Blog Archives
Empowering Kids
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need to Have Iron in My Diet? follows a group of students who ask the school nurse about iron, and she explains its importance to the body and the dietary sources where it can be found.What made you write a story about this topic?
Kids should feel empowered with the books they read to live more fulfilling lives. Eating healthy is important and now there is a book to easily explain why a person needs to eat iron and where to get iron in their diet.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
A menstruating or pregnant woman needs a lot more iron compared to an average adult male. Males need only about 8 mg per day, a menstruating woman about 18 mg per day, and a pregnant woman around 27 mg per day.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the importance of iron?
I don’t think it could be regarded as a misconception, but iron is needed for red blood cells to deliver oxygen to all the cells in our body and the immune system to fight infections.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Writing poetry in high school helped develop some of my creativity.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
Worries and Anxiety
Carnival Chaos follows a curious, anxious young boy visiting his first carnival who finds it to be a sensory overload experience, learns to face his fears, and ends the day not just braver, but full of joy and pride. What was the inspiration for your story?
The Inspiration for this story is as with my previous two in this series, my son Kale. Kale represents the child of today’s world. Worries and anxiety are prevalent everywhere. These stories are a wonderful way to start a conversation about feelings.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
This book is about trying new things and having new experiences. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be a great accomplishment for anyone.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The child running off the ride looking sickly was my favourite. Kale’s response is exactly how he would respond to seeing such a sight. The calm demeanor of Mama as she tries to just brush it aside so as not to worry poor Kale even more is perfect.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I am going to concentrate on these three books in this series for now. I do however have a few ideas rumbling around in my brain, but right now I want people to understand the message behind my books and realize that they are teaching tools for not only parents but also teachers to start that all-too-important conversation about feelings with their children or students.
Author Links: Goodreads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | AllAuthor | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Kale will want to go to the carnival every year knowing how much fun new experiences can be. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be a great accomplishment for our little ones.
Just Be You
In Just Be You, Valerie Whetstone introduces readers to Pixie, a young fairy whose life is turned upside down when her parents announce they’re leaving the comfort of Fairy Town for the unfamiliar world of Humanville. For Pixie, this news is more than unsettling; it’s earth-shattering. Fairy Town is where she belongs, where she’s free to be herself without fear of judgment. In Humanville, she must conceal her wings and blend in with human children, a task that proves far more complicated than she expects.
Once relocated, Pixie begins attending a new school, and the struggle to hide her true identity intensifies. Every attempt to mask her wings ends in disappointment. Despite her best efforts, nothing seems to work. But Pixie isn’t ready to give up; she tries one final solution. Will it succeed? Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to discover whether Pixie’s bold move brings the acceptance she longs for or something even greater.
This charming tale is not only captivating but also imparts a resonant message. As Pixie wrestles with the pressure to conform, young readers are gently reminded of the power of authenticity. Her journey encourages children to embrace what makes them unique, reinforcing that trying to change who you are for others rarely brings true happiness. Instead, the story champions self-acceptance and honesty as the most empowering path.
The book’s back matter adds depth and interactivity that further enriches the reading experience. Whetstone includes a “Mirror Exercise” that encourages children to speak kind affirmations to themselves, an empowering activity that nurtures self-esteem. A whimsical recipe for Sprinkled Fairy Pancakes, introduced earlier in the story, adds a touch of fun and magic. Additionally, a Journal/Affirmations section invites young readers to reflect, draw, and express gratitude, promoting emotional awareness and self-love. Children can also create lists of “power words” to reinforce their inner strength.
The illustrations by Mel Schroeder are nothing short of enchanting. Every page bursts with warmth and color, pulling readers further into Pixie’s world. Schroeder’s talent shines through in each vibrant, full-page spread, harmonizing beautifully with the narrative.
Just Be You is a heartfelt and empowering picture book that encourages children to stand tall in their individuality. It’s an engaging, thoughtful read with endearing characters and stunning visuals, an excellent resource for parents and educators alike. A truly uplifting story with a timeless message.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DNQHFTTG
Every Child Has A Gift
Willie’s Gift follows a little dog who is struggling and feels out of place with his large ears, who learns that what makes him different is actually what helps make him special. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a teacher, I believe that every child has a gift that often needs to be cultivated in order to shine through. As an adoptive parent, I have also experienced, firsthand, the issues associated with “feeling different”, along with the importance of feeling accepted. Once accepted, confidence grows. Willie is a little dog who learns how being himself is actually a gift. It is a gift he can share with the people he visits, who are in need of love and acceptance themselves.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I strive to focus on diversity and inclusion in my children’s books. Also, I want to teach respect for others. In Willie’s Gift, Willie’s mom encourages him to learn to respect the folks that he visits, even though they may be different from him.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Maggie Sullivan?
The collaboration with my illustrator, Maggie Sullivan, was quite smooth. I picked her because I could relate to her style and felt that she would depict Willie exactly as he is in real life. Her attention to detail and sense of color blended with my own. She was quick to make adjustments, if needed.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am in the beginning stage of developing my next book for my brand, “CMBookWorks”. It will include a dog and will send an important lesson for children to learn. I have two previous books: “Justin’s Pet” and “Teddy’s Search” that are thoughtful stories that teach a child (and adults) a life lesson. Those books are presently available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble or through my website www.cmbookworks.com.
Author Links: Facebook |Website
Lamba’s Journey with Jesus
Lamba’s Journey With Jesus follows a little lamb with wanderlust who witnesses the birth of Christ, his ministry, and death and resurrection. What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My publisher is working on creating three separate books. Lamba’s Journey with Jesus is a three-part book, but now readers can purchase each separately. These will not be hardcover like the first, but softcover, paperback. They should be out in a few months. Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
Later, in Jerusalem, Lamba encounters Jesus, who tells him he has to go away but will return one day. One more time Lamba looks for Jesus only to find crosses on a hill and angels saying “He is risen” at an empty tomb. When his shepherd finds Lamba, they share the good news with all.
The birth of Christ, his ministry, and death and resurrection are told for children ages four through eight through the eyes of the little wandering lamb, Lamba. This three-part continuing story with delightful rhyming language shares the gospel and God’s love, and reinforces obedience in young hearts.
Baby Brother-Itis
Baby Brother-Itis by Mary Arnold delivers a delightful blend of humor and heart, capturing the emotional whirlwind a young girl experiences as she becomes a new big sister. Convinced she’s come down with something called “Baby Brother-Itis,” she spirals into a flurry of imagination, questioning what it is, whether it’s contagious, and how her world will change. With her parents now preoccupied with feeding, diaper-changing, or simply exhausted, she can’t help but feel a little forgotten.
As her story unfolds, the big sister’s perspective shifts. Slowly, and somewhat unexpectedly, she discovers that her baby brother isn’t a nuisance; he’s actually kind of sweet. And, to her surprise, she finds herself falling in love with him.
Arnold crafts a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar, echoing the inner thoughts of many children grappling with sibling transitions. The rhyming text adds a playful rhythm that makes reading aloud a joy while helping young readers develop phonemic awareness.
One standout moment comes when the big sister attempts to Google her “condition” on a tablet. Unable to spell it, the search becomes hilariously phonetic, “Bae-bee-bruh-thur-eye-tis.” It’s a clever, modern detail that will resonate with today’s tech-savvy kids and undoubtedly earn a chuckle from adults, too.
The illustrations burst with color and energy, perfectly complementing Arnold’s witty prose. Every page invites young readers to linger and explore, making the book as visually engaging as it is emotionally resonant.
Ideal for children anticipating or adjusting to a new sibling, Baby Brother-Itis validates their worries while gently guiding them toward empathy and acceptance. It’s not just a story, it’s a warm, reassuring embrace for big brothers and sisters in the making.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DQ73K3X3
Playful and Imaginative
Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse follows a spirited young girl who, with the help of her community, turns a crumbling dream into a glowing masterpiece built from courage, creativity, and a whole lot of pumpkin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One cozy fall evening, when I was tucking my granddaughter into bed, she asked me to tell her a bedtime story. Since we both share a love of pumpkins, I decided to tell her a story about a little girl and a giant pumpkin. Seeing her eyes light up as she listened, I knew this story was meant for more than just one bedtime, so I decided to turn it into a book, hoping it would be shared with other children and passed down for generations to come. That moment planted the seed for what would eventually grow into this book.
How did you approach balancing whimsical storytelling with deeper emotional moments like Ivy Blue’s initial failure?
Balancing whimsy with deeper emotions was really important to me. I wanted the story to feel playful and imaginative but also grounded in feelings that children can relate to—like disappointment and frustration when things don’t go as planned. Ivy Blue’s initial setback with the pumpkin patch gave me an opportunity to explore those emotions, while keeping the tone hopeful and light. By weaving in moments of wonder, friendship, humor and small victories, I aimed to show that even when things go wrong, something beautiful can still grow from it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the key themes I wanted to explore in this book were resilience, environmental stewardship, and the power of kindness. I wanted young readers to understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s how we respond to those disappointments that truly shapes our journey. Holding onto your dreams, caring for the natural world, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard—can lead to unexpected joy and rewards. Sometimes, our dreams come true in ways we never imagined, especially when we’re guided by compassion and purpose.
In addition, I wanted the book to have an extra layer of fun and engagement, so there are 29 butterflies hidden throughout the book—one in each illustration. This interactive element invites children to slow down, observe closely, and enjoy little details, reinforcing the idea that beauty and wonder are often discovered when we take the time to really look.
What message do you hope readers take away from Ivy Blues’s journey?
I hope readers come away with a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the incredible journey something as small as a seed can take. There’s so much wonder in watching a pumpkin grow—from planting the seed, nurturing it with care, and finally seeing it flourish. I also hope the story inspires kids to dream big and stay hopeful, even when things don’t go as expected. With patience, care, and a little imagination, dreams can be realized in the most unexpected ways.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
As Halloween nears, Autumn grows too large to become a jack-o’-lantern, leaving Ivy Blue with a dilemma—what do you do with a giant pumpkin?
With beautifully crafted illustrations and an interactive element that engages readers to find a butterfly in each picture, this heartwarming tale of friendship, giving back to the environment, and realizing one’s dreams in unexpected ways will delight readers in every season.
Educating Whole Families
Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B3 or Niacin in our Food? follows curious kids who learn medical science from a friendly nurse who believes young readers deserve the truth about their health. Why did you choose B3 for this story?
The series is addressing many diet related questions. Kids are usually just told by authority figures to take their vitamins. We are writing vitamin related books to help parents educate their children about the need for each of the essential vitamins as well as provide a resource for doctor’s offices so that their patients can feel informed and empowered.
How do you decide which “big words” or technical terms to introduce to young readers?
The first draft has many terms and then after review, I remove some of the “big words” so that a child doesn’t feel overwhelmed with too many new science words. I leave the most important terms in the final version of the book.
What has been the most surprising or rewarding feedback you’ve received from kids or parents about the series?
The best feedback we have received so far is that adults of all ages are learning from these books even grandparents. This series is helping educate whole families about their health. Since the books have started to be translated into other languages and are available in many online retailer websites around the world, this project may help to really improve the health literacy levels of people in most if not all cultures.
What challenges did you face when writing about potential risks of niacin, like overconsumption, without scaring kids?
I want kids to know they can take too much of a good thing and that turns into a problem. Most everything should be done in moderation.
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LITERARY TITAN 