Showing posts with label children's picture book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children's picture book. Show all posts

Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, March 09, 2026
 
Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss

I'm excited to announce that author Ellie Moss is joining us for a blog tour of her children's book, Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue. This book is perfect for bedtime reading, classroom read-alouds, and any child who loves dragons, magical worlds, and heartwarming friendships. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview the author about her book, writing journey, and more. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.

Before we get to that, here's more about her book:

How does a bubble-blowing dragon make his very first friend?

In the magical land of Lickitypop, Dibs the Dragon hears a tiny cry for help from the sticky syrup swamp and discovers Mooch, a marshmallow mole who is very, very stuck. With a licorice vine, a bit of bravery, and a whole lot of heart, Dibs leaps into action—and begins a friendship that will change everything.
This gentle, whimsical picture book is filled with kindness, imagination, and cozy read-aloud moments that celebrate the joy of helping others and the magic of making friends.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, or cozy-color enthusiast, this sweet story is sure to become a beloved favorite on your shelf—and a magical introduction to the Lickitypop series.

Publisher: Lickitypop Press
ISBN-10: 1970978015
ISBN-13: 978-1970978001
ASIN: B0GBQW11YV
Print length: 32 pages

Purchase a copy of Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue on Amazon, Be sure to also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Ellie Moss



Ellie Moss is the creator of Lickitypop, an imaginative, candy-colored universe where jellybean forests shimmer, bubble scooters zoom through cotton-candy skies, and problems are solved with courage, connection, and a sticky SPLAT.
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What began as an escape during a difficult chapter in her life quickly grew into a world that helped her find softness, hope, and joy again.
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​Her stories blend whimsy with emotional care: pastel illustrations designed for calm, playful sound words that encourage speech development, and gentle characters who model resilience, kindness, and friendship.

Ellie believes deeply that stories can be a form of healing for little readers discovering the world, and for grown-ups rediscovering their breath. Through Lickitypop, she invites families to step into a place where imagination is soothing, feelings are welcome, and magic is something we all deserve.

You can follow the author at: 


---- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on your first book in the Lickitypop series! How did this series come to life for you?

Ellie: Thank you! I built Lickitypop during a season when life felt heavy, and I realized I wanted to create the kind of world I wished existed.

For most of my adult life, I was high-functioning. I was capable, productive, carrying responsibility, solving problems and by all external measures, I was doing well. But I was always “on.” There was no natural downshift. Rest felt like something I had to earn.

I began to understand that functioning well isn’t the same as feeling well.

When I couldn’t find the kind of gentleness I needed, I decided to create it.

Lickitypop became a world with no sharp edges. Wherever you land, it’s soft. The hills are gumdrops. The clouds are cotton candy. Even the challenges are wrapped in fizz and sparkle. But the softness isn’t just visual - it’s foundational.

In Lickitypop, kindness, empathy, and courage aren’t lessons to be learned. They’re simply part of the air. When Dibs sees Mooch stuck in the syrup swamp, he doesn’t hesitate, he helps. Not for a reward. Not to learn a moral. That’s just who he is.

Lickitypop is built on goodness as the default, not the destination.

WOW: I love that the softness of the world is built in. You've created such a colorful, lively universe! What kind of planning and preparation happened before you wrote?

Ellie: I was very intentional about the emotional architecture of Lickitypop, especially because I needed it to feel like a sanctuary.

Before writing, I decided what this world would stand on. I wanted a universe where compassion isn’t a twist ending and where goodness isn’t earned after someone behaves badly.

The books have layers, but they don’t preach.

There’s no moral hammer at the end. The characters already embody the values we hope to see - they help, they forgive, they include, they rest. Growth happens through experience, not punishment.

I wanted children to absorb empathy and courage the way they absorb color, naturally.

Lickitypop doesn’t lecture. It models. 

WOW: What a great lesson! Why did you decide to write a children's book?

Ellie: Children’s books are one of the few places where you’re allowed to be sincere. There’s no irony and no performance you can simply be kind and imaginative.

And while adults can seek support: call a friend, drive somewhere quiet, ask for help, children don’t have that same autonomy. Their world is smaller. Their comfort comes from what’s close by: the tone of a room, a familiar story, a safe rhythm.

If building this gentle world helped steady me during a hard time, I wanted to offer that same contained, comforting space to children. A place they can return to again and again.

Children’s books shape the inner voice early. I wanted that voice to whisper kindness, courage, and softness.

WOW: I love how you described it as close-by comfort. Who do you hope reads these books? And what do you hope they take away from this series?

Ellie: I hope children read them especially those navigating big feelings in small bodies. I hope the predictability of the world allows them to explore deeper themes without fear or urgency.

But I also write with adults in mind.

Each book ends with a soft poem. On the surface, it’s written in childlike language but it’s intentionally layered. It’s a gentle reminder for the grown-up holding the book, too. A nudge toward rest, perspective, and compassion.

If readers take away anything, I hope it’s this: kindness is strength. You don’t have to be the loudest or the fastest to matter.

WOW: I totally agree! Kindness is strength. I love how you said even adults find enjoyment in these books! Why do you think adults are drawn to books for children?

Ellie: Children’s books are distilled truth. They strip away complexity and speak directly to the heart.

Adults live under layers of pressure, performance, and responsibility. A children’s book offers something simple and honest : friendship, courage, belonging. It’s nostalgic, yes, but it’s also grounding.

In Lickitypop, there’s permission to slow down. To be gentle. To feel without performing.

Choosing a slower pace isn’t opting out of life. Sometimes it’s how you stay in it.

WOW: Great insight. What lessons have you learned along the way while creating these books?

Ellie: I’ve learned that creativity is healing. You don’t have to feel completely ready to begin something meaningful.

I’ve also learned that building a series requires patience and consistency. Inspiration is wonderful but structure sustains it.

Most of all, I’ve learned that softness is not weakness. It’s intentional strength.

WOW: So true. What are you working on you can tell us about?

Ellie: Lickitypop is expanding. There are multiple books in the series exploring themes like courage, rest, sharing, emotional regulation, and self-belief- all within this soft, whimsical world.

I’m also growing Lickitypop beyond the page through school visits and interactive materials that bring the characters into children’s everyday lives.

This is just the beginning. Lickitypop is a growing universe and I’m committed to building it with the same gentleness it was born from.

WOW: How exciting! Thank you for your time today. And I hope you enjoy the blog tour!

Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss Blog Tour

--- Blog Tour Calendar

March 9 @ The Muffin
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the blog tour launch for Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of her charming children's book.

March 10 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for her feature of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.

March 13 @ Chapter Break
Stop by Julie's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. She's also sharing a guest post by the author about how to write for children without talking down to them.

March 15 @ The Shaggy Shepherd
Visit Isabelle's Instagram page for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.

March 17 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her spotlight of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. She also responds to one of our tour themed prompts.

March 20 @ Lisa's Reading
Join Lisa's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.

March 25 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Ellie's blog for experts from Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.

March 25 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. 

March 27 @ Words From the Heart
Linda shares her thoughts about Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.

March 27 @ Musings From a Literary Wanderer
Stop by Angela's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.

March 30 @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdre's blog for a guest post by Ellie Moss about why gentle stories matter in a loud world.

April 2 @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Visit Anthony's blog for his review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

April 3 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Ellie Moss is a guest on Nicole's weekly feature, Your Weekend Care Package.
https://nicolepyles.substack.com

April 4 @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Anthony shares a guest post by the author about why not every children's book needs a villain.

April 5 @ Sarandipity
Join Sara for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.

April 7 @ World of My Imagination
Stop by Nicole's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.

April 10 @ Jill Sheets' blog
Stop by Jill's blog for her interview with Ellie Moss.

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a print copy of Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on March 22nd at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue Giveaway
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Blink and Glow by Raven Howell: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, July 22, 2024
 
Blink and Glow by Raven Howell

I'm excited to announce that Raven Howell is returning with another blog tour. This time, it's with her newest book, Blink and Glow. This beautiful picture book is perfect for young readers to appreciate wildlife and our natural environment. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her blog tour! We'll be interviewing Raven as well as giving away a copy of her book.

Before we get to that, here's more about her book:

Lilly and Leo think it's super to catch fireflies and salamanders—and even more exciting, as they plan to bring their glowing nature finds to show-and-tell the next day. They have a change of heart when Grandma's wisdom guides the children to respect the freedom and light of the natural life in all living things.

Publisher: Tielmour Press
ISBN-10: 173821933X
ISBN-13: 978-1738219339
Print Length: 32 pages

You can purchase a copy of Blink and Glow on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. Make sure you also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Raven Howell


Raven Howell writes stories and poetry for children. Having published several award-winning picture books, she enjoys sharing her joy of reading and literature by visiting classrooms and libraries. Raven serves as Creative & Publishing Advisor for Red Clover Reader, writes The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine, and is a Collaborating Author for Reading is Fundamental and I am a Promise Books.

She writes for children’s magazines including Ladybug, The School Magazine, Highlights for Children, and Humpty Dumpty. She’s a storybook writer for educational publisher, Reading Gate, and aims for every child’s opportunity to blossom.

You can find her online at:


--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: I'm so excited to have you back with us for another blog tour! I love your newest picture book Blink and Glow. What inspired this idea?

Raven: Climate change and in general, care for our environment, has been on most everyone’s radar in recent years. It made me wonder if, and how, children are tuned in to nature and its beauty and wonderment these days. BLINK AND GLOW explores the magic of our natural world, and the storyline demonstrates how a child has the power to respect it and treat it with tender loving care. My wish is that kids will see this caretaking of all living things in a kind, considerate and fun way.

WOW: I think that's so awesome you wrote the book with that intention. It's important for our future generations to care about our environment! I love the names of your characters. How did you come up with them?

Raven: I originally named the main characters, Maurice and Mimsy. I wanted names that were a little unique in addition to wanting to play with alliteration. In the book, they’re portrayed as brother and sister. 

Ann Pilicer, the book’s illustrator, and I have worked together for years. We respect each other’s thoughts and opinions. Ann worked with “Maurice and Mimsy” for a while as I recall, but then suggested a rename. It may have been that she knew someone named Maurice and it had less than happy implications in some way. Ha! I don’t recall specifically, but I was flexible in renaming the characters, so subsequently and happily, the names Leo and Lilly were adopted.

WOW: Ha, I imagine that may have been the case! Are your characters based on anyone you know?

Raven: The child characters in BLINK AND GLOW were developed from how I interacted with nature in childhood. Some of the scenes are based on those summer nights, catching fireflies, and searching for salamanders in streams and deep woods. Only in hindsight did I realize that Grandma is based on my own mother. My mother instilled in us love of nature and gentleness with all living things, and I passed that on to my own sons. Now I see my grandnephews and grandniece experiencing that same kindness and respect for nature. It’s such a valuable thing to learn and adhere to. I’m grateful for my mother’s teachings.
 

WOW: Oh, I love that. I'm so glad your mother passed along the love of all living things, and you are seeing the same in your own grandnewphews and grandnieces. Is there a scene in the book in particular that resonates with you?

Raven: I love the scene where Grandma points out the incredible Luna Moth in the garden to the children. The Luna Moth is a sight to behold with its bold patterns and Ann’s illustrative rendering of it is incredible. It symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and connection to nature. The Luna only lives for one week. It’s fascinating - it never eats. In fact, it has no mouth or digestive system. 

The Luna Moth ends up being the perfect example of beauty, joy, and freedom as the children consider their own decisions on how to handle the firefly and salamander they have jarred for show-and-tell.

WOW: I love it! I don't think I have asked you yet, but who or what ultimately inspired you to become a writer?

Raven: In one sense, I suppose writing may be in my genes. My father was a poet and storyteller. My maternal grandmother, a schoolteacher, also wrote verse, some of which I have tucked away in my memory box. 

As far back as I can remember, I enjoyed words, songs, stories, and composing. My writing career morphed from song writing and music publishing (in my teens and early twenties), to composing greeting card verse, to publishing children’s poems in magazines, to writing picture books. In addition, I work as a freelance children’s writer. I’m a contributing writer for several kids’ magazines, literary organizations, and educational publishers. It’s been an adventurous journey over the past few decades.

I continue to be inspired by the things that captured my heart as a child: nature, kindness, humor, and love are keys to my creativity. I hope I pass on that spark and wellspring to the younger generations through my written word.

WOW: I think you have! What other books have you released lately?

Raven: I’ve had such a blast taking my spring release, KEEP TRUCKING (AMInk Publishing), out to schools to share with students. The picture book is about our truck community – learning about various trucks and how transportation works across the globe. 

Inevitably, in each class, the little truck lovers will somehow gravitate toward me as I’m reading and by the end of the story, they practically have their noses in the book! What I love to see is that boys who are normally bored with “story time”, are wide-eyed and full of comments and questions. After reading, I share a children’s activity using different types of toy truck tire wheels dipped in paint to create interesting patterns on poster board. 

WOW: That must be such an adorable site to see! You have so many publications under your belt, I imagine that you have many experiences. Any you can share? And what is next for you?

Raven: As a freelance children’s writer, I’ve had many wonderful opportunities this past year. I had the pleasure of meeting actor and author Matthew McConaughey to discuss his new picture book. 
Another memorable interview and feature I wrote this year was with the multi-talented Jamie Lee Curtis. Both are passionate about their literary contributions for children.

For me, up next is THE FISHERMAN AND THE FRENCH FLOUNDER, published by Wild Cape Press. It’s an offbeat, humorous tale of a fisherman who has the misfortune of having a greedy wife. The fisherman’s luck turns when he hooks a funny-looking fish with a French accent. I cracked up when one book reviewer said, “This is not a story children will soon forget!” It’s based on Grimm’s "The Fisherman and His Wife." 

I’m looking forward to connecting and meeting with readers in my upcoming book events. My schedule has book stops in various Barnes & Noble stores and I’m participating in several fall children’s book fairs. And my favorite visits are to schools! So, here’s to celebrating books!

WOW: I can't wait to see what you publish next! Thank you so much for your time today. Best of luck on the blog tour! 

Blink and Glow by Raven Howell Blog Tour and Giveaway

--- Blog Tour Calendar

July 22nd @ The Muffin
Our tour begins at the WOW blog, The Muffin. Join us as we celebrate Raven Howell's newest book, Blink and Glow. We'll interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy.

July 23rd @ Pages and Paws
Join Kristine who shares a guest post by Raven Howell about how her tomboy childhood inspires her writing today at 60.

July 24th @ Pages and Paws
Visit Kristine's blog for a review of Blink and Glow.

July 24th @ Lisa Haselton's Book Reviews & Interviews
Join Lisa for an interview with author Raven Howell and her book Blink and Glow.

July 25th @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her review of Blink and Glow.

July 28th @ Boys' Mom Reads!
Visit Karen's blog for her review of Blink and Glow.

July 31st @ Carole Writes
Visit Carole's blog for her review of Blink and Glow as well as an interview with author Raven Howell.

August 1st @ AJ Kormon's blog
Visit AJ's blog for a review of Blink and Glow.

August 2nd @ Little Squirrel's Bookshelf
Visit Veronica's blog for her review of Blink and Glow.

August 3rd @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Join Linda's blog for a special recipe by Raven Howell. You'll learn how to make easy firefly brownie bites and butterfly cupcakes.

August 3rd @ The Faerie Review
Lily will be spotlighting Blink and Glow on her blog.

August 6th @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer
Join Angela's blog for her review of Blink and Glow.

August 7th @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for a review of Blink and Glow. You can also read a guest post by Raven Howell about whether audiobooks really promote literacy skills.

August 10th@ Michelle Cornish' blog
Stop by Michelle's blog for a guest post about the highest-paid authors and how they make it happen.

August 14th @ BookBunnies
Join Caramel for a review of Blink and Glow.

August 15th @ Choices
Visit Madeline's blog for a guest post by Raven Howell about today's most popular children's book themes.

August 16th @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog for a guest post by Raven Howell, who has a chat with her publisher about the impact of books on young minds

August 17th @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy's blog for a review of Blink and Glow.

August 18th @ What is That Book About?
Join Michelle to read an excerpt of Blink and Glow.

August 20th @ Rosh's Reviews
Visit Rosh's blog for a review of Blink and Glow.

August 22nd @ World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog for her review of Blink and Glow. You can also win a copy of the book!

August 24th @ Wildwood Reads
Visit Megan's blog for her review of Blink and Glow. 

August 25th @ Jill Sheets' Blog
Visit Jill's blog for her review of Blink and Glow. You'll also have the chance to read an interview with the author herself.
 
 
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
 
Enter to win a print copy of Blink and Glow by Raven Howell! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win. The giveaway ends August 4th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Rafflecopter and follow up via email. Good luck!
 
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