‘The Fairy Cat’ is the story of a magical cat. Photo: Amazon
Isla Skye is a teacher, herbalist and mother with a passion for sharing her love of the natural world and folklore. Her book “The Fairy Cat” is a charming children’s story that weaves together magic, friendship, and adventure in a delightful narrative. The story takes place in rural Ireland and centers around a young boy named Cianán who goes missing. Twenty years later, a black cat appears in a vegetable garden and helps a family recover their happiness.
The author’s writing is enchanting, capturing the whimsy and wonder of cats and their relationship to humans. The characters are endearing, particularly Ita and the magical wild cat. The author creates a vivid setting where the ordinary blends seamlessly with the extraordinary, inviting readers of all ages to believe in magic.
“The Fairy Cat” is a heartwarming story that celebrates the bonds of family, friendship ,and the power of belief. It is targeted for young readers up to 12 years but it’s a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys folk tales with a touch of enchantment and heart.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio’ is the new children’s book by Lucille Newton Cascos about a father and son opossum. Photo: Amazon
Children’s books are magical portals to worlds where imagination knows no bounds. From the whimsical tales of talking animals to fantastical adventures in far-off lands, these books ignite curiosity and foster creativity. Vibrant illustrations breathe life into characters, captivating young minds and sparking endless wonder. Through stories of friendship, bravery, and discovery, children learn valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of imagination. Whether it’s the comforting familiarity of bedtime stories or the thrill of exploring new realms, children’s books serve as timeless companions on the journey of growing up, leaving an indelible mark on both hearts and minds.
Brownsville native Lucille Newton Cascos has a new children’s book that centers around a young opossum named Tikito titled “Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio: Father and Son’s Life Lessons of a Brownsville Native Opossum Who Dared to Dream.” I attended a book signing she had on Friday at Surge Mobile Physical Therapy in Olmito. Lucille took the time to sign copies of the book and take pictures with guests and children. There was a costumed opossum greeting visitors and entertaining the children and guests were treated to fruit, cheese, and other snacks. The atmosphere was celebratory and cheerful as those in attendance were excited to have a book all about a common sight in the valley, an opossum. The author is looking forward to more book signings in area schools and libraries and confirmed that there could be more books in the future as a series.
The book is recommended for older children and is both entertaining and educational. It has colorful illustrations and plenty of reading comprehension words to help young readers improve their language skills. The glossary of vocabulary terms in the back comes in handy in case there’s a word or two they need to look up. The story is poignant and inspiring and explores the themes of family, culture, and the importance of being true to yourself. Thank you, Lucille, for shining a light on this often misunderstood marsupial. Congratulations – it was a pleasure meeting you.
“Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio” aims to make learning fun and engaging for children around the world, introducing them to animals, cultures, and the Spanish language. By combining these elements, Lucille hopes to inspire a sense of discovery and foster curiosity and a love for learning in young readers.
Tiko and his rascally son, Tikito, live in the alleyways of Brownsville, Texas, where they escape the assault and dangers of the outside world. Having lived among humans, Tiko tries to shield his young son against the treachery around them, ultimately sharing the life lessons Tikito will need to survive. (Amazon, 2024)
For Kids Ages 7-9, 10-12. Grades 2-8 Educational, 70+ Target Reading Comprehension Words
“As the seasons changed, Tikito always remembered one thing that stuck in his head from all of his father’s wisdom: even within a short time, everyone can leave a lasting impact and create a legacy worth remembering.”
With Tikito and author Lucille Newton CascosAuthor Lucille Cascos with TikitoSnacks for guests
“The Martha Stone” Series: Important Life Lessons through Engaging Stories is one of two books in a new books series for children. Photo: Amazon
Do you have a young child in your life that’s having a birthday or special occasion and need a gift idea? Books make excellent gifts because they can be entertaining as well as educational. The following are two books in an outstanding new educational series for children.
In an exciting development for young readers and their families, Boutique Digital Press is thrilled to announce the release of two groundbreaking children’s book series aimed at combining fun storytelling with educational lessons and multilingual learning. This series launch features the delightful titles “Hello, My Name is Luke: What’s Your Name?” and “The Adventures of Martha Stone: I Ate Too Much Candy,” each serving as the spearhead for their respective series. (Rita A. Saikali, 2024)
Both series stand out not only for their engaging stories and characters but also for their commitment to educational development. “The Luke Series” breaks new ground by incorporating multilingual learning into its narrative, offering a unique opportunity for linguistic development from an early age. Meanwhile, “The Martha Stone Series” tackles universal themes of self-discipline, moderation, and the value of making right choices, themes crucial for the development of young children.
In addition to their entertaining narratives, both books come with interactive elements and questions that encourage children to think critically about the stories and apply the lessons learned in their own lives. These series represent a valuable resource for parents, guardians, and educators seeking to nurture well-rounded, multilingual, and thoughtful children.
“Hello, My Name is Luke: What’s Your Name?” and “The Adventures of Martha Stone: I Ate Too Much Candy” are now available for purchase. These books are perfect gifts for the young reader in your life, providing not just entertainment but also valuable lessons and language skills that will benefit them for years to come.
“My Name is Luke” Series: A Multilingual Journey for Toddlers “Hello, My Name is Luke: What’s Your Name?” written by Rita A. Saikali, is the first book in “The Luke Series,” specifically designed for children ages 0-3. This innovative series introduces young minds to the fundamentals of Arabic, English, and Spanish through the charming story of Luke Luis Portillo, a young boy with Lebanese and Venezuelan heritage born in America. Through Luke’s engaging adventures, children are taught numbers, colors, and basic words across the three languages, fostering early multilingual awareness and appreciation in a fun, interactive manner.
“The Martha Stone” Series: Important Life Lessons through Engaging Stories Simultaneously, “The Adventures of Martha Stone: I Ate Too Much Candy” also penned by Rita A. Saikali, marks the beginning of “The Martha Stone Series.” This series is crafted to teach children essential life lessons in a gentle and accessible way. Through the narrative of Martha Stone, a bright and curious girl with a sweet tooth, readers learn about the importance of moderation and the consequences of indulgence. The story is filled with vibrant illustrations, engaging dialogue, and thought-provoking questions designed to spark discussions between children and their caregivers about making wise choices.
“My Name is Luke” Series: A Multilingual Journey for Toddlers. Photo: Amazon
‘Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)’ is the new fantasy novel by Tal Storm. Photo: Tal Storm, used with permission.
Fantasy novels are so exciting to read because they often transport you to other worlds and realms filled with mythical and magical beings. Magic and a quest for power usually play a big part. If fantasy novels are your go to for escapist reads, consider today’s new book release. “Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” by Tal Storm is a dark fantasy story about a young noble girl named Darah Mata. She gets turned into a vampire by her uncle and is forced to learn the dark art of Necromancy. She is tortured for any of her failings and despite the pain, she still yearns for her freedom. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Pick up your copy of “Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” on Amazon and find out what happens to Darah.
Tal Storm is an author, a groundskeeper, and a small engine repairman. When not working on equipment, his mind wanders to another world filled with fun fantasy and sci-fi stories. Now, he wishes to share these tales with everyone who loves to share in the joy of fantasy. (Tal Storm, 2023)
“Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” – In Alleria, the Tel’eev Ascendency’s war of conquest sent ripples throughout the world. This is true for Darah Mata, who has been turned into a vampire by the machinations of her uncle. Now, she is forced to learn the dreaded magic of necromancy while being tortured for any failings. Will she be able to attain the freedom from this torment that she seeks?
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Necrohamster wearing a dark cloak. Photo: Tal Storm, used with permission.
‘The Perfect Fit’ is the new children’s book by Gena Palumbo. Photo: Amazon
Children’s books are so versatile. They can be entertaining, educational, and perfect for story time to bond at the end of the day. Introducing children to reading at an early age is an excellent way to get them started on a good habit that will last a lifetime. Today’s new book release is a children’s book by Gena Palumbo titled “The Perfect Fit.” It is a beautifully illustrated tale about finding one’s place in the world. With the holiday shopping well under way, why not pick up a copy for the child or children on your shopping list? It is available on Amazon.
Gena Palumbo is a writer from New England and new to motherhood, which inspired her to start writing children’s books. (Gena Palumbo, 2023)
“The Perfect Fit” is a charming children’s book that tells readers that “there is a place out there for everyone.” It is a perfect tool for parents to discuss themes of exploration, belonging, and self-discovery with their children. Reading age: baby to 7 years.
Embark on an enchanting adventure with Roo, a charming and curious character whose quest to find her place in the world is both inspiring and touching. As Roo navigates through vibrant landscapes, she discovers the true essence of belonging and the joy that comes with it. Join Roo on her remarkable journey and discover the perfect fit for yourself.
Rave reviews for “The Perfect Fit:”
**Vivid and Captivating Illustrations** – “Each turn of the page in “The Perfect Fit” reveals stunning, colorful artwork that breathes life into Roo’s world. These illustrations are not just visually appealing, but also effectively convey Roo’s emotions and the story’s deeper messages. It’s engaging use of font delights reader’s attention from the first page!”
**A Tool for Emotional Growth** – “This book is an excellent resource for parents an educators to introduce important themes and helps build emotional intelligence in children, guiding them to understand and appreciate the beauty in self-discovery.”
‘The Key on Edge’ is the thrilling new novel by Michael J. Piatt. Photo: Amazon
Abstract topics such as creativity, creative thinking, and innovation can sometimes be difficult to comprehend. This is why it is so refreshing when experts in those fields feel the need to share their knowledge with the general public, especially young readers. Today’s new book release is by Michael J. Piatt, whose profession as an inventor spans multiple decades and strongly believes that creativity is a skill that can be nurtured. In “The Key on Edge,” mystical images from the past are intertwined with present-day realities that are just too coincidental to be real—or are they? A small town, a gang of friends, the courage to discover, and too many mysterious coincidences to be real, make this exciting adventure come to life for all who dare. The faceted edges of the key are destined to heighten individual creativity throughout this work. As you enter the world of the Sharefield Gang you do so at your own risk. Discovery is not for the faint of heart! It may be geared towards young readers, but even adults can learn from the self-help instructional material offered within the pages of this gripping narrative.
Michael J. Piatt, is a seasoned technologist and prolific inventor, now turned author. He has made creativity a lifestyle and is the author of over 130 US patents. He wants to share lessons learned with the younger generation, knowing that they will face problems that do not yet exist. He has a passion for fostering creativity in youthful minds. Through his books, he aspires to make a positive impact by sharing decades of life lessons in the art of innovation. His new book “The Key on Edge” combines his heartfelt enthusiasm for storytelling with his dedication to encouraging creative potential. It is Illustrated by Juan Giraldo. All profits from this book go to educational charities. The book is available on Amazon, select Barnes and Noble stores, and can be ordered from most bookstores. (Michael J. Piatt, 2023)
“The world around us is evolving faster than ever, driven by a cascade of new technologies. Maybe I can help in a small way to equip the next generation with the tools necessary to flourish in this dynamic landscape.” – Michael J. Piatt
“The Key on Edge” This YA mystery is about a group of six 9th grade students in a small town. Their school play comes to life, and all sorts of other mysterious things start to happen as they climb Majestic Mountain, work in an old mansion, play an antique computer game, and save their beloved dog Grand Paw. Throughout the book, they work together to creatively solve problems and get out of jams, until they discover just who wrote the script to that play. The book teaches the creative thinking process. It is the first in a series of Sharefield Gang adventures. Discussion Notes are provided at the end to allow readers to further explore their own creative abilities.
Discover how “The Key on Edge” unlocks a lifetime of intrigue and wonder. Understanding and practicing creative thinking are the backbones of this uplifting and inspiring mystery novel. So, delve into the unknown, embrace the magic, and let your imagination soar. It will leave you questioning what lies beyond today and will ignite a sense of curiosity and excitement that will stay with you long after the final pages.
‘Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife’ is the new book by Scott Moss. Photo: Amazon
When it comes to the afterlife, everyone has their viewpoints. While some believe death is final, others believe in heaven/hell and reincarnation. Regardless of where you fall in this topic, we have all seen those roadside memorials and wonder about the story behind them. Today’s new book, “Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife” by Scott Moss centers around Scott, a man who possesses spiritual abilities after being in an accident and experiencing a near death experience. This intriguing book will make you look at these roadside memorials differently and hopefully help you understand why they are so important to people grieving a loved one. Read all about Scott’s amazing new purpose in life – “Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife” is available on Amazon.
Scott Moss has worked in the medical field for over 30 years. He is familiar with life and death and has been in the room many times as people crossed over. This is his take on what might happen when you cross over. The interesting thing about Scott is his sense of humor. That makes the books he writes fun to read. Mr. Moss is not religious by any means. In fact, he does not believe in organized religion. He likes to cover serious topics with a flare for the funny side of all things. (Scott Moss, 2023)
“Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife”– Scott is a blue-collar worker who is in charge of street illumination. One day while he is up in the cherry picker 30 feet up in the air, a driver in a semi-truck has a fatal heart attack and hits the back of his truck. He is thrown from the basket and is critically injured from the fall. He spends weeks in a coma, then a couple of months in rehab. On the way home from the hospital, he sees a guy looking down at a roadside memorial. The guy has an almost ethereal look to him. Scott asks his wife if she saw the guy. She says she did not. When he passes the same memorial, the guy is still there. Scott stops the car and, when he approaches the guy, realizes that he is confused, wondering why there is a cross here and why he can not get home. Scott realizes he has a new purpose in life – to help these souls who were killed so suddenly cross over to heaven. Each person is different, and Scott needs to approach each one of them with care.
‘Rejection Happens for a Reason’ is the debut novel by S Mukesh Rao. Photo: Amazon
Rejection is a natural part of life, especially when it comes to love and dating. Some of the most relatable characters in novels happen to be those who have been through this painful stage of life. Today’s book of the week is “Rejection Happens for a Reason” by S Mukesh Rao. In this witty, entertaining, and heartbreaking novel for young readers, the author explores the raw emotions one feels after experiencing an unrequited love. Sharad’s life is upended when a gorgeous girl named Tiya Hegde falls in love with him. Little does he know that he is heading for the most devastating rejection of his life. This page-turner will keep you hooked right up until the surprise ending. Find out if Sharad finds his happily ever after and pick up your copy of “Rejection Happens for a Reason” today: it is available on Amazon.
S Mukesh Rao is an author with a deep love for storytelling. Leaving the corporate world behind, Mukesh pursued his true passion for writing and it turned out to be a rewarding leap of faith. When not crafting stories, he enjoys immersing himself in good books and thought-provoking documentaries. If you are seeking an author dedicated to unraveling life’s complexities, Mukesh invites you to dive into his entertaining new debut rom-com novel. In “Rejection Happens for a Reason,” he explores life’s ups and downs. This heartwarming story touches on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery and is connecting with readers around the globe. (S Mukesh Rao, 2023)
“Rejection Happens for a Reason” – Sharad falls in love with girls as if he is born for it, but his fate is that his love is never returned. Follow him on a tough journey from constant heartbreaks to a glimmer of hope, sparked by his attraction to Tiya Hegde. He faces a painful rejection, which makes him question if he can ever find true love. Dive into this engaging rom-com novel by S Mukesh Rao, where he explores, with wit and entertainment, the raw emotions that follow a rejection in love. Experience the ups and downs of Sharad’s quest for love in this heartfelt story of resilience and self-discovery that promises an emotional ride through the twists and turns of romance.
‘Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa’ is the first in the Toka-Ace series by Tahir Kashif. Photo: Amazon
Science fiction novels are some of my favorite books because they stretch the imagination and feature superheroes, warriors, battles, and enough action to keep you hooked until the end. This week’s book ofthe week is “Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa” by Tahir Kashif. The story centers around Unit Nine, a deadly living weapon whose new assignment will test him in ways he never expected. It is meant for young readers aged 13-18 but if you enjoy exciting science fiction action thrillers, put this one on your ‘to read’ list. The language is down to earth and descriptive and the action flows easily through the pages. Check it out for yourself, it is available through the author’s website in e-book and paperback edition. Chapter One is narrated in the YouTube video below.
Tahir Kashif was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Toka-Ace is his first book series, which includes “Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa” and “Toka-Ace: #2 Burial.” He has a YouTube channel by the name of The Anti-Pendulum. His videos are sometimes nerdy, and sometimes thought provoking but always interesting. (Tahir Kashif, 2023)
“Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa” – Assassinations, stealth, and infiltration. Unit Nine is a living weapon and the best at what he does. There is nobody deadlier or more dangerous. When he is assigned to recover a missing bioweapon and hundreds of millions in stolen money, he never expects the mystery to put him face to face with his past mistakes or force him to make a pivotal choice. Even the deadliest of warriors can be caught off guard.
‘The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle’ is the new novel by Walter Jones.
Supernatural thrillers that feature characters with supernatural powers have always fascinated me. Not just because of the power itself, but because there is so much more going on behind the scenes. There are always unintended consequences and people who want to use that power for their own purposes, whether good or bad. Such is the case in today’s new book release: “The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” by Walter Jones. It is a small book for young readers that combines religion, spirituality, and supernatural elements to weave a story of a young boy torn between two fates. That sounds interesting, doesn’t it? If this sounds like a book you might enjoy, pick up a copy today, it is available on Amazon.
Walter Jones was born in Jacksonville, Florida and attended the Armed Forces Culinary Arts School in Patuxent River, Maryland. He ministered at The Upper Room Ministry in Jacksonville and enjoys bowling, fishing, and working out at the gym. His new book “The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” is the story of Kwame, a healer – a boy whose mere presence undoes the worst and most grievous injuries, but his powers come with a price. (Walter Jones, 2023)
“The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” – Kwame is a healer. They say miracles are born of dreams. When an old, childless couple living in a remote village make their wish, they realise that their destiny has greater plans for them—and the child. But their blessing comes interwind with tragedy, and the fate of their child is significant not only for the people of their village, but also for the gods and the spirits of the forest themselves.
Kwame knew he was different from the moment he was born. His birth had been prophesized long before he existed. Throughout his entire life, the people of Amani keep telling him how special he is, and how special he must become.
But Kwame’s powers do not manifest so easily. One tragedy follows another as everyone who loves and care for Kwame seems to be in constant pain and surrounded by ill-luck. Growing up, he begins to wonder whether his so-called gifts are ever going to emerge, and whether they would end up being a curse.
The story of Kwame is the story of a boy whose destiny catapults into both joy and sorrow, and as the boy learns to understand and accept his miraculous powers, he must also come to decide the answer to the most important question of them all. Who is he? What does he want? And how will he use his incredible abilities in this life?
Kwame is torn between two fates—the one drawn for him by the gods themselves—and the one illustrated by his caretaker and surrogate mother, a woman who despite her earnest behavior, seems to be hiding a dark and painful past of her own. And so, Kwame must make a choice, one that will affect not only himself, but the soul of nature itself. What should he do with his powers? His answer might have consequences not just for him, but for all of humanity.
SA Examiner 