Blog Archives
Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day
This delightful children’s book tells the story of Bluebird and Songbird, two feathery friends celebrating their engagement in the middle of a rainy day. The forest becomes a stage for their love as their woodland companions, Harry the Hedgehog, Sally the Squirrel, Maurice the Magpie, and others, gather to help. Despite the grey skies and splashing puddles, the day brims with warmth and excitement. The story builds from the drizzle and gloom of the forest to a radiant, sunlit ending that feels earned and joyful.
Reading this story made me smile more than once. There’s a gentle rhythm to the writing that sounds musical when read aloud, almost like a lullaby mixed with laughter. I loved how each animal had its own moment to shine, bringing a sense of community and celebration. The rhymes are simple but sincere, and the pacing keeps young readers hooked. What struck me most was how the author found beauty in the rain. The gloom never felt sad, just patient, waiting for sunshine. It’s a small but sweet reminder that happiness often grows from unexpected days.
The playfulness of it all works perfectly for younger readers. There’s a sincerity to the story that’s hard not to love. It doesn’t try too hard; it just feels genuine, like a story told by someone who remembers the wonder of being small.
Rayner Tapia’s Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day is a charming read for children who adore animals, rhymes, and gentle lessons about love and friendship. Parents will enjoy reading it aloud, and kids will enjoy repeating the sounds and rhythms. It’s a cozy and heartwarming tale. I’d recommend it for ages four to eight, especially for families who love bedtime stories that leave everyone smiling.
Pages: 29
The Unearthing
The Unearthing follows the Krigga family as they leave their suburban life behind for an old Georgian house in the countryside. The story is told mostly through the eyes of Anna, the middle child, who resents the move and resists every change. Her brother Rupert and sister Clara add their own voices to the chaos of sibling rivalry, while their parents try to hold the family together. Soon, the house itself begins to reveal secrets. Hidden staircases, strange rooms, eerie discoveries, and a foreboding tower nearby push the children into a world of mystery and unease. What begins as a family drama slowly shifts into something more shadowed, blending everyday struggles with a creeping sense of the supernatural.
The writing swings from tender to dramatic, sometimes even over the top, but that’s part of its charm. I could feel Anna’s anger like a living thing, the way she stomped and sulked and held on to her grievances. At times, I wanted to shake her. At other times, I wanted to comfort her. Tapia captures that messy middle-child energy perfectly, and while it could be grating, it also felt real. The imagery is thick and vivid, and I loved how it painted the old house as if it were alive, breathing with history and menace.
There were moments when I laughed at the squabbles between the siblings, then felt uneasy when the story leaned into shadows and whispers. The pacing could be uneven, lingering on moods a bit too long before getting to the action. Yet, when the eerie attic scenes or the crumbling gargoyles came into play, I was hooked. The book feels like a blend of family diary and gothic adventure.
I’d recommend The Unearthing to readers who enjoy stories about families in transition, especially when everyday life collides with something darker. Young adult readers might see themselves in Anna’s moods, while older readers may smile knowingly at the chaos of siblings and the weight of growing up. If you like your mysteries tinged with domestic squabbles, eerie houses, and a touch of the uncanny, this children’s fiction novel will speak to you.
Pages: 399 | ASIN : B08NCB4XKX
Harry the Hedgehog and the Lost Eggs
Harry the Hedgehog wakes to an unexpected problem on Easter morning. The forest animals are buzzing with holiday excitement, yet a mystery casts a shadow over the celebration, all the decorated eggs have vanished. Determined not to let Easter be spoiled, Harry embarks on a search. Alongside his loyal companions, Russell the Rabbit, Clara the Chicken, and Milo the Teddy Bear Dog, he races against time to uncover the truth behind the missing eggs. Without them, Easter simply won’t feel the same.
Harry the Hedgehog and the Lost Eggs, written by Rayner Tapia, is designed for children ages 2–7. The book is brief, easy to follow, and filled with bright pastel illustrations that bring each page to life. The artwork does more than decorate; it carries the action, introducing young readers to Harry and his woodland friends in a way that feels both playful and vivid.
The narrative itself is intentionally simple, perfectly suited to its audience, though likely too light for older readers. Its charm lies in the whimsical images and the gentle personalities of the animal characters. Each creature is rendered with human-like traits, making them instantly relatable. When the culprit is revealed and the animals spring into action, Tapia underscores a familiar but valuable lesson: teamwork makes challenges easier to overcome than going it alone.
That message resonates clearly without ever feeling heavy-handed. The adventure concludes neatly, with no sense of peril to unsettle young listeners. The absence of villains or darker tension makes the story especially well-suited for children just beginning to explore stories on their own. With its gentle pace and cheerful resolution, this tale has all the makings of a bedtime favorite, one likely to be requested night after night by eager little readers.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0FMYB1KH6
Meaningful Introduction to Books
Harry the Hedgehog’s Harvest follows a group of friends excited about the harvest festival who after a heavy rain washes away many of the acorns and seeds, they rally together, plant anew, and discover the power of kindness and community. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It was important for me to include language patterns, alliteration, sounds, reading and listening, creating a fun and engaging method in reading in learning.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
As an educator, I appreciate how essential learning, listening language through words and pictures can be inspiring and a meaningful introduction to books. As a younger me, I remember vividly going to the library and reading, Jemima Puddle Duck by Beatrix Potter. Her books left a remarkable mark on my life. Life experiences enforce the joy of books. I believe reading should start young and the illustrations must be relatable.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I have written the next book in the series, and I am currently waiting for the illustrations to arrive. Harry the Hedgehog and the Lost Eggs and Bluebird’s Engagement.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Harry and his friends are very upset to find that the entire harvecst has been washed away by rain.
How will they overcome this disaster?
Will they ever have a harvest feast again?
Harry the Hedgehog’s Harvest
In Harry the Hedgehog’s Harvest, author Rayner Tapia tells a warm, spirited tale of teamwork, friendship, and resilience through the eyes of a lovable cast of garden animals. The story kicks off with the eager Harry and his friends, Danny the Dog and Milo the Teddy Bear Dog, excited for the annual harvest festival. But when a heavy rain washes away many of the acorns and seeds, the festival seems in danger. Instead of giving up, the animals rally together, plant anew, and discover the power of kindness and community. It’s a cozy, feel-good story filled with heart and life lessons wrapped in autumn leaves and animal chatter.
I loved the rhythm of the writing. There’s something so endearing about the onomatopoeic lines, “Crunch, scrunch, crunch,” “Pat, pat, push,” and “Splish, splash, splosh.” They brought the story to life in such a vivid, tactile way. I could almost hear the rustling leaves and feel the chill in the breeze. It made the garden feel like a living, breathing world, full of tiny, busy creatures doing their part. It’s rare for a children’s book to strike that perfect balance between being simple enough to read aloud and still managing to feel magical.
The characters are a joy. Harry, with his determined little paws, Milo with his goofy energy, and Danny, who finds yesterday’s bone mid-dig, are all instantly lovable. I found the moment when Danny the Dog excitedly uncovered his bone from the previous day particularly charming; it was a classic and endearing portrayal of canine behavior. The way they all pitch in, from the rabbits nibbling weeds to the birds scattering seeds, made the whole thing feel like a sweet, fuzzy orchestra of teamwork. It doesn’t preach; it just shows. And somehow, that makes the message hit even harder. You don’t need a superhero when you’ve got a garden full of friends and a good idea.
The ending, where the friends curl up under twinkling stars after a joyful celebration, was tender and satisfying. “Not just food but friendship, kindness, and joy.” This line captures what this book does so well: it’s not just about what you grow, but what grows between you when you care and share. I found myself smiling as I turned the last page. There’s something quietly powerful about a story that makes you feel hopeful in such a gentle way.
I’d recommend Harry the Hedgehog’s Harvest to parents, teachers, or anyone who loves reading to children. It’s ideal for ages 3–7, but I think older readers will find joy in it too. It’s perfect for autumn reading, snuggled under a blanket, or as a sweet classroom read-aloud. If you believe that kindness and a little hard work can turn things around, this book is for you.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0F4RSSYYV
Warm Friendly Book
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks follows a little hedgehog who realizes he has anxiety about the upcoming fireworks, and he seeks help from his friends to find a way to enjoy them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a warm friendly book, still wanting to inform of the danger of fireworks. I chose animals as the fear of fireworks is sometimes not realised.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I feel kindness, sharing, and caring should always be a natural human trait. I believe everything starts when we are young.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoy the sounds of words and describing in making them come alive. I really had fun with writing:
“Bright lights flashed and sparkled into the air with crazy loud sounds.”
“Whoosh! Whoosh! Wee! Wee! Whizz!” The feeling and atmosphere are so prevalent in these few words.”
“Another cartwheel thundered through the sky.”
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have two books on the way at the moment. A middle-grade book, The Unearthing. It is a historical Juvenile fiction book, involving three siblings travelling to discover and meet Prince George II. I have prepared and written another Harry the Hedgehog book. Harry the Hedgehog’s Helpful Harvest. This book, too, will be available soon too.
The historical juvenile fiction book, The Unearthing will out very soon and is published with Olympia Publishing.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Tom McGuire Books | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
Harry and his friends gather to watch the fireworks show. But the noise and bright lights scare them.
Will they overcome their fear?
Find out in the fifth book in the Harry the Hedgehog series.
Harry the Hedgehog’s Christmas Cheer
Harry the Hedgehog’s Christmas Cheer, by Rayner Tapia, is a delightful children’s tale about Christmas, friendship, and the simple joys of community. Set in a magical forest, the story follows Harry the Hedgehog and his woodland friends as they prepare for a Christmas celebration. Through vivid rhymes and illustrations, the book conveys a heartfelt message about the true meaning of the holiday season; love and togetherness over material gifts.
Tapia’s writing feels warm and rhythmic, making it a joy to read aloud. I particularly loved the scene where Bella the Bunny hops over with cheer and Danny the Dog dashes down a snowy trail, barking with excitement. The author’s choice to use playful language like “boing, boing, boing” and “yip, woof, yip” added an extra layer of whimsy to the story. It’s clear Tapia has a knack for capturing the spirit of childhood wonder in her words.
The illustrations are another highlight. While the descriptions were placeholders, they hint at charming visuals, like Harry and his friends decorating the forest with pinecones and berries. The imagery of a sparkling Christmas tree under a starry sky is beautifully nostalgic.
One of my favorite moments was when Harry realized the greatest gift wasn’t shiny trinkets or treats but the company of friends, a message that feels timeless and touching. What stood out most was the simplicity of the story’s message. It avoided overly complex ideas or modern gimmicks, sticking instead to a classic theme, which I found refreshing. The heartfelt conclusion, where Harry reflects on love as the “true delight” of Christmas, left me smiling.
Harry the Hedgehog’s Christmas Cheer is a great picture book for young readers and families who enjoy traditional Christmas tales with a dash of humor and warmth. It’s a wonderful bedtime story that reminds us of what truly matters during the holidays. Families looking for a festive, feel-good book that sparks joy will find this a wonderful addition to their library.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0DRNNDJ3G
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks
Rayner Tapia’s Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks is a charming children’s book about bravery, friendship, and the joys of facing fears together. Set in a peaceful woodland, Harry and his animal friends learn about an upcoming fireworks display in a nearby town. While most of the woodland creatures are excited, Harry feels apprehensive about the loud noises and bright lights. The story follows Harry as he navigates his anxiety, ultimately finding courage and solidarity with his friends as they enjoy the dazzling display from a safe distance.
I loved the simplicity of the writing and how relatable Harry’s experience is for children. Tapia captures the mix of excitement and fear that big, unknown experiences bring. A standout moment is when Harry notices his friends are just as scared as he is, prompting him to offer comfort rather than hiding. This shift in Harry’s perspective feels genuine and heartfelt. It’s a subtle but important message for kids: when we support each other, challenges feel less daunting.
The illustrations, which complement the story beautifully, deserve special mention. The scenes of fireworks bursting across the sky are vivid and dynamic, making the reader feel the energy and wonder of the moment. These visuals bring the story to life and add a layer of excitement that balances Harry’s initial nervousness.
The characters also stand out. Danny the Dog, with his comical tail-chasing and barking, provides light-hearted humor that kids will adore. Meanwhile, the gathering under the oak tree, where all the animals find comfort in each other’s company, is a tender and memorable scene. It’s a reminder of how connection and understanding can transform fear into joy.
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks is a delightful picture book for children, particularly those who might be anxious about new or noisy experiences. The book would be a great fit for families, teachers, or caregivers looking to gently encourage children to face their fears. Rayner Tapia delivers a meaningful story wrapped in warmth, humor, and a splash of dazzling colors.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0DR1PNW5F
LITERARY TITAN 