Blog Archives
Hello, My Name Is Harper
Hello, My Name Is Harper is a sweet and simple children’s book about a bunny named Harper who’s absolutely terrified to start first grade. From the very first page, Harper’s nerves are front and center—heart thumping, name forgotten, knees like jelly. But as the story hops along, we see Harper’s day unfold with gentle surprises: a kind teacher, a new friend who’s just as nervous, and classmates who turn out to be kind and welcoming. By the end, that first-day fear fades into sunshine and smiles.
Harper’s little rhyming thoughts feel like they came straight from a kid’s brain. The writing doesn’t overcomplicate anything. That’s what makes it work. The fear feels real, but so does the comfort that slowly builds up.
The artwork has a charming homemade vibe, like a kid might’ve helped draw it with crayons. The lines aren’t too sharp or polished, and the colors have that soft, scribbly texture that makes the whole book feel warm and familiar, like something you’d hang on the fridge. That style makes it feel accessible, like it’s coming from a kid’s world instead of being made for one.
And the ending is such a sweet touch, with space for kids to write about their own day. I love that it turns into a little keepsake or even a conversation starter. The helpful tips from Harper were adorable and solid advice for anyone with first-day jitters.
I think this picture book is a gem. It’s perfect for kids about to start school, especially those who feel nervous or shy. It would make a great gift for kindergartners or first graders, and even better if a parent or teacher reads it with them. It’s comforting, light, and full of heart.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DH4FNPC1
A Breed of Their Own
Being Middle follows a young girl feeling overlooked and underappreciated as the middle sister in the family, who gradually learns that being in the middle is pretty special. What was the inspiration for your story?
My middle child Ellie was the inspiration for writing this book. I always joke that middle children are a breed of their own because they are so difficult to raise, but there are so many overlooked advantages and qualities that only middle children have. I wanted this book to be a nod to what Ellie puts us through and why she’s so uniquely special to our family.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I always write in rhyme because rhyming books are powerful tools for building foundational literacy skills in early readers. In addition to being engaging and fun, rhyming books help kids anticipate what’s next and aid in sound and pattern recognition.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I loved writing about the middle child getting the hand-me-down shoes because I could actually hear Ellie’s voice in the sentence. Vanessa Alexandre also captured her expression so well!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
I’d love to build on the BEING ME series and I am tossing around ideas for book #3. HINT – I think for that book, I’m going to focus on how I feel different from others since the first two books were about my children feeling different.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Being Middle is a heartwarming and playful picture book that celebrates the special role of middle children in family dynamics. With lyrical rhymes and relatable scenarios, it captures the ups and downs of being caught between a big sibling and a little one. From sharing cramped car rides to getting only hand-me-downs, the story explores challenges with humor and honesty—while ultimately revealing why being in the middle is something to treasure.
The second installment of the award-winning Being Me series, this book is perfect for middle children who sometimes feel left out and for families looking to celebrate their unique dynamics. Full of warmth, charm, and an empowering message, Being Middle is perfect for ages 4-8.
Order now to celebrate the middle child in your life—because the middle is a great place to be!
Sixty Years of Adventure
Icy the Iceberg follows a snowflake-turned-iceberg who goes on this long emotional journey through the water cycle. What was the inspiration for your story?
My wife and I were on an Alaskan boat cruise. I enjoyed sitting on the deck looking at the scenery. I watched the beautiful shoreline, the amazing mountain peaks, and the wildlife—both animals and fish. As I watched the mountain peaks, I remembered a trip we took to the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta Canada. While we were walking on the glacier, it started snowing. It amazed me that little snowflakes could form a glacier. The cruise ship we were on was a smaller one, so it was able to sail close to the Mendenhall glacier. While we were there, a huge portion of the glacier broke off (calved) and crashed into the ocean water. There was a very loud crack when it fell. The splash when it hit the water was enormous. The iceberg was very large and a beautiful blue color.
The whole experience amazed me. Several days later, I went to the boat’s library and wrote the story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I felt that all the things I observed while walking on a glacier and watching from the ship would be educational to young readers. The snow falling on the glacier, the compacting of the snow into ice, the intense pressure as the ice continued to compact, the entrapment of the oxygen in the ice forming a beautiful blue color, the huge piece of ice calving forming an enormous floating iceberg, etc. I developed the character of “Icy” so he would be part of all these events.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Sidney “Mindy” Makis?
After writing the story, I was visiting my sister, Mindy, in Binghamton New York. I showed her the story. I did not know at that time that she had taken many art classes while she was in college. I left the story with her. She called me later and said she had developed the characters. In the book. With the help of Brian Behling, we put the story and characters into a book.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My wife and I have had almost sixty years of adventure together. We tell people the story of how we met and got married after two months. We had very little money because I was still in college. We lived on Nancy’s income. We lived in a farmhouse with an outhouse for a bathroom and a coal-burning stove in the kitchen for heat, for two years. The bedrooms were freezing in the winter. Our first child was born while we lived there. As the years passed, we became more and more successful. During that time, we had many very interesting stories. Everyone to whom we tell the stories says that we should write a book about them.
One of the dreams I had all my life was to own a log house. I also wanted to have a bedroom where I could look at the stars. About twenty-five years ago we moved to Libertyville IL. We purchased a log house on five and a half acres of land. We have made considerable improvements to the property during those years.
Several years ago, I decided to start writing a book about our life. I am going to call it FROM OUTHOUSE TO LOGHOUSE.
It is a work in progress. I am in the process of selling my business. Hopefully, I will have more time to devote to writing with the ultimate goal of finishing it within the next year.
I also have a few more ideas about two more children’s educational books.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
An illustrated tale of resilience and wonder, Icy the Iceberg invites readers to explore the mysteries of the natural world and the cycle of life through the eyes of unforgettable traveler.
Will Icy’s adventure ever truly end? Or is this just the beginning?
A Reason for Gratitude
Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy follows a little spider and his cricket friend as they discover what it means to choose joy. Where did the idea for this book come from?
As I was looking at a homeschool curriculum that included teaching the fruits of The Spirit, I wanted to highlight that joy is more than just fleeting happiness. Given that children easily recall animal stories, I got the idea for Spiker and his friends to show children how to find joy in commonplace events.
Are any of your own childhood experiences included in Spiker’s story?
I remember complaining a lot as a kid when things didn’t go my way! One day, I overheard someone tell another that I griped too much. Realising that I wanted to be different, I asked God to show me how. It took a long time, but I am never more joyful than when I get to do something for someone else!
What were some themes you felt it was important to include in your book?
The themes that I felt were important to include in this book were:
Things will not always go as planned, but there is still a reason for gratitude
Treasure friendships and kindness
Help others to enjoy life too.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am hoping to publish Pari the Panda Learns about Patience in a few months.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy
I just finished reading Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy by J.M. Ashmore with my little one, and it was such a sweet surprise. The story follows Spiker, a cheerful little jumping spider, and his cricket buddy, Crispin, as they learn what it means to have joy—even when things go wrong. From thunderstorms to getting lost and even helping a crying grasshopper with a hurt knee, the two friends (plus a few others they meet) figure out that being glad and doing nice things for others is what true joy is all about. It’s based on the idea that joy is one of the “Fruits of the Spirit,” and it sneaks in those gentle faith-based lessons in a fun, relatable way.
As a mom, what really got me was how naturally the story worked in those big feelings and life lessons. The way Spiker builds a silk tent to shelter them while Crispin sulks had my daughter wide-eyed. It’s such a simple but powerful message—make the best of a situation and find something good, even if it’s small. And that scene under the peach tree where Spiker wants to complain but then finds a buffet of ants? We both laughed at how fast he changed his tune. I’ve seen my kids do the exact same thing when they realize things aren’t that bad. The illustrations are absolutely charming as well. They’re colorful and soft and do a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters.
I also really appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from everyday disappointments and frustrations kids face. When Sully the spider is sad because he can’t jump like the others, or when Gerry the grasshopper cries after bumping his knee, the story slows down and shows kindness, problem-solving, and how friends support each other. It reminded me to pause and ask my own kids how they’re feeling, even over the little stuff. Plus, there’s something precious about the way Spiker realizes that “the best way of all to have joy is to do something nice for somebody else.” That’s something I want my kids to really take to heart.
This children’s book is a gem for kids around 3 to 7, especially if you’re looking for something uplifting that gently weaves in Christian values. It’s got heart, humor, and just the right touch of silly bug antics. Parents, Sunday school teachers, or even grandparents looking for a read-aloud with a meaningful message—this one’s worth adding to your shelf.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0BSQPK29K
LITERARY TITAN 