Blog Archives
Literary Titan Silver Book Award April 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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Making the Story Personal
Hailey, Let’s Meet Some Fabulous Safari Animals! invites readers on a unique safari adventure in this personalized text designed to appeal to toddlers and beginning readers. What was the inspiration for the set up of this story?
“When I was a kid, I was surrounded by children’s books. My parents read me a wide variety of picture books and I was fascinated by even the simplest illustrations in the books. Now, as an adult, I’m often wondering what is the aspect that many of the children’s books are missing? The inspiration for “Let’s Meet Some Fabulous Safari Animals!” came from the desire to create a unique and educational safari adventure that inspires kids to learn how fascinating different animals are. Making the story personal allows children to see themselves as part of the adventure, making it fun and memorable.”
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write this series?
“My background in writing children’s books comes from a lifelong love of children’s stories. Growing up surrounded by picture books inspired my creativity and the means of storytelling. Additionally, I’m certain that my experience in writing blog content influenced my ability to present the story in a way that was informative and appealing to a younger audience.”
What is one thing you hope families of beginning readers take away from your story?
“I hope parents and children find the book an interesting introduction to safari animals, but also encouraged feel to read the story together. Learning some facts about animals makes it more fascinating and interesting to parents as well.”
What is the next topic you plan to provide for readers in your customized series?
“The possibilities for the next title as a personalized children’s book are truly endless. I’m always looking for ways to spark children’s curiosity by a simple but engaging story. I’m surely going to continue with some animal related theme. Under the sea adventures, or introducing some rare or generally unknown animals are just a few ideas.”
Author Website
The “Hailey, Let’s Meet Some Fabulous Safari Animals!” – book for toddlers gives your child a great adventure while they learn about some of the most famous animals in the safari. Use this book any time your child wants to see lovely animals, or simply tell it as a bedtime story for sweet dreams about fascinating creatures.
This book includes a very short, personalized story text next to each animal illustration and a question for reflection with your child.
Your child will meet the following Safari animals in this book: a giraffe, cheetah, elephant, camel, zebra, lion, bison, rhino, hyena, hippo and crocodile.
It’s a perfect gift for any child in your life!
When Bad Things Happen
Facilitating meaningful discussions about the complexities of life with young readers, Donna Carr Roberts delivers a poignant narrative in When Bad Things Happen. Through the endearing character of Mr. Fuzzy Ears, Roberts gracefully navigates the delicate theme of acceptance amidst loss. Set against the backdrop of an eagerly anticipated annual canoe race, the story unfolds with palpable enthusiasm as Mr. Fuzzy Ears embarks on his day. However, it’s the unexpected turn of events following the race, when his dear friend Izzy falls ill, that propels the narrative into a realm of emotional depth. As Izzy’s condition worsens and the inevitable loss looms, Mr. Fuzzy Ears must embark on a journey of acceptance, learning to cherish the memories of his friend.
Roberts demonstrates adept storytelling prowess, seamlessly blending moments of joy, sorrow, and reflection into a narrative tapestry accessible to young readers. The clarity of her prose, characterized by succinctness and concise ideas, ensures comprehension while maintaining engagement throughout. Complemented by illustrations imbued with a deep reverence for nature, the warm colors and tender depictions forge an intimate connection with the reader, fostering a sense of comfort and affection. Though some may find the occasional use of handwritten script charming, it’s worth noting its potential impact on readability for younger audiences.
When Bad Things Happen is a commendable exploration of life’s cyclical nature, offering invaluable guidance for parents and educators navigating conversations surrounding loss and resilience with children. Roberts’ narrative serves as a beacon of empathy and understanding, illuminating the path toward healing and acceptance.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0CWVTPJYM
Transforming the Agriculture Industry
The Little Regenerative Farmer & The Amazing Garden follows a young girl who learns about the balance of nature when she discovers her neighbor’s garden. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for our story was from seeing so much wasted space and upkeep for school grounds and other public spaces that could be used to grow food. Many advanced schools have school gardens and other resources to connect kids with nature. How amazing would it be if we all thought that way?
Is there anything from your own life you put into Lina’s character and her experiences?
Lina carries my bullheadedness. I want to do so many things in life, but there’s always someone telling me why it’s a bad idea or how it’s not possible when in reality so many amazing changes can be made if we deviate from the normal. I hope it inspires little ones to think more freely and understand that their special ideas can be a reality even if they are at first not supported.
What is one thing you hope young readers and their families can take away from Lina’s story?
I hope readers can be inspired to look at spaces differently. Regenerative agriculture can apply to so much more than farming. How can we improve our environments in farmland, suburbs, and even urban spaces to improve soil and grow nutrient-dense food for our communities? So much can change with a little inspiration and perseverance.
Can we look forward to more books in this series? What are you currently working on?
We are looking forward to many more stories in the series. We are drawing inspiration from the hardworking farmers in the US and how they are transforming the agriculture industry and cannot wait to share their stories.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium, by Lisa Jacovsky, presents an insightful glimpse into the life of Emma, a young girl with autism who has her own unique way of communication. Unlike her peers, Emma relies on index cards to express herself when she feels comfortable, a distinctive trait that sets her apart in social interactions. This narrative becomes especially poignant when Emma encounters new individuals, such as a boy named Alex at the aquarium, highlighting both the challenges and the triumphs of her communication method.
Jacovsky’s narrative is commendable for its sensitive and innovative portrayal of autism. By choosing index cards as Emma’s medium of expression, the author provides a tangible and relatable tool for young readers to understand and empathize with different communication styles. This technique effectively fosters awareness and acceptance among children, demonstrating that differing abilities should be embraced and respected. The aquarium setting is a masterstroke, offering a serene and engaging backdrop for this enlightening tale. It not only serves as a non-threatening environment for character interactions but also enriches the story with vibrant illustrations of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and beluga whales. John Thorn’s illustrations are noteworthy for their charm and their role in bringing the story to life.
Jacovsky‘s book stands out for its educational value, seamlessly weaving a lesson on acceptance and uniqueness into an enjoyable story. Emma’s journey, marked by her distinctive way of interacting with the world, is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding those who may seem different.
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium is a meaningful exploration of individuality and communication. Jacovsky’s thoughtful approach makes this book a valuable read for children, illuminating the richness that different perspectives bring to our world.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CVHTT9W5
Noah’s Robot Buddy: The Cool AI Adventure to Help a Friend
Noah’s Robot Buddy: The Cool AI Adventure invites young readers into an engaging narrative that intertwines the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence with relatable human experiences. Author Noah, through characters like Jabari, Dr. Elena, and the AI Robot, brings the story beyond the bounds of a mere adventure tale, evolving it into a fun and educational experience. Noah stands as a testament to the idea that age is not a barrier to making impactful contributions, especially in the technologically driven world.
This children’s book excels in demystifying the intricate concepts of AI, presenting them in a way that is both captivating and comprehensible for its young audience. As the readers journey alongside Noah and his robotic ally, they not only delve into the marvels of AI but are also introduced to essential themes like kindness and the thoughtful application of technology for the greater good.
The narrative conveys that AI extends beyond mere entertainment. It’s a powerful agent for change in various spheres, from everyday problem-solving to addressing global challenges. Aimed at children with a burgeoning interest in science and technology, this book strikes a pleasant balance between its technological subject matter and a resonant moral core. It encourages its readers to harbor big dreams and to engage in critical thinking about the future. All of this is complemented by vivid illustrations with elements coalescing to create a world that fully immerses the readers in Noah’s journey.
Maintaining an optimistic yet realistic perspective on AI, the story remains anchored in experiences that young readers will find familiar and inspiring. Noah’s Robot Buddy is not just a picture book about technology, it’s an accessible exploration for young minds who are eager to understand how technology shapes their world.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CTHRGJ64
Exciting, Engaging & Introspective
The Magic String follows a string with the ability to transform into anything it chooses who teaches young readers to embrace their inner magic. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The story was inspired by my son when he was five years old and I was dropping him off at kindergarten. He felt nervous about “big school” and was still adjusting to all the new faces, sensory overload, and different personalities. We took a moment to be mindful, and I told him to “just be himself.” That statement was the spark that ignited the story.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the amazing world String lives in?
After dropping my son at school, I quickly returned home and wrote the first draft of my story in 15 minutes. The words flowed effortlessly from my mind onto the page.
However, over the next year, I went through sixteen more rewrites and worked closely with my editor to perfect the story before it was ready for illustration.
What were some themes that were important for you to convey to young readers of this book?
My goal was to write a book that would appeal to both children and adults. I wanted to create an exciting, engaging story for children and an introspective and thought-provoking story for adults.
The book’s central theme is our innate desire for identity and purpose as human beings. This search for meaning can be daunting and unsettling, bringing endless possibilities and uncertainty.
The book also touches on sub-themes of self-discovery, personal choice, resilience, and self-acceptance.
Overall, the book explores existential themes such as identity, choice, needs versus wants, and the search for meaning—all presented in a simple yet nuanced child-friendly narrative.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a children’s book, which is still in the draft phase.
The story revolves around a character named Lava Boy, who lives with his Lava family in a rock house on the fiery volcanoes of Hawai’i. However, the story takes an interesting turn when Lava Boy and his family must move to the mainland, and Lava Boy faces challenges in adjusting to his new life.
I hope to have it out for Christmas!
Author Links: Website
With the ability to transform into anything he wants to be, String discovers that the world has so much more to offer than he ever could’ve imagined.
String’s whimsical adventure, illustrated in this children’s picture book, teaches young children that the journey to who you want to be can be just as telling as the destination.
Pick up a copy of The Magic String and explore the possibilities with your little one today!
Career in Education
Can We Get a Rhinoceros? follows a young boy with an active imagination who wants to convince his mom to get him an unusual pet while she tries to be more practical. What inspired your story?
I retired from a career in education (teacher and administrator) but have substituted in retirement. While working in a long-term second-grade assignment, the kids were working on animal projects. They chose some of the more interesting animals, and one student said he told his mom he wanted an elephant.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Most definitely. I grew up in farm and dairy country, and we had animals (chickens, goats, cows, show Herefords). I was a precocious child and wanted a penguin (we had been reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins in class). My mom asked pretty much the same questions that the mom in this book did.
I loved the discussion between the mother and son about the pros and cons of a rhinoceros. What was your favorite scene in this story?
That’s a little difficult to answer because I had so much fun with this story. If I had to choose one, I would say the conclusion because I didn’t have an ending until I read it to my second graders, and one of the students said he had a dog that he dressed up for Halloween.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Actually, I have several stories I am working on and not sure which will be the next book in the Chris Kueng Library Collection. I have several stories in progress. When I tire of working on one story or get “stuck,” I go to work on another story. Fortunately, I have flow maps that plot out the stories. This makes it easier to overcome writer’s block. The books I have been working on are:
1. Granddad’s Treasures
2. Honey, the Sleeping Beauty Bee
3. Can We Get a Giraffe?
4. Winston and Cooper
5. The Principal Wore Polka Dots
My goal is to have a book out every one to two years.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
Where would you keep it?
Where would you keep its food? And
How would you get rid of all the poo he poops?
Then, if not a rhinoceros, how about a whale? a tiger? Or even a blue-footed booby? Mom finally makes a suggestion for a more suitable pet. What could it possibly be?
LITERARY TITAN 