This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jeanne Walker Harvey. All opinions are my own.

The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei
Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrated by Khoa Le
Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Atheneum / Simon & Schuster (2025) | ISBN: 978-1665953337
Publisher’s Book Summary: In 1981, I. M. Pei was on a mission. A successful architect known for his modern designs, Pei was asked by the French president to redesign the Louvre Museum in Paris, home to the Mona Lisa and now famous for the glass pyramid at its center. At the time, the Louvre had many problems and no pyramid.
Pei faced many obstacles, including discrimination because he was Chinese American. Determined to succeed and make the Louvre a welcome place for all, Pei worked hard—and sometimes in secret. This is the story of a visionary who worked patiently and persistently to solve problems and achieve his goals: to plant and grow a glass pyramid.

Jeanne Walker Harvey studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She is the award-winning author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Else B. in the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Sea, Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, and The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei. Jeanne lives in Northern California.

Khoa Le lives in Vietnam and graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. She has dedicated most of her professional life to working in publishing, illustrating numerous books that have been published in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Currently, she works and lives with her cats.

Themes: architecture, real-life story, persistence, overcoming discrimination
How does a Chinese American modern architect create one of the most iconic symbols of French art? The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei, is a biographical picture book that beautifully answers this question. Asked by the President of France to redesign the iconic Louvre, I.M. knew he would have many obstacles to overcome. However, he was used to dealing with discrimination and doubt. Drawing on his Chinese heritage, he persisted in creating a structure that was beautiful and welcoming to all.

This picture book is easy to read and wonderfully weaves I.M.'s life into a story. The reader learns about all phases of his life and career. Additional biographical information is also included at the end of the book. This book makes the perfect read-aloud and is enhanced by Khoa Le's amazing illustrations. The Glass Pyramid is a lovely way to tell an inspiring story of patience and persistence to children everywhere!

Enter for a chance to win: Three winners will receive signed copies of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei, plus a Louvre tote bag. One grand prize winner will receive a tote bag and a class set of 30 books. Enter below!
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This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Riverlet Press. All opinions are my own.

Words
​Written by Katherine Davis-Gibbon
Illustrated by Anne Berry
Ages: 4-6 | 36 Pages
Publisher: Riverlet Press (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-737957690
Publisher’s Book Summary: A multicultural group of children discovers a park where everyone’s words come to life, looking and behaving a lot like kids. Some words are kinder and more inviting, while others are pushy or prickly or odd. Not every word makes the best first impression, but as they play and share adventures, the children connect more deeply with language. They learn that words have superpowers and grow to love them for their quirks. They see that words make excellent friends, who magically appear just as they’re needed and perfectly mirror how kids feel. The more these children bond with language, the more they tap into their inner voice— and as they dare to give it expression, they gain more respect for the power of words.

Where did you get the inspiration for Words?
As much as I love the people around me, I think of words as my very best friends. They are my
closest confidants, whom I can tell anything, and my staunchest allies, no matter what. They are
also, as it happens, incredible teachers. If I’m on the wrong track or feeling conflicted, I can
count on words to orient me towards a clearer understanding.

I wrote Words to share this message with kids. Not every child will become a writer—many will
focus on other interests and pursue other talents—but the simple act of connecting with
language is beneficial to everyone. Words foster friendship and help us solve problems. They
deepen our capacity for empathy and give us the gift of healthy self-talk. And they are not
something we need to manufacture or force or go out and get; words are already here, alive
inside us. All we need to do is pay attention.

What was the writing process like for this book?
The first draft gushed out of me during the early days of the 2020 pandemic. I was spending all
my time with my 8-year-old and 3-year-old, trying to homeschool one and entertain the other,
so there were a few dark months when I had very little adult companionship. Writing, which I
only did in the wee hours of the morning, was primarily where I went for attunement. It was a
lonely, demanding, stressful time, but it profoundly deepened my love of language.

That first draft captured Words’ arc of thought, but there were gaps to bridge and holes to fill. I
set it down for a year or more; then came back to it at a time when I had more perspective and
access to joy. That helped me play up the humor in the book, which is always important when
writing for children. At that point, the writing was basically done, but I had this rather ambitious
idea about creating a cast of word-characters that would straddle the line between text and
illustration. Developing them took an additional eighteen months.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
Broadening my imagination while simplifying my language is a very fun challenge! I also love
the idea that something I create—a line of text or an image that an illustrator and I dream up
together—might make a child laugh or help them someday through a difficult moment. I hope
that the messages of Words and My Old Friend, Then will be memorable, entertaining, and
useful for children.

What are you working on right now?
Discussing Words with caregivers, teachers, and therapists has raised all sorts of interesting
questions about the unique challenges Generation Alpha faces in finding their voice and
learning to trust it. I’ve been researching the underlying causes of this and reflecting on what
we, as caregivers, can do to help kids cultivate a more positive, nurturing relationship with
language. How are our politics and the way we discuss them filtering down to the youngest
kids? How are children coping post-pandemic? And in this era of texting and tweeting, how do
we model that words are sacred? This is such a rich topic that I have briefly pressed pause on
my next children’s project (a picture book about resilience) to create a series of articles and
resources specifically for caregivers: parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians. If you’re
interested in checking it out, go to my website, www.riverletpress.com, and click the resources
tab. Email me through the contact tab if you’d like to connect. I’d love to hear from other
caregivers or collaborate with librarians on children’s programming.

What is your favorite book?
That is a tricky question for a writer to answer! There are so many books I love and admire.
Annie Dillard is probably my favorite writer, primarily for her creative nonfiction. The essays in
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and Teaching a Stone to Talk are among the finest pieces of writing I’ve
ever read.

When it comes to children’s literature, I would have to go with The Velveteen Rabbit, by
Margery Williams, or Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White. For very young children, I adore Mother Goose; Goodnight, Moon and The Runaway Bunny, by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd; and anything and everything by Richard Scarry.

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Words, signed by Katherine Davis-Gibbon. The grand prize winner will also take home a $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Don’t miss out on your chance to win!

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

Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Written by T.J. Scripps
Cover Illustrated by Forrest Curtis
Chapters Illustrated by Dane Doubell
Ages: 8+ | 202 Pages
Publisher: Skybok Press | ISBN: 979-8991217477
Publisher’s Book Summary: Ruby, a regular 10-year-old girl with fiery red hair and wild green eyes, has her life turned upside down when her grandmother gives her a magical dreamcatcher. One night, it transports her to the dazzling planet of Starland, where she discovers The Aura Embassy, a magnificent glass castle floating in space. There, she meets alien kids and Royal Light Beings, who welcome her as one of their own. Excited to unravel Starland’s mysteries and connect them to her own world, Ruby faces danger as sinister Dark Beings threaten to extinguish all light, both on Starland and Earth. With thrilling challenges ahead, Ruby must maintain her disguise, uncover secrets, and stop the dark forces before it’s lights out forever. Join Ruby on her daring quest to save the world’s light!

T.J. Scripps is an author and storyteller passionate about inspiring the next generation through magic, adventure, and meaningful life lessons. With a background in Journalism and Film Production from the University of Cape Town and further training at the New York Film Academy, T.J. has spent the past decade developing content through her production company, Skybok, bringing stories of people, events, and businesses to life.
As a proud UCT graduate and South African at heart, T.J. promotes the spirit of promise and strength to those younger people who are facing worry and struggles. She undertakes to give light so they can believe in their own ability. Every young reader will enjoy interpreting natural symbols as they go about their life. The overall message of this book is to be excited about life and its beauty. For more information visit glow-in-the-dark.com.

​Where did you get the inspiration?
The inspiration for Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light came during the quiet days of
COVID, when I found myself walking along the Ann and Roy Hike and Bike Trail in
Austin. Nature seemed to speak a little louder then—birds perched just so, flowers
blooming in unexpected places, ripples on the lake catching the light just right. These
small, beautiful signs stood out to me, almost like nature itself was trying to
communicate. It was in those moments, surrounded by the magic of simple things, that
the idea for Ruby’s story and the signs from the universe began to grow.

What was your writing process like for this book?
My writing process is rooted in the places I have journeyed through, which have always
been wild and magnificent—the oceanside of South Africa, the mountains of Lesotho,
and the great Lake Malawi that borders Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. The great
outdoors has always been so impactful to me. This past Christmas along the River
Danube, I seemed to reach a crescendo with the concept of Glow in the Dark. The
winding paths of Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Nuremberg, with their castles
capped in snow and steeped in old superstitions and folklore, inspired me in a profound
way. These places seemed to whisper stories of signs and symbols, which became the
essence of The Aura Embassy. I wanted to show that simple signs in nature—a bird's
flight, a curious cloud—could be a way for us to feel connected, a reminder that
something—or someone—was out there helping us mere humans do better.

What's your favorite part about writing for kids?
My favorite part about writing stories for kids is the look in their eyes when they believe
in something. Children have such a natural wonder about the universe, and they believe
in possibilities that adults sometimes forget. When I write for kids, I get to tap into that
wonder—I get to create worlds where anything can happen, where a small sign in
nature can mean something incredible is about to unfold. I also realize the far-reaching
impact a concept or story can have on the next generation, and that's very important to
me. I want to seed them with ideas that will help them handle trauma as they grow up,
developing mental health strategies at a young age so they don't turn to darker coping
mechanisms as they get older. It's about creating a sense of adventure and hope and
knowing that this series will light up their way of looking at life and help them handle
challenges in a positive way moving forward is very rewarding.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the next book in this series. It's called Glow in the Dark: Aura
Girl - The Shadow War and the Fractured Signs. It's an exciting continuation of Ruby's
journey, filled with new challenges, mysterious signs, and the ongoing battle against the
darkness that threatens to dim the light. I can't wait to share more about it soon!

What is your favorite book?
My favorite book became that recently—The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly
Barnhill. It's such a beautifully written story, full of magic, wonder, and deep emotion. I
love how it weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of hope in a way
that feels both timeless and incredibly moving. The characters are richly developed, and
the world Barnhill creates is one you can get lost in.

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed paperback of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light! Imagine the thrill of being the one lucky winner who will receive a signed hard copy, a Montessori Toy Interactive Constellation card pack, a Scratch & Play Scripps National Spelling Bee activity book, and the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2025 “Words of the Champions”!
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This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Ryan Cowan. All opinions are my own.

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal
Written by Ryan Cowan
Illustrated by Halo Rife
Ages: 9-12 | 252 Pages
Publisher: For the Northern Star Publishing (2022) | ISBN-13: 9788351181905
Publisher’s Book Summary: Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isn’t like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone—and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, it’s up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time?

Ryan Cowan works as an educator in Los Angeles. He received his Master of Education in Urban Teaching degree (EdM) from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. For more information see https://www.instagram.com/sloanmoonbeam/

Where did you get the inspiration for Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal?
Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal was inspired by several things: my love of
Halloween, my career as a teacher, and the popular 80s cartoon, He-Man and the
Masters of the Universe. I wanted to write a story with magic and mystery that also
taught valuable lessons to kids because that’s what the He-Man cartoons did for me
when I was a kid.

What was your writing process like for this book?
It is very hard for me to remember the writing process for Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal because it happened in spurts. I started writing the book during the summer of 2011, and I remember that there was no plan for the book. In other words, the story just came out of nowhere – including the characters. I would sit each weekend and write a chapter and out of nowhere I’d
think of a character. I remember creating the ghost Ginny and being very pleased –
crediting it to good luck. Then, around 2013-14, I got writer’s block. Frustrated, I
stopped writing and resume the story until summer of 2017. I used graphic organizers
to construct the last 25% of the book and began writing again. Within a year, the book
was finished, and I was pleased with the ending. I felt a sense of accomplishment that I
had never felt before. Writing a book is a hard journey but worth the effort!

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
When someone tells me they loved my story, I’m on cloud nine. I also love seeing it hit #1 on Amazon!

What are you working on now?
I have finished the sequel, Mr. Moonbeam and the Legends of Moonstone. Currently, I’m editing the sequel and soon I’ll send it off to a professional editor. Then, it will go through illustration, design, and finally publishing!

What is your favorite book?
I think Gone with the Wind is a descriptive masterpiece and The Alchemist is full of wisdom. Those books have inspired me greatly. Charlotte’s Web is my favorite children’s book. I try to read as much as I can!

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal and an exclusive, limited-edition themed T-shirt!
​

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

Sylvia Locke’s Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother
Written by David Horn
Illustrated by Judit Tondora
Ages: 6-10 | 96 Pages
Publisher: David Horn | ISBN: 979-8-9885430-3-9
Publisher’s Book Summary: Fairytale Land’s baddest girl is about to head to a prince’s ball. A modern, twisted retelling of Cinderella. Once upon a time in Fairytale Land, there lived Sylvia Locke—the baddest girl around. So bad that her grandparents have shipped her off to live with her uptight Aunt Marjorie and two goody-two-shoes step-cousins. When an invitation to the prince’s ball arrives, Sylvia is determined to attend at any cost, even if it means enlisting the help of an evil fairy godmother (against Fairytale Land laws, but has that ever stopped her?). Along this chaotic quest, Sylvia stumbles into some unexpectedly imperfect friends. But will she also learn to appreciate those who truly care for her?
The second book in the Tairy Fails series of modern, twisted retelling that puts a hilarious, rebellious, new spin on the classic fairy tales. Perfect for elementary school kids and early chapter book readers.

David Horn lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters, and a funny dog named Trixie. He is the author of the popular Eudora Space Kid early reader humorous sci-fi chapter book series. He enjoys making kids laugh.
Learn more at https://www.eudoraspacekid.com/.

Where did you get the inspiration for Sylvia Locke's Cinderella and the Evil
Fairy Godmother?
Sylvia Locke started out as stories I told my kids when they were at chapter book age
during dinner or on dog walks. I started with Eudora Space Kid stories, my first series,
but then they asked for a fairy tale, and I couldn’t just use Eudora, so I told a story about
what happened after Goldilocks and the Bears had set all these traps for the next
intruder which ended up as the first Sylvia book, Sylvia Locke and the Three Bears.
Sylvia Locke ended up being even more poorly behaved than Goldilocks!
And then my kids wanted to hear more about Sylvia Locke. So, in the next story I told
them, it just factually made sense that after breaking into a neighbor’s house her
grandparents would send her away to live with other family who could actually watch
over her, and it just became Sylvia Locke's Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother.
I still tell my kids stories sometimes, and they’ve even heard ridiculous crossovers of
Eudora and Sylvia.

What was your writing process for this book?
Because all my stories start as improv oral storytelling, I have a rough outline before I
start writing. Then I have to start fleshing out a couple of paragraphs into a chapter
book. So, then I have to start fleshing out some more ideas. Like, in the original told
story, Sylvia’s step cousins or even the neighbor/narrator guy didn’t have as big a part,
but I sort of have some more fun with them during the writing process.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part is making kids laugh and hopefully getting them to love reading. Getting
hooked at an early age is so important.

What are you working on now?
I’m actually working on a few young adult novels that I wanted to try. They should be out
first half of 2024. And then there are some more Sylvia and Eudora books in the works
as well!

What is your favorite book?
I was recently reminded of the “One Saturday” series by Barbara Baker and re-read
them recently and I think this is such an amazing early chapter book series (One
Saturday Morning, One Saturday Afternoon, and One Saturday Evening). They are so
funny and poignant for kids and adults alike.​

Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of Sylvia Locke’s Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother and a $25 Amazon gift card!
​

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

The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts
Written by Erika Lewis

A 2023 Teacher Favorites Winner (6th-8th Grade) for the Children's Book Council
Brimming with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis's Kelcie Murphy and The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her destiny will lie.

The Otherworld is at war. The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts trains warriors. And Kelcie Murphy―a foster child raised in the human world―is dying to attend.

A place at AUA means meeting Scáthach, the legendary trainer of Celtic heroes. It means learning to fight with a sword. It means harnessing her hidden powers and―most importantly―finding out who her parents are, and why they abandoned her in Boston Harbor eight years ago.

When Kelcie tests into the school, she learns that she’s a Saiga, one of the most ancient beings in the Otherworld. Secretive, shunned, and possessed of imposing elemental powers, the Saiga are also kin to the Otherworld's most infamous traitor.

But Kelcie is a survivor, and she’ll do whatever it takes to find her parents and her place in their world. Even if that means making a few enemies.

Erika Lewis is the author of the Kelcie Murphy Series from Starscape, The Color of Dragons from HarperTeen, Game of Shadows from Tor Books, Firebrand from Legendary Comics, and more, many of which have been published around the world.
She grew up in Virginia before going off to Tennessee for school. While at Vanderbilt University, studying Math and Theatre, she spent a semester abroad, visiting haunted ruins and magical forests that would forever spark her imagination and leave behind an insatiable need to travel.
An internship at CNN led to exciting years working in television, developing scripted and reality shows for various studios and networks. Then, one day, Erika knew it was time for her to write on her own, to build fantastical worlds that stayed with her after every return from a trip, and also to play her part in inspiring the next generation of readers and writers.
For more information, visit erikalewis.com

Where did you get the inspiration for KELCIE MURPHY and the RACE for the
REAPER’S KEY?
The Race for the Reaper’s Key is the third book of the Kelcie Murphy trilogy. The
original inspirational for the series came from a passion for Celtic mythology and a trip
to the isle of Skye, to the real location of the school that was the launching point for The
Academy for the Unbreakable Arts. In the lore, the Irish teaching warrior goddess,
Scáthach taught Ireland’s most formidable heroes how to fight with magical weapons
and extreme martial arts. Her school was called The Fortress of Shadows. The ruins are
called Dunscaith Castle
I visited the Isle of Skye and stood on the Bridge of Leaping (if you’ve read book one or
two then you know what that is.) I knew when I was standing there, waiting for the
bridge to toss me off, that I wanted to recreate Scáthach’s school in the Otherworld. To
create a school that trains soldiers with weapons and martial arts, who possess powers
inspired by Irish mythology. Things like shapeshifting, controlling the elements,
telekinesis, telepathy, etc.
The main story for the Race for the Reaper’s Key specifically involves the big bad villain
from Book One, King Balor, who is also a figure in Irish mythology. The Never-Ending
War is going to end once and for all, either with the complete annihilation of both sides,
and everyone Kelcie loves, or with peace.

What was your writing process for this book?
Step 1: Research! This entire series necessitated a lot of research, which I love.
Of course, I let my imagination travel off the mythological descriptions of
creatures and events from the legendary pasts, but my first step was to discover
whatever I could about the Irish Mythological Cycle.
Step 2: World-Building for the two lands in the Otherworld, the Lands of Summer
and Winter, and the Never-Ending War.
Step 3: Character Development: Who was going to take the reader into the
Otherworld? Somena from the Otherworld or someone who discovers it? In the
end, Kelcie was abandoned in the human world, but originally from the Lands of
Summer, something she discovers early on in Book 1, The Academy for the
Unbreakable Arts.
Step 4: Write the books. That took 5 years.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part of writing for children is when I am on school visits, and I see their excited
faces when I hand them a book. Reading is a gift. Comprehending the words on a page, letting
imagination create the scenes playing out on the page rather than a director telling you what it
should look like, it’s an experience that can only be had through reading. When I see the love and
desire all children have to read, even if they’re struggling learning how, and see the inspiration
from my visit, that’s the best part. I had a hard time learning to read and have some techniques
that can help with that. If I can even get one child diving in for another chance at loving books,
then, to me, I’ve won the lottery.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on something NEW! I can’t believe I get to do that. I’ve been on deadline with
Kelcie for five years. It’s exciting and scary too. My next project is a middle grade fantasy
mystery. Can’t tell you too much, but it’s so much fun. I’m also on sub with a graphic novel
series that got its beginnings from Salem, Massachusetts and the witch trials.

What is your favorite book?
This question is SO hard. I have so many. In the children’s space, I loved J.C. Cervantes fantasy
Storm Runner series. I also loved Janet Fox’s contemporary Carry Me Home. C.S. Lewis’s The
Chronicles of Narnia was a favorite of mine when I was the age I’m writing for now. I love
wandering through lands I’ve never heard of, in both real life and my imagination.

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed hardcover set of all three books in the Kelcie Murphy series, including the final installment: Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper's Key! 
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This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Expound Publicity. All opinions are my own.

A Tall Tale- How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs
Written by Scott Sollers
Illustrated by Alejandro Echavez
Ages 4+ | 38 Pages
Publisher: Stephanie’s Stories (2024)
​ISBN-13: 9781637557730
Publisher’s Book Summary: This is the story of two rival communities living in valleys separated by a ridge. The Have-Alls live in a fertile, beautiful valley with their leader, Chief Somebody, and their prized pets, the Squatz. In the other valley, one more desolate and barren, live the No-Haves and their leader, Chief Nobody.

​Where did you get the inspiration for A Tall Tale?
This and all of my 13 stories were conceived by me from scratch from thinking and visualizing a setting where a group of characters interacted in a way that promoted an interesting story line that presented a conflict or challenge of sorts, a resolution and a successful outcome.

What was your writing process for this book?
I would visualize the story line and tell the story to my daughter at bedtime. She always liked my stories and after telling her the story, I would write an outline of the story so I would remember it and eventually bought a blank hardback book and hand wrote thirteen of them out longhand and did simple illustrations for myself as a keepsake.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
The joy and laughter they promote!

What are you working on now?
I am working with my publisher and marketing consultant to complete various books. Two have been published, a third is in production and the fourth has been edited and the artwork has commenced.

What is your favorite book?
Ever? Probably “Blindside” by Michael Collins. I love all his writing!

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a copy of A Tall Tale: How Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs and a $25 Amazon gift card!
​

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

Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River
Written by Frank Payne
Illustrated by Romney Vasquez
Ages 4+ 40 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781637556733
Publisher’s Book Summary: This is the story of Webster the beagle and his adventures at the Rappahannock River, whose tale of hope will inspire you to never give up on your dreams. Sometimes, we think we’re lost when, really, we’re just hoping to be found.

Frank Payne’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious, so dog breeds such as beagles and Labradors are a perfect fit for him. He is an avid hunter, tennis player, and fan of all things James Madison University. Frank is also active in his community and enjoys exploring new ventures—from owning racehorses to oyster farming.
Frank is vice president and a minority owner of PD Brooks Company Inc., a traffic control company in Richmond, Virginia. He lives in Richmond with his wife, Caren, and their two dogs: Billy, the beagle, and River, the black Labrador retriever. On July 1, 2022, Frank adopted Billy the beagle from Richmond Animal Care Control (RACC). Billy was one of over four thousand beagles rescued from Envigo and adopted across the country. RACC was instrumental in protecting and fostering many of the beagles in Virginia.
For more information, visit https://www.websterthebeagle.com/

Where did you get the inspiration for Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River?
I wanted to carry on the legacy of Webster and since the river is one of my favorite places to be with my wife and dogs, it was the perfect continuation of his story. The river was also a big part of Webster’s life since we spend so much time there and some of our best memories with Webster happened there.

What was your writing process for this book?
I thought about the hobbies I have at the river combined with the interesting wildlife of living on the river and wanted the reader to experience them thru Webster.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I have a chance to think about what I enjoyed reading and how I learned as a child. But mainly having the opportunity for children to experience the love of a dog and the adventures you’ll have through reading about mine with Webster.

What are you working on now?
I do not have any current plans at the time for another book… but I didn’t preplan having a second book when I wrote Webster the Beagle but my wife and I did adopt a beagle puppy, Billy, so you never know!

What is your favorite book?
Green Eggs and Ham, Dr. Seuss

Enter for a chance to win a free signed copy of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River. ​

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

Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin
Written by Leona Cobham
Illustrated by Timothy O’Brien
Ages 7+ | 144 Pages
Publisher: Cobham Wings | ISBN-13: 9781739407032
Publisher’s Book Summary: A group of anthropomorphized airplanes encounter extreme weather while training at a mountain base. The Spitfire and the biplane, Woody, discover a suspicious mining operation. Tom, the F-14, accidentally gives their radio frequency to the antagonists at the mine. A snowstorm causes more problems. Tom makes amends by rescuing an F-117 Nighthawk.
The second story is a comic tale of mistaken identity. Spif feels responsible for the smooth running of a historical commemoration, but his plans are hampered by a series of hilarious errors involving statues of Wellington and Napoleon.
In the final story, when the friends are invited to an air show in the height of summer they become impatient with a Chinook who is garnering attention. They take to the sky, and the Tomcat lights his afterburners. When a fire starts, he assumes it was his fault. He overcomes his shame to help with the firefight. Spif must put his pride aside and accept assistance from the popular Chinook. Each aircraft contributes to the effort with its own unique skill set. When they save some scouts who have been camping, it turns out it was the scouts who started the fire. They realize through making mistakes, we learn.

I'm excited to share my interview with Leona Cobham. She was immersed in the world of aviation from a young age; her grandfather, Sir Alan Cobham, made many first-time flights as well as pioneering the invention of air-to-air refueling. Leona absorbed this love of flying and travel. While working in a forest recuperation project in Brazil, Leona volunteered to teach in a shanty town. Here, a lifelong interest in understanding different learning styles began. On return to the UK, she began to write children’s fiction and worked part-time as a classroom reading assistant. Believing happy children learn best, Leona infuses her writing with humor, adventure, and a big feel-good factor. Her endearing characters overcome personal as well as technical challenges to succeed.

For more information, visit: www.cobhamwings.co.uk

Where did you get the inspiration for Flying Circus Airplane Adventures series?
Children are reading less than any previous generation; a third of children surveyed
reported being unable to find things to read that interest them. Yet research shows that
strong reading skills are a key predictor of successful learning. So, I felt inspired to
combine exciting fiction, which is enjoyable to read, with facts. Many children groan at
the thought of learning, but I honestly believe it’s possible to enjoy the process. If a child
feels happy, they learn so much better. By combining feel-good adventures with
technical information about aviation, my books put readers in this happy space where
they see how the airplanes pull off the feats they do. I’m passionate about aviation and I
want to share that excitement.
For example, in Dangerous Elements (Book 2), an airplane is lost and her pals on the
ground use radar to look for her. The lost airplane is a stealth plane, so she has a very
small radar return. My reader now has a visual on how radar works in the real world. I
believe it’s this combination of fact with fiction that can be effective in getting youngsters
back into reading.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I work out the driving question behind the story before anything else. This is embedded
in the plot. For children’s adventure books, I believe this has to take the form of a
physical challenge, a hero’s journey. Emotional challenges then arise on the back of this
physical challenge. I write an outline with the inciting incident, the motivating aspect that
locks the protagonist in, plot points for the unfolding action, and finally the resolution:
the new truth. Only then do I begin writing the book.
Early on, I decided I didn’t want to write for a traditional publisher but instead, write for
me and my readers! That means I can retain my integrity and write what I believe in. It
also means I have to take time out from writing for marketing. It’s well worth the price.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I write about the awesome nature of flight! I hope I inspire readers to follow careers
which push the boundaries of technology. The character arcs in my stories allow
readers to see the value of emotional intelligence and the benefit of collaborating with
others. And at the end of the day, my readers may develop a love of reading simply
because they felt good when they were engrossed in the world inside the book.
I think there’s a metaphor inherent in flight: my readers can get themselves off the
ground and fly high. They are in the pilot’s seat. By learning, they become empowered.

What are you working on now?
Book 3 in the Airplane Adventures series.
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What is your favorite book?
Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach.

Enter the giveaway below for your shot at nabbing a copy of Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin.
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This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kathleen Welton. All opinions are my own.

The Magic Sea Turtle
Written by Kathleen Welton
Illustrated by Chau Pham
Ages 3+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Bookfox Press | ISBN-13: 978-1960157515
Publisher’s Book Summary: Once upon a time, Myrtle chased her dreams–dreams of being a queen with a crown that sparkled like the moon. One day, she tumbles down, down, down into the sea. Max helps rescue her and a magic carpet flies her to a place even more amazing than her sandcastle dreams and she discovers an entire ocean of possibilities! There are dolphins who welcome her and a friendly otter with the biggest smile. They can teach her to swim and enjoy the day. Another magical glow surrounds Myrtle when she decides to stay and wishes to be a sea turtle like Max.
And guess what? Myrtle’s fall may have been unexpected, but thanks to a touch of magic, it leads her to a place where her wishes come true. Myrtle becomes a queen AND a magic sea turtle too, ready for incredible adventures! Myrtle the Turtle learns that being a queen means having the best friends ever. And with her sparkly crown and a heart full of joy, she is the happiest queen the whole ocean has ever seen!

I'm excited to share my interview with Kathleen Welton. She advocates for beaches, birds, and wildlife; is an award-winning independent publisher; and writes picture books and screenplays. She began her book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, she has served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association. As a book producer at aka Associates, she collaborates with authors and organizations on publishing projects.She earned a BA in both English and Italian Literature from Stanford University as well as a Certificate in Feature Film Writing with distinction from UCLA Extension. When she is not writing, Kathleen enjoys meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Learn more about Kathleen at kathywelton.com.

​Where did you get the inspiration for The Magic Sea Turtle?
I am just a girl who loves turtles. The end. I grew up close to the beaches in Southern California.
The ocean as well as rivers and lakes has always been my favorite place. As such, I support
sustainability initiatives connected to beaches, birds, and wildlife.
Sea turtles are one such creature that I have long admired. I am fascinated by the myths and
stories about them including the story of Turtle Island which according to some is a name
for Earth or North America, used by some American Indigenous peoples, as well as by others.
Myrtle is a 500-pound sea turtle who has lived at the New England Aquarium in Boston for more
than 50 years. She is thought to be in her nineties and she is expected to live for a few years. I
have a coffee mug with her outline etched on my desk. So her spirit was beside me when I wrote
my book.
I wanted to write a picture book that would celebrate these creatures for what they have given us.
In addition, I am grateful to be able to live near Lake Michigan. And I am grateful where my
publishing has landed me—going from an editor and publisher to a writer. Sometimes where you
end up turns out to be better than where you first started life.

What was your writing process like for this book?
First off, over the past few years, I focused on learning everything that I could about being a
writer including online courses, reading lots of picture books, and reading lots of books about
how to write. It wasn’t until a few years ago, that I really had the confidence to tell my own
stories. A few writing colleagues and a good friend pushed me to take the plunge. I chose a
middle ground between publishing the books myself and finding an agent and went the” hybrid”
publishing route. Those decisions have made all the difference in taking the next steps.
Questions that I asked myself included what kind of picture books did I want to write? How
many pages? I love animated movies such as “The Lion King” where the animals are the story
tellers and wanted to have them be the ones that teach us lessons. So I used animals I love—from
birds and horses to lions and tigers and bears to get the words and concepts come to life.
As a project management type, I like to use templates as well as value feedback from other
readers and editors. Choosing those people carefully made all the difference to me. They not only
gave me essential encouragement and believed in me but also fabulous ideas for illustrations and
how to make everything come together. I could not be happier with all the choices that I made and the journey that I am on.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I have been extremely lucky to find wonderful picture book pros to work with and am grateful
for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing editors and illustrators on my debut picture
books! Having served as a book publishing professional for many years, it has been a dream
come true to enter the wonderful world of picture books. My wish is that my books help to spark
a love of reading and lifelong literacy.

What are you working on now?
I have two books ready for publication in 2024— “Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo”
(September 2024) which was inspired by one of my favorite places—the Lincoln Park Zoo. In
“Pigs Have Wings,” (June 2024) Miz Pig dreams she can dance and sing, but it's harder for a pig
than you'd think! With a little help and inspiration from her friends, Miz Pig finds she can do
almost anything! 
The second book in the Myrtle the Turtle series in the works for publication in 2025. In addition,
there are a few other picture books either in process or on the drawing board. Animals are the
real storytellers in my picture books. They inspire my imagination with their beauty, bravery, and
wisdom.

What is your favorite book?
I discovered “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae  (Author), Guy Parker-Rees  (Illustrator)
many years ago and fell in love with this picture book first for Gerald the adorable giraffe. It
remains a gold star example for me of the perfect classic combination of text and illustrations
that seem to dance together just like the main character.

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of The Magic Sea Turtle, a plushy of Myrtle, and a Baby Turtle Adoption from seeturtles.org.
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