Blog Archives
Big Mick and Little Pete
In the enchanting world of Big Mick the dump truck and Little Pete the mini excavator, every day was just another day at the depot, until an unexpected visit from the Mayor turned it all upside down. In Big Mick and Little Pete, author Greg Keane invites readers into the bustling small town where these two charming construction buddies reside, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. The Mayor’s urgent request for their assistance sets the stage for a heroic adventure that will warm your heart. Stranded by a relentless rainstorm, a school bus teeters precariously on a washed-out road, its cargo of children unable to get home. It’s a moment that calls for bravery, determination, and, above all, teamwork. Big Mick and Little Pete step up to the challenge, working in harmony to fill the treacherous gully and ensure the children’s safe journey home.
Greg Keane’s storytelling prowess is beautifully complemented by vivid illustrations that breathe life into the characters and their world. As you flip through the pages, you’ll be transported into a world where even the most unexpected heroes can emerge from the shadows. Big Mick and Little Pete is not just a charming tale of heroism; it’s a lesson in the power of teamwork and problem-solving. As our dynamic duo tackles the formidable task of mending the road and rescuing the stranded school bus, young readers are introduced to the enduring values of perseverance and collaboration. Keane’s narrative teaches children that size and role are no barriers to making a difference. It encourages them to believe in themselves and their ability to tackle any challenge they encounter in life. It’s a powerful message of self-belief and determination that young readers will carry with them long after the story ends. The suspenseful moments in the story will have readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to discover the outcome of this daring rescue mission. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, skillfully crafted to keep you engaged from the very beginning to the triumphant end.
Big Mick and Little Pete is an engaging and heartwarming tale that celebrates the extraordinary feats achievable through teamwork and determination. Greg Keane’s storytelling is a gift, and this book is a must-have addition to any child’s library. Prepare to be captivated by the indomitable spirit of Big Mick and Little Pete.
ASIN: B0BNY2LHGS
Purrrfect As I Am
Bones is a loving kitten who enjoys cuddling and playing with both humans and fellow fur buddies. Despite being a special needs cat with hydrocephalus, he doesn’t let it slow him down. Bones shares his journey with readers, explaining how his condition can sometimes make him feel sleepy and affect his ability to walk. However, a special visit to the vet helps him recover fully. His fur friend Beau, who is blind, can chase a ball across the room independently, while Bender, with three legs, can still run incredibly fast. Their disabilities do not hinder these cats from living life to the fullest and experiencing joy, fun, and love.
Purrrfect As I Am is an enchanting and inspirational read that conveys an important lesson to young readers: Treat everyone with kindness, regardless of their appearance or special needs. Author Lisa Jacovsky has crafted a story that encourages love and compassion for all. The beautiful illustrations accompanying the narrative portray the kittens’ physical disabilities in a way that neither frightens nor worries young readers. It’s heartening to see the author depict these kittens as typical feline companions who enjoy the usual activities like playing, eating, and snuggling. I loved that Bones is the narrator of the story, providing valuable insight into the world of special needs animals and teaching us that they are truly extraordinary. This perspective offers a unique and engaging way to connect with the story’s message.
Purrrfect As I Am is a delightful tale that celebrates diversity, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of special needs animals. It serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds, and every creature, regardless of their unique challenges, can lead a life brimming with joy and adventure. This book encourages readers to cherish and embrace the differences that make each of us special, echoing the resilience and spirit of these three remarkable kittens.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0C6BQTYXP
The Power of Friendship
The Emu Family follows a family of emu who decide to spend the day at the beach and encounter unexpected situations and adventures. What was the inspiration for your story?
I live in Australia and I love animals. I write stories that are easy to connect to and that children will love. As a therapist who knows the importance of nurturing kids with positive outlooks, I write stories that inspire children to live their best lives and live confidently. I want them to know what is truly important in life; friendship, fun, and connection.
Life can be negative sometimes, unlike when I was young. Kids were allowed to be kids and explore in the trees, get dirty, and use their imagination, nowadays kids have a completely different way of living. I want to help children see the world in a fun light. To know there is positivity, and they can always find a good positive outcome from most situations, especially with the right support around them.
As a therapist, I have seen many adults in my therapy room not knowing or understanding the basic values of connection. This could have been taught in childhood so those kids grow into healthy adults. My wish is that my books do this for children.
What made you decide to write this children’s book series around emu? What is about them that makes them perfect for children’s stories?
It starts off with emus but they quickly introduce their friends. Snap the crocodile, Kiki the koala, Kanga Blue, and Rooby Red the kangaroos, and Kira the kookaburra. These animals are not typical animals, they are fun, colourful, wear clothes and hats, and sing and dance. These animals love to express themselves in a fun way. Together they make up a group of (unlikely) friends who support each other through so many of life’s ups and downs. Kids love animals and love to learn, so I thought I would write a fun series while planting some seeds of positivity into their lives too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Together with their friends, The Emu Family teaches children wonderful concepts like the power of friendship, the importance of community, meditation, self-love, growing food, healthy living, dental hygiene, and so much more. It is important that each book gives a child a good takeaway message so that they can use it in life to make their experience a more positive one.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of what adventures readers will go on with the Emu family?
Book 2 will be available in November 2023. This book is about Kira the kookaburra; the story is about her hat collection, but the underlying story is a journey to her finding self-love. Her friends join her and encourage her on her journey. I have written several of the books in the series, and they are all stories to inspire kids to live a healthier, happier life. I have started on the artwork for the second series with more animal characters from London! It’s very exciting!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Emu Family & Friends series teaches children wonderful things like:
The Importance Of Community
The Power Of Friendship
The Importance Of Family
Growing Food
Healthy Eating
Exercise, etc.
This series of books is designed to bring fun and positivity to the reader and also teach them healthy ways of living in this world.
It is also designed to encourage communication between the parent and the child. And maybe even some fun projects to work on together.
This is the first book in a series of adventures.
A Heartwarming Message
In The Little Boy Who Craved Thanksgiving, Little Ricky’s wise and loving grandmother teaches him how to be truly grateful for his many blessings and to appreciate much more than just the delicious foods he relishes each year. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write this story?
The initial inspiration, or spark, for writing this story emerged from my desire to capture the essence of the season and the profound emotions associated with family, home, and love. In search of this inspiration, I delved into the memories of my childhood, recalling a true story that has resonated with me throughout my life. This recollection became the driving force, the very spark that ignited the need to craft this narrative.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Little Ricky and his grandmother?
My approach to writing the interactions between Little Ricky and his grandmother aimed to highlight the wisdom that can be gained from our elders. I also aimed to emphasize the importance of clear and meaningful communication. My inspiration stemmed from the interactions I’ve experienced with my family during holiday celebrations. In large gatherings, there is a constant buzz of activity, and there’s always someone around to lend a hand or share in the moments.
I find the process of writing children’s books fascinating. Can you tell us a little bit about your approach to imagining, drafting, and writing this book in particular?
I aimed to create a fall book that captured the warmth of home and the essence of both autumn and the holiday season. Maintaining a positive message in my books is of utmost importance to me, and I wanted to remain true to my writing style, which centers around recounting true stories that have deeply inspired me. The character Little Ricky draws inspiration from a real-life event from my childhood centered around Thanksgiving and the invaluable lessons my brother and I learned at an early age. My primary goal was to authentically capture not only the lessons I gained from that experience but also to convey the genuine spirit of the holiday season.
When it came to drafting my story, I began by identifying a central theme and engaging in brainstorming sessions to confirm that this was the story I genuinely wanted to convey. Then, I outlined all the elements I aimed to incorporate into the narrative. While crafting children’s books can present unique challenges, it’s also an enjoyable endeavor. It requires a steadfast commitment to stay true to the story’s core message and not let the constraints overshadow the creative process. I prefer to leave fine-tuning and parameter adjustments for the editing stage, allowing the initial creativity to flow freely during the drafting process.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can readers look for it on shelves?
I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming book, Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure. This book is crafted to enchant early readers with its delightful blend of simple riddles and a whimsical narrative, ensuring that the joy of reading continues to flourish. Beyond the whimsical storytelling, it carries a heartwarming message that leaves a lasting impact, reminding readers that Christmas is about more than just presents and decorations. It’s a time to cherish our loved ones, spread holiday cheer, and embrace the magic of giving back to others. Available early October.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, “Mother of Hubble” Space Telescope
From a tender age, Nancy Grace Roman harbored an unwavering fascination with the stars. The ever-shifting backdrop of her life, due to her father’s profession, meant frequent relocations. Yet, wherever they settled, Nancy would swiftly shift her gaze upwards, always finding comfort in the constellations. Living in an era where societal norms often dictated the paths women could take, many of Nancy’s contemporaries aspired to professions like nursing. However, Nancy was not to be swayed from her celestial aspirations.
Opting for the path less traveled, she pursued her ambitions and secured a coveted spot at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania—a progressive institution that admitted women during a time when many did not.
Nancy’s journey was marked by audacity and brilliance. Graduating with a degree in astronomy in 1946, she navigated the male-centric world of her profession with tenacity. Nancy’s indomitable spirit saw her make significant contributions to our understanding of the Milky Way. When she joined NASA, her stellar trajectory culminated as she assumed the esteemed role of the first female Chief of Astronomy. Among her many accolades, Nancy’s pivotal role in the conception and realization of the Hubble Space Telescope stands out—a monumental endeavor that has since become instrumental in myriad research projects.
This biography underscores the potency of persistence and fortitude. It serves as a compelling testament to women’s capabilities and a call for society to nurture and uplift their ambitions. It conveys the importance of believing in oneself and pushing boundaries.
Accompanying the narrative are Gayle Cobb’s illustrations, which are nothing short of mesmerizing. The artistry she brings to the pages draws readers into Nancy’s world. However, I felt that the font size was a tad small.
As an astronomy enthusiast, I was thoroughly engrossed by the tale and the visuals. Her Eyes Were on the Stars seamlessly melds the essence of an autobiography with the brevity of a short story. A captivating read that is sure to inspire and enlighten young readers.
Pages: 36 | ISBN : 1955791511
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves
Tutti the raccoon wakes up one morning to a surprising sight: his beloved green leaves have turned yellow! In his frustration, Tutti begins to run and shout at the leaves, hoping they’ll change back to green. It’s at this moment that an elf appears on the scene. This elf becomes Tutti’s unexpected guide, helping him understand that what he’s experiencing is frustration – a feeling everyone encounters when things don’t go as planned. As Tutti’s frustration intensifies, it transforms into anger and sadness, leading to tears. The elf, ever supportive, sits beside Tutti and reassures him that all these emotions are perfectly normal. However, the elf emphasizes the importance of not resorting to hitting or shouting, as those behaviors aren’t acceptable. Tutti, with the elf’s guidance, begins to recall why that particular spot in the forest holds a special place in his heart, and gradually, happiness returns.
Author Anastasia Goldak has crafted an ideal narrative for young readers, teaching them that it’s okay to experience anger and sadness, but how one manages these emotions matters most. Tutti’s behavior reflects that of a toddler, making it relatable for parents and their little ones. While the presence of an elf might seem unexpected, it’s worth noting that the elf proves instrumental in helping Tutti navigate his emotional journey. The book boasts beautiful illustrations that immerse readers in Tutti’s world. This story has the potential to be a valuable addition to classroom settings, especially for kindergarteners who are also learning to process their emotions.
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves is an invaluable children’s book for young readers and parents, fostering a healthy approach to expressing emotions. I recommend this picture book to parents and teachers alike, as it offers numerous valuable lessons, and I eagerly anticipate more additions to this collection.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 1955733015
The Emu Family
In The Emu Family, we follow the adventures of three cheerful emus—Eddie the dad, Emily the mum, and their son, Eric. Each emu has their favorite activity, and when they decide to spend a day at the beach, it promises to be perfect. However, unexpected events threaten to spoil their outing. Can a newfound friend come to their rescue, or is their family day doomed? Together, the Emu family embarks on a journey of friendship, family bonds, and discovering new ways to have fun.
Sharon White’s tale is an endearing Australian adventure featuring the unique fauna of the region, with a focus on the wonderful emus. The illustrations, a delightful blend of digital and traditional art, infuse the story with childhood magic. Ideal for young readers, the story employs straightforward vocabulary while introducing a few new words. The pacing is spot-on, offering plenty of adventure without overwhelming young minds. Kira the Kookaburra’s many hats add a whimsical touch, and it’s evident that love and care were poured into every page of this joyful emu family journey. Above all, this story highlights the significance of friendship and facing challenges together. Readers of all ages can appreciate this sunny narrative of a family beach day that concludes on a heartwarming note.
The Emu Family by Sharon White is a heartfelt story with charming illustrations and a positive message for children. Whether read aloud or independently, this delightful tale of an endearing emu family is sure to captivate readers of all ages with its unreserved whimsy and delight.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0DB8LFTDT
The Bobcat Birthday Party (Adventures in Harmony)
Living in harmony encompasses the virtues of kindness, empathy, and collaboration. When children internalize these values, they pave the way for personal growth within a nurturing environment. Karen M. Bobos skillfully embodies these principles in a heartwarming tale that celebrates the essence of friendship. The story introduces us to three endearing magical sisters: Angel Scarlett, Fairy Cora, and Princess Daphne. Their boundless excitement radiates as they eagerly anticipate the grandest event of the year: The Bobcat Birthday Party. From the delightful process of selecting their dresses to the jubilant festivities that ensue, readers are treated to a tapestry of laughter and dancing.
The Bobcat Birthday Party is a serene narrative that imparts invaluable lessons to its youngest readers. Its most commendable aspect is its unwavering emphasis on inclusivity, even when faced with challenging social dynamics, notably in the context of party invitations. The characters, a diverse array portrayed as various animals, bring a delightful visual richness to the story. The sisters’ vibrant enthusiasm and harmonious camaraderie exemplify the power of collaboration. Rob the Bobcat emerges as an inspiring role model, exuding gratitude, while the endearing Mary Kay the Mouse takes on the role of the affable party organizer.
Karen M. Bobos’ storytelling weaves a melodic and engaging narrative, making it an ideal catalyst for encouraging young children on their reading journey. The introduction of complex vocabulary, skillfully explained within the text and in an accessible glossary, adds an enriching layer to the reading experience. The narrative’s gentle lack of a central conflict enhances its serene and calming atmosphere. Though elegantly simple, the illustrations vividly capture the cherished values of friendship and goodwill.
The Bobcat Birthday Party is a charming and instructive tale, well-suited for inspiring and meaningful discussions with children about positive attitudes, good manners, and empathy. It holds a special place on the shelf of books that nurture young minds and hearts.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CCMWWH52
LITERARY TITAN 