Blog Archives
Safety Dog Diego Was Born
Safety Dog Diego Gets Adopted is a heartwarming children’s book about an adventurous French Bulldog who learns the value of safety and how mistakes can be stepping stones to success. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Our story is inspired by our real-life French Bulldog, Diego. During the 2020 lockdown, Angel, a Safety Professional, was assigned to work full-time in San Diego for two months. While there, he adopted Diego and brought him to work with him every day. Diego quickly became a beloved member of the job site, charming the safety crew with his playful personality. Two years later, when we became grandparents, Tracey was inspired to write a children’s book for our grandson. Diego’s adventures and the lessons he unknowingly helped teach about safety made him the perfect character to bring this vision to life. Safety Dog Diego was born from a heartfelt desire to share meaningful lessons in a fun and engaging way, creating a story that blends adventure, learning, and the joy of new beginnings.
The theme of learning from mistakes is powerful. How do you hope it resonates with young readers?
Through Diego’s journey, we hope to inspire children to embrace safety, resilience, and the idea that even small lessons can have a big impact on their everyday lives. By watching Diego navigate challenges, young readers can see that making mistakes isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and improve. We want children to understand that setbacks are a normal part of life and that by learning from them, they become stronger and more confident. Our goal is to encourage kids to approach new experiences with curiosity and a problem-solving mindset, knowing that every mistake is just a stepping stone to success.
Can you share more about the process of collaborating with the illustrator to bring Diego and his adventures to life?
The process of working with our illustrator to bring Diego’s character to life was truly enjoyable. We wanted to ensure that the illustrated Diego not only resembled our real-life Diego but also captured his fun-loving spirit and playful personality. To achieve this, we provided pictures of Diego as a puppy, highlighting his expressive face and energetic nature. It was important to us that his character reflected his silly, rambunctious, and lovable qualities—traits that make him so special. Diego has a natural ability to bring joy to those around him, especially children, and we wanted that warmth and charm to shine through in every illustration. Seeing him come to life on the pages of the book was an exciting and rewarding experience.
Do you have plans for more books featuring Diego and his safety lessons?
Absolutely! We have so many more stories to share. The second book in the Safety Dog Diego series will introduce Diego’s older and wiser sister, Coco, a Shih Tzu who is also part of our real-life family. Their dynamic was very much like a classic big sister-little brother relationship—Coco being patient and wise, while Diego was the playful and sometimes mischievous younger sibling. This book will tell the fun and heartwarming story of how they went from playful rivals to best friends. Beyond that, we have a variety of adventures planned, including a Halloween story, a Christmas story, and an exciting cousin’s camping trip. This story will follow Diego and his cousins as they embark on an outdoor adventure, learning valuable lessons about nature, teamwork, and, of course, safety! Our goal is to continue building the Safety Dog Diego series with engaging, fun, and meaningful stories that not only entertain but also teach important life lessons along the way.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
Through playful mishaps and a big dose of determination, Diego learns how to be a Safety Dog, helping the crew stay safe at work and inspiring others to learn about safety and wellness. Touched by his bravery and dedication, the Safety Guy and Mimi give Diego the best gift of all-a loving forever home.
Join Diego on his first adventure as he embarks on a journey of learning, safety, and fun!
Characters names: (site safety manager) The Safety Guy / (puppy)Safety Dog Diego
(Safety Manager’s wife) Mimi.
Conquer His Fears
When a curious boy with an overactive imagination has trouble sleeping, his mom helps him with his big feelings. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Bedtime Worries?
This series is based on my son and his own worries. At bedtime he would come up with many questions, and I wasn’t quite sure how to answer them. As outlandish as these worries seemed, to Kale they were very real. So, with a little reassurance and humour he was able to conquer his fears and sleep on his own.
Is there anything about Kale that came from yourself or your life experiences?
I’m sure a lot of children and parents can relate to Kale’s worries and questions at bedtime. I knew that when I wrote this book, that parents especially would appreciate sharing this read with their little ones before bedtime. I can also relate to these many anxious moments in my own childhood.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Stefanie St. Denis?
Stephanie St Denis is an amazing illustrator, and we work well together in this series. She takes in all my feedback and transforms my vision into a perfect illustration on each colourful page.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I am currently working on my third book in this series called “Carnival Chaos- The What-If Kid” This story will depict a day at the carnival through Kales eyes. What worries will Kale come up with? What worries will he overcome?
He will see all the sites and sounds of a carnival, and I can not wait for my readers to journey through this adventure with Kale, as they read about his experience at the carnival.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Website
Mama is trying to get Kale to sleep in his own bed all night long without waking her up or sneaking out, but his worries have become apparent as he explains all of his big feelings before bedtime.
Hello, Denmark!: A Captivating Viking Adventure and Cultural Journey for Curious Kids Ages 4-8 (Sophie & Stephie: The Travel Sisters Book 9)
Ekaterina Otiko’s Hello, Denmark! offers young readers a delightful blend of adventure and education. This enchanting children’s book follows Sophie and her younger sister Stephie, affectionately called the Travel Sisters, as they journey from California to Denmark with their magical globe, Globik, and their beloved pets. The sisters meet up with their Danish friends, Erik and Erika, and together, they explore the country’s iconic landmarks, including the national gallery, Hans Christian Andersen’s museum, and even historic castles. Along the way, the children uncover fascinating facts, historical tidbits, and cultural expressions, all woven seamlessly into their thrilling escapades.
The author’s approach to storytelling is commendable. By focusing on the children’s playful exploration, Otiko creates a story that feels both natural and engaging. Each adventure is packed with educational content, yet it never feels forced. The story’s lighthearted tone, combined with its rich vocabulary and the inclusion of Danish expressions, makes it both enjoyable and enriching. Conveniently, foreign words are accompanied by pronunciation guides, enhancing the learning experience without disrupting the story’s flow.
Every page unfolds a fresh, captivating scene that keeps young readers eagerly turning pages. The illustrations elevate the book further, showcasing diverse and vibrant depictions of Denmark’s landmarks and cultural moments. From rainy-day walks to sunlit amusement park adventures, the artwork captures the essence of each scene. While some illustrations feel a touch crowded due to the abundance of details, they remain visually compelling and add depth to the story.
What stands out most is the cultural significance of Hello, Denmark!. Otiko’s passion for sharing the wonders of a new culture is evident on every page. This picture book inspires curiosity and fosters a love of exploration, inviting children to embrace the beauty of diversity and the joy of discovery. Hello, Denmark! is a passport to adventure, encouraging young readers to embark on their own cultural journeys while immersing themselves in the magic of learning.
Pages: 35 | ASIN: B0DP3BGS6X
Safety Dog Diego Gets Adopted
Set in the city of San Diego, Safety Dog Diego Gets Adopted tells the story of an adventurous French Bulldog named Diego. While chasing a butterfly, Diego stumbles into a construction site, where he meets the Safety Guy. After Diego causes chaos due to his eagerness to explore, Safety Guy places a safety vest on him and gently explains the importance of being cautious. Through a series of events, Diego learns that “Mistakes help us learn.” By the end of the story, he puts his newfound safety skills to use, saving the day and bringing joy to everyone on the construction site.
This charming children’s book delivers an empowering message about safety and awareness, emphasizing that making mistakes is part of learning and growing. Young readers, especially those prone to feeling discouraged when things go wrong, will find comfort in the story’s positive outlook. The theme of sharing what we learn to help others is woven seamlessly into the story, making it both relatable and inspiring for kids.
The writing is simple yet engaging, making it ideal for early readers to tackle on their own. At the same time, the vibrant illustrations make this book perfect for parents reading to younger children. Diego’s expressive face and adorable safety gear will bring plenty of smiles and giggles. The artwork is eye-catching and colorful, perfectly capturing Diego’s emotions and adding to the story’s charm. It also cleverly reinforces the message that safety gear can be fun and essential.
Safety Dog Diego Gets Adopted is a delightful and educational read that’s perfect for parents, teachers, or anyone looking to teach kids about the importance of safety and awareness. It’s also a great choice for fostering a positive perspective on mistakes and helping kids understand that learning from them is what truly matters. And, of course, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves adorable puppy stories!
Pages: 42 | ASIN: B0DLY87WYR
A True Work of Art
The Question invites readers to shift their focus from career aspirations to the qualities that define a meaningful life, all wrapped in lyrical rhymes and enchanting illustrations. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a mother, I spend a great deal of time imagining what the future might look like for my two young children and contemplating what it means to raise them into happy, healthy adults. After dedicating a significant portion of my childhood and early adulthood to the belief that achieving conventional and extrinsic successes (e.g., graduating as Valedictorian, attending elite universities, and following a specific career trajectory) was ‘making it’ and defined my value in society and to myself, I began to question if I had it right. It took me well into adulthood to unlearn many of these assumptions and understand that what’s ultimately important in life are the intangibles—our everyday blessings, cultivation of community, care for our Earth, travel, self-love and self-discovery, and family, whatever that family structure may look like. My goal is to help percolate the idea that what a child ultimately decides to do in life professionally does not determine their value as a human being.
How did you collaborate with Jo Blake to bring the story’s themes to life visually?
At the beginning of my book publication journey, I spent an evening with one of my dearest friends mapping out the visual arc of The Question. This ad-hoc brainstorming session ultimately provided the context for the illustrations, which we envisioned as truly beautiful hand drawings that portrayed a theme of magical realism. My ultimate hope was that The Question would never simply be a children’s book, but a true work of art delivering a philosophical message to readers of all ages.
I partnered with Blue Balloon Books, a children’s book publisher, to bring my book to life. Blue Balloon Books works hand in hand with authors to publish original stories that ignite the imagination and curiosity of young learners and readers, and part of the process is to pair these authors with illustrators who can visually manifest their stories. Based on our original storyboarding, my publication team and I provided Jo with the desired themes and per-page elements (e.g., the narrator would be a small child with unruly hair and green eyes, whereas the primary adult would remain faceless throughout most of the book as a means of diverting visual attention to the child). Jo provided black and white rough illustrations based on this original input. I was so thrilled with Jo’s original roughs that we requested very few changes, which meant that she could nearly immediately embark on her full-color, final illustration process. Jo innately understood my vision for The Question, and I think the book is a visual masterpiece.
Were there any particular moments in your life that shaped the message of this book?
After embarking on a deep meditation practice about five years ago, I made the decision to leave a job that was profoundly unsatisfying and deleterious to my sense of self. I began perusing new professional avenues and kept running into mental barriers, asking myself too many questions that revolved around ‘what’. During a meditation, a simple yet profound thought arose within me, which was that I had been asking myself the wrong question. Instead of asking ‘what’ (e.g., “What am I going to do next? What will my role be? What company will recognize my talents? What job title should I seek?”), I should be asking ‘how’ (e.g., “How do I want to split my time between my career and my children? How do I want my life to unfold? How do I want to affect the world? And how do I want to feel at the end of each day and at the end of my life?”). Ultimately, I needed to reframe my mental lens and change the question from ‘what’ to ‘how’ I will be in this world.
What advice would you give to parents about fostering the qualities you highlight—like curiosity and gratitude—in their children?
Life requires so much hard work, often beginning in childhood, and it’s nearly inevitable that children will one day have a job, a trade or a profession. Yet the value of a human—whether as a child or an adult—should not be predicated on their extrinsic achievements. I encourage my children to learn not for the sake of getting good grades, but for acquiring knowledge and fostering their curiosity about the world around them. And a small family ritual dedicated to gratitude can help unify a family and bring perspective to life’s daily trials. Each morning, my family gathers together to ring a gong and give thanks for our everyday blessings (our family, our home, our pets, our community, our opportunities). And each evening, we hold hands before dinner and say a benediction of gratitude that was co-written by our children. Whatever this ritual looks like for your family (e.g., a morning walk, a family circle around a fire, etc.), setting aside time to say ‘thank you’ is so important, as it helps ensure that we are raising kids who have a strong sense of peace and well-being, who are empathetic and resilient, and who can look outside of themselves. A practice of gratitude ultimately reminds us that “life is enough.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, a young narrator is faced with the age-old question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Instead of giving a traditional answer, however, this narrator poses a different question: “How will I be when I grow up?”
Through rhyming stanzas and vibrant pictures, The Question encourages children—and the adults in their lives—to think beyond societal expectations and focus on developing qualities that truly matter, like kindness, gratitude, and a positive mindset. This inspiring story will help young readers discover their unique paths and understand the importance of being a good and curious person, no matter what they choose to be when they grow up. The Question is a valuable resource for anyone who hopes to ignite a passion for reading and self-discovery in young minds.
King of the Condors: El Rey de los Cóndores
Justin T. O’Conor Sloane’s King of the Condors is a spellbinding folktale that soars as high as the mighty birds it celebrates. Rooted in the Andes of Ecuador, we learn about a young boy’s mysterious disappearance during a blizzard, setting the stage for an extraordinary transformation. Years later, a struggling village plagued by drought and hunger encounters miraculous deliveries of food, courtesy of condors led by a regal, otherworldly figure. Blending wonder with cultural homage, a mesmerizing revelation culminates about resilience, connection, and nature’s bounty.
The writing is enchanting, I was struck by how vividly Sloane described the plaza overflowing with food from Ecuador’s diverse landscapes. The author’s prose carries a rhythmic, almost songlike quality that feels timeless, as though whispered through generations. The seamless switch between description and visual splendor made me linger on every page, soaking in the magic.
That said, what makes this book special is its themes. At its heart, the tale celebrates unity and hope, showing how the kindness of one mysterious savior can uplift an entire community. The young man on the condor, his hair shimmering “like dark waters,” feathers entwined, embodied a balance between strength and humility. It reminded me of folklore heroes who leave a lasting imprint not just through power but through grace. These themes resonate universally, yet they remain deeply rooted in Andean culture, which makes the story feel both personal and profound.
Stephanie Suter’s illustrations deserve their own standing ovation. The intricate ink-on-silk artwork is hauntingly beautiful, enhancing the mystical tone. Her depiction of the condors circling the moon was breathtaking, and the image of the young man riding the largest condor is unforgettable. The synergy between Sloane’s words and Suter’s art transforms the book into an amazing reading experience.
I recommend King of the Condors to anyone who loves folktales, cultural narratives, or just alluring stories that linger in your heart long after the last page. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike; families will love reading this dual-language story together. Sloane’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the natural world and is a reminder that sometimes magic really does exist.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DP5Q1FVG
A Divine Calling
Bella Brown’s Messier than Messy Room follows a creative but messy girl who wants to go to the butterfly garden she finds out she can not till she cleans her room. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Bella Brown’s Messier than Messy Room came through an unexpected series of events in November 2021. I woke to a divine calling to write a book about butterflies for children. I wiped sleep from my eyes. “Write a book about butterflies for children?”
“Yes, write a book about butterflies for children,” boomed in my head.
I shrugged it off, went to work, and that same day received my second divine calling when my director insisted I take two weeks of vacation, which led to a zany butterfly research road trip across America. I visited butterfly farms in seven states – Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Texas. Each stop added layers to my understanding and vision for the story.
In Texas, I was pulled over for speeding. After explaining my cross-country butterfly research mission and showing the officer my GPS history of butterfly farm visits, he offered to waive the ticket if I promised to include a police officer in my butterfly book. Of course, I said “Yes.”
When I returned home, an author I didn’t know contacted me on Facebook asking if I wanted to participate in their online writing class.
I said, “Sure, I can always learn something new, and might be able to incorporate what I learn into the next book I’m writing. So, what’s your online class about?”
“Erotica” was their response, which I declined.
A story about a girl named Bella who has to clean her room if she wants to visit a butterfly garden is one thing. But a story with a plot twist where Bella and her Grandma Yetta disappear in a hail of bullets as they get caught in the middle of a shoot-out between law enforcement and a drug-dealing cult of strippers may send the wrong message to kids and their parents.
Ironically, it was the third divine calling, a near-death hospital stay that became the catalyst for revisiting and revising the manuscript that previously sat gathering dust over two-and-a-half years, that would become the first two books in the Bella Brown series.
This dedication paid off when Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room became a Golden Book Award Finalist, with its book trailer garnering 5.1K views in just eleven days. The book has also received five-star reviews from both Chanticleer Reviews and Literary Titan Reviews.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
At its heart, the story addresses a universal challenge: feeling overwhelmed. Eight-year-old Bella faces the seemingly impossible task of cleaning her room before she can visit the butterfly garden. Through her journey, I wanted to share an important life lesson: large, overwhelming tasks become manageable when broken down into smaller, controlled steps.
The story demonstrates how Bella, with her grandmother’s guidance, transforms an intimidating challenge into achievable goals. This approach resonates not just with children facing messy rooms, but with anyone encountering seemingly insurmountable tasks in their lives. It’s about building confidence through strategic problem-solving and celebrating small victories along the way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Anastasiia?
The collaboration with Anastasiia was facilitated through Get Your Book Illustrations, where all communication went through a project manager. While I never directly communicated with Anastasiia, her methodical approach to bringing the story to life was impressive.
The process began with character development, where Anastasiia created and refined illustrations of all the story’s characters. She then moved on to draft storyboards, which underwent revisions before establishing the final layout.
The last stage involved creating individual illustrations and two-page spreads. Interestingly, it was only after adding color that minor revisions were needed, and the final illustrations turned out uber-awesome-fantastic.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series, Bella Brown—Grandma’s Missing Butterfly Locket, follows Bella and her Grandma Yetta on a journey through memories of their butterfly adventures around the world.
When Grandma calls asking for help finding her missing butterfly locket, they reminisce about their incredible experiences: witnessing ten thousand Red Wing Butterflies take flight in China, encountering a mystical white butterfly at a Japanese temple, meeting a curious Blue Morpho butterfly in Colombia, and dancing among migrating Monarchs in Arkansas.
The story weaves together their precious memories while building to an unexpected and heartwarming surprise.
All eight books in the Bella Brown series will launch between September 2025 and January 2026 on the following dates:
Wednesday, September 03, 2025 – Book One: Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room
September 27, 2025 – Bella Brown—Grandma’s Missing Butterfly Locket
October 27, 2025 – Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm
November 19, 2025 – Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi
January 14, 2026 – Bella Brown–Dragonfly-Dragonfly-Dragonfly
January 21, 2026 – Bella Brown–Pip’s Perfect Purple Present
January 28, 2026 – Bella Brown’s Ten-Moon Mysteries
January 31, 2026 – Bella Brown’s Baking Bedlam
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
With Grandma’s loving guidance, what starts as a dreaded chore becomes a delightful adventure. One mountain of clothes, four stuffed animals, a tower of games, and a bed to make – can Bella conquer the mess before butterfly garden time? Together, grandmother and granddaughter discover that even the biggest tasks become manageable when broken into smaller steps, sprinkled with love and encouragement.
This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren while teaching valuable lessons about responsibility, persistence, and the joy of accomplishment. Through Bella’s journey, young readers learn that sometimes the best help comes from someone who loves you, and the sweetest rewards are those you earn yourself.
Perfect for children ages 4-8, this beautifully illustrated picture book:
*Shows how to tackle overwhelming tasks one step at a time
*Demonstrates problem-solving with a positive attitude
*Highlights the special connection between grandparents and grandchildren
*Encourages independence while showing it’s okay to ask for help
*Features warm, engaging illustrations that bring Bella’s world to life
Join Bella on her clean-up adventure and discover that with a little help, determination, and love, even the messiest room can become a masterpiece!
LITERARY TITAN 