Ready to take your child on a magical adventure through Japan — one delicious bite at a time?
If your little one loves curious adventures, playful storytelling, and discovering new foods and cultures, then Olivia’s Passport Plates: One Brave Bite in Japanis the perfect journey to begin together.
Olivia notices everything.
The flowers on the walk home. The people in line at the bright yellow food truck. The strange triangle-shaped snacks wrapped in dark seaweed.
But trying something new?
That part feels a little harder.
Then one night, a glowing lantern appears at Olivia’s window… and suddenly she’s swept away to Kyoto, Japan, where she meets a boy named Kenji and his grandmother. Together, they cook, laugh, and create delicious onigiri while Olivia discovers that sometimes the bravest adventures begin with just one small bite.
A heartwarming picture book about:
• Trying new foods and experiences
• Exploring Japanese culture through food
• Friendship, family, and belonging
• Building courage and curiosity
• Celebrating cultural connection in a child-friendly way
Complete with:
• An interactive onigiri recipe kids can make at home
• A helpful Japanese glossary
• A gentle introduction to Japanese traditions and food culture
Perfect for curious kids, picky eaters, classrooms, libraries, and families who love stories filled with warmth, wonder, and delicious discovery.
Open the book. Take the first bite. Discover a whole new world together.
After exploring 55+ countries and cuisines around the world, Rhonda created Olivia’s Passport Plates — a series that invites children to discover every country in the world with curiosity, courage, and one brave bite at a time.
Deep beneath the waves, Sassy Snapper swims into an underwater mystery filled with colorful reefs and unexpected friendships.
Inspired by real-life fishing adventures in Barbados, this heartwarming picture book encourages children to be brave and unapologetically themselves—even when the waters get rough.
Adam Moryto is a Canadian venture capital investor, actor, YouTuber, and professional fisherman, though the title he is most proud of is simply “Dad.” Originally from Aurora, Ontario, Adam graduated from St. Andrew’s College before earning a BA in Sociology from Western University.
In the crisp autumn air, Bunny and Fawn race through the forest when a mysterious glow beneath the leaves leads them to Phoenix, a magical bird whose fading fire and urgent journey home pull the sisters into an unforgettable nighttime adventure filled with curiosity, courage, and the quiet worry of what might happen if the sun rises too soon. Alongside Bear and Truffles, they brave dark paths and the unknown, discovering how kindness, teamwork, and the comforting warmth of friendship can light the way.
I enjoy writing stories for awesome kids like you! I love making books about friendship and fun. When I’m not writing, I’m usually exploring with my wife, attending sporting events, and cooking on the grill.
1. Welcome, Colm Hearne. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the reader’s a little about yourself? How you got your start in the writing business?
(Colm):I live in Dublin, Ireland. I’ve been writing since I was a kid and always dreamed about becoming a published writer. I’ve two children’s fantasy books published so far. They’re called “A Legend of Tara: Fionn the Reviver” and “. I have many different ideas for books and stories.
2. All writers fear the dreaded “block.” Please tell us how you handle it.
(Colm): Honestly, I’ve never had to deal with writer’s block because I never seem to run out of ideas. If I ever get an idea or inspiration for a book or a story, I make a note of it on my computer so I won’t forget about it. I’ve got hundreds of ideas, literally.
(KAM) That’s amazing!
3. What’s your writing process like? Do you have a favorite snack or drink? Do you listen to music? Do you go old-school and write on paper, use a typewriter, or pen your thoughts on a computer? Do you have a particular writing outfit or location that inspires you the most?
(Colm): I write wherever I go. Whether it’s in a café or at home or somewhere quiet where I can do some writing. I usually handwrite my writing first, then type it up on my computer. I also like to have a cup of tea or coffee while I’m writing.
4. If you could have dinner with one author, alive or dead, who would that be and why?
(Colm): It would probably be Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall books. I’ve been a fan of his work since I was a kid, and he was a major influence on my writing of “Fionn the Reviver,” “The Lost Brother,” and even “The Legends of Tara” series. He was also a funny guy with a great sense of humour.
(KAM) I’ve never heard of them, so thank you for sharing their name with us!
5. What or who inspired you to write?
(Colm): What inspired me were books by authors like Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, Brian Jacques and J.R.R. Tolkien. When I read one of their books, I imagined myself being an amazing author like them and even coming up with my own fantasy world.
(KAM) I love Tolkien!
6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
(Colm): If I had to choose, I would probably say the comic book script that I’m working on, “Skater”. Because I love superhero movies, and people have told me that when I read my comic book scripts like “Skater”, they can see them made into films. As to who would star in the film, I don’t really know. Maybe someone like Andrew Garfield because he was cool as Spider-Man.
(KAM) I would definitely watch your movie. Andrew was a fantastic Spider-Man, and I also love superhero movies!
7. Would you please tell us about your current or upcoming release?
(Colm): Yes, I’m working on a few different projects. I’m working on a third and fourth book to “The Legends of Tara” series. I’ve also written a comic book script called “Skater” as I’m passionate about comics as well. I’m working on a few different comic book scripts. I also write short stories as well. One particular short story called “The Bad Word” I’m hoping to get published eventually. I’ve also written a chapter for a Christmas book called “The Missing Elf”. I seem to be always writing stories.
8. Where can we find your stories and is there a particular reading order?
(Colm): My two children’s fantasy books, “Fionn the Reviver” and “The Lost Brother”, are available on Amazon. They’re both part of a series, so I would start by reading “The Lost Brother” first, then read “Fionn the Reviver”.
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
(Colm): Two things I’d like to say: if anyone buys or reads one of my books, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads because getting reviews is tough. So the more reviews, the better. Second, to anyone aspiring to become a writer like me, I would say: first of all, keep writing, and don’t be afraid to show your work to anyone. And if you experience setbacks or disappointments, whether it’s writing, publishing or marketing, don’t be discouraged and don’t give up; keep going. Even J.K. Rowling experienced rejection several times when she was trying to publish “Harry Potter”, and she went on to become one of the best-selling authors of all time. Hope you found this helpful, and thank you for having me.
I hope you enjoyed my interview with Colm Hearne If you have any questions or comments for the author, by all means, leave them a message below. Thank you in advance for your visit!
Help kids discover the power of teamwork with Tito the cheeky capybara!
The peaceful mangrove forest is thrown into a panic when Ramiro the pelican comes crashing down from the sky, squawking about something huge and green lurking in the trees. Could it be a dragon? A giant bird? Or something far more slithery?
The animals are frightened, but quite curious, and agree to investigate together… all except Tito. He’d rather handle it himself, because he is, after all, the bravest animal around. But Tito is about to learn the hard way that some things are simply too big to face alone.
The Cheeky Capybara and the Emerald Boais a fun children’s book that teaches kids the importance of teamwork through a lovable and unlikely group of animals.
Inside, kids will discover:
Even the bravest adventurers can ask for help
Having friends can make even the scariest things seem easier – and much more fun!
Sometimes the silliest ideas turn out to be the cleverest ones
Bonus: a few fun facts about amazing animals!
Whether you’re looking for a giggle-filled animal adventure or a story with a heartfelt moral lesson – or both! – The Cheeky Capybara and the Emerald Boa delivers in a way that is sure to captivate young readers and leave them cheering for Tito and his friends.
Kateryna Dronova is a children’s writer who loves turning imagination into playful and heartfelt stories. Growing up surrounded by rich traditions and storytelling, she draws inspiration for her tales that nurture curiosity, courage, and kindness in young readers. Kateryna believes books can spark magic in every child—and she writes to share that wonder.
