Blog Archives
Patches Explores Pagosa Springs: A Guide Dog’s Mountain Adventure
Patches Explores Pagosa Springs by Gail L. Oxford follows Patches, a guide dog who’s both helper and best friend to Sam, a boy who is blind. Told from Patches’ cheerful point of view, the story turns a family trip to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, into a series of small adventures. Patches and Sam visit shops, restaurants, hot springs, a sculpture park, Treasure Falls, the San Juan River, and other local spots, all while showing how the two work together. Patches’ personality gives the book plenty of humor, especially when food, toys, fish, or unusual smells are involved, while his devotion to Sam gives the story its heart.
One of the book’s strongest ideas is that Sam experiences the world in a rich, active way through sound, smell, taste, touch, and movement. The story doesn’t simply tell readers that Sam is blind. It shows him using a cane, listening for crossing signals, handling money with an iBill reader, choosing an audiobook, exploring sculptures through texture, fishing, hiking, and traveling independently with Patches. These details fit naturally into the adventure, so children get a picture of accessibility and teamwork while still following an energetic travel story. The sensory language is especially effective because it connects Sam’s experiences with things young readers can imagine for themselves, from the smell of bacon and pine trees to the sound of rushing water and the feel of mist from a waterfall.
Ilya Fortuna’s illustrations give the book a bright, friendly look and carry a large part of the storytelling. Nearly every spread is filled with expressive characters, mountain scenery, water, wildlife, shops, and recognizable Pagosa Springs landmarks. The pictures of Sam and Patches are especially warm, with their closeness shown through little gestures, facial expressions, and the way Patches stays near Sam throughout the trip. The Treasure Falls scene on page 29 captures their excitement in the spray of the waterfall, while the hot-air-balloon pages near the end open the scenery up into a wide, colorful view of the mountains and town below. The illustrated activity map at the beginning also gives children something to return to as they recognize places from the story.
The book works as a story, a travel introduction, and an activity book all at once. After Patches and Sam’s adventure ends, readers get a map vocabulary activity, definitions connected to Pagosa Springs, and a sensory-word challenge that encourages them to notice how the story uses sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. That makes Patches Explores Pagosa Springs a good fit for children who like animals, outdoor adventures, real places, and stories about friendship. Patches is playful enough to keep the trip fun, and Sam’s confidence and curiosity give the book a clear sense of purpose. By the end, their partnership feels like the real destination of the story, summed up nicely in Patches’ pride in being Sam’s guide dog and protector.
Pages: 46 | ASIN: B0HBNC912T
Ginger the Pony Learns about Goodness: Goodness is a Fruit of The Spirit
Ginger the Pony Learns about Goodness by J.M. Ashmore is a tender and heartfelt story. It reminds readers, both young and old, how far a little kindness can go.
The book follows Ginger, a beautiful wild pony with a striking, velvety red coat, as she travels with her friends toward Thunderhoof Hill. Along the way, greed gets the better of her. She eats far more grass than she needs and dismisses Snowy Dove’s gentle warnings. Before long, Ginger’s selfish behavior begins to affect her friendships. The hurt she causes is unintentional, yet it feels genuine and relatable. Many children will recognize what happens when strong impulses overpower better judgment.
The true heart of the story emerges through Ginger’s transformation. She begins to understand that kindness and friendship matter far more than simply getting what she wants. Her journey from selfishness to generosity is touching and believable. More importantly, the lesson unfolds naturally. The story communicates its message about goodness without ever sounding like a lecture.
The illustrations deserve special praise. They are gorgeous and bring each scene vividly to life. Ginger and her pony friends gallop across the pages with their manes streaming in the wind. Every image captures a wonderful sense of movement, freedom, and adventure. The artwork complements the narrative beautifully. From the opening page, readers can easily lose themselves in Ginger’s world.
I especially appreciated how the book extends the experience beyond the main story. It concludes with questions and answers that encourage children to reflect on what they have read. Fun facts about wild ponies add an educational element without feeling forced or out of place. These thoughtful additions give young readers another reason to revisit the book. Each reading may offer a fresh detail, idea, or lesson to discover.
At its core, this is a story about goodness, friendship, and the quiet power of kindness. Its central message is clear: greed and selfishness cannot triumph over generosity and love. Ashmore delivers that lesson with warmth, charm, and gentle humor.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0GX3B552N
Houdini Rescues the Circus (The Magical Adventures of Houdini)
Steven Frank’s Houdini Rescues the Circus is a joyful, high-flying picture book that captures exactly why children fall in love with animal heroes, circus spectacles, and unlikely champions who save the day.
The story follows Houdini, a beloved farm dog from the Midwest. His earlier adventures have already made him something of a local legend. When news spreads that a circus is coming to town, excitement builds quickly. Houdini and his farmer can hardly wait.
Then disaster strikes.
A nasty illness sweeps through the circus performers and places the entire show in jeopardy. The celebration appears destined to collapse before it begins. True to form, Houdini steps forward with an unexpected solution. He does not simply rescue the circus. He becomes the circus.
Much of the book’s charm comes from watching Houdini tackle one dazzling act after another. He juggles flaming torches. He flips through the air on the trapeze. Finally, he transforms into Houdini the Canine Cannonball and soars across the tent in a spectacular grand finale. Each performance bursts with energy. Young readers may feel as though they are sitting ringside, gasping and cheering beside the crowd.
The illustrations are the true highlight. Only a few lines of text appear on each page, allowing the artwork to carry much of the story. It does so beautifully. Every spread feels warm, expressive, and alive with movement. This visual approach makes the book especially inviting for younger readers who are still developing confidence and enjoy lingering over each picture.
This is the kind of book that turns story time into an event. It captures the spectacle, excitement, and wonder of the circus while maintaining a simple emotional core. Houdini is a hero who supports his community when it matters most. The story remains playful and thrilling without becoming overwhelming for its youngest audience.
Houdini Rescues the Circus is an excellent choice for families with young children, especially those who love circus magic, animal adventures, and lively read-alouds. It is the sort of story children will ask to hear again. Houdini may soon become a favorite in any picture-book rotation.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0H5KQJ5ZF
Build Strong, Healthy Friendships
The Friendship Party offers young readers a thoughtful and encouraging guide to building healthy relationships. Was there a particular experience or conversation that encouraged you to create this story?
Yes, my friend’s daughter, Mashel, suggested the idea of writing about friendship. She was just starting school and was very interested in making friends and playing games.
Her enthusiasm inspired me to write The Friendship Party.
The book emphasizes inclusion, communication, and forgiveness. What made those themes especially important to you?
Inclusion, communication and forgiveness are important because they help children build strong, healthy friendships. I wanted to show that everyone deserves to feel included, that talking honestly can solve misunderstandings, and that forgiving others helps friendships grow stronger after mistakes are made.
How did your collaboration with illustrator Valery Vell develop?
My collaboration with Illustrator Valery Vell developed through my publisher, Little Steps Publishing. Valery had already illustrated my first two books, Smile Your Way to Happy and Learn Your Way to Happy, so I was familiar with her wonderful work. I especially love her bright, expressive, and inclusive illustrations, and I knew her artistic style would bring The Friendship Party to life in a warm and engaging way.
Why do you believe stories can be such powerful tools for teaching social and emotional skills?
Stories are a powerful way to teach social and emotional skills because they allow children to see situations through the characters’ experiences. As they connect with the story, they can better understand feelings, empathy, kindness, communication and problem solving in a way that feels natural and engaging. My hope is that children will enjoy the story while also gaining confidence and practical skills they can use in their own friendships and everyday lives.
With heartfelt words and stunning illustrations, this uplifting picture book is the perfect conversation starter about emotional well-being, resilience, and the power of being there for one another―because every friendship is worth celebrating.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Restoration by Laura Brooke
Even Angels Wear Leather Jackets and Ride Motorcycles by J.A. McGovern
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Childrens’ 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
Crescent City Requiem by Brian Kaufman
The Suicide Council by Victer Hugo Basurco
Departure from Innocence by WILLIAM WILSON
Steel & Ballast by Markella Kara
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
