Judi Heights is the author of the children’s picture book “Leah Stays Home From School”.
With summer soon upon us, it’s going to be a busy time getting all that energy out that the kids have built up over this strange and unusual school year. It’s also going to be a time to help ease kids back into some kind of normal when it comes to school life for the fall. A great way to prepare them is to start by getting some summer reads that will help with sooth anxiety and fears about regular issues that might start happening again, especially when it will be in regards to returning to school. I think I found a wonderful author that can help with that.
Judi Heights is a Life Coach with over ten years of diversified experience. She’s created a series of books called “Children’s Books for Parents 2” so parents can participate in a discussion on topics as they read to their children. Her most recent book, “Leah Stays Home From School” teaches the importance in staying home when a child is sick. I had a chance to interview Judi Heights about her childhood reading memories, her writing routine, and what writing means to her.
What is your favorite memory as a child?
Judi Heights: My favorite memory from reading as a child was being with my dad and feeling that someone was paying attention/giving me attention. I grew up in a home where my parents were busy, and my mother was not interested in helping us with homework. So, reading time as a child made me feel as if I mattered because my father would listen and pay attention to it.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Judi Heights: I write at any time but prefer to write during the nighttime when everyone is asleep. That has worked out for me since I was a teen as I can concentrate in my writing and not be interrupted. I feel that most of my creative writing comes from being alone and calm.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Judi Heights: Writing to me is the highest level of creativity & expression; with writing I can create anything my heart desires with a simple sheet of paper and a pencil.
“Leah Stays Home From School” is a story about a girl named Leah that wishes we lived in a world where no one got sick, and that way, no one would have to miss school. But the world is full of germs, and unfortunately, they can be a problem for everyone. Follow along as Leah learns why it’s important to keep her germs at home when she is sick.
“Leah Stays Home From School” is available from Amazon.com in ebook and print editions.
James Lamb II is the author of the new children’s book, “Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hares and the Bears. Shown with his dog, Pacific.
As we start to get near the end of this strange and historical school year, I like to start posting some fabulous end of year, summer reads. I think I’ve found a great book to help keep your child’s love of reading engaged through the summer. “Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hares and the Bears” is a story that deals with Jimmy, Jimmy meeting up with new friends, and how they all deal with a bullying situation. It’s a great way to get your child back into the frame of mind of being around and meeting new people, and how maybe everyone might not get along at first.
James Lamb II grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. He has a background in early child development, and has other books in his series that he enjoys voluntarily reading to local schools, day care centers, and libraries. His love for hip-hop and storytelling led him to writing children’s stories. I had a chance to ask James Lamb II about his childhood favorite authors, inspirational influences as a writer, how he came up with his characters, and what other projects he has in store for us.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
James Lamb II: Dinosaur Books and Shark Books.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
James Lamb II: Edgar Rice Burroughs and Anthony Edward Pierce. They were science fiction writers that wrote adventure books that I enjoyed reading while growing up.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
James Lamb II: Yes! I write down my ideas in a commonplace notebook. Then, I review my thoughts. After that, I begin to formulate a plan to write my stories.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
James Lamb II: Family, my life story, science fiction, animal stories and plays.
How do you get ideas for your stories?
James Lamb II: Childhood experience, love for animals and observing childhood behavior.
How does hip-hop influence your story telling?
James Lamb II: Rhythm and rhyme. Also, it helped with words coming together to create a story.
What was your inspiration for your new story, “Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hare and Bears”?
James Lamb II: My experience of being bullied and that bullying has become a prominent problem in this day and age.
Why did you start your own publishing company, Ultimate Sky Publishing LLC?
James Lamb II: After publishing my first children’s books with self publishing companies, it was apparent to me, and my illustrator Marlon Chang, that we should start our own book publishing company and eliminate the middle man.
What advice would you give to new, aspiring authors?
James Lamb II: Believe in yourself and your ability to write. Research and take some writing courses so you can improve your skills as a writer. Finally, study other authors and they’re writing styles.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
James Lamb II: Writing to me is communicating to the world my passion for story telling.
“Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hares and Bears” is a book that deals head on with the issue of bullying. Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb is heading north. He bumps into the Hares and they form a friendship. But the Hares have a problem, the Bully Bears. Can they work together to face this group of bullies?
“Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hares and Bears” is available in the Kindle store at Amazon.com and Apple iTunes/eBooks. Price for the ebook is $6.99.
“The Guardian of the Stars – The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is the newest release from award winning author, Davide Amante.
I love searching high and low for books that are inspirational and have a girl protagonist. I think I’ve found a hidden gem emerging from the European book market by celebrated award winning author, Davide Amante. Many things have led to his recent book release. With a background of studying at American and Italian schools, traveling extensively, and teaching modern literature, he has crafted already four brilliant novels.
His new book, “The Guardian of the Stars –The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is reminiscent of “The Little Prince” with a girl leading the adventure. I had the opportunity to ask Davide Amante about his childhood reading memories, author influences, and what future writing projects he has in store for us.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Davide Amante: I remember reading Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows and de Saint-Exupery’s Little Prince in the hot summer afternoons, on an old chair in the backyard of my grandfather’s summerhouse on a small island. From the backyard you could barely catch sight of the sea, but with the hot wind came all the anticipation of the summer and its unexpected hours.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Davide Amante: I loved so much reading that there really was no favorite author. Every author seemed to me to unveil a world so big and so boundless that really every author seemed to me to hold the secret of life.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Davide Amante: I write three or four hours a day, the rest of the time is what happens before actually writing: it is observation and inspiration.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Davide Amante: I didn’t expect the success “The Guardian of the Stars – the journey of Anais with the Wind” is having. It all began as a tale I told every night before going to sleep to my children. At one point, I realized it was becoming a novel and I wrote it. Although I don’t usually write for children, I am certainly thinking of another book like this.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Davide Amante: It is the only way I know to express what I feel inside.
“The Guardian of the Stars- The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is an incredible journey of a girl connected to nature and driven by the wind. The wind leads her through a Forest of Talking Trees, connects her with a wolf, and helps her connect with the deserted island that she shares with her grandfather that works as a lighthouse keeper.
The summer the wind arrives is the turning point in her life. The wind helps guide her to see the other side of things, leads her to learn about loneliness, connects her with emotions, and points her in the direction of how to live. It’s a charming and powerful story of finding the essence in life and growing up.
“The Guardian of the Stars-The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is available at Amazon.com.
Book Trailer:
For more information on the author Davide Amante, please visit his website here.
I always like to look high and low for new, interesting children’s authors. I really do love it when I find a new children’s fantasy author. She has a background in children’s development that gives her books that extra insight to support children.
Let me introduce you to Lia Ginno. Her unique, fantasy books deal with characters struggling to fit into normal and realizing often that they are fine the way they are. Her newest picture book, “Turmeric and Magic”, deals with a dragon trying to find her magic.
I had the chance to talk with Lia Ginno about her childhood reading, favorite author, and what writing means to her.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Lia Ginno: I loved going into another world.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Lia Ginno: I loved Enid Byton’s, Secret Seven series and Famous Five series. I think I was at an age when I could imagine such adventures with friends. I remember I had a group of friends and an old tumbledown building as our headquarters for a ‘secret club.’ Unfortunately we never ‘lived’ the adventures in the books, but we all read them. They inspired my imagination and the first book and a play, I ever wrote, was when I was twelve. Also, a local reporter in an interview compared my first Legend book to one of EB’s books. So, she had more of an influence than I realized.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Lia Ginno: A book is a dream you hold in your hand as imagination, problem solves, and creates everything on earth.
“Turmeric and Magic” is a picture book that deals with the diversity in all of us. Tumeric is different from other dragons. She cannot fly and is allergic to fire and smoke. She dreams to be like other dragons. Being an avid reader, she discovers that there is a book that will teach you magic if you are determined to find it. She begins a journey to find the book. Will following her dreams lead her to the book? Can it help her magic to appear? This delightfully illustrated picture book will enchant and help children explore their unique differences that can turn into inner strength.
Kevin Asla is the author of the new picture book, “When Fitch Lost Summer”.
If you have a child that loves fantasy, look no further. I’d like to introduce you to Kevin Asla. He’s a children’s picture book author that illustrates and writes his own books. He grew up in London surrounded by his mother’s books. Having studied under an ex-Disney illustrator, he wishes to bring what he has learned to his work. His new book, “When Fitch Lost Summer” reflects the magic he brings into his books as the illustrator and writer.
I had the chance to talk to Kevin Asla about his reading memories, favorite authors, and what future projects he has in store for us.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Kevin Asla: My mother would get me books every day, so it’s hard to pick a favourite moment.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Kevin Asla: My influence comes more from the storytelling found in video games like Spyro the Dragon.
3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Kevin Asla: I tend to write stories by primarily using storyboards and refining dialogue once the main action of the scene has been set up. I have the whole stories skeleton pretty much clear in my head and then storyboard chunks, a few pages at a time, with some place holder dialogue and then go back in and lock down the words.
4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Kevin Asla: I am currently finishing the “When Fitch Lost Summer” series, but after that, I would like to write a more educational book about Vikings.
5) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Kevin Asla: Writing is story-telling, presenting viewers with a fantasy and hope they enjoy it.
“When Fitch Lost Summer” is a charming fantasy about a Fox looking for a Lost World of Summer. Fox wakes up in the mysterious Land of Autumn. Where did Summer go? Fitch sets off to look for Summer. Along the way, he encounters new friends and strange, magical things. But will it be enough to get him back to Summer?
With all this time at home, it may be hard to teach social skills or even reorganize some kind of normal for your family. I have found a fabulous author that might be able to help.
Tracy Clinton is the author of the children’s book, “Miss Tracy’s, I Need Screen Time”.
Tracy Clinton is a parenting coach with many years experience. Combined with her teaching background, she has come up with a fabulous new way to teach skills for growing up. Through literature, children and parents work together to teach new life skills. In her first book, “Miss Tracy’s, I Need Screen Time”, she has written a story that will teach a successful way to help your child balance their chores with their screen time.
I had the chance to chat with Tracy Clinton about her childhood reading memories, favorite author and influences, and what writing means to her.
1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Tracy Clinton: In kindergarten, my school library had a treehouse built inside that went all the way up to the ceiling. It was full of pillows and it felt huge at the time. Once a week the teachers would pair us up with an older child that would read to us and that’s when we could climb up into that glorious treehouse. It felt so magical, to listen to fairytales and feel like I was living in one at the same time.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Tracy Clinton: When it comes to children’s books, I would have to say, Marcus Pfister. The Rainbow Fish was my favorite book as a child. Not only was it shiny and beautiful, but it taught an amazing lesson about finding joy in giving. I feel that it’s important to teach children lessons that will benefit them throughout their lives. Using children’s books is a great way to send them positive messages that will stick with them forever.
3) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Tracy Clinton: Writing is creating alternate worlds, so others can find lessons and joy in them.
“Miss Tracy’s, I Need Screen Time!” is a book designed to be read with your child to help introduce the use of time allowance charts. Tristan doesn’t like doing his chores. He wants to spend all his time playing video games and watching videos. His mom is frustrated, and takes away his screen time. Tristan is super upset, and makes a wish for his screen time back. Suddenly, Miss Tracy appears. Will Tristan be able to follow what task he must do to get his screen time back?
“Miss Tracy’s, I Need Screen Time!” is available at Amazon.com.
One of my favorite books I read in 5th grade was called “Half Magic” by Edward Eager. I think it’s one of the books that drew me into fantasy as a kid. So, I’ve always been intrigued by wishing magic stories. I think I’ve found a great one to read aloud to your class or have your youngster dive into during this pandemic. Reading is such a great escape and distraction, as well as building literary skills. I think I’ve been doing more reading since the lockdowns started back in March 2020. So, this is the perfect new release to treat your class or child at the start of 2021.
Valerie Anne Hudson is the author of the new children’s fantasy book, “Watch What You Wish For”.
I’d like to introduce you to the author, Valerie Anne Hudson. She’s written the book involving wish magic called “Watch What You Wish For”. I had the chance to ask her about her reading inspirations as a child, writing routines and helpful methods, and all sorts of interesting facts on her process for writing her book.
1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Valerie Anne Hudson: The sudden realization that I could read ‘grown up’ books. I vividly remember having absolutely nothing to read one day. Out of desperation, I took one of my parents’ books off the bookshelf – it was a Readers’ Digest containing a variety of condensed novels. I devoured the contents, and was so proud of myself!
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Valerie Anne Hudson: As a child my favorite author was Louisa May Alcott. I still have my original dog-eared copy of “Little Women.” I must have read that book dozens of times over the years. What a superb achievement, to write a book that’s still enjoyable and relatable 150 years later.
3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Valerie Anne Hudson: I write for 4 or 5 hours a day, which is easy for me now that I’m retired. I’m truly fortunate to be able to do that!
4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Valerie Anne Hudson: At the moment I’m focused on fantasy: the paranormal and the supernatural, and I write for children. I hope that my writing evolves, though, and would like to attempt something for adults in the future.
5) How has your day job/career prepared you to be a writer?
Valerie Anne Hudson: I taught school for 25 years, so there’s lots of writing involved there. I taught grades 4 to 6 for many of those years, and always loved teaching English and creative writing.
6) Why are you drawn to writing fantasy and about the paranormal?
Valerie Anne Hudson: An overactive imagination! I’m a huge Stephen King and Dean Koontz fan, along with JK Rowling, of course. Such great escapism!
7) What activities do you do to help with the creative writing process?
Valerie Anne Hudson: I’m always on the alert for potential plots or scenes for upcoming stories. It’s amazing how many ideas you can get from real life news stories – truth is always stranger than fiction, as they say. Also, I try and read other people’s books as much as I can. All types and genres.
8) How did you get the idea for the “Wishing Tree” in your book, “Watch What You Wish For”?
Valerie Anne Hudson: I was thinking, what if you made a wish that actually came true? And what if you regretted making that wish and wanted to take it back? Then I started researching wishing wells and the stories associated with them, and discovered that there are actually wishing trees in some parts of the world. A tree seemed like it could be more dramatic than a well, so that’s how the idea blossomed.
9) Is the town of Mariposa a real town? If yes, why did you choose it? If no, was it inspired by a real town and which one?
Valerie Anne Hudson: Mariposa is a fictional Canadian town originally created by renowned author Stephen Leacock. Although he denied it, it was actually based on the town of Orillia, Ontario, which is where I live. I’ve changed the layout of the town and its surroundings around a fair bit in my story, so it wouldn’t have been fair to call it Orillia. Mariposa seemed like a good alternative choice.
10) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Valerie Anne Hudson: The desire to entertain my readers with sheer, delightful escapism!
Released on Jan. 8, 2021
“Watch What You Wish For” isn’t your normal fairy tale. 12-year-old Sophie isn’t happy about moving to the small town of Mariposa. She misses the big city, but luckily finds some friends also in the 7th grade. Their adventures lead to the discovery of an ancient Wishing Tree. They find the secret to unleash an evil power connected to the towns shadowy past. People start to go missing as lives turn upside down. Faced with the need to try to get things back to the way they were, our heroes embark on a journey that leads to self-discovery and friendship.
“Watch What You Wish For” is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.
For more information on Valerie Anne Hudson, visit her website here.
With the season changing from fall to winter, we can recognize the huge amount of changes our families, schools and communities have gone through this year. As well, a great way to settle into the change of seasons and welcome the Holiday season is with a good book. I’ve found another jewel to share with your family or your classroom for this December and through the winter.
“Happy Birthday Winter” is a beautifully illustrated picture book that welcomes the changes of the seasons with descriptive language and thoughtful phrases. The author is Justin Ogden. He is a high school special educator and lives in Colorado. He used his love of the outdoors and writing to create a tale that amplifies beauty and change in the environment around us. I had a chance to talk to Justin about his childhood reading memories, his writing routine, and what writing means to him
What is your favorite reading memory as a child?
Justin Ogden: My favorite reading related memory when I was a child was the first time reading “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. I remember being captivated as my elementary school librarian read this book to my class. It was truly a wonderful and imaginative piece that I still value today.
2. Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Justin Ogden: My typical writing routine usually stems from good conversation with friends where I can soundboard ideas. I have a few friends in-particular who are authors themselves. I can, and do, text them with ideas. Once I have had the chance to soundboard ideas, I usually think on one for a week or so before I flesh it out in type. Then, I will wait another week before I go back and edit it. This can happen a few times before I bring the idea to David, my friend and illustrator for Happy Birthday Winter. He is a marvelous friend and wealth of knowledge. If he likes the idea, he will usually tell me, or tell me to think on it a while longer. If he likes it, we proceed to talking about the illustrations, and the piece is well on its way.
3. What is writing to you in one sentence?
Justin Ogden: Writing is story telling for people who will never hear your voice.
“Happy Birthday Winter” is a beautifully illustrated picture book that will bring joy and wonder to the changing of the seasons. The characters journey together in a welcome to winter story as they appreciate the changing of the seasons and the nature that surrounds them. This book is a great gift for children that appreciate nature and families to share in the magic of outdoor sports such as hiking. This is a wonderful way to connect and share a love for nature and the great outdoors.
Tawanda Marbury is the author of the children’s picture book, “Amusing Animals from A – Z”.
The Holidays are just around the corner. If you’re spending some of your Thanksgiving break looking for the perfect gift, might I suggest a fantastic picture book that introduces letters while educating about our world’s diverse animals.
Tawanda Marbury has written a book called “Amusing Animals from A – Z”. Tawanda has a background in child development, and a Master in Education. She used her expertise to craft a wonderful, engaging picture book to promote literacy and letter recognition for young children. I had the chance to talk to Tawanda about her reading memories as a child, her writing routine, and what subjects she wishes to tackle in the future.
1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Tawanda Marbury: During my early childhood, reading became a hobby of mine and has remained a hobby throughout my adult years.
2) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Tawanda Marbury: I don’t have a writing routine. I write as ideas come to mind.
3) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Tawanda Marbury: There are several topics that I will be writing about in the near future. A few topics that I would be interested in writing about include bullying and diversity.
Book Blurb:
“Amusing Animals From A to Z” was written to promote literacy, language, and cognitive development. Children will have the opportunity to become equipped with learning both alphabets and alphabet sounds in dual languages. So please join me in this new and exciting endeavor to provide children with this wonderful and amusing experience to learn the alphabet while bringing the alphabet sounds to life!
Animales divertidos de la A a la Z se escribió para promover la alfabetización, el lenguaje y el desarrollo cognitivo. Los niños tendrán la oportunidad de equiparse con el aprendizaje de los alfabetos y los sonidos del alfabeto en dos idiomas. ¡Por favor, únase a mí en este nuevo y emocionante esfuerzo para proporcionar a los niños esta maravillosa y divertida experiencia de aprender el alfabeto mientras dan vida a los sonidos del alfabeto!
For more information on Tawanda Marbury, visit her website here. Links for her book, including for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IngramSpark, Lulu and Bam! Books-A-Million, are listed on her website.
For those needing guidance and hope during these hard times, I’ve found a book that may give your little one comfort. Carmel Noel has written a book in which Jesus guides a young boy and his pup. She lives with her family in a small town in Pennsylvania, but has traveled extensively even studying abroad at Ulster University. “Minnie & The Better Den” weaves the story from a path of darkness to light while giving hope to others. I had a chance to talk to Carmel about her early childhood reading memories, what authors influenced her, and what projects she has planned in the future.
1) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Carmel Noel: As a child I always had a book in my hand. I loved reading books written by Beatrix Potter, Kenneth Grahame, and many others, but I would definitely say that I was most influenced by Joan Elste, author of “True Blue”, who lived just up the road from my family and me. She always welcomed my sisters and I into her home, and would show us what she was working on at the time. She was a massive influence to me because she was so open about where she was and her intentions- love and transparency are two essential things when it comes to writing for children, and I strive to always demonstrate both of those things with my writing just as she did.
2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Carmel Noel: The tough subjects are really what I feel called to write about. Abuse, loss, heartache are things that people try to talk children through, but without an aide, it can be hard for parents to know where to start. I spend a lot of time reading the Bible, and highlighting verses that I know people will find comfort in when they are facing these difficult situations. My future writing projects will likely be like “Minnie & The Better Den” in that they will hold many biblical truths that can help parents lead children through hardship.
3) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Carmel Noel: When I write I want it to help someone, somewhere, somehow- to show them even an ounce of the love God has for them; writing is a mission that is sitting on my heart, demanding my attention.
“Minnie & The Better Den” is a charming, heart-felt book of a puppy finding Jesus through the guidance of his young owner. His new owner, Rain, adopts Minnie the Puppy. Minnie starts to learn about Jesus through Rain, but Rain’s aggressive father, Thump, tries to oppose the relationship between dog, boy and Jesus. Told in a way that highlights the humanity of Jesus, this story of hope will help guide any young reader from a place of darkness to the light.
The Indie Children's Authors Connection 