BOOK REVIEW: MOSSY THE MANATEE +AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Genre: Children’s Books/ Fiction

Publication Date: April 1, 2022

Publisher: Independently Published

Pages: 39

Book can be purchased on Amazon

Book Blurb

Mossy, a Florida manatee who is unusually more green than gray, only has one wish- to feel the snow on Cape Cod. But because manatees can’t stand such cold weather, Mossy must do the impossible and find a way to make the journey. With the help of his mom and dear friend, Mossy learns that when he embraces what makes him unique, even his wildest dreams can come true!

This book is suitable for ages 5-8.

Book Review

Mossy the Manatee.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is a delightful book for young children and can double up as a bedtime storybook.

Reading through the book reminded me of my childhood where I found joy going on adventures with animals as the main characters. In this case, Mossy the Manatee has lots of themes to glean from his life.

In a world where everybody is alike, Mossy the Manatee teaches us to be unique and follow our dreams.

I must commend the author for her great imagination and choice of words. They are easy to understand for preschoolers and toddlers alike.

The book cover is beautiful and the illustrations in each page held my attention.

Overall, I am rating this cute book five bright stars for capturing my attention.

I reviewed this book and opinions expressed in this review are mine.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

1. Welcome to the Book Chic Blog, please do introduce yourself to our wonderful readers.

Hi, there! My name is Nika Tomljenovic. I’m an author, playwright, scriptwriter and video game writer. I live in Croatia with my boyfriend and Bernedoodle, Jole, who is very fluffy and enjoys swimming in the sea. I am originally from Toronto, Canada and have had my plays produced throughout North America, and a short film I wrote in a London Film Festival. Since the pandemic, I have found myself writing for children’s literature and the GameFi space. 

2. What is an interesting thing about your book?

Mossy the Manatee was originally an idea for a script of a short animated film. 

3. How many other books have you written?

I am currently writing a chapter book that is being released in segments to a growing crypto community. The book is associated with the token’s video game.

 
4. What inspired you into writing this book and writing in general?

The inspiration behind Mossy the Manatee stemmed from my childhood fascination with manatees. Because I always knew odd facts about them, when I decided to include a manatee as the central character, a simple, cohesive storyline came together quickly and naturally. 

And with writing in general, I found playwriting through drama and acting which was the world I always grew up thinking I would end up in, that is, until I discovered creative writing. Through playwriting I delved into other mediums like books, films, games…pretty much anything that incorporates storytelling. 

5. Who is your favourite character in this book?

Mossy, of course! I feel Melissa (the illustrator) did an outstanding job making him full of life and his own personality. I also can’t help but root for the little guy! We all have a dream we want to see fulfilled, making him the most relatable character. 

6. When did you first consider yourself an author?

Funny question, I still don’t consider myself an author as I never imagined I would get into book writing. But I surprised myself and absolutely love it, so here I am! But regardless, I’m more of the type of playwright/ scriptwriter/ game writer/ author who thinks of herself as a creative writer above all else. I think it’s a hard time to keep working as a writer if you’re too rigid. 

7. Tell us about your most recent work?

Aside from Mossy, I write for a blockchain game that is in the works. This includes game characters, items, locations, tools, a chapter book and creative lore entries. This material is continuously released, in phases. Currently we are in two of eight. 

8. Do you have favourite authors and books?

The Catcher in the Rye 

9. What is next for you?

Definitely more children’s books- I have plenty of ideas and really enjoyed this process! There has also been a potential book (creative non-fiction) deal in the pipeline, though I can’t say much about that, yet! 
If not, with the return of theatre, I hope to get a longtime idea I’ve had for a play up on its feet. 

10. Any words for your readers and where can they contact you?

I hope you all enjoy Mossy the Manatee as much as I did writing it, and that its message resonates with all! Thank you so much for reading! I can always be contacted at [email protected] 

Published May 14, 2022June 17, 2022