Blog Archives
Bugs That Bug You
Fred is stuck in one of those days, the kind where nothing goes right and everything seems to crawl, buzz, or flutter in his way. From the first fly that zips past his head in the morning, the mischief snowballs. Breakfast is sabotaged by sneaky weasels, a moth takes a bite out of his jacket, and an ant boldly marches up his pants. With each new annoyance, Fred’s frustration grows, yet the chaos unfolds with such playful absurdity that young readers can’t help but laugh.
The rhyming text keeps the pace snappy and musical, making it a delight to read aloud. Rhythm transforms Fred’s exasperation into comic relief, so giggles replace groans. Children will revel in the silliness of every buggy encounter, while parents will appreciate the subtle reminder tucked into the fun: sometimes, the small irritations of life aren’t worth letting ruin the entire day.
The heart of the story beats through Fred’s mum, who gently nudges him to lighten up and find joy despite the pests. Her presence grounds the tale, offering both comfort and a lesson that lingers, resilience matters, whether you’re fending off flies or bigger frustrations.
Illustrations amplify the humor, packed with detail and plenty of creepy-crawlies to spot and discuss. They invite conversation, laughter, and the chance to share in Fred’s exasperation while enjoying the spectacle.
Bugs That Bug You balances humor with heart. It’s a picture book that entertains while quietly teaching the importance of perspective. With rhyme, rhythm, and a parade of pesky intruders, it earns its place as a storytime favorite, one children will request again and again, and parents won’t mind rereading.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0FMKPNXKM
Special Bond
Where’s My Wabby Dabby? follows a young girl looking for her father, who is away on a trip, as she asks all the animals in her yard where her Wabby Dabby is. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this book came from a time when my husband was fighting COVID. He was in the hospital, and we were only able to talk to him on the phone and on FaceTime. My husband called one night, and we saw COVID winning the battle, but our faith in the Lord kept us strong. My husband called my granddaughter his Eva wava little baby. She was very emotional and called him her wabby dabby. When I heard that, I decided to create a story about their bond, showing how she would go out and speak to animals to see where her wabby dabby went. At the time, we weren’t sure if my husband would come home, but we prayed and believed God for a miracle. He came home. It was a long road to recovery, but he was home. The same way we were unsure he would come home, I wanted to create this story for those children who maybe one of their parents were absent, and they can use their imagination to remember something special about them, which would give them peace and comfort.
What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of Eva and the animals she talked to?
Discovery–I observed their special bond, which prompted me to start drafting and editing.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
When Eva is in her bedroom and she hears her wabby dabby’s voice say, “Goodnight, my Ava wava little baby.”
What is the next book you’re working on, and when can fans expect it?
My next book is in the illustration stage, and it’s called The Night We Followed the Moon. I’m not sure when it will be finished.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Exciting and Rewarding Career
Charli’s Turtle Triumph follows a young girl who, after a field trip to learn about sea turtles, finds one stranded on the beach and, with the help of her friends, organizes a beach cleanup for her community. What was the inspiration for your story?
I knew I wanted to write a series of STEM chapter books and was toying with ideas when my thirteen-year-old granddaughter painted the portrait of a sea turtle that appears on the book’s dedication page. I was so entranced by that painting that I knew I had to give the turtle a story, which is why I began the series with marine biology. I live in a coastal community where beach and ocean pollution are a real concern, and that gave birth to the plot line.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This series is written to help young readers transition from picture books to chapter books, hence its format. Too often, STEM appears boring and dry to kids. I want them to see and experience the fascinating and fun aspects of STEM! As a former teacher, I know all too well that kids always ask WHY they need to learn something. In this book, I wanted to answer that for them in a practical way by showing them an example of an exciting and rewarding career path in marine biology. It’s also important to me that my characters demonstrate kindness and compassion towards themselves, others, animals, and the environment.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Being a teacher gave me a front-row seat to how kids learn to write, and a lot of that comes from the books they read. Of course, I want my books to be inviting and fun to read—but I also want them to teach the readers even if they aren’t aware that they’re learning. As I write, I think of my former students and try to put myself in their headspace to write something they would have enjoyed reading and that would have benefitted them.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes! In fact, this is the first book in the Charli Explores STEM™ series. The second book, Charli’s Pawsome Park: An Architectural Adventure, will be released later this year. The titles that I plan to release in 2026 are: Charli’s Dorsal Device: An Engineering Adventure, Charli’s Bee-utiful Butterflies: An Entomology Adventure, Charli’s Critter Crusade: A Veterinary Science Adventure, and Charli’s Robot Rally: a Robotics Adventure. I have ideas for additional titles that I haven’t yet started.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
No Books For Benjamin?
In No Books for Benjamin? by R.G. de Rouen, readers are introduced to an extraordinary little worm with an insatiable love for books. Benjamin isn’t your typical earth-dweller; he lives and works at none other than the Library of Congress, where he enjoys a daily feast of fresh stories and endless pages. Surrounded by the written word, his life couldn’t be more perfect, until a mysterious illness called The Purple Dots sweeps through the country, forcing libraries everywhere to close their doors indefinitely.
Suddenly, Benjamin is left heartbroken. No new books. No new stories. Just silence. Desperate to keep his passion alive, he consults Ms. Nicholas, the wise librarian, and together, with the help of both human and animal friends, they hatch a clever, collaborative plan. But what exactly is their idea? And will it be enough to bring books back into Benjamin’s life?
This delightful picture book is a heartfelt celebration of reading. Benjamin’s charm is undeniable, and children will instantly connect with his wide-eyed enthusiasm and boundless curiosity. He’s not only adorable, he’s inspiring. His determination to find a solution teaches young readers the value of teamwork and creative problem-solving.
What stands out most in de Rouen’s storytelling is his ability to deliver meaningful messages without ever being heavy-handed. The book playfully emphasizes the joy of collaboration and community, with Benjamin and his friends working together toward a common goal. Even the concept of “The Purple Dots” illness, while referencing a challenging event, is portrayed with humor and imagination that will spark giggles rather than fear.
De Rouen enriches the experience further by including a page of fascinating insect facts, tying the story to educational content in a seamless way. His website also features a treasure trove of engaging extras, printable bookmarks, coloring pages, and even a maze that extends the fun long after the last page is turned.
The illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a visual treat. Rendered in bold, full-page acrylic-style paintings, each image bursts with color and whimsy. Her attention to detail and affection for animals, plants, and nature shine through, adding depth and personality to every scene. It’s easy to get lost in the expressive characters and lush backgrounds she’s brought to life.
No Books for Benjamin? is a joyful, imaginative journey that celebrates books, friendship, and perseverance. Charming, educational, and beautifully illustrated, it’s a must-have for any child’s library.
ASIN : B0FQ3R91TG
Literary Titan Book Award: Children’s Books
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Just Play Like You Do in the Basement: Coming of Age as The Drummer for The Greatest Entertainer in the World by Rick Porrello
An Inconvenient Witness: The Weight of Ordinary Things by Kevin Casebier
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 