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The Power of Imagination
Luella’s Library follows a young book-lover who invites her tech-obsessed best friend to her home library, where they wind up on an unexpected journey when a book opens a magical portal to enchanted worlds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Getting lost in a book gives kids the opportunity to connect with characters, go on wild adventures, and make choices and opinions based on the plot. So, I decided to write Luella’s Library to show kids the magic of reading a book. Children will be able to follow Luella and Lino on the many adventures their book takes them on. Lino is inspired by one of my own cousins who loves to spend time playing games on his iPad, and Luella has traits of my sister, who has a library of books in her bedroom. Together, Luella and Lino travel through many enchanted lands, all of which have been inspired by my favorite Barbie and Disney movies growing up. As a child, I fell in love with the magical settings in Barbie and Disney; they were places that I wished to visit, which is why I chose to make the settings of my story have a similar vibe. I want kids to be able to feel like they’ve been sucked into these vibrant worlds along with my main characters. My goal is to show children in a fun, interactive, and relatable way that picking up a book can be more of an exciting experience than picking up an iPad.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In the past few years, I’ve seen a major shift in how young kids spend their free time. Rather than using their imaginations to play games, read a book, or enjoy the outdoors, I’ve noticed that their playtime is heavily spent on their iPads and phones. It’s become less reading and more tapping. If this trend continues, kids won’t know the experience of getting lost in a book anymore and expanding their imagination. Will kids even be creative if they’re always told what to believe through their iPads and never form opinions of their own? This question inspired me to write Luella’s Library. I believe kids should learn at a young age the power of imagination and creativity in this digital world we live in today.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite scene to write was the scene where Luella, Lino, and their newfound leprechaun friend ride Pegasuses into the sky in a land filled with fairies, mermaids, and mystical forests. My favorite movies growing up were always the ones that included fairies or mermaids, so I felt like I was tapping back into my childhood dreams of living in a land with magical creatures.
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?
As of right now, I haven’t decided if I will make this into a series. Yet, I loved writing it and bringing the world of Luella’s Library to life, so there is definitely a possibility!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Amazon
Luella loves to read books, but her best friend, Lino, doesn’t.
What Lino soon discovers is that the books in Luella’s library are magical! When one of her books transports them to an enchanted land, they have to face unexpected obstacles and help new friends.
Will Luella and Lino complete their journeys along the way? Will they be able to help their new friend find his way back home? Or will Lino choose his phone over the adventures Luella’s library has in store?
Luella’s Library
Luella’s Library follows a young book-lover named Luella and her tech-obsessed best friend, Lino. While Lino would rather play games on his phone, Luella invites him to her magical home library. What begins as a reluctant visit quickly turns into an unexpected journey when a book literally opens a portal to a string of enchanted worlds. From leprechauns and giant flowers to pirate chases and Pegasus flights, Luella and Lino bounce through whimsical scenes to help a lost leprechaun find his pot of gold. With each chapter-like page jump, Lino inches closer to understanding the power of stories and, maybe more importantly, the joy of reading.
I really enjoyed this children’s book. The writing feels fresh and light, and it’s got this genuine warmth that pulls you in without trying too hard. Tara Lala keeps the pace quick and bouncy, which works beautifully for younger readers, but it’s the undercurrent of real friendship and curiosity that made me smile the most. Lino’s change from grumbly phone kid to wide-eyed explorer never feels forced. It happens in little moments, like when he chooses to paddle away from pirates or plans to rescue the leprechaun from cave bats, that feel earned and sweet.
The artwork is a real treat for the eyes. Every page bursts with color, from glowing portals to shimmering forests, and the level of detail in each scene adds so much depth to the story. You can spot tiny fairies dancing near fireflies, or catch the sparkle of a unicorn’s mane as it gallops. The illustrations feel alive. Each setting feels carefully crafted and full of charm. It’s clear a lot of thought went into bringing this magical world to life, and it absolutely pays off.
I think the book is strongest when it leans into that childlike sense of discovery. There’s something charmingly nostalgic in the way the story treats books like treasure maps. The dialogue stays simple, but never boring. It’s not trying to teach a lesson in a heavy-handed way. It’s just showing that reading can be magical, funny, and exciting.
I’d definitely recommend Luella’s Library to parents of kids who are hesitant readers or glued to their screens. It’s especially great for kids aged 5 to 8, and perfect for a read-aloud bedtime adventure. Honestly, it gave me that little rush you get when you remember why you fell in love with stories in the first place. It’s bright, fun, and just plain lovely.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F7NPYTC6
LITERARY TITAN 