“Brave Enough: Atlan and the Farm Animals” by Bowe Balhoff is a charming picture book of facing fears and unknown experiences on a farm. The main character, Atlan, is a quiet 4-year-old boy based on the author’s real son. He is experiencing his first trip away from his parents by spending time on his grandparents’ farm. The kindness and love that surround the little boy start the story. The grandparents start with comforting things to calm his fears of his new surroundings. Home-made ice cream is the ticket. But of course, new experiences, such as feeding chickens and a pig, could be overwhelming for any 4-year-old. They kindly guide him through these activities.
The unique aspect of this story is that Atlan changes into an animal several times when scared, expressing how he feels in relation to meeting the other animals. First, he turns into a snail while feeding the chickens. Then, he turns into a mouse when meeting the pig, and so on. The animals he turns into embody his feelings. These are such relatable symbols for children dealing with new experiences and the real fear that goes along. When he has acknowledged his feelings for the situation, he changes back into a boy. It’s such a nice way to show this emotional change for the character. His grandmother’s voice is the catalyst for the emotional growth as she guides him into navigating his fear of the farm animals.
New experiences such as feeding chickens and a pig could be overwhelming for any 4-year-old. I loved the way that this story acknowledges those fears, and brings comfort to the character and the reader alike. Techniques to help with anxiety are shared within the story, such as slow breathing, trying to look at a new point of view, and trying to focus on the fun aspects. Granny’s protective arm, showing the support of family, is another life line for the character and reader.
Overall, this is a great story showing a young boy facing the unknown with support from his family. I would recommend this book to any parent or teacher that is trying to model how a child can face unknown challenges, navigate their complex feelings, and look to their family for support. This would be great for any class or home library. Grandparents would find this a fabulous gift to give their grandchildren, especially if they own a farm.
Welcome to Day 2 of the Back to School Blog Tour. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Haines, a children’s fantasy author. Mr. Haines has written immersive children’s fantasy tales. Being known for his titles, Sea of Shadows and Whispering of the Sand, he builds worlds where eerie meets the heartfelt. I had a chance to ask him about his inspirations, writing journey, and plans for future books.
Kenneth Haines is the author of children’s fantasy novels.
1) What made you want to become an author?
Kenneth Haines: I became a single father to three boys and two girls. Plus, I must have inherited it from my great, great Aunt Helen Keller.
2) Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?
Kenneth Haines: My writing journey was inspired by my children growing up and things we did together. Plus, their struggles growing up and things I seen and done growing up. While my younger ones were in elementary school, I started writing short stories for them. So, I would read before bedtime to them and when they had sleepovers. After they all grew up, I continued reading to some of their friends. I still remember my stories. My youngest son mentioned that I should look into publishing ones I wrote and just had hidden away in a filing cabinet.
3) Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.
Kenneth Haines: I take care of a parent with dementia. Since I have to be close by during Mom’s nap time, I found time to bring my stories to life especially when the weather doesn’t permit me to go outside.
4) For your featured book, how did you get the ideas to write it?
Kenneth Haines: My books start with meeting people and finding out their inner strengths and have a unique name. Then at night while sleeping, it comes to me so vividly. I’m able to put it down on paper the next day. I also design my own covers for all my books.
5) What writing projects are you working on right now?
Kenneth Haines:Jasey’s Secret: The World Beyond the Glass is my newest book. I am working on the second book right now. Jasey’s Secret is a heartwarming tale of wonder, courage, and the unbreakable spark of childhood imagination. It’s for anyone who has ever refused to let go of magic.
Jasey’s Secret: The World Beyond the Glass is a children’s fantasy that takes the reader beyond their imagination into a fantastic, eerie world. Jasey’s discovery of her inner magic builds into a courageous story as she refuses to let go of her gift. This heartwarming tale will inspire any child to pursue their own journey of discovery and look to themselves for the magic inside.
Karin LaScola is the author of the picture book, “Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”.
Welcome to the first day of the 2025 Back to School Blog Tour. Each year, I gather together book reviews and interviews for Indie Children’s Authors to share with all of you. I’m kicking off this year with the fabulous author, Karin LaScola, author of the picture book, “Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”. With a background in education and TV news reporting, she listened often to issues children needed help and support with.
The idea for Sam the School bus came about by watching a local school bus climb a hill near her home every morning and afternoon. Stories started to speak within her mind, and she now proudly brings Sam the School bus’s world and friends to young readers to help with challenges in reading and life. I had the chance to interview Karin LaScola about her school influences as a young reader, her plans as an author, and what it means to write.
What made you want to become an author?
Karin LaScola: I’m not sure I ever saw myself as an author, however, I very much wanted to enable and excite youngsters about reading so it became the likely avenue for me.
2) Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?
Karin LaScola: Definitely, the school bus near my home. I heard the gears churning as it chugged its way up the hill past my house, and started to empathize with its job. From the literary field, I became enamored with children’s picture books where the text was simple, but the message loud and clear. There are so many delicious examples of this but Leo Lionni’s book “Swimmy”, remains one of my favorites even though it was published back in 1963. I like the stories where there is an unlikely hero.
3) Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.
Karin LaScola: I am what you might call a spontaneous writer. I jot down notes and inspiration on my phone and transfer them to my computer as soon as I can. I re-visit and re-work my “Sam” stories periodically. The initial story might take me a half-hour to write, the final story could take months.
4) How did you get your ideas to write the book, “Just The Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”?
Karin LaScola: The Sam the School Bus series was born, after watching the bus I mentioned, while I was holed up in the office for my graduate program. It didn’t take long before I began to anthropomorphize and the bus became Sam. The plot line of “Just the Way I Am” began to develop when I started playing with words that rhymed with school.
5) What writing projects are you working on right now?
Karin LaScola: I have three more books in the Sam series already on paper, now the fine-tuning begins. I hope to have the second book in the series available this time next year. I will be concentrating on early literacy components to add into each one, as getting ready to read in the early years is so important.
Book Review: “Just the Way I am: A Sam the School Bus Story”
“Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story” is a great back-to-school story for those little ones nervous about going back to school. Whether it’s a new school, new grade or their first day of kindergarten, this book helps address the anxiety of starting something new. It might stir inside fear inside a young one’s mind. This book helps with facing the inner fear and realizing you are enough.
Sam the School Bus is the experienced helper for the new school bus on the route, Sabrina. She has prepared so hard for her first week. But her anxiety of pleasing the children starts to overcome her when she starts to dress in different outfits. She tries dressing up each day of the week, presenting a new Sabrina to the school kids along her route. But will this help her win over her students? Or will she find that being herself is the key?
I have to say, my first impressions of this book were the absolutely beautiful and charming illustrations. They really draw you into the world of the school bus route. Plus, the soft edges and cartoon playfulness really will be appealing to younger minds.
I really like the theme for the picture book. All the different ways Sabrina tried to present herself for school was a great way to make her relatable and emphasize the theme of being yourself. I loved the educational tie-ins for days of the week and showing how teamwork is important. The format of showing each day of the week really makes it a strong read-loud for the classroom or at home.
I can see this as a great ice-breaker for the start of school, whether starting a new school, or going for the first time, this picture book will help ease those fears and teach some helpful life lessons. I recommend it for home and class libraries, especially as a back-to-school read-aloud to start any school year.
“Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com starting September 2, 2025.
*I received an advanced review copy for this book.
For more information on Karin LaScola and her books, visit her website at:
Remember to check back each day this week for new book reviews and author interviews of fabulous Indie children’s authors. Happy Back-to-School to all teachers, students and parents! I hope you enjoy finding out about all these fabulous authors and books this week.
“An Instrument for Florenda” by Tomeko Brown is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.
As summer is starting to wind down, I wanted to let you all know about a wonderful story with heart. “An Instrument for Florenda” by Tomeko Brown takes you into a small town in Louisanna through the eyes of Florenda. Her dream is to play the clarinet. Filled with challenges and life lessons, this chapter book will inspire and validate any reader to follow their dreams.
Florenda is an eleven-year old living in a small Louisiana town. When her school announces a new band class starting during the summer break, she is excited to take advantage of the opportunity. But when she visits the local music store with her mother, she finds out the instrument she longs to play is out of her budget. Will she find a way to acquire an instrument before the new class starts? Can she make her family proud when confronted with how difficult learning to play an instrument can be?
I really did enjoy this chapter book as a choir kid. I knew a lot of band kids in school too, and it really does give you an insight into what it’s like to begin that journey. It also really shows the struggles of Florenda’s family in making the dream come true, and how she doesn’t want to disappoint them when she finds learning an instrument to be harder than she realizes. It’s a great journey in finding the strength inside to fulfill your dreams, and how family support really does make dreams come true.
This is a great book with an African-American protagonist that reaches into your soul and takes you on a band kid’s journey. I can see this as a great gift for a child starting band class, teacher’s needing to add to their class library, or as a reading circle novel study book. Tomeko Brown does a wonderful job pulling you into the world of her characters and showing the struggles of a Louisanna family making musical dreams come true. A few black and white pencil illustrations add drama to the story. The support and love comes through strongly in the actions and dialogue of the book. I would recommend it as a great addition to any home or school library.
And just an FYI to add, the 2025 Back to School Blog tour will be starting Labor Day weekend. It will include author interviews and book reviews for the latest Indie children’s books. If you’re an author and would like to apply, please fill out the form here.
Summer is upon us, and it’s time to think about keeping your child’s mind engaged in learning by reading. This is a crucial time to continue to stress reading so as to not lose the gains that happened during the last school year. This is easy to do with selected educational bedtime stories or on your child’s at home D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) time.
I have a great summer reading and Juneteenth recommendation along with an interview with the author. “Little John T. Ward and the Quilted Code: Let Ward Do It” is a way to bring historical references to teaching about unity, friendship and the courage to speak out and make a difference. Using her connection to her ancestor, Shanna Ward has brought to life the story of a boy that helped fight oppression. She brings the insightfulness of a boy helping others with beautiful illustrations expressing the struggle and story. I had a chance to ask her some questions about what inspired her as a child, what her writing routine is like, and what she has planned along her writing path.
1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Shanna Ward: One of my favorite memories from reading as a child was sitting with my Grandparent’s parents before bedtime as they read my favorite story to me. It was such a comforting and bonding experience, and I always looked forward to spending summers with them. The characters and adventures from the story would come to life in my imagination, and it was a magical time that instilled in me a lifelong love for reading.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Shanna Ward: I have always been drawn to Judy Blume’s relatable and honest depictions of the joys and struggles of growing up. Her characters faced real-life challenges and emotions, making her books deeply resonant for me as a young reader. Blume fearlessly tackled topics like friendship, family, and the complexities of adolescence with authenticity and empathy. Her writing normalized the experiences and feelings I was navigating, making me feel seen and understood. Judy Blume’s ability to address sensitive subjects with compassion and understanding has had a lasting influence on my own approach to empathy and storytelling.
3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Shanna Ward: I make it a habit to write every day, usually late at night when my mind is more creative. I start by outlining my main points and organizing my thoughts. Then, I dedicate uninterrupted time to writing and setting specific goals for the day. I find that this routine helps me maintain focus and productivity. Additionally, taking short breaks between writing sessions helps me stay energized and maintain a clear perspective on my work.
4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Shanna Ward: I would like to explore writing about topics such as African American History, Insurance, and travel experiences. These subjects align with my interests and allow for creativity and exploration in my writing. Additionally, I am open to branching out into new areas that can expand my knowledge and offer fresh perspectives to my audience. I’m currently writing a psychological thriller and tap into narcissistic characteristics.
5) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Shanna Ward: To me, writing is a creative expression that allows me to articulate thoughts, share stories, and connect with others on a deeper level.
Book Blurb:
Join Little John T. Ward on a journey of kindness and courage as he, alongside his ponies Libby and Dom, discovers the power of unity and friendship. As he aids escaped slaves in finding their way to freedom, John T. and his community learn that even a small boy can make a big difference. With vibrant illustrations and heartwarming moments, this tale is perfect for young readers aged 6-9, teaching them the importance of helping others and working together. This book is an essential element to teaching about the injustices of slavery to the younger generation.
“Little John T. Ward and the Quilted Code: Let Ward Do It” is available on Amazon.com and is a Kindle Unlimited title.
Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer? Does your child or grandchild like books with a sense of humor? Do they like books with dogs? If so, I’ve found a great combination that will make the perfect Holiday gift for your young reader.
“Billy Boxter Meets Snotser” is a farcical book that tells the story of a troublesome foster dog. Billy thinks he can tame the dog, and the story that unfolds will warm your heart.
Pompey Poppleton is the author of this book. He lives in a small village on the west coast of Ireland, and he draws from his childhood and literary background to write his stories. I had the opportunity to talk with him about his writing journey and how he wrote his debut book.
What is your favourite memory from reading as a child?
Pompey Poppleton: I read only Sinead de Valera books as a very young child for many years. Sinead’s stories were all based on Irish myths, fairies, ghosts and witches. During the summer months, my granddad and I, with his beloved cocker spaniel Suzie, would walk every evening. We’d walk together past an old cottage by a towering gnarly, oak tree and hop over a large metal gate through poppy fields that led into a dark forest. We would be gone for hours.
It was thrilling to visit ancient sites like a hill fort as well as my cherished mystical forest. Enchanted lakes, forests and witch’s cottages were often the locations for many of Sinead’s books, which brought her stories to life when I would later be in bed reading them after my walks. I would have a perfect image in my mind based on where we had explored and the stories became so much more invigorating and realistic to me. Her books instilled in me a love for reading, history, the Irish landscape and the other world, the world of mythology.
Who was your favourite author and how did they influence you?
Pompey Poppleton: From the age of eleven, I started reading P.G. Wodehouse books, and he was a major influence in how I wrote the Billy book. I love the fun and farcical element to his stories with silly names thrown in. My favourite is The Blanding book series. The dotty Lord Emsworth, who faithfully adores his pet pig, is my favourite character out of all the P.G. Wodehouse books. Mr. Kringle is loosely based on him. He also adores and spoils his pet cat, an old Ragamuffin, called Orangutang.
Do you have a writing routine?
Pompey Poppleton: Not in terms of time, I wouldn’t ever decide to sit daily for a certain number of hours to write. But as regards to story writing and plotting, I would always follow a particular routine and that is to write everything by hand.
I like the freestyle method. I just write whatever comes to mind, and then later organize into characters, names, traits, themes, chapters and so on. I could get an idea for a name, Billy’s dog for example, but then how I want Billy to look could just pop into my head so I would write that down too. Everything looks a mess in my A4 notebook with random lists and words like names, locations, plots and anything that comes to mind just written down. It really is chaos to anyone else looking at my notes. My ideas would come to me, always when I am out and about, like a quirky name or location. So, I would make a note of it in my phone or into a notepad.
The next stage would be to decide how many chapters I would like. Again, I would write under each chapter title, add rough ideas, and organize what event or story would happen. That would give me direction as to where the book was coming from and going to. If that felt right, I would proceed with more details and particulars in relation to plot and character.
This book has been fifteen years in the making. It wasn’t easy in the beginning to write so freely and to be farcical. When I decided to let go of what I thought the book should be, I then began to write the way I really wanted. That was when the story truly came alive and the ideas flowed readily. The book was finished in no time.
Book Blurb for “Billy Boxter Meets Snotser”:
Snotser is a 2-year old parson terrier. Injured and starving, he was brought to the shelter after being abandoned. He’s fostered many times, but none of the fosterers have any patience with him. Billy finally adopts Snotser, but chaos ensues just as Mrs. Dank, the rescue warden, arrives for a final unannounced visit.
Snotser must now go to obedience school and pass his course. This is Snotser’s last chance to stay with The Boxters. Will Snotser be denied his forever home? Can Billy devise a plan that will work? Or will Snotser get drawn into more trouble that could sabotage Billy’s plan to keep him.
If you love “Glee” and “Dancing with the Stars”, this is a book you have got to try. Set at a performing arts boarding school, this is a mystery packed full with teens, dancing, and accidental mishaps.
Dani is starting her freshman year at her dream school. Little does she know that a film crew is there to shoot a new reality show. They need dancers to be paired up with teen celebrities. Waffling only slightly about trying out, Dani nails it.
Added to the cast, the mystery begins. Falling set pieces, fake bombs left in her bag, and a fire set to the dance studio start to point fingers at her as the suspect.
But luckily, Dani is surrounded by her fellow cast members that believe, with a little gumshoe thinking, they can solve the case.
I grew up as a theater geek. So any book with a performing school related background catches my interest. With a simple connect the dots plot line, it’s a straight forward mystery.
There wasn’t a huge amount of guess work on who done it. If you like real complicated, intense mysteries, this might not be for you. But overall, it delivered a good, basic suspenseful plot that delivered complete with twist ending. However, it is a bit simple minded on the who-done-it aspect. For a clean, fun read with teens obsessed with texting, cute teen stars, and dance, this is a definite read for you or the teen in your life. (less)
