Tag Archives: children’s literature

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.

Jun22

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 1

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You might be looking for books to read this summer that reinforce family values. I’ve found a great author that has a collection of picture books that touches on this subject.

Harvey L. Frierson. Jr. has been a hit songwriter for musical icons such as Mary J. Blige and New Edition. Now, he finds his most current audience could be his most rewarding yet, his three-month-old niece and the next generation. With books like “My Big Sister is the Best” and “I Love to Wave”, Harvey L. Frierson Jr. is using his talent to bring social skills and values to children. I had the chance to ask him about his childhood reading memories, writing routine, and what writing means to him.

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

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: When I was a child, I had a collection of Batman stories that you read along with a 45” inch “action” recording. LOL

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

Harvey L. Frierson Jr:  My writing routine is talking to my brother about what my niece JJ is doing, and then writing a story hoping she will be impressed.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr:  Writings are messages for my children, nieces and nephews to appeal to their family values.

“I Love to Wave” is a story about a girl coping with the new pandemic social norms. Hunter loves to wave, but finds it difficult in this new world of mask wearing, social distancing and virtual school. Through the help of her parents and school teachers, they model how Hunter can stay safe and continue to be kind to people.

“I Love to Wave” is available at Barnes and Noble.com.

Audiobook Spanish edition link here.

Audiobook English edition will be available on July 4th.

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

Part 2 in this interview series is available on June 27th.

Part 3 in this interview series is available on July 14th.

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.

Jun3

Interview with Stephanie Jane Markham

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Stephanie Jane Markham is the author of the picture book, “Maisie Mae From Sunnyside Street”.

Summer is soon upon us. So, I’ve been scouting for some great summer reads for your kid(s). I think our first author has got a real inspiring picture book that will set your kid’s imagination on a roller coaster adventure.

Stephanie Jane Markham is an actor, filmmaker, and singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. Her book, “Maisie Mae From Sunnyside Street”, utilizes her memories of growing up in Scotland and Kentucky. It’s a book that will show your child how to take their imagination into a big adventure. I was pleased to be able to interview Stephanie Jane Markham about her childhood reading memories, writing routine and what future projects she has in store for us.

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

Stephanie Jane Markham: My favorite memory reading as a kid was that snuggly, safe feeling I got from my parents reading books at bedtime. It really is such a magical thing to read to a child. My Dad used to tell me what I could dream about before I went to bed at night. I’d make these elaborate plans in my head on where I could go while asleep. I try to instill that same sense of wonder in my little boy.

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

Stephanie Jane Markham: My favorite author is Mary Shelley. Not just because she gave us Frankenstein or because every Hollywood screenwriter owes her a royalty check. Her voice as a writer is so strong and clear and a bit fragile. She was fearless in a way that I’m not. I’m also very influenced by Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre. That book changed me. Her sense of wild independence coupled with a need to belong and a strong inner compass that urged her forward, despite the struggles she kept facing. That is very much who I am.

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

Stephanie Jane Markham: I don’t have any sort of routine except general chaos dealing with my kid. I’m usually squeezing in whatever free time I can to write, albeit usually late at night when I am most inspired.

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

Stephanie Jane Markham: Right now, I am focused on the other books in the Sunnyside Street Series. The next book is about Maisie’s introverted friend Duncan and his exuberant unicorn, Letty Lou. I also have an unhealthy obsession with pirates. There’s a lot to explore there.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Stephanie Jane Markham: Writing is how I express myself fully.

Join Maisie Mae and her friends from Sunnyside Street as they dream up new adventures!

Maisie Mae imagines herself all the way to Mars, slides down rainbows and even sails a pirate ship! Her best friend Duncan and his unicorn, Letty Lou, take Maisie for a magical ride around the town. They drop in on the zoo and meet up with their good friends Simon, Sabrina and the twins, Ann & Emma.

Kids will love the lush color illustrations in this 8×8 storybook.

“Maisie Mae From Sunnyside Street” is available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble com, and Target.

For more information on Stephanie Jane Markham, please visit her social media links below.

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/MaisieMaebooks/


Instagram:

https://instagram.com/maisiemaesunnyside

Apr8

Interview with Davide Amante

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“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.

Jan21

Interview for Tracy Clinton

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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.

For more information on Tracy Clinton, visit her author’s page here.

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.

Nov20

Interview with Carmel Noel

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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.

“Minnie & The Better Den” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.