Blog Archives
Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister
In Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister, author Linda Herron, with illustrator Marie Delon, explores the emotional landscape of Molly, a child who often feels overshadowed by her younger twin sisters, Mac and Madi. The story delves into themes of sibling dynamics, individuality, and the importance of feeling seen and valued within a family.
Herron skillfully captures the essence of sibling rivalry while also presenting parents and children with poignant examples of unconditional love and the distinct connections shared among siblings. The narrative offers a realistic portrayal of the complexities and joys of family life, effectively resonating with both young readers and adults.
Marie Delon’s vibrant illustrations are a standout feature of this book. Her artwork vividly portrays Molly’s range of emotions – from frustration and jealousy to joy and acceptance. These illustrations complement the story’s text, which is crafted in rhyming verse. This stylistic choice ensures a smooth and engaging reading experience, particularly suited for lower elementary-level readers. The book is more than just a story; it’s a tool for families to explore and discuss the nuances of sibling relationships and personal identity. It serves as an excellent resource for parents seeking a meaningful shared-reading experience with their children, as well as for those interested in narratives that reinforce family bonds.
Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister is a well-rounded children’s book that combines a heartfelt storyline with dynamic illustrations, making it a valuable addition to any family’s reading collection.
Pages: 33 | ISBN : 978-1959140115
A Dynamic Learning Experience
Rainforest Rescue follows a curious tiger cub whose chase of a butterfly leads him into the rainforest, sparking his journey to find his way back home while navigating the challenges of the wild. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Numerous children have experienced the daunting fear of getting separated in places like malls or grocery stores, or even losing sight of their parents at home. This narrative resonates with many young ones, offering them a source of connection and empowerment as they learn to confront and conquer their fears.
How do you balance incorporating educational elements with storytelling to keep young readers engaged?
By infusing facts, concepts, and lessons within an engaging storyline, a dynamic learning experience is created that keeps young readers absorbed while imparting knowledge.
What inspired you to choose a tiger cub as the protagonist for Rainforest Rescue?
My aim was to acquaint young readers with the Sumatran tiger, fostering love and care for animals and the environment. Additionally, I sought to raise awareness about the habitat challenges and threats confronting these magnificent creatures, such as the perilous effects of oil palm plantation expansion, deforestation, and the grim practice of tiger poaching driven by the demand for tiger teeth, bones, claws, and other commodities.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My upcoming book will focus either on an endangered species, aiming to raise awareness and empathy among children, or on enhancing phonics skills that will foster a love for reading.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Rainforest Rescue children’s book is not just an entertaining read; it is an educational tool that sparks curiosity about wildlife conservation and environmental preservation. Children will become inspired to protect our precious rainforests and the remarkable creatures that call them home. Get ready for a thrilling journey filled with excitement, emotions, and valuable life lessons.
The Future of Learning
RhinoRAM: Your Friendly Neighborhood Cybersecurity Protector! follows a guardian angel, Rino (RhinoRAM), who has made it his mission to teach children about cybersecurity. What inspired you to write this children’s book?
I’m part of the micro-generation of Millennials born between 1987-1992 whom grew up with and without the Internet. I graduated from high school in 2005 as the social media wave crested. I’ve always had a fascination with computers and the impact of technology on society. As a security professional, I have extensive experience thinking strategically about physical dangers and policy solutions. But in today’s world, digital dangers deserve just as much attention as physical dangers. Spending time with my five-year old goddaughter Rosalie, I noticed that whenever she took my phone to play with it, she knew how to navigate it much better than I anticipated. This pushed me to think: who is talking to her about cybersecurity and dangers on the Internet? Currently, there are not any comprehensive products, educationally focused or not, designed to teach those 12 and under about cybersecurity. This represents a critical gap for the future of learning and for current domestic infrastructure, national security, and foreign policy implications. Inspired by this, I created RhinoRAM. RhinoRAM represents a prime opportunity to teach youngsters about cybersecurity and its impact on the globe.
The art in this book is fantastic and brings the concepts and story to life for children. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator LaTosha Maddox?
Working with Tosh was one of the best parts of bringing this book to life. I met her at a local artist market in Baltimore, MD and bought one of her original paintings. She did an awesome rendition of the ancestral plane from Marvel’s 2018 film Black Panther. It currently sits above my desk. When I began thinking about illustrating RhinoRAM, I looked at the painting and immediately contacted her. I also spoke with several other illustrators that I found from folks in my network and on social media. But Tosh was the clear choice. It was very important to me that someone who looked like me, with shared live experiences, would help me bring the character and concept to life. Tosh had never illustrated a book before so we were deliberate about meeting periodically to discuss my vision. I encouraged her to take artistic freedom in creating the pages. We worked on the book in four stages, knocking out a quarter of the book at a time. As you stated, her illustrations are fantastic and I am still blown away with how vibrant the pages are.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Cybersecurity basics is an area that does not currently have many resources for young Internet users. I chose animals, specifically rhinos as my favorite land animal, to make it easy for young Internet users to grasp the concepts. Understanding what the Internet is and why protective measures are necessary is repeated with the three main lessons of the book. Digital literacy and resiliency are crucial for any young Internet user to know. This is especially true for those from marginalized populations, where folks are often the most vulnerable on the Internet.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when will the next book be released, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first book in a series. I am working on text for the second book. Thankfully, Tosh has already agreed to illustrate the next book so we will keep her amazing artwork coming in the next one. I don’t know how many books we will do, but I would like to have at least four. I have drafted curriculum documents to accompany the book. I’ve already had the opportunity to pilot the curriculum at several Washington DC public schools and conducted live reading events with an organization called Protect Us Kids.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Feature in The Southwester
Reaching young users early is important. But there are many challenges and vulnerabilities to address, including the lack of multicultural and multilingual materials.
Enter RhinoRAM! RhinoRAM is a guardian angel on the Internet (inspired by Clippy of yester-years), ramming away all cyber dangers. This character helps early readers understand cybersecurity basics through exercises and stories reminiscent of The Magic School Bus and the Berenstain Bears.
Rainforest Rescue
In Rainforest Rescue, readers are introduced to Cleo, a lively tiger cub whose curiosity leads him on an unexpected journey. Cleo’s playful pursuit of a butterfly draws him deep into the rainforest, away from the safety of his family. This simple yet captivating premise sets the stage for a story rich in adventure and gentle life lessons.
The narrative’s strength lies in its depiction of Cleo’s innocence and exuberance. His interaction with the butterfly not only showcases his playful nature but also serves as a catalyst for the unfolding adventure. This incident subtly underlines the theme of unintended consequences of one’s actions. As Cleo finds himself lost, the story shifts to a narrative of self-discovery and the importance of seeking help when needed.
The introduction of Matu, a knowledgeable red-knobbed hornbill bird, marks a turning point in the tale. Matu’s character is not only a guide back to Cleo’s family but also a symbol of unexpected friendship and wisdom. The dynamic between Cleo and Matu enriches the story and illustrates the value of camaraderie and trust, especially with those different from ourselves. One thing I enjoyed about this book is its emphasis on the theme of assistance and interdependence. It shows young readers that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. This message is particularly impactful for its target audience, fostering a mindset that values cooperation and mutual support.
The illustrations play a crucial role in enhancing the reader’s experience. The vivid and engaging illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, making the rainforest and its inhabitants come alive on the pages.
Rainforest Rescue is a journey through important life lessons wrapped in a colorful and engaging package. It’s a delightful picture book for young children, offering both entertainment and gentle education. This children’s book is a fantastic choice for parents and educators looking to introduce themes of friendship, diversity, and the importance of asking for help in an engaging and accessible way.
Pages: 52 | ASIN: B0CVF6N6M6
The Adventures of Danny the Discus Volume 3 – Danny Goes to Tobago
In The Adventures of Danny the Discus Volume 3 – Danny Goes to Tobago, author Kirt Seuchan invites readers to join the vividly colored Danny the Discus Fish on an enlightening journey. Set against the backdrop of Trinidad, the story unfolds as Danny becomes a local sensation in Mr. Chan’s pet store, leading to an educational trip to Tobago. This children’s book offers a blend of adventure and learning, as Danny seeks advice from friends and steps out of his freshwater comfort zone.
Seuchan’s writing captivates young audiences by intertwining lessons about aquatic life with the overarching theme of respecting nature. Danny, portrayed as both bright-eyed and eager, becomes an endearing guide through the book, keeping readers invested in each phase of his journey. Illustrator Jonny Hossain complements this with vivid illustrations of coral reefs, crafting a visual feast that is likely to draw young readers back to this kids book repeatedly.
From an educator’s perspective, this book holds significant value. The narrative of Danny’s adventure is not only engaging for children but also serves as an effective tool for teaching the importance of coral reef conservation. Its potential integration into thematic school units focusing on marine life or cultural studies on East Indian and African communities further enhances its educational merit.
The Adventures of Danny the Discus Volume 3 – Danny Goes to Tobago is a thoughtfully crafted picture book. Seuchan and Hossain have created a narrative that not only entertains but also educates, encouraging young readers to think more deeply about aquatic environments and their preservation.
Pages: 26 | ASIN: B0CVVQW573
Empower Children
Octavia Can Do It! follows an independent little girl who wants to make cookies her way, which leads to a big mess, and she questions if the cookies will be good. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for my story was watching my granddaughter, Octavia, make cookies with her mom. She always wanted to measure the ingredients by herself. Although she was guided by her mom, there was always a mess to clean up afterwards.
The art in this book is fantastic and really brings this story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Amariah Rauscher?
The collaboration process was amazing! I love Amariah’s illustration style and how she represented the characters and story in the book.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the ideas was to empower children to do things on their own and ask for help when they need it.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
In my second book, Octavia and Ludovic Welcome Baby Brother, Octavia and Ludovic must find ways to adapt to a new sibling. It was not as easy as they thought.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Mama steps out of the kitchen, Octavia takes over with an “I can do it” attitude. But as flour and cocoa cover the walls, cabinets, and countertop, she starts to question herself.
Will her cookies turn out as good as Mama’s cookies?
Octavia Can Do It! is the humorous story of a young girl as she discovers that even the most independent people need a little help sometimes.
Octavia Can Do It! is a Mom’s Choice Award Winner.
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
Frode Ridna and the Rumbling by M. Singh
Rendezvous with Evil by Deirdre Oliver
Wiser Now by Gayle G. Curtin
The Goose Waltzer by Samantha Leigh Miller
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 