Blog Archives
Thomas and the Magic Violin
I found Thomas and the Magic Violin to be a deeply moving picture book that I would be delighted to share with children in my classroom. The story follows Thomas as he works hard to prepare for a spring concert, facing the frustration, self-doubt, and perseverance that are such familiar parts of learning something worthwhile. What I loved most is the book’s gentle message that growth often comes through patience, encouragement, and the quiet support of others. It presents musical practice honestly, while still wrapping the story in warmth and wonder.
This book stands out because it treats children’s emotions with real respect. Thomas is discouraged, embarrassed, determined, and hopeful, and those feelings are shown in a way young readers can understand. The relationship between Thomas and the older violinist across the courtyard is especially beautiful. Their connection is not built through long conversations, but through music, listening, and kindness. From a teacher’s perspective, that makes the story especially powerful, because it shows children that mentorship can be quiet, meaningful, and life-changing.
Illustrator Sofia Panchyshyn’s artwork is soft, expressive, and full of feeling, using warm pastel colors, floral details, and flowing musical lines to create a calm, magical atmosphere. The pictures help tell the story by showing Thomas’s changing emotions, the beauty of the courtyard setting, and the almost dreamlike presence of the master violinist’s music. I was especially taken by the scenes where the music seems to travel through the air, turning sound into something children can see.
I would highly recommend this book for classrooms, libraries, and families. It opens the door to thoughtful conversations about practice, resilience, artistic expression, grief, and gratitude, all in a way that remains accessible to young readers. Most of all, it is a lovely reminder that encouragement can leave a lasting mark on a child’s life. Thomas and the Magic Violin is a tender, memorable book that I loved, and I believe many children will find both comfort and inspiration in its pages.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-9528206088
The Leading Role
The Leading Role, by Tuula Pere, is a heartwarming children’s book that really understands how big childhood projects can feel. Emma’s idea of turning her attic into a little theater is instantly charming, and the story does a nice job of showing how excitement, creativity, and teamwork can turn an ordinary space into something magical. I liked that the book doesn’t just focus on performing, but on all the different jobs that go into putting on a play. That gives the story an inclusive feel, as if every child reading it can imagine a place for themselves in the Attic Theater.
What makes the story especially engaging is the way it shifts from Emma’s confident leadership to Lily’s quieter journey. Lily begins as someone who would rather stay out of the spotlight, helping from the side as a prompter, and that makes her eventual moment of courage feel earned rather than forced. Anthony’s lost voice creates the perfect bit of drama before the premiere, and the resolution is both satisfying and encouraging. The message comes through clearly without feeling heavy-handed: sometimes the person least eager for the leading role is exactly the one who can rise to it.
The illustrations are a big part of the book’s appeal. Illustrator Dane D’Angeli gives the attic scenes a cozy, theatrical glow, especially in the spreads with the curtain, stage lights, and warm reds and golds. I liked how the artwork makes the attic feel both homemade and magical at the same time. The characters have expressive faces and simple, child-friendly designs that make their emotions easy to read, and the stage scenes in particular have a dramatic, storybook quality that fits the theme perfectly. The illustrations truly sell the excitement of rehearsal and performance.
Pere’s book is a lovely conversational read-aloud for kids who enjoy pretend play, theater, or stories about finding hidden confidence. It’s gentle, positive, and easy to follow, with a message about cooperation and bravery that feels genuine. I’d recommend it especially for younger readers who may see a bit of themselves in Emma’s enthusiasm or Lily’s shyness. The Leading Role feels like a celebration of creativity and the idea that every child has something important to bring to the stage.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-9528202523
The Hermit’s Hut
As a parent who absolutely loves children’s books, I found The Hermit’s Hut to be such a lovely surprise. It has that rare storybook feeling that makes you want to slow down, snuggle up with your child, and read every page a little more softly. The story follows Francis, an author who becomes discouraged by the noisy, rushed world around him and heads to the mountains in search of peace. That setup alone feels wonderfully unusual for a children’s book, and it gives the whole story a gentle and thoughtful heart.
Francis’s journey from sadness and frustration to connection and purpose is tender and meaningful, and his friendship with the goatherd Erasmus adds warmth and humor in a very natural way. I especially loved how the story turns knitting, storytelling, and kindness into something almost magical. It’s the kind of children’s book that opens the door to great family conversations about feelings, loneliness, creativity, and how people can care for one another.
The illustrations are dreamy, quirky, and absolutely packed with atmosphere. The mountain scenes, glowing campfires, tall trees, yarn, goats, and quaint little hut all make the book feel like a fairy tale wrapped in a hand-knit blanket. There’s so much to look at on every page that younger kids will enjoy browsing the pictures even when the themes are a bit deeper. Visually, it feels both whimsical and calm, which is honestly a delightful combination for bedtime reading.
This isn’t a super silly, bouncy read-aloud; it’s more of a quiet gem, perfect for families who enjoy heartfelt stories with a big message. I’d recommend it especially for kids who like reflective books and for grown-ups who want stories with a little soul in them. The Hermit’s Hut felt cozy, thoughtful, and genuinely moving, a book with a kind voice and a warm cup-of-cocoa spirit. I’d happily add this one to our home shelf.
Pages: 44 | ISBN : 978-9528202424
The Fox and the Garbage War
The Fox and the Garbage War is such an unusual and thought-provoking read. On the surface, it has the appealing ingredients kids are drawn to right away, like animal characters, dramatic conflict, and richly imagined settings, but underneath, it offers a surprisingly meaningful story about power, dishonesty, and the consequences of selfish ambition. Francis the Fox is the kind of character children will instantly recognize as charming yet untrustworthy, which makes the story especially engaging. It feels like a modern fable, one that invites young readers to think a little more deeply while still enjoying the suspense of the plot.
What I loved most is that the book trusts children to follow a layered story in which greed and manipulation slowly grow into something dangerous, as Francis and Linda build HypeX and create fear around Stargaze. The book introduces big ideas like public deception, corruption, environmental neglect, and courage in the face of lies, in a way that’s accessible through animals and vivid storytelling. As a parent, I appreciate books that open the door to real conversations, and this one certainly does. After reading it, I could easily imagine talking with a child about honesty, leadership, and why people should question things that do not feel right.
The illustrations are also a real strength. They have a soft, hand-drawn quality that contrasts beautifully with the darker turns in the story, creating a visual world that feels dreamy. That balance works so well in this children’s book because it keeps the story inviting even when the themes become more serious. I was especially struck by the images of Francis presenting himself so confidently, the fenced-in city of Stargaze, and the growing sense of secrecy around the research center; they add emotional texture without overwhelming the reader. The artwork helps make the story memorable and gives parents plenty to pause over and discuss with their children.
This is a children’s book that stands out for its ambition. It is not just cute or entertaining; it has something real to say. I would recommend it to families who enjoy storybooks with substance, especially those who like animal tales that carry a strong moral thread. For me, The Fox and the Garbage War is the kind of picture book that reminds me why I love children’s literature so much: it can be imaginative and beautiful while still encouraging wisdom, empathy, and critical thinking. It may be best suited to children who are ready for a slightly more complex and serious story, but in the right home or classroom, I think it could spark wonderful conversations.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 978-9528205982
A Stargazer
A Stargazer, by Tuula Pere, follows Aylin, a child laid low by a fierce fever, who becomes convinced she’s been visited and healed by Vesper, a star boy carrying real stardust. What begins as a strange nighttime encounter turns into something quieter and more grounded: a story about being disbelieved, teased, and gently pushed toward “pure science,” even as wonder keeps burning inside her. Aylin reads space books, saves up for a telescope, studies the night sky with her father, and finally finds, in the observatory’s elderly janitor, the first adult who meets her imagination with recognition instead of correction. It’s a small book, but it carries a tender argument about how a child’s inner life can survive skepticism without hardening into bitterness.
What I liked most is the book’s emotional logic. It understands that ridicule doesn’t always arrive as cruelty. Sometimes it comes as a smile from a teacher, a worried glance from a parent, a brisk appeal to common sense. That felt true to me. Aylin’s hurt at being waved off, especially when she tries to speak about Vesper at school and gets turned into a joke, gives the story its real ache. I was especially moved by the recurring image of stardust lingering on the windowsill, on her blanket, later even shimmering on her cheeks. Those touches keep the mystery alive without insisting on one interpretation, and that restraint gives the book more depth than a simpler fantasy would have had.
I also found the book interesting in the way it holds imagination and inquiry together rather than setting them at war. Aylin doesn’t become interested in space instead of believing in wonder. She becomes interested in space because of wonder. I loved that she goes to the library, learns constellations, saves for a telescope over months, and arrives at the observatory with actual written questions, only to be shut down when she asks the one question that matters most to her. I think the writing is strongest when it is simple and luminous. It leaves room for the wonderful full-page illustrations and for the book’s central idea, which is lovely and unexpectedly mature: some people are starry-eyed not because they reject reality, but because they notice more of it.
A Stargazer offers young readers a defense of curiosity, solitude, and the fragile dignity of a child who knows what she saw, whether or not anyone else believes her. I’d recommend it for reflective children, for adults reading with sensitive or imaginative kids, and for anyone who’s ever felt both thrilled and lonely in the face of mystery. This is the kind of picture book that leaves you glowing.
Pages: 42 | ISBN : 978-9528202325
A Step in the Right Direction
Stormy Sailing follows a young boy and his father, on a journey with their refugee family, who get separated from the rest of the family and try to find a way to reunite with them. What was the inspiration for your story?
Even today, conflicts surround us, impacting people—families and children, too—in various ways. Some of us follow such events in the news. For others, social unrest and even war situations are part of their daily lives, forcing them to fight for survival.
It’s painful to witness world events that cause suffering, especially for children. They are innocent of the conflicts that displace families from their homes. Under inhumane conditions, little ones begin their lives without the security and joy that should be inherent to every child’s life. All means that could assist in this regard must be utilized.
There are influential individuals in society who possess the keys to important solutions, but we, the ordinary people, can affect them. We can also elevate the voices that might otherwise be silenced.
I feel like I’m an insignificant influencer, yet I strive to make these challenging situations visible through my children’s books. A storybook is a humble way to spread attitudes and feelings that, in turn, influence actions. It could be a step in the right direction.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main themes of Stormy Sailing are the strength of close relationships and the significance of collaboration during challenging times. For family members, this is based on their love for one another and their readiness to make sacrifices for each other’s well-being.
The story’s overwhelming difficulties are portrayed through the eyes of the two main characters, a father and a son after their other relatives have already departed for the other side of the sea. Although the narrator describes the events from an outside perspective, the dialogues uncover the different perspectives of the adult and the child.
The father has his own role as an adult. He represents a parent who strives to ensure his child’s survival in every way possible. On the other hand, the child also has strength and refuses to give up. His sincerity and childlike optimism motivate the father to do his best from nearly impossible starting points.
For me, one of the most difficult parts of the story to write was when the father instructed his son to hold on to him as long as he was afloat. In other words, this means that the father tells his son to let go of him if necessary, in order to save himself. The father acts calmly, as a parent should behave to prevent the child from panicking. – In the most challenging situations, the greatest love also appears purest.
What is one thing that you hope the reader takes away from Stormy Sailing?
Earlier, I discussed the themes I consider most important in my story. If I were to highlight one more idea that could provide valuable support for the reader’s journey, it would be perseverance.
There are times in life when it seems like all means have been exhausted. It may appear that trying is no longer worthwhile. Even then, the Finnish saying “while there’s life, there’s hope” holds true. Although the outcome may not meet our expectations or may even be miserable, it feels better to have had the courage to make the attempt.
Even if our efforts were unsuccessful, we can at least be sure that nothing more could have been done. There is no blame or regret afterward. This relates to self-respect and confidence as well. Making the most of every opportunity strengthens us for the next time when that strength is needed.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m continuing my work on the Lyrics of Life Series, including Stormy Sailing. The second volume, illustrated by Spanish artist Catty Flores, has already been published and is titled Carried by Wings. The next two volumes in the series, The Hermit’s Hut and A Star Gazer are currently in progress, both illustrated by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren from Mongolia.
My favorite songs inspire the books in my Lyrics of Life Series. Music is woven into my writing in various ways. Sometimes it plays in the background while I sit at my computer, immersed in a story. At other times, it creates moods that motivate me to explore new topics.
What has happened with this series is inspiring. I noticed that certain songs have played a significant role in my life at various times. Initially, they were on the radio when I was a child or teenager. Later, I rediscovered them as I sought the memories and emotions they evoked. Ultimately, they now serve as a source of inspiration for the children’s book series that has emerged.
In Stormy Sailing, waves from Rod Stewart’s “Sailing” were echoing in my mind. The song was written by Gavin Sutherland in 1972. In Carried by Wings, the winds of the Andes were blowing in my mind, and so was the Simon & Garfunkel song “El Cóndor Pasa” (“If I Could”). The original music was composed by Daniel Alomía Robles in 1913. These popular songs play in the background of the two latest episodes. I won’t reveal the other two until Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren and I have finished the books.
I have truly enjoyed writing the Lyrics of Life Series, and I hope the melodies resonate with the stories, even if they are not played out loud. Music has a wonderful effect and connects people everywhere, even when we do not realize it. Various forms of art inspire one another, and together, they influence human lives, including children’s lives.
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Can a homemade ship, assembled from the wreck of a sailboat, last in a stormy sea? Will father and son survive the sea crossing and find the rest of the family?
The Power of Stories
Our Song, Our Voice follows a young golden crow as he embarks on a journey to save his grandmother and preserve his flock’s fading traditions, proving that courage, wisdom, and song can bridge generations. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The main inspiration for this Our Song, Our Voice can be found in the UNESCO Indigenous Languages Decade (2022-2032). When I learned more about the topic on their website, the idea of approaching the issue through nature developed in my mind. After all, human cultures are directly connected to nature and the changes that occur within it. Just as indigenous peoples are affected by the changes caused by the modern world, the ecosystem, with its animals and plants, also undergoes a similar experience.
In my story, golden crows that once inhabited vast areas have become increasingly rare as wilderness areas shrink and diminish. Their customs and songs, which correspond to the cultures and languages of smaller groups of people, are also threatened.
I feel great sympathy for the languages of the people. Small language areas, in particular, are in danger when larger languages encroach upon them. The new unilateral development is gaining momentum from global communication, where a few languages dominate. It is inherently good that the people of the world understand each other as widely as possible and without linguistic barriers. Alongside such development, we should also strive to preserve the languages of smaller regions, peoples, and cultures. This is essential for individuals’ identity.
What role do you believe storytelling plays in preserving cultural traditions in the real world?
The power of stories is eternal. It has undoubtedly been utilized for as long as humans have been able to speak. Even in its simplest and most original form, it has been, after primitive basic skills, the most crucial tool for the survival of the human species and the development of culture. In addition to transmitting knowledge and skills, stories have conveyed all the human experiences and emotions that have fueled the progress of the human species, enabling complex forms of cooperation to arise.
The power and need for stories have not diminished as societies have evolved. They are used everywhere: in education, politics, and marketing; the list is endless. The immense power of storytelling can serve both good and bad purposes. At best, it continues to convey valuable information and emotion, forming the basis for human action. At worst, its messages are deliberately distorted, aimed at manipulating people to serve questionable goals and selfish interests.
In my children’s books, I explore and utilize the possibilities of storytelling for various essential purposes. I aim to convey information about today’s world, including history and traditions, to children in an appropriate manner. I believe this approach helps them gain a better understanding of society and function within it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A central underlying theme in this storybook is the changes occurring in nature. The consequences of drastic economic projects for all living beings are often alarming and, at worst, irreversible. Increasing numbers of animal and plant species, as well as entire ecosystems and life forms, are under threat.
However, I believe that changes in nature should not be presented to children in an overly frightening or threatening way. My goal is to instill in them a respect for nature and a sense of responsibility for preserving it, rather than blaming them or projecting overwhelmingly disturbing images of danger.
I want to highlight the significance of cooperation and care between different generations as a vital foundation of humanity. By being deeply connected with people of various ages, we can pass down traditions and transfer knowledge to future generations as part of human interaction. The experiences of our predecessors pave the way for subsequent travelers on the paths of life.
My little protagonist’s name is “SISU,” a Finnish word that reflects an important theme in the story. It means determination, not giving up, and trying hard despite difficulties. It represents a stubborn strength that doesn’t make a big fuss about itself but acts regardless of obstacles. I thought it was a funny name for a little character, but it holds significant meaning and plays a crucial role in the national identity of people from my home country.
How did you develop the deep, heartfelt bond between Sisu and his grandmother, Una?
Relationships between members of different generations have always been meaningful to me. Important individuals older than me have greatly influenced my life.
To describe the special bond between Sisu and her grandmother in the story, I have drawn from moments and conversations I shared with my grandparents, who were part of my life for the longest time. Now, they are just a dear memory.
My grandfather, who lived in northern Finland, was an honest, old-fashioned man. He was skeptical of reforms that changed his world too much or too quickly. One detail in the story particularly relates to him: using tree resin for healing.
I have heard that my grandfather collected resin while walking in the forest and rolled it into a ball to take home. He would cut off pieces as needed and treat wounds or skin lesions with that gift from nature. Today, the disinfectant properties of resin are also recognized in medicine.
The story also reflects the peaceful togetherness I’ve experienced with my grandparents. They made time for me and shared many lessons that I still carry with me on my life journey.
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Sisu’s grandmother Una wants to teach him important lessons about life, including the crows’ traditional songs and language. The flock is among the last of their species, and Grandma worries their unique songs and customs will disappear forever.
Then little Sisu takes on a big task, a journey that is not only important to his grandmother but also to the future of all golden crows.”
Leaving the Nest
Carried by Wings follows a young condor learning to fly who is terrified and experiencing self-doubt as his brother eagerly soars into the sky. What was the inspiration for your story?
I listen to a wide range of music, from classical to folk and popular genres. I have many favorite songs in the lighter realm of music that evoke nostalgic memories and experiences. The concept of children’s books, even when loosely connected to my favorite songs and the emotions they inspire, has led me to create the Lyrics of Life book series.
I immediately listed my five favorite songs over the years, and my imagination began creating stories for children. While writing the Carried by Wings storybook, tunes from the Andes played in my head. I sometimes hummed along to the imaginary pan flute in “El cóndor pasa” or the vocal version “If I Could” by Simon and Garfunkel.
There is something very appealing about both versions of this well-known song. One can easily imagine scenes associated with high mountain peaks and steep slopes on stormy shores. The birds that live there represent a kind of primitive courage and survival that one cannot help but admire. – I wanted to include that in my story of two condor siblings.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I want to highlight a scene that felt special to me. Writing that spread wasn’t just fun; it evoked a deeper feeling I would describe as a mix of freedom and happiness. I’m referring to the particular morning in my story when anticipation, excitement, and self-conquest culminated in Walter’s takeoff.
I’m especially moved when I think of young people who constantly face new situations requiring new skills, courage, and self-control. Life is full of these challenges as children grow up. Things become even more complicated when they have to reconcile their dreams and fears with the demands and expectations of their environment.
As I wrote that scene, I felt joy for all the main characters. The condor family’s nestling had truly crossed a significant threshold by stepping out of the nest and soaring into the skies. The parents had also accomplished their essential mission. They had nurtured their child and helped him develop to the point where his independent life could begin.
That part of the story is closely connected to the song “El cóndor pasa” playing in my mind. Although I have never been to the Andes, I enjoy watching nature documentaries about the highest slopes and their wildlife. For instance, the survival of birds in such harsh conditions is incredible.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This book on growth and development benefits both children and the adults who guide them.
In this story, we can view the same situations from the perspectives of different characters. The young condor eagles, representing the child, perceive the challenges of growing up very differently from their parents. Even the two siblings interpret their current challenge of leaving the nest in quite opposite ways. One chick is filled with enthusiasm and takes its daring step too early, leading to tragic consequences. The other chick becomes increasingly cautious, effectively paralyzed by fear, and no longer believes in its abilities or chances of success.
This situation contains an important observation. Children starting in their own lives are individuals, and they should not try to follow others but instead trust their own judgment. Parents should also respect this. No matter how well-intentioned the educator may be, they can act against the child’s best interests.
Harm occurs when the adult rushes the learning schedule or pressures the child to do more or different things than are actually good for them. Additionally, there is a risk that parents may feel inspired through their children to pursue something they themselves have failed to do or achieve.
What is the next book in the Lyrics of Life series that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next two books in the Lyrics of Life series will be illustrated by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren from Mongolia. One will direct our thoughts to space, while the other will immerse us in the life of a writer and his shepherd friend on a mountainside.
A Stargazer tells the story of a child fascinated by space who believes he sees more than others. Whether this is merely the child’s imagination is for the reader to decide. I’m looking forward to this book because I was interested in space as a child and often wondered what might be found there.
The main characters in The Hermit’s Hut represent the older generation. Some might argue that it’s odd to choose them this way. However, to me, this feels natural because I have always valued the connection and cooperation between different generations. In this book, the author of many books unexpectedly discovers a new way to pursue his life’s mission. Combining idealism with a new approach proves to be the solution. Of course, there are also children in the story, because a storyteller needs a diverse audience.
I hope this new series of mine, the Lyrics of Life, will resonate with readers. I believe it has the ingredients to work on two levels: one for children and one for adults. I’m sure a few imaginary background melodies won’t hurt either!
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The brave and curious brother, Arthur, rushes off too soon, while the cautious brother, Walter, does not want to leave the nest at all. His parents encourage him, and finally, it’s time for the young condor to conquer his fear.
