Blog Archives
Education is Changing Directions
Theodore, the Sloth Who Wants to Race, follows a two-toed sloth who, unlike other sloths, dreams of winning a speed race despite the obstacles that are in his path. What was the inspiration for your story?
Sam and I have always chosen paths in life that others have tried to tell us won’t or can’t work. Sometimes those predictions were correct, and we’ve then found ourselves wishing in those low moments that we had chosen something else. But then, in other instances, in spite of the comments of naysayers, we have found the results of going our own way to be magical. And so, we were sitting around one night during one of those low moments of indecision, trying to sort out where to head next in our life direction, when one of us (we can’t remember which) commented that, “Sometimes, I feel like a sloth trying to be an Olympic sprinter.” We thought the analogy to be as funny as it was apt and then came up with Theodore as a way to entertain ourselves.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Probably the scene where Theo is racing the worm and then, in his moment of glory, realizes his big achievement never actually happened. Poor Theo!
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The primary lesson of Theodore is that life truly is a marathon and that you cannot give up. You don’t know what obstacles will come into your marathon-path, or how you might initially react to them. Sometimes you’ll have wins and other times losses, but the only way to really experience life is to just keep trying. You just never know what you can achieve!
In a purely didactic sense, we purposefully used vocabulary that one does not typically find in children’s picture books and then included a glossary at the end. Why? Because kids are smart and like to learn! And in this same vein, we also included some fun facts about sloths and the biology game, because we have noticed that when there is a relatable story behind learning, then kids are more engaged and able to absorb knowledge.
Also, it seems that education is changing directions, but when Sam and I were in our formative years, the message was definitely that learning is a chore and isn’t supposed to be fun. Sadly, this dogma becomes internalized and translates later in life to the idea that you can’t be a fun person and be a smart, successful, and serious person at the same time. We both think that learning is absolutely fun and critical to meaningful engagement in 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?
Right now, Theodore is a stand-alone, with no specific plans for a sequel, but that possibility has been discussed. One reader suggested the next book to be about Theodore’s club, so we’ll have to see!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon | YouTube
Theodore yearns to RACE, to EARN his wins, to prove his WORTH.
The only catch?
Well, he’s a sloth, the slowest mammal ON THIS EARTH.
But that can’t stop a dream.
With determination, a few good friends, and a touch of science, Theo sets out to overcome his obstacles.
Join him on his (two-toed) quest for athletic glory!
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Depression by Christian Martin
Murder With Malice by Deirdre Oliver
The Coffee Traveler
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
An Alien Took My Cheese
An Alien Took My Cheese hooks young readers right from the start. Owen wakes up one morning, only to discover his favorite snack has vanished without a trace. But who—or what—could be behind this? As the story moves forward, the possibility of an alien culprit comes into focus. With his loyal dog Clover by his side, Owen dives into a thrilling adventure, determined to solve the mystery of the missing cheese. What he finds along the way, though, is something he never expected.
Janice Hostetter spins a tale that sparks curiosity and lively discussion, especially during story time. Humor and suspense blend seamlessly, pulling readers in and holding their attention tight. The idea of an alien thief adds a fun and imaginative twist, keeping the story vibrant and fresh. Owen’s close bond with Clover brings warmth to the narrative, turning their quest into more than just a hunt for stolen cheese—it becomes a touching story of friendship. The interactive nature of the book shines through as Owen picks up clues around the house, inviting readers to join the detective work. Bright, engaging illustrations amplify the experience, urging young minds to dive deeper into the story and ask questions. The sensory details Hostetter weaves in—like the stench in the garage, the clatter of mysterious noises, and the eerie green slime—make the tale come alive. These vivid elements not only enhance the story but also offer a subtle educational layer, perfect for helping children explore their senses.
This story moves at a brisk pace, perfect for young readers who love a good mix of humor and adventure. The quick tempo keeps the energy high, ensuring kids remain captivated from start to finish. With its blend of comedy, heartwarming moments, and surprising twists, An Alien Took My Cheese stands out as a must-read for any child eager for a mystery full of delightful surprises.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D7WZ4STT
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 September 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
A Drunk in the Midnight Choir by Jim Jensen
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Inspire a Love of Reading
In Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo, a personable pig takes young readers on an educational journey through the zoo. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have been visiting Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago on an ongoing basis and as a member for many years. Their train ride always seemed to bring such joy to everyone walking around and about—from the conductor and the passengers on the train to the kids and parents in line. I really love visiting the lions there as well as seeing the monkeys play and giraffes with their long necks.
What educational goals did you set for yourself when writing this book?
My goal for this book is to inspire a love of reading and life-long learning. My editor and I talked about how “The Wheels on the Bus” is such a lovely song for kids to learn words and sounds and we agreed that it could lend itself to the concept of book. I also hope that readers can embark on a fun adventure and want to visit a zoo or learn more about their favorite animals.
I enjoyed the wonderful artwork in your book. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Tamara Joubert?
Working with the entire team at Blue Balloon Books has been a joy. From the initial call with their acquiring editor to the editing and illustration process—it has been seamless and a fantastic experience for me. Tamara Joubert is an award-winning illustrator and she captured the vision of the characters perfectly. Her illustrations really make me smile and I hope that they bring the same feelings of fun to the readers. I think that the illustrations really help the bring positive attention to the animals and to the sounds of the train. Tamara was wonderful to work with and made the process fun and her take on starting early in the day and ending as it gets dark was a special gift.
Can we look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
There are several projects that I am excited about publishing and writing over the next few years. I am currently working with Blue Balloon books on the next book in the series for spring 2025, “Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo” also illustrated by Tamara Joubert. I really love to write picture books and look forward to hopefully publishing two to three books each year for the foreseeable future.
Author Links: GoodReads | KathyWelton.com | akabooks.com | MyrtleTheTurtle.com
Choosing Animal Companions
Sally Mitts Finds A Home: The Story of A Shy Shelter Kitten follows a shy little kitten who is accidentally left behind when her family moves and must find a way to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since I was a child I have been rescuing cats and kittens from the streets and from shelters. I feel the suffering of abandoned animals acutely. And each one brought me so much happiness in return, with their love and their marvelous, unique personalities. But many had been traumatized. It took time, patience, and genuine commitment to win their trust.
When I wrote Sally Mitts Finds A Home, I wanted to show people that every animal, like every human being, comes with a formative backstory that we don’t know. And it’s important to approach them with compassion and humility.
The animals that people often bypass in shelters -the quiet ones, the seniors, the special needs animals – are so very deserving of love and attention, too. And they are often the most euphorically loving. I hope Sally Mitts’s story encourages people to look beyond the surface when choosing animal companions and consider them.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
That’s really a toss-up between when Sally discovers the wonders of a garden after always living inside a house, and when she is happy in her new home.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It helps children learn:
~How to cope with unexpected situations
~How to discern and trust good instincts
~To empathize with others’ experiences
~To understand the importance of adoption
~kindness to animals
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Sally Mitts and the direction of the second book?
The second book, Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination will be published on October 26, 2024. In it, Sally follows some shoes who are walking along without any feet in them to a mysterious red door with the word IMAGINATION written over it. Inside the door, she meets fantastical creatures, paints the sky, meets a shirty mole, engages a fog monster, and has many adventures and challenges.
Our imaginations fire the dreams that we long to come true. And Sally discovers that you can do what you really want to if you follow those longings.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website | Amazon
PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD
For fans of spunky heroines, Sally Mitts Finds A Home: The Story Of A Shy Shelter Kitten is a heartwarming tale about a lost kitten who finds her way back to love and home.
Accidentlally left behind, brave little Sally weaves her way though adventures on city streets and gardens. Ending up in ananimal shelter, she learns about the lives of other street cats, especially her good friend, the spirited Charlie the Tailless. But when Charlie is adopted, gentle Sally finds herself very shy with potential adopters. The shelter keepers worry Sally is too shy to ever be adopted. Until a quiet man offers her the chance to trust again.
From this warm and touching story, children learn about facing new situations, the power of friendship, learning empathy for others, and trusting good instincts.
Imagine Your True Purpose
In Pigs Have Wings, a pig who aspires to sing and dance is encouraged to pursue her dreams with the support of her friends. Where did the idea for this book come from?
For the past few years, I have taken classes in the Writer’s Program at UCLA Extension. My confidence gradually increased with the excellent instructors and colleagues in the classes. I realized that creative writing was something that I really wanted to keep doing. When a few colleagues and a good friend encouraged me to write my own books, I leaped at the chance.
The line “And whether pigs have wings” from Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter” stuck with me and deserved some sort of answer from me. Whether I could be a writer or not?
A challenging time in my life led me to understand that if you “believe in yourself” and imagine your true purpose, then you can achieve your dreams. So I started writing lots of lines and this book Pigs Have Wings was the result. The illustrator, Chau Pham, was wonderful to work with. I love her owl illustrations.
What draws you to writing books for young readers?
My mother was a kindergarten teacher and one of the first books I remember reading was a book from her, A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You, by Joan Walsh Anglund. I treasured that book and still have a copy on my bookshelf. In my mind, introducing young readers to books is more important than ever. Giving back has always been an important part of my upbringing. I am hoping that my books can inspire a love of learning as well as increased literacy.
Is there anything from your own life included in your characters’ experiences?
Inspiration, collaboration, and creativity have always been important to me. I am grateful to many people who encouraged my writing career and helped my dreams take flight. They believed in my abilities to write a book. They encouraged me to embark on a journey as a creative soul. And others truly understood the importance of having a room of one’s own. My parents built a family library of classic works and encyclopedias—one book at a time—and inspired a love of learning at an early age. All those positive activities came together.
My publishing career has shown time and time again how books enrich lives. At this point in my career, I value what I learned from the many authors and colleagues that I have worked with over the years. They believed in me and my talents and for that, I am forever grateful.
Can readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
There are several projects that I am excited about publishing and writing over the next few years. As an independent publisher, the first book in a series of puzzle books for kids is coming soon in 2025. Going forward, I value the opportunity to continue to work with amazing editors and illustrators on my picture books—more are in process. In addition, I have partial manuscripts for a YA novel trilogy and concepts for perhaps a novel or two down the road.
Collaboration with partners and working with others are the keys!! It all forms a connection with something greater than yourself. And I always like to learn new things.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | AKABooks | Myrtle the Turtle | Amazon
Miz Peg dreams she can dance and sing, but it‛s harder for a pig than you‛d think! With a little help and inspiration from her friends, Miz Peg finds she can do almost anything.
LITERARY TITAN 