​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.

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

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star
Written by Kathleen Welton
Illustrated by Chau Pham
Ages: 3-12 | 30 Pages
Publisher: Bookfox Press (2025) | ISBN: 979-8899000027
Publisher’s Book Summary: This magical tale follows Max and Myrtle as they save the sea stars after they wash up on the shore after a big storm. An inspiring story that celebrates the power of friendship, teamwork, and the joy of helping others.
“Chau Pham’s breathtaking images will definitely be enjoyed by children and parents alike. Highly recommended!”
️️️️️—Readers’ Favorite

Where did you get the inspiration for Twinkle Twinkle, Little Sea Star?
First and foremost, I am inspired by the spirituality of sea turtles:
“Seeing a sea turtle often signifies that you are being guided and protected, either by a guardian
spirit or by your own inner wisdom. They remind us to stay grounded, to trust the journey, and to
carry our burdens with strength and resilience.”
As the second book in the Myrtle the Turtle series, I wanted to continue to celebrate sea turtles
and write another book with themes about rescue, magic, and compassion. I believe that animals
have much to teach about these concepts. The experience with The Magic Sea Turtle from
concept to publication was positive with the publisher Bookfox Press and the illustrator Chau
Pham and I rode that wave. I saw it as a challenge to improve my writing skills while telling a
compelling story with characters that I love.
​
What was your writing process like for this book?
I approach the writing process for books as a project plan. Usually I have at least six book projects in process at any one time. Some of them I discard or move to a back burner. I always have a notebook for words and concepts. I start out with a template for the pages and try to first write the beginning and the end. It takes me about a year to complete a picture book manuscript—with lots of revisions. John Fox is a brilliant editor and I am grateful for his careful notes as well as his suggestions for illustration notes.
Once the manuscript is final, I release it to the publication process and wait for what comes next.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
Working with everyone in this space is fun. I especially like the illustration process and seeing
the roughs of characters and the colors and then seeing how the imaginations of the illustrations
interact with the words on the page. It is magical and really teaches a writer like me to let go of
the process and the outcome and be surprised and appreciative.
Writing books for kids is such a joyful experience. A friend of mine pushed me to first think
about writing picture books. If she hadn’t had the confidence in me, I am not sure that I would
have pursued this. I am so glad that I did.

What are you working on now?
In addition to finishing up my writing projects over the summer, I am looking forward to taking
classes for a certificate in environmental sustainability starting this fall. I hope to make deeper
connections with organizations and to inspire a better future for the world that we inhabit.

What is your favorite book?
Before I was born, my mother was a Kindergarten teacher. I like to think that I inherited a love of
reading from her. One of the first books that I remember was I book that she gave me by Joan
Walsh Anglund (first published in 1958), A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You.
Joan Walsh Anglund was an American poet and children's book author and illustrator, with more
than 120 books that have sold over 50 million copies around the world in 17 languages. I still have a copy of this book as well as many books from the author.

Readers who join us on this magical book tour can enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a paperback copy of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star, signed by Kathleen Welton. Plus, one lucky grand prize winner will receive a special sea turtle adoption in their name through the Sea Turtle Conservancy. The adoption package includes a personalized certificate, a Sea Turtle Conservation Guide, a sea turtle plush toy, a member window cling, a sea turtle sticker and bookmark, a hatchling magnet, and a one-year subscription to STC’s membership publication—all beautifully packaged in a keepsake sea turtle folder.

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!
​

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”!
​

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!
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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!
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