Blog Archives
The Substi-Tooth
In The Substi-Tooth, by Kristin Manty, readers are whisked away on a sun-soaked beach adventure with young Austin and his mother. From the moment they arrive, Austin dives headfirst into the day, splashing through the waves, digging in the sand, and soaring his kite high into the sky. But there’s a tiny distraction he just can’t ignore: a wobbly tooth on the verge of falling out. With every activity, Austin can’t resist poking and wiggling it, determined to help it along.
Eventually, the tooth does come out, and Austin is thrilled. The Tooth Fairy is sure to visit him tonight! But his excitement quickly turns to panic when a large wave crashes over the sandcastle where he hid the tooth for safekeeping, sweeping it away in an instant. With the prized tooth gone, readers are left wondering, will Austin recover it in time? Can the magic of the Tooth Fairy still happen?
This charming story is a joy to read, offering fun and heartwarming moments that children of all ages will appreciate. The opening scenes of Austin and his mother heading to the beach capture the simple, meaningful joy of spending time with family. Through Austin’s excitement and playful energy, young readers are reminded of how special shared moments can be.
The narrative cleverly centers on the loose tooth, a small but relatable childhood milestone. As Austin clutches the tooth in triumph, there’s a real sense of anticipation, only for it to be dashed when the ocean intervenes. The wave’s sudden arrival adds just the right touch of suspense, pulling readers in as they anxiously turn the pages, hoping for a happy resolution.
Kaori Iha’s illustrations appear on every page, rendered in warm, earthy tones that perfectly match the story’s tone and setting. Each image feels thoughtfully placed and richly detailed, bringing Austin’s beach day to life.
The Substi-Tooth is a delightful picture book with endearing characters, an engaging plot, and expressive illustrations, making it a standout read. Whether at bedtime or in the classroom, it’s a story sure to entertain, spark imagination, and leave young readers smiling.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0F2GS7GPC
Pigs Really Can Fly!
Horace in Space follows a little pig with big dreams who wants nothing more than to venture into the great beyond. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I’ve written children’s books for about a decade now. I always wanted to write a book for kids and the ISS. Then it hit me – Pigs really can fly! And that started the entire idea.
Is there anything from your own childhood included in your characters’ traits and dialogue?
Not so much. We had a telescope when I was little, and we looked at the moon and stars. But the ISS fascinates me. I’ve timed and researched when the ISS will fly over my area on a particular night. I get away from city lights and, clear as day, one can watch it orbit from one point in the sky until out of view. I’ve taken pictures and videos. One can easily find out when it will next be over their locale. It is visible in the daytime as well.
Why was it important for you to include facts woven throughout Horace’s narrative?
Facts are facts. My children wanted to know facts from the books I read to them, and that means I want to give out some facts for children to think about, ask more questions, expand their minds to move forward.
Can young readers look forward to more adventures from Horace? What are you currently working on?
Horace may have more adventures, or I will choose another baby animal. Horace In Space is book number sixty-one for me, so I’m also slowing down a bit. Next up is a children’s book or adult sci-fi.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
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
The Adventures of Mrs. Hats: The Mayan Headdress by Christopher Corbett
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Fear Is Normal
The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly follows a young sparrow who is afraid to fly, prompting him to embark on a journey that leads to self-discovery, quiet bravery, and ultimately, a leap of faith. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I have always had a crippling fear of falling. To me, it just seems obvious, like, I could die if I fall from this height, so clearly I’m freaking out. Of course, my friends are dancing on the edges of mountains, so it’s not quite the universal fear of imminent death, it seems to me! Anyway, I was spending a few weeks in Italy, and while visiting a friend in Siena, I was taken by the Torre del Mangia in the city’s main square, Piazza del Campo. I had never written a children’s book before, but for some reason, my imagination took flight (pun not intended!), and I couldn’t help but think about how terrifying it would be to be at the top of the tower. And at dusk, birds would circle above the piazza, and I don’t know when I connected it, but I realized I wanted to write about a bird who is afraid to fly. So when I got back home to Los Angeles, I set about writing it!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted it to be a lesson about understanding that fear is normal and even healthy. Fear is our mind’s way of protecting us when it perceives we’re in danger, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when you’re afraid. And I thought having Sam just work up the courage to take that first step out of his fear was obvious and easy and had been done a million times. So I wanted another lesson to be that it’s okay to accept help from others when we’re not strong enough to do something ourselves.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing about the different kinds of birds there are in the world. Birds who swim and birds who can’t fly, and how Sam is envious of bats because they can’t see well, and how he wants to flit with the fireflies, and how he imagines starlings to be like stars and bluebirds like patches of sky. I got to be really creative building the world through Sam’s tiny worldview.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I have two more completed children’s books. Up next is Violet’s Pretty Purple Playground, about a little girl who loves purple so much that she wishes for the whole world to be purple (I mean, it sounds lovely to me), and when her wish comes true, she finds that variety–not singularity–is what makes the world so rich. The second is about a young unicorn whose horn doesn’t change color to mark his passage to adulthood, and he worries that means he isn’t special. I also have a story about a tomboy damselfly and a Christmas story called Holly Jolly about a mischievous white cat, both of which still need to be written. And I’m working with a producer on notes for my mind-bending psychological thriller screenplay, The Alexandrite Ring, to get it into shape so he can start looking to attach a director. There’s always a lot happening!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
What are you afraid of?
Sam is afraid to fly.
Being a bird makes this awkward.
His parents don’t understand.
His brothers and sisters don’t understand.
Sam himself doesn’t understand.
He wants to bob with the bats and flit with the fireflies and soar with the starlings.
But he can’t even look over the edge of his nest.
What to do when fear stops you from living?
Suitable to be read to younger children, or read by ages 8–11, The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly will captivate readers with charming illustrations of Sam, his family, and the Italian countryside while they learn that it’s OK to be afraid and to accept help from others.
Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: Splish Splash Surprise
Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: The Splish Splash Surprise, by Maria Cedolini Thompson, is a joyful romp through a hot summer day with two irresistibly mischievous golden retrievers. This story is a perfect blend of playful chaos, heartfelt lessons, and charming illustrations that bring Paisley and Posie to life.
When left alone for just a short while, Paisley and Posie give in to temptation and take an impromptu dip in the backyard pool. What unfolds is a wonderfully soggy mess, full of splashes, tail wags, and comedic panic when they hear the front door swing open. The tension of their last-minute attempts to “hide the evidence” will have kids giggling and turning pages eagerly.
What makes this book more than just a tale of cute canine mischief is its thoughtful underlying message. Young readers are gently reminded that curiosity and mistakes are part of growing up, but love and forgiveness are always waiting on the other side. The story handles these themes with warmth and grace, making it a valuable addition to any child’s library.
Parents will appreciate the way the book encourages discussions about accountability, consequences, and teamwork without ever feeling heavy-handed. Meanwhile, children will be drawn in by the humorous antics and expressive artwork that capture every splash and shake.
Whether read aloud at bedtime or explored independently by early readers, Paisley and Posie’s Adventures: The Splish Splash Surprise is sure to make a splash in any home. It’s a charming tale that proves even the biggest messes can be cleaned up, with a little help and a lot of love.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0FBS5PGPG
Navigate Big Feelings
Puppy Day Jitters is a rhyming picture book that follows an anxious puppy’s first day of school, teaching children to face fear with empathy, courage, and connection. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I created the Pawsome Pals book series to help children navigate big feelings and to foster empathy. The inspiration for my books is to offer encouragement to all children, and that after reading a Pawsome Pals book, children and their parents will feel better about themselves and the world around them. With back-to-school season quickly approaching, Puppy Day Jitters is a perfect addition to books addressing the first day of school with the purpose of calming those first day nerves. Starting something new may bring on many new emotions and by reading Puppy Day Jitters, I hope to offer reassurance, comfort and understanding by knowing that we are not alone in experiencing these emotions.
What inspired you to write Puppy Day Jitters, and is Dolce based on a real dog?
My inspiration behind all that I do is my own two incredibly bright children. In Puppy Day Jitters, the characters are inspired by my daughter, Sophia, and our dog, Dolce. With a mission to encourage discussion about the universal experience of being anxious or nervous, Puppy Day Jitters promotes empathy and addresses emotions that go with starting something new. My hope is for the book to be a source of comfort for those facing first day nerves, but also a reminder that compassion and support are worth celebrating. With the Pawsome Pals series, my goal is for children to not only talk about their feelings, but also to offer lifelong advantages of building better relationships, greater self-esteem and a stronger foundation for learning.
Can you share your collaboration process with illustrator Ada Konewki. How did you bring Dolce’s emotions to life visually?
Ada Konewki is an extremely talented illustrator. She has this amazing ability to make the visions I have for the Pawsome Pals books come to life through her exceptional creativity and beautiful drawings. Using a picture book template, I share my illustration ideas for each page with Ada, and she takes my words and creates them into engaging visuals that captivate young readers. When we need a worried Dolce or a comforted Dolce to match the words in the story, Ada nails each emotion through her illustrations. For Puppy Day Jitters, I also provided Ada with a picture of the real-life Sophia and Dolce for her own inspiration in creating the characters. I absolutely could not imagine the Pawsome Pals books without Ada and her charming and exquisite illustrations.
What strategies or conversations do you hope caregivers and educators will have with children after reading this book?
Picture books can be a valuable tool in helping children grow in self-esteem and positively managing their own emotions. After reading Puppy Day Jitters, my hope is that discussions can begin both at home and in the classroom to help young readers handle transitions, such as starting school for the first time and experiencing something new. If a nervous puppy who gains comfort and support from her friend while facing a new experience helps one child know they are not alone, then Puppy Day Jitters has served its important and intended purpose!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Pawsome Pals book series features pets with problems and their pals that help their pets sort through them.
LITERARY TITAN 