Tag Archives: holiday gift idea

Dec4

December Featured Author: Interview with Mona Liza Santos

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Mona Liza Santos is the author of the picture book, The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic.

The holiday season is here, and many of your thoughts are likely drifting toward what to get for your little ones. Picture books are a wonderful way to promote reading and create meaningful connection time with your child or grandchild, especially during this cozy time of year. Consider adding a heartwarming story to your holiday traditions and share the magic of reading together this season.

I’ve got another great recommendation for your holiday gift list! The author, Mona Liza Santos, is an accomplished children’s author with nearly forty titles to choose from each filled with messages of kindness, courage, and self-worth. She is also our Featured Monthly Author for December 2025. Her newest release, The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic, is a beautiful story that connects imagination with the special wonder of the holidays. With its uplifting message about dreams, courage, and believing in yourself, this story promises hours of magic and meaning for readers of all ages.

I was honored to interview Mona Liza Santos for my blog and talk with her about how reading shaped her as a child, how writing influences her life today, and what she envisions for her future books.

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

Mona Liza Santos: I’ve always loved reading rhyming books and stories that were super colorful. I still remember sitting with my grandma — she had this way of bringing every page to life and making the stories feel like little adventures. Those moments were pure magic. And in elementary school, I was obsessed with the Scholastic order forms they’d pass out in class. I’d circle books for hours and get so excited when my order finally came in. It felt like opening a treasure box every time.

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

Mona Liza Santos: As a kid, I was a huge fan of The Babysitters Club and Beverly Cleary’s books. I loved how real and relatable the characters felt. As I got older, I fell in love with authors like Danielle Steel, Dr. Seuss, and Shel Silverstein. Each one taught me something different — how to write from the heart, how to play with rhythm, and how to find beauty in both the happy and hard moments of life. They made me believe that stories can heal, connect, and inspire — and that’s what I try to do with my own writing.

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

Mona Liza Santos: I don’t really have a set routine. Writing for me happens whenever inspiration shows up — in the car, while I’m working out, in the shower, or right before bed. It’s random, but it’s real. I’ll grab my phone or a notebook and jot down whatever thoughts come rushing in before they fade. Some of my best ideas have come when I wasn’t even trying to write.

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

Mona Liza Santos: Even though children’s books will always be my favorite to write, I also see myself writing women’s empowerment stories one day — about healing, self-worth, and finding your voice again. But no matter what I write, I’ll always come back to children’s books. They make me happiest. Helping kids see their own worth and know they matter — that’s the kind of impact I want to keep making for as long as I can.

5. Do you write other books besides children’s books?

Right now, I only write children’s books, but I can definitely see myself expanding in the future. I’d love to write novels centered on women’s empowerment and maybe even some heartfelt fictional stories that come to mind. I’m keeping my ideas open because I believe stories have a way of finding you when the time is right.

6. Do you love to travel? If so, where have you explored?

Mona Liza Santos: Travel is one of my greatest inspirations. I’ve been fortunate to visit more than seventy countries, and each one has taught me something new about people, culture, and compassion. Some of my favorite places have been Greenland, Egypt, Switzerland, Albania, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and even Russia — places that many might see as too far or too different, but each one showed me the same thing: the world is not as dangerous as it seems. People everywhere are just living their lives, loving their families, and trying their best. Our differences — in culture, language, and traditions — are what make the world a more beautiful and connected place.

7. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Mona Liza Santos: Write what feels true to you. Don’t chase trends or compare your journey to anyone else’s. Start small, be patient with your growth, and write from your heart — that’s where the magic happens. There will be days you’ll doubt yourself, but if you keep your “why” close, it’ll guide you through every moment of uncertainty.

8. How has your son and being a parent inspired you to write?

Mona Liza Santos: My son is the reason I began this journey. Watching him grow reminded me of how powerful stories are in shaping how children see themselves and the world around them. Every book I’ve written has a little piece of him in it — his wonder, humor, and courage. As a parent, I want to encourage other parents to nurture that same self-acceptance and confidence in their own children — to help them embrace who they are, speak kindly to themselves, and understand their worth. Being a mom made me realize that stories can heal, connect, and bring light where it’s needed most.

9. What do you want to accomplish through your writing?

Mona Liza Santos: I want every child who reads my books to walk away feeling proud of who they are. I want them to know that being different is not something to hide but something to celebrate. My hope is that through my stories, children learn kindness, empathy, and confidence — and that they carry those lessons with them long after they close the book. More than anything, I want kids to feel empowered for who they are, no matter where they come from or how they look.

10. What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mona Liza Santos: Writing, to me, is pouring out your heart and thoughts into words that touch children and parents — knowing you’ve made a difference in how they see themselves and the world around them.

Book Blurb:

Every night, Ellie’s dreams take her somewhere new—where dragons soar, fairies dance, and jellyfish light up the sea. But when morning comes, her dreams start to fade—until her grandmother gives her something truly special: a glass jar to keep them safe. As Ellie begins to fill the jar with her wildest dreams, she learns that what makes her imagination unique is exactly what makes her shine.

The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic is a gentle, luminous story about imagination, courage, and remembering who you are. Reading is a reminder for every child (and every grown-up, too) that the magic we’re searching for is already inside us—just waiting to be seen. This tale is perfect for promoting reading and imagination, and is highly recommended for fans of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and What Do You Do with an Idea? It will leave hearts glowing long after the last page is turned.

The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic is available on Amazon.com as an ebook or paperback and is part of the Kindle Unlimited collection.

Purchase Copy

For more information on Mona Liza Santos and her books, please visit her website at: https://www.monalizasantos.com/.

Instagram: @momosvoyage.

**Mona Liza Santos is the featured author for December!

Link Here to see our other featured authors.

Nov21

A Second Interview with Michael Dibley

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The holidays will soon be upon us. Likely, thoughts of what gifts to get are churning in your mind for your child or grandchild. Books are great gifts! Picture books are wonderful ways to connect with your child during read-aloud time before bed and to stimulate their imagination. So, I’ve been gathering info on some great new picture books for you to consider for your child’s home library. Teachers, these would be great for your class library.

 “The Magpie’s Reflection” is my first choice for your gift giving list. It’s a great story about losing something you take for granted and then trying to recover. Your child will meet Magnus, a magpie thrown into a moment of turmoil and shown kindness to survive. This touching story will warm your heart as it did mine. I had a chance to interview the author, Mike Dibley, about his love for writing and reading, and what he’ll be up to in future projects.

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

Mike Dibley: Probably reading Peter Rabbit books. There was something magical about them. I also fell in love with the watercolour style of the books, something that has kept with me after all this time.

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

Mike Dibley: Children’s books are what I want to keep writing about. It’s all an adventure, whether it’s stories told or stories to learn. It’s all fine with me.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mikie Dibley: Writing is relaxing and a way to declutter thoughts.

Book Blurb/Cover:

High above the bustling city, two magpies Millie and Magnus perch on a rooftop, judging the world below with sharp eyes and sharper beaks. But when a powerful wind sweeps them apart, Magnus is thrust into a journey he never expected. Lost and alone, Magnus is rescued by a kind old woman who shows him a different side of life, one filled with warmth, kindness, and self-discovery.

As he heals, Magnus begins to see himself and others through a gentler lens. But will he ever find Millie again? And if not, can he find the courage to fly forward into the unknown?

“Magpie’s Reflection” is available on Amazon in Kindle or paperback format.

Purchase on Amazon

Link here for the first interview with Mike Dibley and information on his book, “Iwa, the Snowflake”.

For more information on Mike Dibley, please visit his Amazon Author Page.

Dec17

Interview with Pompey Poppleton

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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.

“Billy Boxter Meets Snotser” is available at: Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Pompey Poppleton, please visit his Amazon author page here.

Website link will be available soon.

Nov25

Interview with Dralan Pierce

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Greetings everyone! This is the time for thanks and for being grateful. I am so grateful for so many things this year, including to all of you for following my blog and making it through this pandemic together. It has been a crazy year, and I am so happy to finally be able to spend it with my family this year. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends as well.

Along those lines of giving and family, I wanted to introduce my next author. Dralan Pierce is an ambitious author that likes to write about redefining family relationships to build a better society while inspiring our youth. He has written a fabulous book called “The Catch”. It deals with building a healthy relationship between fathers and daughters, something I’m thankful for that I had a chance to do with my own father before he died a few years ago. So this story goes to my heart immediately.

I had the chance to talk to Dralan about his favorite author, childhood reading memories, his writing routine, and what future projects he has in mind.

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

Dralan Pierce: Being able to imagine the book being a movie that I’m a part of is a favorite memory of mine as a kid.

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

Dralan Pierce: Lance Peeler. I felt like he was writing my life story before I start living my life.

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

Dralan Pierce: Yes, all I need is a desk and some jazz music.

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

Dralan Pierce: I’d like to write about my family relationships, especially redefining them from all aspects from my dad to my mother, sister and brother.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Dralan Pierce: Life.

Book Blurb:

“The Catch” is a heart-warming story about a father and daughter bonding during a fishing trip. Together, they learn to enjoy each other’s company and build a healthy relationship that will sustain them through their lives. A great gift for the holiday season, “The Catch” will touch any father and daughter and make a great gift for Father’s Day.

To purchase “The Catch” or for more information on Dralan Pierce, please visit his website at piercetheheart.org.

Nov15

A Second Interview with Stephanie Jane Markham

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As we head into November, it is time to start thinking about the Holidays and what gifts your little one may love. Plus, with supplies for toys dwindling, maybe considering a fabulous book for your little one this year is a great solution. So, I’m looking high and low for the right gift books to recommend for this Holiday Season.

Stephanie Jane Markham is a children’s author, actress, director, and musician. Her second book, “Duncan and His Unicorn” is available now.

I’d like to start with a previously featured author on my blog. She has a new book out, and I can’t resist recommending it for your next purchase. Her new book, “Duncan and His Unicorn” is the next book in her Second Street Series.

Stephanie Jane Markham is an actor, filmmaker and singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. Her Sunnyside Street Series draws from her memories from growing up in Scotland and Kentucky. I had the chance to ask more in depth questions on how Stephanie’s acting career has affected her writing, her reasons for writing children’s books, and what advice she has for aspiring writers.

  1. What was your inspiration for writing your new book, “Duncan and His Unicorn”?

Stephanie Jane Markham: Duncan is Maisie Mae’s best friend. I like the friendship between the two. Maisie is this overly tall, outgoing girl and her best friend is a younger boy. Growing up with two brothers and five boy cousins, I can relate. The book touches on Duncan’s anxiety when he is separated from his unicorn, Letty Lou. I have struggled with anxiety since I was a child. I want to give my son, and any kid who reads the book acceptance. I want them to know they are not alone, even when it seems like it.

2) Why did you decide to start writing children’s books?

Stephanie Jane Markham: I’ve always had ideas, but never took the time or committed to writing a book. Also, I’m writing them for my son, Henry. It’s so fun to hear his feedback. He has lots of opinions.


3) Has working as an actress helped you as a writer? If so, how? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: I’m not sure. I have always had a flair for the dramatic and a sense of storytelling. Probably.

    
4) What advice do you have for aspiring children’s authors? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: Just tell your story. Don’t take it too seriously. Kids don’t put limits on their imaginations. It’s so freeing to let go of that inner critic that comes with being an adult.


5) What other future writing projects do you have in store next? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: In December, Maisie Mae’s Christmas Cheer will be released! It’s Maisie and Duncan and the whole Sunnyside Street gang. I had so much fun writing that one, Christmas is my favorite holiday. 

Book Blurb:

“Duncan and His Unicorn” is a tender story of childhood anxiety and true friendship.

Duncan and His Unicorn, Letty Lou, go everywhere together. They climbed Rainbow Mountain all the way in Peru, swung on the vines in the jungles of Kanha and flew to Cebu just to eat a banana!

Then, Duncan’s unicorn ran away. Duncan feels anxious without his favorite toy. He’d always been able to count on Letty Lou. Follow Duncan and Maisie Mae as they search high and low for Duncan’s lost unicorn. Will they be able to find her or has she decided to run away forever? Filled with the fearfulness of a lost pet, this story will show the bond of friendship during times of anxiety.

“Duncan and His Unicorn” is available at: Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

To read the first interview with Stephanie Jane Markham on my blog, please link here.

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

Facebook Page:

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


Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/maisiemaesunnyside/

Nov19

A Thanksgiving Surprise: Interview with Carey Azzara

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Carey A's head photo

Carey Azzara is the author of the picture book, Ready Or Not, Here I come!

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of Holiday gift ideas. I was able to interview a wonderful author, Carey Azzara, and find out about his new book, Ready Or Not, Here We Come! It’s a beautiful picture book that will make a great gift for your little someone. Mr. Azzara has had ups and downs in life, with the loss of his little sister when he was sixteen, two graduate degrees, and a career in public health. It’s these twists and turns that have lead to many of his stories. I had a chance to sit down and find out about Carey Azzara’s childhood memories, favorite authors growing up, and what future plans he has for us.

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

Carey Azzara: Who remembers that far back? LOL One of our neighbors liked to read with me. We read stories about pirates and swashbucklers – I loved it and the extra attention he gave me. Thanks Mr. Mullvahill! I remember his large hands, strong but kind, he was a union man. His love of reading helped me change from a kid who hated to read to one who enjoyed it. 

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

Carey Azzara: My favorite author has always been Mark Twain. He taught me the meaning of a “good lie” and the value of friendship. His brilliant dialogue inspired me.

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

Carey Azzara: Most of the time I write in the mornings after a good strong cup of coffee, my wife brews the best coffee. And again in the evening after dinner and before I walk the dog one last time for the night. But I also have bursts of inspiration, you know, when the muse seems to flow through me –that’s fun. 

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

Carey Azzara: I am writing a series of books for kids in 4th – 8th grade titled, Heidi’s Hounds. I decided that after writing a short children’s book in honor of my first grandchild titled Ready or Not, Here We Come!, writing for kids would be a worthwhile endeavor. I like to write stories about people and animals and the next project will be another series of stories about Halley [a character in on of my novelettes] and her adventures in the Gila Wilderness of New Mexico—Halley has a gift that makes her extraordinary. 

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Carey Azzara: The joy of sharing my stories with readers and touching the lives of people I might not otherwise ever encounter.

ready-or-notCarey Azzara’s book, Ready or Not, Here We Come!, is a journey of little Leona and her dogs. While her parents are out, Leona decides to try to stay busy by playing hide and seek. But now the dogs must find her. But what could happen next? Find out in Ready Or Not, Here I Come!, a great gift for the Holidays.

Ready or Not, Here We Come! is available at Amazon .com. This is a Kindle Unlimited title.  https://amzn.to/2Q6uRgq.

For more information on Carey Azzara, please visit his website at: www.careyazzara.com.

Nov2

A Belated Trick or Treat: Interview with David Lee Ross

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I hope you have enjoyed your Halloween Trick or Treats, and are ready for a last minute treat. I had the chance to talk to David Lee Ross, the author of the book, Clayton’s Mackintosh. It’s a magical fantasy adventure available on Amazon. I talked to Mr. Ross about his favorite authors, subjects he’d like to take on, and his writing process.

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

David Lee Ross: My favorite author by rights is Shaun Hutson. Although I am a children’s writer, I have always been a great fan of horror, funnily enough.

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

David Lee Ross: Well, I have written other genres, but what works for me with my children’s books is picking images and writing them. I find it easier to extend upon an already baked idea.

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

David Lee Ross: Well, I have already written what I want in a few genres including horror, a cocktail book, and a cookery book, but my favorite is children’s books and Clayton’s Mackintosh is one of my favourites. It reminds me of the stories I used to tell my children, nephews and nieces when they were small, which one of the reasons I started to write children’s books.

Clayton's MackintoshClayton’s Mackintosh is a magical adventure in which Clayton challenges demons with nothing but his trusty Mac. With the help of football and basketball stars, Clayton must win at several sports challenges against the evil demon to save the day. It is available on Amazon.

For more information on David Lee Ross, visit his Amazon Author Page.

 

 

 

 

 

Dec16

Children’s Picture Book Review: Ernest Hummingbird

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Earnest Hummingbird

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble,  and as an app in the IOS store.

I’ve got a real treat for your Holiday list. Ernest Hummingbird is an absolutely charming picture book written and illustrated by David Feiss. Mr. Feiss created “Cow and Chicken” on the Cartoon Network, and worked as an animator at Hanna Barbera for many years. Charming with its cartoon illustrations, this book will take you back to your Saturday mornings.

Ernest Hummingbird tries to follow his dream to be a singer. But everyone around him insists that he should just “hum”, like all the other hummingbirds. Undaunted, he enlists his friends to sing for an agent rumored to be coming to scout for singers. Of course, in a plot twist, Ernest gets his dream. I’ll leave it up to you to discover the ending.

I enjoyed this sweet little story of following your dreams and not letting anything stop you. The illustrations are humorous and inviting, pulling you into the story as any delightful Saturday morning cartoon. I would recommend this book to anyone that would need a gift for a child, grandchild, or niece and nephew. It would make a satisfying bedtime story. As a read-aloud in the lower grades, it would teach the importance of not giving up.

As an added bonus, the folks behind Ernest Hummingbird also have a parallel storybook app in the IOS store, with music written by Tommy Thayer from KISS. The narration is by country star Darius Rucker. Link to the app in the IOS store.

Find out more at: www.mechemmedia.com.

Earnest Hummingbird is available at: Amazon and Barnes and Noble.