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