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Sadness Impacts All of Us
Posted by Literary Titan

Bella and Bird Explore Sadness centers around a little girl who learns to sit with her sadness when she is befriended by a gentle horse and playful barn swallow. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Sadness impacts all of us. It’s a heavy emotion, and often we don’t know what to do with it. Just as importantly, when someone we care about is sad, we often don’t know how to respond.
The inspiration for Bella and Bird Explore Sadness came from my own experiences navigating friendships over the years. Friendship can be wonderful, but they can also be messy. We all want to feel included, accepted, and valued, yet most of us have experienced moments of rejection, hurt, or being left out. I wanted children who have felt ignored, excluded, or lonely to know they are not alone—and that there are healthy ways to navigate those feelings.
In the story, Molly is saddened when her friends do not want to play with her. Before offering advice, Bella and Bird simply sit with her in silence. That moment is intentional. When someone is hurting, our instinct is often to fix the problem because sadness can make us uncomfortable. But sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is be present. Silence creates space for trust, understanding, and connection before words are shared.
Once Molly feels heard, Bella and Bird introduce practical tools to help her understand and navigate her sadness—tools she can use whenever sadness visits again.
I also make an important distinction in the author’s notes between sadness and grief. While they are related, they are not the same. Everyone experiences sadness from time to time, and sadness itself is a normal, healthy emotion. The goal isn’t to avoid it, but to understand it, learn from it, and move through it in healthy ways.
How did Bella and Bird first come to life as characters?
Bella is my real-life horse, and Bird is real too; although he is a bit more elusive.
Bella first came to life as a character after Hurricane Ian devastated our community in 2022. The storm was catastrophic, and in the aftermath, I found myself thinking about the children and adults who were struggling to process everything they had experienced. I wanted to create stories that would help people better understand and navigate difficult emotions that arise after challenges such as hurricanes, fires, loss, trauma, and other life experiences. But more importantly, I wanted the stories to have real tools they can take along with them.
What makes Bella’s story especially meaningful is that she arrived at the barn just one week before Hurricane Ian. In fact, she arrived early and wasn’t supposed to be there yet. I adopted her from Southern California to become my equine partner in my psychotherapy practice. During the storm, Bella demonstrated a quiet strength and resilience that deeply inspired me.
Drawing from my experiences as an educator, therapist, and equine-assisted mental health professional, I began writing shortly after the hurricane. Bella’s journey became the foundation for what would eventually grow into the Bella and Bird the Emotion Explorers series.
Bird came along because I needed a character who could bring humor and lightness to some very big topics. Bird is inspired by the barn swallow’s that nest in Bella’s stall. They often use her hair to build their nests. In many ways, Bird represents all the barn swallows that have come and gone over the years.
Emotions can be difficult to talk about, especially with children and Bird’s playful, wisecracking personality helps make emotional learning feel approachable and fun. While Bella provides gentle guidance and steady support, Bird adds curiosity, humor, and a little mischief, creating a balance that readers can connect with throughout the series.
Why do you think animal characters are often effective guides through emotional topics?
Animals have a unique way of meeting us exactly where we are without expectations or judgment. Whether it’s a beloved pet, a therapy horse, or even a character in a story, animals often create a sense of safety and connection that allows us to explore difficult emotions more openly.
For children, animal characters can make challenging topics feel less intimidating. Sometimes it is easier to talk about sadness, anger, or fear when those emotions are shared with a horse, a bird, or another animal rather than by humans.
In my work as a therapist, educator, and equine-assisted mental health professional, I have seen firsthand how animals help people feel seen, accepted, and understood. They don’t ask us to be different than we are at that moment. They simply show up for us.
That is one of the reasons Bella and Bird are such effective guides. Bella offers calm, steady support and reminds children that all emotions are welcome. Bird brings curiosity, humor, and a different perspective. Together, they help children explore emotions in a way that feels safe, engaging, and approachable.
Ultimately, I think animal characters remind us that we are not alone. They can walk beside us through difficult feelings and help us discover that emotions are not something to fear but something to understand.
What challenges come with writing about emotional health for young readers?
One of the biggest challenges is finding the right balance between storytelling and teaching. As a therapist and educator, I could easily fill a book with information about emotions, but children don’t pick up a story because they want a lesson. Rather, they want a story that entertains and connects them with the characters.
My goal was to create stories that feel relatable and engaging while also providing practical tools that children and adults can use in everyday life. That meant translating complex emotional concepts into language and experiences that children could understand without oversimplifying them.
Another challenge was making sure the books didn’t feel overly educational. Emotions are important, but most children don’t want to sit down and read a textbook about sadness, anger, fear, or happiness. That’s where storytelling becomes important. By following a child character through a real-life problem and introducing Bella and Bird along the way, children can see the emotional tools in action rather than simply being told what to do.
Ultimately, I wanted the books to feel like stories first and lessons second; stories that children enjoy reading while naturally building emotional literacy and emotional intelligence along the way.
When Molly comes into the pasture, gloomy and sad, Bella, the wise horse, and Bird, the wisecracking barn swallow, step in to help. Together the friends set out to explore why Molly is sad and offer valuable lessons and better ways to cope. By the time Molly leaves the pasture, she’s gained new insights, is in better control of her feelings, and has tools to take along with her.
Bella and Bird Explore Sadness provides a foundation for readers to explore, understand, and effectively manage sadness, and serves as an invaluable tool for starting honest conversations about big emotions.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, Bella and Bird Explore Sadness, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, childrens books, Deana Plaskon, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kids books, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing
Mental Health and Resilience
Posted by Literary-Titan

Colin the Crab Feels Tired follows a helpful crab that takes on too much work and neglects his own needs. What was the inspiration for this children’s story?
Colin the Crab is a very special character to me. I have written about him and his friends for years. The main Colin the Crab Series is aimed at slightly older children, while the Mini Crab Series is for younger readers or those whose parents still read the books to them.
This book, Colin the Crab Feels Tired, is part of the Mini Crab Series. The theme that inspires all my books remains the same. It’s interesting to see how a community made up of diverse individuals functions. This allows us to explore cooperation and friendship from many angles.
It’s important to find ways to make living together more balanced and rewarding for everyone. It’s also worth paying attention to conflicting issues and how to handle them. This particular story is inspired by a situation where a community member, like the kind and helpful Colin, feels overwhelmed by numerous demands and expectations. He struggles to say “no” to his friends.
As an adult reading this, I, too, could relate to Colin and his need to help everyone. Do you find yourself in situations like this? What do you do to prevent burnout?
I must admit that my own behavior patterns are often quite similar to Colin the Crab. For example, I sometimes tend to neglect my own needs. I often assume I should always find time to sympathize with and help others. There’s a risk I might end up in situations that feel overwhelming.
I have to remind myself constantly that I can’t be responsible for everything that happens around me. Of course, I want to help whenever and however I can, but there need to be practical limits to that. Otherwise, there’s a risk that I’ll draw so much energy from my own battery for others that I won’t have enough left for myself.
I can usually tell when I’m nearing my risk limit – the point of exhaustion – by observing my mood. That’s when it’s crucial to take immediate action to restore balance. I have several ways to return to normal in life.
Nature is, without a doubt, the most vital element that supports my mental health and resilience. Another way is to knit wool socks and listen to music. I have also included these personal ways of feeling good in the stories I write from time to time.
In my 80th children’s book, which was just published – The Hermit’s Hut – nature and knitting hold great significance, both literally and symbolically, as ways to share peace and warmth with those around.
If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose?
This is truly a very challenging question. I love traveling and have probably visited nearly every European country. I have firsthand knowledge and experience of what it’s like to live there and what one might expect from such a stay as a writer. Many old cities, with their history and cultural attractions, inspire and provide interesting settings for stories. I could enjoy the cultural offerings and delicious food of those places while also writing that wonderful novel for adults or a fast-paced adventure series for children.
In inland Spanish cities like Seville, Granada, or Toledo, I would definitely find an inspiring writing environment for a year. I would stay in one of the Parador hotels, which are often former fortresses, monasteries, or other beautiful buildings. When I visit them, my imagination always begins to wander into the past.
On the other hand, I am drawn to the idea of spending a year in a country and environment I haven’t experienced. I could live for a year high up on a mountain, living simply and contemplating the greatest ideas I can imagine. The slopes of the Himalayas would definitely make a great environment for a peaceful retreat and some literary reflection.
Alternatively, I might go to a northern island where nature is rugged, but the local sheep produce the finest wool yarn in the world. There, I could watch storm winds and listen to the sound of the sea—and pull thick woolen sweaters around myself for warmth. Such experiences would definitely be available in places like the Faroe Islands or the Shetland Islands.
Answering this question definitely sparked new travel ideas!
Do you have plans to write more stories about Colin and his friends?
There are already four books in the main series about Colin the Crab, and our friend has come a long way in his life. The episodes so far–The Caring Crab, Colin the Crab Finds a Treasure, Colin the Crab Falls in Love, and Colin the Crab Gets Married—have introduced us to a whole riverside community.
I can imagine more challenges Colin might face now that he has found a spouse. Waiting for offspring, delays in having them, possible foster children, and maybe even his own little crabs someday are all topics that Colin’s well-meaning friends will surely have opinions on and advice to give. And once again, Colin, and now his spouse as well, should find a way that works best for them. Those issues would be worth exploring further in new stories.
There’s also something new happening in this Mini-Crab Series for the youngest kids. After the two already published books—Colin the Crab’s Friends and Colin the Crab Feels Tired—two more are in progress and are currently with the series’ illustrator, Ukrainian Roksolana Panchyshyn. The riverside fantasy world she has colorfully created gives Colin the Crab’s adventures a unique setting and brings the various characters to life.
I believe I’ll continue writing stories about Colin the Crab for as long as I can. He’s become such a good friend to me and to so many children. How could anyone not love this truly kind and humble character?
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Warm Values | Facebook | LinkedIn | Amazon
Feeling exhausted, Colin locks himself away in his house, and his friends are baffled. How can they cheer him up? Perhaps it’s time to work together, have some treats, and take out Ms. Catfish’s old gramophone.
Even a helper needs a little rest sometimes.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, childrens books, Childrens series, Colin the Crab Feels Tired, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, series, story, Tuula Pere, writer, writing
I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That!
Posted by Literary Titan

Mansi Sharma’s I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That! is a tender picture book about a little boy whose anger toward his mother softens through imagination, play, and the steady reassurance of love. After Grandma’s glasses break by accident and Mommy scolds him, the boy decides he won’t talk to her, hug her, or even accept her slice of cake. But when he begins pretending he’ll become grass, a cloud, a river, a rock, a flower, a shark, the wind, and finally a bird, his mother answers each transformation with one of her own. She’ll be the soil, the sky, the shore, the beetle, the hummingbird, the sea, the mountain, and the mama bird beside him. Slowly, the game carries them both back to warmth, laughter, cake, and closeness.
What I liked most is how honestly the book treats a child’s anger without making it seem silly or wrong. The boy’s feelings are big, prickly, and dramatic, exactly the way they can be at that age, especially when shame sneaks in after an accident. I found the mother’s response quietly beautiful. She doesn’t lecture him into forgiveness or rush him past his feelings. She joins him. That idea feels simple on the page, but as a parent, it landed with real weight. The writing has a soft, repeating rhythm that makes the story feel almost like a call-and-response lullaby, and some of the images are genuinely lovely.
The artwork has a sweet, hand-drawn warmth that suits the emotional arc of the story. I especially liked the way the early pictures hold the boy’s stubbornness in bright, crayon-like color, while the nature scenes open the book outward into clouds, rivers, birds, flowers, and wind. The artwork feels childlike in a way that matches the story’s imagination. The strongest image for me was the one where the mother and child are hugging at the end, because the emotion is immediate and easy to read. You can see the happiness in their faces.
By the end, I felt moved by the book’s gentle confidence in repair. It understands that children don’t always need a perfect explanation for love; they need to feel that it’s still there when they’re messy, mad, embarrassed, or trying very hard not to care. I’ll Be This, You’ll Be That! is a sweet and emotionally aware children’s book for families with preschool and early elementary children, especially kids who are learning how to name anger, accept comfort, and come back after a hard moment. I’d recommend it to parents who want a cozy story about unconditional love that also gives them a quiet little model for patience.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0GKY1FWFR
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's General Humor, Children's Humorous Poetry, childrens books, coping, ebook, family, feelings, goodreads, I'll Be This You'll Be That, indie author, kindle, kobo, life lessons, literature, Mansi Sharma, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing
The Empty Leash: Bloom Series
Posted by Literary Titan

The Empty Leash by Madhuri Roy is a heartfelt children’s book that gently explores the difficult experience of losing a beloved family pet. The story follows a young girl and boy who wake one morning to discover that their dog, Momo, is no longer there. With support from their parents and grandmother, the children begin to understand the emotions that come with saying goodbye to a cherished companion.
What makes this book especially meaningful is its thoughtful approach to grief for young readers. Rather than focusing only on sadness, Madhuri highlights the joy, love, and lasting memories that come from sharing life with a pet. The story reassures children that it is normal to feel upset when someone they love passes away. It also shows that healing can begin through remembrance. My favorite moment was when the family tied colorful ribbons onto Momo’s leash, with each ribbon representing a happy memory they had with him. This scene offers a healthy and loving way to honor a pet’s memory while celebrating the happiness he brought into the family’s life.
The illustrations beautifully complement the emotional tone of the story. Warm and expressive artwork helps younger readers connect with the characters and better understand their feelings. I especially appreciated the use of light throughout the scenes, which reflects what the characters are experiencing emotionally. Each page feels thoughtfully designed, creating a calm and reassuring atmosphere that fits the subject matter perfectly.
The Empty Leash would be a wonderful resource for families and teachers helping children cope with, or prepare for, the loss of a pet. Its sensitive handling of grief, paired with an uplifting message about remembering loved ones, makes the book both comforting and meaningful. I highly recommend it to young readers experiencing pet loss, as well as to anyone looking for a thoughtful story about remembrance, love, and healing.
Pages: 30 | ASIN: B0GPYYP3CV
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, childrens books, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kids books, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, The Empty Leash: Bloom Series, writer, writing
Meaningful Conversations
Posted by Literary-Titan

Aloe Vera’s Special Gift centers around an aloe plant who discovers that the very thing that makes her feel so plain is what allows her to care for others. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Aloe Vera’s Special Gift came from my own childhood experiences and the time I spent with my grandmother. Some of my fondest memories are of being in her garden, learning about plants, listening to stories, and absorbing life lessons that were often shared through everyday moments.
Aloe vera was always present in our Cuban household. It wasn’t the showiest plant in the garden, but it was often the one we turned to when someone needed comfort, care, or healing. As I reflected on those memories, I realized aloe carried a powerful message about self-worth and resilience.
The story is also rooted in the idea of intergenerational learning—how wisdom, values, traditions, and stories are passed from one generation to the next. What began as memories of my grandmother eventually became a story I wanted to share with my own grandchildren and with children everywhere.
As an educator, I have seen how social-emotional learning helps children develop confidence, empathy, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of belonging. Through Aloe’s journey, I wanted children to understand that what makes them different may actually become their greatest strength and that they already have something valuable to offer the world.
The book explores feeling overshadowed by others. Why was this an important theme for you to address?
I think many children grow up feeling overshadowed at some point. Maybe they are quieter, more sensitive, more creative, or simply different from those around them. Adults experience this too. We live in a world that often celebrates being the loudest or the most visible, and it can make people question their worth.
I wanted children to understand early on that they do not have to become someone else to matter. Their uniqueness already has purpose.
Like many people, I have experienced moments of self-doubt and comparison. Over time, I learned that our differences are often where our greatest strengths live. That realization deeply influenced this story and the journey Aloe takes throughout the book.
My hope is that children walk away feeling seen and understood, while parents and caregivers are reminded of how powerful encouragement can be.
Are there any books or authors that influenced your writing style?
Some of my greatest inspirations comes from the storytellers in my own family, especially my grandmother. Growing up in a Cuban family, stories were woven into everyday life and often carried lessons about resilience, kindness, culture, and family. Those experiences shaped my love of storytelling and continue to influence my writing today.
I also draw inspiration from my background as an educator and my belief that stories can help children better understand themselves and the world around them. I am especially drawn to stories that create opportunities for connection, reflection, and meaningful conversations between children and the adults who care for them.
What kinds of conversations do you hope this book sparks between children and parents?
I hope Aloe Vera’s Special Gift opens conversations about self-worth, kindness, empathy, and the idea that everyone has something valuable to offer.
I would love for children to feel comfortable talking about moments when they feel left out, different, insecure, or unnoticed. Sometimes children do not yet have the language to express those feelings, and stories can help create a safe doorway into those conversations.
For parents and caregivers, I hope the book becomes an opportunity to remind children that who they are is already enough. I also hope it encourages families to talk about emotional healing, inner strengths, cultural traditions, and the importance of caring for others and ourselves.
At its heart, this story is about discovering that our special gift often lives inside the very thing that makes us unique.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
A heartwarming picture book about self-worth, kindness, and the hidden magic of aloe vera.
When Aloe Vera looks around the garden, she sees brilliant blossoms and dazzling petals—while she feels plain and prickly in comparison. No one seems to notice her… until a summer day brings sunburns, scrapes, and rashes—and Aloe steps in to help.
As Aloe uses her soothing gel to heal her garden friends, she begins to understand something powerful: what makes her different also makes her extraordinary.
“Aloe Vera’s Special Gift” is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that gently weaves together themes of self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and the real-life benefits of aloe vera plants. Perfect for ages 3–8, this uplifting story helps young readers recognize their own unique value—and reminds us all that true beauty isn’t always what we see on the surface.
Kids will learn:
Everyone has unique gifts that matter
Kindness and empathy make us strong
Nature is full of healing wonders
Being different is something to celebrate
Whether read at bedtime, in a classroom, or during a SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) circle, this book is a gentle reminder to bloom exactly as you are—and to see the beauty in every leaf, petal, and person.
Ideal for:
Children ages 3–8
Nature lovers and little gardeners
SEL and mindfulness programs
Classrooms, therapy sessions, and home libraries
Fans of “The Invisible String” and “What If Everybody Did That?”
🌸 Plant the seeds of self-love and healing—add “Aloe Vera’s Special Gift” to your bookshelf today!
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: Aloe Vera’s Special Gift, author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, book trailer, bookblogger, books, books to read, booktube, booktuber, Children's books, Children's Flower & Plant Books, Children's Self-Esteem Books, ebook, goodreads, indie author, Jeanette Gil, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, trailer, writer, writing
Make Wishes For Someone Else
Posted by Literary Titan

Magical Spring Wish is a tender children’s story about Granny, Nina, and Toby the horse, whose selfless wish sparks a dreamlike spring adventure filled with kindness, love, and wonder. What inspired Toby’s wish and the magical adventure that follows?
We live in a world where we give our children everything. They are taught to make birthday wishes and Christmas wishes, but do we also teach them to make wishes for someone else?
That was the heart behind Toby’s story. Toby sees someone he loves going through difficult times, and instead of wishing for something for himself, he wishes to make Granny happy. To me, that is true love.
The whole purpose of the book was to plant a small seed in children’s hearts and minds, the idea that kindness, empathy and selfless wishes matter.
Why did you choose springtime farm life as the setting for this story?
My mum used to tell us about her granny’s horse, Žeran, who one morning appeared with mysterious braids in his mane that no human hand could undo after sleeping at her granny’s house. Her granny would tell her the old folklore myth about fairy locks, magical braids said to appear in a horse’s mane after a fairy’s visit. She truly believed the story, and later she showed us the places where it all happened and where Žeran once lived. Seeing those places with my own eyes and spending lots of time there left a deep mark on my childhood memories and imagination.
Spring felt like the perfect setting because, to me, it represents life, hope and new beginnings. The first flowers blooming after winter always feel magical, as if the world is slowly waking up again. I also have beautiful memories of going into nature with my sister and family to pick spring flowers together, so that season has always carried a very special feeling in my heart.
What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Bruna Rezende?
Working with Bruna Rezende was a truly wonderful experience. She is an incredibly talented illustrator who deeply understood and connected with the story from the very beginning.
I gave her more than 20 pages of detailed notes describing how I imagined the illustrations, which is not always easy for an illustrator when they have to follow someone else’s vision so closely. But when she first sent me her artwork, I was speechless. She understood the emotions, atmosphere and magic of the story perfectly and brought them to life in such a beautiful way through her drawings. There was almost nothing to change.
Bruna has a very special way of connecting with children through her illustrations, allowing them to imagine, dream and create their own little stories while reading. I truly wish the world sees more of her art, and of course I also hope we will work on many more projects together in the future.
What do you hope children take away after reading and colouring Granny’s new house?
What I hope children take away from the story is the importance of making wishes for someone else and understanding the beauty of kindness and selfless love.
The colouring page was added to help reinforce that message in a creative and memorable way. When children colour Granny’s new house, they become part of Toby’s wish themselves and can create their own version of the story through imagination and creativity. I believe children often remember things best when they can interact with them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In a quiet village, a kind horse named Toby wakes to find something magical woven into his mane, a mysterious braid left by fairies.
Inspired by a folklore tale passed down through generations, Magical Spring Wish is a gentle children’s story about kindness, love and the power of a selfless wish.
Winner of the Golden Wizard Book Prize 2026.
When Toby is given the chance to make one wish, he chooses not for himself but for someone he loves.
Soft, magical and meaningful, this story reminds children that the most powerful kind of magic comes from wishing for someone else.
Includes a special colouring page for children to enjoy.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, childrens books, ebook, fantasy, fiction, goodreads, indie author, kids books, kindle, kobo, literature, MAGICAL SPRING WISH, MATIJA OREB MAŠA, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, story, writer, writing
Actually: A Story of Friendship and Patience
Posted by Literary Titan

Tyler is excited for his class trip to the zoo, with his map in hand and a hopeful wish to see the baby giraffe, Tyler sets out for what he believes will be the best day ever. However, the trip becomes more than just a chance to see animals. Along the way, Tyler discovers that helping others, staying patient, and working through challenges can be just as important as reaching the destination.
Actually: A Story of Friendship and Patience, by Sara Brown, follows Tyler and his classmates as they explore the zoo, meet different animals, and learn interesting facts from the zookeeper. Young readers will enjoy the sense of adventure as the children move from one area of the zoo to another. The map adds an interactive element to the reading experience, giving children a chance to follow along and feel like they are part of the field trip.
One of the strongest parts of the book is Tyler’s character. He is excited about the trip, but he is also thoughtful and kind toward his classmates. His willingness to help a friend shows children how small acts of care can make a big difference. The zoo setting also gives the book strong educational value. As Tyler and his classmates encounter different animals, readers are introduced to fun facts that spark curiosity about wildlife. The giraffe information is especially enjoyable and may encourage children to learn more after the story ends. Parents and teachers will appreciate how the book blends storytelling with learning in a natural way.
The “Fun Facts about Giraffes” section gives children more information to explore, while the “Think About It” questions encourage reflection and discussion. These features help young readers connect the story to their own lives. They can think about how they solve problems, how they treat friends, and why some special moments are worth waiting for.
Actually is an engaging and heartwarming picture book that combines a zoo adventure with meaningful social-emotional lessons. It offers young readers animals to discover, problems to think through, and a kind main character to root for. This would be a wonderful addition to home bookshelves, classrooms, and libraries, especially for readers who are learning how patience, kindness, and helping others can turn an ordinary day into a memorable adventure.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-1969483998
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: Actually: A Story of Friendship and Patience, author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's books, Children's Friendship Books, Children's Zoo Books, ebook, goodreads, Grow Together Tales, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, Sara Brown, story, writer, writing
So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester
Posted by Literary Titan

So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester, by Linda Soules, is an engaging and informative children’s nonfiction book that turns a dream job into a fascinating STEM lesson. At first, waterslide testing sounds like nothing more than riding slides all day, but this book quickly shows young readers that the job involves physics, engineering, careful observation, and a serious commitment to safety. Soules presents the work of waterslide testers as both exciting and important, helping kids understand that the fun they experience at a water park is made possible by people doing detailed behind-the-scenes work.
One of the book’s strongest qualities is the way it explains complex ideas in language children can understand. Readers learn about water flow, speed, surface friction, G-forces, hydroplaning, banking angles, and landing impact without feeling overwhelmed. The book also makes the science feel practical by showing how testers ride slides repeatedly, checking every curve, transition, and splashdown area to make sure the ride is safe for real kids and families. The day-in-the-life structure, from the morning briefing to the final safety report, gives the book a clear sense of purpose and helps readers see how much preparation goes into opening a waterslide to the public.
I’ve read many books in this series, and I always appreciate the inclusion of “The Hardest Parts of the Job” section because it shows that the book is honest about the challenges of each career rather than presenting only the fun parts. In this book, the line “Testing the same slide two hundred times is also as repetitive as it sounds” is a great example of how it balances excitement with reality.
The colorful illustrations add to the appeal and help keep the subject lively for younger readers. They make the technical information easier to follow while maintaining the playful energy of a book about water parks and slides. The glossary, fun facts, and hands-on activities are also valuable additions, especially for children who enjoy asking how things work or who are curious about building, design, and unusual careers.
So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester is a wonderful choice for curious kids, especially those between the ages of 10 and 14 who enjoy science, engineering, theme parks, or learning about jobs they may never have imagined existed. It captures the fun of waterslides while emphasizing that safety and joy are connected, not separate. Parents, teachers, and librarians will appreciate how the book encourages curiosity, observation, and respect for quiet, careful work that keeps people safe. This is an entertaining and educational read that makes science feel adventurous, memorable, and fun.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0H29FGGFX
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: author, So You Want To Be A..., book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, careers, Children's books, Children's Jobs & Careers Reference Books, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, Linda ?Soules, literature, nonfiction, nook, novel, picture books, read, reader, reading, reference, So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester, story, writer, writing







