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Literary Titan Silver Book Award May 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
A Magical Tale About Leprechauns
The Unluckiest Leprechaun by Far follows an unlucky leprechaun who tries to get his luck back by kidnapping an especially lucky human girl.What was the inspiration for your story?
I didn’t want the usual capture a Leprechaun and get wishes and money from the fairy kind of story. I was trying to think of something different, and the idea of switching the story up and having the Leprechaun get his way in the end appealed to me. The usual kind of story has been overdone. I wanted something different, and that’s when this lovely tale popped into my head. It was the right kind of ornery that appealed to my sense of humor.
The art in this book is fantastic and brings the story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Christina Cartwright?
Christina’s talent is amazing. This is our second book worked together, and I feel she elevated her artwork even more so than the last time we worked together. Her attention to detail was truly sublime – she made my words on the page come to life. There really seemed to be some magic at work with how this book came together. At one point, I even asked Christina if she had a little bit of Irish in her, which she admitted she did, and I wasn’t surprised. I, of course, have an Irish ancestry as well, so is it any wonder that two American “Irish” lasses came up with a magical tale about Leprechauns? Our collaboration together was truly magical.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I do realize that I used some slightly bigger words than are traditionally found in a children’s book, but I also subscribe to the belief of pushing a person’s vocabulary. You don’t grow verbally and mentally if you are not exposed to new words. I also felt strongly about bringing the notion of karma into the story. If you are a good person with a good heart, then you have the power to change the world as long as you embrace kindness and goodwill towards others as Brianna extended to Liam. Our highest purpose in life should always be to help others whenever we are able to do so.
What will the next book in the Happy Tails series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series is about a pet bunny. Hopefully it teaches the concept of always being kind to our furry friends and to be mindful of what they truly need to not only survive, but thrive in this world. It should be out by August at the latest.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Ask Liam the Leprechaun – his family’s luck has been low for years, but all of that is about to change. Turnabout is fair play. If humans can capture Leprechauns for their magic, then why can’t a crafty Leprechaun capture a human for her overabundance of luck?
Such are the adventures of Liam and Brianna – two lonely souls connecting as friends in a way that’s truly magical. They learn that luck freely shared is luck that is never-ending.
This Fun And Crazy Adventure
Susie & Johnny Grilled Cheese Take An Out of this World Adventure follows two cute characters on an educational space adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration has come from bedtime stories with my three Children twin girls Amelia & Emerson (17) and son Cambell (11). We would make up this fun and crazy adventures of Susie & Johnny for years, they couldn’t wait to hear more.
What educational aspects were vital for you to include in this children’s book?
I always make sure that each book has some educational element to keep children reading and parents as well. Each book has something new that relates to the adventure they are experiencing. I want teacher, parents, grandparents and any one who is seeking a children’s book series that we want to make reading fun and fundamental.
What are some of your inspirations as a writer?
I love writing, and I get inspired daily by hearing stories, talking to my friends and family, and brainstorming with other authors. However, my kids inspire me the most – remembering all these adventures and my son keeps me in check with remembering to bring in their friends.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
Now that’s a secret – each book ends with a clue for the next book, I want to keep kids guessing and imagining where Susie & Johnny may go next. They may be right or may give me a new idea for future books, right now we are working on a 12 book series – the third book will be out this week.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | Website
Appreciate All Life Has To Offer
“I Like Mud” is a collection of poetry written by Margaret Grote about the simple joys of everyday life to remind readers to appreciate each day and enjoy the small moments. What inspired you to publish your mother’s work 17 years later?
It had been in the back of my mind for quite a while. Several years ago I had the idea that it would be cool to have 1st and 2nd graders illustrate the poems with their artwork. I had an entire class of 2nd graders do illustrations for two of the poems with the idea that I would pick the best ones to use. It was a nice idea but the illustrations were not what I had hoped. Then a couple years ago my cousin visited and I showed her the poems. She was excited about the idea of doing some illustrations. And you can see the results. I think she did an amazing job of capturing the sentiments in the poems.
What was the collaboration process with your cousin and illustrator Marcia Wheelan Coles like to bring this collection of poetry to life?
It was great. She showed me her work in progress and I gave my comments. But the book is Marcia’s accomplishment much more than mine. I contributed my mother’s poetry and she took off with it. We originally had 27 poems, each with its own page. Because of the awesomeness of the illustrations, I suggested we do a full spread for each poem and do two books. So the next book will be out shortly with the other half of the poems.
What is one of your favorite memories that come to mind when reading the poems your mom left for you to publish?
Nothing too specific, but my mom passed along her love of dogs to me. So the “My Dog” poem is especially emotional to me, thinking back on a couple of the dogs I grew up with and loved with all my heart.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from “I Like Mud”?
To take the time to appreciate all life has to offer. It is easy to take so much for granted. Children are better at living in the moment and getting joy from things like the ice cream truck, or the beach, or playing in the mud. That ability disappears for most adults, although I think many grandparent-age adults are able to regain that. I know it is a children’s book but I believe I Like Mud has as much to offer adults as it does to children.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
I Like Mud: and other poems for the young and young-at-heart
“I Like Mud” presents an enchanting and heartening anthology of succinct verse, offering reflections on quotidian experiences and activities while contemplating more profound questions about our place among the stars. The effortlessly readable nature of this compilation makes it an excellent choice for burgeoning readers, as well as a delightful bedtime read for parents to share with their young children, who will find the concepts presented in the poems easily comprehensible.
The accompanying illustrations are nothing short of magnificent, infusing each poem with vivacity and portraying an array of diverse characters enacting the scenes described in the verse. The captivating, sketched artwork is bound to ignite a child’s imagination, facilitating the connection between the poetic text and the visual representation. This harmonious fusion serves as an invaluable aid in acquainting young minds with the world of poetry and its potential for deeper meaning.
The outstanding lyrical poems traverse a multitude of themes from the simple joys of everyday life, such as reveling in the aftermath of rain, frolicking in mud, cherishing paternal love or canine companionship, and the elation of spotting the ice cream vendor.
“I Like Mud” is a delightful collection of poems that will undoubtedly captivate and enchant children. I recommend this anthology to parents seeking to introduce their little ones to the beauty of poetry or to anyone in pursuit of exceptional verse that celebrates life and its myriad wonders.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B0C1LW2Z64
I Wonder What Babies Think
Baby Worries is a delightful and humorous picture book that follows a baby’s imaginative journey through family resemblances as he meets his relatives for the first time. What was the inspiration for the idea behind your story?
When my nephew had his first baby and he brought him along to our family gatherings, the baby would always have this very quizzical and serious look on his face when he looked at everyone. It was as if he was thinking ‘Who on earth are you lot? And why am I here?’ It was so funny – it set me thinking – I wonder what babies think when they meet people for the first time.
How did you come up with the unique characteristics of each family member in the book, such as Uncle Max’s bushy eyebrows and Cousin Fern’s wild hair?
I wanted the story to include characters of all different shapes and sizes and different ethnic backgrounds because that’s the way most families are today. I think we all have family members who have unique characteristics – and no matter how weird these characteristics might be – we love them anyway – we don’t care if they have wonky legs or blue hair!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
I love all the scenes that my amazing illustrator, Dotti Colvin, created, but I think the one that was most fun was the scene where we see the whole family sitting down for lunch and Baby is staring at them all, thinking. It’s the anticipation of what Baby might do next that I enjoy most about this page. Can the reader predict how Baby will react?
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on several new books at the moment – two picture books and a middle grade series. But at this point in time I am not sure which one I will move forward with next – it’s a wait and see moment!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website
This funny, imaginative picture book celebrates the love, humour and banter that ensues when families get together. After all, who can resist the temptation to say, ‘He has your eyes’, or ‘I wonder if he’ll look like me?’
The baby meets his extended family for the first time and starts to imagine what he might look like when he grows up. Will he grow huge, bushy eyebrows like Uncle Max? Perhaps he’ll have the wild, uncontrollable hair of Cousin Fern?
Or maybe he’ll have…well, you get the idea.
This picture book is sure to get everyone, young and old, giggling and laughing together – especially at the end where there is an added twist to the tale!
With its light-hearted approach, it’s the perfect discussion starter for exploring a child’s own feelings and emotions.
This book has the humour of The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee together with the warmth of family love in So Much! by Trish Cooke.
Targeted for children aged 3-8 years.
Kids ages: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
An Abundance Of Creativity And Magic
Cherry’s Big Wish follows a young mermaid who makes a birthday wish that takes her on an exciting adventure to meet fairies. What was the inspiration for your story?
My first inspiration comes from my experience as a little girl and wanting to read more magical stories. I loved magic, mermaids, fairies, and castles. In fact, I believed in fantasy so deeply I remember asking for my Care Bear colouring book to come to life. My second inspiration comes from the universe, which I believe carries an abundance of creativity and magic that is available to everyone.
I would like to add that I think all children’s books are inspirational. My love of reading wouldn’t exist if my mom hadn’t read me books by Dr. Seuss, Robert Munsch, and The Berenstain Bears. My first novel was R.L Stein’s Goosebumps book Say Cheese and Die.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Chloé Elimam?
Chloé and I met over Instagram and connected over our shared love of mermaids and fairies. Working with Chloe was a great experience. She did a phenomenal job of bringing the vision in my imagination to life. I enjoyed the anticipation of waiting for each illustration to arrive in my inbox and felt a flood of excitement with each reveal. We very much worked on this book side-by-side, and I think by the end, my attention to detail may have been a bit exhausting.
I encourage everyone to look up Chloé Elimam illustrations. Put her on your watchlist for breakout talent. I believe she’ll be illustrating animations in the near future.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Friendship, big wishes, and believing in the ability to make your dreams come true. I want kids to be inspired by those ideas and to stay connected to their childlike wonder as they grow up. Afterall, dreams come true when you’re young at heart.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have a couple of new stories in the works. I’d like to see Cherry’s Big Wish expand into a series called Cherry and Friends. The next book will likely be a Halloween story as the first book has a birthday theme. In this story, a new boy mermaid moves to town, but he’s shy and afraid to show himself because he looks different. Cherry befriends Frank and signs them both up for the Halloween costume contest at school. Spoiler: Frank might win the Halloween contest for his Frankenstein costume with the support of his new friends.
The next story I’m really excited about is a stand-alone book that’s tentatively titled Susy Snippets. This story follows Susy, an 11-year-old girl who has an incredible talent for turning the boring hairstyles in her town into magnificent works of art. As word spreads about Susy’s talents, she’s asked to style the mayor’s hair for a special event. When Susy’s swivel scissors break the night before her biggest transformation, she must believe her talent lies within herself and not her magical swivel scissors.
I’d love to traditionally publish Susy Snippets, which means I am looking for an agent. I can imagine it being on store shelves in about two and a half to three years. I’ll make a big wish!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram
Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Apr 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
Vivencias (Poemas) by Mayra Almaguer
The Mole Book III by Ron Raye
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 