Wanda Luthman's Blog, page 2

the mountain of gold

Author & Illustrator of The Mountain of Gold, Stephanie Cotta

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

Today, I have an author who wrote a book about greed. This is one of those topics that needs to be addressed with children because we all start out greedy (wanting what we want), but through training, we learn about sharing and caring about others as well as having goals and ambition. We learn how to be balanced.

Today, to tell us about her book, is author and illustrator, Stephanie Cotta…

Kaeri is eager to leave home and wishes he was rich. When he steps out his door one day to collect firewood, he meets a Raven with a tempting offer: to make all Kaeri’s dreams come true. Kaeri leaves home without looking back and follows the Raven through forests, fields, thoroughfares, and the Northern Mountains. 

But will the Raven stay true to his word for Kaeri to become rich? Or will Kaeri learn a more valuable lesson: of where true riches are found? 

Available on Amazon

This enchanting tale, with stylistic illustrations, will delight readers as they follow Kaeri on this journey across old Japan.

Author/Illustrator Bio:

Stephanie Cotta writes epic fantasy and is the award-winning author of the young adult fantasy novels The Conjurer’s Curse and The Wraiths of Arjun. An editor, proofreader, and illustrator, Stephanie’s world revolves around books and storytelling. Her love for Sci-Fi/Fantasy began after discovering Star Wars and Narnia at a young age. She loves crafting stories of hope amid impossible odds and creating realistic characters who inspire readers to discover their inner strength. Stephanie co-hosts the fantasy-centered podcast The Ink Mages, where she shares writing tips and interviews fellow fantasy authors. As an illustrator, she has published one picture book, The Mountain of Gold. Stephanie lives in beautiful Southern Oregon with her husband, their two children, two corgis, and a tabby cat. When she’s not writing, she enjoys archery, reading, painting, playing immersive RPGs, and hiking with her family. Learn more about Stephanie and her books by visiting www.sdaniellacotta.com.

Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing about your book today and for covering an important topic that needs to be explained and taught to children.

Thank you, to my loyal blog followers, for stopping by today. I hope you’ll pick up a copy and share it with your favorite child(ren).

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

God Bless You, Everyone!

the young pirate’s handbook

Author, Ashton Lee

Hi Everyone,

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

Today, I have a brand new author, Ashton, with his book, The Young Pirate’s Handbook, to share with you. I think you’re going to love it, aye, matey.

Here he is to tell us about himself and his book…

Rediscovering Childhood Magic: The Story Behind ‘The Young Pirate’s Handbook‘

The Young Pirate’s Handbook is available on Amazon

Life has a funny way of steering you towards unexpected destinations. One minute you’re a marketing manager riding an elevator, the next you’re a children’s book author. That’s my story, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.

I’m Ashton Lee, and my journey to writing “The Young Pirate’s Handbook” started with a moment that many parents might find familiar. Picture this: I’m in an elevator, watching a young girl desperately vying for her mom’s attention. The mom? Glued to her phone, scrolling away. It hit me like a cannonball – we’re all so caught up in our screens that we’re missing out on the magic happening right in front of us.

That moment sparked a flood of memories. I remembered how, as a kid, a simple tree could become an impenetrable fortress, a hillside could transform into a mighty sailing ship, and a stick… Well, that could be anything from a sword to a magic wand. We didn’t need pixels and Wi-Fi to have adventures – we had imagination.

Fast forward a few months, and I found myself unexpectedly jobless. Mid-life crisis? Check. Mortgage? Check. Three energetic boys bouncing off the walls? Triple check. It was in this chaos that “The Young Pirate’s Handbook” was born.

The book isn’t just a story – it’s an adventure waiting to happen. It follows an overarching tale of a young pirate (that’s the reader) embarking on a series of quests. Each chapter presents a new challenge: learning to sneak like a pro, building ships and forts, and even staging daring escapes. It all culminates in a series of mind-bending riddles that lead to hidden treasure.

The Young Pirate’s Handbook is available on Amazon

But here’s the kicker – these aren’t just words on a page. Each quest is designed to be acted out in the real world. Building a fort isn’t just reading about it – it’s actually gathering pillows and blankets and creating a pirate hideout in the living room. Sneaking isn’t just a concept – it’s tip-toeing around the house, trying not to get caught by friends, siblings or parents (who are hopefully playing along).

My boys were my guinea pigs, test pilots, and harshest critics all rolled into one. They’d come home from school, bursting with excitement to try out the latest quest. Our living room has been a pirate ship, a desert island, and a bustling port town – sometimes all in the same afternoon. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it kept me going through countless rewrites and self-doubt-filled nights.

The goal of “The Young Pirate’s Handbook” is simple: to provide an escape from screens and a return to imaginative play. But more than that, it’s about creating opportunities for families to bond. It’s designed so parents and kids can embark on these adventures together, creating memories that don’t involve a charging cable or a Wi-Fi password.

So here I am, a rookie author with a book that’s part story, part activity guide, and all heart. It’s been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. To all the parents out there looking to reconnect with their kids and rediscover a bit of childhood magic – welcome aboard. The adventure is just beginning.

Ash

Buy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/itOYbBq
Website: https://younghandbooks.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51647153.Ashton_Lee

Thank you so much, Ashton, for sharing your awesome pirate adventure book with us today! I think many parents would agree with you that too much screen time for the kids and themselves isn’t a good thing. We’ve lost something in this day and age and that is play and creativity, much less that connection/bond between parent and child that is built from reading and playing together.

And dear blog followers, thank you for showing up today. I hope you are as excited about this new book and new author as I am! Please pick up a copy and share with your favorite child(ren) and start playing together again!

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

God bless you, everyone

jesus made a way

Author, Filip Radichevski

Hello Everyone,

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

I’m excited to share a new author with you and his book, Jesus Made A Way.

Here’s Filip to tell us about himself and his book…

I’m Filip Radichevski, an illustrator and storyteller dedicated to creating engaging children’s content that instills healthy habits and morals. I’ve crafted a book that introduces children to the wonders of faith through relatable stories and colorful illustrations, fostering a deep sense of spirituality.

Available on Amazon

Embark on an enchanting journey of faith with the delightful and heartwarming book, Jesus Made a Way. This beautifully illustrated children’s book weaves engaging stories that seamlessly integrate the message of God’s love and goodness into the fabric of everyday life. It skillfully uses relatable themes to demonstrate how the divine presence permeates our daily activities and interactions. The book not only encourages positive behaviors but also cultivates a spirit of gratitude and kindness.

Jesus Made a Way serves as a comforting beacon, fostering a profound sense of faith and making spiritual lessons both accessible and enjoyable for young readers. This cherished addition to your child’s bookshelf is perfect for bedtime stories or family reading time.

Embark on this faith-filled adventure today and let your child discover the transformative power of God’s love in their own lives. Order your copy now and inspire your little one to contribute to a world filled with love and kindness.

Thank you, Filip, for writing a book that brings Jesus to children in a way that they can understand. It’s so important to instill God’s love for us at an early age as well as creating healthy habits and morals.

Thank you to my blog readers for stopping by today. I hope you will purchase Jesus Made A Way for the favorite child(ren) in your life today.

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

God Bless You, everyone!

musical me collection

Author, Carol Selick

Hello Everyone,

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

Today, I have author Carol Selick with us. She’s published 2 books and I’ll let her tell you what’s unique about them…

As a writer, piano, and voice teacher, and professional singer and songwriter, I wanted to share my love of music with children. I have a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and know how important it is to encourage children to read.

My experience as a music teacher and performer has given me a deep appreciation for the power of music to inspire and delight young people. Writing books that incorporates musical themes, characters or settings can be a great way to introduce children to the joys of music.

Writing this book has been a deeply satisfying creative project and has given me the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for music in a new way, with a wider audience and potentially inspire others to pursue their own musical interests.

Available on Amazon

PLAY FOR ME, PETER – A picture book about a young boy who wants to learn to play the piano like his grandfather who is a professional jazz musician. But when the music stops, so does Peter’s dream of learning to play the piano. Until one day he finds a surprise gift from his grandfather which makes his dream possible.

With the support of his grandmother and Mr. Wally, a dedicated piano teacher, he can continue his grandfather’s musical legacy.

“Play for Me, Peter” is a story about inspiration, the power of music and the special bond between a boy and his grandparents.

In the back of the book, is an original song – Every Good Boy Does Fine. It is a fun song that helps children remember their notes.

Available on Amazon

Recently I have published SING FOR ME, SARAH – A picture book about a young girl who discovers her voice in the most unexpected places. With a passion for singing, she embarks on a journey to find her voice for a talent show. Struggling with stage fright, Sarah meets her neighbor, Miss Lorenzo, an opera singer, who becomes her guiding light. With Miss Lorenzo’s help, Sarah finds her voice and gains the courage to shine on stage. At the end of the book is an original song that Sarah sings at the talent show. The song, Music, Music Everywhere gives Sarah the freedom to sing music that she believes in and realize her dream of standing in the spotlight!

These two books are in my Musical Me Collection.

Thank you, Carol, for sharing your two books with us that will inspire and encourage children to participate musically whether it’s with an instrument or their voice or both.

I love music too! Singing in the car with the volume up makes me feel so happy. I know others feel this way too, but we do let that stage fright get in the way of just enjoying singing. I also love playing the piano (or I used to). I haven’t found the time in awhile. But, I remember when I was taking lessons, I would just get lost for hours playing scales and songs. It’s a great escape!

Thank you to my blog readers for stopping by today. I hope you are inspired to pick up Carol’s two musical books and read them with your favorite child(ren) today!

As always, likes, comments, and shares are appreciated

God Bless You, everyone!

cam creates a hero

Available on Amazon TOMORROW, September 24, 2024

Hi Everyone,

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

Today, we have a returning author, Dagmara Stiek, with us. She’s written a book called Cam Creates A Hero. Here’s the Press Release to tell you all about it…

“Dagmara Sitek teaches about real-life magic (compassion) with her latest children’s book, Cam
Creates a Hero.

Montreal, Quebec (September 2024) – The newest release by Dagmara Sitek encourages young readers to dream big and learn to recognize when others are in need and help them.
Just like the main character Cam, who decides to write a story about a kind hero bot Giorgio to bring some magic into the hearts of suffering children.

Cam lives in a foster home with a lovely family. When he hears a news story about a little girl hurt by her stepmom, he takes his drawing pad and draws a picture of a robot called Giorgio that will protect any child in need. He and his foster family decide to build the robot but can’t get it to work. Cam feels like a failure, but does he give up? Find out inside this book and discover the magic within.

“Foster siblings Cam, Inaya, and Loris come from different countries and backgrounds, but what bonds them is their tough family situations and strong resilience,” explained author Dagmara Sitek. “Their experiences allow children to explore important themes like diversity, resilience, and growth in a meaningful way.”

An inspiration for the book was the death of Kamilek Mrozek, an eight-year-old boy from Czestochowa, Poland, who tragically lost his life in May 2023 after severe maltreatment at the hands of his stepfather. This heart-wrenching incident affected the Polish community, sparking discussions on the critical issues of child abuse, empathy, and mental health.

“Kamilek’s story deeply touched me and inspired the entire Courage Tales series. This book addresses resilience and compassion in a simple yet relatable way, encouraging important conversation about child abuse with empathy and courage,” said Dagmara Sitek.

Join the journey and embrace the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and compassion.

Thank you, Dagmara, for the courage to write a book about a sensitive but very much needed to address topic. I know this book will help many children and families to discuss this topic and hopefuly even encourage children to figure out ways to help others. At the very least, it raises their awareness and that’s the first step.

Thank you to you, the blog reader, who has stopped by today. I hope you will buy a copy of this book and read it with your favorite child(ren).

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

God Bless You, Everyone!

nothing changes if nothing changes

Available on Amazon

Hi Everyone,

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

Today, I have an author, Stephen Clifford, who wrote an exceptional book about wisdom that may be disappearing. His book, Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes, will help children learn a value moral.

Here is the Press Release,

“Author Launches Children’s Book Series Based on Wholesome American Ideals

Fairfield, NJ — As parents begin thinking about holiday gifts for their children – one new children’s book author, Stephen Clifford, wants to remind parents of the lessons they were raised with that seem to be forgotten by society today. His patriotic and motivational book series titled, “Forgotten Wisdom Books, Lessons from a Former Marine and a Retired Teacher,” focuses on topics such as perseverance, determination, accountability, grit, and standing up to bullies. In his first book, “Stop Existing and Start Living,” the two protagonists in all of the stories, TJ and Ryan, find themselves unmotivated and attached to their screens on a beautiful day. Prompted by their father and grandfather, the latter of whom served in the United States Marine Corp., they all embark on an adventure where they learn it is better to get dirty and explore than to be held captive by their devices. They also discover that they are stronger and braver than they ever imagined.

“My wife and I were searching for books that emphasized old-school values essential to growing up as an American and we couldn’t find any,” says Clifford. “It occurred to me that other parents may feel the same way. So, I decided to take some of the lessons I learned growing up, that we have been using to help shape our two children, and write the type of books we have been seeking.”

At the start of the book, Clifford, who grew up during the 1980s and 1990s, writes, “Our children live in a world with different challenges and distractions than we faced growing up. Many children are tempted to choose the easy way out and become a follower, rather than a leader. Most of all, many may not understand the profound pride that comes with being born an American.” He concludes by saying that the advice he offers is “based on lessons and advice my parents taught us, but not unique to my family. These are guided lessons that you may not necessarily get in the classroom, that I am hoping to share with the next generation.”

At the end of all of his books, he includes a short story of American excellence based on the lesson, which Clifford hopes will further encourage pride in being an American. In “Stop Existing and Start Living,” Clifford includes a story about Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea, and their courage in exploring a new frontier.

The books also offer an interactive page to assist parents in reinforcing the message of the books. In “Stop Existing and Start Living,” Clifford encourages parents to talk about a time with their child(ren) when they felt alive exploring or enjoying nature, regardless as to whether it was a big adventure or a small experience.

A unique feature of the series is that each book includes a physical “Wisdom Badge – Reward.” These patches can be awarded to children when they complete a goal they set with their parents or guardians based on the lesson in the story. In “Stop Existing and Start Living,” Clifford suggests challenging one’s child to “put down the tablet or phone, or turn off the video game and explore.” He encourages his readers to go outside and do something involving nature, either by themselves or with a family member, where they can make some wholesome memories. 

“I had a great childhood entrenched in American ideals that I want to share with my children,” says Clifford. “My goal is to keep these traditions alive and to share them with my readers. We live in a time where everyone is really busy and sometimes it’s easier to let children remain on their electronics for long periods of time in order to get work and other things done. However, that’s not ideal for our children. They need to have physical experiences and enjoy the great outdoors. They need to face challenges and learn that nothing changes if nothing changes. My goal is to drive these points home so these lessons are not lost on future generations.”

Clifford’s books and badges are available on his website Forgottenwisdombooks.com. All four books are available without the badges on Public Square and Amazon.”

My review on Amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars Overcoming difficulties by changing yourself

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024

“I love the wisdom in this book of overcoming difficulties by changing yourself. We often feel defeated and give up, when really that’s exactly when we need to dig in and try harder or ask for help. We can overcome difficulties in our life, if we keep trying. I think this is great wisdom that needs to be shared with children. I know parents and educators will enjoy having this book around to read to and with the children in their lives to help instill this value into them. I highly recommend this book.”

Thank you, Clifford, for writing such an awesome book! I know parents and educators will enjoy sharing this with children to bring to life the importance of not giving up when something is hard.

Thank you to the bloggers who stopped by today. I hope you’ll pick up all 4 books in this series for the favorite child(ren) in your life.

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

God Bless You, Everyone!

the chocolate morning; a taste of sweetness to start your day

Christian Author, Debra Gaskill (Books available on Amazon)

Hi Everyone,

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

Today, I have an author that we’ve heard from before, Debra Gaskill, with her book called Single & Sublime. Today, she’s back to tell us about her next book, The Chocolate Morning: A Taste of Sweetness to Start Your Day…

Mornings. It’s the time you have the most control over, and how you begin it sets the rest of the day. But do you find mornings difficult because of physical pain, mental stress, or emotional disappointments?

These things can be bitter and make us want to dive deeper under the duvet. Do you know that you don’t have to do life sick and in pain? You can look forward to the sun coming up. It’s not too good to be true: it is the truth!

Proverbs 4:22 says that God’s Word is His medicine, and if we take it regularly, it will produce health, peace, joy, and an abundant life. Now that is sweet! When I learned the health benefits of dark chocolate, I routinely began snapping off a piece each day as I meditated on healing scriptures. This perfect pairing has allowed me to walk in divine health, and I believe it will do the same for you!

Each devotion is centered around healing with chocolate anecdotes drizzled in between. By the end of this 66-day journey—the average number of days that form a habit—you will be on your way to a healthier, happier you!

Additional content:

Healing scriptures by topicAdditional healing scripturesA daily healing confessionMy favorite chocolate recipes

Journal Description: 

This Companion Journal is a unique and colorful addition to The Chocolate Morning devotional that will assist you in savoring every morsel of the day’s thoughts and reflections in a relaxing, interactive, and long-lasting way.

About the Author:

Debra Gaskill is a Bible teacher, Christian author, missionary, and healing advocate. She has been conducting healing schools in the US and Europe for three decades. Now, through the internet, her healing teachings reach across the globe. It is Debra’s passion to keep the message of healing alive so that others can experience the abundant, long life the Word promises. She is also the author of Healing From Heaven and Single & Sublime.

Thank you, Debra, for sharing about your newest book, a devotional on healing and the companion journal. I believe in healing and I believe your book wil help a lot of people find it in Jesus.

Thank you to those of you that stopped by today. I hope you’ll pick up a copy of this awesome devotional along with the companion journal and enjoy the healing that God wants for all of us.

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

God Bless You, Everyone!

the incredible adventures of timmy, molly, and jack and the space-travelling microwave

Author David Wade, Books available on Amazon

Hi Everyone,

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

Today, I have an author who has 3 books in this delightful series and another book to his name which is David Wade.

Let’s welcome David as he shares with us today about himself and his first book in the series…

“David Wade is a Yorkshire-based children’s author known for his whimsical tales and heartwarming characters.

With over a decade of experience in crafting stories that captivate young readers, David has become a trusted name in the world of children’s literature.

Drawing on his own experiences as a parent and educator, David creates stories that teach valuable lessons while entertaining and engaging his audience. Whether he’s writing about strange new worlds, brave adventurers, or magical lands, David’s stories are sure to delight and inspire young readers.

When he’s not writing, David enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and dreaming up new stories to share with the world.

Available on Amazon

The Space-Travelling Microwave is the first exciting adventure in The Incredible Adventures of Timmy, Molly, & Jack series for children aged 7-10. Follow Timmy, Molly, and Jack to the depths of the known universe and beyond. Encountering weird and wonderful aliens and strange new worlds. Will they make it back in time for school? You’ll have to find out.

When Timmy’s eccentric next-door neighbour asks him to see his latest and most ground-breaking scientific invention, Timmy fears the worst. It’s not like Jack’s previous inventions have been any good. Most blew up the moment they were switched on.

So when Jack presented an old microwave with a lightbulb sticking out the top, Timmy was sure he had finally gone mad. But to his surprise, this was no ordinary microwave. It was a teleportation machine, and it was going to change everything.
Soon Timmy, along with his school friend Molly are thrust into an adventure of a life across the galaxy.”

Thank you, David, for sharing about your book. It sounds like so much fun to read! I am a science fiction lover, so this sounds right up my alley.

Thank you to all those who stopped by today. I hope you’ll pick up the whole series for the favorite child(ren) in your life. I have a feeling they’re going to love them!

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

God Bless You, Everyone!

ben and scout

Available on Amazon

Hi Everyone,

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

Today, I have a book that is near and dear to my heart because it’s about grief. It’s called Ben and Scout and it’s written and illustrated by Denise Minnerly.

Here’s the Amazon description

Ben and Scout are the best rescue dog friends ever. They spend their day together going on great dog adventures, always side by side. When Ben passes away, Scout doesn’t understand. Where is his best friend? Where could he be? Scout soon realizes they have a special bond that can never be broken. Our loved ones are always with us, even when they go away.

Here’s my review of the book

Often we don’t know how to share about death with a child. This beautifully illustrated and well written children’s picture book will help. The author did a great job of just saying what it was and not sugar coating it or using words like “passed away.” She says it like it is and shows that it is hard to lose someone you love. But, there’s a positive ending which I won’t give away and I love that because it gives hope. Having worked for Hospice for 10 years running a group for teens who had lost a loved one, I can tell you that the best way to discuss death with a child is by actually using the word “died” and not trying to take away the pain, but to sit with them through the pain. Grief is normal. It’s not a disorder. People all need to grieve in their own way. It’s best not to judge or use platitudes. Just sit with them as they process. Great job with this book! I believe it will help many children in their grief and help parents and educators discuss the topic of death with children in an open and honest and hopeful way.

I loved this book! Thank you to Denise’s publishing company Monarch Edcuational Services for sharing it with me.

And thank you to my loyal blog followers for stopping by today. I hope you will purchase a copy and share it with your favorite child(ren) especially if they are struggling with the loss of a pet.

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

God Bless You, Everyone!

the support staff at your school

Available on Amazon

Hi Everyone,

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

I have a book to share with you today that explains the support staff at your children’s schools. It’s called The Support Staff at Your School. I believe this is an important book because so often these people are overlooked. They aren’t the teacher or Principal, yet, they do so much to make sure the school is a clean and safe place for your children to learn. I love that Andrew Kirkpatrick, the author, wanted to write a book about these unsung heroes.

Here’s the Amazon description

When we think about a school’s staff, we typically think of teachers and administrators. But did you know there is a whole group of people who play a vital role in keeping your school running smoothly? Without a dedicated support staff, our schools would struggle to provide a safe and effective learning environment for children. Discover all the ways a support staff contributes to your school and find out how you can help members of the support staff in return.

Here’s my review of the book

This book is about the support staff at schools that students may not even be aware of. They may see them but not know what they do. This book is helpful to explain the different jobs and what those people do as well as how they help the students. It is well written and nicely illustrated. I would recommend this book.

Thank you, Andy, for reaching out to me to read and review your book! I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it on my blog today.

Thank you to my loyal blog followers for stopping by. I hope you’ll pick up a copy and share it with your favorite child(ren). It’s important for them to know and understand everyone’s jobs at their school and once they do, they can feel more comfortable talking to them and even saying, “thank you,” to them. I know that would go a long way with the people who are often unseen because they work behind the scenes.

As always, likes, comments, and shares are appreciated

God Bless You, Everyone!