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Alphabet Parade: An Alliterative Alphabet Adventure
Alphabet Parade is a vibrant and imaginative trip through the alphabet, where every letter leads a whimsical procession of alliterative animals, vehicles, and wild surprises. Each page bursts with rhythmic, rhyming couplets and richly detailed illustrations that celebrate one letter at a time. The book flows like a colorful parade on paper, blending poetry with visual storytelling to create an immersive learning journey from A to Z. The alphabet doesn’t just stand for words; it becomes the adventure.
The writing is playful and clever, packed with wordplay that actually made me laugh a few times. The author’s use of alliteration never feels forced, and the rhymes keep things moving at a fun clip. I could easily imagine kids chanting along. What really got me, though, was the artwork. It’s not just cute or colorful, it’s layered, full of little hidden gems that make you want to linger on each page. I found my child pointing things out to me as we read. There’s real joy packed into these illustrations.
What impressed me most is how thoughtfully this children’s book is put together. You can tell Barany had fun making this, and that fun spills out onto every page. The vocabulary is rich without being overwhelming, and the parade format makes each new letter feel like a mini-event. It’s a picture book for kids learning letters, and it’s a book for anyone who loves words and pictures working together. The word list at the end adds even more depth for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
If you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, or just someone who loves books with personality, Alphabet Parade is a no-brainer. It’s tailor-made for read-aloud time, and I can’t imagine a kid who wouldn’t be at least a little bit enchanted by it. This is a whole world packed into 26 letters. I loved it.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 9798998946103
A Day on the Brine
A Day on the Brine is a charming, rhythmic journey through the ocean’s wonders, seen through the eyes of a curious captain and the creatures she encounters on her voyage. With lyrical, repetitive verse and vibrant illustrations, the book flows from one sea creature to the next, capturing the natural rhythms of marine life from sunrise to moonrise. Set off the west coast of Australia, this tale speaks to the interconnectedness of life on the ocean and the quiet magic of the sea.
Right from the start, I was pulled in by the rhythm. The repeated structure—“And what do you think she sees?” makes it feel like a lullaby, or a chant you’d say to a child while swaying on a boat. It’s simple, but it works. I especially loved the line about the “squid pinkpink and shy” who “peeks at the sky.” That moment stuck with me, there’s something so soft and endearing about it. It’s playful but also poetic. The use of double adjectives, “whitewhite,” “pinkpink,” “greengreen,” initially felt unusual, but they started to feel like waves lapping: steady, repeated, calming.
The writing isn’t trying to be clever. It’s honest and kind. There’s a real respect for the sea here, and that shines through the gentle language and Emma Stuart’s dreamy illustrations. I found myself lingering on the page with the “whale large and greygrey” coming up for a play. That spread, both in words and visuals, felt alive. There’s no heavy lesson being pushed, but you still get this sense of awe for marine life and the beauty of slowing down to look at the world.
One thing I appreciated deeply is the circular nature of the story. It begins and ends with the big blue boat, creating a feeling of coming home, of completing a cycle. The moon watching the boat and captain at the end made me smile. It’s subtle, but it tugs at something warm in you. It reminded me of how, as a kid, I’d imagine the moon following me on car rides home. Also, the glossary and activities at the end are a nice bonus, educational without being dry, and great for curious young readers.
This book is a delight. If you’ve got little ones who love the ocean, or if you just want something calming and beautiful to read together at bedtime, A Day on the Brine is for you. It’s got heart, rhythm, and a soft sense of wonder. I’d recommend it to families, early educators, or anyone who finds peace in the sea.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0DXG9T3HK
Gaining Confidence
Ava as a Top Seller, follows a young girl who dreams of becoming a market vendor and gets a chance to help a local shopkeeper one weekend. What was the inspiration for your story?
Almost all of us have childhood memories of how much fun it was to create our own play store. I’ve set up many of these shops with my siblings, friends, and later with my children. I’ve been both a salesperson and a customer, and it has always been just as enjoyable.
That kind of play is full of imagination and, at the same time, practicing essential skills. The best experiences from my own childhood were shops where the diverse selection consisted of various natural products.
Some of the sold items were edible, such as berries or vegetables in the summer. But others were stones, sticks, plant leaves, hay – anything our imagination turned into interesting goods or treats. My little sisters started a flower shop, selling wildflower bouquets to passersby. The related funding, however, sparked discussions with parents…
Now, it’s fun to watch my visiting grandchildren rush to the same toy vegetable store where my adult children once played with the sales counters, cash registers, baskets, and toy fruits and vegetables.
Ava has a special bond with Mr. Stuff, and he helps guide her while allowing her to problem-solve and learn. Did you have your own “Mr. Stuff” growing up?
As a child, I was surrounded by adults who gave me a lot of freedom but enough security. I remember the feeling of encouragement and confidence. Because of this, I dared to tackle new things independently and wasn’t unnecessarily afraid of possible mistakes.
There are many happy memories to cherish. I was able to take out a cookbook and bake the first cinnamon rolls of my life as a surprise for my absent mother. The teacher gave me the task of choosing a play and actors and directing the performance for the Christmas party. It went well!
Throughout my life, I can name many adults who have played a role similar to the friendly “Mr. Stuff” in my Ava as a Top Seller story. I am genuinely grateful to each one of them. They were relatives, teachers, coaches, and tutors for different hobbies.
With their help, I transformed from a curious and enterprising child into an adult who reasonably trusted her skills. This belief in possibilities and survival has helped me sometimes make significant life changes and pursue things that initially seemed very challenging.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
All of my Axel and Ava series books tell stories for children, parents, and other adults in children’s lives. I hope young readers—and listeners—gain self-confidence from these tales. In these stories, they learn that new abilities must be tested and that damage can occur but can be repaired.
An equally important goal in my books is to make adults aware of the role they play in guiding a child to new experiences and skills. It is a question of finding the appropriate balance of freedom and safety. I hope those adults closest to each child would spend time and effort supporting the child from a suitable distance. It is crucial to find that appropriate distance. This is challenging because every child is an individual, and every family is different.
In my stories, I aim to highlight positive ways for adults to engage with and motivate children to face potential mistakes and harmful situations. I’m sure parents sincerely try to do good in raising their children. Sometimes, they even try too hard and forget that a child’s growth also needs free space. Opportunities to try, fail, and try again.
Perhaps the worst thing an adult can do is continually doubt or belittle a child’s abilities while assuming the role of the adult who knows better. It’s also incredibly frustrating for the child when their past mistakes are frequently mentioned.
With a right mindset, even failure does not leave unpleasant traces but acts as encouragement for needs. There will always be the next day and the next opportunity!
What do you have planned next for Axel and Ava, and when will it be available?
The Axel and Ava Series has four books published so far: Axel and Ava as Cat Sitters, Ava and the Last Bird, Axel Washes the Rug, and Ava as a Top Seller. The books explore various situations in which children’s enthusiasm leads to surprising outcomes.
The lives of active children are full of such situations, so there is no shortage of topics for future parts of the series.
I already have a few funny coincidences in my head for the new parts of the series. It is still too early to reveal the names of these books, but I can tell you that my memories are involved again.
For example, I’m considering a book in which the events revolve around a children’s performance that doesn’t go as planned. Another idea involves a situation full of good intentions to make a loved one happy but not succeeding in that.
I can’t give an exact schedule for the new books in the series, as I currently have many book projects in various stages. During the year, I will also participate in at least three international book fairs in different ways: in the spring, the London Bookfair, and in the fall, the Bologna Children’s Bookfair and the Frankfurt Bookfair.
But I can promise that Axel and Ava will always travel with me, no matter where I go in the world, to talk about children’s books.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website
By accident, Axel stains his grandmother’s rug with blueberries. During Granny’s afternoon nap, he tries to correct the mistake all by himself. The result is a surprise for both of them!
The Fox and the Election Fraud
The Fox and the Election Fraud by Tuula Pere delivers a clever, engaging story that weaves humor and important lessons into a memorable tale. It follows Francis the Fox, a character who can’t seem to grasp the concept of honesty, despite Major William the Wolf’s best efforts. When an election campaign sparks his interest, Francis becomes determined to win at any cost. He pulls out all the stops, leveraging every connection, working tirelessly, and strategizing to sway the voters. Yet, as the reality of defeat looms over him, Francis resorts to a desperate, underhanded plan: tampering with the vote count. But the city’s robust judicial system has no tolerance for dishonesty, and Francis learns the hard way that cheating never pays.
Though it deals with themes that seem geared toward adults, The Fox and the Election Fraud keeps things light, witty, and refreshingly creative. The writing shines with clarity and vivid storytelling, drawing readers into Francis’ antics. It’s a story bursting with well-structured ideas and fast-paced action. Pere gives us a protagonist who, despite his flaws, remains oddly charming and relatable. Francis may be a trickster, but his humorous escapades serve as a vehicle for teaching critical life lessons about integrity, honesty, and the inevitable triumph of good over deceit. The various schemes he devises to bolster his campaign are as entertaining as they are instructive, making the plot thoroughly enjoyable. Tuula Pere impresses me with her ability to craft narratives that are both dynamic and meaningful. The book, though part of a series, stands strong on its own, offering just enough background to make Francis’ story accessible to any reader. Pere’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the engaging text to the vibrant illustrations that bring the world to life. The format is designed to captivate young readers while keeping adults invested, making it an ideal pick for family reading sessions.
The Fox and the Election Fraud is a standout story that I highly recommend. It’s a perfect blend of humor, moral lessons, and entertaining characters. Children will learn about honesty and responsibility while laughing along with Francis’ misadventures, and adults will appreciate the book’s wit and charm.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 9528201628
The Fox and the Election Fraud
The Fox and the Election Fraud by Tuula Pere, with illustrations by Andrea Alemanno, tells the story of Francis the Fox, a cunning and ambitious character who decides to run for mayor against William the Wolf. Francis is not exactly popular, nor is he honest, but that doesn’t stop him from hatching a scheme to manipulate the election. Throughout the book, he tries various underhanded tactics, including bribery and eventually tampering with the votes, but things don’t go according to his plans. In the end, justice prevails, and Francis, caught red-handed, faces the consequences of his actions.
I found the narrative to be an engaging and witty portrayal of political manipulation and greed. Francis’s character is amusingly over-the-top, and his audacity makes him both laughable and frustrating. The way he convinces himself that he’s the hero of his own story—despite clearly being a villain—felt so true to life, particularly when he dismisses the consequences of his past failures and tries to shift the blame onto others. The dialogue, especially Francis’s inner thoughts, added a lot of humor to the story, making me chuckle at how delusional he was, like when he complained that the city didn’t value his “remarkable skills.” The book’s pacing is snappy, and the plot kept things entertaining, and the escalating absurdity of Francis’s schemes really pulled me along. One of the standout parts of the book was the moral it carries about integrity, leadership, and the consequences of dishonesty. The climax, where Francis’s plan unravels in front of the entire city, was satisfying and drove home the point that shortcuts and deceit don’t lead to real success. The book manages to convey these lessons without feeling preachy, which I appreciated.
The Fox and the Election Fraud is an enjoyable, light read, perfect for kids but also entertaining for adults who enjoy clever allegories about power and ethics. It’s an especially great pick for young readers who are beginning to learn about fairness, honesty, and the importance of good leadership. The playful tone and vibrant illustrations make it even more appealing, and while it’s a fun read, it’s also a thought-provoking one. If you’re looking for a children’s book that blends humor, important life lessons, and a bit of political satire, this is definitely worth checking out.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 9528201628
The Fox’s New Channel
The Fox’s New Channel by Tuula Pere tells the story of Francis the Fox, a once-successful entrepreneur who, after experiencing personal and financial collapse, reinvents himself by launching a media empire. He thrives on tabloid-style journalism, creating scandal and spreading gossip, much to the dismay of his community. His path to success is filled with deception, as he manipulates stories and uses lies to climb back to prominence. The book paints a vivid picture of a fox whose relentless ambition leads him down a dark path, threatening to ruin the lives of those around him, including his old mentor, William the Wolf.
One thing that struck me about the writing is how quickly Pere immerses the reader in Francis’s world. From the start, Francis is painted as an arrogant yet oddly charming character. His fall from grace is almost pitiful, but it’s hard to feel fully sorry for him given his constant self-centeredness. The dialogue feels real, capturing the casual yet sharp exchanges between characters, like his conversations with his mother, which effortlessly reveal the tension between familial love and disappointment. What really impressed me was how the story unfolded like a satirical reflection of modern media culture. Francis embodies the worst of media moguls, using his platform not to inform but to manipulate. The section where he shamelessly plots with his assistants to fabricate stories, such as creating a fake scandal about Pauline the Bulldog, felt like a biting commentary on the ethics of today’s media landscape. It’s clear that Francis’s “success” comes at the cost of integrity, and this part of the story made me reflect on how easily public figures can shape narratives for personal gain.
The Fox’s New Channel is a smart and entertaining read, packed with moral lessons about truth, ambition, and the consequences of greed. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy stories with a touch of satire and those interested in modern takes on how media influences society. While the book might be aimed at younger readers, its themes will resonate with adults too, making it a great read for parents and kids to discuss together.
Pages: 44 | ISBN : 9528200699
The ABCs of Motivation
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t?: Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life combines real-life stories with research-backed strategies, providing a comprehensive resource that can rekindle a teen’s enthusiasm for learning. What was the inspiration for writing a book on this topic?
A student asked one of my (Becca’s) colleagues, who was teaching a class on study skills, “Can you help me give a sh*t about high school? I want to, but I just don’t know how.” That colleague came to me and another colleague for advice. In the process of offering support, I realized that most of the books out there only offer token anecdotes about students’ experiences, without really collaborating with them on building solutions. So I began interviewing young people about their most and least engaging experiences in high school, and what made the difference between them. In the process, my first interviewee, Grace, became my co-author. We interviewed high school and college students from across the country, and integrated their anonymized stories into insights for parents and educators in this book.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
It took us about two and a half years to conduct the research, write, and revise this book. We formally interviewed 20 young people from all over the country and identified the themes in their experiences. We also reviewed secondary research from education and psychology to confirm if the themes students were surfacing had shown up for other researchers, and interviewed professionals (educators, researchers, and psychiatrists) and parents to generate actionable insights for the end of each chapter.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea is that student motivation, like any human motivation, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s not just a personality trait that some people have and other people don’t. It’s heavily influenced by environmental factors, and students, educators, and parents can do things to make those factors more supportive of motivation. If you make environments that support what we refer to as the ABCs of motivation (ability, belonging, and choices), motivation increases.
The other key idea is that this can’t happen for people, it needs to happen with them: students, educators, and parents need to collaborate to build solutions together. Parents and educators also struggle with their motivation – they’re overburdened and stressed out, frequently in situations that limit their own ABCs. Respectful, creative, and thoughtful collaboration is the only sustainable way to build solutions that will work for everyone.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t??
If you’re a student, parent, or educator feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or apathetic about school – you’re not alone! These are flip sides of the same coin, and a natural response to a system that, on the whole, isn’t designed to help anyone in it maintain sustainable motivation for learning, curiosity, and growth. At the same time, waiting on systemic change can take too long for the people stuck in difficult situations right now. This book will help give ideas on what to do right now to improve motivation, as well as start conversations that can improve the broader system over the long term.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Sparked by this student’s request, educator and parent Dr. Rebecca Block and undergraduate student Grace Edwards began talking with teens across the country. Students spoke about when and how school fell short and what made the difference when it didn’t.
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? shares those stories, alongside research in psychology and education, to explore how to help young people build lasting motivation – not the kind that leads to short, panic-driven bursts of productivity, but the kind that energizes over the long haul.
Don’t wait for systemic changes. Discover engaging stories and practical strategies to empower parents and educators to:
– Build relationships that support sustainable motivation
– Encourage student voice and agency
– Make school feel more relevant
– Manage screens’ impact on motivation
A must-read for anyone invested in rekindling students’ love of learning. Get this book to start making a difference in your teens’ lives today.
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!
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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.
LITERARY TITAN 