Tiffany Turner's Blog

The holidays will soon be upon us. Likely, thoughts of what gifts to get are churning in your mind for your child or grandchild. Books are great gifts! Picture books are wonderful ways to connect with your child during read-aloud time before bed and to stimulate their imagination. So, I’ve been gathering info on some great new picture books for you to consider for your child’s home library. Teachers, these would be great for your class library.

 “The Magpie’s Reflection” is my first choice for your gift giving list. It’s a great story about losing something you take for granted and then trying to recover. Your child will meet Magnus, a magpie thrown into a moment of turmoil and shown kindness to survive. This touching story will warm your heart as it did mine. I had a chance to interview the author, Mike Dibley, about his love for writing and reading, and what he’ll be up to in future projects.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Mike Dibley: Probably reading Peter Rabbit books. There was something magical about them. I also fell in love with the watercolour style of the books, something that has kept with me after all this time.

2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Mike Dibley: Children’s books are what I want to keep writing about. It’s all an adventure, whether it’s stories told or stories to learn. It’s all fine with me.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mikie Dibley: Writing is relaxing and a way to declutter thoughts.

Book Blurb/Cover:

High above the bustling city, two magpies Millie and Magnus perch on a rooftop, judging the world below with sharp eyes and sharper beaks. But when a powerful wind sweeps them apart, Magnus is thrust into a journey he never expected. Lost and alone, Magnus is rescued by a kind old woman who shows him a different side of life, one filled with warmth, kindness, and self-discovery.

As he heals, Magnus begins to see himself and others through a gentler lens. But will he ever find Millie again? And if not, can he find the courage to fly forward into the unknown?

“Magpie’s Reflection” is available on Amazon in Kindle or paperback format.

Purchase on Amazon

Link here for the first interview with Mike Dibley and information on his book, “Iwa, the Snowflake”.

For more information on Mike Dibley, please visit his Amazon Author Page.

“Meet in the Park” by Tiffany Turner had a debut performance at the Brannan Center Grand Opening on Oct. 4, 2025 performed by UpStageNapaValley.

I am excited to share with you the first performance of my play, “Meet in the Park”, was held at the grand opening of the new Brannan Center in Calistoga, CA on Oct. 4, 2025. It was such a treat to be able to see my characters come to life from the incredible production put on by UpStage Napa Valley. I was so humbled while attending this preview of my play. I was honored to have my play represent PlayFest 2025 and to celebrate the new performance space of the Brannan Center.

I sat in the audience, excited with everyone else, to see the new Upper Hall used for a play performance for the first time. The play was directed by Lauren Haugan as her debut in directing. She stood up before the audience, introducing the play. I relished hearing my name as the playwright. It was a moment. But the grandest moment was when the lights dimmed, and I saw my characters, that had only been on the page before, appear before my eyes as actors for the first time. It. Was. Amazing.

Lauren Haugan, director of “Meet in the Park” introducing the performance at the Brannan Center on Oct. 4, 2025.

It’s hard to explain what it’s like to be a playwright having their play debut for the first time. It’s a mix of excitement, maybe a little fear, and imposter symdrome. Questions like “Will people like it?” and “How will it be received?” buzzed around in my head. Then, the acting began, the play performed with the dialogue I wrote, the humor bringing laughs from the audience, and the themes and the emotional highs and lows brought out by the actors. I looked around at the audience, saw reactions of enjoyment and quiet during the dramatic lines.

It was incredible. To think how in my craft room where I wrote it, the play is now fully formed, being enjoyed by the people around me, was insightful as an artist. It made the writing process worth it.

When it was over, applause filled the room. People began to get up, and I asked how people had liked it. My friend, that had watched with me, started to let the cat out of the bag, that I was the playwright. This brought exclamations of excitement from the people around me. One woman mentioned she “felt so much more relaxed” after the performance. I knew the meditation theme that flowed throughout the play worked. A man added, “I enjoyed the play. Now, write another one.” I basked in the support and positive feedback. I was thankful to UpStageNapaValley for putting on a great production and looking forward to seeing the performance during the festival at the regular performance space in a few weeks.

Will I write another play? Oh, you bet ya. What it will be, I’m not quite sure yet. I have a couple ideas buzzing around, and look forward to trying again to enter the festival likely next year. I do enjoy a theme and deadline to write to. But then, I also want to bask in this triumph so I can remember it later during the many rejections and blocks often run into while writing. It’s these kinds of successes that keep you going, propel you to the next project. The moment of seeing my characters on stage for the first time will comfort me on my writing journey. No matter what happens next, I have that memory now. I’m sure, it will make all the difference.

Keep writing. You never know what you’re going to get.

If you’d like to see “Meet in the Park” during the festival, the performances will be:

Oct. 24, 25, & 26

Performed by UpStage Napa Valley at Newton Hall: at Grace Episcopal Church, 1314 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA.

Tickets are available at: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/upstagenapavalley/6762.

Buy Tickets Here

For more information on UpStage Napa Valley’s 2025 Playfest, please visit their website at:

https://www.upstagenapavalley.org/

-Tiffany Turner

Playwright of “Meet in the Park”

Children’s author of the Crystal Keeper Chronicles series.

I’ve been reflecting, as many people do that remember that day, what is was like to teach on 9/11. I also just saw on the news a segment about how 1/3 of Americans weren’t alive or don’t have memories of that day. It is basically something to be taught and remembered. I do agree. It is something to be taught. We have to teach about what happened that day. It will keep the promise that our nation made to itself that what happened will never be forgotten.

Personally, I am always finding more about 9/11/01. There are so many stories of survival, or just witnessing the second plane hit the tower on TV, or one of the phone call recordings from passengers on the plane. There were so many experiences that day that many Americans can’t forget. We just can’t. Telling our stories, no matter how you experienced 9/11 when it happened, is important.

So here is mine.

I woke up to my phone ringing at 6:45am. Normally, I would wake up around 7 am to get ready for work. But I got the phone, wondering who it could be. It was a good friend, telling me to turn on the TV, and asking me if it was safe to send children to school? I was turning the TV on at the same time I was wondering about her question. Then, I saw it.

The image that many people see today, The North Tower on fire, smoke bellowing, looking like a scene from an adventure film where Bruce Willis was going to save the day. But it was real. It was live. Not a movie. And just as I was trying to process what I was seeing, I saw a second plane hit the South Tower. That’s when I knew it wasn’t going to be a normal day.

I let my friend know to find out from her district if the school was going to have session. I called my own school, and found out it would be open. So, I prepared to go to work. After all, by going to work, that’s what those terrorists wanted to destroy. Our spirit. Our strength. To cause fear. Going to work for the day would be a way to fight back. I wasn’t going to let terrorists stop me from teaching the children of America, though I admit for days after I watched airplanes flying over cautiously.

When I got to school, I had the kids journal about their feelings about what was happening, and told them it would be OK. The authorities had things under control, the airports were closed, and everyone was on the alert. Many drew flags. Many drew the Towers on fire as they had seen on TV in the morning. We’d all seen it. It naturally started as a comfort symbol. Some of the students stayed home that day. So, I only had about 2/3rds of my class. Then, I continued with my lesson plans I had laid out on Sept. 10th. I tried to make things normal for the kids. Give them routine. Make them feel safe.

The next day, all my students attended class. Most everyone had seen the images of the towers on fire. Now the Pentagon was talked about. Some of the kids saw images that have been blocked now. I know because it’s the second day that they drew bodies falling from the towers, instead of just the towers burning. What kids experienced in 2001 when everything was all a current event is so much more. Things have been edited down now. It was more raw on the day and the days after. All Americans, young and old, were united in their grief about what had happened.

We talked about what we wanted to see happen next. Many students wanted to see the Two Towers rebuilt. They heard about more of what happened, with the Two Towers becoming the symbol of the whole event. Everyone gravitated on the collapse, and seeing them rebuilt or something to replace them, gave my students hope. The flag was comforting. Many people dug out their 4th of July decorations and started to put them up. Flags decorated overpasses.

On Friday, there was a moment of silence by the whole school for those that had been lost. In a moment of emotion, I grabbed the class flag and gave it to my line leader to hold as we walked to the center of the school for the moment of silence. Many other classes had done the same. I remember watching him hold it high, proudly for all the kids to see, as we silently remembered what had happened on Tuesday.

Now, I think about that whole week I taught for this country. I’m so thankful I was able to teach that day, and unite with the students in my class for the first moment of silence. It’s a school memory I’ll cherish, always.

To those lost, the firemen and police officers that tried to save them, and to all Americans that experienced the first 9/11, we’ll never forget. Tell your experiences. Tell your stories. Show the tears.

For the education of future Americans. That’s what we stand for. Always remember, never forget.

-Mrs. Turner

I hope you enjoyed the 2025 Back to School Blog tour last week. I have one more surprise for you. Consider it a post blog tour treat. I’d like to introduce you to the author, Jennifer Ferrell. She has a darling book about two sweet characters, Fran and her pig, Benny. I am partial to kid adventure stories since I’ve written a children’s fantasy adventure series. So, I couldn’t wait to let you know about this new find. The Story of Benny and Fran is a charming story of a fun kid adventure that will pull any child into an imaginative reading experience. The info on her book is below the interview.

Jennifer Ferrell is also our featured author for September. So, get ready to read all about her. I have an exclusive interview in which I was able to find out about her inspirations, writing routines, and plans for future projects. Enjoy!

Jennifer Ferrell is the author of the picture book, The Story of Benny and Fran.What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Jennifer Ferrell: My favorite memory from reading as a child is hearing my dad’s excitement while reading. We could go on so many imaginary adventures together. I will always have that precious memory.

2) Who was your favorite author as a child?

Jennifer Ferrell: I love Dr Seuss. The simplicity of his books with amazing rhymes and characters has always amazed me.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Jennifer Ferrell: My writing routine has been to write when I can, but mainly in the evening. I will shut myself in my room and start typing away.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Jennifer Ferrell: In future projects, I’d love to continue creating stories that inspire children with themes of friendship, courage, and discovery. My next idea is about a character named Sammy. She is an adventurous pigeon. Because of her curiosity, she seems to find herself in different situations that she, with the help of her friends, will have to get out of. I want to teach children life skills in a fun and relatable way.

5) What themes would you like to include in future books?

Jennifer Ferrell: The themes I would like to include in future books are experimenting and curiosity. My new book series, Sammy the Pigeon, is full of curiosity.

6) Who were the inspirations for the characters Benny and Fran?

Jennifer Ferrell: The inspiration for Benny and Fran came from my really good friend Frances and her pig, Benny. I do plan to write another book about my pig named Penny. I got her from Frances, so I am going to intertwine the two books.

7) What kind of pets did you have growing up?

Jennifer Ferrell: I had a cat named Sassy. She definitely was a little sassy pants.

8) Why do you enjoy photography as a hobby?

 Jennifer Ferrell: I love to take photos of nature. So, I guess it is calming to me too.

9) What kind of adventures did you do as a kid?

Jennifer Ferrell: The adventures, as did as a kid, were to explore the woods with my best friend, Amanda; and go to the mountains with my parents.

10) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Jennifer Ferrell: Writing to me is a creative outlet that I can use to bring new characters alive.

Book Blurb:

The Story of Benny and Fran (A Picture Book)

Benny and Fran are inseparable. Their days are a whirlwind of excitement filled with all sorts of surprises. The silliest things can spark an adventure. Benny is a curious pig that loves to sniff out fun. Fran is a spirited girl with a big heart and a bigger sense of adventure. When things get tough; Fran comes up with a plan to save Benny. They learn about friendship and how to lend a helping hand while on their kid adventures. Come join them on their journey through the countryside finding butterflies, bubbles and exploring the great open skies.

This story is a playful romp of antics and fun with charming illustrations. It will have you and your little one giggling and smiling along with the characters. Age range is 4 to 8 year olds. It’s the kind of book that families will find themselves reading over and over.

The Story of Benny and Fran is available on Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title ebook and as a printed paperback book.

Purchase Here

For more information on Jennifer Ferrell and her books, please visit her website at:

https://jenniferdawnferrell.com/.

Also, find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NMifYkWZn/.

Welcome to Day 5 of the 2025 Back to School Blog Tour. On our final day, I’d like to introduce you to a fabulous, children’s poet, Jeff Boldt.  With a background of teaching English in Shanghai for twenty years, he employs his humor and English literature knowledge into his poetry. He grew up in Texas immersing himself in books as a kid. He has been published in the Humor Times, the e-edition of the Orlando Sentinel, and in Doug Weller’s book, Six Word Wonders. I had the opportunity to review his children’s poetry book, It’s Raining Bats and Frogs and ask Jeff all about his inspirations, writing routines, and about his future projects.

Jeff Boldt is the author of the children’s poetry book It’s Raining Bats and Frogs.

What made you want to become an author?

Jeff Boldt: When I was young, I was immersed in books – they were such a big part of my life. Whenever I didn’t want to be in my own world, I would just go to Narnia or Oz or Wonderland instead. But books were more than a form of escape, they also challenged me intellectually and creatively. They had such a profound influence on my sense of self and my place in the world. Because of this, I wanted to be able to share that same experience with others. 

Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?

Jeff Boldt: Shel Silverstein, more than anyone, has had an impact on my writing. And not just on my style but on the way I think about writing as well. His work was always so funny and so brilliantly realized. I couldn’t believe that there were entire books filled with ridiculously hilarious and nonsensical things – like “Carrots” and “Everything on It” and “Snowball”. So much of school (and learning) to me was serious and boring and safe – and I thought that was what awaited me in the “real world”. Writers like Silverstein and Dahl and Carroll showed me a completely different way.

Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.

Jeff Boldt: I have never been good at schedules and structure, but I do make time for writing. I join writing clubs, take online classes (Oxford and UC San Diego), and generally push myself to do things that will challenge me and get me writing more. In other words, I don’t have a writing routine, per se, but I do make it a priority. Along those lines, I am applying to MFA programs right now because I want to pursue writing full-time.

For your featured book, how did you get the ideas to write it?

Jeff Boldt: Many of the ideas for my poems come from everyday life (work, spending time with my daughters, going out to eat, etc.). For example, the poem “If” came to mind after walking up some stairs to get to my office. The line goes like this: “If I took a set of stairs / and they led to nowhere / how far would I go / before I would know?” Reading it now, though, it’s hard not to see Pablo Neruda’s influence. Back in university, I used to carry The Book of Questions around with me wherever I went. It’s such a great little book. If you’re interested in philosophy and the absurd, I highly recommend it.

What writing projects are you working on right now?

Jeff Boldt: I’ve been tinkering mostly with picture book manuscripts lately (but also writing poems whenever I can). As for the picture books, I have a vowel series and I’ve completed manuscripts for e, o, and u. The u story actually appears as a poem in my latest book. It’s called “The Cnrious Case of the Lowercase u” and it’s a humorous rhyme about two letters, y and a, who can’t seem to find their missing friend.

Book Review

It’s Raining Bats and Frogs by Jeff Boldt is a marvelous children’s poetry book that reminds me of the humorous poetry of Jack Pelutsky. This collection of poems sparks the imagination as it described dressed up dinosaurs, dancing with potatoes in the moonlight, and ridiculous rhymes to recite. It’s a riot of humorous word salad as you read each poem making it a great read-aloud. It had me laughing, remembering when humor was much more simple as a kid.

The illustrations are beautiful. Black and white pencil drawings bring the imagery of the poetry to life. Sometimes the cartoon renditions would make me burst out with giggles. The pictures definitely touched my inner child.

I loved Jeff Bodlt’s silly and mischievous mind that thought up these poems. They remind me of the children’s poems by Jack Prelutsky that wrote “Homework, Oh Homework”. I used to read-aloud his book during Poetry Month. I appreciate the use of humor to help kids connect with poetry. These poems do the job nicely. There is a lot of read-loud chanting and word play that will spark the creative side of any child.

I used to do a poetry collage project as a book report each year during poetry month. I would have loved to place this in my class library for my students to read and use for that project. In fact, I’ll place a link below where you can find it now on Teachers Pay Teachers.com.

I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. These poems are a joy to share and to read out-loud. They will have whole families and classrooms laughing together. Perfect for read-aloud at home or any classroom.

It’s Raining Bats and Frogs is available on Amazon.com and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Jeff Boldt, visit his website at: https://jeffboldt.com/.

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Thanks for following along with the Back to School Blog tour for 2025. This will conclude the blog tour event for this year. Please show some love to the featured authors and check out their websites, look over their books, and consider your purchasing power when choosing an Indie author. They are so often overlooked for libraries and schools, but really can give new perspective, POVs and protagonists that speak to so many children.

As promised, here is the link to the poetry book report project available on Teachers Pay Teachers. I developed it over the years, making it a poetry collage and memorization project, mostly during Poetry month in March. But it can be done all year long. I wrote and developed it myself.

Poetry Collage Book Report

Thanks for stopping by all week. The Back to School Blog Tour will return next year. For more information on sign-ups, check out the Back to School Blog Tour page.

This is Mrs. turner, signing-off. Until next year, keep reading and writing!

-Mrs. Turner

Welcome to Day 4 of the 2025 Back to School Blog Tour. Today’s featured author is Tomeko Brown, author of the children’s early chapter book, An Instrument for Florenda.  I reviewed her book a few months ago, and was happy to get the opportunity to interview her for this Back to School event.

Tomeko Brown has a background in education and health care. This unique perspective gives her an insight to the emotional, social and academic challenges kids face each day. Combining her own love for playing the clarinet and her son’s creative feedback, An Instrument for Florenda grew from a writing project into a book. I had the opportunity to hear more about Tomeko’s inspirations as an author, her creative process, and what she has planned for future books.

Tomeko Brown is the author of the early chapter book, An Instrument for Florenda.

What made you want to become an author?

Tomeko Brown: I have always enjoyed writing. When I was growing up, I liked writing poems and songs. I remember writing a poem for my ninth-grade home economics teacher when she retired. The poem was framed and given to her by the FHA (Future Homemakers of America). I still have the thank-you card she gave me. It really encouraged me.

In college, I studied education and instructional design. That gave me the chance to write and create training materials. But after working with kids in the public school system, I wanted to find a way to encourage them outside of school.  What better way than through stories?

I have always believed books can make a big difference—especially for kids. They can inspire dreams and help during tough times. I used to read a lot to my own children when they were little, and I remember how happy they were when I read their favorite book(s). Even how happy I was when I read my favorite book, Charlotte’s Web, growing up. That joy is what made me want to become an author.

Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?

Tomeko Brown: My family and friends are my greatest inspiration. They travel with me to book events, take pictures, cheer me on, and are always ready to celebrate every milestone.

Outside of my family and friends, I try to surround myself with other writers. Becoming a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) has helped me do that. It gives me a place to connect with others, support each other through the submission process, and celebrate the wins together.

Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.

Tomeko Brown: That’s a great question. Honestly, ideas can come to me at any time, on any day. I laugh because there have been times when I’ve woken up at 3:00 AM with an idea or something to add to a story I’m working on.

I write things down on anything I can find—scraps of paper, sticky notes, the Notes App on my iPhone, or even a napkin! That’s where the fun starts.

Remember in school when the teacher gave you a graphic organizer to help plan your writing? I still use that same idea today to organize my thoughts and help build my stories.

For your featured book, how did you get the ideas to write it?

Tomeko Brown: The idea for the book came from my time playing the clarinet. I’ve always loved the arts—drawing, crafting, and music. My son, Chris, also played the clarinet, and his input and experiences were so valuable in shaping this story. I’m even planning to start playing the clarinet again.

Our experiences of being in a school band and learning to play an instrument helped turn this into a story that would inspire kids to follow their dreams and believe they can reach them.

What writing projects are you working on right now?

Tomeko Brown: Right now, I’m working on a couple of different projects. I’m continuing to build my brand, Moving Notes Books TM, which includes both the first and second editions of An Instrument for Florenda. This early chapter book is more than just a story—it’s meant to help build confidence and encourage kids to go after their hopes and dreams.

In addition, I am getting ready to send a picture book manuscript to a small traditional publisher.

Book Blurb for An Instrument for Florenda

Florenda has always wanted to play in a band. Surrounded by the sounds of music in her small Louisiana town, she is thrilled when her school announces a new band class starting after summer break. But when a visit to the local music store with her mother reveals that the instrument she wants to play is beyond their budget, Florenda faces a tough challenge. Will she be able to play the instrument she’s dreamed of, or will her musical aspirations have to wait?

An Instrument for Florenda is available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

For a review of this book on this blog, link here.

For more information on the author, Tomeko Brown, please visit her website at:

https://tomekobrown.com.

“Brave Enough: Atlan and the Farm Animals” by Bowe Balhoff is a charming picture book of facing fears and unknown experiences on a farm. The main character, Atlan, is a quiet 4-year-old boy based on the author’s real son. He is experiencing his first trip away from his parents by spending time on his grandparents’ farm. The kindness and love that surround the little boy start the story. The grandparents start with comforting things to calm his fears of his new surroundings. Home-made ice cream is the ticket. But of course, new experiences, such as feeding chickens and a pig, could be overwhelming for any 4-year-old. They kindly guide him through these activities.

The unique aspect of this story is that Atlan changes into an animal several times when scared, expressing how he feels in relation to meeting the other animals. First, he turns into a snail while feeding the chickens. Then, he turns into a mouse when meeting the pig, and so on. The animals he turns into embody his feelings. These are such relatable symbols for children dealing with new experiences and the real fear that goes along. When he has acknowledged his feelings for the situation, he changes back into a boy. It’s such a nice way to show this emotional change for the character. His grandmother’s voice is the catalyst for the emotional growth as she guides him into navigating his fear of the farm animals.

New experiences such as feeding chickens and a pig could be overwhelming for any 4-year-old. I loved the way that this story acknowledges those fears, and brings comfort to the character and the reader alike. Techniques to help with anxiety are shared within the story, such as slow breathing, trying to look at a new point of view, and trying to focus on the fun aspects. Granny’s protective arm, showing the support of family, is another life line for the character and reader.

Overall, this is a great story showing a young boy facing the unknown with support from his family. I would recommend this book to any parent or teacher that is trying to model how a child can face unknown challenges, navigate their complex feelings, and look to their family for support. This would be great for any class or home library. Grandparents would find this a fabulous gift to give their grandchildren, especially if they own a farm.

“Brave Enough: Atlan and the Farm Animals” is available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

For more information on books by Bowe Balhoff, visit her website at: https://www.bowebalhoff.com/.

Welcome to Day 2 of the Back to School Blog Tour. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Haines, a children’s fantasy author. Mr. Haines has written immersive children’s fantasy tales. Being known for his titles, Sea of Shadows and Whispering of the Sand, he builds worlds where eerie meets the heartfelt. I had a chance to ask him about his inspirations, writing journey, and plans for future books.

Kenneth Haines is the author of children’s fantasy novels.

1)    What made you want to become an author?

Kenneth Haines: I became a single father to three boys and two girls. Plus, I must have inherited it from my great, great Aunt Helen Keller.

2)    Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?

Kenneth Haines: My writing journey was inspired by my children growing up and things we did together. Plus, their struggles growing up and things I seen and done growing up. While my younger ones were in elementary school, I started writing short stories for them. So, I would read before bedtime to them and when they had sleepovers. After they all grew up, I continued reading to some of their friends. I still remember my stories. My youngest son mentioned that I should look into publishing ones I wrote and just had hidden away in a filing cabinet.

3)    Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.

Kenneth Haines: I take care of a parent with dementia. Since I have to be close by during Mom’s nap time, I found time to bring my stories to life especially when the weather doesn’t permit me to go outside.

4)    For your featured book, how did you get the ideas to write it?

Kenneth Haines: My books start with meeting people and finding out their inner strengths and have a unique name. Then at night while sleeping, it comes to me so vividly. I’m able to put it down on paper the next day. I also design my own covers for all my books.

5)    What writing projects are you working on right now?

Kenneth Haines: Jasey’s Secret: The World Beyond the Glass is my newest book. I am working on the second book right now. Jasey’s Secret is a heartwarming tale of wonder, courage, and the unbreakable spark of childhood imagination. It’s for anyone who has ever refused to let go of magic.

Jasey’s Secret: The World Beyond the Glass is a children’s fantasy that takes the reader beyond their imagination into a fantastic, eerie world. Jasey’s discovery of her inner magic builds into a courageous story as she refuses to let go of her gift. This heartwarming tale will inspire any child to pursue their own journey of discovery and look to themselves for the magic inside.

Jasey’s Secret: The World Beyond the Glass and other Kenneth Haines books are available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and the Google Book Store.

For more information for books by Kenneth Haines, please visit his website at: HERE!

Thanks for checking in for our featured author today. Check back tomorrow for a new featured book review.

-Tiffany Turner

Head Writer/Editor

Indie Children’s Authors Connection Blog

Karin LaScola is the author of the picture book, “Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”.

Welcome to the first day of the 2025 Back to School Blog Tour. Each year, I gather together book reviews and interviews for Indie Children’s Authors to share with all of you. I’m kicking off this year with the fabulous author, Karin LaScola, author of the picture book, “Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”. With a background in education and TV news reporting, she listened often to issues children needed help and support with.

The idea for Sam the School bus came about by watching a local school bus climb a hill near her home every morning and afternoon. Stories started to speak within her mind, and she now proudly brings Sam the School bus’s world and friends to young readers to help with challenges in reading and life. I had the chance to interview Karin LaScola about her school influences as a young reader, her plans as an author, and what it means to write.

What made you want to become an author?

Karin LaScola: I’m not sure I ever saw myself as an author, however, I very much wanted to enable and excite youngsters about reading so it became the likely avenue for me.

2) Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?

Karin LaScola: Definitely, the school bus near my home.  I heard the gears churning as it chugged its way up the hill past my house, and started to empathize with its job. From the literary field, I became enamored with children’s picture books where the text was simple, but the message loud and clear. There are so many delicious examples of this but Leo Lionni’s book “Swimmy”, remains one of my favorites even though it was published back in 1963.  I like the stories where there is an unlikely hero. 

3) Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.

Karin LaScola: I am what you might call a spontaneous writer.  I jot down notes and inspiration on my phone and transfer them to my computer as soon as I can. I re-visit and re-work my “Sam” stories periodically. The initial story might take me a half-hour to write, the final story could take months.

4) How did you get your ideas to write the book, “Just The Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”?

Karin LaScola: The Sam the School Bus series was born, after watching the bus I mentioned, while I was holed up in the office for my graduate program. It didn’t take long before I began to anthropomorphize and the bus became Sam. The plot line of “Just the Way I Am” began to develop when I started playing with words that rhymed with school.

5) What writing projects are you working on right now?

Karin LaScola: I have three more books in the Sam series already on paper, now the fine-tuning begins. I hope to have the second book in the series available this time next year. I will be concentrating on early literacy components to add into each one, as getting ready to read in the early years is so important.

Book Review: “Just the Way I am: A Sam the School Bus Story”

“Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story” is a great back-to-school story for those little ones nervous about going back to school. Whether it’s a new school, new grade or their first day of kindergarten, this book helps address the anxiety of starting something new. It might stir inside fear inside a young one’s mind. This book helps with facing the inner fear and realizing you are enough.

Sam the School Bus is the experienced helper for the new school bus on the route, Sabrina. She has prepared so hard for her first week. But her anxiety of pleasing the children starts to overcome her when she starts to dress in different outfits. She tries dressing up each day of the week, presenting a new Sabrina to the school kids along her route. But will this help her win over her students? Or will she find that being herself is the key?

I have to say, my first impressions of this book were the absolutely beautiful and charming illustrations. They really draw you into the world of the school bus route. Plus, the soft edges and cartoon playfulness really will be appealing to younger minds.

I really like the theme for the picture book. All the different ways Sabrina tried to present herself for school was a great way to make her relatable and emphasize the theme of being yourself. I loved the educational tie-ins for days of the week and showing how teamwork is important. The format of showing each day of the week really makes it a strong read-loud for the classroom or at home.

I can see this as a great ice-breaker for the start of school, whether starting a new school, or going for the first time, this picture book will help ease those fears and teach some helpful life lessons. I recommend it for home and class libraries, especially as a back-to-school read-aloud to start any school year.

“Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com starting September 2, 2025.

*I received an advanced review copy for this book.

For more information on Karin LaScola and her books, visit her website at:

SamtheSchoolbus.com

Remember to check back each day this week for new book reviews and author interviews of fabulous Indie children’s authors. Happy Back-to-School to all teachers, students and parents! I hope you enjoy finding out about all these fabulous authors and books this week.

-Tiffany Turner

Head Writer/Editor

Indie Children’s Authors Connection Blog

“An Instrument for Florenda” by Tomeko Brown is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

As summer is starting to wind down, I wanted to let you all know about a wonderful story with heart. “An Instrument for Florenda” by Tomeko Brown takes you into a small town in Louisanna through the eyes of Florenda. Her dream is to play the clarinet. Filled with challenges and life lessons, this chapter book will inspire and validate any reader to follow their dreams.

Florenda is an eleven-year old living in a small Louisiana town. When her school announces a new band class starting during the summer break, she is excited to take advantage of the opportunity. But when she visits the local music store with her mother, she finds out the instrument she longs to play is out of her budget. Will she find a way to acquire an instrument before the new class starts? Can she make her family proud when confronted with how difficult learning to play an instrument can be?

I really did enjoy this chapter book as a choir kid. I knew a lot of band kids in school too, and it really does give you an insight into what it’s like to begin that journey. It also really shows the struggles of Florenda’s family in making the dream come true, and how she doesn’t want to disappoint them when she finds learning an instrument to be harder than she realizes. It’s a great journey in finding the strength inside to fulfill your dreams, and how family support really does make dreams come true.

This is a great book with an African-American protagonist that reaches into your soul and takes you on a band kid’s journey. I can see this as a great gift for a child starting band class, teacher’s needing to add to their class library, or as a reading circle novel study book. Tomeko Brown does a wonderful job pulling you into the world of her characters and showing the struggles of a Louisanna family making musical dreams come true. A few black and white pencil illustrations add drama to the story. The support and love comes through strongly in the actions and dialogue of the book. I would recommend it as a great addition to any home or school library.

“An Instrument for Florenda” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

And just an FYI to add, the 2025 Back to School Blog tour will be starting Labor Day weekend. It will include author interviews and book reviews for the latest Indie children’s books. If you’re an author and would like to apply, please fill out the form here.