Monday, December 5, 2016

Interview with Children's Book Author Cheryl Malandrinos






Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Little Shepherd and A Christmas Kindness. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS


About the Book:

Title: MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR THANKSGIVING
Author: Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Pages: 16
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Ten-year-old Macy is waiting for her grandparents to arrive on Thanksgiving. When the front door swings open, Grandma and Grandpa are covered with hugs and kisses. Crash! Everyone rushes in to find the dog gnawing a meaty turkey leg. Can Macy’s quick thinking save dinner?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Thanks for this interview, Cheryl.  I’ve always wanted to write children’s books.  When did you determine that writing for children was for you?

After my first children’s book was published. LOL!

I never intended to write for children. The first manuscript I completed was women’s fiction, and I had always planned to write for an adult audience. Then NaNoWriMo happened. The story I was writing wouldn’t come together. Since it was Christian fiction, I ran the idea by my pastor. “Is this a children’s book?” he asked. That’s when the gears in my mind started turning. I took the first part of that story and turned it into a children’s picture book, Little Shepherd.

What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving?

In 2010, I participated in Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) for the first time. The challenge: come up with 30 picture book concepts in 30 days. Not as easy as it sounds. Many of my ideas revolved around holidays: Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter…

It was the day before Thanksgiving, so we were in the home stretch (only six more days to go). I didn’t want the same old story with a message of being thankful. That’s when possible holiday disasters entered my head; like the first time I cooked a turkey and nearly left the plastic bag filled with giblets inside. But it needed to be something kids would find funny. That’s when the “what ifs” started flying and my mind settled on: What if right before dinner the dog grabbed the turkey off the table?

How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience?  Are you around kids?  Are you a kid at heart?

A bit of both. When I started my writing career, I had two young girls at home. Their antics provided lots of inspiration. Now they are teenagers, so I draw upon the fact that I am a big kid at heart. It’s possible I will never grow up.

What was your favorite book as a child?

I’ve been around a long time. Must I pick just one?

It would have to be The Pony Engine by Mary C. Jacobs; though many people know the story as The Little Engine That Could. I’m not one to give up easily. Makes me wonder if that perseverance comes partially from reading The Pony Engine over and again in my room all those years growing up.

What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to write children’s books?

Never give up! Believe in yourself. Learn your market. Don’t be afraid to take chances every once one in a while.

What are your goals for the future?  More children’s books?

I’ve been working on a middle grade novel for what seems like forever. I would like to wrap that up in 2017 and polish it up for submission. Returning to outside work two years ago has made it tough to accomplish my writing goals, but I keep plugging along. Our local library has a writing group that meets once a month, so I attend as often as I can. I also help plan an annual writers conference in the area to stay connected.

As for more children’s books, you better believe it. My publisher, Guardian Angel Publishing, has my next book under contract, Amos Faces His Bully. Like my first book, Little Shepherd, it drops fictional characters into a Biblical setting. In this case, the actions of David when he faces Goliath empowers young Amos to face his own bully. Amos Faces His Bully was also inspired by my participation in PiBoIdMo.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Special Feature: Theresa A. McKeown's How To Eat Your ABC'S Book Blast!



We're happy to host Theresa A. McKeown's HOW TO EAT YOUR ABC'S Book Blast today! Please leave a comment to let her know you stopped by!


Title: HOW TO EAT YOUR ABC’S
Author: Theresa A. McKeown
Publisher: The ABC’s of Everything, LLC
Pages: 30
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

How to Eat your ABC’s” is a cleverly written and illustrated book, which encourages children to get excited about healthy eating, while also developing a genuine love for reading.  Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a fresh fruit or vegetable and is narrated by BuzzBee, (a friendly honeybee who adores children). Written entirely in rhyme with a melodic tone, it is meant to be read aloud.  Not only will it inspire kids to fall in love with fresh healthy food, but it will also build their vocabulary and phonemic awareness.  “How to Eat Your ABC’s” will instill a healthy, happy, conscious way of looking at life from a young age.

We invite children and parents alike to follow BuzzBee and his friends as they show everyone how to eat their way through the alphabet.

Amazon


Book Excerpt:



About the Author


Theresa McKeown spent over two decades in the entertainment arena before embracing her true passion of writing children’s books. After producing hundreds of hours of television for a host of cable and network outlets, Theresa is now on the path of what she considers her highest calling.
Theresa and her sisters have created “The ABC’s of Everything, LLC”, a family endeavor solely focused on publishing several series of children’s books, digital content, and educational curriculums.  All will be written and produced with an awareness of the true possibilities that children of the 21st century can realize.  

 As an author, Theresa is dedicated to estimating rather than underestimating the wisdom of children. Her philosophy is that kids are fully adept at understanding nuance and meaning and it’s not necessary to talk down to them.  She is dedicated to creating a new paradigm in the children's book world by introducing work that fully embraces the insightfulness, perception and unlimited intellectual potential of today’s youth.

Her books are meant to plant the seeds of education and awareness early in a child’s development, knowing full well that children will ultimately blossom into the best versions of who they are meant to be.

In her role as producer, Theresa traveled worldwide, filming from locations as diverse as the White House, NORAD, the Pentagon, FBI headquarters, maximum-security prisons and from the top of the World Trade Center.  Along the way she "tail-hooked" onto an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, yachted through South America with jet setters and chased bad guys with the LAPD in a helicopter.

Yet, with a background like this, building a community to celebrate children promises to be the most exciting adventure of all

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

 

Interview with Children's Book Author Bethany Ramos


Bethany Ramos is a children’s book author, editor, and blogger. She is a regular contributor to SheKnows.com. Bethany’s first children’s book, Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti, was published through 4RV Publishing in 2016. Her second children’s book, There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed, was published by Saturn’s Moon Press, also in 2016. Her first chick lit novel, 5 Stages of Grief, was published by Black Opal Books in 2011; her second chick lit novel, Adventure to Love, was published by Soul Mate Publishing in 2013.

Bethany works as Editor in Chief for Naturally Healthy Publications.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK


About the Book:

Title: There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed
Author: Bethany Ramos
Publisher: Saturn’s Moon Press
Pages: 24
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed tells the story of a boy who can’t go to sleep because of all the monster bunnies keeping him up at night. Told in the first-person narrative, the little boy delays bedtime, using his flashlight and hand to create scary and silly bunny shadow puppets on the wall. According to the boy, friendly, spooky characters like the Bumbie (bunny zombie), Were-bunny (werewolf bunny), Bunny-stein (bunny Frankenstein), and Count Hop-ula come to visit him in the night. At the end of the book, his mother comforts him to sleep by telling him to let his imagination rest — and put the flashlight away.

Amazon


Thanks for this interview, Bethany.  I’ve always wanted to write children’s books.  When did you determine that writing for children was for you?

I have always loved writing, even as a child and a teenager. But I didn’t start writing until I started blogging for a job about eight years ago. Around that time, I got the first idea for my first children’s book, which was Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti that finally came out this year. I actually started writing children’s books just before having my kids, who are now 3 and 4.

What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed?

This was a really fun one because it was directly inspired by my 4-year-old son, who has gotten into the notorious stage of putting off bedtime. A little while ago, we gave him a flashlight because he started getting scared of “ghosts” and other characters that he saw in cartoons. I taught him how to use the flashlight to make little characters on the wall, like rabbits, which turned into using the flashlight to make scary characters so that he wouldn’t be afraid of the dark anymore.

How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience?  Are you around kids?  Are you a kid at heart?

I’m around kids almost all the time with my own two sons at home, and beyond the regular parenting frustrations, I love it! I think this is my favorite stage so far, the toddler and preschool age, because they are learning so much and have such wild imaginations. And that also works out well to inspire my children’s books.

What was your favorite book as a child?

I am all about Shel Silverstein — I love his books. And as a child, I was a huge fan of Dr. Seuss and all of his nonsensical rhymes that actually make perfect sense.

What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to write children’s books?

I would tell other aspiring writers, and especially those who want to write children’s books, to read, read, read as much as you can. Some of my best inspiration came about recently when I was spending time in the children’s section of the library, something I loved to do as a child. Get back to that place where you are reading for pleasure, and then writing is easy.

What are your goals for the future?  More children’s books?

I definitely hope to write another children’s book next year! I have had so much fun with this process and in my partnership with the illustrators. This is also a great time in my life to pursue children’s book writing since my kids enjoy reading my books — for now. J


Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Interview with Children's Book Author Bethany Ramos



Bethany Ramos is a children’s book author, editor, and blogger. She is a regular contributor to SheKnows.com. Bethany’s first children’s book, Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti, was published through 4RV Publishing in 2016. Her second children’s book, There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed, was published by Saturn’s Moon Press, also in 2016. Her first chick lit novel, 5 Stages of Grief, was published by Black Opal Books in 2011; her second chick lit novel, Adventure to Love, was published by Soul Mate Publishing in 2013.

Bethany works as Editor in Chief for Naturally Healthy Publications.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK


About the Book:

Christopher finds a kitten on his doorstep, which, to his surprise, grows up into a lion! Since
Christopher already loves his pet, he tries to introduce him to his everyday life, much to the horror of his friends, family, and neighbors.



Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti is a lighthearted children’s book for ages 3 to 6 that celebrates the special bond that all children have with animals.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Thanks for this interview, Bethany.  I’ve always wanted to write children’s books.  When did you determine that writing for children was for you?

Funny enough, I thought of the first idea for my first children’s book five years ago, about a year before I had kids. But I do remember that when I was a child, going to library and reading all of the books was one of my very favorite things to do, and now, my kids actually get to read the books I write!

What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti?

This book idea came to me totally out of the blue — the thought that a boy would find a little kitten that, soon enough, grew into a lion seemed totally captivating to me. And as I’ve seen with my own children now, kids get obsessed with their pets and want to take them everywhere. My oldest son (age 4) just happens to be really into kitties right now, so I think he’s going to like this book.

How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience?  Are you around kids?  Are you a kid at heart?

I like to think I am a kid at heart first of all! I also have a 4-year-old and a 3-year-old, so I’m around kids most of the time. Personally, this is my favorite age so far — both of my kids really love listening to stories and talking about characters. And the best part about being a young kid is the wild, wild imagination, which inspires my books.

What was your favorite book as a child?

Anything by Shel Silverstein. In fact, I’m hoping to get a Giving Tree tattoo soon.

What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to write children’s books?

My best advice is to have a good story idea that really works. What matters most of all is the story, and you can build around that and make it as long or as short as you need to. I was able to come up with a few solid stories for both of my books, and I was proud to see the illustrators bring them to life.

What are your goals for the future?  More children’s books?

Yes, I love writing children’s books! I have my second children’s book coming out this month as well, There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed. When these books are released, I’m definitely going to start on children’s book number three. And probably spend more time reading kids’ books in the library until then.

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Book Review: I Have Faith by Davin Whitehurst



Title: I Have Faith
Author: Davin Whitehurst
Publisher: Childlike Faith Publishing
Pages: 26
Genre:  Children

Are you ready to get your child excited about faith? “I Have Faith” puts your child right in the footsteps of Danny as he begins to learn about faith. Danny and his older brother have been wanting a dog, but both know their parents don’t think they are ready for a dog. When Danny’s mom begins teaching him what the bible says about faith, he puts his faith into action. After praying and releasing his faith for a dog, doubt and even his best friend keep telling him that he will never get a dog. Over time Danny never loses his faith in the promises of God and finds that God is faithful and that faith works. Come along on this journey that is a real life event that took place in the author’s life as a child.

This book has great illustrations that support a wonderful story about finding faith in God. As you are teaching your child about principals in the bible; this book will help you teach faith. What a wonderful experience it is when we can see our children begin to develop their faith in God, and grow from a tiny mustard seed to a firmly planted tree. The back of the book has a parent/child discussion which will help children gain understanding in faith and some scriptures that Danny’s mom used to get him excited about faith.

For More Information

Book Review:

If there was ever a time for a child to learn about faith, it's now.  The world is going to pot.  We need more books like Davin Whitehurst's I Have Faith.  We begin the story with Danny who believes in the power of prayer.  He so wanted a dog and his parents told him and his brother that they were too young to have a dog.  Danny felt in his heart that prayer works and despite what everyone was saying around him, he never gave up faith.

This is a beautifully illustrated children's picture book.  A perfect read when you're snuggling with your child at night and it also might be a good time to discuss the power of prayer.

I loved this book and give it 5 rainbows.

 






Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Subhash Kommuru's ANOKHI DOSTI Book Blast!



We are excited to be hosting Subhash Kommuru's ANOKHI DOSTI Book Blast today! Leave a comment or a question in the comment section of this blog to let her know you stopped by! 

About the Book:

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Title: Anokhi Dosti (The Magic of Friendship)
Author:  Subhash Kommuru
Publisher: Kommuru Books
Pages: 42
Genre: Children’s Fiction

Mom's Choice Award GOLD Recipient

Does a smile or a laugh have trans-formative power? It does in a special place called Tadoba. Anokhi Dosti is a book written in Hindi and is a remarkable tale of the trans-formative power of companionship, particularly for someone who is lonely and never really had the gift of laughter.

Guaranteed to get a giggle out of kids, Anokhi Dosti also provides plenty of opportunities for readers to connect with the characters in richly detailed, mesmerizing illustrations.

This Award Winning picture book is perfect for read-aloud fun and is also appropriate for beginning readers. This book is written in Hindi using Hindi script.

BUYING INFORMATION:

Annokhi Dosti is available at Amazon or pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble


About the Author

Subhash and Sujata hail from India. They migrated to the United States along with their memories of childhood and youth. Now that they are parents, just like every immigrant they crave to introduce their child to the culture and values of their upbringing. Yet it is challenging to teach something while you are in the midst of adjusting to a different culture yourself.
Subhash and Sujata both work in different disciplines and have different styles and backgrounds, but it is the upbringing of their son that brings them on the same page. That exact place where they meet is captured and reflected in their stories, where Subhash can express in words, and Sujata can illustrate them beautifully. Where he puts it in black and white, she adds color to it. You get the idea!
These stories are their attempt to share a glimpse of their childhood days with their son. He is their inspiration to write short stories that have meaning to them and provide teaching in some shape or form.

Shobhan’s latest book is the children’s book, Anokhi Dosti (The Magic of Friendship).
For More Information

 
http://www.pumpupyourbook.com

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Book Review: Shabdon Ki Holi by Subhash Kommuru


Title: Shabdon Ki Holi
Author: Subhash Kommuru
Publisher: Kommura Books
Pages: 34
Genre: Children’s
Shabdon Ki Holi is a funny story with bright illustrations and lively cartoon written in Hindi.
Ramesh and Suresh are two siblings who love to blabber and find it very funny. But this holi they experience a adventure like never before and meet entertaining creatures/jeevs who are lot of fun but their vocabulary is very limited. See how both siblings go from blabbering to teaching Bandhu, Pratham and his fellow creatures the usage of words - featuring bright and fun illustrations in the backdrop of holi festival.

For More Information

Book Trailer:



My Review: 

What an adorable children's picture book! The illustrations are amazing, they are nicely drawn, and the color is strikingly vibrant. Seriously, I could frame some of the illustrations.  You will NOT be disappointed with this book. Highly recommended!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Interview with P.H.T. Bennet, author of 'Raising Sleepy Stones'



P.H.T. Bennet began exploring his dreams when he was a child and has never bothered to stop. He had the good luck to have two daughters, Juliette and Paola, who not only served as the inspirations for DeeDee and Kiva, the main characters of Raising Sleeping Stones, but also helped him turn their family dreamwork sessions into this book. His lucky streak grew when he married his lovely wife, Mim, who tolerates his turning on a light in the middle of the night to write down ever-crazier dreams and talking about them in the morning as long as he lets her sleep in, first. His favorite dreams involve flying, visiting the dead, and replaying nightmares until they reveal their secrets.

Pratt’s latest projects are editing Book Two of the Orora Crona Chronicles and planning a virtual summer dreaming camp with other dream authors.

For More Information
About the Book:

Like every kid in Solasenda, Kiva Stone has been far too busy training for one of the five town guilds to think about something as useless as dreaming. But when she and her sister DeeDee uncover a mysterious plot to get rid of them, their only hope lies with a shadowy group of people who wield
unimaginable powers drawn from their dreams. As the girls escape with them up the Varruvyen river, they start learning secret Dreaming Way techniques that have been forbidden for centuries. But how can they learn enough to stand against the enemies chasing them? The answer lies in the shattered history of Orora Crona, the lost Valley of Dreams, and whoever can piece it together first will rule for centuries to come.

For More Information


Thanks for this interview, Pratt.  What was the inspiration behind your middle grade fantasy, Raising Sleepy Stones?

It was more my daughters. When they were about 4 and 7, they both started having recurring nightmares that were making them scared and lose a lot of sleep. I’d been working with and studying dreams for many years, so I taught them how to tame those nightmares and take control. The results were so quick that they begged me to show them what else they could do in their dreams. I taught the how to fly, breathe underwater, become lucid, and a lot of other dream techniques. They got so good at all of these dream skills that they told me I had to teach it to other kids. That’s how the writing began.

I’ve always wanted to write middle grade fantasies.  When did you determine that this was the genre for you?

Again, it was my daughters. We were all reading lots of books together, and, like a lot of other kids, my oldest was obsessed with the world and magic of the Harry Potter books. She’d read them over and over until she could recall every detail. I realized that, though she read them over and over, she never got any better at doing magic ;) So I started wondering if I could write an adventure series that would also immerse kids in an incredibly rich and wondrous world, but would also help them get better at a very specific the of magic: dreaming. Because when you think of the incredible things that we all can do in dreams, it is kind of magical. We can change appearance, shape, location, all with a thought. And we can do things that no one can in the physical world. So that’s how it started: I based the characters of DeeDee and Kiva on my daughters Juliette and Paola, and it grew from stories we made up together to the three books so far in there series. 

How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience?  Are you around kids?  Are you a kid at heart?

All of the above. In the early years of this series, I would read new chapters to my daughters in bed. Their reactions showed me immediately if something was funny, or too long, or boring, or exciting. I cut a lot of pages that way. They also became fierce advocates for what their characters should do differently or next. Once I had the core story, I started sharing  early chapters with kids across the country and got fantastic feedback and suggestions from them, most of which made it into the books. I enjoy reading chapters to kids whenever I can and love watching their minds churn as they consider the world the characters live in. Kids ask the smartest questions, so I’m often taking notes about things to build on or make clearer in the next books. 

I also really, really hope that parents read these books with their kids and encourage them to share their dreams. I learned so much about my daughters that way, about what was making them happy, sad, or scared, what they were anxious about or hoped to do. Parents can get a much deeper and more honest window into their child’s heart and mind by just listening to their dreams than by asking how school went. That question is always tough to get a good answer to!

What was your favorite book as a child?

So, so many, but there were a few that most inspired me for this series. Harold and the Purple Crayon because Harold was so good at creating an entirely new world froths imagination. I thought a lot about Where the Wild Things Are because Max is just a kid, full of want and anger, and his dreams allow him a great and safe way to turn those destructive emotions into adventures and excitement. The Chronicles of Narnia was a series that I revisited many, many times throughout my life. I loved that though the kids were sent off on their own- both in wartime England and Narnia -there were so many adult figures who stepped up to guide and help them. And who doesn’t want a father figure like Aslan? And I also have to thank Madeleine L’Engle for A Wrinkle In Time, which blew my young mind and made me feel that kids could do anything if they really tried hard. And has awesome adults around to help. That was something that was so important to me in my series: to provide really solid and reliable adults for the girls. I don’t think it sends young readers a great message when characters have to face mortal danger without any help from adults, so though the girls have to do quite a lot by themselves, my adults are available when the girls need them most.

What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to write middle grade books?

It’s a wonderful time for middle-grade literature. There are so many great authors waking in this genre, now, so I’d say first to read, read, read. The second is to read their stories to or with as many kids as possible to see where it works and where it needs work. Kids are very honest readers and commenters. My toughest and most useful critics are all middle-graders. 

What are your goals for the future?  More books?

Absolutely! I’m currently editing the second book, which will be coming out this winter, and planning the 3rd. it’s very exciting because those are the books where the girls’ dream powers really take off and they can do incredible, unimaginable things with them. 

The second is that I’ve gathered a great team of dream authors and experts to host a free online dream camp this summer. Every day, anyone who signs up will get new tips on how to dream more, remember more, and get more out of your dreams. We will also be giving away free dream books every week and sharing author interviews on dreams. You can learn more about it and sign up for the free program here: http://bit.ly/dreamingchallenge.





Monday, August 1, 2016

Interviews with Children's Book Authors: Subhash Kommuru, author of Shabdon Ki Holi




Like children's books? Today I am interviewing Subhash Kommuru, author of her children's book, Shabdon Ki Holi.  Stay tuned for our review on August 31!

Subhash and Sujata hail from India. They migrated to the United States along with their memories of childhood and youth. Now that they are parents, just like every immigrant they crave to introduce their child to the culture and values of their upbringing. Yet it is challenging to teach something while you are in the midst of adjusting to a different culture yourself.

Subhash and Sujata both work in different disciplines and have different styles and backgrounds, but it is the upbringing of their son that brings them on the same page. That exact place where they meet is captured and reflected in their stories, where Subhash can express in words, and Sujata can illustrate them beautifully. Where he puts it in black and white, she adds color to it. You get the idea!

These stories are their attempt to share a glimpse of their childhood days with their son. He is their inspiration to write short stories that have meaning to them and provide teaching in some shape or form.

Shobhan’s latest book is the children’s book, Shabdon Ki Holi.

For More Information
About the Book:
Shabdon Ki Holi is a funny story with bright illustrations and lively cartoon written in Hindi.
Ramesh and Suresh are two siblings who love to blabber and find it very funny. But this holi they experience a adventure like never before and meet entertaining creatures/jeevs who are lot of fun but their vocabulary is very limited. See how both siblings go from blabbering to teaching Bandhu, Pratham and his fellow creatures the usage of words - featuring bright and fun illustrations in the backdrop of holi festival.

For More Information


Thanks for this interview, Subhash.  I’ve always wanted to write children’s books.  When did you determine that writing for children was for you?

I have a philosophical answer to your question. There is a lyricist in Indian movie industry, in his early days he wrote lots of hits movie where central theme has been lots violence and they were mostly based on revenge and resentment. In fact he is credited as someone who brought the concept of angry young man as a lead character to Indian movies. But after he got married his stance changed completely and he started to write romantic songs. Over the years he has written many romantic songs and they are all very touchy. Lyrics are so rich that you can enjoy them without the music.
I want to believe that having a son in Arya, did that to me. He made a writer out of me. I always used to make up and tell stories to Arya, mostly by observing him and then trying to teach him using stories as mode of communication. But as he started to grow older he would remember not just stories but words and every time I narrate a story he would remind me that my story/dialogues have changed. That forced me to actually write it down and then read those stories to him that way consistency was there.

What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, Shabdon Ki Holi?

My inspiration for Shabdon ki Holi comes from multiple directions.

First and foremost and core of my story comes from the basic that every parent that I know and the one’s that I don’t know they all have one thing in common they love their kids and they always want only the best for their kids. And there are times in all of these parents life that they come across a stage where kids test their limits and that frustrates parents a lot. In my story two brothers Ramesh and Suresh do just that and blabber to the extent of annoyance for their very loving Mom. So that is my first aspect on this book.

Second aspect to Shabdon Ki Holi is to bring one of a very lively festival, Holi, from India. Holi is also known as color of festival enjoyed by everyone from young to old.

Third and last aspect of Shabdon Ki Holi is entertainment and that is achieved by creating fun new characters which we call as Jeevs which in Hindi means creatures. These characters are funny, lively and playful. They love visitors and indulge actively with them.

It’s the combination of these three aspect that takes two brothers on a fun adventure while teaching them a very important lesson.

How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience?  Are you around kids?  Are you a kid at heart?

I am a very involved parent be it playing with kids, watching movies and even reading books we always do it together. In fact on a rainy day I sit with my kids doing either lego or other building activities. In fact recently my son is teaching me how to draw. Way kids think is very different and more you involve with them more you learn about simple things in life. I never saw myself as someone who could draw, I read quite a few books, tried quite a few programs online but never quite satisfactory. But then I started to sit with my son and saw as to how simple a skill it is. The way he looks at objects and articulates what to look for when drawing and his sense of color that is absolutely amazing. So I would say that experience of engaging with him and trying to cater to the way he thinks the way he learns alone inspires me to be better writer.

Illustrator for Shabdon ki Holi, Nayan Soni is cartoonist and his style is fun and casual and speaks to kid directly. This book in particular is very home for him as far as style goes. He is characterization of Jeevs Bandhu and Pratham is absolutely stunning and true to the nature in the story. It almost feels like he brought his inner self to life in those characters. When you look at expressions of each of the characters they are mind blowing.

Our editor, Piyush Ranjan did a fabulous job in bringing right content to the story. Piyush has a command on Hindi language. I have read some of his poems and this is in fact my 4th book with him. While my stories are simple, keeping language simple is equally important and Piyush does a great job of playing with simple words while conveying important message.

The end result “Shabdon ki Holi” is sure to tickle your funny bone and at the same time bring home a very important message. 


What was your favorite book as a child?

Growing up as a kid I was exposed to quite a few books written in Hindi. And anyone who grew up in India will tell you the role Panchatantra plays in their upbringing. I too am a big fan of its simple stories with strong moral to them. To that extent you will see that reflected in my stories as well.

What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to write children’s books?

Writing tips for authors, that is an interesting topic that I feel compelled to pass on, not just because I want to see fellow authors succeed but also because of my singular objective of getting more quality material for kids out there. When you pick children’s book most of them are very good, but you will see a common theme, they are built for commercial perspective to please the audience and generalize them into one category. There is no diversity in books. There is no culture, no tradition and biggest concern is that not many of them challenge children’s intellect.

I would strongly encourage aspiring authors to plan out your simple story. Remember life is complicated but you learn about life one simple story at a time so don’t rush into doing too many things at once. Say if your topic is festivals try to focus on one festival at a time and don’t get immersed in every single detail unless you are writing a text book on them.
For instance our book Bargad, talks about Vat Savitri rather than getting into details of festival, its origin and other details we surround our story around this important festival and bring home the fact the reason behind observance of such festival.

Secondly I would advise you to write something about you care, your story has to bring some value to the table and sky is the limit there don’t have to stick to the populous theme don’t have to restrict yourself to what “cool kids” are thinking today. Who knows your story would be what “cool kids” will be thinking tomorrow.

A prime example of this effort is our title “Chatur(Hindi)”. This story is very straight forward and flow is very simple complimented by colorful illustrations which brings home simple message speaking against greed.

Third piece of advice comes from a writer who rewrites stories numerous times, read your own story over and over again see what needs refinement and polishing.

For instance our book “The Magic of Friendship (Anokhi Dosti-Hindi edition)” talks about a story where two diverse personalities meet and their friendship brings about a change to their environment that completely turns the events from scary to happiness. This story when I first wrote it was simply just that with two diverse personalities sharing their talents. When I was done with the story it turned out to be very good, funny and entertaining, my son would laugh from beginning to the end but I felt that there was something missing in the story, so rewrote the flow where I start the story with a flock of geese migrating and observing the whole story unfold, so the story is being told from a third person perspective and I also take help from geese’s seasonal migration to bring in generations where this story is passed from grandfather-father-son. It tied up so nicely that the book has earned rave reviews from distinguished outlets and very well received by every single reader.


What are your goals for the future?  More children’s books?

Ofcourse more children’s books, many more of them. I love the experience so far. You know how you feel some job to be mundane and repetitive, I don’t feel like that about children’s book at all. Its loads of fun and the best part is towards the end it’s extremely satisfying. Especially when you hear from your readers of not only how much they enjoyed but the values they learned from it. I explicitly remember I read my first book Bargad to a 3 yr old girl, after almost 2 yrs in her school her teachers tasked her class to do some free drawing. She ended up drawing Bargad, her parents were nice enough to share that image with me.

My next project is diversifying my interest even beyond writing. I am divulging into illustration and again inspiration comes from my son who is very good at drawing and always is challenging me to a new level. In fact this untitled project that I am working, we both are working side by side where I draw something and he comes up with his own version and then we discuss what the scene and character really implies so I am relishing this engagement and enthused to work towards completion. Story is around a superhero, given my son’s age this really catches his interest and this story elevates that interest level but brings home the basic idea of superhero.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Interview with Children's Book Author Davin Whitehurst




Davin Whitehurst lives in the beautiful high desert of Southern Arizona with his wife and son. He is releasing his first book "I have Faith" in May of 2016 but has so many more that are in the making. The motivation behind the books are deeply rooted from in his own past. He is a living testimony of Proverbs 22:6. Growing up in Southwest Kansas and in a Christian household, he was trained up in the way he should go. By the time he became a teenager, Davin turned away from God and left church. Fast forward into his late twenties and God brought him back with a powerful calling. He and his family have been faithfully serving at Seed of Abraham Christian Center International for over seven years now. Proof that when we teach our children the way they should go. When they get older, they know where to turn and will not depart from God. Davin wants each book written to be a resource that parents have to help train their children in the way they should go. He writes stories in a simple way that will be fun and practical for every child. He wants children to get excited about faith and the things of God.

His latest release is the children’s book, I Have Faith.

For More Information
About the Book:

Are you ready to get your child excited about faith? “I Have Faith” puts your child right in the footsteps of Danny as he begins to learn about faith. Danny and his older brother have been wanting a dog, but both know their parents don’t think they are ready for a dog. When Danny’s mom begins
teaching him what the bible says about faith, he puts his faith into action. After praying and releasing his faith for a dog, doubt and even his best friend keep telling him that he will never get a dog. Over time Danny never loses his faith in the promises of God and finds that God is faithful and that faith works. Come along on this journey that is a real life event that took place in the author’s life as a child.

This book has great illustrations that support a wonderful story about finding faith in God. As you are teaching your child about principals in the bible; this book will help you teach faith. What a wonderful experience it is when we can see our children begin to develop their faith in God, and grow from a tiny mustard seed to a firmly planted tree. The back of the book has a parent/child discussion which will help children gain understanding in faith and some scriptures that Danny’s mom used to get him excited about faith.

Thanks for this interview, Davin.  I’ve always wanted to write children’s books.  When did you determine that writing for children was for you?

I got the ideas and concepts about 7 years ago. I never pursued it though. It was a calling that God had placed on my life and it was not until about a year ago that I finally stopped running from that calling and accepted it. The very first book I got the idea for is actually the second book that will be published later this year.

What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, I Have Faith?

Faith is such a simple word but something that we can make very complicated and wrap religion or tradition all around it. I believe that most of us were raised with the wrong concept of what faith or that complicated version of it. That’s why I wanted to write a book that teaches faith in a childlike form that allows both parents and children to realize that faith is a simple act of trusting God. When we are children we can take simple concepts and work them without previous experience to cause doubt. My hope is that through this book that simple faith turns into a strong faith full of the promises of God.

How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience?  Are you around kids?  Are you a kid at heart?

My son is now sixteen so I no longer have little children in my house. I love to look at a child and see what they are seeing through their eyes. They are experiencing life for the first time and have no experience too really form their own opinions yet. I watch them and it always puts a smile on my face because they just absorb everything. A parent may pick up my book and see a simple book and form one opinion while a child picks it up and sees and endless possibility through God or some other opinion. A parent gets tired of reading the book about the fire truck, while the child wants to read it over and over again. So I like to keep my heart in a childlike form not a childish form. God has shown me to receive the kingdom like a child and it allows me to write a story that draws the children in.

What was your favorite book as a child?

I think one of the books that always stuck with me is “Just Me and My Mom” by Mercer Mayer. The A Little Critter series all in all were some of my favorite books. The Berenstain Bears also had an impact on my imagination also. The Picnic book is one I can still picture in my mind 30 years later. So many come to mind though; I love the imagination and worlds you can enter through children’s books.

What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to write children’s books?

Write what is in your heart, the calling of God will make your books unique and have a message that children need. Imagination and unlimited possibilities thrive in a child’s mind. Create worlds that children never knew existed, so no matter where they’re at a journey will take place.

What are your goals for the future?  More children’s books?

“I Have Faith” is just the beginning. I am working on another book that is from the first chapter of Genesis. Plus I am working on a YA novel that is a work in progress. I have just put my roots down in the writing realm but am firmly planted. I did not go the traditional publishing route and decided to start my own publishing company. Childlike Faith Publishing will establish the brand behind the stories, so stay on the lookout for more books, comics, apps, ebooks, authors and more.