buttercup, the butterfly that didn’t want to fly

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian & Children’s Book Blog,

Today, I have a new author to me, Julia Chadwick, who wrote a lovely book about a butterfly (one of my favorites) named Buttercup who felt different from others.

Here’s Julia to tell us about her book,

“In this high-pressure world, most of us, at one time or another, have experienced self-doubt, sadness and a sense of feeling lost. In Buttercup, we find the butterfly Buttercup hiding under a tree, his head down, feeling just this way. Buttercup is sad because his wings are different from those of the other butterflies. Deep down, he knows his purpose is to fly, but he does not believe he can do so because his wings look so different.

Enter the wise old butterfly, Grandpa Amos. Grandpa Amos comes to teach Buttercup a lesson: Buttercup should embrace his differences and know that he was put on this Earth for a purpose. Buttercup will carry out this purpose of flying if he believes in himself and stays true to his heart. Grandpa and his friend Mr. Owl introduce a cast of colorful characters, including Mr. Turtle, Ms. Birdie and Mr. Rabbit, who are all carrying out their purposes. Although some of the characters, for example Mr. Turtle, may seem like they are not living up to their potential, this is not the case; they know they are doing what they were meant to do.

Buttercup’s text is interspersed with delightful illustrations by Uniquejhora. Characters are portrayed in vivid, cartoon-like scenes. Additionally, Wilbur Brower, Julia’s brother-in-law, has written and orchestrated an album of songs to go along with Buttercup’s plot.

Buttercup concludes with a beautiful ending (you will have to read for yourself to see it) and life lesson for children and adults alike. Not only does it encourage us to embrace our differences, but it also shows that there are mentors who care and look out for us. Grandpa Amos and Mr. Owl watch Buttercup from afar as he goes along his life’s journey. In Julia’s message at the end of the book, she shares the importance of teachers and mentors in guiding young people’s minds and hearts.

Julia says her inspiration for the book is from her personal experience as a shy and introverted person, and how that suppressed her desire or inclination to demonstrate her true capabilities. She thought about children and young adults like herself who might be uniquely “different” from others, but have enormous potential, and are afraid to express and demonstrate their difference. They tend not to achieve their real potential.  She also believes that persistent encouragement and emotional support from “significant others,” such as parents, teachers, and friends, can do a lot to help others to grow and develop in many areas of life.

Buttercup is a perfect book for a bedtime story, the classroom, or a fun afternoon with the kids. It is not only entertaining but teaches children valuable life lessons and can instill them with confidence, joy and a sense of purpose. Buttercup encourages each person to embrace themselves as they are, and not in comparison to others. Buttercup is available online and in print.”

Thank you, Julia, for sharing your wonderful book with us that holds such an important lesson for childen and adults alike.

Thank you, my loyal blog readers, for stopping by today. I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Buttercup, The Butterfly that Didn’t want to Fly, today!

As always, likes, comments, and shares are very much appreciated.

Stay safe, everyone

my time with you

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian and Children’s Book Blog!

Today, I have a special book that I think you’re going to love it as much as I do. Here’s the author, Jenilee Brooks, to tell us about it…

Hi,

I’m Jenilee Brooks, a Saskatchewan-born author and mother of two, inspired by the fleeting, precious moments with my children. My latest book, a heartwarming keepsake, encapsulates the bittersweet joy of watching children grow.

Drawing from authentic experiences, “My Time with You” is a poignant narrative of a mother’s journey, cherishing every fleeting moment with her children as they blossom. This book encapsulates the profound love and joy she finds in these ephemeral periods of their lives. It serves as a treasured memento, gifted by loved ones to children, reminding them of the precious time spent together. Despite the swift passage of time, “My Time with You” assures that a mother’s love is an enduring beacon, forever illuminating the lives of her children.

Thank you, Jenilee, for sharing with us your lovely book. I know it will be one that is treasured by families.

Thank you, my loyal blog readers. I hope you will get your copy today!

As always, likes, comments, and shares are appreciated.

Stay safe, everyone

happy jack, sad jack; a bullying story

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian and Children’s Book Blog!

Today, I have a new author to share with you, Mark Bello. I’ll let him share about himself and his new book…

I’m Mark Bello, an attorney and social justice advocate who has written a picture book for children in an effort to combat bullying.

Happy Jack—Sad Jack, ABullying Story is a story about Jack, a happy little boy who starts kindergarten and discovers he is different from the others. He quickly becomes the target of bullies. The story follows Jack as he learns how to handle the situation and teaches kids to celebrate their differences and be valued members of the human race.

This book is an excellent tool for parents to use to help their children discuss bullying and the importance of understanding and respecting differences. I’m 71 years old and have four adult children and nine grandchildren, so I understand the importance of teaching these values to young children.

Furthermore, the format of a picture book also makes it an entertaining and fun read. The story is presented in rhyme and is beautifully and dramatically illustrated by Melinda Falgoust.

Thank you, Mark, for sharing about your book today.

I know we’ve all heard terrible stories of bullying in the news and we want to be able to empower the children that we love to overcome this situation should it happen to them. I think Mark Bello’s book will do just that.

Click on the link and purchase your copy today!

As always, likes, shares, and comments are much appreciated.

Stay safe, everyone

poopy mcpooface in the perilous journey

Hi everyone!

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian and Children’s Book Blog. Today, I have a hilarious book to share with you!

We all know that children love to talk about their poo. But, we also know potty-training can be difficult. This book helps children learn a little bit about being in a new and scary place while also encouraging them to learn to use the potty.

Today, I have authors David Michael Slater and Jay Lender to tell us about their new book…

What would you do if you found yourself alone in a new and scary world? Would you set out to find your place in it? If you’re not so brave, dear reader, fear not. Help has arrived.

Meet Poopy McPooFace, the hero you didn’t know you’ve been waiting for.

The end is just his beginning…

The Book kids love to read and the AFT teacher’s union president, Rudi Weingarten called “inappropriate to distribute”. Amazon refuses to let us advertise it. Educators say books like this help kids to read! Kids say, “It’s just really funny to read about poop.”

Don’t leave your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew in the dark about Poopy. Get your copy today!

The book tells the story of Poopy McPooFace, the unexpected hero on a quest to find where he belongs in a new and somewhat scary world. This funny and (dare we say) educational story can help children tackle potty training with humor and determination.

More about the book can be found on the publisher’s website here.

Thank you, David and Jay, for sharing your fun and soon to be well-known book with us today.

Dear blog readers, I hope you will take a moment and go to the publisher’s website and purchase a copy today. It’s not available on Amazon.

As always, likes, shares, and comments are so very appreciated.

Stay safe, everyone

teacher created activity books

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian and Children’s Book Blog!

I have some great books to share with you today. They are different from storybooks. They are activity books. I don’t know about you, but I loved Highlights as a kid. The only time I saw them was at the Doctor’s office which made going to the Doctor alot better!

Today, I have Duff Waddell, the creator of these awesome books, here to tell you about them and how to get your hands on them!!

In early childhood development, the right activities have the potential to cultivate curiosity and strengthen fundamental skills. As a former teacher and the father of two youngsters, I started creating activity books largely as a result of witnessing the enthusiasm of my son as he navigated his way through multiple maze activity books.

Offered both as printables and hard copies, our full line of activity books includes maze & connect-the-dots books that are suitable for kids aged 4 and up and scissor skills books that are suitable for children aged 3 -5. Each book is created with a different theme, so along with the skill the child is learning, they are also being introduced to different animals, dinosaurs, holidays, etc. As we approach the holidays, our activity books provide a great way for children to continue developing learning skills.

The full range can be viewed at BuzzingBeePress.com.

Thank you, Duff!

Thank you to my loyal blog readers! I know you will want to get some for the holidays!

As always, likes, shares, and comments are very much appreciated.

Stay safe everyone

hippo jones, The legend of the largest heart

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian & Children’s Book Blog. Today, we have someone who shared a book with us before, Peter T. Cook, Hippo Jones and Seven Secrets of Happiness. I hope you all purchased a copy and have enjoyed it with your favorite child(ren) in your life!

Today, he’s back to share with us about another one of his books, Hippo Jones: The Legend of the Largest Heart By Peter T. Cook

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with Hippo Jones, the protagonist of “Born Differently: Hippo Jones – The Legend of the Largest Heart.” In this exhilarating tale, you will witness the incredible power of love and the limitless possibilities that arise when you believe in it.

Hippo Jones is no ordinary hippopotamus. He possesses a heart seven times larger than that of his peers, granting him extraordinary abilities. Harnessing the incredible love and kindness that radiate from his Largest Heart, Hippo Jones triumphs over adversities, including the challenges posed by bullies. As the story unfolds, he overcomes hardships and forms new and lasting friendships.

This instant classic is a must-read for both children and adults alike. Join Hippo Jones and his friends, including London Bear, Ali Alligator, and their schoolmates, as they embark on an adventure of self-discovery. Through the guidance of Hippo Jones, these characters learn invaluable lessons about the power of love and kindness, forever transforming their lives. Hippo Jones teaches them that love is not only the best way but also the Hippo Jones way.

The captivating narrative of “Hippo Jones: The Legend of the Largest Heart” is sure to captivate readers of all ages. It offers a heartwarming exploration of embracing our differences, celebrating our unique qualities, and recognizing the power of love to conquer any obstacle. The story serves as a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries and that kindness can change the world.

This beautifully illustrated book is a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and acceptance. It encourages readers to embrace diversity, foster empathy, and spread love in their own lives. Through the endearing characters and their remarkable journey, children and adults alike will be inspired to believe in themselves and the transformative power of love.

As you immerse yourself in this enchanting tale, you will be captivated by its vibrant illustrations and timeless message. “Hippo Jones: The Legend of the Largest Heart” will leave a lasting impression, reminding readers that our differences are what makes us truly special, and that love has the power to unite us all.

So, grab a copy of “Hippo Jones: The Legend of the Largest Heart” and get ready to be moved by a story that celebrates the incredible capacity of the human heart. Join Hippo Jones and his friends on an unforgettable journey that will inspire you to believe in the magic of love and kindness. After all, as Hippo Jones shows us, love is not only a superpower—it’s the ultimate way to triumph over any challenge life throws our way.

Thank you, Peter, for sharing your very special book with us today. We all could use a little more love in our lives. I encourage each of you reading this blog today to pick up a copy and read it to a child in your life.

I want to thank you, my blog readers, for your faithfulness. I apologize for being away so long. My Dad unfortunately passed away this summer and I have been spending a lot of time with my Mom helping her adjust to her new life.

As always likes, shares, and comments are most appreciated.

Stay safe, everyone

Grandma’s stories–twins in trouble

Hi, Everyone!

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian and Children’s Book Blog.

Today, I have a fun book about twin girls that I know you’re going to enjoy hearing all about.

Nancy Dearborn is the author and she’s the mother of twins. She’s here to tell us about her book.

In the picture book Grandma’s Stories Twins in Trouble the Grandma is telling stories to her two grandchildren Cory and Hazel from when their mom and her twin sister were little girls who, at times, managed to get into some mischief.

Grandma’s Stories Twins in Trouble is based on real events as Nancy Dearborn is the mother of identical twin daughters.

The interplay of the text and the illustrations by Abira Das brings out the humor in the book as does the twin’s quick thinking when they find themselves in a bit of trouble.

Themes

All children, whether twins or not, will get into a little trouble from time to time. But most parents still love their children with all their heart because their love isn’t based on their  children’s actions.  

Also, as humans, we learn not only from our own mistakes, but by listening to and taking to heart the stories of others. Cory tells his mom that he and his sister Hazel are not going to pull the stunts his mother and her twin sister did when they were growing up.

Inclusion

One of the reasons I wrote Grandma’s Stories Twins in Trouble is that diversity in books isn’t just about race or sexual preference, but it is about every child seeing characters like themselves in  books, including twins.

At times, identical twins have different life experiences than the rest of us. Sometimes Christine and Valerie’s dad got them mixed up, so I painted one of Valerie’s toe nails red. As a toddler, when Christine looked in a mirror, she saw herself, but when Valerie looked in a mirror, she saw Christine. It took a while for Valerie to learn to see herself in the mirror, and not her twin sister. Christine and Valerie’s friends sometimes mistook them for each other which created some interesting situations.

Path to Becoming a Picture Book Writer

Career wise, I have taught babies through seniors in high school, so I have a wide range of teaching experience. I also started writing at a young age. When I was in elementary school, I wrote plays. My teacher allowed me to select other students for the parts, gave us class time to practice, and then we performed them for our parents, complete with props and sound effects.

I have published over 275 articles, stories, and poems in magazines, newspapers, anthologies, and on the Internet. I thought about writing books as well, but writing lengthy works didn’t seem to be my forte, so I decided to try my hand at writing picture books.

Over the course of several months, I went to my local library and read picture book after picture book. I studied them and took copious notes, asking myself questions like: What about the title or cover right away caught my attention? What were the characters like? What made me want to keep reading the book? How many words were usually on each double page spread? What theme or message was conveyed? And many, many more.

I also read books on writing picture books, joined a couple of critique groups, and attended some writers’ conferences.

Book and Contact Details

Title: Grandma’s Stories   Twins in Trouble

Author:  Nancy Dearborn 

Illustrator: Abira Das

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Publisher: Pen It Publishing  (traditional publisher)

Release Date: May 2023

ISBN: 978-1-63984-256-8

Page Count: 32

For sale now on Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Author Website: nancydearbornauthor.com

Previous Publications

Hugga Loula (March 2021 with Familius Publishing)

I Found a Wallet (July 2021 with Pen It Publishing)

   Recipient of a December 2021 Global Library Awards – Grandma’s Book Club

Runaway (August 2021 with KDP Amazon)

When Will It Snow? (2018 Highlights audio book)

Forthcoming

The Giver’s Secret – (2023 Pen It Publishing)

The Mysterious Box, The Scheming Witch, and Santa’s Magic Belt (2024 Pen It Publishing)

Dad Extraordinaire (2024 Pen It Publishing)

      3rd place winner in a spring/summer Children’s Book Manuscript Contest

Congratulations, Nancy, on your awards! That’s fantastic! Thank you for sharing about your book today about twins and about getting into trouble. Those of us that aren’t twins don’t know or understand the unique experiences that twins have. I appreciate that you bring these to light. I also appreciate that children will get into trouble but as parents, we are there to understand and help them learn from their mistakes.

Thank you to my loyal book blog followers! I appreciate each one of you. I hope you will grab the child in your life a copy of this unique book today.

As always, likes, shares, and comments are also appreciated

Stay safe

Unlocking Happiness: Join Hippo Jones and Friends on an Enchanting Adventure!

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian and Children’s Book Blog! I’m always happy to have you here and share with you a new author and their book. Today, I have a local author, Peter Cook, to share with you his book about happiness.

By local, I mean local to me. I live in beautiful Brevard County, FL, as does Peter. If you don’t know where that is…it’s directly East of Orlando and just Northeast of Disney World and right where they shoot off the rockets from NASA and SpaceX. It’s a great place to live!

Here’s Peter to tell us about his insightful book…

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Hippo Jones and his delightful friends in the captivating children’s book, “Hippo Jones and the Seven Secrets of Happiness.” This charming and engaging tale takes readers on a hiking trip to a magical waterfall, where the group discovers the invaluable secrets to leading a happy and fulfilling life.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Hippo Jones, London Bear, Ali Alligator, Polly Porcupine, and their companions set out on a quest filled with wonder and excitement. As they traverse through lush forests and sparkling streams, they encounter a series of delightful activities that hold the key to happiness.

Through their adventures, young readers are introduced to important life lessons about gratitude, positive thinking, and the significance of healthy habits. “Hippo Jones and the Seven Secrets of Happiness” serves as an excellent self-help resource for parents and teachers who wish to instill positive thinking and mindfulness in children at an early age.

The book’s relatable characters and engaging storyline make it an ideal tool for teaching emotional intelligence, resilience, and personal development to young minds. Each secret of happiness is unveiled through enjoyable activities that children can easily relate to and incorporate into their own lives.

The vibrant illustrations breathe life into the story, capturing the essence of the characters’ emotions and the enchanting beauty of their surroundings. The combination of vivid visuals and an inspiring message makes “Hippo Jones and the Seven Secrets of Happiness” a must-read for children seeking to learn the secrets of happiness and developing lifelong skills for greater well-being.

Parents and teachers will appreciate the book’s practical approach to teaching happiness. It encourages children to practice gratitude, embrace positive thinking, and adopt healthy habits like exercise and deep breathing. These essential tools empower children to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and optimism.

“Hippo Jones and the Seven Secrets of Happiness” is not just another children’s book; it is a delightful and empowering journey that will leave a lasting impact on young readers. By exploring the secrets to happiness alongside Hippo Jones and his friends, children will be inspired to cultivate a positive mindset, embrace gratitude, and nurture their overall well-being.

So, grab a copy of “Hippo Jones and the Seven Secrets of Happiness” and join the adventure today! Immerse yourself in a world where happiness is not a distant dream but a tangible reality. Let Hippo Jones and his friends guide you on a path to discovering the true essence of happiness and equip you with invaluable life skills that will last a lifetime. Get ready to unlock the doors to a happier and more fulfilling future!

I feel happier already, Peter! This book sounds amazing! I think children will enjoy the characters and storyline as they learn valuable skills for life. Thank you for sharing your book with us today.

Thank you to my loyal blog followers for stopping by today. I hope you will pick up a copy for the child in your life and together learn the skills needed to find happiness in life.

As always, likes, shares, and comments are always appreciated (and they make me happy too)!

Stay safe

Harnessing the Power of AI in Transforming Children’s Literature: The Rise of Personalized Reading

Founder of MyStoryBook when he was young

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian and Children’s Book Blog! I’m happy to have you hear today. I have something super-exciting to share with you today.

These books are illustrated by AI! I don’t know about you, but AI kinda scares me. But, when Conner reached out to me about sharing books created by MyStoryBook, I, at first, questioned whether AI was writing the books or not. He assured me the books are NOT written by AI, but rather illustrated by it.

Here’s Conner to tell us more…

Hi Wanda,
My name is Conner Giovenco, and I am the co-founder of MyStoryBooks, an innovative enterprise at the intersection of children’s literature and artificial intelligence. At MyStoryBooks (https://www.mystorybooks.co), we are harnessing the power of AI to create personalized children’s books. Parents provide images of their child, and our AI ingeniously crafts a unique story, portraying the child in a range of professions from A-Z. The end product is not just an engaging storybook, but a tool to spark children’s imaginations and broaden their worldview.

In a world where technology is rapidly reshaping how we live and learn, can it also transform the cherished bedtime ritual of reading a storybook? What if the fantastical tales spun in children’s literature became even more magical with personalized narratives where your child is the protagonist of their own adventure? This is the exciting promise that artificial intelligence (AI) holds for the future of children’s literature. It’s not just about digital reading; it’s about making stories come alive in ways we’ve only dreamed of. Let’s explore how AI is set to revolutionize children’s literature, transforming reading into a personalized, interactive, and inclusive experience.

###Interactive Storytelling: A Novel Approach###

Interactivity is key to engaging young readers and encouraging them to develop a love of reading. Traditional storybooks can sometimes make reading seem like a chore, leading children to lose interest. A novel approach is to incorporate elements of interactivity into the reading experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable.

AI offers promising avenues to make this possible. For instance, incorporating children directly into narratives, where they can see themselves as part of exciting adventures, can transform reading into a dynamic and interactive activity. Such immersive experiences can help inspire a lifelong love of reading in children.

###Personalization in Reading: Catering to Individuality###

Every child is unique with distinct experiences and preferences. Catering to this individuality in literature is now possible thanks to advances in AI technology. By creating personalized narratives tailored to a child’s individual experiences, we can improve their engagement and enhance their literacy skills. For instance, AI can be used to generate storybooks where a child explores different professions based on the alphabet they’re learning, offering a unique and personalized reading experience.

###Inclusivity and Diversity in Literature: A Crucial Need###

Traditional children’s literature often lacks diversity, which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and feelings of exclusion among marginalized groups. It’s crucial to address this issue by ensuring every child sees themselves represented in the stories they read.

AI offers innovative solutions to promote inclusivity in literature. For instance, personalized books can be created that are tailored to each child, portraying them in diverse roles. This approach can help foster a sense of self-confidence and pride in their identity, while also encouraging them to dream and aspire.

###The Future of Reading: An AI-Enabled Landscape###

The integration of AI in children’s literature is an exciting frontier, with platforms like MyStoryBooks.co at the forefront. Their innovative approach allows parents to submit images of their child, which are then transformed into unique storybooks showcasing the child in various professional roles from A to Z. This isn’t just a technological advancement, but a meaningful step towards personalized, inclusive storytelling. Through this, we are making reading more engaging, inspiring children to dream bigger, and setting the stage for a future where every child is the hero of their own story. In essence, we’re not just turning pages; we’re turning a new leaf in the realm of children’s literature.

You can check these book at this link: https://www.mystorybooks.co/

Thank you, Conner, for telling and showing us the power of AI in creating books that children will love because it will be about THEM!!

I hope you all are excited about purchasing a book from MyStoryBooks that will inspire the child in your life to DREAM BIG!

Thank you for stopping by my blog today

As always, likes, comments, and shares are very much appreciated

Stay safe