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Trying New Things
Winslow the Wizard is a delightful, heartwarming picture book filled with whimsical magic, lovable characters, playful humor, and imaginative fun for young readers. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The idea for Winslow first came up during COVID lockdown when Lucy was in middle school. We thought about writing a book as a fun project and talked about a character named Winslow. We then decided that alliteration would be fun, so he became Winslow the Wizard. Winslow the Wizard stayed in our minds and in casual conversations for many years until last year, when we decided to create an entire series of characters based on the letters of the alphabet, starting with Winslow the Wizard, of course.
What made you decide to focus on ordinary activities rather than grand magical adventures?
We thought it would be fun to tell a story about a wizard doing regular things instead of magical things, and we wanted it to be a story about everyday life but told in a way that would be clever and funny for little children.
What strengths did each of you bring to the creative process?
We did the entire thing together, which meant that every line of the story and every illustration in the book was done by both of us. One of Jessica’s strengths is that she has the benefit of being a mother and having read hundreds of children’s books many times over, so she could envision what lines would make children laugh and what would be fun for adults to read out loud. One of Lucy’s strengths is that she has a great eye for quickly identifying what is “off” in an illustration, whether it is the angle, perspective, or size of the characters or objects. Even better, she is great at fixing it.
What would you most like children to remember when they encounter a difficult or unfamiliar task?
We would like children to remember that difficult or unfamiliar tasks are a great way to learn and grow, and they are also very often fun and funny! Life would be boring if we only did familiar or easy things every single day. Some of the most fun parts of life are in trying new things and making a mess.
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Kids Picture Book Review calls Winslow the Wizard a “sweet and accessible story for young children, particularly those who are learning to become more independent and trying unfamiliar things for themselves.”
Join Winslow the Wizard as he spends an entire day without magic, learning how to paint, bake, and deliver the mail with the help of his friends Peter the Painter, Charlotte the Chef, and Max the Mailman!
In Winslow the Wizard, Winslow, who usually relies on magic spells, decides to spend one full day without using any magic. Readers will follow Winslow on a wacky and whimsical day starting first thing in the morning as he figures out how to get dressed, make breakfast, and brush his teeth without using his magic wand. Follow Winslow’s adventures throughout the rest of the day as he helps his friends with their projects, having fun while learning, getting messy, and trying again.
With clever, easy-to-read text and personal, hand-drawn illustrations, Winslow the Wizard is ideal for:
– A unique way to learn about letters, jobs and community;
– Subtle life lessons that are great for kids, like trying new things, being okay with something messy or out of order, and working together with friends
This is the first book in a series about Winslow and his friends where each character’s name and occupation correspond with a different letter. Hand-drawn illustrations where each character reflects their trade give a warm and personal touch. Keep an eye out for each new book in the series, and collect the whole alphabet!
Little Educational Moments
Cats, Cats, Everywhere Cats is a delightful, rhyming picture book that celebrates the charming personalities, playful antics, and wonderful diversity of cats, inviting young readers to discover what makes every feline special. What inspired you to write this story?
Honestly, cats! I have loved cats my entire life. I can’t remember a single season of my life when I haven’t had at least one cat sharing it with me.
The inspiration for Cats, Cats, Everywhere Cats came one evening while I was putting my two-year-old granddaughter, Elsie, to bed. At the time, I had four cats, and as we went into her bedroom, several of them had made themselves right at home. We had to shoo the cats out of the room, and Elsie and I were laughing about it when I said, “Oh, Elsie, cats, cats, everywhere cats!”
Almost immediately, another line came to mind: “Cats in the country, cats in the town, cats all over, cats all around.” Then came more thoughts about cats of different colors, cats in the daytime, and cats at night.
After our little adventure with the cats, I settled down on the floor beside Elsie’s crib, as I often did, holding her hand while she drifted off to sleep. But that evening, my mind was filled with rhymes! One thought led to another, and the words just kept coming.
Once Elsie was asleep, I got up and began writing. That very evening, I wrote nearly the entire story.
What started as a simple, laughter-filled bedtime moment with my granddaughter and our cats became a children’s book. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected moments in everyday life can become something truly special.
How did you decide which feline characteristics and behaviors to highlight for young readers?
Having shared my life with cats for as long as I can remember, I’ve come to appreciate just how wonderfully different they are. Even the cats I have today have completely different personalities, yet they share some of those familiar feline characteristics that cat lovers everywhere recognize. Some are affectionate and gentle, others are mischievous and independent, and some seem to have a little attitude about everything! That’s part of what makes cats so entertaining.
What makes this book especially personal is that many of the cats featured in the illustrations are actual cats belonging to my family. There’s my fearless orange tabby, Tom, who is illustrated boldly smacking my German Shepherd, perfectly capturing the line “Cat with no fear.” My tuxedo cat, Leo, also makes an appearance, along with my son’s beautiful tortoiseshell, Luna, my daughter’s uniquely marked cat, Clover, and my mother’s lovely calico, Callie. One of the tabbies was even a stray I rescued. Over the years, I’ve rescued more than thirteen cats, helping them receive veterinary care and find loving homes.
Some of the characteristics I chose intentionally because I wanted children to see the incredible variety in the cat world. I wanted to include different coat colors, patterns, sizes, personalities, and even eye colors. Cats can have green eyes, yellow eyes, blue eyes, or sometimes two different-colored eyes! And of course, I had to include the magnificent Maine Coon! As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, I like to think of it as the lion of the domestic cat world.
Other choices came naturally through the rhyming process. I thought it would be funny to contrast a well-dressed tuxedo cat with a hairless Sphynx cat. The thought of one cat dressed for a formal occasion and another wearing absolutely nothing still makes me laugh!
I also wanted to weave little educational moments into the story. For example, one of the verses says, “Cats in a clowder, cats all alone.” Many people don’t realize that a group of cats is called a clowder! I thought it would be fun to introduce children to interesting words and facts about cats while keeping the story playful and entertaining. I also intentionally included a collection of fun facts at the end of the book, giving curious young readers an opportunity to learn even more about these fascinating animals. I love the idea that children can laugh, enjoy the rhymes, and discover something new all at the same time.
Some details were carefully chosen, while others simply fell into place as the rhymes developed. I wanted the book to be playful and educational without ever feeling like a lesson.
More than anything, I wanted children to discover what I’ve known my entire life: no two cats are exactly alike, and each one has something special about it. I’ve been incredibly blessed to share my life with these wonderful animals, and I can’t imagine a life without them.
What was your creative process for balancing rhythm, humor, and simplicity?
I’ve always had a special love for children’s books, especially those that rhyme. When my own children were little, I read to them constantly. I also provided childcare in my home for five children, and reading stories together was always an important part of our day. Now I have the joy of sharing that same love of books with my granddaughter, Elsie.
One of the things I’ve always appreciated about rhyming stories is how naturally children remember them. When my daughter Megan was just three years old, we regularly brought books home from the library. I was amazed at how quickly she memorized the rhyming stories. I remember counting the words in one particular book and discovering that she had memorized approximately 365 words, word for word, simply from hearing it read aloud over those few weeks. That experience really stayed with me. Rhyming isn’t just entertaining; it’s a wonderful tool for developing language, learning, and memory.
I’ve always enjoyed playing with words and rhymes, even in everyday conversation, so writing my children’s books in rhyme feels very natural to me.
With Cats, Cats, Everywhere Cats, the rhythm seemed to come almost effortlessly. Those very first lines had a particular cadence that I loved, and I intentionally worked to carry that same rhythm throughout the entire story. I wanted the words to flow easily, almost musically, so that children could enjoy hearing them again and again.
The humor came naturally, too, because cats are such funny, unpredictable creatures! Their personalities and antics provided endless opportunities for playful verses. I wanted to keep the language simple enough for young children to understand while making the story entertaining for the adults reading along with them.
As a Christian, I also believe the Holy Spirit leads and guides me in every area of my life, including my writing. I truly believe He helped me as the words and ideas came together so naturally.
Looking back, I think the rhythm, humor, and simplicity worked together because I wasn’t trying to make the story complicated. I was simply having fun with words, drawing from my love of cats, and creating the kind of rhyming story I’ve always loved sharing with children.
What do you hope children learn about appreciating differences?
I hope children come away from this book understanding that every cat is unique and special, regardless of its appearance, personality, or circumstances. Some cats are playful and affectionate, others are independent or timid, and some have had a much harder life than others. But every one of them deserves love, kindness, and compassion.
As I was writing Cats, Cats, Everywhere Cats, I began thinking about how I wanted to end the story. Having grown up on a country road where people frequently abandoned unwanted pets, I’ve witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking consequences of irresponsible pet ownership. Over the years, I’ve taken in numerous stray cats, and while living at Rocky Gap, I rescued more than thirteen cats, helping them receive veterinary care and find loving homes.
One of those cats was Beans, a frightened feral mother who is actually featured in the book as the beautiful black queen with three tuxedo kittens. When I first rescued Beans, she was terrified of people. After having her spayed, I kept her safely confined while she recovered. During that time, I discovered she had kittens somewhere outside. When I finally released her, she did something I’ll never forget. She went and found two of her kittens and brought them back to the very crate where I had cared for her. That frightened little mother had learned to trust me enough to bring her babies to safety. Beans still lives with me today, and although she remains somewhat skittish, we share a very special bond.
Experiences like that have given me a tremendous heart for abandoned and feral cats. I’ve also witnessed the suffering of animals that weren’t fortunate enough to receive help in time, and those experiences have stayed with me.
That’s why I intentionally ended the book with these words:
“Cats need love and cats need care. Get your cat fixed so they aren’t everywhere.”
I wanted to leave children and the adults reading to them with an important message about responsible pet ownership. Spaying and neutering, whether a cat is male or female, can help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of homeless cats suffering from hunger, disease, and neglect.
I also wanted to do more than simply encourage responsible pet ownership. That’s why I included resources at the end of the book to help families find free or low-cost spay and neuter services. I understand that veterinary expenses can be a financial burden, and I wanted readers to know that assistance may be available. My hope is that by providing both encouragement and practical resources, the book can make a difference in reducing the number of unwanted and homeless cats.
I have tremendous respect for the rescue organizations and individuals who dedicate themselves to helping these animals. Their compassion makes such a difference.
Ultimately, I hope children learn to appreciate the wonderful differences that make each cat special, but even more importantly, I hope they develop a heart of compassion for animals. They are living creatures deserving of kindness, protection, and care. If this little rhyming book encourages even one family to rescue a cat, provide a loving home, or make the responsible decision to have their pet spayed or neutered, then it has accomplished something truly meaningful to me.
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Cats Cats Everywhere Cats is a fun, beautifully illustrated children’s cat book that celebrates everything kids love about cats and kittens—from their colorful coats and fascinating breeds to their funny habits, unique personalities, and irresistible charm.
Through playful rhymes and watercolor-style illustrations, young readers will discover black cats, orange cats, tabbies, calicos, Siamese cats, Maine Coons, tuxedo cats, hairless cats, cats with unusual eyes, playful kittens, sleepy cats, mischievous cats, and many more.
But this rhyming picture book is more than a celebration of our feline friends. Children also learn about cat care, homeless and feral cats, why spaying and neutering matters, and why every cat deserves love and care.
The fun continues with educational Feline Fun Facts! Young animal lovers can discover what words like clowder, tom, gib, molly, and queen mean, while learning fascinating facts about whiskers, toe beans, purring, pupils, the righting reflex, and other amazing features that make cats so special.
Perfect for:
• Kids who love cats and kittens
• Families and pet-loving households
• Young animal lovers
• Read-aloud and bedtime story time
• Children who enjoy rhyming picture books
• Kids who love fun animal facts
• Parents and teachers looking for entertaining educational books about cats
Funny, educational, heartwarming, and filled with cats of every kind, Cats Cats Everywhere Cats reminds young readers of one important message:
Cats need love and cats need care.
Get your cats fixed so they aren’t everywhere!
Way Up North
Way Up North by Scott Sollers, illustrated by Alejandro Echavez, takes young readers into the icy landscape of Nunavut, where a young Inuit boy named Nukilik dreams of becoming a skilled hunter like his father. Nukilik lives with his parents, Amaruq and Yura, in a close-knit village where families depend on one another for survival. As winter approaches and food becomes scarce, Nukilik grows eager to contribute to his community. He’s determined to prove that he’s ready for the responsibilities that come with growing older. This children’s book combines a coming-of-age story with an adventurous look at life in a challenging Arctic environment, where family relationships, resourcefulness, and cooperation play important roles.
Nukilik’s father, Amaruq, is an experienced hunter with remarkable eyesight and a special ability to communicate with animals. Under his guidance, Nukilik begins learning the skills he’ll need, including constructing a traditional boat called an umiak, handling a harpoon, and imitating animal calls. The lessons don’t come easily, and Nukilik soon discovers that enthusiasm alone won’t make him successful. His frustration feels believable, especially when his efforts don’t produce the results he hopes for. Amaruq’s patient encouragement gives the father-son relationship a warm, reassuring quality. Sollers uses their interactions to explore perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of learning from someone with greater experience. The approaching whale hunt adds anticipation as Nukilik prepares for an opportunity to put his training to use.
Sweeping Arctic landscapes fill the pages with towering mountains, enormous ice formations, and stretches of brilliant blue water. The skies are especially striking, shifting between cool purples and glowing oranges that bring warmth to the frozen setting. Detailed scenes of village life show families gathered around fires, hunters preparing their equipment, and people dressed in thick fur clothing. The illustrations also give the wildlife plenty of personality. Playful-looking seals, an imposing polar bear, and massive bowhead whales create a sense of movement and excitement. Some pages feature smaller sequential images that capture Nukilik’s training, while expansive scenes emphasize the scale of the natural surroundings. These visual choices help make the adventure engaging and give children plenty to examine during repeated readings.
One of the most interesting aspects of Way Up North is how it connects personal growth with responsibility to others. Nukilik wants to become a capable hunter because he understands how much his village depends on shared effort. The story also introduces young readers to traditional Inuit hunting practices, the practical uses of natural resources, and the respect shown to animals that provide food and materials. Its animal communication elements add a touch of fantasy to the adventure. With its encouraging message about persistence and its emphasis on family and community, Way Up North offers an engaging read-aloud experience for children who enjoy wildlife, outdoor adventures, and stories about discovering what they’re capable of achieving.
Pages: 38 | ASIN: B0HD9CMVRY
Brave Like Me
Karen Henrich’s Brave Like Me, is a charming children’s book about finding courage in unexpected places and discovering how friendship can make frightening situations feel more manageable. Set in a peaceful, snow-covered forest, the story follows four woodland friends whose quiet winter morning takes an unusual turn when a mysterious figure appears on a nearby hill. Benny Bear, Remy Raccoon, Ruby Rabbit, and Mabel Mouse each approach the puzzling sight with a different combination of curiosity, concern, and determination. As they try to make sense of what they’ve encountered, their individual experiences add to the mystery. It’s an engaging premise that gives young readers plenty to wonder about while introducing the idea that being brave doesn’t mean you have to feel fearless.
One of the book’s most appealing qualities is the way Henrich gives each animal a distinct personality. Benny is sensitive and easily startled, Remy enjoys solving mysteries, Ruby brings an encouraging spirit, and little Mabel shows that courage comes in every size. Their different reactions create opportunities for children to recognize their own feelings and understand that everyone handles uncertainty differently. Henrich tells the story in rhyming verse, giving it a lively rhythm that works especially well when read aloud. The dialogue adds personality and humor, while the increasingly curious circumstances encourage readers to keep turning pages. There’s also a gentle sense of reassurance running through the narrative as the friends learn to listen to one another and face their questions together.
Jordan Foster’s illustrations are a particularly inviting part of this picture book. The winter woodland feels both magical and welcoming, with towering trees, snowy hillsides, and cozy animal homes that give the setting plenty of personality. Deep blues and purples capture the stillness of nighttime, while soft pinks, oranges, and golden sunlight bring warmth to the chilly landscape. The illustrations also play an important role in building suspense, using shadows, changes in perspective, and expressive animal faces to help readers experience the characters’ uncertainty. Little details, including Remy’s detective cap and Mabel’s colorful scarf, make the friends especially endearing. Foster’s artwork complements the rhyming text beautifully, creating an atmosphere that balances playful adventure with emotional warmth.
Beyond its entertaining woodland mystery, Brave Like Me offers a thoughtful message about courage, empathy, and the comfort of facing challenges with people who care about us. Henrich’s author’s note adds a meaningful personal dimension, connecting the story to children experiencing difficult emotions, including those facing serious medical challenges. The book also includes a special space for recognizing a child’s bravery, making its message feel personal and encouraging. Families and educators will find natural opportunities to talk about fear, friendship, and the importance of looking closely before making assumptions. With its lovable characters, expressive illustrations, and reassuring outlook, Brave Like Me is a heartwarming story that invites children to appreciate their own courage and recognize the strength that comes from standing together.
Pages: 38 | ASIN: B0H4NLHTNR
An Extraordinary Moose
Mortimer and Lily: Moose in Training follows an imaginative third grader who decides a giant moose would make the perfect community service volunteer. What inspired you to create your story, and how did the idea of a moose participating in a community service project develop?
Moose in Training is actually the first book of a spin-off chapter book series. My first series, Mortimer and Me, consists of eight books that feature an 8-year-old boy named Jimmy who makes friends with a moose named Mortimer. The subsequent books are the different adventures they go on. I first got the idea while I was still teaching. My sixth-grade students had the opportunity to write and illustrate their own stories, which would then be printed and bound professionally. I decided that if I was going to teach them the writing process, I should have a story of my own to use as a model. My dad used to tell me bedtime stories about a donkey named Mortimer who always got into trouble. I always loved the name Mortimer, but I didn’t want to write about a donkey! A trip to Alaska convinced me that Mortimer should be a moose. We don’t have moose in Arizona, but I do have family connections in Wisconsin, so I decided to set it there. They don’t have many moose in WI either, but there have been sightings in northern WI, so I invented the ficticious town of Peabody. The story evolved into a chapter book, which turned into an 8-book series. When my illustrator decided he was done after eight books, I decided to birth the Mortimer and Lily series with a new illustrator that features Jimmy’s younger sister, Lily. Lily’s adventures will have a whole new look. The idea for the community project came from Mortimer’s desire to help people. Most of what he tries to do ends up as a disaster in the first series, and this next series will be no exception. The idea for the Tidy Town project came from a trip to Ireland, where Tidy Towns are a real thing, where towns compete against each other to gain the designation of a Tidy Town. I decided to make Lily’s teacher, Mrs. Murphy, from Ireland. She introduces a class project whose mission is to benefit the community in some way. Of course, Lily wants to include Mortimer, because he received an award from the Governor for being a “Rising Star” in the community. The book focuses on different possibilities that turn disastrous until Lily and her friends finally find a solution.
What makes Mortimer such an effective companion for Lily, especially when their personalities and abilities create unexpected complications?
Mortimer proves himself to be an extraordinary moose, not your typical wild animal. The whole town is familiar with his wandering into town on occasion, playing with the kids on the school playground, and trying to help out wherever he can. They even erected a statue of him in the town square. So, it’s not unusual for the kids to want to include him in a project. He’s loyal and always tries his best. Lily is stubborn and tenacious in getting what she wants, but not at the expense of hurting others’ feelings. She and Mortimer are alike in that way. She’s able to pivot when plans don’t go her way.
How might teachers and parents use the Shamrock Squad’s adventures to inspire children to develop their own community service ideas?
Having taught elementary school for 32 years, I know not to underestimate what kids are capable of. Their ability to think outside the box can create all sorts of exciting projects. They just need guidance and support.
Without revealing too much, what kinds of adventures or personal growth would you like to explore with Lily and Mortimer as the series continues?Â
I’m currently working on the second book in the series, Chocolate Moose. It involves a televised cooking contest where the Shamrock Squad faces off against the antagonist, Harper, and her mean girl friends that were introduced in the first book. Imagine Mortimer in the kitchen of a television set! As you can imagine, chaos ensues, creating all kinds of hilarity. But it also gives meaning to the phrase “Winning isn’t everything” as Lily and her friends navigate through all the challenges that arise. The main themes that carry through both series are friendship, teamwork, family, inclusivity, and kindness.
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A spin-off of the award-winning chapter book series, Mortimer and Me, each book in this new series, Mortimer and Lily, takes the reader on a journey full of twists and turns, turning ordinary days into unforgettable adventures. Warm, funny, and full of heart, this series is perfect for young readers who love humor, surprises, and friends who come in all shapes and sizes – even with antlers!
Cats Cats Everywhere Cats
Cats Cats Everywhere Cats by Melanie Burgess is a charming little picture book that cat lovers of all ages will undoubtedly enjoy. Written in playful, lively rhymes, this delightful read celebrates cats of every kind. From their distinctive appearances and quirky personalities to their amusing antics, each page captures the irresistible charm of our feline friends. The rhythmic verses add an extra layer of fun, making the story especially entertaining to read aloud to young children.
I particularly appreciated the book’s simple yet endearing approach to celebrating cats and their many differences. Young readers who already adore cats will delight in recognizing familiar feline behaviors and amusing quirks. Meanwhile, those less familiar with these lovable creatures will discover the wonderful variety of cats and their unique characteristics. The book’s short length, cheerful tone, and lighthearted theme make it an excellent choice for a cozy bedtime story or a quick, enjoyable read-along.
Cats Cats Everywhere Cats is an entertaining children’s book and a heartwarming tribute to everything that makes cats so special. It is a wonderful choice for animal lovers, young children, and anyone seeking a lighthearted read brimming with kitty charm. Although the story is simple, its playful rhymes, adorable subject matter, and joyful celebration of feline individuality make it a delightful addition to any bookshelf. A sweet, engaging read that is sure to bring smiles to cat enthusiasts everywhere!
ASIN: B0HJYC3MWZ
Tthe Obvious, Most Absurd Next Step
In Planet of the Pets, the PET.X corporation creates an irresistible new species designed for wealthy consumers, but this new species also has natural instincts that collide with humanity’s greed, resulting in catastrophic damage. How did the idea of the Fuzzos develop, and what made adorable bioengineered creatures the right vehicle for the story’s larger themes?
I was thinking about how our current late-stage capitalism is chugging full-steam ahead on wringing everyone dry – and it seems that there’s nothing we won’t monetize and consume. So to me, the obvious, most absurd next step is a company creating an original, proprietary species to sell, focused-tested for maximum cuteness. The Fuzzos are living things – and yet, they’re treated as any other hot new fad or vanity toy. It’s so offensive a concept I’m honestly surprised it hasn’t happened in reality yet.
How does the Fuzzos’ journey from manufactured luxury products to independent living beings shape the story’s central conflict?
Even though the Fuzzos will never comprehend their origin as products, this nature to own and consume is in them. On some level, it’s the selfishness of survival – to horde the most acorns regardless if you already have enough. But also, it only made sense that as humanity fades and they become independent, thinking beings, that they would fall into the same traps as the humans who bought and sold them. Our nature is their nature too.
What ethical questions about genetic engineering and the commercialization of living creatures were most important for you to explore?
While I was writing the story, the news about the dire wolves and wooly mice genetic revivals broke and I thought… my story won’t be allegorical for much longer. But the immense power of genetic engineering aside, it’s clear we are all too willing to put a price on life, even implicitly if not literally. It’s our impulse to break down everything in our world into a nice, neat commercial value. I don’t think there are any easy answers to how we might as a society effectively subvert those impulses into more caring behaviors, but I think now more than ever we need to ask those questions.
How did you decide how far to push the comic’s humor, political commentary, and darker subject matter?
I’ve been told I have a dark sense of humor, so there’s that. But even still, I feel like exaggeration is the main ingredient in satire. And when the state of the world is so comically exaggerated to begin with, a story drawing attention to those absurdities can’t pull any punches – or at least, that’s my approach. My story also aims to draw a line through humanity’s full history of violence to the present, and it just seems irresponsible to sugarcoat. I appreciate some readers might find the darker elements troubling – and I’m certainly not out to create an unpleasant experience – but at the end of the day, if the goal is to inspire an alternative to the extremity of human (or Fuzzo) failings, then it has to be extreme.
So You Want To Be A Public Defender
In So You Want to Be a Public Defender, Linda Soules introduces young readers to a profession that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. This informative children’s book explores what it means to stand up for people accused of crimes, especially those who can’t afford an attorney. Soules explains the purpose of public defenders, the rights they’re responsible for protecting, and the important role they play in the American justice system. Her approach is engaging and thoughtful, encouraging children to consider questions about fairness, responsibility, and the importance of hearing everyone’s side of a story. It’s a fascinating subject for a picture book, and Soules makes it accessible by connecting complicated legal ideas to situations children can understand.
I liked the way the book brings legal concepts into everyday life. A missing cupcake becomes an amusing opportunity to explore evidence and the presumption of innocence, while other examples help readers understand how lawyers investigate cases, question witnesses, and advocate for their clients. Soules also takes readers through a typical public defender’s workday, showing how much happens outside the courtroom. From researching legal arguments to listening to frightened clients, the responsibilities are varied and demanding. The writing has a friendly and conversational quality, with touches of humor that make the subject approachable. There’s plenty of information here, and the book encourages curiosity by introducing legal vocabulary, historical figures, and surprising facts about the justice system.
The illustrations are warm additions to the book that add personality to the reading experience. Rich browns, golden lighting, and inviting architectural details give the courtrooms, offices, and libraries a welcoming atmosphere. The characters are expressive, and their interactions help communicate the human side of a profession often associated with rules and procedures. Particularly effective are the scenes showing attorneys listening to clients, working alongside colleagues, and offering reassurance during difficult moments. The artwork also depicts a diverse range of people, reinforcing the book’s emphasis on representing individuals from all backgrounds. Some spreads combine substantial blocks of text with smaller illustrations, giving the book the feel of an illustrated career guide. The images provide visual interest throughout, especially when the information becomes more detailed.
What makes So You Want to Be a Public Defender especially interesting is its attention to both the rewards and challenges of the profession. Soules discusses heavy workloads, difficult decisions, and the emotional demands of defending people who may be unpopular or misunderstood. She also highlights the compassion, courage, careful thinking, and persistence the work requires. Interactive activities, practical suggestions, a glossary, and additional resources invite readers to explore these ideas beyond the page. The amount of information makes this picture book particularly well suited to older elementary readers and curious middle schoolers. Its central message has broad appeal. Soules offers an absorbing introduction to public defense while encouraging children to think about justice, empathy, and the difference one committed person can make in someone else’s life.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0HMTJNNWQ
