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Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale/El Cuento De Joy (Bilingual Edition)
Having a pet brings immeasurable joy, offering companionship through life’s highs and lows. Losing that beloved friend, however, is a heartbreak unlike any other. Julie A. R. Stephens captures the pain of such a loss and the beauty of healing in her touching story, Mountain Mutts: Joy’s Tale / El cuento de Joy. The tale follows two canine best friends, Winter and Spring. Wherever Winter went, Spring followed, mimicking her every move. But when Winter passed away, Spring and her family were left in sorrow. Time brought a new chapter: the adoption of a lively puppy named Joy. At first, Spring kept her distance, unwilling to embrace this energetic newcomer. Slowly, though, she softened, and the two began to bond, forging a new and heartwarming friendship.
This story is an emotional rollercoaster, sad, tender, and uplifting. Through Spring’s journey, readers witness the rawness of grief and the gradual embrace of change. The way Spring transitions into a mentor and friend for Joy is a poignant reminder of resilience and growth. The writing, simple and expressive, is tailored perfectly for children, touching on themes of love, loss, and moving forward in a way they can understand. The bilingual format of the book adds another layer of richness. Stories like these offer children an early introduction to new languages and perspectives.
One element that stands out is the photography. Each image brings the characters to life, drawing readers into their world. From playful moments to quiet scenes at home, the photos create an intimate connection with the story.
Mountain Mutts: Joy’s Tale / El Cuento De Joy is an undeniably moving picture book. Its lessons on empathy for animals and the depth of their emotional lives resonate deeply. The book’s message of healing and love shines through. It’s a story worth reading, especially for families seeking a gentle way to discuss loss and new beginnings.
Pages: 28 | ISBN: 1736430440
Rich Sensory Imagery
Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape follows two spirited Border Collie puppies who are eager to explore after a rainstorm and wind up lost in the woods. What was the inspiration for your story?
Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape was inspired by my border collie puppies and their absolute zest for life. We adopted both of them from a rescue in upstate New York. They made me smile every day and brought much joy and gratitude to my life. I was training them to be off-leash in the woods and fields around our farm. For the most part, they were attentive and easy to train. However, being puppies, they could be impulsive at times. After being cooped up in the house for a couple of days because of bad weather, they took off into the woods on their own. This was the incident that inspired my story.
Sadly, Charlie became sick when he was barely five years old, and the problem remained undiagnosed. We had to let him go just four months after he became ill. Losing him broke my heart. Eventually, I decided to write about some of our dogs’ adventures so Charlie would live on in the pages of my book and bring joy to those who read about the two puppies. Charlie and Sophie inspired me, but Charlie’s death was the impetus to actually write the book.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I was fascinated by the intensity of concentration my dogs displayed when exploring their surroundings. I wanted to show how dogs use their senses and how their senses differ from ours. Rich sensory imagery, conveyed through words and illustrations, makes the sights, sounds, and smells of the woods more real for the reader.
I include two pages of backmatter that discuss a dog’s five senses and encourage the young reader to compare those with our own human senses.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing the part where Charlie discovers the goose nest and is attacked by an angry mama bird. Describing the scene’s energy with all the involved sounds and emotions was fun!
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Charlie and Sophie and the direction of the next book?
Charlie gets jealous when another dog comes to stay. Rocky is big and used to being a solo dog. In our house, however, Rocky has to share attention with Charlie and Sophie, while Charlie has to accept less attention from Mom! An encounter with a porcupine is a turning point in their prickly relationship!
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Will the big bird attack them?
Will they ever see their boy again?
Join the two puppies on their wild adventure as they try to find their way back home!
He Was Just Perfect
Ella’s Letter to Santa follows a little girl who writes a letter to Santa asking for a baby sister and is disappointed at first to learn she is getting a baby brother instead. What was the inspiration for your story?
Ella’s Letter To Santa is based on a true story. My daughter, at the time, had 4 brothers and wanted a sister more than anything. She wrote a letter to Santa asking for a baby sister and it turned out that I was due on Christmas Day, but not with the sister she was hoping for. Her transformation over the course of her journey inspired me to write her story, with some added flair here and there, of course. She was extremely frustrated and truly did not understand why this happened to her. Once the baby was born, it was a magical awakening in her to a place of joy, love and understanding; that he was exactly who he was meant to be and where he was meant to be. She was immediately in love; he was just perfect. The bond between them has only grown stronger and it has been a joy to watch their love and adoration for each other grow.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to illustrate that even when you don’t get what you want, you can still find immense joy in the unexpected. It may turn out that something better than you expected happens. Sometimes, you just have to let go of your expectations and embrace what is and what will be. This can be difficult for kids and even adults too.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I probably had the most fun writing about Ella’s excitement, as she hatched her brilliant idea to take her request to Santa; after the wishing star wasn’t working. She was so full of hope and anticipation as she ran through the house collecting the required materials, while she crafted her letter in her head.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a few other books that are already available, but I am working on a couple of ideas for Ella’s next adventure. Those should be available in the next 6 months.
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Let It Out!
Let It Out! by Taylor Sawchyn offers a heartwarming and approachable way to help young children navigate their emotions. Kids often feel things deeply but struggle to understand or express those feelings. This story centers on a close-knit family with two children. When one child feels upset, the parents gently step in, offering reassurance and love. They model calming techniques, encouraging their child to relax and process those intense emotions. Along the way, the book explores a spectrum of feelings—anger, sadness, fear, boredom—balanced with joyful moments, like a trip to the park filled with laughter, fresh air, and family fun. It’s a tender reminder that positivity and creativity can help shift emotional energy into something beautiful.
One of the standout elements of this children’s book is the perspective. It’s told from the parents’ point of view and the story exudes warmth. It makes children feel safe and understood while reinforcing that the guidance is for them. The language is simple and clear, with short sentences that are perfect for young readers to follow independently. Beyond teaching emotional awareness, the story subtly instills lessons in good manners and behavior. Family trust and bonding flow naturally through the pages, whether it’s during playtime at the park or quiet moments sharing a meal at the table.
The illustrations bring the story to life, brimming with emotion and character. Each drawing feels expressive and relatable, capturing both the children’s upset moments and the parents’ calm, positive responses. Their demeanor sets an excellent example, showing how patience and kindness can make all the difference. The visuals are engaging and fun to look at.
Let It Out! is a beautiful and meaningful picture book. It reminds children and their caregivers that emotions are natural and powerful, but expressing them in healthy ways leads to understanding and growth. This is a must-read for families looking to strengthen emotional communication and create moments of connection.
Pages: 26 | ISBN : 978-1787881518
A Christmas to Remember
In the picturesque village of Santaclausby, young Lily eagerly anticipates the arrival of Christmas. Yet her excitement falters when her best friend, Sophie, begins to question the existence of Santa Claus. Undeterred by doubt, Lily resolves to rekindle Sophie’s belief in the magic of the season. Their determination leads them on an unexpected journey, culminating in a mysterious invitation to the North Pole that sweeps the girls into a whirlwind of enchantment and holiday wonder.
A Christmas to Remember captures the charm of two young girls as they strive to revive their village’s fading holiday traditions. Lily and Sophie are portrayed with warmth and sincerity, their dedication shining through every page. With the help of Jingles the Elf and the encouragement of kind-hearted villagers like Mrs. James, the pair uncovers long-lost magic while delving into the history of their home. The journey to the North Pole serves as the story’s crowning moment, offering a richly imagined setting that sparks delight and vividly showcases the author’s adept use of language. At its heart, the book conveys a powerful message of hope and kindness. Small acts, it suggests, hold the potential to create meaningful change. This theme resonates deeply, transcending the boundaries of the Christmas season. One missed opportunity lies in the character of Willow the Dog, whose absence from the main adventure feels like a significant omission. A more prominent role for Willow could have added depth and charm to the story, enhancing its emotional appeal. The book’s underlying themes and heartfelt narrative shine through. It emphasizes the importance of community, joy, and resilience, offering a tale that inspires readers to spread kindness wherever they can. Recommended for readers aged 10 and up, A Christmas to Remember does include mentions of mortality, which may require sensitivity for younger audiences.
This whimsical tale of friendship, discovery, and the enduring magic of the holiday season leaves a lasting impression. It remains a touching and imaginative exploration of Christmas spirit, earning its place as a charming read for wintery days.
Pages: 190 | ASIN : B0DKZSBPJ8
I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng
S.P. Somtow’s I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng celebrates the limitless imagination of childhood with charm and originality. The story follows a suburban boy who stumbles upon Moo Deng, a newborn pygmy hippo, while browsing online. Instantly captivated, he becomes so enthralled that his mother plans a trip to Thailand to visit the zoo where Moo Deng resides. They stay with his Uncle Somtow, who helps coordinate the visit. When they finally arrive at the zoo, a long line threatens their plans. Uncle Somtow considers giving up, but the boy’s determination keeps them in place. While they wait, his imagination takes flight, spinning magical adventures where he and Moo Deng share whimsical moments together.
The book’s theme is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. The protagonist’s fascination with Moo Deng becomes a driving force, teaching children the value of pursuing their passions wholeheartedly. His family’s unwavering support creates a nurturing environment that further underscores the importance of encouragement. Somtow skillfully illustrates how creativity not only fuels joy but also builds resilience. Faced with frustration during the long wait, the boy channels his emotions into vivid daydreams, transforming a tiresome experience into a fantastical journey. Meanwhile, Uncle Somtow enriches the moment by sharing intriguing facts, turning the wait into an opportunity for discovery.
Visually, the book dazzles with its illustrations. They burst with fantasy elements and intricate details, enhanced by striking light and shadow effects. Somtow’s writing, on the other hand, is precise and engaging, seamlessly weaving together real-world events and the protagonist’s imagined escapades. Each scene flows effortlessly into the next, delivering a narrative brimming with wonder and excitement.
At its heart, I’m Dreaming of Moo Deng inspires children to chase even the wildest dreams. It’s a joyful reminder that imagination, perseverance, and the support of loved ones can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. S.P. Somtow’s tale brims with warmth and creativity, making it an enchanting read for young dreamers and the families who encourage them to reach for the stars.
Pages: 67 | ISBN : 978-1940999388
Never Give Up
Talent Show Troubles follows a sea turtle as he tries desperately to find a talent for the upcoming talent show. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, it all started with some doodles in church. My mom taught me how to draw turtles, and so I drew a turtle named Crush Sir Turtletin, the third. Then I drew three more until I had 4 generations of the royal Crush Sir Turtletin family. I wanted to write a series that featured each of the turtles as an introduction and then wanted to expand the series to show different adventures.
For this first book, I thought it would be a fun story to have this great-grandpa tell about a time when he was younger and asked his son to help him learn to dance. The dad knows how much his son loves to dance and thought that would be a great talent for the talent show. Sometimes, I help my grandfather learn how to play games, so that was part of my inspiration for having the younger generation help the older generation.
What scene did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite chapter is the “Shell-Shaking Dancing King.” I think it’s a very entertaining and comical chapter in the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to show that it’s important to try new things, even if you aren’t good at it. We aren’t all good at everything, but there is something we can all do if we just keep trying. The king wasn’t afraid to try new talents and didn’t give up when he failed at some of them. He kept trying new activities until he found something he was good at and I think that’s an important lesson for everyone. Try new things and never give up.
Where will Book 2 in this series take young readers? Can you give us a peek inside?
Book 2 introduces Crush Sir Turtletin, the 2nd. He starts off gathering a group of young turtles and tells them a tale of when he was young and wanted to take a vacation. His dad was against vacations, so Crush Sir Turtletin, the 2nd, sneaks off to have a grand adventure but instead finds himself facing mishap after mishap. It is a funny adventure that you won’t want to miss!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Kindness and Empathy
The What-If Kid follows a young boy whose wild imagination often spirals into anxiety and worry who is getting ready for his first day of school. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration for this story was and still is our son Kale. His own worries and anxiety were very apparent on his first day of school, and I knew I just had to write this book. Other parents working through the same struggles with their own kids can absolutely relate to Kale and all the emotions brought about on his first day of school.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to share our son’s story about anxiety and how real it can be and feel especially to little ones when a change comes about in their lives. I really wanted to emphasize that kindness and empathy do still exist in this world and how even the smallest gesture can produce the biggest reward.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene I had the most fun writing was the school bus scene. I’m pretty sure that Kale did express his worry about the bus falling apart, which made it all the more real. First bus rides can be worrisome and I was hoping to also lighten the mood of the book in this scene.
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 first book in this series. I also have a second book out called Bedtime Worries- The What-If Kid. Just continuing on with all of Kale’s big feelings at bedtime. I am currently working on my third book in this series. It should be out on shelves by early next year called Carnival Chaos- The What-If Kid. I think that with that title you can just imagine all of the “What-ifs” that come into play throughout the pages of that book.
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LITERARY TITAN 