Orion Fire Storm Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Star Life Keepers: Dragon and Dinosaur Chronicles

Written by Rick Williams Sr. and Brady Williams
Illustrated by Prayan Animation Studio
Ages: 10–14 | 388 Pages
Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798987420010

Publisher's Book Summary: With dragons and elves as allies, three cousins must save two worlds before time runs out. Join cousins Jason, Amanda, and Elisa as their desperate wish to undo family tragedy launches them into the war-torn, mythical realm of Belacamber. Guided by the legendary Star Life Keepers—an extraordinary alliance of elves, shapeshifting dragons, and prehistoric predators—the trio faces relentless foes, including terrifying flying T. rexes and vicious ptero-raptors, while battling to protect their own family back home. A thrilling middle-grade epic blending fantasy with time travel, dinosaurs, and dragon-filled skies.

Available on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble.

Orion Fire Storm

Written by Rick Williams Sr. with Caleb Williams
Illustrated by Prayan Animation Studio
Ages: 10+ | 417 Pages
Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9874200-7-2

Publisher's Book Summary: During this time of renewed interest in space travel, Orion Fire Storm follows Jason, Amanda, and Elisa—modern-day teens who travel among the stars and into the past—as they join forces with elves and shapeshifting dragons to save their nations. Continuing the adventures that began in Star Life Keepers, they face even deadlier trials in a medieval world of gryphon-riding wolf guards, roaming dire wolves, and flying raptors. Messengers from Orion's Belt equip the cousins with magical gems to unlock the power beyond the universe. Features original illustrations, detailed maps, and an Encyclopedia of Creatures.

Available on Amazon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rick Williams Sr. is a former biotech executive who writes the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series with his grandchildren and other Story Apprentices. Inspired by a visit to Chapel Hill's Morehead Planetarium—where Apollo astronauts trained—the series features a Star Globe that transports young cousins into a parallel universe where they heroically use astronomy magic to save their nations.

His debut, Star Life Keepers, became a top Amazon children's eBook in Space Exploration and Time Travel. The adventure continues in Orion Fire Storm and the upcoming Young Dragonriders. Companion short fiction—including the Orion Dragons' Holiday Tale and Dragons & Betrayals—explores story origins and expanding worlds in the series.

Through the Creative Writing Lab at thestorymakinghub.com—featuring the Story Writing workbook—Rick provides roadmaps and free materials to equip a growing community of young creators who want to share their own voices.

To learn more, visit the author's website, Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and X. 


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Prayan Animation Studio is a creative animation studio with an expert team of creators, artists, and designers specializing in custom artwork, mapmaking, and videos.

To learn more, visit www.prayananimation.com.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life is What It's Called: What will children like most about this series?

Rick Williams Sr.: Young readers have loved the combination of adventure and discovery…and the power of family and close friends.

They feel like they’ve been star-traveling to a world of medieval archers & knights and dragons & dinosaurs. Since readers follow the story from three points of view—Jason, his sister Amanda, and their older cousin Elisa—they get to experience the heroic arcs and coming-of-age challenges from the perspectives of different middle school students.

I collaborated with my grandsons to create the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles. With their imagination unlocked, they created dragons, crossbreed dinosaurs, and humanized hybrids that appeal to mid-grade readers. I also drew on lessons from my American military history books to add more realism to the Tolkien-like battles between good and evil. Student Advisors have noted that our books are an “amazing read” with “enchanting storylines” and “striking characters and gorgeous art.”

But underneath all of that, there’s something deeper: young readers feel like they are part of family-oriented stories that can give them hope and new possibilities.

Life is What It's Called - What will children learn from this series?

Rick Williams Sr.: The series is built around the idea that stories can inspire learning. Children are exposed to:

• Astronomy and the stars; other scientific concepts
• Geography
• History and ancient civilizations
• Fantasy adventures with a heart
• Collaboration between multiple diverse cultures: humans, elves, and shapeshifting dragons

But just as important are the life lessons:

• Courage in the face of uncertainty
• The importance of family and trusted friends
•  Learning to make decisions when there isn’t a clear answer
• Overcoming adversity, e.g., Jason deals with having hidden hearing aids in a medieval world
• Self-reliance, problem-solving, and resilience

Early readers have commented that reading our books has been fun.

Life is What It's Called - What was the best part about writing this series?

Rick Williams Sr.: I developed Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles with my family. Two of my grandsons were integral to the story concepts and character development. Two other grandchildren shared their ideas and served as early readers. The parents served as “champions” who supported our storymaking adventures.

The best part of creating a new sci-fi/fantasy series has been working hands-on with my grandchildren and student advisors to exchange imagineering thoughts as we create engaging stories. We develop ideas together and transform them into new worlds and plots—and then we watch the characters come to life in ways we didn’t fully expect.

Life is What It's Called - How does this series stand apart from others on the market?

Rick Williams Sr.: I’ve read and studied more than 100 mid-grade science fiction and fantasy books during this storymaking adventure—but ours appear to be different in a few key ways:

• The Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles “ecosystem” includes sci-fi/fantasy novels, short stories, and workbooks that feature a family of star travelers who receive special gifts via the Orion Constellation.
• We’ve integrated stories from the past (medieval European, American, biblical, and ancient Chinese history) + natural STEM integration (e.g., astronomy, paleontology, and biology) + custom-made illustrations and maps.
• Our family’s storymaking philosophy focuses on providing engaging books for kids to enjoy while inspiring and preparing them to develop stories.
•  “Read Our Stories… Create Your Own”
• Storymaking with Rick Williams will include blogs, a YouTube Channel, and the new Creative Writing Lab.

Life is What It's Called - What do you want your readers to know about you?

Rick Williams Sr.: Our family’s storymaking process has caused me to reflect more on my 50 years as an entrepreneur in cutting-edge scientific and medical fields. It is now even clearer that deep reading and training in creative writing as a child/young adult helped me to become a more effective innovator and business executive as an adult.

Being a lifelong learner has better equipped me to capitalize on fast-changing technological advances and to build relevant new skills.

Life is What It's Called - What role do you think families play in childhood learning?

Rick Williams Sr.: When raising my kids, I incorporated creative stories in our family playtime. While working on a nonfiction project 20 years ago, I was fortunate to be able to spend time with the Jim Henson’s family and learned how his grandmother taught him to read classic books and be involved with her artwork. He used that training to create The Muppets, Sesame Street, family movies, etc. I followed those same principles to establish a kidlit library and arts & crafts room in my house to collaborate with my 7 grandkids. For storymaking, I also taught them fun things like archery and sword fighting with a wooden replica broadsword from medieval Europe.

Jim Henson’s grandmother showed us that some of the best ideas, stories, and conversations happen when parents, grandparents, and kids explore life together.

Life is What It's Called - What writing project are you working on next?

Rick Williams Sr.: To foster childhood reading, I’m continuing the series with Young Dragon Riders (Book 3), which expands the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles world and introduces new challenges and characters.


GIVEAWAY

Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win an out-of-this-world prize pack! Three winners will each receive signed hardcover copies of Star Life Keepers, Orion Fire Storm, and Story Writing: A Workbook of Creative Writing Prompts for Kids 8–12. One grand prize winner will receive all of the above plus an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids—perfect for diving into even more adventures.

This post is sponsored by Legacy KidLit Press. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny

Written by Evelina Ruimy
Illustrated by Siski Kalla
Ages 4–8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-89138-745-4

Publisher's Book Summary: Meet a bright and curious bunny who loves to learn, read, and play with friends. But when one pup gets in the way, this little bunny discovers something important about kindness, courage, and staying true to who you are. This charming, rhyme-filled story takes young readers on a heartwarming journey about friendship, confidence, and what it really means to be “cool.” Through playful rhythm and an uplifting message, children will learn that kindness and being yourself are the greatest strengths of all. Perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom, this delightful tale encourages children to build empathy, celebrate differences, and believe in themselves.

“Wonderful for young readers, parents, and even educators who want to encourage empathy and positive behavior in everyday situations.” — Reader's Favorite

Available for purchase on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evelina Ruimy lives in the leafy Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two daughters, Scarlett and Ellie Rose. An avid puzzle-solver, cross-stitcher, and lifelong writer, Evelina finds her greatest joy in motherhood, nurturing her girls into kind, curious, and confident young women.

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny was inspired by moments from her own life—small truths and gentle lessons she hopes will guide not only her daughters, but children everywhere, toward lives filled with happiness, empathy, and mindfulness.

To learn more, visit hopstales.com, Instagram, TikTok.


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think the overall message of Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny is important for children?

Evelina Ruimy - Because words can stay with us far longer than we expect—especially for children. A single comment can shift how they see themselves, and they don’t always have the tools yet to process that. Honestly…it can be hard to process even as adults. What I wanted to offer is both emotional comfort and something practical—a way to understand that unkind words often reflect the person saying them, not the person receiving them.

And I wanted Hop’s growth to feel real—not loud or performative, but steady. So when he finally says, ‘No, not today. And school is great,’ it comes from self- acceptance, not defiance.

And what matters most to me is that he stays kind. He doesn’t try to “win.” He recognizes Ruff’s hurt… and responds with empathy. That felt like the truest form of strength.

Life Is What It's Called - What is the best line in Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny and why?

Evelina Ruimy - I think the line that stays with me (and my children) most is when Hop says, “No, not today. And school is great.”

It’s simple, almost understated—but that’s exactly why it matters.

It’s not loud or defiant. It doesn’t come from anger. It comes from a quiet place of self- acceptance.

And for me, that’s the real shift in the story—when Hop doesn’t just react, but actually returns to himself.

That kind of confidence is gentle, but very strong. And that’s what I hope children feel in that moment.

Life Is What It's Called - How does this book stand apart from others on the market?

Evelina Ruimy - I think what makes this story different is that it doesn’t just focus on being kind to others—it really begins with being kind to yourself.

A lot of books talk about kindness as behavior, but this story looks at where it actually comes from.

It shows that when a child feels secure in who they are, kindness becomes something natural, not something they have to perform.

And I also wanted the emotional arc to feel very real—quiet, relatable, and not overly dramatized.

It’s not about fixing everything instantly. It’s about understanding, guidance, and slowly finding your way back to yourself.

Life Is What It's Called - How do you see this book being used in homes, schools, and community events? 

Evelina Ruimy - I really see this book as a starting point for conversation.

In homes, it can open the door for parents and children to talk about feelings that aren’t always easy to name—like hurt, insecurity, or moments when something didn’t feel right. And in a very gentle way, it also supports emotional wellbeing—helping children understand what they’re feeling, and reassuring them that those feelings are okay. In schools, it can help teachers guide discussions around emotional awareness, confidence, and how to respond to unkindness in a thoughtful way.

And in community settings, it creates a shared language—something simple and gentle that both children and adults can relate to.

My hope is that it makes those conversations feel more natural… and a little less intimidating.

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?

Evelina Ruimy - This story came to me during an emotional time. It was during the Palisades fires last year, when we had to leave our home and just hope for the best.

I was going to bed one night—and the words just started forming in my head. I’ve been writing since a young age, so I recognize that feeling when something arrives fully formed… I just have to be quick enough to catch it.

I was definitely in a heightened emotional state. But more than that, I think something in me felt especially protective of my children in that time. I think we can all agree that as parents, we always want to protect our kids—not just from physical harm, but also from emotional hurt.

And when it comes to unkind words— they can really stay with you. I know they’ve stayed with me.

So in that very instinctive, protective space, this story almost insisted on being written.

Life Is What It's Called - What do you want readers to know about you as an author?

Evelina Ruimy - I think I would want them to know that everything I write comes from a very real, emotional place. I don’t approach stories as lessons to teach—but as feelings to understand and translate into something gentle and accessible. I’ve been writing for a long time, and for me, it’s always been a very instinctive process. The words come when something feels important enough to be said. And with this book especially, it came from a very personal place—as a mother, wanting to give my children something that could support them in moments that aren’t always easy. So what readers are holding is not just a story—it’s something I genuinely felt needed to exist. 

GIVEAWAY

Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny by Evelina Ruimy.

This post is sponsored by Evelina Ruimy. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Between the Shelves Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Piper Monroe and Dorian McConkie never saw eye to eye in college—she thought he was cold and insufferable, he was just painfully shy, and she was just painfully convinced he hated her. Years later, Piper owns a thriving bookstore, and Dorian walks back into her life for a book signing—only for her to discover he’s the secret identity behind her all-time favorite author.

When the instructor drops out for a sold-out writing class in Piper’s bookstore, Dorian agrees to step in for one month. But between old grudges, new tensions, and entirely too much banter, Piper realizes something terrifying: she might actually like him.

Piper has a secret Dorian can never, ever discover. She isn’t only a bookseller—she’s also the woman behind the pen name of his number one rival on the charts.

If Dorian ever finds out, it won’t just ruin their tentative truce—it might just ruin everything.

A swoony, slow-burn romantic comedy packed with sharp banter, undeniable chemistry, and a love story that was never supposed to happen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kasey Stockton is an Amazon bestselling author, Whitney Award finalist, and winner of the Swoony Award Book of the Year. She publishes both contemporary and historical novels, and all of her titles fall under clean romance. She loves reading, chocolate, and period dramas, but nothing tops exploring new places with her very own prince charming and their three children.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Like - What will readers like most about Between the Shelves? 

Kasey Stockton - The romance, hopefully! 

 

Life Is What It's Like - What is your favorite line in Between the Shelves? 

Kasey Stockton - Oh my gosh, what are his calves like? And also: if you want contentment in your career, do it for the love and the rest will level itself out.

Life Is What It's Like - Which author are you most like in Between the Shelves? 

Kasey Stockton - Someday, maybe! I absolutely love to read them.

Life Is What It's Like - Would you ever write a thriller? 

Kasey Stockton - I'm a solid mix of the two. I'm always careful never to fully write myself into a character because then the critical reviews can't hurt as much.

Life Is What It's Like - If this book was a food what would it be and why? (cheesy like pizza, sweet like chocolate, etc.) 

Kasey Stockton - In-N-Out. Quick and delicious.

Life Is What It's Like - What other releases are you planning for this year? 

Kasey Stockton - Two Regencies, both in multi-author series, The Ex-Best Thing, which is a romcom for my Belacourts series, and a secret project I'm not allowed to talk about yet.

BOOK REVIEW

Between the Shelves is a cute rom-com book about a bookstore owner/author and an author she knew in college. The characters drive the store forward. The romance is predictable, but lovable and an easy read. Romance lovers will enjoy this quick story and comfortable story. The author also drops some perks within the story from writing tips to a literary discussion. This is a fun, relaxing read. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free ebook to read, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links.