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Beneath the Blue
Beneath the Blue follows Claudia, Charlie, Chuck, and their surprising connection to a magical compass that ties into the fate of the ocean itself. What begins with frustration over a sand sculpture competition quickly spirals into an underwater adventure with mermaids, King Triton, and the ancient prophecy of the Heart of the Ocean. The plot balances lighthearted moments with themes of jealousy, truth, and teamwork, and it uses oceanic imagery to build a whimsical yet meaningful world.
I found myself swept along by the energy of the writing. The pacing never lags for long. Scenes shift quickly from conflict to discovery, keeping me curious about what would happen next. Claudia’s arc is one of the strongest elements. She begins bitter, selfish, and angry, and I honestly disliked her at first. But her vulnerability and eventual change gave the book its emotional weight. The dialogue leaned a little too neatly into teaching lessons, but it worked for the story’s age group.
The worldbuilding charmed me. The underwater kingdom glowed in my imagination, with coral mosaics, pearl-lit halls, and shimmering grottoes. The author clearly took joy in describing the setting, and that joy spilled over to me. Another thing I really liked was the sense of teamwork and loyalty between Charlie and Chuck. Their friendship felt genuine and steady, and it gave the story a heart that balanced Claudia’s jealousy and struggle. I loved how Chuck always looked out for Charlie, calming his nerves and giving him courage when he felt small. That bond made their victories feel earned, and it added a layer of warmth that kept the book from being just about magic and danger.
Beneath the Blue is a warm and hopeful story about friendship, honesty, and learning to let go of envy. It would be a great read for kids who like fantasy adventures, especially those who love the ocean and tales of hidden kingdoms. Parents reading alongside their children will probably enjoy the charm too. If you’re looking for a book that mixes light adventure with heartfelt lessons, this one will be a good fit.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0FM4M1GXX
Helping Children Be Better Humans
Moonbeam’s Halloween Wish follows a lonely stray cat looking for a family who crosses paths with a girl dressed as a black cat, instantly forming a connection, and hoping that she has found her forever home. What was the inspiration for your story?
I wanted to write a Halloween story that wasn’t scary, and since I have an adopted cat, the idea of incorporating the concept of adoption was appealing to me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
All of my books include lessons to help children be better humans, and in this book, I combined adoption and caring for those who are lonely as the primary concepts.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Taylor Johnston?
Taylor is an extremely talented artist and a close coworker. She is also a cat owner and works daily with kids, as I do, so her understanding of the concepts I wanted to portray was seamless. Taylor is also a highly creative individual and brought fresh ideas to her illustrations that I hadn’t thought of. We started with ideas that I had in mind, and after a few tweaks, the book was finished. We collaborated very well.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a book about a Tulip. It is targeted for ages 6-8, and the theme will be attractive to towns that present tulip festivals.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Meet Moonbeam, a lonely feline who roams the streets in search of a family to call her own. Moonbeam’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a group of children on Halloween night. Dressed as a black cat, one little girl offers Moonbeam a chance at a forever home filled with love and warmth.
Targeted for children ages 3-8, this endearing Halloween-themed book is clean, ethical, and appropriate for any public or private library, classroom, daycare, or home. Kids are sure to enjoy this heartwarming story for years to come.
Moonbeam’s Halloween Wish
In Moonbeam’s Halloween Wish, author Joan Enockson introduces readers to a lonely stray cat named Moonbeam, whose greatest desire is to find a family to love and care for her. As she wanders the streets in search of food, her heart yearns for someone to notice her to see beyond her solitude and welcome her into a warm, loving home.
On Halloween night, the air buzzes with excitement as children parade through the streets in costumes, their laughter filling the night. Drawn to the lively scene, Moonbeam watches as each child passes, offering her a fleeting greeting but never lingering long enough to truly see her. Just when it seems that no one will stop, a young girl dressed as a black cat locks eyes with Moonbeam. An unspoken connection forms. Could this be the moment Moonbeam has been waiting for? Could this child be the one to give her the forever home she so desperately longs for?
This heartfelt story is bound to captivate young readers, drawing them into Moonbeam’s journey with emotion and warmth. The desire to see her find a loving home is immediate and undeniable. As children turn the pages, they will feel an innate pull to reach out, to protect, to bring Moonbeam into their own hearts. More than just a charming tale, Moonbeam’s Halloween Wish teaches an essential lesson, the importance of compassion, kindness, and opening one’s heart to those in need.
Taylor Johnston’s stunning illustrations elevate the story even further. Each page bursts with vivid, full-spread imagery, pulling readers deeper into Moonbeam’s world. The digital artwork is crisp, detailed, and expressive, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. Johnston’s artistic versatility shines through, reflecting her strong background in both art and education, ensuring that every image resonates with young audiences.
Joan Enockson’s background in education is evident in her storytelling. With years of experience teaching children, she crafts narratives that not only entertain but also instill meaningful life lessons. Her stories empower young readers to embrace their individuality, foster empathy, and build confidence, all while engaging them in a beautifully woven tale.
Moonbeam’s Halloween Wish is a touching, beautifully illustrated story that will delight readers of all ages. Moonbeam’s journey is one of hope, longing, and love, a story that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned.
Pages: 30 | ISBN : 195802340X
Charlie’s Crabby Day
Charlie’s Crabby Day is a delightful tale that highlights the values of friendship and hard work. Joan Enockson introduces us to Charlie, a crab who feels self-conscious living next to Chuck, a bigger, stronger crab with many more friends. As a sand sculpture contest approaches, Charlie decides to prove himself by gathering the best materials to win. He discovers a large shell that he plans to use as the centerpiece of his project, keeping it a secret from others. However, new rules require the sculptures to be made in teams, forcing Charlie to collaborate with Chuck, leading to an unexpected journey of learning and growth.
Charlie is a wonderfully crafted character who evolves throughout the story. He learns from his mistakes, realizes that his assumptions about others are not always correct, and shows great resilience by setting aside his prejudices. Charlie becomes more honest and communicative, gradually making new friends without even realizing it. This character development is why I found his story so compelling.
Joan Enockson’s writing is natural and fluent, imparting valuable life lessons to young readers, such as the importance of listening, sharing ideas, and understanding that teamwork, while challenging, can lead to achieving great goals. The detailed descriptions in this children’s book make it easy to visualize the scenes, emphasizing emotions, allowing readers to connect with Charlie on multiple levels. The illustrations are artistic and of high quality, adding charm to the story.
Charlie navigates various situations as he dares to try new things, faces his fears, and overcomes each challenge. Charlie’s Crabby Day is a fun and engaging chapter book that teaches children the importance of letting go of pride and shyness and encouraging them to embrace every opportunity for play and learning.
Pages: 94 | ISBN : 978-1958023433
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