โScalawag Fleabag Surrendersโ sweeps readers into a vivid and unforgettable journey. At its heart is Scalawag, a rugged, scruffy pirate bound to the open sea. His plan is to pillage an island princessโ plunder. Scalawag invaded Princess Anna Doraโs enclave.
When he steps into her chamber and reaches past her, she stroked his scruff. Their eyes lock, and her soft touch begins to thaw his hardened spirit. Scalawag has never believed in โforever,โ nor has he ever considered love to be a prize worth chasing.
Dive into this story to discover whether Scalawag will abandon his life of plunder for a future filled with promise and stability. Lovers of heartwarming tales will find this book especially delightful. Itโs a story many readers can connect withโand one that will linger in your memory long after youโve turned the final page.
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ: The Debonair Square ๐ ๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: Crash Le Comique โ๏ธ . .
The Debonair Square, written by Crash Le Comique, centers around its charming protagonist, the Debonair Square. Always dressed in bold, dramatic outfits, he adores watching the waves roll in until they fade away. Girls want to kiss him, and guys wish they could be just like him.
Seeing the Debonair Square celebrated with a colorful flag filled me with delight. His joyful spirit naturally draws people closer, and I found his energy truly uplifting. It inspires readers to embrace a cheerful outlook on life.
I especially loved the characterโs positivity. The story encourages readers to enjoy the beach, have fun, and live with confidence and joy. The Debonair Square definitely left me inspired. I highly recommend this book for children. The cover is eye-catching, and the colorful illustrations instantly grab kidsโ attention.
Santa’s Audit by Crash Le Comique is one of the most unique Christmas stories Iโve come across. In this tale, the Federal Bureau of Gift Management (FBGM) alerts Santa that an audit has uncovered mistakes in his gift-giving process.
To fix this, the Bureau updates Santaโs โnice list,โ ensuring that little ones who may have been overlooked in the past no longer feel left out and can enjoy a joyful Christmas morning. Their mission to make Santaโs gift-giving more inclusive is truly heartwarming.
This is a delightful story. Read it to discover who steps in to help Santa deliver gifts to so many people. It beautifully teaches children about inclusivity and making sure no one feels excluded. The author shares an important message through this wonderfully written book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it to my son.
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ: Tina Jo and the Hound Dog Show ๐ ๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: Crash Le Comique โ๏ธ . .
“Tina Jo and the Hound Dog Show,” written by Crash Le Comique, is a wonderfully unique read. The story follows an old hound dog named Ben-Joe-Min, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a frog. One day, when he sees her searching for a dress, he wonders why she needs to get all dressed up.
The frog, Tina, explains that she has a show and invites Ben-Joe-Min to come watchโand to bring a few of his buddies along. After some convincing, he manages to gather his friends, and they arrive early to catch the performance. Will they enjoy the show? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
I truly enjoyed this charming story. The cover is eye-catching, and the plot feels fresh and engaging. It encourages readers to try new things and say yes to invitations. Overall, itโs a delightful read with a fitting title and an appealing presentation. Pick it up without a second thought!
Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Picture Credit: Damian Battinelli
Hi, Iโm Jodie BonvilleโBookFest AwardโWinning Author, educator, life coach, ISSA-certified fitness trainer and nutritionist, and proud entrepreneur. With over 26 years of experience supporting children, adults, and families, Iโve dedicated my life to uplifting others through teaching, wellness, and storytelling. Iโm passionate about personal growth, nature, and helping people discover the beauty in lifeโs everyday moments. Writing has become another way for me to inspire others on their journey toward joy, strength, and self-discovery.
What is the inspiration behind your book A Journey to the Summit: Learning Life’s Peaks?
The book was inspired by my love of hiking and the powerful life lessons Iโve learned on the trails. Every peak, every challenge, and every breathtaking moment mirrors something we experience in life.
I also dedicated this book to my beloved colleague and friend, Frederick Schaefer, who passed away. He loved hiking and rock climbing, and honoring that passion felt deeply meaningful. I asked his daughter, Isabella Schaefer, to illustrate the book, and she brought the story to life in the most beautiful, heartfelt way.
When did you realize you want to be an author?
I realized I wanted to be an author when I noticed how people connected with the stories I sharedโin the classroom, in the community, and on the trails. Writing became an extension of my desire to help others.
I also believe itโs important to practice what I preach as a teacher. If I tell students every day that reading and writing matter, then I should be modeling that passion myself. Becoming an author allowed me to live that message authentically.
Please tell us something about your book A Journey to the Summit: Learning Life’s Peaks.
This book is an inspirational childrenโs story about a young girl who goes hiking and discovers meaningful life lessons along the way. Through her journey, children learn about courage, perseverance, gratitude, and the beauty of embracing challenges. The illustrations bring nature, adventure, and reflection together in a gentle, uplifting way that young readers can connect with.
For which age group is your book A Journey to the Summit: Learning Life’s Peaks?
The book is best for children ages 5 and up, though older readers often enjoy its message as well.
What is your favorite Quote?
โEvery mountain teaches us something differentโpatience, strength, or simply how to pause and enjoy the small, quiet moments along the trail.โ
What do you like the most about your country?
I love the natural beauty of this countryโthe mountains, forests, lakes, and trails that have been the backdrop for so much of my healing, growth, and creativity. Nature has a way of grounding and inspiring us, and Iโm grateful to live in a place where those landscapes are so accessible.
What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Let reading feel magical, not mandatory. Create cozy momentsโbedtime stories, library visits, nature journals, or simply letting kids choose books that spark their curiosity. When children associate reading with connection and joy, it becomes a lifelong habit.
What does literary success look like to you?
Success, to me, is hearing that something I wrote made someone feel seen, encouraged, or inspired. If my words help even one person feel a little more hopeful or a little less alone on their journey, that is success.
Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
My biggest inspirations are the people I serve every dayโstudents, families, and community members who continue to show up with courage and heart despite lifeโs challenges. Their strength and resilience remind me that every story matters and that we are all capable of rising to our own summits.
Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
A1. Hi! Iโm Mallory. I grew up on the farm fields of Marana, Arizona, where I learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and grit. A former math educator and National Teaching Excellence Award recipient, Iโve always been passionate about inspiring children to learn and grow with confidence.
Through Tony Tractor and his friends, I hope to spark a love of reading in children everywhereโshowing that even lifeโs challenges can lead to new strengths and bright beginnings.
I reside in rural Arizona with my husband, son, and two dogs. I enjoy traveling, reading, and staying active while keeping up with my energetic little oneโand I have an undeniable love for college basketball, especially March Madness!
What is the inspiration behind your book Tony Tractor Gets Glasses?
A2. Tony Tractor Gets Glasses was inspired by my amazing nephew, Payson. When he was diagnosed with strabismus and needed glasses and multiple eye surgeries, he embraced every challenge with such confidence and strength. Watching his journey inspired me to create a story that would help himโand other kidsโfeel brave and proud of what makes them unique. Tonyโs journey is really about turning something that feels scary into a celebration of courage, confidence, and self-acceptance.
When did you realize you wanted to be an author?
A3. My love of reading started with my mom, who filled our home with books and always encouraged our imagination. I was also inspired by several wonderful elementary teachers who made reading and writing come alive for me. We had reading contests, wrote and illustrated our own stories, and even got to place our โbooksโ in the school libraryโwhich felt so magical at the time. Those early experiences planted the seed that stories have power and that I could one day be a storyteller, too. Later, as a teacher, aunt, and mother myself, I saw firsthand how books can help children learn, feel understood, and grow confidentโand thatโs when I knew I truly wanted to become an author.
I love reading to my son and even packed a book in my hospital bag to read to him the night he was born.
Please tell us something about your book Tony Tractor Gets Glasses.
A4. Tony Tractor Gets Glasses is a heartwarming picture book about a tractor who discovers he needs glassesโand worries how his friends will react. With encouragement, Tony learns that glasses donโt change who he is; they help him see his world more clearly and do his best work. The story promotes self-acceptance, confidence, and the importance of supporting friends through changes. Itโs filled with colorful illustrations, farmyard fun, and even a hidden ladybug โEaster eggโ on every page in memory of my grandmother, Judy.
For which age group is your book Tony Tractor Gets Glasses?
A5. Itโs perfect for children ages 3 to 8, though parents, teachers, and eye-care professionals have told me they love sharing it with readers of all ages. Itโs especially helpful for little ones adjusting to glasses or other changes that make them feel different.
What is your favorite quote?
A6. โBe yourself; everyone else is already taken.โ โ Oscar Wilde Itโs a reminder that our differences are what make us specialโand thatโs the message I hope every child takes away from my books.
What do you like the most about your country?
A7. I love the sense of possibility here. The idea that with hard work, creativity, and heart, you can build something meaningful from the ground up. As a childrenโs book author, the ability to follow my dreams by creating and sharing stories that make a difference means everything to me.
What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
A8. Make reading fun and part of your daily routineโsnuggle up together, use silly voices, and talk about the pictures. Let kids see you enjoying books, too! Most of all, let reading be about connection, not perfection. Those shared moments build a lifelong love of stories and reading.
What does literary success look like to you?
A9. For me, success isnโt about sales or awardsโitโs about impact. When a parent tells me their child now loves their glasses because of Tony, or when a teacher shares my book in class to spark confidence, thatโs true success. Touching even one childโs heart makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
A10. My biggest inspiration in life is my parents. They showed me the meaning of hard work, resilience, and putting others first. They created an amazing childhood for meโfull of love, laughter, and familyโand taught me the importance of staying grounded and kind. Their example shaped the person I am today and inspires me to give my own son that same strong foundation built on love, gratitude, and togetherness. Family has always been at the heart of everything I do, both in life and in my stories.
Tony Tractor Gets Glasses is a delightful childrenโs book written by Mallory Dyer. It follows a young boy named Tony Tractor, who one day trips over a rock in a fieldโsomething he didnโt see because of his poor vision.
Concerned, Mama Tractor takes him to the doctor for an eye check-up. With the world appearing blurry, Tony learns he needs glasses. Although the new glasses look wonderful on him, he worries about how his friends might react.
This charming, fun-filled story delivers an important message for young readers. The illustrations are vibrant and sure to capture childrenโs attention right away. The writing is engaging, and the language is simple and easy to understand. I truly enjoyed reading this book to my little ones.
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ: American Oz Maker ๐ ๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: Warwick Gleeson โ๏ธ . .
Warwick Gleeson blends cosmic warfare, metaphysics, political collapse, myth, and dark humor into a narrative. The worldbuilding is astonishing: floating city-worlds of Oz, apocalyptic Earth battlefields, magical technologies powered by Tao, and bizarre entities like Despicables, Galaxians, and the Witch Empress.ย
The characters have surprising emotional depth. Piper Robbin, the fierce and witty sorceress whose power and vulnerability form the emotional backbone, is an unforgettable protagonist. Her relationship with her father, Edison Godfellowโthe โAmerican Oz Makerโ himselfโadds tension, humor, and tragedy all at once. Catherine Romanovaโs hatred, ambition, and eventual transformation give the story weight.
The novel is well paced. Interdimensional energy batteries, monstrous alien invasions, magical warships, therapy cult infiltration, and a utopia continuously threatened by unseen cosmic forces made me enjoy every bit of this book. I am impressed by the vivid imagination of the author in world building.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello! I’m Joshua Shuster, though my students know me affectionately as “Mr. Shu.” I’m a dedicated educational professional with over a decade of experience transforming students’ academic journeys in Chicago. Currently, I serve as an Academic Intervention Teacher, specializing in Mathematics and Reading for students from 1st through 8th grade. I hold an undergraduate degree in Biology & Education-Psychology from Ball State University, and I’m currently pursuing my M.Ed. at Loyola University with endorsements in English Language Learners and Learning Behavior Specialist; Iโll graduate in May 2026. Beyond traditional education, I’m an entrepreneur who founded and operates Shuster Visionaries, a business specializing in Writing, SEL, Executive Function, and Test Prep. I’ve developed the innovative MAPS Method that transforms struggling students into confident, independent learners. Beginning August 2026, I am planning to work toward a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership because I believe in staying at the forefront of educational practices.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need”?
A2. The biggest challenge was translating complex philosophical concepts into practical, everyday language that anyone could understand and apply. I wanted to honor the wisdom of great thinkers like Gandhi, Aristotle, and Einstein while making their insights accessible to busy families struggling with financial decisions. Another challenge was being vulnerable enough to share personal experiences and observations from my 12-year educational career without compromising student privacy. I also had to balance being encouraging about pursuing dreams while being realistic about distinguishing between healthy wants and destructive impulses. Finding that sweet spot between inspiration and practicality required multiple drafts and a lot of soul-searching.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Beyond the philosophical giants I quote throughout the bookโGandhi, Aristotle, Einstein, and ChurchillโI’ve been deeply influenced by educational psychology texts and behavioral economics works that explore decision-making. The Dalai Lama’s writings on mindfulness and choice have shaped my understanding of conscious living. C.S. Lewis’s ability to make profound truths simple and accessible has been a model for my own writing style. As an educator, I’m also influenced by authors who write about learning differences and student motivation. My goal was to write something that combined the wisdom of classical philosophy with the practical insights of modern psychology and education. Additionally, Iโve been following and reading more modern books from authors such as Stephen Covey, Mel Robbins, Brene Brown, Joseph Nguyen, John Kim, Mark Nepo, Brianna Wiest, Bianca Sparacino, Heidi Priebe, and Louise Hayโฆjust to name a few.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. My favorite place is actually right here in Chicago, specifically the neighborhoods whereI live and where I work with families and students. There’s something incredibly grounding about walking through communities where I see the real-world impact of the concepts I write about. Whether it’s the West Side, where I witness families making tough choices between needs and wants daily, or the lakefront, where I can reflect on the bigger picture, Chicago represents the heart of my work. The city’s diversity and resilience constantly remind me why understanding the difference between needs and wants matters so much. It’s where theory meets reality, and where I see the transformative power of making conscious choices every single day.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need’?
A5. Growing up and especially after 12 years in education, I kept seeing the same pattern: Friends, students, and families struggling not because they lacked resources, but because they couldn’t distinguish between what they truly needed and what they thought they wanted. I watched brilliant kids fail because their families prioritized the latest gadgets over educational support, and I saw friends stress themselves into illness chasing lifestyle wants while neglecting basic needs. The breaking point came when I realized that many of the behavioral and academic issues I was either addressing in school or in my personal life actually stemmed from this fundamental confusion at home. I wrote this book because I believe that teaching people to make this distinction isn’t just about moneyโit’s about creating the foundation for a purposeful, satisfying life. Everyone deserves that clarity and peace.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need’?
A6. The actual writing took about eight months, but the ideas had been developing for years through my work with students and families. I’d been taking notes and observing patterns in my educational practice for over a decade before I realized I had a book’s worth of insights. The writing process involved early morning sessions before school, weekend marathons, and lots of late-night reflection after particularly challenging days with students. I wanted to make sure every concept was tested, not just in theory but in real-world application with the families I serve. The dedication page mentions people who “have come into my life for no other reason than to teach me a lesson”โmany of those lessons took years to fully understand before I could write about them authentically.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. “The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need” is published by Pine Tree Press and is available through all major online retailers. Readers can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble online, and other major book platforms. I encourage readers to check their preferred online bookstore, as we’ve worked to make it widely accessible. For those who prefer to get it from me directly, Iโm going to create a space to do that, where it comes personally autographed. The goal was to make this book as accessible as possible because the principles inside shouldn’t be limited by where someone shops for books. For now, feel free to reach out to me and I can direct anyone where they need to go.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need’?
A8. The title came from countless conversations with families where I noticed people would say “I need this” when they actually meant “I want this.” The word “power” represents the strength that comes from understanding your genuine wants, while “feeling of need” captures how urgent our wants can feel even when they’re not actual necessities. We wanted a cover that felt both approachable and substantialโsomething that would appeal to busy parents but also convey the serious, life-changing nature of the content inside. The design process involved multiple iterations with Pine Tree Press, always keeping in mind that this book needed to feel welcoming to people who might be struggling financially or emotionally with these very issues.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.
A9. I constantly drew from real experiences with students and families, changing details for privacy but keeping the emotional truth intact. Each chapter tackles the concept from a different angleโphilosophical, practical, psychologicalโso I never felt like I was repeating myself. I also made sure to include diverse voices through the quotes I selected, from ancient philosophers to modern thinkers. What kept me most engaged was remembering specific students who needed these lessons. When I was writing about the power of choice, I was thinking about some former students who transformed their lives by learning to pause before acting on impulse. Those real faces and stories kept both the writing and the content authentic and dynamic.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. “Write like you’re having a conversation with someone you care about who really needs to hear this.” That advice came from a mentor early in my educational career, and it shaped not just my writing but my entire approach to teaching. It’s why the book feels personal and direct rather than academic or preachy. I wrote every chapter imagining I was sitting across from a parent who was stressed about money, or a young adult making their first major financial decisions, or one of my students who needed to understand why their choices matter, or even myself, and why I need gentle reminders too. That conversational tone made the writing process feel natural and ensured that complex ideas remained accessible. The best writing advice is often the simplest: remember that there’s a real human being who needs what you have to offer.
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ: Finding God in Vegas: A Gen X Spiritual Awakening ๐ ๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ: Donald Harold Young โ๏ธ . .
โFinding God in Vegas: A Gen X Spiritual Awakeningโ by Donald Harold Young is a compelling memoir that traces the authorโs unexpected spiritual journey. Young describes how he once lived what many consider the American dreamโearning a strong salary while residing in downtown Chicago and working fifty to sixty hours a week in pursuit of societyโs symbols of success.
His growing career and rising social status fueled a sense of self-importance. During his monthly steak-house dinner with his best friend, conversation turned to the question of Godโs existence. At the time, Donald insisted that life had no real purpose and openly denied the presence of God.
Everything shifted a year after his fiftieth birthday when a leadership change at Aviditรฉ Health resulted in his layoff. He relocated to Las Vegas, where his life took a transformative turn. The memoir captures his powerful journey from resisting Godโs love to embracing a deeper, more meaningful spiritual understanding.
This book is especially valuable for anyone caught up in the pursuit of worldly successโit serves as a reminder that life holds much more than material achievements. Readers who appreciate narratives of spiritual growth and personal awakening will find this memoir both insightful and inspiring.
Sassy Reviews 