Blog Archives
Boundless Imagination
In A Christmas to Remember, a young girl sets out to renew her best friend’s belief in Santa Claus and the two find themselves on an adventure at the North Pole. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration comes from the joy and magic that stories can bring to people of all ages, especially during special times of the year. My wife, Linda, has a deep love for Christmas and all the wonder that comes with it, including festive films and timeless traditions. I wrote this book as a gift for her, capturing the warmth, hope, and enchantment that the season offers.
What draws you to write children’s literature?
Writing children’s literature allows me to tap into a sense of innocence, curiosity, and boundless imagination. Through these stories, I can create moments of joy, encourage belief in magic, and celebrate the values of kindness and togetherness. Knowing that these tales can spark joy in children, and the child within every adult fills me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Are there any of your own childhood experiences included in this story?
Yes, there are several elements of my own childhood experiences woven into this story. Christmas was always a magical time for me, filled with wonder, excitement, and cherished traditions. One thing that stands out in my memories is that we always had mistletoe in the house, a small but meaningful symbol of Christmas.
We weren’t wealthy, but my parents worked hard to keep the magic of Christmas alive for us children for as long as they could. Their love and dedication ensured that the season felt special, no matter our circumstances. The anticipation, the togetherness, and the small traditions they upheld created a sense of wonder that has stayed with me to this day.
I drew on these feelings of hope, love, and enchantment to shape the story’s themes. My goal was to capture that childhood sense of magic and share it with others, reminding readers of all ages that the true spirit of Christmas comes from the love and joy we share with one another.
Can young readers look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Absolutely! I’m excited to share that I’m currently working on another Christmas book set to be released next year, continuing my love for festive storytelling.
Additionally, Book 2 in the Shamera trilogy is on track for release around Easter, and I can’t wait for readers to continue that journey. Beyond that, I am also co-writing a supernatural horror novel titled The Eye of Vengeance and working on Book 2 in the horror series Ravenswood.
It’s shaping up to be a very busy and thrilling year ahead, with stories for a range of readers, whether they’re seeking holiday magic, fantasy adventures, or spine-chilling horror.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Amazon
In the snow-draped village where children’s laughter pierces the cold air, “A True Believer” unveils the stirring story of Lily, a young girl with fiery red hair and emerald eyes, facing a profound Christmas revelation. Clad in her pink scarf and bobble hat, Lily writes to Santa in her diary, her faith in holiday magic unwavering. Yet, her spirit is tested when her friend Sophie reveals a sombre truth: Santa might just be a myth. This revelation threatens Lily’s cherished beliefs, but instead of succumbing to doubt, she embarks on a quest to discover the reality of Santa Claus. “A Christmas to Remember” weaves a heartwarming narrative of innocence, faith, and friendship, as Lily and Sophie navigate the true essence of the Christmas spirit, proving that some magic is indeed real. This tale is a testament to the enduring power of belief and the magic that binds us during the festive season.
From the hushed whispers of doubt to the resilient bonds of friendship, join Lily as she seeks to uncover whether the spirit of Santa Claus really exists. This enchanting narrative is a testament to the enduring wonder of Christmas, promising to warm your heart and restore your faith in the magic of the season. Perfect for anyone who cherishes Christmas traditions and the timeless question of what it truly means to believe.
TIP’s Magical Birthday
Barbara C. Mishkin’s TIP’s Magical Birthday enchants young readers with its delightful storytelling and meaningful life lessons. Set against the backdrop of TIP’s 10th birthday party, the story introduces a colorful cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and diverse backgrounds. Through their interactions, the book seamlessly weaves themes of friendship, acceptance, and the transformative power of community.
This charming addition to the TIP series invites children into a world filled with magic, optimism, and connection. The vivid illustrations, a standout feature, captivate young readers and enhance their understanding of the narrative. Each drawing complements the storyline, helping readers imagine the vibrant scenes of games, presents, and the joyful atmosphere of TIP’s celebration. Mishkin’s storytelling is immersive and engaging. Readers will feel as though they’re part of TIP’s party, meeting his unique group of friends and reflecting on the beauty of their differences.
Mishkin’s book subtly encourages children to embrace diversity and recognize the positive influence of friendships in their own lives. As a role model, TIP inspires a mindset of gratitude, inclusivity, and positivity. The narrative fosters a sense of belonging, teaching children that building strong, diverse communities is essential for personal growth and happiness.
Perfect for elementary-aged readers, TIP’s Magical Birthday combines entertainment with a powerful message, making it a must-read for children in their formative years. It’s a delightful and impactful story that leaves a lasting impression on young hearts and minds.
Pages: 58 | ASIN : B0DGG7WPWR
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift, by Istvan Sanyi, is a charming holiday story that takes us to a humble village where a poor family struggles to make Christmas magical. The narrative focuses on two children, Oliver and Francesca, whose heartfelt plea to their late grandfather brings about an extraordinary miracle. Through an angel named Elsa, their grandfather grants them the joy of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, thoughtful presents, and a feast to remember. The story culminates in a heartwarming moment of gratitude and familial love, reminding readers of the spirit of giving and the strength of family bonds.
The writing feels wonderfully nostalgic, almost like a bedtime story from another era. I loved how the snowy setting was described, it really made me imagine a cozy Christmas scene. The story’s central message—that love and kindness can create miracles—is beautifully conveyed. Grandpa’s intervention from heaven and Angel Elsa’s generosity show how even the smallest acts can change someone’s world. The scene where the angel decorates the house and leaves a note from Grandpa made me smile. It was a little predictable, but that’s part of what makes it feel like a classic Christmas tale.
Chloe Nyiri’s illustrations added a lovely charm to the book. The pictures matched the cozy tone of the story and brought the snowy village and the little family to life. One particularly endearing image was of the children dancing in the snow. It was so sweet that I found myself lingering on that page.
Grandpa’s Christmas Gift, by Istvan Sanyi, is a delightful story that will resonate with families looking for a wholesome holiday read. Its simplicity is both its charm and its limitation, but it shines brightest in its earnest message of love, faith, and generosity. I’d recommend it to young readers, parents who enjoy reading aloud, and anyone needing a little reminder of the magic of Christmas.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CP9JJR1Q
Marvel at the Magic
The Paper Butterfly follows a delicate butterfly as she emerges from her glass cocoon and takes flight while protecting a tiny monarch egg till it hatches and joins her on her adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
My garden is a registered Monarch Waystation and a Canadian Wildlife Federation Habitat Garden. Three summers ago, while placing the tiny Monarch Watch paper ID tags on a couple of newly eclosed monarchs, I felt compelled to write and illustrate a story about their migration south to help raise awareness about this amazing species.
My protagonist in the book, a paper butterfly, evolved because the Monarch Watch tags are made of paper. A single piece of paper is also known as a ‘leaf of paper’, and monarch butterflies shelter under leaves for protection against the elements. From these connections, the idea for ‘The Paper Butterfly’ was born.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
When I worked as a teacher of the deaf one 13-year-old once said to me ‘Mrs Kingdon, you don’t teach us. We just have fun and I learn.’ It made me think about both education and the way most of us continue to learn through life. We absorb information when we are engaged; when we laugh or cry, get angry or empathize, not when we are given a list of isolated facts that have no meaning. It was the student’s words that echoed in my mind as I wrote The Paper Butterfly. As we laugh with, cry with, or feel many other emotions with her, we too are absorbing information.
I wanted the book to appeal on many levels to different age groups because, as both a teacher and a parent, I know that, even if it is essentially a story for children, it won’t be just children who will read, or become engaged in the book.
To the young, the paper butterfly will probably become as real as any butterfly in their minds. They will learn about the environment and marvel at the magic of metamorphosis with her. They will hopefully want to track her adventures on maps and follow her process as she migrates. A teenager, on the other hand, might be encouraged to reflect on what true beauty is and take on board the message the veteran monarch conveys. They might also empathize with the paper butterfly as she tries to find how she fits into the world and what her ultimate purpose is. To a mother reading the book, their focus may be more on the caring and love that the paper butterfly shows others. To someone who loves nature, whatever their age, it may encourage them to discover more about raising and tagging monarchs or making their garden a more pollinator-friendly environment. To someone older, it might encourage them to look more closely at the world around them and notice the small pockets of magic that the paper butterfly is so good at seeing.
If the book encourages people to dwell upon the questions the paper butterfly asks as she interacts with the world around her then, to me, it has been successful; if there is discussion or reflection afterwards, even better. Many of the questions the paper butterfly asks have no right or wrong answer and this in itself is an important thing to learn especially when reading to or working with children. Very little in life is black or white, yes or no. There are so many factors that can affect things including our experiences. Knowing that it is ok not to know the whole answer at that moment is important too. If we want to improve our world these are the things we need to be encouraging.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
As a young child, I grew up in the world of the theatre, so bringing the characters to life in the book was the part I enjoyed the most. Each animal that the paper butterfly meets became real in my mind. I imagined the Karner Blue butterfly that the paper butterfly meets early in her adventures as a knowledgeable university professor, the father of the Child of the Moon as a battle-worn veteran returning from duty, and the spider, who is my only animal antagonist in the book, as one of the witches of Macbeth to name but a few. All three were such fun to bring to life. My favourite part to write, however, was when the paper butterfly first met the Child of the Moon. As my two main characters of the book, I wanted to form a strong bond between them from the onset, and having such a young, innocent character to play with meant I could really have fun with it. I have made a short video of me reading a small snippet from this first interaction. I hope you enjoy listening to it.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I actually liken the creation of any book to the metamorphosis of a butterfly. At first, you have the small egg of an idea. The ideas grow and seem like a lumbering caterpillar with too many legs. The idea needs to be broken back down to the essence of what I want to convey, then and only then can I let my imagination truly fly. With my next book, I am still at the lumbering caterpillar stage, with way too many legs or ideas, so I am slowly breaking it down to its essence and then I will be ready to share my process of creation. I can reveal though that it will be brimming with watercolours and will be ecologically/conservation-based as these are where my two main passions lie.
When will it be available? Some things are just worth waiting for. To me, the joy is in the creation so writing and illustrating a book is not something I want to rush. I love to include my followers in the process of creation, so if you want to jump on board as I create the next book, follow me on Facebook, or bookmark my website. These will be the two places where I share my next journey of creation with you all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Emotive Expressions | Website | YouTube | Amazon
The paper butterfly felt certain that her Maker had designed her to be beautiful, but she also wondered if there was a deeper reason why he had created her. Skillfully formed with many paper folds, she knew that he never intended her to take to the skies. But when a sudden gust of wind lifts her out of an open window, she is propelled into a world brimming with life, beauty, and adventure. How can a mere paper butterfly, however expertly crafted, play a role in this fascinating place?
With over 80 breathtaking watercolour illustrations, this book takes you on a journey of discovery through the eyes of the paper butterfly. Feel her curiosity as she eagerly interacts with the environment around her. Sense her excitement as she experiences the life cycle of the endangered monarch butterfly and sees, first-hand, the magic of metamorphosis. Connect with her as she befriends, defends, and journeys with a super monarch on his epic migration south. Follow her quest to discover her true purpose.
The Victorian Era: History for Kids Who Hate History Book 1
Angel Dunworth’s The Victorian Era: History for Kids Who Hate History is a lively and whimsical dive into the fascinating time of Queen Victoria’s reign, as told through the eyes of Punxy, a playful character with a magic guitar that whisks them back in time. The book is a blend of storytelling, history, and imaginative engagement aimed at young readers. It makes the past approachable by weaving historical facts with vibrant illustrations and a touch of humor.
One of the standout qualities of this book is how it distills complex historical ideas into digestible bits without ever feeling dry. The story of Alice explaining how Lewis Carroll invented Alice in Wonderland is both charming and informative. Carroll’s whimsical storytelling origins, as recounted on a boat ride for Alice Liddell, capture the spirit of creativity that defines this era. I found myself smiling at how cleverly Dunworth uses rhymes to make details stick. This technique makes learning feel like a game.
Another highlight is how the book juxtaposes modern life with Victorian innovations, helping kids connect with the past. Punxy’s excitement over seeing an old-fashioned phonograph and realizing it’s now combined into our smartphones is pure joy. The playful “dance of joy” Punxy shares adds a layer of fun and relatability to what might otherwise feel like a dull history lesson. The book also touches on cultural aspects, like poetry and literature, with anecdotes about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This section shows how creativity in the Victorian era shaped modern storytelling.
The Victorian Era, by Angel Dunworth, is a delightful read that excels in making history fun for kids. Its mix of colorful illustrations, engaging dialogue, and clever rhymes makes it perfect for young readers who might typically shy away from traditional history books. I’d recommend it to children between ages 7 and 12, parents looking for interactive learning tools, or even teachers wanting to add a splash of fun to their curriculum. This book truly rocks and not just because of Punxy’s magic guitar!
Pages: 45 | ASIN : B0DK9PHSH5
A New Normal
Soft Hugs for Mommy is a heartfelt exploration of living with fibromyalgia, wrapped in a narrative that combines raw vulnerability and an educational touch. This seems like a very personal story for you. How hard was it to put this story out in the world for people to read?
It is a story right from my own personal experience. I have desired for some time to share a story that would help others understand the plight of chronic pain. I have been blogging about fibromyalgia since 2015, so it wasn’t a real difficult write … other than writing it in a format for children’s understanding.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The major idea is that someone with fibromyalgia needs soft hugs. First, literal soft and gentle hugs because even a hug can be painful. Second, the hugs can come in other formats, such as kindnesses done for them.
I also wanted to suggest ways that a family can help their parent with chronic pain and how the whole family must accept a new normal because of the illness.
For the patients themselves, I wanted to suggest that gratitude is a good step toward dealing with your pain. And a big thing is you can still be a great parent even with your pain.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Melissa Pickens?
Well, let me say, first that I have absolutely no artistic talent. Melissa and I were already acquaintances through several avenues, including chronic illness. When I saw her handpainting work, I knew I must ask if she could illustrate the book.
It was a painstaking process because we both have our own pain issues. This caused a much longer process but well worth the wait. Melissa brought great ideas to the project, including the purple ribbon search. She even had suggestions on grammar and vocabulary!
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope this book will be a tool to open communication between parent and child when chronic illness (of any kind) arrives in their home. My goal is that I can help them find a new normal as a family with a new understanding of the disease.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Soft Hugs for Mommy tells the story of a loving family as they navigate the challenges of Mommy’s chronic pain condition. Filled with tender moments and loving gestures, it seeks to encourage understanding and unconditional love. The family helps Mommy with her invisible illness by offering gentle hugs, thoughtful acts of kindness, and comforting words. A talented author who draws from her personal experience with fibromyalgia shares this sweet story. Another chronic illness warrior skillfully illustrates the story with hand-painted pictures. Together, author and illustrator capture the emotions and experiences of each character with warmth and tenderness.
Soft Hugs for Mommy continues with a “Let’s Talk” section to open the conversation between parent and child. These questions, created with a child psychologist, offer a space for children to express their feelings about Mommy’s illness. This book facilitates discussing other related conditions (such as Lyme Disease, ME, CFS, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic migraine, chronic pain, and others).
Finally, the book offers a subscription through e-mail as she shares soft hugs and new resources for chronic illness every month.
The Unpacking Process
Moving Magic is a charming activity book designed to make the daunting process of moving less overwhelming and more fun for kids. What was the inspiration for writing this book?
I would meet with homeowners who would be getting ready to start the process of relocating. You can see that they are stressed out and usually would tell the kids to be quiet, watch TV, and we need to meet with this man about our move. I really never see families involving kids during the move. We all know it’s stressful, but kids can be included, and moving doesn’t have to be so stressful. So, I came up with this book to help families move with kids, get them involved, and make it fun. My experience gave me the different activities that are in it.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The first day box.
Homeowners pack up and just label the boxes to which room they were in. A first-day box is so important in many ways. Unpacking the most important things is comforting. This box should be packed with important, sentimental items. It’s a start to the unpacking process.
What activity in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The puzzles.
I actually made them from scratch, all of them. Thinking of moving words, connecting them together and creating the hints to complete them. That was fun, mind expericing and stepping away from my daily life.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the only book, no series of them.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 