Tag Archives: children’s books

Jul14

Interview with Prudence Williams

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Prudence Williams is the author of the book “Ruby Smiles”.

I’ve got another fabulous summer read for your child. With school just around the corner, it’s a great idea to get some books lined up to get in the rhythm of reading again too.

Author Prudence Williams knows a thing or two about school. She’s a 25-year veteran teacher that uses her experience with children to inspire them in her writing. Her new release, “Ruby Smiles”, is about a big sassy dog that needed her own book. I loved the way that a child is brought into Ruby’s world from a dog’s point of view. I had the chance to talk with Prudence Williams about her favorite reading memory from childhood, subjects for future projects, and what writing means to her.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Prudence Williams: My favorite memory from reading as a child is reading “Down These Mean Streets” by Piri Thomas. It was the first novel I picked by myself, and it was good! I was about nine years old and the book was probably too mature for me, but I loved it. It introduced me to new cultures, languages, foods, and ideas, and since then I’ve been a strong reader.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Prudence Williams: I would like to write a book for teen girls about being an African American girl and enjoying life and being happy and falling in love. Most of the literature about young African American girls is very heavy and serious. I want young black girls to know they can be playful and just enjoy growing up. I want to represent a stable two parent home with loving and consistent parents and sibling. I want to show the black girl as the heroine and the popular girl who get the guy, grades, and joy.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Prudence Williams: Writing is an old friend that I always can depend on to help me understand the problem, share the news, and tell the story.

“Ruby Smiles” is a day-in-the-life of Ruby, a busy dog with responsibilities all day. But she has fun doing them, and you get to join her. Find out what a dog likes to do and how being responsible can be fun.

“Ruby Smiles” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Prudence Williams, please visit her author page here.

Jul14

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 3

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I’m happy to present the third part of my interview series with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. He is a songwriter instilling family values as his message within his books. It all started as a way to entertain and teach his niece, but it is becoming a literary legacy that will help future generations. I got to ask Harvey about his book soundtrack, the coloring book edition of “My Big Sister is the Best”, and the other editions of the book.

  1. Why did you decide to write the single “Sleepy Time” and a sing-along soundtrack?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: I wrote all the songs for my (2) month old niece Juliet, my brother and my sister-in-law Kim, so they have songs to sing along to at night.

  • You have some other editions of the book, like audio and translations into other languages. Can you tell us a little about them?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: Children sing along with anything, so I gave my niece a sneaky language course. When Juliet grows up, she will be singing about her childhood memories in Mandarin, Spanish, French and English with ease.

  • Why did you decide to create a coloring book edition?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: As Juliet grows; hopefully it will keep her interest in coloring and learning months from now. (lol) The coloring books reinforce our family values by telling stories that support my brother and his wife’s interest in teaching family values to my niece. I am just trying to do my uncle part. To be the best of her uncles. I have good competition, but I have coloring books and animation to entertain my niece. I am sure to make her laugh the most.

“Sleepy Time”, the sing-along audio track that accompanies the book “My Big Sister is the Best”, is available at Spotify in Mandarin, Spanish and soon in French and English.

A video is also available on YouTube with several of the songs from the “My Big Sister is the Best” soundtrack in English and the book, “I Love to Wave” in English and Spanish.

For more information on Harvey L. Frierson Jr., please visit his website here.

To read part 1 of Harvey L. Frierson’s Jr. interview, link here.

To read part 2 of Harvey L. Frierson’s Jr. interview, link here.

Jul3

Interview with Andrea Witt

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Sometimes you come along and find a great book series you just have to share. “The Woes of a Ginger Named Red” series deals with problems children need to hear about from a diverse voice. Real world problems are all brought to light in this heart-felt series written by Andrea Witt. Ginger is dealing with a seizure disorder, the medications, moving, and adapting to a new home. I was lucky enough to interview Andrea Witt, and asked her about memories from reading as a kid, her favorite authors and how they influenced her, and what writing means to her.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Andrea Witt: I used to be “dragged” to flea markets. I couldn’t stand it until I realized flea markets were full of books. I started collecting change from around the house to use to buy books. I started looking forward to going so I could find new books to read. The books I bought were used and I could get 4 for $1! Other people’s discards were my treasures and I bought many books I would have never had the opportunity to read had I not been “dragged to” those flea markets every weekend!

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Andrea Witt: As a small child, my favorite author was Dr. Seuss. I loved the silliness he added to each story. The rhyming aspect made them fun to read and I used to challenge myself to read them really fast since many of them were like tongue twisters. As I grew a bit older, Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary were among my favorite authors.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?


Andrea Witt: Writing is the compilation of my thoughts, feelings, memories and imagination combined into a foundation that breeds new thoughts, feelings, memories, and imagination for its readers.

“The Woes of a Ginger Named Red–Book 1: The Move” is told from the perspective of nine-year-old Ginger. She has a mild seizure disorder. Although her seizures don’t happen very often, they are huge to her. Because of the seizures, Ginger is on medications that stunt her growth and make her feel like an outsider. When her mom announces that they’re going to move to a new home in the country, Ginger starts to panic about encountering bullies at her new school. Will Ginger crumble under the pressure of the move, or will she be able to learn to love her new home?

“The Woes of a Ginger Named Red–Book 1: The Move” is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Powell’s Books, Books a Million, Target, and many other retailers.

For more information on Andrea Witt, please visit her Amazon Author page here.

Jun27

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 2

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The Coloring Book edition for “My Big Sister is the Best” is releasing Summer 2021.

I’m happy to announce more of an exclusive interview with Harvey L. Frierson Junior. I’m featuring him in a three part interview to talk more about his upcoming projects, and the coloring book edition of his book, “My Big Sister is the Best”. He has experience as a songwriter, and is putting his talent into these darling books to impress his niece as she gets older. She is lucky to have an uncle such as Harvey.

Here is part two of my interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr:

  • What books influenced you as a child?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: I had a huge collection of Black History comic books that told stories of Black educators and heroes in action.

  • What future projects do you have in the mix currently?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: In the future I plan to write Si-Fi adventures that my niece Juliet and her big sister Olivia will like and learn family values. There is also an upcoming coloring book for “My Big Sister is the Best” and a sing along soundtrack. The single, “Sleepy Time” is available now on Spotify.

  • Why have you decided to change from songwriting to writing books?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: Writing books is not as a commercial concern as when I first started my songwriting career. So, I am having nothing but fun, and hopefully steering my nieces into enjoyable reading and family values.

“My Big Sister is the Best” is a book of a little sister telling the story about her big sister, Olivia. Told through the adventure of making cupcakes, it shows the love and bonding between two sisters growing up.

“My Big Sister is the Best” is available at Barnes and Noble.com.

The coloring book edition of this book will release during the summer of 2021.

Check out an example of the song “Sleepy Time” in Mandarin on YouTube.

For more information on Harvey L. Frierson Jr., please visit his website link here.

For part 1 in this interview series, link here.

For part 3 in this interview series, link here.

Jun10

Interview with Darius Good

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I’ve continued my search for good reads for this summer, and I think I’ve found another fantastic author for you to meet. If you’re looking for a good read-aloud at bedtime, I think I found the book and the author for you.

Darius Good is the author of the children’s book series, The Adventures of RiRi. He’s written a science-themed bedtime story called “The Adventures of RiRi: Stars, Stars” which is the first book in the series. He’s also the author of the book, “Unlocking Godly Wisdom: Solomon’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom”. I had a chance to interview Darius Good about his childhood reading memories, writing routines, inspirations, and what projects he has in store for us.

  • What is your favorite memory reading as a child?

Darius Good: As a child I wasn’t into reading. I did well with numbers and math. I remember my mother taking me to the library and telling me there are so many subjects to choose from. I had seen the cartoon the Hobbit and did not realize it was a book. That book introduced me to the Fantasy genre. That sparked my interest in reading and writing stories.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Darius Good: J. R. R. Tolkien became my favorite author. His stories weren’t simple; they were extremely complex and detailed. He wrote songs and poetry. He created another world of different types of people, and had maps that accompanied the stories. He also created languages for the different species. And all the characters had a character arch that made it difficult to put his books down. You can still see his influence in many of the current stories that are popular now.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Darius Good: I do not have a writing routine. I write when I feel inspired. My mother had me take music lessons at the age of 5 and I learned many different instruments. After graduating college I went into the music industry for several years and did fairly well. When I am in a creative mode, whether it’s creating music, writing a story, or whatever other creative mode I find myself in, I “lock in” until that inspiration leaves.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Darius Good: I am currently developing my children’s book series, The Adventures of RiRi. It’s a series based loosely on my youngest daughter Riley. The first book “Stars Stars” is a science themed bedtime story. It explores my love for astronomy through the eyes of a toddler. The second book of the series will explore music. I love music so it was inevitable that I would write a music related book. That book is currently being illustrated. I have several stories that explore different themes for the series that I am currently developing.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Darius Good: Writing (books or songs) is powerful because it has the ability to shape and impact lives of those present and generations to come.

“The Adventures of RiRi: Stars, Stars” is a children’s bedtime story series that features the character RiRi. In her first adventure, she can’t fall asleep until she knows the answer to the question, “What happens to the stars during the day?” This series explores different themes such as science, music, and family dynamics.

“The Adventures of RiRi: Stars, Stars” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Darius Good, please visit his website.

Apr2

“I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” has won the Silver Medal in the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards 2021!

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“I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” has won the Silver Award in the Children’s Books Ages 0-5 category in the 2021 Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards.

I am proud to announce that my most recent picture book, “I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!”, has won the Silver Medal award in the Children’s Books 0-5 age category. I am awfully pleased to accept this award and want to thank my illustrator, Natalia Cano, for her fantastic illustrations that capture perfectly the message and theme of the book.

Also, to my father, who supported me in all of my writing and always encouraged me. I lost him in 2018, and dedicated the book to him. I’d also like to thank my husband, family and friends for their continued support in my writing endeavors. Without all of you, it would be hard to keep going.

Most of all, I’d like to thank all the readers of my books through the years. I started writing back in 2005 with the self-publishing of my first children’s book in 2007. It’s been a long path, but I want to continue bringing you unique voices and perspectives in my books. You’ve made it all possible. Thank you.

“I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” is available as an ebook or as a paperback edition at Amazon.com.

-Tiffany Turner

Mar20

Interview for Kevin Asla

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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.

  1. 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?

“When Fitch Lost Summer” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

Ebooks are also available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Kevin Asla, please visit his website at kevinasla.com.

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Mar14

Interview with Chris Lewis

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Chris Lewis was kind enough to write a guest blog post on engaging young readers already on my blog. Today, I will be introducing you to this fabulous British author, and to the new book, Jax and Sheba Get Messy. I had the chance to ask Chris Lewis about current projects, what it’s like to write a book, and all about Jax and Sheba.

1) What are you currently working on?

Chris Lewis:  I’m playing around with some ideas for another children’s picture book series, Jax and Sheba.  For the older reader, I am toying with the idea of an Artificial Intelligence thriller in the long term.

2) How long does it take you to write a book?

Chris Lewis: That’s like asking how long is a piece of string. My longest book took three years and my shortest took six months. I usually need to go through several versions until I am ready.

3) What is your latest book about?

Chris Lewis: Jax and Sheba Get Messy is the first in a series about best friends Jax and Sheba. Jax is a floor-cleaning robot who loves to zoom, and Sheba, a cat who likes to point. They live at the edge of a faraway forest in a distant world with their good friend, Velo, a dinosaur dance teacher. This short 500-word story is designed to be a fun read for little ones to read to or read by themselves.

Book Blurb for Jax and Sheba Get Messy

At the edge of the forest in a distant world, live two best friends, Jax and Sheba. Velo is their dinosaur friend that teaches dance. Jax is a floor-cleaning robot that loves to zoom while Sheba is an ever-ready practical cat that likes to point. Together, they make an odd team. But what happens when Jax wants to clean too much? Will the two be able to work together again? This humorous story will make a great read-aloud for school or home. Help your child understand that it’s okay to take a break.

Recommended for ages 3 – 5.

Jax and Sheba Get Messy is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. **Ebook available now. Paperback edition releases on March 16, 2021. Pre-order available!

Please visit Chris Lewis’s website to find out more information about Jax and Sheba.

For a look at the guest blog article, “Tips to Encourage Children to Read” by Chris Lewis, follow this link!

Dec5

Interview with Justin Ogden

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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

  1. 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.

“Happy Birthday Winter” is available to buy through the author’s website.

Nov24

Interview with Tawanda Marbury

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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!

“Amusing Animals From A to Z” is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and other selected online retailers.

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.