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Friendship Takes Work and Time
Colin the Crab’s Friends follows a busy crab as he helps all his friends with repairs they need to have done and then throws a party for them all. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Colin the Crab and his friends represent a village community or a small town to me. In such places, people of very different types often know each other well and work closely together.
In my childhood, I lived for a decade in a small country village and another decade in a small town. The residents of the rural village, especially, left a lot of human memories in my mind. That’s why the characters and events in Colin the Crab’s Friends are inspired by real life.
I must admit that observing activities and interactions within different communities is exciting. The types of people, the networks of connections, and the behavioral patterns between persons repeat themselves surprisingly. If we change the focus from the village to the workplace or the environment of hobbies, we can observe remarkable similarities in roles and behavior.
In many respects, I am a real-life Colin the Crab, so I write Colin stories based on my personal experiences and observations. I hope the reader finds them relatable and honest that way.
Aside from Colin, what character in the series do you have the most fun writing about?
Several of Colin’s friends are amusing, although I occasionally feel pity for them. It’s because I know them “better” from what I have already written about them in the Colin the Crab Series with books for older readers. In that original series about Colin, darker shades related to each character’s funny image are more visible.
Regarding the fun of writing, I immediately think of Sally the Starfish, whose vain mood swings are fun to write about. She is earnest about her needs and ideas, which often seem meaningless to outsiders.
Another fun guy is Eddie the Eel, a tech freak who often appears in the Colin the Crab books but doesn’t play a significant role in this book in the Mini-Crab series. I know several technology-enthusiastic people closely in real life. Their optimistic infatuation with all new devices sometimes leads to comical situations. Fortunately, these people resembling Eddie have seen the humor in this eel’s character when reading my Colin the Crab stories.
Although we are now talking about the Mini-Crab Books, I am very tempted to highlight the deeper features of the characters, which are more versatile and complete in that other series—with four books already—intended for older readers.
As the children grow up and gain more reading experience, they quickly move from the Mini-Crab Books to the more demanding Colin the Crab Series, which still presents the familiar world of the riverside and water with its characters. And the fun continues!
What does friendship mean to you, and how do you show your friends you care?
Friendship is a unique relationship between people. I have a few true friends with whom I have shared life for a long time. A friendship must last so that it can develop deeply.
I’m very cautious about friendship because I’m afraid losing it would hurt too much. After disappointments, starting a new friendship is even more difficult. I’ve had to learn this life lesson as well. Talking behind the other person’s back can break even a long-term relationship. After disappointment, it isn’t easy to build new trust. Also, misusing the other person’s help and efforts is selfish and unacceptable. I always try to give more than I take—I hope to succeed. I am good at keeping secrets, too, I guess.
True friendship gives both parties the safe feeling that a reliable person exists by your side on both good and bad days. You don’t have to pretend anything to your friend. It’s enough to be honest and genuinely you. I try to be a true friend to people close to me. They know I’m there even if we haven’t seen each other for a while. The bond between us is solid and lasting.
My friendships include conversation and listening, shared experiences in nature, family parties, joint concerts, and good food. If I have enough time, I like to bake and set a good coffee table for my friends. Sharing coffee time together is one common thing in Finnish friendship!
Have you ever thought about expanding the underwater series with a book about one of the sub-characters, maybe Ms. Catfish of Sally?
Some of my avid readers have repeatedly asked me the same thing! I have noticed that Sally the Starfish has many admirers who would like to read even more about her adventures. Sally is an inspiring, great person who might deserve her particular underwater book series. Her character has also inspired me in the Colin the Crab Series for older readers I mentioned. There, we get to know her equally vain and handsome boyfriend, for example. We follow how her wishes and desires emerge and influence in connection to Colin the Crab’s wedding arrangements. Sally’s personality tends to see everything from her perspective.
I’d be glad to write a whole series of Ms. Catfish, too. She is particularly well suited to topics where different generations’ opinions and experiences differ. Her various friends at the river bay help the loneliness of the old catfish living alone in the big house. Of course, Colin the Crab has an extraordinary role as a practical help in building maintenance.
In the other series aimed at more advanced readers, we can already follow Ms. Catfish’s thoughts and opinions in more detail. Her way of life and thinking reflect the past world. This topic is close to everyone who faces generational differences in their lives. Such a separate series about Ms. Catfish could be pretty interesting for grandparents and grandchildren to read together.
Finally, let me tell you about one big dream of mine. Colin the Crab Series and Mini-Crab Books would work perfectly as animated films. They feature a fascinating underwater world with interesting characters representing different and believable types. In addition, there are exciting adventures with continuity. Now that I’ve written about this secret dream, it’s no longer a secret! —If only it would come true one day!
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Norma the Newt and Sally the Starfish constantly need Colin’s help too. On top of that, a hungry fish family hopes the crab will share his delicious soup with them.
After a busy week, a happy group of friends gets together at Colin’s blue garden pavilion.
Abiding Promise of Equal Rights
Revolt Against the K-12 Status Quo is a potent and meticulously researched critique of the systemic inequities in the U.S. public school system, particularly regarding the stark discrepancies in educational funding across different states. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Forgive me, but I have a long-winded answer. There are several reasons why it was important for me to write the Revolt Against the K-12 Status Quo.
I am, by disposition, repelled by injustice and have sworn hostility against injustice –especially government-sponsored injustice exemplified by the decades-long vast disparities in K-12 education funding & spending among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
How can it be constitutionally acceptable in these ‘United’ States of America for Idaho, the lowest among the states, to have a per-pupil funding of $9,802, a measly 31.41%, not even a third, of the $31,205 per-pupil funding for the District of Columbia? Where in the US Constitution does it say that your youngster attending a public K-12 school would have to suffer—by accident of geography—from the deleterious impact of less-than-equal funding per pupil?
The idealist in me has long wondered why this all-important, consequential issue has slipped under the radar screens of education advocacy groups and/or civil rights organization; not one of them has raised a fuss and railed against the inequity, the injustice of unequal K-12 funding/spending per pupil.
As a super fan of American democracy, I am a true believer in America’s abiding promise of equal rights and opportunities for all. That said, and the staggering disparities that have bedeviled the current K-12 funding system, in my view, violate the letter and spirit of the EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE of the Fourteenth Amendment;
I wrote this book to serve as a wake-up call for the relevant policy-makers, elected and appointed, to engage in a national discourse that might lead to a re-examination of the sustainability of the long-standing policy that says K-12 education is merely a federal interest.
If the resulting conversations triggered by this book effectively helped to launch bona fide efforts to begin to mitigate–if not entirely eradicate–the unequal educational opportunities for young boys and girls across the nation…such a scenario could spell the start of inexorable progress toward equality for all in the educational arena. If, as a grateful immigrant, you have always wanted to make a difference–no matter how modest that difference might be–could you imagine a more consequential, a more satisfying, offering at the altar of American democracy?
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
A local responsibility, a state function, and merely a federal interest: this three-legged structure of the K-12 education system has produced vast disparities which are unjust as they are inequitable, by way of funding and spending disparities–appalling disparities with serious constitutional implications, chief among them the EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Where does the blame lie? The American people’s inattentive embrace of the problematic policy–which says K-12 education is merely a federal interest–and the deafening silence on the part of education advocacy groups and civil rights organizations have allowed the vast disparities among the 50 states to fester for far too long.
The questions are: In a country which proclaims equal rights and equal opportunities for all, why have the educational opportunities of young boys and girls in the bottom low-funded states, been effectively snubbed, demeaned, and degraded – by the affliction of an unequal K-12 funding system? When will America’s young boys and girls in the low-funded states stop getting the short end of the stick, time and time again?
The American people’s inattentive embrace of the problematic policy which says education is merely a federal interest, must end. It’s time for a ‘revolt against the patently inequitable K-12 funding/spending status quo.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
The basic research for the statistical and historical data contained in this book took me four months, with help from a Manila-based virtual assistant who worked with me a full three months. Looking back, I think I went overboard and put on my CPA-auditor hat by vetting and cross-checking the validity/accuracy of the statistical data by consulting other sources. But a big chunk of the research data –data related to student outcomes/standardized test scores–ended up in the waste basket. Although test scores were arguably somehow germane to the book’s thesis, I decided to keep the book’s focus on purely funding & spending levels.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Revolt Against the K-12 Status Quo?
It’s long past time for a ‘revolt’ against the inequitable K-12 funding status quo via a federal EQUALITY IN EDUCATION ACT. The sooner it happens, the better it will be for American democracy.
Author Links: Website | Amazon
In this book, you will find the gap between the top-funding/spending states and the low-funding/spending states to be as wide as the Grand Canyon. This book describes the inequity as appalling, astonishing, incomprehensible, mystifying, outrageous, and unbelievable. The book’s thesis: Society’s inattentive embrace of the problematic policy which says education is merely a federal interest must end. It’s time for a ‘revolt against the K-12 status quo. It’s time for a federal EQUALITY IN EDUCATION ACT to codify the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The sooner it happens, the better it will be for American democracy. EQUALITY IN EDUCATION can get America on the road to a more perfect union.
Courage, Self-Confidence, and Fun
A Special Sweater follows a young boy who, after learning to knit, wants to take on the big project of making a sweater; he has to overcome several obstacles to make his vision a reality. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have always admired the enthusiasm and optimism that, at its best, helps children to grow as people constantly. They may have unrealistic ideas about their chances of achieving the desired results but still want to try.
I was a resourceful child who was constantly trying to outdo myself. Sometimes, I built a hut with insufficient supplies. My dream of the finished building was much more wonderful than the cabin I finally created from twigs.
I also collected a bunch of fragrant flowers and tried to make perfume out of them. Of course, it was a bit sad when the result was only a smelly gray broth, not the sweet scent of a rose.
Later, as a parent, I have always tried to encourage my three children to test their limits – and in moments of disappointment, I have comforted them when necessary. They were all very active and believed in their abilities as builders, cooks, merchants, and journalists from an early age. My daughter was a great example of an indomitable child who built herself sandals from pieces of wood, nails, and ribbons. And she didn’t mind even though she couldn’t walk on them. All in all, the sandals were a success, and we still have great photos of this unique project!
Adults should remember that the most important thing in a child’s activity is not a perfect result. Even more valuable is the opportunity to dream and create – and the chance to try again.
Do you enjoy knitting or doing any other craft work like Eddy?
I have always been enthusiastic about knitting. My skills only developed as an adult when I could do things at my own pace. School craft classes, at least in my childhood, were about following exact instructions and often suppressed your desire to create.
Later, when I could take responsibility for knitting all alone, I started to enjoy it. Knitting is simply inspiring if you can design freely and choose yarns, models, and colors. Of course, the results of my knitting are already more satisfactory today.
My specialty is woolen socks, which I give away to my friends. When I knit something warm and homemade for my loved ones, it feels like I care about them with warm thoughts.
I have also included the idea of knitting in one of my upcoming children’s books. In it, an old writer, frustrated with the results of his work and their reception, invents a new way to influence. That also includes knitting. But I won’t reveal the story more now. Let’s wait for the illustration and publication.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope children take away from the story?
The most important message of the story is that children should have enough freedom to realize their ideas and dreams. It’s not a question of them being allowed to do or get anything, nor about materials and excessive costs. Instead, adults should recognize situations where a child’s creativity and ideas just need a little support and encouragement.
I want to encourage children to try their ideas without worrying about whether they will succeed perfectly or what others say. Building self-confidence is one of the most important things I strive for when writing for children.
It is also important to identify various limiting factors. There can be many kinds of people in the environment, which prevents the child’s natural desire to experiment. Authorities in schools and hobbies set limits. People in one’s family circle, both parents and siblings, can block and doubt. Even among friends, some may criticize and discourage you. In the midst of all this, children must find their personal power and learn to use their judgment.
Although many of the children’s efforts do not lead to tangible results, something even more valuable follows. Children gain courage, self-confidence, and fun in their lives. A person who has not been needlessly restricted or suppressed in childhood grows into a strong and whole adult.
Your “I Did It” series is one of my favorites, I love seeing children work through problems and have success. Will there be more books in this series?
There are currently three books in the I Did It series. In addition to this story, A Special Sweater, I have written the books My Sunflowers and A Tree House Night. They also describe situations where the children face resistance and difficulties but find ways to overcome them and achieve their dreams.
Children take the reins to some extent in all of these books. They don’t exceed the allowed limits in any radical way, but the message is the same: The limits set by the environment can sometimes be too strict. For growth to be possible, you must be encouraged to go a little further. Of course, I am not inciting dangerous anarchy because the safety of children’s lives means a lot to me.
I think such environments, where the child’s ideas and enthusiasm are at odds with the environment, are interesting and important topics in children’s literature. Maybe I will write more parts in the series. At least, there are many delicious ideas from my childhood and the lives of the children around me.
Play is an excellent way to develop skills needed later in life. My goal is to help children grow into mentally strong adults with self-esteem. Cooperation with other people also becomes natural and equal from this starting point.
I have to admit that after writing each book in the I Did It series, I have felt proud of the accomplishments of the main characters. Witnessing their success and survival also makes the writer of the stories happy.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
At school, I already learned how to knit a potholder. I can surely manage a sweater now! Eddy thinks.
Eddy feels confident about his skills, although nobody else does. The result will be something unique-but not like the photos in the magazin
Literary Titan Book Award July 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are granted to children’s books that have enchanted and delighted us with their distinctive storytelling, vibrant illustrations, engaging characters, or innovative concepts. These books merit extraordinary recognition, and we are thrilled to applaud the tireless efforts, commitment, and creative talent of these exceptional authors.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Amusing ABCs
Amusing ABCs is a delightful ABC picture book meticulously crafted to aid children in their journey of learning and recognizing the fundamental letters of the alphabet. Authored by Craig Undlin, this captivating book seamlessly combines education with entertainment through its ingenious use of humorous illustrations and an engaging narrative.
Undlin’s thoughtful creation serves as a valuable resource for early literacy development, establishing a solid foundation for reading comprehension. Each page of this book acquaints young readers with a distinct letter of the alphabet, while introducing them to an assortment of fascinating animals and objects that resonate with the corresponding letter’s sound. The author effortlessly merges learning objectives with an atmosphere of enjoyment. The vibrant and lively illustrations adorning each page capture the attention of young readers, effectively captivating their imagination and sustaining their interest throughout the entire journey. The deliberate allocation of two dedicated pages to each letter allows ample space for exploration and learning, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of each letter’s distinct characteristics. One particularly commendable aspect is the author’s choice to introduce animals and objects that commence with the sound of the respective letter. For instance, the letter “A” unveils an amusing apple that just wanted to jump on his bed, while “B” introduces a fierce and strong bear that loves to sing. This ingenious approach not only facilitates letter recognition but also expands children’s vocabulary and nurtures their imaginative faculties.
Undlin masterfully weaves a simple narrative into each letter, skillfully transforming the act of reading into an enjoyable experience. By incorporating this early introduction to the concept of reading, the author adeptly imparts the understanding that letters form words and that words carry meaning—a pivotal lesson in a child’s literacy journey.
Amusing ABCs stands as a charming and informative ABC picture book that strikes a perfect balance between learning and fun. With its witty illustrations, introduction to a diverse range of animals and objects, and emphasis on early reading concepts, this book emerges as an indispensable tool in a child’s pursuit of literacy. It is certain to captivate young readers and ignite their curiosity about the alphabet, ultimately setting them on a rewarding path towards successful reading and language skills.
Pages: 58 | ASIN: B0C43MYBM9
My Backpack is Heavier Than Yours
In his compelling work, My Backpack is Heavier Than Yours, Dr. Edwin Garcia Jr. delves deep into the obstacles that marginalized students encounter in their educational journey and proffers practical solutions to these pervasive issues. Drawing from a rich tapestry of scholarly research, personal anecdotes, and insights shared by educators, parents, students, and others, Dr. Garcia unveils the trials that students grapple with due to race, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, English language proficiency, among others.
The book skillfully illuminates how low societal expectations, prevalent prejudices, inadequate support systems, and self-doubt can hinder these students’ progress. It invites educators and educational leaders to adopt impactful strategies like fostering empathy, identifying and nurturing individual strengths, and curbing instant gratification, among other effective approaches.
Dr. Garcia’s meticulous research and insightful analysis left a significant impression on me. In addition, he successfully identifies critical areas of concern, offering innovative solutions. For instance, he proposes self-regulated learning as a countermeasure to instant gratification. This involves empowering students to modify their learning strategies in response to their academic performance.
The authenticity of this book is enhanced by the poignant narratives of Dr. Garcia and others featured within. For example, I was deeply moved by the account of a gay Latino student who dreaded attending school due to the verbal abuse he endured for being different. Such narratives underscore the urgency of implementing the book’s proposed ideas and solutions across educational institutions.
Beyond providing remedies to the issues marginalized students face, the book also undertakes an insightful exploration of human behavior. As a result, it provides valuable advice on honing one’s learning skills, and setting and achieving goals, among other crucial personal development tips. Impressively, many of the discussed topics are reinforced with relevant source references.
My Backpack is Heavier Than Yours is an exemplary roadmap for ensuring equitable education access to those who have long been underserved. The themes discussed within these pages warrant the attention of all educators and decision-makers in the American educational system.
Pages: 203 | ISBN: 9798988193609
Chocolate Space Bunnies
A long time ago, there lived cute little bunnies called Fonduliens who lived on a chocolate planet far away. Everything was covered in chocolate, but it was all melting. Three courageous bunnies head out on a quest to find a new home. They find the perfect place to live on a planet called Earth. But no one there has ever heard of chocolate. Will the Fonduliens be able to convince the earthlings to let them live there?
This is a wildly creative and fun book that sets up a great backstory before sending the characters on an entertaining quest to save their people. I was impressed with how much was packed into this children’s book. We learn about the Fonduliens, about their planet, we’re taken on an adventure through space, and then we land on Earth, where the Fonduliens encounter humans who are afraid of them.
There is so much in this kid’s book to dive into and discuss with children. Like the bunny’s planet melting, needing to find a new home, people being afraid of aliens, and the idea that chocolate doesn’t exist. These are all ideas that rarely appear in children’s books. It’s all presented in a way that is easy to follow and fun every step of the way.
The artwork throughout the picture book is absolutely delicious. The artwork is sharp, vibrant, and detailed. I loved the color choices and the cute expressions on all the character’s faces. This all makes for a perfect book to read to young children at bedtime, as they are sure to be glued to every page as their parents read the story to them.
Chocolate Space Bunnies takes young readers on a lively and imaginative adventure that is heaps of fun. I recommend this book to early elementary school children or any parent that is looking for a book that is unique and will capture children’s imagination.
Pages: 39 | ASIN: B0BTGHL62B
No Cyberbullies
No Cyberbullies is a tremendously informative book for parents, educators, and adults who care about children’s well-being. The author, at length, writes about child bullying, discussing issues like the types of bullying, conditions that lead to bullying, and aspects like culture, religion, social conditioning, and appearance, among other central topics. In his book, author Brian Parkin brings to light the menace of bullying and gives a practical guide on handling bullied kids and their bullies.
One key point in this book is that we need more awareness about bullying to not just children but adults responsible for their care. Not every child that bullies others does it because they enjoy it; instead, it is a way of dealing with past or current traumas. The author does not in any way condone bullying, nor does he side with the vice. Instead, Brian Parkin educates and encourages parents, teachers, and guardians to investigate the root source of the problem.
How does bullying start? Even before writing about what makes bullies get into that behavior, the author started the book by writing about the history of bullying. He writes about how bullying has existed for centuries and how bullied children have endured the issue. The author mentioned the book Tom Brown’s Schooldays by Thomas Hughes as a good reference material with examples of school bullying, a book everyone should read.
This book is short, but the knowledge is immense. One of my favorite chapters is chapter 15. Parkin has notes to help you with what to do about cyberbullying in school. The author has well-written notes for victims of cyberbullying, the parents, school teachers, headmasters or principals, and cyber bullies themselves. Every message is well-packaged, and the text is concise and easy to follow. Chapter 16 was another great chapter, as the author brought a legal angle. There is plenty of advice on one’s legal rights if they are being bullied, and the author used simple language to cater to readers of all levels. Chapter 16 will be helpful to victims and their families as not many people are aware that one can take a legal approach when it comes to bullying.
No Cyberbullies is an eye-opening book that I recommend to all readers. Everyone needs to lend a hand to put a stop to this behavior. The anonymous effect of bullies online is a problem that needs to be dealt with, and this is why lawmakers should be among the first to stop cyberbullying witnessed in various parts of the world. This book can be a great starting point for policymakers and enforcers.
Pages: 90 | ASIN : B00I9FKOZE
LITERARY TITAN 