Blog Archives
Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story
In Just the Way I Am, readers meet Sabrina, a brand-new school bus brimming with anticipation for her very first day on the job. Determined to win the children’s approval, she devises an ambitious plan, each day she will dress in a different theme. One morning, she’s a rockstar, the next a carpenter. By the end of the week, though, Sabrina discovers the truth: trying to reinvent herself daily is exhausting, and ultimately unnecessary. The children don’t admire her costumes, they cherish her for who she truly is.
Sabrina’s nerves mirror the feelings of countless children at the start of a school year. Will she fit in? Will she be liked? Even with her schedule memorized, uncertainty gnaws at her confidence. This gentle parallel captures the universal anxieties of children stepping into new environments.
The core of Sabrina’s journey lies in her belief that she must mold herself into what others expect. She polishes, prepares, and imagines every possible way to impress, only to realize that such efforts deepen her self-doubt. The book delivers a meaningful metaphor: striving too hard to conform often distances us from our authentic selves.
With the warm support of her friends Sam and Gupta, Sabrina learns that friendship does not demand perfection or performance. It blossoms when we are genuine. The message is timeless, reassuring children who may feel pressured to change just to be accepted.
Beyond its moral, the book layers in delightful educational touches. The days of the week appear in vibrant illustrations, while playful rhymes and colorful word art immerse young readers further. Orange for “carpenter,” shimmering blue for “jewel,” these choices create a multisensory experience that reinforces early learning. Parents and caregivers will find Sabrina’s story a natural springboard for conversations about friendship, nerves, and individuality.
Warm, uplifting, and filled with heart, Just the Way I Am resonates with both children and adults. It reminds us all that the truest friendships and deepest confidence emerge not from who we pretend to be, but from embracing who we already are. Whether shared at bedtime or read before the first day of school, Sabrina’s story offers comfort, courage, and joy.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0FKSKTRH1
Educating and Encouraging
Not Everyone Walks the Stage follows a young girl who is about to start kindergarten, and while she is excited, she is also nervous about fitting in because she is different. What was the inspiration for your story?
Sierra: The inspiration came from a joke that Nick made about myself working on my university’s commencement planning committee. He said something along the lines of “She helps people walk the stage but she won’t ‘walk’ the stage herself” and a friend of Nick’s thought that it would be a wonderful book idea. He and I both agreed and now here we are!
Nick: Sierra was the Lead Commencement Assistant (student worker) at our university, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and she never let her disability or her being in a wheelchair stop her from anything We worked together to make this wonderful story about a girl that goes to school for the first time and is concerned because she hears at school that at the end of the year ‘not everyone walks the stage” and graduates. The readers do not know exactly why she is worried, and at the end of the book we discover that she is in a wheelchair and has been taking the phrase literally rather than as an idiom meaning to graduate. Sierra’s own drive as a person is reflected by the character of Sophia who makes sure she does well in school so that she can cross the stage at graduation like everyone else!
The art in this book is fantastic, representing diversity so that all children can find someone with whom to relate. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Alisa Tverdokhleb?
Sierra: It was amazing! I have never been good at art myself and it was so cool to learn more about the creative process and watch her bring the ideas and words to life while adding her own unique voice. She did a fantastic job and I had a blast getting to know her more as well. She’s an absolute sweetheart.
Nick: Alisa Tverdokhleb is the behind-the-scenes hero of this project. She is a master visual storyteller who listened to what the writers needed and added her own creativity. Her unforgettable vibrant and beautiful artwork gave an even more resounding voice to Sierra’s story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Sierra: I would say the most important part for me was educating people on life in a wheelchair while showing encouraging others to go out and live their life to the fullest. I think it’s easy for anyone of any age to get caught up in the ableist belief that your life is “over” after becoming wheelchair bound for any reason and that simply isn’t the case. However, it is still a commonly held belief that is hard to shake for multiple reasons and it’s why the Q and A portion of this book is the most important educational aspect to include.
Nick: Sierra and I agreed that this book could be more than just a wonderful book for kids, but an opportunity to educate people of all ages about what it is like to be in a wheelchair, or how one can support wheelchair bound people. We agreed that helping and educating others is what we wanted to do. On our website there’s even free lesson plans for how teachers and parents can use the book to teach concepts in school. We also wanted every to just smile and realize that no matter how different we are we are all the same.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Sierra: I’m gonna leave this one to you to answer Nick, LOL.
Nick: I am hoping that this question means that people want more of Sophia’s story, or our style of book. We have talked about continuing Sophia’s adventures, but want to find the right story to tell. I think we also want the whole team back together for this if we can.
If you think we should do a sequel, please leave a comment here or on our social media pages and let us know. We love hearing from readers more than anything!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Sophia is excited about kindergarten and just wants to fit in. She is worried that at graduation at the end of the year she won’t walk the stage like everyone else. Join her as she learns about — how things work at school, how to make friends, how sometimes we all struggle, how learning is fun, and how she is exactly like her friends!
Sophia’s has a mobility impairment that makes her think that she might not succeed in school. Her literal misunderstanding of “being able to walk the stage” at the end of the year worries her. We follow her journey through her first year in school, where we discover that her experiences are identical to all other students. Sophia’s wheelchair is hidden in the book until the very end to emphasize her common experiences with other students. This wonderful book is perfect for all students to learn important broad lessons about how we are all the same, yet all different at the same time.
The book includes an interview with author Sierra Andrews who herself is in a wheelchair due to a car accident at 18-years old. She gives information about being wheelchair-bound to parents, educators, and students. She answers questions people want to ask but are often afraid to do so. It also includes special sections called Can You Find, Other Ways to Use This Book, Fun Things to Do, and Fun Facts that give readers additional activities that they can do to learn and enjoy themselves. An interview with illustrator Alisa Tverdokhleb gives advice to those who want to be artists.
“A story so full of delightful surprises from the unexpected ending to the detailed attention given to the whole-child development. Not Everyone Walks the Stage is a book so inclusive and informative that no classroom, library, school, or home should be without a copy. Not Everyone Walks the Stage shares an essential story that highlights valuable lessons for both kids and adults on how to acknowledge and respect our differences. This is a graduation ceremony you really won’t want to miss. Zepo Publishing takes the good that already exists in the world and amplifies it. A common thread in its books is its message of inclusion and acceptance of our individual differences that connect us in unique ways to one another.” – Dr. Janet Canino Ph.D., LMFT
Not Everyone Walks The Stage
At first glance, Not Everyone Walks the Stage looks like a simple children’s book about a girl named Sophia starting kindergarten, learning new things, dealing with tough moments, and preparing for graduation. But as the book unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more going on beneath the surface. We watch Sophia grow in confidence, navigate her struggles with school and classmates, and ultimately find her own strength. Then comes the twist: Sophia uses a wheelchair. That reveal adds a whole new layer to the story and makes the title resonate in a deeply personal way.
I found the storytelling refreshingly gentle yet brave. The authors let their message simmer quietly until you’re hit with it, and it stays with you. The writing is warm and simple in the best way. It invites kids in, and leaves space for adults to reflect too. I liked how real Sophia felt. She wasn’t a “perfect” kid. She was nervous, unsure, and sometimes afraid. But she worked through it. She learned. She helped. And she tried, even when she didn’t feel ready. That made her journey feel authentic and meaningful.
The book is also clever. It uses familiar moments like the nervous excitement of the first day of school or the build-up to a graduation ceremony to introduce bigger ideas about kindness, disability, and perseverance. I especially liked how it never made Sophia’s wheelchair the center of her identity. The reveal is subtle, and by the time it arrives, you already love her for who she is, not what she uses to get around. The bonus content at the end, including the author’s own story and Q&A, adds a lot of heart and insight. Every page is bursting with color and emotion, like a comic book. The characters’ faces are so expressive that you can tell what they’re feeling. The background is packed with fun little details too.
I’d recommend Not Everyone Walks the Stage to parents, teachers, and really anyone looking for a book that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and quietly powerful. It’s perfect for classrooms and storytimes, and it’s a wonderful way to talk with kids about differences, empathy, and determination. It reminded me that the bravest stories are sometimes the ones that start quietly and end with a cheer.
Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0DVLH26YH
Teaching Empathy
The Power of Empathy: Be the Friend You’ve Always Wanted takes young readers on an adventure to the park, where they learn what empathy is and how to be a good friend to others. Why was this an important topic to write a children’s book on?
I see children struggling with their feelings in my role as a preschool teacher and daycare provider. It is common for children to understand feelings like being happy, sad, and scared. The more complex ones are difficult for them to recognize, like being excited, anxious, proud, and embarrassed.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to write a story that simplified complicated emotions by providing tools that helped children identify their feelings. Because empathy is a learned trait rather than something innate, it is essential for children to learn how to connect emotions and empathy. For that to happen, they must be able to identify and recognize their own emotions in other people. Helping young children develop a strong sense of empathy creates within them a sense of security and stronger relationships with both children and adults. It encourages tolerance and acceptance of others as well as themselves. It gives them the tools to be more cooperative with others and the courage to intervene when they see others being bullied. These are just a few of the benefits of equipping children with the skill of empathy.
What is one thing people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
One of the main things I hear is that the topics of my books are much needed in today’s world. My topics and storylines are all inspired by the children with whom I’ve worked for over thirty years. I try to capture what I see them struggle with every day. All the examples come from the children. I share each story as I’m writing it with my daycare children. I’ve captured the topic’s essence when the children can relate and see themselves. This helps get the message across in a loving and non-threatening way. My main character Orbit shares his thoughts on the topic, but more importantly, he listens to the children.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I am focusing on marketing at this point. My goal is to write one or two more books in 2024. I’m leaning toward the topics of patience or persistence. However, I am always open to suggestions.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Don’t miss spending time with Orbit and his friends on their fourth adventure of The Power of… children’s picture book series.
This beautifully illustrated story gently teaches young children how to recognize their emotions – and the emotions of others. Children learn what it means to practice empathy by witnessing real-life examples that are easy for them to understand.
Written with easily understandable language, and perfect for adults to read aloud, this book enables children to see themselves in the examples that Orbit shares with his friends.
The Power of Empathy Be the Friend You’ve Always Wanted
The Power of Empathy: Be the Friend You’ve Always Wanted by the talented Ruth Maille is an illustrative book that takes young readers on an adventure in the park, guided by the endearing character Orbit, as they explore the profound concept of empathy. Within the pages of this captivating book, Orbit, and his young companions delve into the origins, effects, and impacts of empathy on life. They also discover its numerous benefits for children, learning how to identify and regulate their own emotions and those of others. Orbit shares a treasure trove of real-life examples that vividly illustrate the pivotal role empathy plays in children’s lives.
The Power of Empathy is more than just a children’s book; it’s a valuable lesson in itself. The interactive illustrations immediately seize the reader’s attention from the first page and continue to captivate throughout the journey. Through the fictional character Orbit, children are gently introduced to the concept of empathy as they join him in the park for engaging storytelling sessions. While the storytelling is delightfully simple, the underlying theme is well-crafted and immensely beneficial for young minds, imparting a valuable lesson they’ll carry with them. Ruth Maille’s brisk writing style ensures a quick and enjoyable read. Orbit’s narration flows seamlessly as he shares his stories with children at the park. Maille employs straightforward language, ensuring the book is easily comprehensible for its target audience. The real-life examples shared by Orbit encompass a wide array of scenarios, providing children with a diverse perspective on empathy’s importance. As Orbit delves deeper into the subject, the author skillfully imparts the benefits of recognizing emotions. Orbit’s character is thoughtfully explored in this book, enhancing the connection with young readers. Communication with children is greatly improved, making this book an engaging and invaluable resource for fostering empathy.
The Power of Empathy is a must-read that empowers children to be the kind, understanding friends they’ve always wanted to be.
Pages: 36 | ASIN: B0BJZ2ZDLX
Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash
When a young boy from California visits his cousins for the first time in Hawaii, he becomes confused about why people keep calling each other trash. What starts as simple misunderstanding blossoms into frustration and anger between the young cousins. It takes a patient Pupu (grandmother) to explain the real meaning of Mahalo and teach the children a valuable lesson about their Hawaiian culture.
Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash is an educational and inspiring story about family, traditions, and culture. Written by AJ Paki Perkins and his three teenage children, they work together to create this fascinating and outstanding children’s book. This is more than just a story about the meaning of Mahalo; it is the blending of cultures and sharing of one’s heritage. It is also a lesson in gratitude and appreciation for each other and the land that we live on.
One of my favorite parts of this magnificent book is the resources at the end. Hawaiian words can be confusing to non-natives, especially the pronunciation. The authors have included a pronunciation guide and a list of Hawaiian language words with their definitions. This children’s book is on the longer side, at over 60 pages, but the colorful illustrations play well with the vibrant setting of Hawaii. The character’s expressions really add to the story and keep children engaged. While some of the dialog can get confusing, it is a beautiful lesson for small children on diversity. The details the authors have included make this story personal and relatable.
Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash is an engaging and beautiful written children’s book that teaches about the culture of Hawaii and the importance of gratitude. Children will love reading about the cousins as they spend time with the Pupu and Papa and experience the wonderful things that the island of Hawaii has to offer.
Pages: 65 | ASIN : B0BMSKP91Z
LITERARY TITAN 