Blog Archives
Grounded in Hope
Angelica follows a young girl who discovers she’s gifted by God to enter dreams, battle fear, and bring light to the lost with the help of heavenly allies and unshakable faith. What inspired you to combine dream journeys with Christian symbolism and spiritual armor?
I’ve always been fascinated by dreams—how they can feel so real, symbolic, and even spiritual. As a person of faith, I believe God can speak to us through dreams, especially when we’re young and open-hearted. I wanted to create a story that showed children their fears are not the end of the story, but an invitation to rise in courage. The spiritual armor from Ephesians 6 became the perfect foundation—each piece carries meaning and power, and I wanted kids to see that faith is both imaginative and real. Combining dream journeys with Christian truth allowed me to explore big themes like identity, fear, and calling in a way that feels magical but grounded in hope.
How did you approach writing about fear in a way that would feel both honest and comforting to children?
I’ve worked with many children over the years—some of whom are dealing with very real fears: nightmares, family struggles, feeling different or left out. I didn’t want to minimize those feelings. Instead, I wrote Angelica as a mirror for kids to see their own emotions—especially fear—and realize that even in the middle of fear, they are not alone. Angelica learns that bravery isn’t the absence of fear; it’s showing up anyway with faith. By giving fear a shape, a voice, and then surrounding Angelica with divine support, I hoped to show kids that fear can be faced and defeated—not through force, but through light, truth, and love.
Todd the squirrel and the Eagle Fort are so unique. How did you come up with these dream-world companions?
Todd the squirrel actually came to me in a moment of prayer—I pictured this fast-talking, witty little creature who balances Angelica’s seriousness with joy and humor. He represents the voice that reminds us to laugh and trust, even in dark places. The Eagle Fort was inspired by Isaiah 40:31—“They will rise on wings like eagles.” I imagined a soaring place of refuge where warriors gather and children are trained in truth. I wanted every companion and setting in Angelica’s world to reflect part of God’s nature—His protection, joy, wisdom, and strength—while still being imaginative and memorable for young readers.
When and where will this book be available?
Angelica: Enter into the Dream will be available in the month of August 2025, in both print and digital formats through Amazon and select bookstores.
A Diagnosis Doesn’t Define
Johnny and Type 1 is a heartfelt and empowering children’s book that follows a young boy’s journey from confusion to confidence after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Johnny and Type 1 is deeply personal—it was inspired by my son Azariah, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 2 years old. Watching him navigate the early days of his diagnosis—filled with confusion, discomfort, and questions—moved me profoundly. I wanted to create something that would help him, and others like him, feel seen and empowered. I co-wrote the book with my eldest son, Isaiah, making it not just a story about our family, but a story from our family.
What message did you most hope children living with chronic conditions would take away from Johnny’s story?
The core message I want children to take away is that with the right mindset and a strong support system, they can live boldly and joyfully even with a chronic condition. A diagnosis doesn’t define them. What defines them is their courage, their resilience, and the love surrounding them. Johnny’s story is a reminder that they are not alone, and that strength comes in many forms even the quiet, everyday kind.
How did you collaborate on the storytelling and illustrations to ensure Johnny’s emotions felt authentic and relatable?
Working with Scott, our illustrator, was a great experience. He has a unique ability to bring emotion to life through art. From the beginning, he took the time to deeply understand our story and connect with the character.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
At the moment, I don’t have another book in the works. My first book, Adventures of the Negassi Brothers, was written for my boys, and Johnny and Type 1 was written about my son’s journey. I tend to write when I’m deeply inspired, when a story feels meaningful and worth sharing. My goal is always to encourage others through authentic, heartfelt storytelling. So while I can’t say exactly what’s next, I know that when the time comes, the next story will find its way to me.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
With this fun and educative rhyming story, young readers will learn all about living with type 1 diabetes. Whether it’s them, or a loved one, who is diagnosed with the condition, they will know that it’s not a burden, but a superpower.
Johnny and Type 1
Johnny and Type 1 tells the heartfelt story of a young boy named Johnny who wakes up one morning expecting a day of fun, only to find himself feeling unwell, tired, unusually thirsty, and out of sorts. Concerned, his parents take him to the doctor, where he receives a life-changing diagnosis: Type 1 diabetes. Initially confused and scared, Johnny worries he’s done something wrong. But with gentle reassurance, his parents help him understand that, with medicine, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, he can live a full and joyful life.
This touching narrative explores Johnny’s journey from fear to empowerment. With the unwavering support of his family and friends, he learns to manage his condition, conquer his fear of needles, and embrace his newfound strength. His bravery shines through as he takes ownership of his health and even educates his peers about diabetes.
The story is as informative as it is inspiring. Ezra and Isaiah Negassi deliver an honest portrayal of what it means to live with Type 1 diabetes, steering clear of oversimplification while highlighting the positive changes Johnny embraces. The illustrations are vivid and expressive, bringing Johnny’s emotions and experiences to life with warmth and charm.
What stands out most is the book’s ability to speak directly to children, offering both education and encouragement. It’s a wonderful resource for parents who want to open conversations about health challenges in a compassionate and age-appropriate way. I can easily envision this book becoming a staple in pediatricians’ offices and school libraries alike.
I highly recommend Johnny and Type 1 to young readers and their families. It’s a powerful reminder that challenges, though daunting at first, can be faced with courage, community, and knowledge. With the right support, anything is possible.
Pages: 27 | ASIN: B0F2JB4QMS
Her Beautiful Way of Communicating
Shining As I Am follows a young autistic boy as he shares his life from his point of view, exploring what it means to be human, different, misunderstood, and still deeply loved. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Shining As I Am came from my middle daughter, who is autistic and was nonverbal in her early years. As a mother, I witnessed how often the world misunderstood her silence, her sensory needs, and her beautiful way of communicating without words. I also saw how hard she worked just to be accepted in spaces that weren’t built with her in mind.
Her strength, her light, and her quiet resilience moved me to write a story that would speak not just to her—but to every child who feels different, unseen, or unheard. I wanted to create a book that could gently teach the world how to embrace neurodiversity, while also reminding children like her that they don’t have to change to belong.
Shining As I Am was born out of love, advocacy, and a deep hope for a more compassionate world. It’s a message to my daughter—and children like her—that their light doesn’t need to be dimmed to fit in. They already shine, just as they are.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
At the heart of Shining As I Am is the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and accepted exactly as they are. One of the most important ideas I wanted to share is that being different is not something to fix—it’s something to celebrate.
I also wanted to help bridge the communication gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical children by offering simple but powerful affirmations of identity, kindness, and inclusion. It was important for me to show that confidence and belonging grow when children feel safe being themselves.
Most of all, I wanted every reader—especially those who feel overlooked or “too different”—to hear this message clearly: You are enough. You are worthy. You shine in your own beautiful way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Siddhant Jumde?
The illustration process for Shining As I Am was a deeply collaborative and intentional journey. I worked closely with the incredibly talented Siddhant Jumde from Bear With Us Production for nearly eight months. We poured our hearts into every detail—ensuring that each expression, color, and scene honored the children the story represents, especially those who are neurodivergent. Siddhant didn’t just illustrate the book—he connected with its message. His empathy and artistry helped bring the story to life in a way that speaks to both the eye and the soul.
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?
Shining As I Am wasn’t originally planned as part of a series—but the idea of expanding it into one is definitely in my heart. There’s so much more to explore around self-worth, inclusion, and the unique ways children shine in this world.
While it may grow into a series in the future, for now, I’m excited to share that another book is on the horizon! It will continue in the spirit of uplifting children, encouraging self-acceptance, and gently guiding readers to see the beauty in themselves and others. I can’t wait to share more soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Shining As I Am is a heartfelt story that helps children understand autism through the eyes of a young child who experiences the world in a unique way. With gentle words and colorful illustrations, this book explores the beauty of differences, teaching patience, acceptance, and empathy.
Perfect for children, Parents, and educators, Shining As I am fosters a deeper understanding of what it means to embrace difference in ability and to be kind and supportive.
Angelica : Enter into the dream
Angelica: Enter Into the Dream is a dreamy and faith-filled story about a young girl named Angelica who discovers that she is a Dream Waker—someone who can step into dreams and change them. Guided by her wise grandmother and strengthened by her Christian faith, Angelica learns to use her God-given gift to help others, including her friend Amanda, who is haunted by nightmares. Along the way, Angelica gathers heavenly allies, faces spiritual darkness, and accepts her mission to rescue those lost or afraid in the dream world.
This children’s book really surprised me. It’s sweet and sincere, but it doesn’t hold back on some deep stuff. The idea of a kid going into dreams to battle dark forces is kinda epic. And mixing that with Bible armor like the “belt of truth” or the “rope of courage” was clever. The writing is simple and gentle, clearly meant for a younger audience, but there’s something pure about it. The dreams have that classic, almost fairy tale vibe—talking animals, glowing caves, eerie enemies—but the meaning behind them hits a little deeper. It talks about fear, courage, purpose, and God’s love in a way that feels comforting.
Angelica jumps from unsure kid to full-on spiritual warrior fast. I found myself rooting for her. There’s a squirrel named Todd who leads her to an eagle-lion-dove combo squad called Eagle Fort—what’s not to love? There’s this cozy fantasy feel to it all. If you’ve ever felt afraid of the dark or had a kid scared to sleep, this book feels like it’s reaching out with a hug. The artwork is charming. The bold colors and clear shapes make it easy for kids to follow, while the expressions on the characters’ faces really bring out the emotions. It uses just enough detail to let the feelings shine through.
This picture book is a gem for parents, grandparents, or Sunday school teachers who want to introduce big spiritual ideas in a soft and imaginative way. It’s great for kids who love stories with heart and a little adventure, especially ones grounded in faith. Honestly, if you’ve got a little one who’s been dealing with nightmares or big emotions, this could be exactly the kind of book to curl up with. It’s full of love, light, and enough dream magic to keep things fun while still making you feel something real.
Meaningful Introduction to Books
Harry the Hedgehog’s Harvest follows a group of friends excited about the harvest festival who after a heavy rain washes away many of the acorns and seeds, they rally together, plant anew, and discover the power of kindness and community. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It was important for me to include language patterns, alliteration, sounds, reading and listening, creating a fun and engaging method in reading in learning.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
As an educator, I appreciate how essential learning, listening language through words and pictures can be inspiring and a meaningful introduction to books. As a younger me, I remember vividly going to the library and reading, Jemima Puddle Duck by Beatrix Potter. Her books left a remarkable mark on my life. Life experiences enforce the joy of books. I believe reading should start young and the illustrations must be relatable.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I have written the next book in the series, and I am currently waiting for the illustrations to arrive. Harry the Hedgehog and the Lost Eggs and Bluebird’s Engagement.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Harry and his friends are very upset to find that the entire harvecst has been washed away by rain.
How will they overcome this disaster?
Will they ever have a harvest feast again?
A Diagnosis Is Never the End
Lexi and the Super Chair is the empowering story of a young girl whose life is changed by paralysis, but who rediscovers freedom, adventure, and joy through a magical power chair and an unbreakable spirit. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I actually became fully paralyzed in 2014 when I was 21 years old. I now can only move my head a little, and I have to use a ventilator to breathe. In the first couple years of my journey through paralysis, I struggled greatly with depression and grief. But as my journey has continued, I have become a happy and successful individual, not in spite of, but in some ways because of my paralysis.
Needless to say, I understand the struggle of physical disability. I’ve always been a lover of children, and when I imagine kids in this situation, or in other situations involving disabilities or diseases, I know some of them must struggle as well. So I wanted to write this book for several reasons, chief among them to give a boost and hope to kids with disabilities and diseases, to help them and their families realize that a diagnosis is never the end of someone’s story, but that you can still achieve great things no matter what.
My grand scheme is to have this book freely available in hospitals and rehab centers for children and their families who need it most.
How did you approach writing about disability in a way that’s honest yet hopeful for young readers?
Personal experience had a lot to do with how I wrote the book. But I also know that children are endlessly curious and incredibly strong. When kids come up to me, usually somewhat shyly at first, I make sure to tell them the truth of my situation. They always take it surprisingly well and ask a million questions if their parents don’t steal them away too quickly! I never want to shy away from the truth with them, but being a hopeful person myself, I don’t want them to feel bad for me, either. From this attitude sprang my approach to writing this story.
What do you hope children, both with and without disabilities, take away from Lexi’s story?
I love that you mentioned children without disabilities as well as those with them because they are an important part of the audience I’m trying to reach, as well. But the messages are essentially the same for both kinds of kids: there is always hope, no matter the situation. I want children to be happy being themselves, I want them to be able to take pride in their achievements, and I want them to be empathetic and understanding of those in situations differing from their own. That is my hope for Lexi’s story.
When and where will the book be available?
I’m still searching for a publisher, but you’ll be the first to know when I find one! I will include here my website, Instagram, and Facebook page so that you can stay up-to-date with Lexi and her story.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Instagram
Wonderment
Animals are Great is a playful, rhythmic children’s picture book, structured like a song, that invites young readers on an imaginative journey through the animal kingdom. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration started with a silly song that was interactive for children. We wanted to explore different parts of the voice by using animal sounds and thought it would be fun to have Animals Are Great as a book that kids could read and listen to at the same time.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
We are real-life musicians and teachers. Teaching kids voice and movement while pretending to be an animal is a great way to explore different parts of their voice.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
“Walking through the woods thinking all the time, animals are great, they really blow my mind. Some are furry, some are big, and some are kind of small, animals, oh animals, I like them all.” We love the silliness of this verse and the wonderment it creates.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
We are actually working on 2 more sing-along books — I Love That Train and No More Sugar. Also, we are excited to share that the audio track for Animals Are Great is available on Spotify, iTunes, etc. as a single. I Love That Train and No More Sugar song tracks will also be available when the books come out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 