Blog Archives
They Are Special and Unique
Perfectly You follows a young flamingo who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns to embrace her unique talents in a world that values perfection. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration for writing Perfectly You came from my eight-year-old niece, Audrey, who was diagnosed with ASD a few years ago. She’s incredibly smart but faced challenges early on in school, particularly with overstimulation and emotional regulation, which can be difficult in a classroom setting. Through this book, I wanted to encourage her, and countless other children who may feel “different,” to understand that they are special and unique in their own way, and that we all have something valuable to offer.
How did you approach balancing the light, playful tone of the story with its deeper message about self-discovery and personal growth?
I aimed to balance creating a playful tone that draws children in while gently weaving in deeper messages by focusing on humor, the use of the relatable character: Flo, and a few scenarios that kids can relate to.
The use of rhyme and simple language, and the vibrant illustrations keep the mood light. At the same time, I embedded moments of reflection within the story—like when Flo realised that she’s different and made the choice to be herself which highlights her growth.
I also considered how children naturally explore themes of self-discovery through play and imagination and let the story flow with silly moments and the underlying themes emerge naturally, encouraging kids to reflect on their own journeys without feeling heavy-handed.
Can you share some insight into your creative process when collaborating with the illustrator to bring the flamingos and their world to life?
Absolutely! I made a conscious effort to share my vision and ideas clearly with my illustrator. He’s incredibly talented, and once he understood what I was aiming for, I was able to step back and let him work his magic. He truly brought my concepts to life with his unique style and expertise. Since he’s the expert, I wanted to give him the freedom to shine. The illustrations turned out even better than I had hoped!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The second book in this stand-alone series (Stand Out Stories) is titled “Better Together.” It tells the story of a proud penguin who learns that everyone needs a helping hand sometimes and also the value of friendship. It will be available around March 2025!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Join Flo as she tries her best to fit in only to discover that she was born to stand out. Through her funny antics and kind nature, she shows the other flamingos that love and acceptance don’t require perfection.
A funny and inspiring picture book about the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating who you are.
This book offers:
– A heartwarming story that teaches children to recognize their own differences and appreciate uniqueness in others.
– A valuable lesson on diversity, promoting self-awareness, self-acceptance, empathy, and inclusion.
– Vibrant, eye-catching illustrations sure to capture young readers’ attention.
– Engaging rhymes that are easy to understand.
– Delightful characters that children will love and relate to.
– ‘Find the worm’ on every page – a fun feature which kids will enjoy.
Baby Dragon Finds His Family
Baby Dragon Finds His Family, by Sheryl Bass, is a heartwarming children’s book that beautifully highlights the diversity of families, fostering empathy and acceptance in young readers. At the heart of the tale is a kind dragon who spends his days helping the villagers, but despite his good deeds, he feels a deep sadness because he hasn’t received a name from his parents. This missing piece weighs heavily on him, so he sets out on a quest to find his family and discover who he is. Along the way, he meets magical creatures like an elf, a unicorn, and a fairy, all of whom he helps. In return, they teach him a valuable lesson: family isn’t just about where you come from but about being with those who love and care for you.
Sheryl Bass crafts an emotionally resonant story, drawing readers into the dragon’s feelings of loneliness and his desire to belong. Despite his sadness, his selflessness shines through as he generously helps others, showing young readers how kindness and positive actions can create meaningful connections. The joy the dragon feels when surrounded by his caring friends offers a powerful lesson on the importance of relationships, making him a wonderful role model for children. This picture book not only teaches children about belonging and resilience but also encourages them to respect others’ feelings, showing the strength that comes from forming bonds based on kindness and understanding.
The illustrations are bursting with vibrant colors and enchanting scenes that draw readers into the magical world Bass has created. The plot unfolds with imagination and energy that I think is perfectly paced for young readers. The short and rhythmic sentences make it easy for early readers to follow along, while the occasional longer phrases add a layer of challenge that encourages growth.
Beyond the engaging story, the book serves as a useful tool for adults to initiate discussions with children about the uniqueness of families and the importance of values like kindness and compassion. The dragon’s emotional journey adds depth to the character, making him even more relatable and compelling as the story progresses.
Baby Dragon Finds His Family is a touching and imaginative children’s book that resonates with both children and adults and offers a meaningful exploration of family, friendship, and the power of kindness. It’s a charming picture book that will inspire young readers to embrace diversity and form strong and caring relationships.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CLRX6WKG
A Magical Process
Harriet’s Hungry Worms follows a young girl who is given the task of taking care of the worms in her family’s compost bin while learning valuable lessons about sustainability. What inspired your story?
Harriet’s Hungry Worms was inspired by my children’s curiosity about the environment and their eagerness to contribute to sustainability at home.
My children were learning about the environment, but with texts that weren’t connecting with them through their ‘childhood’. While there were many educational books about environmental topics, I noticed that some of them could be overwhelming for young children due to their fact-heavy nature.
I’m a big believer in keeping things light-hearted, fun, and simple in order to naturally inspire genuine interest in children and create positive habits for life – especially when it comes to the environment. My aim was to write an eco-book that wasn’t didactic – instead sparking children’s interest in worm farming in a fun way and showing them how simple it is for them to try at home.
I wrote the first draft with my three children – Tom, Ben, and Evie – who are just as excited about bringing Harriet’s Hungry Worms to life and sharing it with their friends.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Melissa Johns?
Working with Melissa was an absolute delight! Her unique style using recycled materials brought the story to life in such an inventive way.
Melissa’s creative process of repurposing everyday items into beautiful collages captures the heart of the book, extends the sustainability discussion, and aligns perfectly with the theme of giving new life to what might otherwise be discarded.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to share the message that caring for the environment doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating—it can start with small, fun activities like feeding kitchen scraps to worms!
The book emphasises the value of turning waste into something beneficial, inspiring young readers to see composting as a magical process.
I also aimed to encourage kids to see themselves as little “worm warriors” who can make a real difference in the world, even from their own backyards.
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?
Yes, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the first in what I hope will be a series of fun and inspiring eco-picture books. I have another book coming out with EK Books in 2026—stay tuned! Readers can expect more eco-adventures filled with fun characters and plenty of hands-on ways to learn about sustainability and caring for our planet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
This funny, engaging eco story invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet’s ravenous compost worms as they munch their way through their wide and wonderful weekly menu.
Harriet’s nine-hundred-and-eighty-three hungry worms live in a shady corner of her backyard in a big, green box. They spend their days munching on anything from Aunt Tilda’s herbal teabags to the sports pages of Uncle Sam’s paper. Harriet watches and waits, eventually deciding the worms are ‘so BORING.’ Until one day, the worms leave Harriet a big surprise … worm wee!
Packed with worm facts, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the ideal companion for worm warriors and curious composters keen to roll their sleeves up and put their kitchen food scraps to good use.
Continuing the sustainability message, inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page, breathing beautiful life into this fun-filled story.
A Deeply Gratifying Experience
I’m THAT Cat is a charming collection of whimsical cat tales brought to life through enchanting rhyming poetry and captivating artwork. How did you decide on the title of this children’s book?
Deciding on the title, I’m THAT Cat, for a children’s illustrated rhyming poetry book was a thoughtful process. The phrase captures the playful and confident nature of a cat, which resonates well with young readers who often find solace and joy in the whimsical world of animals. Cats are known for their unique personalities and quirks, and the title invites children to take a closer look at the character that unfolds within the pages. It suggests both familiarity and individuality, allowing kids to embrace their own characteristics while relating to the emotions of a charming feline protagonist.
Moreover, the title’s rhythmic quality aligns perfectly with the lyrical structure of the book, making it memorable and easy to recite. For me, the use of I’m THAT Cat creates an immediate connection with the audience, encouraging them to engage as they embark on a journey through the playful verses. It implies a sense of pride and individuality, inviting children to identify with the cat’s sentiments, experiences, and the joy of being one’s authentic self.
Ultimately, the title, I’m THAT Cat serves as a vibrant and captivating entry point into a world filled with colorful illustrations and lively rhymes. I believe that the title encapsulates the spirit of the book while inspiring young readers to find joy in their own stories, fostering a love of literature that can carry them through their own adventures in life.
What was the most challenging part of writing this children’s poetry book, and what was the most rewarding?
Crafting poetry that resonates with children while maintaining artistic depth posed a significant challenge. Much time was spent on careful selection of words and structure; ensuring accessible language without sacrificing literary quality. Striking the right tone and thematic elements that captivate both young readers and their parents also proved to be demanding. Given the abundance of cat-themed literature, creating original poetry that feels fresh and engaging was essential; avoiding clichés while bringing unique perspectives on cats was a significant undertaking.
The rewards experienced when writing books for children are endless! Specifically though, with I’m THAT Cat, transforming the poems into vibrant illustrations was an exciting aspect of the creative journey. In the end, seeing everything fall into place flawlessly was a deeply gratifying experience, as was an opportunity to inspire a love for reading (and with this book, poetry) among children.
In conclusion, while the journey of writing a children’s illustrated poetry book about cats was filled with challenges—ranging from maintaining an engaging tone to integrating visuals—the delight of creating I’m THAT Cat far outweighed the hurdles!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
This year, on October 7th, I will be releasing the first book of a series entitled The Alpine Dragon Legends! The series is suitable for children ages six through 10 and, of course, for all those who love dragons! I am extremely excited about this series, the first of which is titled The Dragon of Mont Blanc. This title, like all my others, boasts full-page artwork throughout the book. For the very first time, the legend of Vincent Laurent and a dragon called Rhygar is offered publicly and is told exactly as was written within the pages of this book. But this is no ordinary dragon book, The Dragon of Mont Blanc sends a powerful message: that kindness is a far mightier force than anger, encouraging young readers to embrace compassion and confront their own fears with an open heart. This book also serves to inspire young readers as they learn that the greatest treasures often lie in the connections we build with those who seem vastly different from ourselves.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Written and illustrated by award winning author and artist, August E. Allen’s, I’m THAT Cat boasts engaging full page artwork accompanied by adorable read-aloud rhyming poems all about cats whose antics are quite the sight!
“They chase their tails, a furry blur,
A comical dance, a silly purr.
They’re marvelous cats, with charm untold,
a joy to watch, a story to unfold.
So let us laugh, and share their glee,
for silly cats, are meant to be.”
“Yet another charming synthesis of art and prose from Allen that will surely captivate and entertain children and parents alike — over and over again!”
A Special Relationship
Where’s Grandma? is a touching picture book that gently helps kids navigate the complex emotions of grief and loss through the comforting memories of a grandmother’s love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I lost my mom I decided to put it into a book and pay homage to her. She was our Queen and we all miss her. I took notice of my family during this time, especially the youngest, my granddaughter Jordyn. Jordyn and my Mother had a special relationship so I decided to capture the beautiful moments that shared together and put it in a book.
The illustrations in Where’s Grandma? beautifully complement the story’s emotional depth. How did you collaborate with the illustrator to bring Jordyn’s journey to life?
I had a plan from the beginning as it relates to the storyline, as well as illustrations, so I never strayed from that. I knew what I wanted to do with the book from the beginning. I gave explicit details to the illustrator to work with, and she brought my vision to life. The illustrations turned out just like I wanted them to. They are amazing.
Can you share any advice for parents or caregivers on how to discuss grief and loss with young children using books like yours?
I know it’s tough, but I’d say start with my book, Where’s Grandma? It’s a great way to start up the conversation. Some kids just shut down and don’t want to talk about it. But this book has journals included to assist children on how to deal with the sadness they are feeling. This book can get the healing process going, for the children as well as their parents.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m working on a children’s Affirmation book. I hope to have it out by the end of the year or in early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Amazon
This book takes you through Jordyn’s journey, as she deals with the loss of someone close and very dear to her. Jordyn’s emotions are up, down and everywhere. Jordyn has so many questions. Where did she go, and what does it mean to transition?
Jordyn looks to her Mommy for guidance on how to deal with her feelings and emotions during this time. Jordyn’s Journeys: Where’s Grandma?, gives you a beautiful view of the close relationship between Jordyn and her great-grandma and brings to light some of the special moments they shared, such as playing games and watching Jordyns’ favorite movie together. It’s a beautifully illustrated children’s book dealing with loss, grief and bereavement, from a child’s perspective.
Jordyn also shares several journals in this book that can be used to assist your child with dealing with their feelings and emotions, as they deal with the loss of a loved one. These journals can help to preserve memories of that special loved one, and help your child as they grieve and deal with their feelings and emotions.
Create Something Special
Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove follows a young girl struggling to control her anger who learns how her brain responds to emotions and what she can do to control them. What inspired your story?
Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove was inspired by my experiences as a teacher, a mom, and an aunt. I’ve seen firsthand how children, including my own, often struggle with big emotions, especially when they don’t fully understand what’s happening inside their brains. Teaching has shown me how important it is to not only recognize emotions but to offer kids the tools to manage them. As a mom and aunt, I’ve had plenty of moments where I’ve had to help little ones work through their feelings, and I wanted to create a story that does just that—explaining emotions in a way that children can understand and relate to. This book blends my love for education and my experiences as a parent to offer a resource for families, teachers, and caregivers, helping kids navigate their emotions with compassion and knowledge.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Maham Ali?
I am so incredibly grateful for Maham Ali and her talent in bringing Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove to life. The collaboration process with her was an absolute breeze—she’s so skilled and creative, and she captured the essence of the story beautifully. Even though we weren’t in the same place, technology made it possible for us to connect and share ideas as if we were in the same room. I’m really thankful for that because it allowed us to create something special together. I can’t wait to work with her on future projects, and I’m excited to see what else we’ll come up with!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove, it was really important for me to show that everyone experiences emotions, and it’s not about avoiding or suppressing them, but about how we handle them. I wanted kids to understand that it’s okay to feel big or small emotions, but what really matters is how we respond so we don’t cause harm to ourselves or others. That harm can be physical, but it can also be emotional or mental, which is just as important to recognize.
I also wanted to make the brain’s role in emotions more tangible for kids. I tried to break down the parts of the brain and how they interact with emotions in a way that children could easily grasp. It is really gratifying knowing it is working as my godson, who’s in preschool, asked his older sister recently after reading the book if she was in the “upstairs or downstairs of her brain house?” when she was feeling emotionally overwhelmed. That moment really validated for me that kids can understand these concepts, and it sets them up for emotional resilience and intelligence.
Lastly, I wanted the book to offer resources for families and educators. At the end, there’s a section with vocabulary and strategies tied to social-emotional learning, so they have practical tools they can use with kids, anywhere, anytime. It’s about making these conversations and techniques accessible for everyone.
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?
Yes, “Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove” is the first book in the series, and I’m already working diligently on the next one! I actually have a few drafts for the next installment with Elsie. If you noticed the gray balloon floating on the last page, that’s a little teaser for what’s to come. In the next story, that balloon will represent anxiety—specifically the anxiety that comes from big changes like moving and going to a new school, something a lot of kids can relate to.
The next book will dive into how Elsie learns to recognize and manage her feelings of anxiety as she navigates a new environment. Just like in Brainy Cove, the goal is to give kids a way to understand their emotions and the tools to work through them. I’m really excited to continue this journey with Elsie, and I can’t wait to share more soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Noah’s Wonderful World
Noah’s Wonderful World is a super fun and heartwarming children’s book that does a fantastic job of teaching kids and grown-ups about autism in a way that’s easy to understand. Noah, an adorable autistic toddler, takes us through his day, showing us what his world looks like. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of life, making it engaging for young readers.
One of the coolest things about the book is that there’s helpful info for adults on almost every page. It breaks down why autistic children might act a certain way, like how repetition can feel calming or why some kids love sensory experiences while others avoid them. It’s like a mini-lesson for parents while the kids enjoy the story, which is awesome.
The fantastic illustrations are packed with fun details, too. There’s always something to spot. I loved seeing things like a little brain sitting on Dad’s shoulder when he had a good idea or colorful music notes floating around when Noah listened to his favorite sounds.
At the end, there’s a bunch of activities for kids to try and a section just for caregivers with a complete breakdown of what autism is, how it can show up in different ways, and tips on how to support and advocate for autistic children.
Noah’s Wonderful World is a perfect picture book for anyone who knows someone with autism or just wants to understand it better. It’s fun, beautifully illustrated, and surprisingly informative. I think a lot of readers will walk away learning something new.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0D7T24GJM
Playful Spirit
The Turkey Hands follows a colorful paper cutout that comes to life when the school empties at night, engaging in playful mischief with the art supplies. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was a student in the same elementary school where my mother taught first grade. When school was dismissed at 3:30 I’d head to her room where she would have a list of chores for me. The big job was cutting out pictures for her bulletin boards. She loved student art and was constantly changing her bulletin boards as a way of ensuring art and student work were on display no matter where you looked.
Even after I moved on from elementary school, my mom would entertain my dad, sisters, and me at the dinner table with stories from her classroom—funny, sweet, quirky stories about her students. Though it’s been a long time since those days, I think these little turkey hands embody both the experience of helping my mom after school and the playful spirit of her students. The memories of those moments have sort of fused together, and that mix of nostalgia and silliness is captured in the mischievous, endearing little birds in the story.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some obvious themes in the book are curiosity, creativity, and taking responsibility for cleaning up after yourself. But a less obvious theme is the relationship between rules and creativity. The imperious shoes at the end — I mean, who hasn’t frozen in place when an authority figure comes marching in? And you feel for those little turkey hands doing their very best not to fidget. It reminds me of all the discomfort I felt when I was a kid when I got a little too excited about something and vacillated between being expressive while also trying to exercise some restraint and discipline.
I loved the idea behind this story, what was your favorite scene in this story?
There is that one very climatic scene in the story that I love (and that I don’t want to give away). That is definitely my favorite. But the other scene that I love is the moon scene. Everyone knows what a turkey hand is. Or do they? My hope is that when the reader turns the page to see the moon, they realize they might not actually know what a turkey hand really is — and that moment feels fresh and surprising.
What is the next book that you are working on and when is that book due out?
This is my first children’s book, and I’ve been fortunate to work with Camille Easton, the owner of Ao5 Gallery in Austin, Texas. She handled the production design and provided invaluable feedback throughout the process. She worked tirelessly to help bring this book to life. Moreover, Camille has an incredible eye, and the same level of curation she brings to her gallery, she brought to this book. Quality was a top priority, and it was important to both of us to bring these characters to life in the right way. With that in mind, we’re planning to collaborate on five more books in the Turkey Hands series, with the next one coming out next fall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Beneath the glow of a full moon, magic stirs within an elementary school classroom: turkey hands, the colorful paper cut-outs pinned up for Thanksgiving, come whimsically to life! As moonlight fills the room, these crafty creations embark on a night filled with mischief and mayhem. They dive into glue, splatter ink, and even peck the alphabet off the walls in their playful spree.
But carefree adventure takes a turn upon encountering the realities of the daytime world of teachers and students. Faced with the consequences of their nighttime antics, the turkey hands race against time to restore order to the classroom before the morning light reveals their secret lives.
“The Turkey Hands” is a charming tale that mirrors the vibrant and often untidy journey of creativity in children. Much like children, the turkey hands can get carried away when having fun. No magic, only recognition and hard work, will get the turkey hands out of a mess of their own making.
LITERARY TITAN 