Blog Archives
Unique and Special
Jewel’s Curls: Being Me follows a four-year-old girl who notices the differences in appearance between herself and her parents. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration was my childhood friendships of different races helped me to value others, and the importance of children of mixed race to value their inner beauty as much and accept their natural self-image to be unique and special.
The art in this book is fantastic, bringing Jewel’s emotions and struggles to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator K. Stone?
Each illustration I described to the illustratrator to bring to life relatable characters’ style, emotions, environment, and multicultural connection within families and societies in a fun social environment.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For parents to help their children to value themselves and self-image and to be okay with being different from other children.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Jewel and the direction of the second book?
My Jewel books are an emerging series of fun heartfelt relatable stories that will help children see themselves in the world as unique worthy and of great value and to show other children and people the same respect, as they continue to grow in their adventures in life to be their best selves in their own skin.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
She has a pure heart and one day, she became curious about her curly hair. Later, she learns to value herself.
An Interesting Learning Experience
Addison’s Canadian Caper follows a young girl during a family trip across Canada for a writing contest, who must find her cousin’s lost cat amidst the excitement and mystery of their adventure. What was one thing that got you excited to write this book?
First, I had to decide on a location for the “c” book, and then research information about that location. Reading about Canada was interesting, exciting, and informative, and I was eager to share Canada’s culture in an amusing children’s tale. The icing on the cake was to create an entire story using as many words as possible that start with the letter “c.”
How did you develop the character of Addison, and what qualities did you want to highlight through her journey?
Addison’s character has the “typical” traits of a big sister, but she excels in problem-solving, and her responsible attitude helps her keep a close eye on Albert, her little brother. Albert’s character matches his age and curiosity and leads to many of their adventures. During her journey, Addison works to achieve her goals, helps her cousin gain self-confidence, learns valuable lessons, and encounters situations that young readers easily relate to.
Can you share more about your decision to weave educational elements, like vocabulary definitions, directly into the story?
Including unfamiliar vocabulary words came about when I created a unique way of storytelling that focuses on one letter of the alphabet from beginning to end. I included some unfamiliar vocabulary words and wanted to make it easy for them to learn the definitions without struggling to search at the back of the book. To make it easy for young readers, I included brief definitions on the bottom of each page. This new format delights and empowers young readers and allows them to continue reading without timely disruption.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Addison’s Delaware Discovery is my next book in the Addison series. It is nearly ready to get reviewed, then it goes on to the illustrator. When she has finished, it will be published and become available. Working with other people and their availability makes an exact time difficult to state, but I’m hoping by the end of the year.
In Addison’s Delaware Discovery, Addison meets a young girl named Daisy, who wears dandelion-colored shoes, loves dreamsicles, and has a disability.
This story is an interesting learning experience as Addison has never met anyone with a disability and is not sure what to say or do. Addison becomes determined to help Daisy make friends, and when she discovers that Delaware was once famous for having a swamp monster, she devises a plan!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
During their visit with the Clemens’ clan, Corby’s cat disappeared with clues pointing to a Cat Burglar! Corby grew concerned, and called in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which created a big commotion. The children remained confident that with the Mounties on the job the Cat Burglar would soon be caught, or would he?
Addison books marry entertainment with education, using a unique format that both delights and empowers young readers.
A Champion for Nature
Raccoons Go Rafting follows a group of mischievous and adventurous raccoons as they go on a rafting trip over the summer. What was the inspiration for your story?
This summer “tail” is based on my adventures as a NYS Whitewater Raft Guide on the Hudson River. The raccoons featured in Raccoons Go Rafting (RGR) are based on guide friends I formed amazing friendships with. Nugget was the nickname I was given on the water by Bandit, the rascally red-vested raccoon. In real life, Bandit was the one who taught me how to raft!
The art in this book is vibrant and entertaining, making readers wish they were right there on the river with the raccoons. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Anthony Richichi?
I have been very fortunate that the indie publisher, Saratoga Springs Publishing (SSP), has such talented illustrators available to her authors! While in the storyboarding process with SSP, we realized that RGR needed an illustrator with a passion for nature and animals as well as a sense of adventure. Anthony possesses all of those traits! During our collaborations, it was amazing to see my stick figure raccoons turn into the adorable furry adventurers featured on the pages of RGR.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In my debut book, I wanted the Hudson River’s beauty and strength to shine. As a guide, I fell in love with the River and the animals that call it home, therefore I wanted to create an engaging and educational picture book that could grow with young readers. On the first read, this “tail” is very vibrant with short bursts of text but on your second, third, and later reads the different rapids and animals within the pages start to pop. The call of conservation as seen on the map’s signs “Take only memories” and “Leave only pawprints” is another aspect that I like to expand on during my author readings. It is very important that our youth begin to not only experience and fall in love with our vibrant Earth; our youth must also become active in conservation so that they can continue to be a champion for nature as they grow up.
What future adventures do readers have to look forward to with these mischievous raccoons, and when can they expect the next story?
This gang of raccoon friends isn’t done exploring yet! The Raccoons Go Rafting series will be expanding this summer with a trip down the Sacandaga River! This new adventure, Raccoons Ride the Dragonback, will be splashing onto shelves later this summer. Nugget and her friends still have many other river adventures ahead of them with the Moose River, Niagara Falls, and even rivers outside of Nugget’s home state, New York, on their TBR (standing for To Be Rafted) list! Follow our adventures on Facebook for the inside scoop!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Joy and Contentment in the Simple Things
In Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo, two bird friends enlist the help of a new neighbor with magical powers to help them become the majestic birds they have always dreamed of being. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Miss Sapphire’s role would be the best supporting actress. She has a small but significant role. I have always thought Blue Jays were beautiful birds. So, I knew instantly that Miss Sapphire had to be a Blue Jay. I wanted my story to possess an element of magic because many children love magic. I love all the scenes with Miss Sapphire. When she transforms Sophie into a flamingo, I wanted the reader to see the slow progression of Sophie becoming a flamingo. As a teacher, I envisioned children repeating the rhyming spell with Sophie to encourage engagement with the book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Often, children, as well as adults, wish to be someone else. On the outside, someone else’s life looks perfect and very appealing. I wanted to portray this idea through my sweet main character, a common sparrow. Sweet Sophie wishes to be a beautiful flamingo. After all, they have pretty pink feathers, can balance on one leg, and dine on shrimp all day. Once she has an opportunity to live the life of a flamingo, Sophie realizes that her life as a sparrow was the perfect life for her. I hope Sophie can help children realize that they are special just the way they are, embrace their lives, and find joy and contentment in the simple things life has to offer. In Sophie’s case, that would be eating a worm dipped in chocolate and covered with rainbow sprinkles, perching on her favorite branch with her best friend, frolicking in her favorite bird bath, and spending time with her family.
I think the illustrations in your book are phenomenal. What was the art collaboration process like with Nicholas Child?
Nicholas is a joy to work with. This was our second book. He also illustrated my debut book, Juliette’s Web. I gravitate toward illustrations oozing with whimsical charm. I also like a more vintage look. Nicholas has a flair for creating charming characters and scenes with captivating details. Initially, I sent him my manuscript and gave him time to read and process it. Then, we have a phone conversation and discuss initial thoughts. I then sent him the manuscript with my ideas for each illustration. I can envision each scene. Unfortunately, I’m not talented enough to execute them on paper. Nicholas, on the other hand, is a gifted illustrator, and I never object when he puts his little spin on something. The illustrations for Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo are a collaboration of our creativity and imagination. I’m always excited to see the black-and-white sketches. However, when the illustrations are done in color, it is like unwrapping a beautiful gift. The amazing feeling you get when you see your book come to life through gorgeous illustrations never gets mundane.
I love the vertical flip illustration. I’m a first-grade teacher, and my students adore books with a vertical flip illustration. So, I really wanted to incorporate one in the book. I wanted the reader to feel that they were flying with Sophie to the penthouse and along the way see some whimsical sights. There aren’t any words on the page because I wanted the reader to focus on all the fun intricate details.
Can readers look forward to more books featuring Sophie Sparrow and friends? What are you currently working on?
As sweet Sophie Sparrow would say, “Holy Feathers! I’m in another book!” Sophie Sparrow will be making her encore performance in my next book, Sophie Sparrow and Friends to the Rescue. The beautiful illustrations were done once again by illustrator extraordinaire Nicholas Child. It will make its debut before the end of this year. There are some new friends, Cora and Charlie Cardinal, Finnigan Goldfinch, Miss Ruby Robin, Olivia Owl and her owlets, Sir Winston Woodpecker, and Percy Parakeet, who will be joining the charming ensemble. I would describe this book as “Habitat for Humanity” bird style.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
“If you could be any bird in the world, what would you be?” asked Sullivan, Sophie’s best friend.
For Sophie Sparrow, that is an easy question. She would be a beautiful flamingo named Pinky with a long, graceful neck and feathers the color of pink cotton candy, and she would eat delicious shrimp ice-cream sundaes. Luckily, Miss Sapphire, the new, young Blue Jay who moved into the penthouse suite on Maple Lane, had magical powers.
”Hold the pink feather, and say the magic words, Bingo, Lingo, Ringo, I want to be a Flamingo, three times, ” said Miss Sapphire.
Poof! Sophie disappeared into a cloud of pink smoke. Will Miss Sapphire’s magic spell make Sophie Sparrow’s dream come true, or will it be a nightmare?
This amusing and heartwarming story will remind you that the perfect life you wish for is often in front of you and found in the magic of friendship, family, and simple delights like a chocolate-covered worm with rainbow sprinkles.
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
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 VOID by Safdar Ali
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 