Blog Archives
Realizing Our Dreams
Sally Mitts and the Land of Imagination follows a curious cat who steps through a magical door into a world where creativity knows no bounds, embarking on an adventurous journey to restore the joy of imagination. What inspired you to create a character like Sally, a curious cat?
Sally’s a real persona to me. She isn’t a superhero, she’s vulnerable but she finds the courage to explore and grow in her stories. In her first book, she faces tough circumstances in a shelter and follows her instincts to choose a kind man for her new family.
In this second book, Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination, she discovers how powerful her creativity is when she embraces it and learns to believe in herself. Her potential for real friendships, aspiring, and healing all bloom when she enters the Land Of Imagination, where you can be whatever you imagine. And so can everybody else – sometimes hilariously. But that’s part of the joy of it.
The theme of imagination plays a central role in the story. What message do you hope young readers take away about the power of creativity?
I believe that a healthy imagination is essential to our well-being. It’s the path to realizing our dreams and desires. But this priceless gift is too often repressed as we “grow up.” Something invaluable is lost, without which our capacity for hope and beauty withers. Where there was life and color, there is only sterility and fitting into the status quo.
I hope Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination encourages young readers to treasure their unique creativity and facilitates a life-long love affair with their capacity to imagine. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Can you share more about the process behind the hand-drawn illustrations and how they complement the narrative?
I draw by hand because it allows me the greatest ability to capture the emotional content of my stories. Although time-consuming, I find this way I can best express the story’s nuances – from my heart to the readers.
When and where will the book be available?
Sally And The Land Of Imagination is available for half-price with pre-order on Amazon. It will be published on October 26th on Amazon and Ingram Spark. Audiobooks will be available on Audible and Find-A-Voice.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Amazon
It all begins on an ordinary day when Sally spies a pair of shoes walking – without any feet! Curious, she follows them to a mysterious red door with the word Imagination etched above it. Beyond its threshold, Sally discovers a fantastical world of creatures living out their dreams:
A tender-hearted rabbit who loves long blingy gowns and singing opera. A shirty mole who believes he’s too smart to bear other’s company. A snail who floats through the stars and the joyful dancing Gollyphants who make the Rainbow Lake’s waves shake. And threatening them all; the hungry fog monster who steals hopes and dreams.
Full of wonderfully odd characters and unexpected twists and turns, this enchanting tale is a must-have for every child’s library.
Winner of The Golden Wizard Book Prize in Children’s Literature and The Literary Titan Book Award.
Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination
Sally Mitts and the Land of Imagination is a children’s book where whimsy and adventure collide in a delightful celebration of creativity. The story begins with Sally, a curious cat, who is resting when she hears footsteps. Expecting Fred, her owner, to return from work, she instead finds a pair of shoes walking on their own. Intrigued, Sally follows them to a mysterious red door with “Imagination” inscribed above it. With a brave heart, she steps inside and enters a fantastical world where both the sun and moon share the sky. There, she meets Clair, a rabbit singing opera, who explains that they are in a place where anything is possible. Sally seizes the opportunity, painting the sky in different colors and exploring limitless possibilities. However, the peace is disrupted when Grumpy Grey, a hungry fog, arrives and smothers the magic, preventing them from enjoying the wonders of the land. Sally and Clair join forces, determined to restore the enchantment and bring back the joy of imagination.
Shain Stodt crafts an original tale that highlights the boundless power of imagination. The world she creates is filled with endless possibilities, encouraging young readers to embrace their dreams and creativity. The story’s sense of adventure captivates readers with unique and surprising moments like Sally and Clair soaring through the skies in an airplane.
The narration is both playful and engaging and is laced with humor and rhythm, making it a perfect read for children honing their reading skills. The illustrations stand out not only for their beauty but because they are hand-drawn, which I think adds a special personal touch. Each illustration reflects the care and creativity behind the story, making the visual experience as heartwarming as the narrative itself. The cast of animal characters living harmoniously in this magical world fosters empathy and a sense of connection with nature, which children will appreciate.
Sally Mitts and the Land of Imagination is a joyful and adventurous children’s book that reinforces themes of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. With its positive messages, imaginative storytelling, and heartfelt illustrations, this picture book is sure to inspire young minds and nurture their creativity.
LITERARY TITAN 