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Learn to Consider Others
In Candace’s Big Audition, a young cow seeks the advice of her barnyard friends when she decides to audition for a singing competition that pits her against her best friend. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was based on a personal experience I had in 8th grade. Five of us girls wanted to participate in the 4 x 4 relay at an upcoming track meet. One of our group was my best friend. Our coach didn’t know what to do, so he told us to walk to the railroad tracks, which were about a mile down the road, and run back to school. The first four to get back to school would run the relay.
As we were running back, I started to think. You see, I was the top shot put thrower in our area and won first place every meet we participated in. I realized that I had an area of excellence in track, but my best friend did not. As I ran, I decided that I wanted my friend to have this honor, especially since I already had an event that I excelled in. I never told anyone because we were raised to be humble, selfless, and giving. This was an opportunity to put those values into practice, so I did. It was not without consequences, though. I chose to live with the stigma of being the slowest so that my friend could be a part of a winning team.
Halfway through the track meet, one of the other girls sprained her ankle in another event. The result was that I was able to run the 4 x 4 relay anyway. My best friend was runner # 1, and I was runner # 2. After I received the baton, I passed a runner, which put our team in first place. We stayed there for the rest of the race. Not only did I get to run the race, but I was able to participate with my best friend.
I combined my experience with the fact that I grew up on a dairy farm, and studied vocal music in college.
Do you have a favorite character in this second book in the Adventures on Apple Orchard Farm series?
It should be obvious now that the character of Candace is me. Even though I identify mostly with her, I really appreciate the character of Professor Owl. I love how he supports Candace without telling her what to do. He allows her to struggle but gives insight to her character and the decision-making process. It’s because of this that Candace not only makes her decision on her own, but she also 100% accepts the consequences of her decision.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from Candace’s experience?
I hope young readers learn to consider others before making a decision. I’m not saying the decision Candace made was the only one she could have made, but it was the right one for her at that time. It’s human nature to be selfish and to act before thinking. My hope is that readers will take a moment to ‘read the room’ and consider the feelings of others and how their decisions will affect others.
What does the next book in this series have in store for readers?
The next book in this series is called Pretty Penelope. Penelope is a porcupine who looks at her reflection in the pond water and doesn’t like what she sees. She wishes she had fur or feathers like all of the other animals on Apple Orchard Farm instead of sharp quills sticking out of her face.
After making new friends and aiding in saving one of the chickens from a coyote attack, Penelope learns the value of her assets and that she is not only valued for what she looks like but for who she is.
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Candace is a brave main character who struggles with this difficult decision, pushing her to her limits. With the help of Professor Owl, the farm’s Great Horned owl teacher, Candace discovers the resilience within her to make the right decision for her. But will she choose to do her best, or throw the audition so her friend can be chosen? Read Candace’s Big Audition to find out!
If you enjoyed book one, Finding George, of the Adventures on Apple Orchard Farm series, you will love this new adventure in book two. With its themes of friendship and resilience, readers of all ages will be delighted as the story unfolds. Buy your copy before the price changes!
Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero
Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero, by Deanna Bussadori, is a delightful narrative that celebrates the essence of everyday heroism through the lens of sibling love. The story revolves around Lulu the Little and her adoration for her big brother, Super Sam. Their day-to-day interactions, from morning reading sessions to evening playtimes, are beautifully depicted, underscoring the profound yet simple ways in which a sibling can be a hero.
As someone who deeply appreciates the world of superheroes, I found this book particularly resonant. It skillfully explores the virtues and values that define true heroism, far beyond the realms of capes and superpowers. The narrative struck a chord with me, echoing the cherished bond I share with my own brothers. Super Sam embodies the real-life superhero traits of patience, gentleness, and kindness, inspiring both his sister and readers to embrace these qualities.
The illustrations in Super Big Brother, crafted by Blueberry Illustrations, are vivid and captivating. An engaging element is the playful “find the teddy” challenge on each page, which adds an interactive dimension to the reading experience.
This book is a heartwarming exploration of the power of the heart and the impact of virtuous actions. It’s an excellent choice for a range of readers, from young children to adults, making it a versatile addition to any bookshelf. Ideal for shared reading experiences, whether with a parent or a ‘super-sibling,’ this book is a fine tool for early readers.
Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero stands out as an endearing tale that highlights the importance of virtue in everyday life and celebrates the unique bond between siblings. Its focus on real-life heroism, combined with charming illustrations, makes it a memorable read for anyone looking to discover the hero within.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0B9GFZ55F | Blueberry Illustrations
The Power of Friendship
The Emu Family follows a family of emu who decide to spend the day at the beach and encounter unexpected situations and adventures. What was the inspiration for your story?
I live in Australia and I love animals. I write stories that are easy to connect to and that children will love. As a therapist who knows the importance of nurturing kids with positive outlooks, I write stories that inspire children to live their best lives and live confidently. I want them to know what is truly important in life; friendship, fun, and connection.
Life can be negative sometimes, unlike when I was young. Kids were allowed to be kids and explore in the trees, get dirty, and use their imagination, nowadays kids have a completely different way of living. I want to help children see the world in a fun light. To know there is positivity, and they can always find a good positive outcome from most situations, especially with the right support around them.
As a therapist, I have seen many adults in my therapy room not knowing or understanding the basic values of connection. This could have been taught in childhood so those kids grow into healthy adults. My wish is that my books do this for children.
What made you decide to write this children’s book series around emu? What is about them that makes them perfect for children’s stories?
It starts off with emus but they quickly introduce their friends. Snap the crocodile, Kiki the koala, Kanga Blue, and Rooby Red the kangaroos, and Kira the kookaburra. These animals are not typical animals, they are fun, colourful, wear clothes and hats, and sing and dance. These animals love to express themselves in a fun way. Together they make up a group of (unlikely) friends who support each other through so many of life’s ups and downs. Kids love animals and love to learn, so I thought I would write a fun series while planting some seeds of positivity into their lives too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Together with their friends, The Emu Family teaches children wonderful concepts like the power of friendship, the importance of community, meditation, self-love, growing food, healthy living, dental hygiene, and so much more. It is important that each book gives a child a good takeaway message so that they can use it in life to make their experience a more positive one.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of what adventures readers will go on with the Emu family?
Book 2 will be available in November 2023. This book is about Kira the kookaburra; the story is about her hat collection, but the underlying story is a journey to her finding self-love. Her friends join her and encourage her on her journey. I have written several of the books in the series, and they are all stories to inspire kids to live a healthier, happier life. I have started on the artwork for the second series with more animal characters from London! It’s very exciting!
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The Emu Family & Friends series teaches children wonderful things like:
The Importance Of Community
The Power Of Friendship
The Importance Of Family
Growing Food
Healthy Eating
Exercise, etc.
This series of books is designed to bring fun and positivity to the reader and also teach them healthy ways of living in this world.
It is also designed to encourage communication between the parent and the child. And maybe even some fun projects to work on together.
This is the first book in a series of adventures.
A Heartwarming Message
In The Little Boy Who Craved Thanksgiving, Little Ricky’s wise and loving grandmother teaches him how to be truly grateful for his many blessings and to appreciate much more than just the delicious foods he relishes each year. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write this story?
The initial inspiration, or spark, for writing this story emerged from my desire to capture the essence of the season and the profound emotions associated with family, home, and love. In search of this inspiration, I delved into the memories of my childhood, recalling a true story that has resonated with me throughout my life. This recollection became the driving force, the very spark that ignited the need to craft this narrative.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Little Ricky and his grandmother?
My approach to writing the interactions between Little Ricky and his grandmother aimed to highlight the wisdom that can be gained from our elders. I also aimed to emphasize the importance of clear and meaningful communication. My inspiration stemmed from the interactions I’ve experienced with my family during holiday celebrations. In large gatherings, there is a constant buzz of activity, and there’s always someone around to lend a hand or share in the moments.
I find the process of writing children’s books fascinating. Can you tell us a little bit about your approach to imagining, drafting, and writing this book in particular?
I aimed to create a fall book that captured the warmth of home and the essence of both autumn and the holiday season. Maintaining a positive message in my books is of utmost importance to me, and I wanted to remain true to my writing style, which centers around recounting true stories that have deeply inspired me. The character Little Ricky draws inspiration from a real-life event from my childhood centered around Thanksgiving and the invaluable lessons my brother and I learned at an early age. My primary goal was to authentically capture not only the lessons I gained from that experience but also to convey the genuine spirit of the holiday season.
When it came to drafting my story, I began by identifying a central theme and engaging in brainstorming sessions to confirm that this was the story I genuinely wanted to convey. Then, I outlined all the elements I aimed to incorporate into the narrative. While crafting children’s books can present unique challenges, it’s also an enjoyable endeavor. It requires a steadfast commitment to stay true to the story’s core message and not let the constraints overshadow the creative process. I prefer to leave fine-tuning and parameter adjustments for the editing stage, allowing the initial creativity to flow freely during the drafting process.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can readers look for it on shelves?
I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming book, Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure. This book is crafted to enchant early readers with its delightful blend of simple riddles and a whimsical narrative, ensuring that the joy of reading continues to flourish. Beyond the whimsical storytelling, it carries a heartwarming message that leaves a lasting impact, reminding readers that Christmas is about more than just presents and decorations. It’s a time to cherish our loved ones, spread holiday cheer, and embrace the magic of giving back to others. Available early October.
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Love is Essential
The Love Tank explores the unique idea that children have a vessel that is just waiting to be filled with love and experiences that will shape their behavior and social interactions. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a book?
The Love Tank was inspired by a conversation with my 3-year-old daughter, who saw me crying over the tragic news of a school shooting. I didn’t know how to explain what had happened, and the concept of a “love tank” came to mind. I started explaining that we all have a love tank inside, which is filled by giving and receiving love. And when our love tank is full, we are able to act kindly and lovingly with others. But when our love tank is empty, it is much harder to be kind and loving. I explained that there are people who have a love tank that is completely empty, and who can end up hurting others, and that I was crying because someone with a very empty love tank hurt others and it made me really sad. A few days later, I woke up and the story was in my head, so I wrote it down and eventually published it as a children’s book.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I can’t narrow it down to only one experience because there have been various events that have influenced my writing, which is geared towards spreading messages of love, compassion, kindness, empathy, gratitude, authenticity and connectedness. Becoming a mother for the first time turned my world upside down and triggered a journey of self-discovery that led me to where I am now. Losing a really good friend to depression and drug use made me question our values as a society and made me want to contribute (through my writing) to creating a kinder, more loving world in which sensitive and beautiful souls like his could thrive. Similarly, events such as the school shooting that I previously mentioned, as well as becoming a mother to a baby boy in a society that sometimes seems to exude toxic masculinity, cemented my desire to contribute to building a kinder, more loving and more compassionate society through my writing.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To me it was important to discuss love as “essential” in our life. The book explains, “just like the gas tank in a car that we fill with gas so the car will run,” we need love to be kind and do good things. I also wanted children to understand that if someone else is hurtful, it may be because that person has an empty love tank, not because of something they did or did not do. And I wanted children to know that they have agency to fill their own love tanks and to perhaps even help others, contributing to a kinder world.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The Love Tank is the first book in a series of five books (Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness), which discuss the values of love, kindness, compassion, gratitude, authenticity and connectedness. The second book is titled The Gratitude Goggles, launch date to be determined (to be notified, readers can join our mailing list at www.wholesomechildrenbooks.com/mailinglist ).
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It’s challenging to explain the importance of giving and receiving love. Why do some people behave hurtfully? How can we respond with kindness and compassion?
The Love Tank guides children in imagining a superpower container inside their bodies that fills up with love. The book explains what can happen when someone’s love tank is full–or empty, and how we can help others to fill their love tank.
The Love Tank: A Book About Empathy, Kindness, and Self-Awareness for Children Ages 4-8
Among the children’s books that seek to teach invaluable life lessons, Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez’s The Love Tank emerges as a heartwarming and imaginative read. The author deftly navigates the landscape of essential human virtues – love, kindness, empathy, and compassion – delivering an experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Mendoza-Vasconez frames her narrative around the creative concept of the “love tank.” Within every child, this metaphorical vessel awaits to be filled with the essence of love, shaping their demeanor and interactions within society. The exploration of this metaphor is the focus of Mendoza-Vasconez’s compelling storyline.
The book effectively prompts young minds to picture their own love tank, fostering an appreciation for how its presence can shape both their own behavior as well as their interactions with others. The illustrations, vivid and inviting, convey the emotional experiences of the characters. This combination of words and images ensures that readers of all ages are enveloped in the story.
At the heart of The Love Tank lies the concept of extending kindness to fill the love tanks of others. This notion is more than a metaphor; it is an empowering call to action. The book gracefully reinforces the power young minds possess to effect positive change through their interactions. This concept is poised to cultivate a generation that understands its potential for fostering empathy and compassion. Mendoza-Vasconez’s prose is elegantly simple and leaves a deep impression on readers of all ages. The narrative’s pacing is comfortable and allows readers ample time to absorb the story.
The Love Tank is a wonderful addition to a children’s library focused on the teaching of values, and it is a poignant reminder that the smallest gestures of love can unleash waves of positivity and understanding across our world. Educators and parents alike will find this book a treasure trove to share with young minds, nurturing the growth of love, kindness, empathy, and compassion – the very building blocks of humanity itself.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0C7BVN1FZ
My Awareness Book
My Awareness Book is a practical guide for children that teaches them how to manage the big emotions in their life. This educational picture book starts out with the lines “We all make our own choices in life, / Sometimes big, sometimes small. / Think positive and smile, / It’s your life and your call.” This sets the tone for this book and lets readers know life is about making choices and it is up to you to decide what the correct choice for you is. There are several examples such as making mistakes and owning up to them, learning to speak in a positive manner, and not being afraid to show emotions. These topics are hard to conceptualize for children and this thought-provoking book will help introduce them and provides an opportunity for further discussion.
Author Diana Smith uses simple but effective prose to share her meaningful message. The struggle to grow emotionally and learn to regulate one’s emotions is challenging, especially for young children. This book takes the lessons parents try to instill in their children and presents it in a way that is engaging and relatable. The extraordinary illustrations by Sarah Jane Marchant will fascinate young children with their cute characters and vibrant colors. Topics like thinking before you speak can be challenging to illustrate, but Marchant has accomplished this task. The combination of engaging prose and captivating illustrations make for an illuminating picture book to be read again and again.
My Awareness Book is a terrific read for children, parents and teachers. This simple narrative model’s good behavior and morals in an approachable way that does not feel lecturing or condescending. The goal of this beautifully written book is to teach children how to have a growth mindset. Teaching children how to grow and understand their feelings is a huge undertaking, and this captivating children’s book is a first step in helping them learn.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B09MPWZFMG
LITERARY TITAN 