Blog Archives
See the World Through Words
Milo’s Magnificent Magnifying Glass follows a young boy with trouble reading small letters who visits an eye doctor and is given a magnifying glass. What was the inspiration for your story?
Children understanding how to see the world through words and not to feel ashamed about using glasses or a magnifying glass for their health and learning.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Learning words that sound the same with different meanings called homonyms, advances children’s reading and comprehension of language.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene of Milo giving his Mom a bag of sugar in humor.
What is the next story that you’re writing, and when will it be published?
I am still developing the next story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Dog is Dog
Vincent A. Watson’s Dog is Dog is a charming poetic reflection on self-acceptance, framed through the eyes of a lovable, unapologetically authentic dog. The poem emphasizes how the dog never tries to be anything it’s not, such as a cat, a lion, or a bird. The author’s clear and simple language makes this work accessible to readers of all ages, but its deeper message about embracing who you are and not comparing yourself to others strikes a chord that resonates universally.
The writing is playful and rhythmic, which brings a lighthearted yet profound quality to the poem. I loved how Watson used humor and whimsy to convey his message. For instance, one of my favorite lines goes, “Dog is dog and never tries to be a cow / Dogs don’t go ‘moooooo’ they don’t know how.” The silliness of imagining a dog mooing makes the poem delightful for young readers while driving home the point that dogs—and people—shouldn’t pretend to be something they’re not. The simplicity of the language adds to the charm, making it easy to read aloud and fun to share.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its repetition, which reinforces the central idea: being true to yourself. Each stanza follows a similar structure, starting with “Dog is dog and never tries to be” and then humorously pointing out the absurdity of a dog attempting to act like another creature. This consistent pattern gives the poem a musical quality and makes the message memorable. I found it comforting, like a gentle reminder, especially for young readers who benefit from such repetition to fully grasp important lessons.
Watson’s heartfelt dedication to his children and “all the kids around the world” adds a layer of sincerity to the work. There’s an undeniable warmth to his words as if the author is directly speaking to children, encouraging them to embrace their individuality. The closing lines—“Dogs are happy being dogs, so be happy being yourself too!”—encapsulate the book’s theme beautifully. This message made me smile, and it reminded me of the universal struggle we all face to feel confident in our own skin, no matter our age.
Dog is Dog is a delightful and uplifting read that would be perfect for young children, teachers looking for engaging classroom material, or even adults who appreciate a gentle nudge toward self-acceptance. If you’re searching for a book that delivers an essential message wrapped in humor and joy, I’d highly recommend giving this one a read. Watson’s simple yet powerful words remind us all that there’s only one you—and that’s more than enough.
Pages: 28 : ASIN : B0C3G2GY5X
Silly Antics
Mischievous Cat Brothers follows two cat brothers’ daily activities and antics and the chaos they sometimes cause their “cat mom.” What inspired this children’s book?
That would be my own two silly kitties. I have a now 9-year-old and 7-year-old cat. The 7-year-old is narrating and it is his silly antics that inspired this series. Everything you read in the book are real things that happened in my place with my boys. I never knew how silly and funny cats could be and I thought it would be great to show the world this point of view for cats.
The art in this book brings the story to life, and the fact that each page is illustrated by a different artist on the autism spectrum makes it extra special. What was the collaboration process like with Brainstorm Productions?
The collaboration process is honestly one of the easiest and best for me. Brainstorm Productions individuals are brilliant. They are so talented and they send me a timeline but always deliver early. They send me different versions of each sketch I can choose from. I think my favorite though is when I am stuck on what to do for the header or back cover or an illustration and I give them total freedom to come up with an idea. They get my vision and bring my work to life the best. They are so nice, open and flexible. They make it the most enjoyable and best process for me.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Oh gosh, probably the foot under the bed one lol. That never ceases to surprise me when he does that. Even now, every winter, I forget and out shoots his paw to grab my foot lol I laugh the most probably when that happens. That was very fun to write and then figure out how to describe it for Brainstorm Productions to bring it to life. Luckily, I had pictures for them to go off of.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I recently wrote a book called Dragon Island – Football Season. It was a book that my own little cousins asked me to write which was fun. They had a hand in it too by giving me their favorite colors and the names of the dragons. Also, an author friend asked me to write about a character who was deaf. This will have a dragon that is and that was fun to research and plan out. This was probably one of the biggest planned-out books before I started to write it. I’m very proud of it and very excited for it. This one will be out In 2025 and I cannot wait for it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
In the next chapter of the “Cat Brothers” series, Snowball takes the spotlight, sharing tales of playful antics and pranks he shares with his sibling, Midnight. Whether he’s mistaking his owner’s foot for a mouse or watching Midnight comically attempt to fit into a box, their home is always filled with laughter and mischief. Dive into the delightful escapades of Midnight and Snowball in this enchanting sequel!
Children Love Misha
Misha the Travelling Puppy ABC takes young readers on an adventure from Australia to Zimbabwe that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am an avid traveler, and I recognize how important it is for young children to learn about the world. I have a series of children’s books called Misha the Travelling Puppy, and Misha has adventures in Australia, England, America, India, and beyond. I also have coloring books, t-shirts, and plush toys – the children love Misha!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I know that ABC learning is so imperative, and why not mix it with learning about different countries as well. I like that this book mixes literacy with geography. The book is written in rhyme and it has the most iconic facts to teach young children about each country.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Svetlana Pikul?
Sveta is a great artist to work with. I would give her the description for each country, send some images for inspiration, and she would no doubt come up with something beautiful and original.
What is Misha and her friends’ next adventure, and when can readers expect their next story?
I have just published Misha the Travelling Puppy Italy! That is a culinary adventure learning about all types of famous Italian food. The Christmas title is also new; Misha is called to help Santa Claus. The next country Misha goes to will be France.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
“Misha the Travelling Puppy ABC” is an engaging and educational book for children that takes them on a journey around the world. Each letter of the alphabet is paired with a country including fun and interesting facts about the culture and tradition.
Misha and her puppy friends travel from Australia to Zimbabwe. This ABC book is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to engage children’s curiosity and imagination while promoting global awareness and literacy skills.
With rhyming text by Natalia Hooker and charming illustrations by Svetlana Pikul, this book is the perfect way to introduce children to the countries of the world and the English alphabet. Don’t miss out on this delightful journey with Misha.
The Beauty in Being Special
Bones and Friends: The Case of the Missing Mice follows three cat brothers, all with different special needs, who must work together to find their missing mice toys. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration is from a few beautiful special needs fosters that I follow. When I adopted my boys I found a wonderful cat group on Facebook. From there, I saw posts from special needs fosters. I decided to follow their pages, and it was the best thing. These little ones are hilarious and act just like any other cat. Getting to see the work, heart, and soul the humans of the foster put in is so heartwarming. It really made me want to show the world the beauty in being special as a cat too.
All three cat brothers are unique with their own talents and special needs. What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
I really wanted to ensure that all three came off cute and not funky-looking. When a cat has hydrocephalus they have big heads and smaller bodies, and sometimes their pupils are different. It was very important to me that the character came off the way I saw him, which was adorable. I think the illustrator captured my vision for all three cats and showed how adorable they can be on the outside too.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
I think that scene would be when they are all in the kitchen. In that scene, you see all three them of engaging in behaviors that are very typical of kittens. However, having a special need you may not expect them to be able to do. Like a blind cat being able to go to the top of a refrigerator or a cat with three legs jumping on a kitchen counter. The boys never let their specialness stop them. That was the theme of this book to showcase that. I think that scene is one of the best for showing that.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes! Lol right now Brainstorm Productions is working on book 2, the case of the vanishing fish. That is my favorite in the series and should be out later this year. They are doing an incredible job and I am so excited for this next part to come out. It is from the point of view of Beau who is blind. We will see if the readers can figure out where their fish friends went to before the boys do =)
Author Links: GoodReads | Tiktok | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
Despite being blind, our special needs cat, Beau, has an excellent sense of smell and hearing. When the mice dolls in his house mysteriously disappear, it’s up to our hero and his brothers, Bender, and Bones, to locate them by sniffing out their unique scent and listening to the subtle sounds they make.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Children’s Books
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes children’s books that mesmerize audiences with incredible narratives, vibrant illustrations, charming characters, and fresh ideas. Offering well-earned accolades, we salute the imagination and exceptional skill of authors who create tales that spark curiosity and delight in young minds.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award November 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
The Stanton Falls Mysteries – Undercurrents of Betrayal by Susan Reed-Flores
Ravenswwod by Anthony James
Justified Homicide by Kelly Marshall
HARD ROAD TO FREEDOM by Stephen Carter
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Put The Phone Down, Mary Lou
Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou by Bonnie Kostan is a charming children’s book that tells the story of Mary Lou, a young girl who spends her days glued to her phone, and Jake, her persistent friend who tries to coax her into exploring the world beyond the screen. The book is impactful, using vibrant illustrations and straightforward language to deliver a message about the importance of real-world experiences, imagination, and the joy of reading. Throughout the story, Jake encourages Mary Lou to put down her phone, but she remains stubbornly attached to it until a magical moment helps her reconnect with the wonders of life around her.
I loved how the story’s main message was gently unfolded. It was clear from the start when Jake tells Mary Lou, “Put the phone down, there are better things to do,” that this book is about getting kids (and maybe even adults) to look up and see the world. The way Mary Lou’s behavior escalated, dark circles and pale skin, felt exaggerated, but it worked. It made the problem obvious to young readers who might not notice subtle changes in themselves when they’re on their screens for too long. The repeated phrase, “Put the phone down, Mary Lou,” echoes like a gentle reminder, and for kids, repetition can really help drive a message home.
The illustrations by Adeline Thompson deserve a special shoutout. They complement the story perfectly, with Jake’s expressions ranging from hopeful to concerned, and Mary Lou’s transformation from zombie-like to joyful was just heartwarming. One of my favorite parts was when Jake decides to stop nagging Mary Lou and just starts reading his island adventure book out loud. It’s almost like a ‘lead by example’ moment, and seeing Mary Lou’s slow but sure change was satisfying. Plus, the images Jake conjures while reading the island book to himself are vibrant and inviting and shows how powerful and exciting imagination can be.
The picture book Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou is an excellent pick for parents who want to encourage their kids to balance screen time with more active and imaginative play. It’s a short and sweet read with a clear message about the joys of looking up from the screen and finding beauty, fun, and connection in the real world.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CZBFMFC8
LITERARY TITAN 