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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.
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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.
Ava as a Top Seller
Ava as a Top Seller by Tuula Pere is a charming tale of a young girl named Ava who dreams of becoming a market vendor. One weekend, Ava gets the chance to help Mr. Stuff, a friendly shopkeeper at the local market, and her entrepreneurial spirit is put to the test when he leaves her in charge of his stall for the first time. This opportunity allows Ava to demonstrate her sales skills and learn valuable lessons about responsibility and the value of money.
From the outset, I was captivated by Ava’s vibrant and enthusiastic character. Her excitement about selling and her interactions with Mr. Stuff are beautifully depicted, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. The narrative is straightforward and easy for children to follow, making it an excellent read for young audiences. The illustrations by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren perfectly complement Pere’s storytelling. The bright, colorful artwork brings the bustling market to life and adds a layer of visual appeal that keeps young readers engaged. The characters are expressive, and the scenes are detailed enough to spark curiosity and imagination. Ava’s relationship with Mr. Stuff is heartwarming and central to the plot. A significant highlight of the story is the role of Ava’s best friend, Axel, who helps her problem-solve when things go awry. When Ava realizes she forgot to charge customers, Axel is quick to suggest a solution, showing the importance of friendship and collaboration in overcoming challenges. This aspect of the story not only enriches the plot but also provides a valuable lesson in teamwork and thinking on one’s feet.
Ava as a Top Seller is a delightful and educational story that I would highly recommend for children. It encourages young readers to pursue their interests, understand the importance of money, and learn from their experiences. This book is perfect for parents and educators looking to inspire entrepreneurial thinking and independence in children, all wrapped up in a fun and engaging narrative.
Pages: 36 | ISBN : 9528200451
Honest Actions Always Win
The Fox’s Tower follows a cunning and sneaky fox who wants to build the tallest building in the city at any cost. What was the inspiration for your story?
The Fox’s Tower is the third book in my Fox Series, and the next three are already well underway. The whole series is inspired by people throughout society who promote their individual interests and power. The main character, Francis the Fox, is an archetype who sees the community as his playing field and is ready to use any means to reach for power, position, and wealth.
This third part of the Fox Series emphasizes the theme of competition. When the desire to beat everyone else and stand out from the crowd grows to extreme proportions, the result can even be a disaster. At worst, the dishonest pursuit of financial gains can lead to severe social phenomena, such as bribery and circumventing the rules—even at the expense of safety, as in my Fox story.
Construction can sometimes become a means of exercising power and showing off. We witness exaggerated constructions around us, where maximum attention value is often sought in addition to financial profits. Sometimes, massive structures—bridges, monuments, palaces—also proclaim the strength and importance of their builders. Even today, some want to leave behind their pyramids.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Making children realize that selfish and inconsiderate behavior has consequences is essential. Although everything may seem to be going well initially, the victory may be short-lived. I want to emphasize that honest action always wins in the end. Although this does not instantly seem true in real life, justice will eventually prevail. The profit it gives can be more than money and power. The victory of justice can enhance humanity, cooperation, and a balanced, harmonious life.
The persistent planning and goal-oriented actions of Francis the Fox with his projects could be seen as an educational element in this book. We could admire his enterprise and consistency to a certain extent as long as we simultaneously realize the skewed morals involved. As I write about Francis, I often think how much good could be achieved if the fox’s enormous potential and enthusiasm were directed toward a decent course. With the right attitude, such a person could be helpful to others. But, sadly, Francis is just looking for his rewards.
Along with the adventure elements, I also want to highlight the importance of following the rules agreed upon in society. Here, building regulations serve as such an example. At least when it comes to a well-functioning and developed society, the established procedures also have reasonable justifications and aim to improve overall functionality and citizen’s safety. Unfortunately, we often hear news about how inadequate obeying and controlling building regulations has led to loss of life. For example, many drastic consequences of natural disasters could have been avoided with responsible foresight. Human lives are a high price for the builders’ neglect and greed and the authorities’ incompetence!
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
When I write a story, the characters belonging to it are also found somewhere in my subconscious. I feel like they’re in my mind, and I don’t have to create them. Persons, or at least some of them, represent some counterforce to others. That’s how human relationships are in real life, after all. A certain amount of confrontation and challenging each other is part of life. Even in a fairy tale, it is possible to present complex moral considerations through such compositions.
My characters usually have different sides, but especially in the Fox Series, the two main characters are rather black-and-white as personalities and influencers. Finding much good in Francis the Fox is difficult, as his actions are usually utterly self-centered.
On the other hand, the old and experienced mayor, William the Wolf, represents honesty and reliable management of societal issues. In addition to all the good features, he is incredibly patient. From book to book, time after time, he gives his young protégé Francis yet another chance to get his life back on track. But I can reveal to you that the fox’s dubious behavior in the future parts of the series exceeds all the acceptable limits. Mayor Wolf realizes that he can no longer control the young fox. All that remains is exposing his tricks, providing fair punishment, and minimizing the damage.
Several other characters with morally different action models exist between these two opposite extremes. Some are weak but kind. Others may be weak and succumb to temptations to gain fame and money or fulfill their dreams in the wake of a fox.
It is exciting to transfer the complex relationships and power games of real life into the world of a fairy tale. This way, it is possible for children to notice the injustices around them early on and learn to fight for good.
Will Francis the Fox have another chance at making one of his big dreams come true?
The Fox’s Tower is the third book in the series. Until now, each book describes a new attempt by a young fox rogue to get something that doesn’t belong to him. At least the means he uses are questionable time and time again. The fourth part of the series has already been illustrated, and the texts for the next two are ready, so I know what will happen to him very well.
I can assure you that Francis the Fox has enough dreams! They relate to the media world, leadership positions in society and elections, and financial interest in waste management and research. As you see, he has plenty of activities where he can dream, try, and fail again.
Even if the fox’s evil plans fail repeatedly, he doesn’t understand any wrongdoing in his actions. That is his fate, and he learns nothing from his previous mistakes this way. He imagines that he is aiming for something great and good, but in reality, it is quite different: he commits crimes for his benefit, and punishment follows his failure. This is pretty sad. — I hope that by reading about the life of a crooked fox, children will learn to set better goals for themselves in the future.
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How long will his money and building materials last? Could the tallest tower in the city collapse, along with Francis’s dreams?
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life
Are you concerned about your teen’s lack of motivation in school? Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? by Dr. Rebecca Block and Grace Edwards provides a refreshing and practical approach to addressing student apathy. Inspired by a student’s heartfelt plea for help, this insightful book explores the root causes of motivation struggles among teens, primarily focusing on the issue of disconnect.
Rather than placing blame, Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? offers a constructive guide for parents and educators to bridge the gap between teens and their education. Block and Edwards present a wealth of practical strategies to foster meaningful connections and support systems that resonate with today’s youth. This book transcends the often slow pace of systemic change, equipping readers with the tools to build relationships that make teens feel understood and valued. The authors delve into methods that encourage students to take ownership of their learning, helping them see the relevance of schoolwork to their personal goals. Additionally, the book addresses the significant challenge of managing screen time and its impact on student motivation, offering actionable advice on navigating this modern obstacle.
Written in a captivating and accessible style, Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? is essential reading for anyone committed to improving a teen’s educational experience. It combines real-life stories with research-backed strategies, providing a comprehensive resource that can rekindle a teen’s enthusiasm for learning—and perhaps even reignite your own passion for education.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B0D2N2319G
Friends and Rivals
In Friends and Rivals, Tuula Pere delves into the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry through a captivating children’s narrative. Set in a kingdom where two princes, once inseparable friends, become adversaries in their quest for the throne, the story unfolds a poignant tale of lost familial bonds. The novel charts the journey of one brother’s ascendancy to power and the subsequent imprisonment of the other, culminating decades later in a heartwarming turn of events orchestrated by a young boy.
The book, embellished with the evocative illustrations of Iva Dukić, stands out for its compelling imagery and a distinct Old World allure. Dukić’s use of a limited color palette skillfully draws attention to the characters’ expressive faces and the setting’s unique charm. Otto, the prince confined to obscurity, emerges as a character that resonates deeply with readers. At the same time, Victor, his ruling brother, embodies the realization that wealth and power are no substitutes for happiness—a crucial message for young minds.
Pere and Dukić’s collaboration results in a book that is a delightful read and a source of valuable life lessons. Friends and Rivals transcends mere storytelling by weaving in a fundamental lesson about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Pere’s narrative, through the actions of a kind-hearted child, not only reunites the estranged brothers but also rekindles their lost friendship. This aspect of the tale, along with the gentle infusion of magical elements, makes the book particularly appealing to children. Meanwhile, educators and parents will find ample material within the story for meaningful discussions with young readers.
Pages: 42 | ISBN : 9528200133
