Tag Archives: children’s literature

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.

Nov11

Interview with Tymeka Coney

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Tymeka Coney is the author of the children’s book, “I Don’t Like Racism”.

With the social change needing to be still addressed in the US, I’m proud to present the next book and author on my blog. Tymeka Coney has a long list of credentials and experience in the areas of entertainment and writing. With expertise as a Radio DJ and Personality to starting her own entertainment company, Tymeka lends her public speaking skills in pursuit of activism. In new children’s book, “I Don’t Like Racism”, Tymeka Coney tells the story through the eyes of a young African-American girl as she witnesses police brutality. Tymeka spoke to me about her childhood reading memories, what authors inspire her, and what she has planned for future projects.

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

Tymeka Coney: My favorite memory as a child is reading lots of books and ordering them from the Scholastic Book Clubs at school. I will always remember the quote, “Reading is Fundamental.”


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

Tymeka Coney: Maya Angelou was my favorite author and poet. She influenced me with her quotes and wisdom and also in writing my first book which was, “Words Unspoken Volume I: Deeper Than Eyes Can See.”-Poetry Book


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

Tymeka Coney: My writing routine is to write what flows naturally and not force any writing. I like for it to be quiet so that I can hear the words I want to write about and hear the character’s dialogue in my head.

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

Tymeka Coney: I would certainly like to write another children’s book. My new children’s picture book, “I Don’t Like Racism,” was fun to write.


5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Tymeka Coney: Writing to me is Serenity.

“I Don’t Like Racism” is a story told from the point of view of an African-American girl witnessing police brutality. She goes on a journey to understand what racism is, and how to seek peace and positive change as an activist. This book reaches out to teach all ages, genders and nationalities about racism while inspiring us all to unite and love despite the color of our skin. This book will get readers thinking about what they can do to effect positive change while choosing peace when fighting for social change. It will be a great read-aloud for any classroom library, and a useful tool for distance/online learning.

“I Don’t Like Racism” is available on Amazon.com.

For more information on the author Tymeka Coney, please visit her website at: https://www.tymekaconey.com/.

American Flag flown outside Mrs. Turner’s house to honor those veteran’s that have and are serving our great country.

I’d also like to end today’s post with a sincere thank you to all of our veteran’s for their sacrifice and service to our country. Thank you vets on this Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2020!

Nov9

Interview with Jane Owen

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Jane Owen is the author of the book, “Tom Woof and Max the Owl”.

With turbulent online distance learning, teachers and parents need more resources to teach social and literary skills more than ever. I’ve found a powerful book written by the author, Jane Owen. It’s called “Tom Woof and Max the Owl”. It’s uses fantasy to model literary skills and social behavior for children. I had the chance to talk to the author about her childhood reading memories, favorite authors growing up, and some upcoming projects.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Jane Owen: I grew up loving books. According to my Mummy I was able to read by the age of three. I remember being young, 6 or 7 and reading books under the bedcovers till late at night. I hope my little girl loves books just as much.

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

Jane Owen: I loved the Narnia books! I loved The Secret Garden and National Velvet. I feel like those books inspired me to be more imaginative and a bit braver.

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

Jane Owen: Since the pandemic took away a lot of my regular work I’ve tried to write a little every day. Even if I throw away everything I wrote that day, the action is great for my progress.

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

Jane Owen: Tom Woof and Max The Owl are characters based on the real life writer Thomas Wolfe and his editor, my great-grandfather Max Perkins. I’m working on books that introduce characters based on F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. As well as a completely different series about a Unicorn that focuses on teaching children not to be racist.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Jane Owen: My great-grandfather Max Perkins always used to say, “There’s nothing as important as a book can be”.

“Tom Woof and Max the Owl” is a story of a puppy with a love for writing. He writes wherever he can, and is misunderstood for this trait. But Max the Owl understands. He guides the little puppy to develop his stories and bring joy to all the other animals on the farm. Bases on a real writer and editor in the life of the author, this book will touch the hearts of any literary focused soul.

“Tom Woof and Max the Owl” is available at Amazon.com.

Oct23

Interview with Lisa Luttrell

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Lisa Luttrell is the author of the book, “The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest”.

As the beautiful colors of fall remind us of the seasons’ changes, I wanted to share a beautiful book that helps you and your child take a moment to admire nature and its beauty. This is a great time to connect with nature to ease the turmoil of the world around us. A book is the perfect catalyst for this.

Lisa Luttrell finds inspiration on her nature walks around her home with her trusty Jack Russell terrier, Scout. With her background as a teacher, she uses her writing skill to connect readers to the nature all around us. I had a chance to talk to Lisa about the inspiration for writing her book, The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest. Plus, she shared her writing process and her literary choices for this book. Enjoy.

What was your inspiration behind writing The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest?  How long did it take you to write it?

Lisa Luttrell: The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest took me less than a week and a half to write. My inspirations behind writing this book were based on my own personal experiences. I indeed took a little green armchair from inside my own home and placed it in our acre side yard for my outdoor cat, Violet, to sleep and sit on in the sun. I rescued a little possum in my driveway one evening and took him to a wildlife rescue center only to discover he was at a juvenile age appropriate to jump from his Mother’s back to start his own life and adventures. Lastly, I rescued a little green stinkbug that had fallen into my cat’s outdoor metal water bowl.

What’s your writing process like/challenges you faced while writing this?

Lisa Luttrell: My writing process entails paper interpretation of animals that I have known or owned and puts them into human-like situations. They come alive on paper as little creatures with human emotions such as love, happiness, kindness, intelligence, sorrow and humorous thought processes. I can honestly say that I did not have any challenges in constructing my text for this little book; my ideas seemed to effortlessly appear on paper.

Why did you choose to write this story in a far more literary form than many children’s books? 

Lisa Luttrell: A volume of printed context tells a story. I consider my writing style vintage in the aspect that this fondly was the way children’s books were composed in my reading generation of the mid-1960’s through the early 1970’s. It is within my comfort zone for me to construct.  I love to work with detailed imagery and create a canvas for others to imagine what my characters might look like, how their voices may sound and how lovely Echo Forest truly is.  I want to create a people/animal connection engaged in adventure, display various emotions, present hardships or conflict that are resolved in a sentimental manner. 

The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest is a story collection for children to connect to nature through literature. From the Little Green Armchair that provides the catalyst for a new forest to spring forth, to a picnic with possums in Echo Forest and the adventures of The Thirsty Little Stink Bug, your child will become immersed in the bountiful, lush tales of spring and fall in Echo Forest. Take their minds outside into nature with this short story collection.

The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Lisa Luttrell, visit her website at: https://www.lingofromlisa.com/.

Sep20

Interview with Melinda Rapp

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Melinda Rapp is the author of the children’s book, “Pretty Girl Pledge.”

During the beginning of the school year, I think it’s so important to instill positive images of self as the classroom community is built among students, teachers and parents. Today, I have a fabulous author with her new book release on Sept. 13. Her book is called Pretty Girl Pledge, a book that builds the self-confidence in every girl to be your best and beautiful self. The author is Melinda Rapp. She resides in Maryland and wears many hats, wife, mom and teacher. She has a degree in Fashion Merchandising, Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership. She uses her expertise in her new book to build integrity, faith and substance in young girls.

I had the chance to talk to Melinda about her childhood reading memories, her favorite authors, and what surprises she has in store for us.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Melinda Rapp: My favorite memory from reading as a child is reading all my favorite chapter books especially the series, Baysitters Club, I read them all! So you can just imagine how excited I was to watch the new series on Netflix!

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

Melinda Rapp: My favorite author as a child was John Steptoe. He wrote Mufaros Beautiful Daughters. He influenced me a great deal because he taught me the significance of teaching life lessons through simple stories. I was captivated by the beauty of his illustrations of the African culture, and his story made an impact on my life that I will never forget. It is truly timeless piece that has inspired me to create pieces, transcend time, space, and generations.

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

Melinda Rapp: I like to write in the middle of the night when it is completely quiet, my mind is clear, and my heart and mind are open. As a mom of four children, this is a rare opportunity for me to release my thoughts, and since most of my ideas come to me while I am sleeping, these night time writing sessions work for me.

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

Melinda Rapp: In the future I would like to write about the women of the bible. I have a few ideas, but I need to put it all together. I would also like to write affirmations for children. It is so important that we teach our children to speak highly of themselves, the earlier the better!


What is writing to you in one sentence?

Melinda Rapp: Writing is your heart, mind, and soul, all on display.

Pretty Girl Pledge is an ode to the pretty girl encouraging girls to be more than just a pretty face, but of substance and faith.

Available at Amazon.com.

Sep16

Interview with Semara Moffitt

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As we continue this unusual start to the school year, I’d like to present another self-confidence book to build character and help with problem solving skills. Semara Moffitt is the author of the book, “Marissa’s Scrunchie Collection”. It’s a marvelous story in which a girl learns that inner beauty is more powerful than outer beauty, and that choices can make a difference. Its print edition is a coloring book, and will make a great activity during pandemic indoor days. I had a chance to talk to Semara about her favorite authors, writing routine, and what projects she has in store for us.

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

Semara Moffitt: “I Am Enough”, by Grace Byers, is such a wonderful book! It demonstrates excepting yourself as who you are no matter what anyone thinks or says.

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

Semara Moffitt: Usually, I will write down the first idea that comes to mind and work out the details little by little overtime. My first book took about 3 months for me to write.


3) What projects are you working on now? What subjects would you like to write about?
Semara Moffitt: I am currently working on a Christmas book. I’m not quite sure if it will be ready this year, but I’m very excited to share my work.

“Marissa’s Scrunchie Collection” is about the choices we make in life and how they can affect how we feel about ourselves. Marissa has a drawer full of different scrunchies. There are shiny ones, patterned ones, and sparkly ones. Picture day is here, and she needs to pick out just the right one to look beautiful and perfect. But she can’t seem to find the right one? Will choosing a scrunchie be the right choice? Or will Marissa come up with the perfect look all on her own?

Marissa’s Scrunchie Collection is available on Amazon as an ebook or paperback book. The print edition makes a great coloring book gift.

For more information on the author, Semara Moffitt, visit her author’s page at: https://www.amazon.com/S-M-LiteratureLLC/e/B08GH9J845.


Sep14

Interview with Louisa Mastromarino

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As we ease into a new school year, kids are likely missing things about traveling, their friends, and having fun. I have managed to find a fantastic book about dogs on motorcycles sightseeing around the United States. Hopefully, it can bring a little fun and charm back into your little ones day.

In the book, “Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups go to Washington, D.C.”, kids will get a chance to explore the United States capital city and discover the history while having fun with the pups. I had a chance to talk with the author, Louisa Mastromarino. She is a certified counselor educator. She uses her specialized expertise to create her children’s books and contemporary artwork. Louisa shared with me her favorite authors, future projects, and what writing means to her.

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

Louisa Mastromarino: One of my favorite authors is Maya Angelou. I love her work because she writes about socially relevant themes such as racism and tolerance. Key themes today include such areas because we all know that literature has the capability of empowering others during challenging times. I love to write about these key areas and hope that the Cycle Pups travel series empowers others to work together and create social peace.

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

Louisa Mastromarino: Subjects that I would like to write about in future projects include inclusion, tolerance, which I am working on Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Teach Tolerance now, family cohesion, and self-identity. These areas are key, especially for teens and children.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Louisa Mastromarino: Writing to me in one sentence is extreme joy in spirit.

“Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups go to Washington, D.C.” is a fabulous adventure with the Cycle Pups through our country’s capital, Washington D.C. Travel on max cycle bikes as the leader, Spifford Max, takes the pups on an adventure over stairs, through rivers, and even through history. Filled with love and friendship, this book is sure to bring a little adventure as your child learns about historical landmarks of Washington D.C.

“Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups go to Washington, D.C.” is available at: Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Louisa Mastromarino, please visit her website at: https://www.intuitivegalleries.com/.