Tag Archives: picture book

Mar21

Interview with Lia Ginno

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I always like to look high and low for new, interesting children’s authors. I really do love it when I find a new children’s fantasy author. She has a background in children’s development that gives her books that extra insight to support children.

Let me introduce you to Lia Ginno. Her unique, fantasy books deal with characters struggling to fit into normal and realizing often that they are fine the way they are. Her newest picture book, “Turmeric and Magic”, deals with a dragon trying to find her magic.

I had the chance to talk with Lia Ginno about her childhood reading, favorite author, and what writing means to her.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Lia Ginno:  I loved going into another world.

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

Lia Ginno: I loved Enid Byton’s, Secret Seven series and Famous Five series. I think I was at an age when I could imagine such adventures with friends. I remember I had a group of friends and an old tumbledown building as our headquarters for a ‘secret club.’ Unfortunately we never ‘lived’ the adventures in the books, but we all read them. They inspired my imagination and the first book and a play, I ever wrote, was when I was twelve. Also, a local reporter in an interview compared my first Legend book to one of EB’s books. So, she had more of an influence than I realized.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lia Ginno: A book is a dream you hold in your hand as imagination, problem solves, and creates everything on earth.

“Turmeric and Magic” is a picture book that deals with the diversity in all of us. Tumeric is different from other dragons. She cannot fly and is allergic to fire and smoke. She dreams to be like other dragons. Being an avid reader, she discovers that there is a book that will teach you magic if you are determined to find it. She begins a journey to find the book. Will following her dreams lead her to the book? Can it help her magic to appear? This delightfully illustrated picture book will enchant and help children explore their unique differences that can turn into inner strength.

“Turmeric and Magic” is available at Amazon.com. This book is a Kindle Unlimited title. Links to Amazon.co.uk Kindle sales here.

For more information on Lia Ginno, visit her at her FB page here.

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!

Dec14

Interview with Leslie Dangerfield

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I love dog and cat books. They are so uplifting during these trying times. I think I’ve found a memorable one to share with your family or classroom. Leslie Dangerfield grew up in the Bronx, and uses her real life experiences to develop her story ideas. Her debut children’s book, “Fernando the Bodega Cat”, highlights diversity and inclusion through daily encounters with a NYC bodega cat. I had the chance to ask Leslie about her childhood reading memories, writing routine, and what future projects she has in store for us.

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

Leslie Dangerfield: My favorite memory from reading as a child would probably be reading books with my grandmother. She would share her favorite books with me, and we would read it together. She would even read a few pages aloud to me every night. Sometimes if the books were really good, I would read ahead. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so I would still act surprised when we read it together.

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

Leslie Dangerfield: I’ve come to accept that my writing routine is no routine. My life is very demanding, and as much as I’ve tried to adhere to a routine, it never happens. However, I’ve learned to get creative in order to stay consistent. I use platforms like social media to share short stories from my phone, and in turn I build on that later for a new project. I’ve also even gone as far as recording myself telling a story and having it transcribed, and then going back and revising it until I’m satisfied. The times of dedicating hours at a computer to write are a luxury many people don’t have anymore. Fortunately, due to all the amazing technology we have access to, you can write from anywhere at any time.

3) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Leslie Dangerfield: I have a few different children’s projects lined up that all include aspects of city life, a diverse range of protagonists tackling real issues that children deal with on a daily basis. Kids today are dealing with so much more than my generation did, and so much of it is unsung. I also have plans for a few YA and adult projects. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.

“Fernando the Bodega Cat” is a story that brings you into the heart of many New York City neighborhoods, a bodega store. Found throughout NYC, bodega stores are often the heart of the neighborhood, and can be the meeting of languages, cultures, and highlight the diversity of every neighborhood. Seen through the eyes of a cat, you will get to know all his neighbors and the neighborhood. With Fernando as your guide, learn how differences and diversity is prized and respected, and how everyone can share common interests with their fellow neighbors.

Recommended for children 3-8.

“Fernando the Bodega Cat” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information about Leslie Dangerfield, please visit her website here.

Jul21

Interview with Elizabeth M. Reinhart

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Elizabeth M. Reinhart is the author of the picture book, “The Fox Who Chased the Sky.”

Growing up in the West Virginia hills inspired the stories of my next summer reading find. Elizabeth M. Reinhart uses memories of her youth and the beauty of her home to create a fantastical world for her character, the Little Fox. In her book, “The Fox Who Chased the Sky”, the author brings nature and a playful fox into the safe haven of home. I had a chance to talk to Elizabeth about her childhood memories, advice for aspiring writers, and what she has next in store for us.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: It’s funny, because no amount of words can truly capture the feelings that these memories have for me. Times were not always easy for us back then, financially or emotionally. Reading before bed became a little cocoon of time when we could all be transported into other worlds with a sense of security. My brothers and I heaped onto our parents’ bed while our mom patiently read each book that we picked out and I cherish that time so much. Once I began to read on my own, I read voraciously. I consumed as many words as I could, and still do today! I credit our mom for passing on that love of reading and writing.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: It’s difficult to choose, but I think Kenneth Grahame. Wind in the Willows fascinated me as a child. I understood that his writing was for children (it had all the hallmarks of whimsical characters and adventure), but in my heart I also felt that he treated us as “grown ups”. Sure, I LOVED Little Golden Books and Dr. Seuss, but there was just something about reading Grahame’s words and knowing that he respected the reader enough not to simplify it. Books like Wind in the Willows taught me to be curious about language, which in turn led to a love affair with words.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: The first book in my series was written at 4:30 in the morning on my front porch after having a very sudden surge of creativity as I awoke. For me, it strikes unexpectedly, so I am always prepared to write notes wherever I am. As a children’s book author, I find that the challenge is to pack a lot of punch in a short amount of text. To successfully accomplish this, I rely heavily on imagery – which means that I daydream … a lot! I try to be open to creative influence whatever I am doing.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: For now, I am very focused on the “Little Fox” series that I have been developing over the past 3 years. My illustrator, Aleksandra Bobrek, and I have about 4 books planned so far in this series and we are also focusing on a line of merchandise. We would love to really make this world come alive for readers who fall in love with him.

5) What other books do you have planned in the “Little Fox” series?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I’m really excited about our plans for the Little Fox series. “The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is book 1 in the series and focuses on themes of self-discovery and establishing friendships. Book 2, “The Fox Who Caught a Star” carries on with the characters introduced in book 1 and takes a deeper dive into the concept of what it means to be a friend to another. Book 2 will be available by the end of the summer! I’ve also written a free book which is posted on my website titled, “The Fox and the Last Leaf.” It has not been through the editing and illustration process, but I thought it would be fun to begin to share stories in early stages. I’m all for creating more story time for folks!

6) What adventures playing in the West Virginia hills as a kid have led to scenes in your books?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: So many! My brothers and I rarely played indoors, so our memories are deeply entrenched in nature. We would climb trees, play pretend and run around our several acres of land, play on the swing set while watching the farmland behind us being baled for hay. For me, an interesting point about the illustrations is that Aleksandra (the illustrator) is from Poland. Much of what you see is HER perspective living in Europe as a child – and to me, it is a lovely marriage of memories and culture that makes the final look very special to me. When we collaborate, we try to include special details to both of us. For instance, there are little secret nods to my family in each of the books that Aleksandra has captured – one of which is the violets. They have a very special meaning for me.

7) What advice would you give to “aspiring” writers?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I think it depends on what the writer wishes to accomplish. To me, writing in and of itself, is freedom. Even if I were not pursuing a business in this field, I would write for the love of it. If that is you, write, write, write to your heart’s content and bare your soul. If you are pursuing a livelihood as a writer, do everything I mentioned before – that never changes! I do encourage everyone to research the business end if you are taking it a step further. There are so many nuances to the business and several pitfalls you want to avoid. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned so much starting up my business. I am always happy to pass what I’ve learned on, so if you need a little advice, please feel free to reach out to me.

8) Do you have any upcoming virtual appearances planned?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: Not quite yet, but I am working on it! I had some local plans set up, but as the situation shifts, I will focus more on virtual appearances. Check in with me on my website http://www.emreinhart.com for updates.

9) Are you planning to write any other types of children’s books after the “Little Fox” series?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I’m always daydreaming up ideas for stories, and yes, I do have other ideas in mind! If I can gain a strong following, I would like to create two separate series. “Stories from the Dale” (which is where Little Fox lives), and “Stories from Home”, which will focus on lighthearted stories about life in West Virginia. All are children’s books which, I hope, young ones and adults will love!

10) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: Writing, for me, is allowing my true self to come forward, unapologetically.

cover The Fox Who Chased the Sky“The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is a story about self-discovery and friendship through the lens of the character, Little Fox. Inspired by the beautiful West Virginia hills, Little Fox sets out to discover the world around him and learns of kindness and patience when he finds himself in a lonely and confused point in life. This book is not only for young readers, but also for everyone with the “child inside” that still needs an occasional reflection on life lessons.

“The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is available at the author’s website here. For more information on Elizabeth M. Reinhart, please visit her website at: https://www.emreinhart.com/.

 

Jul7

Interview with Eric DeSio

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Eric DeSio is the author of the children’s book, The Social Distance King.

As we head further into summer, families are starting to emerge and take safe holidays. To help you with your quest back into the world, I found a great book to help with some of the new normals that are going to be part of our every day lives for a while.

A new book by author Eric DeSio helps to teach social distancing. It is called The Social Distance King. With school starting in the fall, teachers will also be interested in new class structure introduction books as we all take on dealing with the continued pandemic. This book will help in the quest for educators to find books to introduce these new topics to children.

I had a chance to interview Eric DeSio. He shared his love for story telling, and the need to teach lessons in his books. The Social Distance King by Eric DeSio helps introduce the topic of social distancing to children. In the interview, he shares his childhood reading memories, his favorite authors, and what projects he has in story for us.

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

My favorite childhood reading memory would be reading Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.  I remember feeling totally immersed in the imaginary world of that book. The characters and scenery were real and alive for me.

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

As a child I would say Dr. Seuss. I enjoyed and continue to enjoy the rhyming and visual presentation. I’m not certain about how Dr. Seuss influenced my writing exactly, but I appreciate that he seems to have lose rules if any. I love the originality of his stories.

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

Often my writing starts with me singing about something. If I’m singing something, then I will usually write about it. And if I write about it, then I usually will start singing about it. I often write about stories or topics that intrigue me and that don’t “go away”. If the story and idea stay with me for a while, then I feel more naturally moved to write about it.

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

Wow. So many but at the same time, there are actually very few specific subjects that I feel I must write about in the future. Recently, for the most part, if I want to write about something, then I write about it. In general, I can say that I would like to write about challenging subjects or subjects that are not often written on. Also, I can see myself writing some non-fiction in the future.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Writing to me is expression, sharing and connection.

social-distance-king-frontThe Social Distance King is a book that introduces the sensitive top of kids and social distancing. It’s a kid-friendly way to introduce them to this new social norm, and to teach them about the reasons for its use to keep them safe.

For a limited time, a FREE copy of this book will be offered through the authors website at: http://ericauthor.com/social-distance-king/.

The Social Distance King is also available as a free Kindle Unlimited title. Printed hardcover copies are also available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

May26

Picture Book Review: “Mozzi Presents: Love and Other Values”

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“Mozzi Presents: Love and Other Values” is the first in a series of heart-warming picture books.

I always like to find the hidden gems that can brighten up anyone’s day. I think a book about a dog is a great way to do this, especially with the current pandemic. We are looking back to family values, nature and the best addition to any household, pets. The lessons we can learn from our pets starts when we are children. I think I’ve found a wonderful picture book that shows the values of pets, love and family in  “Mozzi Presents: Love and Other Values” by Merav Gamliel Boschan.

We meet a wonderful dog, Mozzi, and his family. From a puppy to growing up to full doghood, we read about all the different challenges of life and lessons learned by Mozzi the dog with help from his family. They also learn from him in turn. It’s a great read aloud during these hard times of lockdown and isolation. The one thing that always seems to help during these hard times seems to be sharing a book with the family. This will make a wonderful read-aloud at bedtime or shared as an activity.

“Mozzi Presents: Love and Other Values” is available at Amazon.com. It is the first book in a series of four, and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

May13

Interview with R. J. DiLupo

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Here is a picture book that will help any family deal with grief and the loss of a parent. The book, Papa Bear Isn’t Feeling Well, was written to help a family deal with their father dying from cancer. I got the chance to ask the author, R. J. DiLupo, about his child reading memories, his favorite author and what writing means to him.

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

R. J. DiLupo: My favorite memory reading as a child would have to be Christmas with my grandmother. She would read “Night before Christmas” to all of her grandchildren. This was after a day of cookie baking and Christmas song singing. The whole experience was just very magical.

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

R. J. DiLupo: My favorite author is David Sedaris. I was assigned one of his books in school. His stories encouraged me to be as honest and straightforward as I could be. His stories encouraged me to delve deep into my consciousness to find the precious moments in life, and to reflect on them honestly.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

R. J. DiLupo: Writing ensures our tales live on.

PapaBearcvrPapa Bear Isn’t Feeling Well is a picture book that teaches the theme of family and caring during times of crisis. At the head of it all is the patriarch, the father, the Papa Bear of the family. The pillars of faith, love and family help everyone rally around Papa Bear as he faces his biggest foe yet, cancer. Written to help readers deal with the upcoming grief of losing someone close to them, this touching story will help parents and children with the difficulty of loss.

Papa Bear Isn’t Feeling Well is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

 

May6

Interview with Javelin Jaaziel

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Need a perk up for your child’s reading? Here is a spunky book to make the whole family laugh. Javelin Jaaziel is the author behind a fantastic character, Slog the Winged Frog. Javelin got the idea from a hypothetical question that a zany and inspiring Science teacher would often ask. A terrific story to get the imagination sailing, Slog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise begins the series with this loving and endearing character. I had a chance to talk to Javelin Jaaziel about the love of writing, memories of reading as a child, and what projects are in store for us. 

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

Javelin Jaaziel: When I discovered the little girls next door were fake reading. They read a line in a picture book “black and white ducks”, when really it read “white and black ducks”, but they had memorized it incorrectly. 

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

Javelin Jaaziel: More about Slog and his continued attempts to fly, and another story that’s still under wraps. Also something about ocean thermal energy conversion and it’s many potentials, including its ability to end the devastating effects of droughts and hurricanes.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Javelin Jaaziel: A creative outlet, and a way to express ideas.

Slog the Winged FrogSlog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise is the introduction to the lovable frog character of Slog. He lives in a normal swamp with normal friends. But Slog is no ordinary frog. He has wings. Yet, he doesn’t know how to fly. In his search for the answer, he meets Hooty the Owl and Squiggly Squirrel. Does he find the courage to fly? Find out in this delightful story that combines humor and acceptance into a new spin on the Dumbo theme.

 

Slog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise is available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

 

 

 

May4

Interview with Belle Brown

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In these hard times during the corona virus, it’s nice to read to your little one(s) about hugs. Here is a great picture book that tells of a cuddly porcupine that has to overcome the obstacle of his quills. Belle Brown is the author of the fabulous book, Porcupine Hugs. She wanted to bring the power of learning through storytelling with her writing. Each of her books develop children’s cognitive abilities, help parents bond with their child, and nurture a love for reading. I had a chance to talk to Belle Brown about her childhood reading memories, writing process, and future projects.

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

Belle Brown: When I was a child, my grandmother, a retired teacher, would bring us hand-me-down books from my older cousins when she would visit us every summer. I remember getting excited just knowing that I will have new books to read. I had no favourite books, back then, but I would re-read all the books that she brought home for us. I distinctly remember reading Green Eggs and Ham, though, when I was six.

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

Belle Brown: My favourite author is Dr. Seuss, and so I love to make silly rhymes and rhyming stories.

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

Belle Brown: I would like to write more about learning books which introduces important concepts to toddlers and preschoolers. I would also like to add more to my learning series, Patrick the Piglet’s Learning Adventures Series.

porcupinehugscvrPorcupine Hugs is a picture book written in rhyming verse and illustrated to bring your child into the world of Perry the Porcupine. This persistent porcupine loves to give hugs. But he’s got one problem. His quills. What is a porcupine to do? Inspiring in the way he solves this problem, Perry will warm your heart as much as teach about positivity and positive thoughts for everyone. Filled with high frequency sight words, this picture book will uplift your child’s day as well as help them learn the building blocks for reading.

Porcupine Hugs is available at: Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

Apr29

Interview with Yael Manor

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Yael Manor is the author of the picture book, Dana Deserves A Playground Too.

I am excited to bring you a new and exciting picture book that is inspiring and important in this time to include all people. Dana Deserves A Playground Too was written after the author found a story about how a disabled girl was unable to use her local playground. All she could do was place a doll in a swing and push it. The injustice of our local parks underserving our children with needs has inspired Yael Manor to write the book.

Yael Manor was a math teacher for thirty-five years, specializing in coaching people with ADHD. She is a mother and grandmother, and found the need within her to nourish her grandchildren and other children with humor, imagination and ingrain a sense of wonder in everyday situations. I was lucky to talk to Yael about her memories of reading as a child, how she gets her writing ideas, and what she has in store for future projects.

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

Yael Manor: As a child, I read a lot – every book I could put my hand on, I read. I swallowed books of all kinds.

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

Yael Manor: There wasn’t one specific writer I particularly liked, I just liked good books.

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

Yael Manor: The writing ideas come to me during my early morning physical activity and the writing itself is done when I have time for it.

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

Yael Manor: Usually, I choose to deal with subjects that have some educational message.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Yael Manor: It’s a mission!

DanaDeservesPlaygroundcovr Dana Deserves A Playground Too is based on a story of a father that had brought his daughter to the park. Due to her disability of being confined to a wheelchair, she couldn’t play on the playground, even though she wanted to so much. All she could do was take her doll, place her on a swing, and push it. Yael Manor wanted to show how children with special needs can’t do what “regular” children can do, and that some changes need to happen to give Dana a playground too.

Dana Deserves A Playground Too is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Yael Manor, visit her author page at https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EZQ2NXC.