​Simon the Scared Rottweiler
Written by Nicole S. Kluemper, Ph.D.
Ages: 4–8 | 34 Pages
Publisher: Nicole S Kluemper (2026) | ISBN: 979-8218884802
 
Publisher’s Book Summary: Simon is having a hard day. He wakes up to a bad dream, the fire alarm goes off at school, some big bullies bother him, and that’s not all! Just then, Kevin’s big sister Angie steps in and helps Simon by teaching him some skills for dealing with his worry that will last a lifetime.

​Why did you want to write about fear and anxiety?
I’ve been working at a community clinic for about 11 years now, and based on my
experience, anxiety can be one of the most difficult diagnoses to treat, especially in
young children. I’ve seen kids become so isolated in their thoughts and feelings, and the anxiety can be so big and overwhelming, that kids can become kind of lost to the idea of another way of
being. The notion of change is too much to even hope for. This is one reason why anxiety is so persistent, but the nature of the disorder is that it is also very treatment resistant. The brain just keeps feeding those anxious thoughts. Anxiety is just difficult. Having seen the need firsthand and out of a strong desire to help, I wanted to write about this topic specifically.

Where did you get the inspiration for Simon the Scared Rottweiler?
I needed a tool to help communicate with my young patients, and I’ve seen picture
books accomplish this goal when it came to other topics in the past. The exact book I
needed wasn’t available, so I made it happen. The name was inspired by my real-life Rottweiler, Simon Ray. Simon has dealt with behavioral issues all his life, and I firmly believe that these are caused by his underlying anxiety. I thought it would be an ironic twist if a big, tough Rottweiler had anxiety. Mix those two ideas together and there you have it – Simon the Scared Rottweiler.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I’m not sure whether I’m supposed to say this, but it was pretty quick! Considering my
first book took several years to write, I was shocked when this one was ready for review
in a matter of weeks. I had the idea for the title, and even a basic idea for the concept. I sat down and thought up a few scary scenarios for Simon, then I had to come up with a way to introduce the coping skills. That’s where Angie came in. I knew I wanted to use the thought bottles. The belly breathing was kind of a last-minute addition to be honest.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
The creativity! I loved trying to come up with ways to match the pictures up with the text
and make sure the pics were entertaining enough, etc. That was certainly the longest
part of the process (by far). It was stressful, but looking back it was very interesting and
rewarding. I also had the chance to collaborate with some kids during the process (mostly the
children of close friends). This was a lot of fun. Getting honest feedback from kids is
always a hoot. I love how uncensored children are. They really are the best!

What is your favorite book?
I know this might be silly, but I still love Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I
guess it’s true that what you love in childhood stays with you. I love the themes of
unconditional love and belonging. I also love the illustrations – so cool! I remember having this story read to me during circle time in elementary school. It captured my attention in a way no other story did. I think my imagination has always been pretty vivid, and this book gave me plenty to think about.

​Mrs. Gourd
Written by Jody Bucher
Illustrated by Monica Violet Joy & Asha Butler
Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Ingram Spark (2026) | ISBN: Hardcover: 979-8-9894987-1-0 | Paperback: 979-8-9894987-0-3
 
Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who’s had to put children to bed knows how unpredictable the routine of bedtime can be. Enter—Mrs. Gourd. When Mom finds herself at her wits’ end, Mrs. Gourd’s unexpected arrival changes the course of bedtime—in a good way. Taking charge in her persnickety, silly way, Mrs. Gourd wrangles in bedtime, leaving the reader amused, and best of all, those little ones drifting off into dreamland. When all else fails, it’s Mrs. Gourd to the rescue!

Where did you get the inspiration for Mrs. Gourd?
Mrs. Gourd is a true story—all of it! I created the Mrs. Gourd character on the spot (or “Johnny-
on-the-spot,” as she might say) during an especially chaotic bedtime. At the time, my daughter
was six and my twin boys were four. That particular night was exceptionally crazy. We were all
having fun, of course, but sippy cups were flying, dogs were jumping on the bed, and while
everyone was giggling and having a great time, I was feeling completely exasperated. I slipped
into the bathroom for a deep breath and entirely unplanned, slipped into a character I named
“Mrs. Gourd.” Each night after that, she was called on to help with story time and went on to
make bedtime history. So, the “Mrs. Gourd” story from start to finish is exactly what happened
that fateful night she arrived!

What was your writing process like for this book?
Over time, as Mrs. Gourd became a beloved part of our family and was introduced to extended
family and friends, and my husband, encouraged me to write the book.
I actually began by writing and telling the story in my head. As I worked the words around every
which way, I would visualize the illustration that would accompany each page. It took some time,
but I’ll never forget the final breakthrough when the story finally came together.
I was on an airplane headed to Toronto, Ontario, to visit my sister when it happened. As I
thought through the words for each page, I began to laugh and laugh, not even realizing I was
giggling out loud. I quickly jotted down the words and finished the book.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
Weaving a tale that brings joy, sparks imagination, and creates meaningful connections.
Ultimately, Mrs. Gourd helped me, a frazzled mom, find calm in the midst of chaos. That night
could have turned out very differently. By taking a pause, I found something powerful that
brought fun, laughter, and our family together in such a meaningful way. To have my books
inspire those same moments of connection and joy is an honor. And of course, hearing giggles
with the turn of every page is pretty special, too.

What are you working on now?
One night, Mrs. Gourd was on safari and her sister had to fill in. Soon, the world will be
introduced to Ms. Cantaloupe. I can’t wait!

What is your favorite book?
One of my favorite children’s books is 13 Words by Lemony Snicket. One of my daughter’s
preschool teachers told me how much she loved the book when they read it during story time.
Curious, I purchased a copy for us to enjoy at home. I’ll never forget reading it to her for the first time. I was giggling so much that I could barely make it through the story. It was clever, unexpected, and completely delightful. I could instantly see why she loved it so much and I think she was only four years old at the time! That book reminds me of the magic a great children’s story can create, not just for kids, but for the adults reading along, too.

​The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil
Written and Illustrated by Alan J. Hesse
Ages: 8–13 | 61 Pages
Publisher: Alan J. Hesse (2025) | ISBN: 978-9942489579
Publisher’s Book Summary: Adventure. Comedy. Climate change. A race across Brazil that could change everything. When Captain Polo, the world’s most determined polar bear, continues his journey south from the open-ended mid-Atlantic finale of Pole to Pole, Antarctica finally seems within reach—until ruthless oil tycoon Tex Greedyman sets a dangerous plan in motion to exploit the Amazon. Polo and his ever-practical sidekick Penguin are pulled into a race against destruction that sweeps them across one of the most dynamic countries on Earth—from shark-filled waters and electric-eel rivers to burning forests and vast southern ranchlands. Blending humor, high-stakes adventure, and real environmental science, Polo in Brazil brings big global challenges—deforestation, fossil fuels, Indigenous rights, and climate action—to life in a vivid, page-turning story.
Themes: Climate change & the environment • Deforestation & the Amazon • Indigenous rights • Fossil fuels & clean energy • Geography of Brazil • Conservation & climate action

​Why is writing about climate change important to you?
As a conservation biologist I am already deeply invested in nature conservation and
environmental issues that include climate change. From my perspective living and traveling
mostly in the Global South I know that global warming already impacts daily life, from
extreme weather to forced human migration to rising costs and constant public discussion,
a lot of which is often miscommunicated. Children are growing up with this reality, often
alongside confusion and misinformation, so helping them understand what climate change
means and what can be done about it feels essential. Young people are inheriting this
future, and they also have the power to influence others and shape tomorrow’s decisions.

What was your writing process for a story that continues over several books?
My writing process throughout the series is centered on reaching that sweet spot between
non-fiction educational and technical content, and fiction storytelling loaded with road trip
adventure, colorful characters, and humor. This combination is designed to make learning
about climate change, the natural environment, geography, social issues and different
cultures fun and easy. Having the story and characters develop over several books gives me
space to cover a lot of technical content in a way that isn’t too intense, weaving it into an
entertaining fiction plot.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
The fact that I am free to explore deeply technical, often tough and very real subjects using
fiction loaded with crazy humor and adventure. This is reflected in both dialogues and
illustrations, and I find this creative freedom very liberating.

What are you working on now?
Promoting ‘Polo in Brazil’! It took me about three years to research, write, illustrate, edit
and publish this book and it’s also up to me to give it the visibility it deserves. At some
point however, I know I will once again feel the creative itch to start planning Book 6, the
sequel to Polo in Brazil and the third book in this second trilogy. That book will probably be
called ‘Antarctica’, and it will see Polo and Penguin finally reach Penguin’s home. I will
probably continue the series to explore other parts of the world Polo has not been to yet.
Every location has a story to tell.

What is your favorite book?
My current favorite is ‘Polo in Brazil.’ From a storytelling perspective I consider it to be my best
work so far, because for the first time I really invested in further developing new characters
such as Tex Greedyman and Connor O’Connor. I also learn new illustration techniques with
every new book I work on, and I experimented along those lines quite a lot in this book, to what
I think is to good effect.

​Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Written by Jill Rosen
Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr
Ages: 4–6 | 36 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books Inc. (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-6-2
Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who has stared down a “You must be this tall to enter” sign will cheer on Phoebe’s latest quest to rule the BIG dog park the way only a pug can. Giggle along as a couple of compact canines stubbornly take on the BIG dogs in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure from the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug books. Will our favorite gassy pug learn that the grass isn’t always greener? Or will her pug-powered determination pay off? A laugh-out-loud, adorably illustrated, rhyming tale of pup perseverance, perfect for children ages 2–8 and dog lovers of all ages.

You do not have to be a dog lover to enjoy this book. You just need to have been told you were too little to join in. 
​​

​Where did you get the inspiration for Rescue Clickity Clack?
The inspiration came from performing the Heimlich Maneuver on my sister, on my
birthday, a day after my Dad died. It really got me thinking how grateful I was to be
there. This rescue was one of many that I have performed. I felt somehow, I was either
supposed to talk about this, or I have some kind of message to give and then an image
of a tiny crab entered my mind. It was about the decision to do something. It also was
about the message that the person who calls out for help for someone else in trouble is
valuable. Alerting someone is an action just like taking the specific actions to rescue that
person. This is why I ask the reader “Can you help?” on the first page. The decision to
ACT is where the chain of cause-and-effect events start. An interactive picture book was
the perfect vehicle to emphasize this.

What was your writing process like for this book?
It was a little different because the reader needed a reason to turn the page and take
some action that made sense to move the story/reader along. I made a list of some
action words that I wanted to incorporate. I also thought about the action of the waves
to emphasize or simulate the seas movement. Then came the rhyme which was a real
challenge! After many, many rewrites, in working with rhyme I finally reached out to
the Rhyme Doctors(www.rhymedoctors.com) and worked with Eileen who was so
positive, helpful and patient! Believe me there were numerous drafts and stanzas that
needed a lot of help!

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I love writing and working with all different kinds of characters! Every character has a
unique problem, they have favorite words they like to use and/or certain speech
patterns, the way they look and the unique way they end up solving their problem that
creates that satisfying ending. Characters hold the key to my stories and my JOY!

What are you working on now?
I have several picture book manuscripts that are character driven plus a couple of
nature driven manuscripts. These picture books range in ages from 1-8 years old.

What is your favorite book?
There are so many picture books that I love. These three are my favorites—Waiting for
Wings by Lois Ehlert, Florette by Anna Walker and Leo, the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus.

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Lorena M. Proia. All opinions are my own.

How to Be Best in Class
Written and Illustrated by Lorena M. Proia
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Self Published D.B.A. PnM Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9885730-1-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Obedience class is hard. Especially if you don’t do things like the other dogs do. Phebe’s flair for drama isn’t appreciated by her classmates, and when Rae says, “Come!” she stays. When she says “Stay!” she comes.

Seeing the world a little differently than everyone else makes it easy to be misunderstood. Rae wants Phebe to fall into line, but Phebe can’t help but be herself.

Will Phebe ever learn to be a perfect pup?

​Where did you get the inspiration for How to Be Best in Class?
My inspiration was twofold. It always begins with my memories of the real Phebe, who
continues to be the spark behind so much of my creative work. I wanted to use the very funny and disastrous experiences from our obedience classes and blend them with my own lifelong experiences of feeling different. I often thought, I wish I’d known as a kid that I wasn’t broken.
I didn’t learn I had inattentive ADHD until I was in my mid-40s. For most of my life, I couldn’t
understand why everyday “simple” things felt impossible, yet I could look at a complex software
problem and immediately see how to fix it. After my diagnosis, I realized that this brain of mine brought unique gifts that allowed me to excel in ways I hadn’t always recognized.

What was your writing process like for this book?
My process is fairly consistent from book to book. I start with the story itself. Once it’s working,
I map out the pacing with boxes for each page and—wait for it—stick figures. This helps me get
the images out of my head quickly without spending time on finished sketches. From there, I
bring my storyboards to my editor, and we work together until the story feels solid. Once the story is set, I sketch everything out and then collaborate with a wonderful art director to bring it to life. Together we refine the images, and the story continues to evolve slightly as the visuals take shape.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part is sharing stories inspired by my dog Phebe. She was an incredibly smart, and
sometimes challenging, first dog. Knowing that children, and hopefully adults too, can laugh at
the antics that once made me laugh means she continues to live on through my stories.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’ve been drawing nonstop to build awareness for my Kickstarter campaign. I’ve
been creating short reels for Instagram and Facebook, and I’m genuinely having fun with the
process. Most recently, I’ve been drawing Rae and Phebe in WWII-reminiscent recruitment posters. It’s a playful homage to those iconic images and a joyful exercise in wordplay and visual metaphor.

What is your favorite book?
It’s hard to choose a single favorite. One adult book that has stayed with me is As I Lay Dying by
William Faulkner. I read it in college, and it was the first time I encountered writing that
mirrored how my own thoughts worked. Always jumping, circling back, starting and stopping
abruptly. I loved it, even though much of the class didn’t. Looking back, I understand why I felt
like such an outlier. Maybe Faulkner had ADHD?

When it comes to children’s books, the stories that stayed with me were the ones I identified with
most. Lorenzo the Fish by Bernard Waber was one of them. I was always daydreaming while the
rest of my “school” swam along. Plus my dad used to call me Lorenzo, which made it even more
special. I also loved pouring over Richard Scarry books, discovering all the tiny stories tucked into his bustling cities. But if I had to choose an all-time favorite, it would be Winnie-the-Pooh. Those stories spoke to the soft, sensitive child I was. Their gentle wisdom and warmth have stayed with me ever since.

Back this book on Kickstarter to help reach its funding goal AND enter our giveaway for the chance to win an extra-special bundle featuring a signed copy of the first book in this delightful series, How to Make a Sandwich, a matching set of Phebe-n-Me T-shirts (one child size and one adult size), and a gorgeous collection of 12 blank note cards with Phebe-n-Me designs.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and T.E. Milburn​. All opinions are my own.

Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy
Written by T.E. Milburn
Illustrated by Ayşe Yıldırım
Ages: 7-12 | 403 Pages
Publisher:  T.E. Milburn (2025) | ISBN: 979-8991011488

Publisher’s Book Summary: Celebrate the wonder of the holiday season with Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy. Discover the heartwarming adventures of this highly rated series, now available in one beautifully illustrated edition.

Calling All Heroes! A dark shadow looms over the North Pole, and we need brave readers like you to help us protect Christmas!

Hi, we’re Noah and Alex James, and we’re excited to take you on this incredible journey. Here’s what we’ve uncovered so far:

• Our adventures began with Santa’s mysterious capture, and we’re on a quest to discover the mastermind behind this wicked scheme.
• Strange occurrences continue to shake the North Pole, but our determination to uncover the truth only grows stronger!
• People are calling us the “Sons of the Crystal,” hinting at an extraordinary destiny we are still trying to understand.
• The magic of Christmas is in grave danger, and it’s up to us to protect it at all costs!

We have received incredible support from amazing allies along the way— including super-chill yetis, quirky gnomes, talking animals, and other fantastical creatures. However, we still need your help to solve the mystery of who is attacking Christmas and why!

Are you ready to dive into this magical adventure and join us in saving Christmas? If so, open your book and let’s go!

Where did you get the inspiration for Magic in the Mountains?
On the surface, Magic in the Mountains was inspired by a creative writing
lesson I had with my sons. We brainstormed some story ideas, and I found the
process so enjoyable that I decided to develop the first book in the series. On
a deeper level, though, I would say that Narnia significantly influenced my
writing. The Chronicles of Narnia were the first books that truly transported me
to another world, and the idea of children becoming heroes captivated me.
These stories shaped my love of reading, but it wasn’t until we recently
listened to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe during a road trip that I
realized just how much Narnia had impacted my writing. I hadn’t read the
books since childhood, but the influence was undeniable.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I wish I could say I have a structured writing process, but I’m currently a busy
homeschooling mom who fits in writing whenever I can. For instance, I often
find myself writing or editing in my car while my boys attend a class. I actually
get a lot of writing done in the summer when we’re not in school. I can’t tell
you how much work I got done this summer at our local Urban Air or at the
neighborhood pool. With that said, I don’t typically make time for outlines or
brainstorming. I prefer to let my thoughts flow when I finally sit down to write,
and I’m often surprised by how things turn out.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
What I love most about writing for children is interacting with them after
they've read my stories. It brings me so much joy to hear a child say they
enjoyed something I've written. During a recent school visit, one enthusiastic
second grader couldn't stop chatting about one of my books. The teacher kept
trying to gently pull her away, but I enjoyed her enthusiasm for reading so
much that I could have talked to her all day long.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the next book in the Nessa Knightly and the
Gnomes chapter book series. I refer to these books as “STEM-sprinkled
adventures” because they blend science with fun and exciting stories. I have
started two different projects: one focuses on states of matter, while the other
explores animal classification.

What is your favorite book?
I don’t have a favorite book, but the last one I couldn’t put down was Kristin
Hannah’s The Great Alone. I’m currently trying to read through the New York
Time’s 100 Best Books of the 21 st Century list (for reference, I’m only 3 in).
This has been really fun as it is making me read genres I usually wouldn’t choose.

Enter for a chance to win one of five signed paperback copies of Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy! One grand-prize winner will score a signed hardcover, a cuddly Arnan the polar bear plush, a mini crystal necklace, a holiday hot-cocoa mug with a hot chocolate bomb, and a special bookmark.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jill Rosen. All opinions are my own.

Ode to a Pug: NOT the VET!
Written by Jill Rosen
Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr
Ages: 4-6 | 21 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-0-0

Publisher’s Book Summary: Do you ever get the feeling that something terrible is about to happen? Where the panic takes over, your eyes widen and you just need to zoom?  Well, today is that day for our beloved pug Phoebe as she faces her biggest fear yet – THE VET!
Laugh along to another silly, heartfelt and sweetly illustrated story from the author of the award-winning “Ode to a Pug”.

Pugs aren’t really scared of much (except vacuums, tinfoil, bells, any loud noise…), but there is one place that causes our comical canine to cower – the DREADED VET’S OFFICE! 
Join on an epic journey of courage for a little pug with a big heart and a belly full of gas. An amusing rhyming story ideal for children ages 2-8 and dog lovers of all ages. ​

Where did you get the inspiration for Ode to a Pug?
Just over four years ago a little, wrinkly ball of kisses and gas entered our lives. We named her
Phoebe and fell in love instantly. Now, perhaps we should have known she was part gremlin
when we first saw her with her littermates. She was the only one off tearing apart a shoelace
while the others were sleeping or playing sweetly with each other. Although that wouldn’t have
stopped us from falling under her spell! As soon as she came home, our house entered a state
of chaos that one might expect if a velociraptor suddenly appeared on your couch.
On one hectic day I came home to get ready for an event and found Phoebe happily chewing on
the only shoes I owned that matched the only dress I had for the evening. I looked into her wide,
innocent puppy eyes, shoe dripping and dangling from her mouth, and said, “Phoebe! That's it!
You’re going back!” I didn't mean it, of course. It was just one of those sarcastic lines you throw
out there when you are in a state of pug frazzlement. What I didn't know was that my youngest
son overheard me and the next morning asked, “Mommy, are you really going to give Phoebe
away?” I felt absolutely terrible. But that's when I had the idea of “Ode to a Pug. “ I wanted to
reassure children that sometimes, when both kids and parents are frustrated, we say things we
don't mean. We might get upset or exasperated from time to time with family or friends, but the
love never changes. So I wrote my ode to our perfectly imperfect pug Phoebe.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I follow a similar process for all my books. They usually start with an actual life experience and
inspirational moment that sparks an emotion. For NOT the VET, it was a particularly anxious vet
visit with a shivering Phoebe that got my mind going. Seeing Phoebe stressed reminded me of
when I took my sons to the doctor when they were little. My eldest was particularly terrified of
needles. A story about fear started brewing in my mind. Usually there are also some key rhyming lines or verses that pop in to my head, and I scribble them down in the center of a big board. I then start to jot down scenes that could surround the key climactic event I'm envisioning. Once I have a bunch of vignettes, I organize them into a time sequence or storyline. I then begin writing page copy and playing with and perfecting the humor, words and rhymes. This stage is the longest part of my process.
This is also when I bring Steph, my illustrator partner, into the development process and we
work together to amp up the laughs, drama, and heart of the story by perfecting the combination
of text and illustrations. Then the story really starts to come to life! Seeing Steph's first sketches
is always one of the most exciting and fun parts of the journey. I also have an amazing editor
who has worked with us on all the “Ode to a Pug” books. She truly understands our style and
vision for the series and always ensures the final output is of the highest quality.
I have to say, a pug in your life is just an endless supply of lovable and laughable moments that
inspire all sorts of funny stories for children and dog lovers of all ages, so the ideas never stop
coming! Thank you, Phoebe!!

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My absolute favorite part is making children laugh and find joy in reading. I also love creating
stories children can connect with and use to discuss how to manage strong emotions that they
may have. Kids, like pugs, are bursting with thoughts and feelings they often cannot control.
With my books, I hope to give young readers a humorous escape that makes them feel good
about themselves and know that, like Phoebe, they can handle whatever life throws at them!

What are you working on now?
I am excited to share that “Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog!” will be releasing this spring! Phoebe
and a little friend from “NOT the VET!” (minus the worms) will be out to prove they can hang
with the BIG dogs. It is sure to be a hit with any child who has stared down a “You must be this
tall to enter” sign!

What is your favorite book?
I am a big fan of “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson. I would read this book over and over again
with my boys until they were able to read it to me.
Personally, I love everything by Dean Koontz. I always pick up one of his books every time I hop
on a plane and read it from take off to landing. I'm a sucker for a good sci-fi thriller.

Enter for a chance to win one of 10 hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: NOT the VET! One grand prize winner will receive all three titles in the Ode to a Pug series, signed by author Jill Rosen, plus three custom pug plushies!
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Melanie Moore​. All opinions are my own.

Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie’s Cafe
Written by Melanie Moore
Illustrated by Juan Diaz
Ages: 3-8 | 40 Pages
Publisher:  Mascot Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891385351

Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Allie! She loves helping her friends any way she can. She is always on the lookout for new ways to make a difference.

In this first book about her adventures, Allie helps Chef Cherie with her restaurant.
Will you come along with Allie and Chef Cherie?

Where did you get the inspiration for Adventures with Allie and Friends?
I’ve been an educator for nearly 20 years and have often been asked by various
teachers to write small social stories and plan activities for their students. I realized I
had a passion for using creativity to support both teachers and students. It was these
teachers and students who helped me discover my passion for writing and creativity.

What was your writing process like for this book?
Something I think that gets misconstrued is that the writing process is a one-person show. The
writing process involves a team of people bringing ideas to the table in order to make a book
happen! I know I couldn’t have done it without the great team at Mascot Books!

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part is visualizing what the characters and settings look like and making them come
to life on the page.

What are you working on now?
I am working on ideas for my second book in this series.
​
What is your favorite book?
My favorite children’s books are The Berenstein Bears and The Baby-Sitters Club book series.

Enter for the chance to win one of 10 hardcover copies of Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie’s Cafe by Melanie Moore!
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jennifer Ussi. All opinions are my own.

The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: Book 1: The Pangolins
Written by Jennifer Ussi
Illustrated by Lekshmi Bose
Ages: 6-10 | 56 Pages
Publisher: Little Boola Books (2024) | ISBN: 978-1-923356-01-6

Publisher’s Book Summary: Book 1 in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa introduces Casper, a curious, city-smart cat who suddenly finds herself lost in the wild African bush, far from everything she’s ever known.
Terrified of the bugs, the dark, and the strange sounds all around her, Casper is sure the wilderness is no place for a little cat like her until she meets a shy, scale-covered creature called a pangolin. As she learns to see the world through new eyes, Casper discovers the power of trust, the meaning of courage, and why protecting vulnerable creatures like pangolins matters more than she ever imagined.

Perfect for readers ages 5–10, The Pangolins is a beautifully illustrated chapter book filled with:

• A fun, heartwarming animal adventure
• Gentle themes of friendship, bravery, and conservation
• Fascinating facts about pangolins woven into the story

Written by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Ussi and illustrated by Lekshmi Bose, this 5,000-word debut in the Casper series brings the magic of African wildlife to life while inspiring young readers to be curious, compassionate, and kind.

Where did you get the inspiration for The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat
Who Got Lost in Africa?
The inspiration actually came from a conversation with my husband. We were traveling around
Africa in our campervan and had spent a few hours watching wildlife at a waterhole in Namibia.
It’s such a spectacular sight — all these different species gathered together, some wary, some
bold, some darting in for a quick drink and disappearing again. Mark thought it would make a
great book or film — the comings and goings at a waterhole — but I wasn’t entirely convinced.
Ensemble pieces are hard to write, and I’ve never thought I was very good at them.
Around the same time, I read about a cat in America that had gotten lost and walked over 300
miles to get home. I found myself wondering whether that cat might’ve asked other animals for
directions along the way. I’ve always loved cats, and during Covid in Australia we had a little
rescue — a tiny black cat with a white patch, my absolute soulmate. We called her Little Boo
because she stayed small and sweet. Casper was really based on her — a brave, wise old soul in
a little body, full of sass and just a touch of anxiety.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I find writing hard and easy, and each book is a little different. For The Pangolins – the
very first book – it just came out naturally, Casper became alive on the page, for me,
within minutes. Probably because I had Little Boo so real in my head that I just
channeled her, gave her a voice and all the awesome things I know she would do if it
was her lost in the bush. I wrote the first draft over a few days, and then, under the
guidance of my husband, my very first reader, and my nieces and nephews, I added a
few more characters and refined it a little before moving on to the second book, The
Elephants.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I think my favorite part about writing these books for kids is that I know that they are
learning about these amazing animals, and the more they know, the more chance the
world has at long term conservation. I love to hear feedback from kids (many times
teachers send me letters from the kids in their classrooms) about which
animal/character they loved most, and how much they learned and how much more
they want to learn. This, without doubt, is the absolute best part of writing!

What are you working on now?
I’m still writing the Casper series — I’m on the last book in the Africa collection, Book
10. It’s about a honey badger named Solo, who’s been chosen by the Animal
Committee to escort Casper on the final stretch of her journey home. Their adventure’s
a bit chaotic — honey badgers might have a sweet name, but they’re completely
fearless and just a little unhinged. Together they make quite a team: Casper teaching
Solo some city sense, and Solo teaching her bush smarts. And at last, Casper makes it
home to a very emotional welcome from all the neighborhood animals, her brother
Goulash the dog, and of course, her mum and dad.

But of course, Casper’s adventures don’t end there — her mum and dad are moving to
South America next. Would she really get lost again? Surely she wouldn’t get lost in a
jungle… right?

What is your favorite book?
This is always one of the hardest questions to answer, and I bet it’s the same for
everyone — there are just so many fantastic books. When it comes to children’s stories,
I always go back to Roald Dahl. Such classics, so diverse, and such lovely stories.
What I love is that they never talk down to children; they just invite them in and trust
them to understand. For adult books, I’d probably say my all-time favorite is Lonesome
Dove by Larry McMurtry. That book made me cry, laugh out loud, and honestly, I almost
went into mourning when I finished it. I just loved being in that world.

Enter for the chance to win one of 10 paperback copies of The Pangolins, the first book in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa. One grand prize winner will also receive a complete paperback set of the first four books in the series, perfect for young animal-lovers and chapter-book readers.
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