plan works. The message I hoped to impart to kids is that everyone has something to offer, no matter how small.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Uliana Barabash?
Uliana was incredible to work with. From the very beginning, she just got Benjamin—his warmth, his curiosity, and that spark of determination. We talked through ideas, but honestly, she always surprised me with details that made the illustrations feel alive. Seeing her bring Benjamin’s world to life was one of the most rewarding parts of this whole process. I just get a big smile every time I look at this purple worm she illustrated with his crazy hair and funny expressions. Kids have often thanked me for writing a story about a not-so-often-loved character, but I really know it is Uliana’s magical illustration and choice to make him purple that turned this character into a lovable one.
Can you give us a glimpse inside the next book in the Benjamin and Friends series?
Yes! In the next book, Benjamin ventures outside the library and starts to discover that stories aren’t only found in books—they’re in people, places, and even in the adventures we have. He meets some new friends who help him see the world in new ways. It’s really about friendship, resilience, and finding stories everywhere you look. I am also trying to imagine a story where Benjamin helps reluctant readers find the magic in books!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Benjamin the worm loves his job at his favorite library – reading, organizing, and receiving letters from kids who share their favorite books. Yet, everything changes when a strange illness sweeps across the world. Schools close. Libraries shut their doors. And suddenly … no more books!
With the help of his clever and determined friends, Benjamin sets out on a mission to bring books back into children’s hands.
Because stories matter. And heroes come in all shapes … even squiggly ones.
LITERARY TITAN 