Blog Archives
Tail Tale Too
Tail Tale Too follows Wally, a curious and confident boy with a big imagination and a habit of believing he knows best, until experience teaches him otherwise. Each chapter shows Wally calling on a magical Tailor to give him different animal tails—a monkey’s, a fox’s, and a peacock’s—hoping each one will help him tackle a challenge. But every tail ends up backfiring in funny or unexpected ways.
I really liked the clever way the story used tails to teach lessons. Wally’s excitement is relatable and funny, and the situations he gets into, like crashing a wedding with a giant peacock tail, made me laugh. The writing is clear and rhythmic, with just the right balance of silly and sweet. Wally feels like a real kid, not just a lesson-delivery system. And Snoo, the grumpy snake sidekick, adds a snarky voice that keeps things grounded and amusing.
What hit me the most, though, was the final scene. There’s a genuine emotional warmth when Wally helps the little beaver and finally trusts his own instincts instead of magical fixes. That moment felt earned. It landed with quiet confidence, and it reminded me how kids (and adults) grow, not from being told what to do, but from trying things, failing, and choosing to do better next time.
The artwork is bright and whimsical, perfectly matching Wally’s big personality and wild tail adventures. Each page bursts with colorful details that bring the characters and their emotions to life in a way that’s both playful and inviting.
Tail Tale Too is a charming picture book with heart, humor, and a lot of wisdom tucked inside its playful pages. I’d recommend it for kids aged 4 to 8, especially the ones who like to figure things out on their own, even if it takes a few missteps. It’s also a sweet read-aloud for parents and caregivers who know the value of letting kids stumble and shine.
Pages: 30
Hope and Faith
Precious One tells the story of two parents longing for a child, their journey through waiting, hope, and faith, and the ultimate arrival of their baby boy. What was the inspiration for your story?
My story is inspired by my own personal journey of waiting for a child. After years of anticipation and hope, I experienced a mix of emotions, including loss and joy. The story reflects the emotional ups and downs that many parents face when waiting for a child, and I hope it resonates with readers who have experienced similar challenges.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the key themes I wanted to convey is patience. The story highlights the joy and anticipation that comes with waiting for something precious, and how that waiting period can be filled with hope and faith.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I had a lot of fun writing the scene where the parents rush to the hospital, thinking it’s time for the baby to arrive. It was a relatable moment for me, as I recalled my own experience with my son. The mix of excitement, worry, and anticipation made for a memorable scene.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I’ve actually completed my second picture book, and I’m currently in the editing phase. The new book explores explaining loss to kids, drawing from my own experiences with loss. I’m excited to share this important topic with young readers in a way that’s both gentle and honest.
Feeling of Isolation
Little Bear and the Big Hole follows a young bear struggling with his grief over the loss of his father, who sees his absence as a literal hole—vast, lonely, and invisible to others until a friend shows up and helps him process his pain. Why was this an important book for you to write for children?
I was 35 when my husband died – not a child, but at a time in my life when I knew no one like me. It felt like everyone else my age was in the blossoming of life – new marriages, having children, having fun, etc. and I was at an end of some kind. I didn’t know anyone like me – a widow in her mid-30s – and it felt very isolating. This feeling, that your world has stopped while everyone else’s around you is still joyfully spinning, made me feel so terribly alone on top of all the other heavy feelings of grief. Also, I found that most people (unless very, very close friends or family) tended to avoid talking with me about grief because I think they just didn’t know how to, which made them feel uncomfortable. Children are also at an age/life stage where it is less common to experience a profound loss, so they would very likely encounter this feeling of isolation as well. When I learned that 1 in 12 children will suffer the loss of a parent or sibling by the age of 18 I was astounded, and I wanted to write a book that would help them feel that they are not alone, that their feelings are normal and that grief will eventually transform into healing. I also wanted the book to show others how to be a friend to someone who is grieving.
The artwork in your story brings the concepts to life so that children can visualize Little Bear’s emotions. What was the collaboration process like with Mirjam Siim?
My publisher does not allow direct communication between the writer and the illustrator, but they did allow me to communicate through an art director due to the sensitive nature of this book. One of the main points of discussion was the concept of the hole, as it was very important to me that the hole appear, at least in the beginning, like it was boundless. I knew that if we didn’t get the hole right, the concept would fall flat, and I think Mirjam did a beautiful job depicting the hole and all of the big emotions in the book. Interestingly, I have since commissioned Mirjam to do the artwork for my website (so fantastic!) and a few other projects. She is a joy to work with and so very talented!
What was the most challenging part of writing Little Bear and the Big Hole?
There were so many things I wanted to convey in this book and I think the hardest part was making only the choices necessary for this story. I had to tell myself that there are so many facets of grief, and my one story cannot address them all. Even if it did (this would be a very long book), it would lessen the impact.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
You are not alone.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Amazon
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
Finding Manhood in Scotland by Victor Atyas
Viper Island by Cameron K. Moore
The Ballad of Midnight and McRae by Jess Lederman
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold 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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Sydney, Bean and The Missing Gloves
Sydney, Bean, and the Missing Gloves is a charming and heartwarming children’s story that follows Sydney, a brave-hearted but anxious Labrador, and her new little sister Bean, a lively puppy with a big heart. The story kicks off with Sydney struggling with fear and self-doubt, especially when left alone during thunderstorms. When a pair of their mom’s cherished gloves go missing, suspicion falls on Sydney, reigniting her worries. But Bean leaps to her defense, and the two embark on a mystery-filled adventure that eventually brings them face-to-face with a mischievous cat, a junkyard rescue mission, and the realization that courage and love come in many forms.
I was hooked right away by Sydney’s inner voice. Her struggle with fear felt surprisingly real for a kids’ book. Janice E. Collins does a beautiful job of giving Sydney dimension—she’s not just the “brave dog” trope. She’s messy, nervous, and trying her best. I loved how her relationship with Bean started off prickly and uncertain but bloomed into something sweet and fiercely loyal. The story sneaks in a lot of heart: it’s about family, trust, and believing in yourself even when things get tough. I found myself laughing at Monty the cat’s antics and rooting hard for Bean as she wandered into danger. There’s a cozy energy in the way the story unfolds, but it also manages to squeeze in real suspense and adventure.
One of the standout elements for me was how this book avoids being preachy while still delivering strong lessons. Kids don’t get a moral hammered at them—they live it through Sydney and Bean. The pacing was sharp, and the dialogue cracked with personality. Every animal character had a distinct voice, from the slightly dramatic Sergeant Riley to the chatty baby bird. And the emotional beats hit just right. It’s rare for a book aimed at young readers to balance silliness with sincerity so well, but this one pulls it off.
The illustrations are magical. Each scene bursts with rich colors, expressive characters, and warm, detailed backdrops that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a Disney movie. The illustrator, Artsoluki, brings the story to life with a cinematic flair.
Sydney, Bean, and the Missing Gloves is a total delight. I’d recommend it for any kids who love animals, mystery, and stories with a lot of heart. It’s also a great pick for read-aloud sessions—there’s just so much voice in every page. Parents will enjoy it too, especially if they’ve ever had a scared pup or a new sibling dynamic at home.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B0DLLR5HZD
LITERARY TITAN 