Award-winning author-illustrator Shain Stodt was born In New York City. Currently, she is writing a series of children’s books about a shelter kitten, The Sally Mitts Stories. The debut book in the series, Sally Mitts Finds A Home, has won The Literary Titan Prize, The Golden Wizard Book Prize, and a Purple Dragonfly Book Award.
Her second book, publishing on October 26th, 2024, Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination, has won a Golden Wizard Prize and a Literary Titan Award in pre-publication. Shain lives in North Carolina, close to the land and the animals she loves.
A WORD ABOUT WRITING FOR CHILDREN
As a lonely child, books were where I found friends and role models. When Dad got in late at night, we had a magical moment before I fell asleep; he would read to me in his beautiful, expressive voice. Dad worked with children as a teacher and camp manager, and he never talked down to them. At a very young age, I heard the poetry of Robert Frost and Langston Hughes, and quaked deliciously as Buck faced his nemesis, The Great White Dog. It instilled a passion to learn about life in me I’ve always been grateful for.
It also gave me the ability to grasp essential reading and learning skills early. Not to mention a wondrous appreciation for other cultures, and different points of view.
For that reason, I believe it enriches children to be read to at mixed-age levels of literature, and I tend to write this way. Though age sometimes limits their comprehension of a subtle meaning here, or a long word there, the feeling and intent seeps in a child's consciousness to a surprising degree. Even with quite young children. It certainly enriched my understanding of the world around me.
-Shain
A Review Of Sally Mitts And The Land Of Imagination by Literary Titan, Five Stars
Sally Mitts and the Land of Imagination is a children’s book where whimsy and adventure collide in a delightful celebration of creativity. The story begins with Sally, a curious cat, who is resting when she hears footsteps. Expecting Fred, her owner, to return from work, she instead finds a pair of shoes walking on their own. Intrigued, Sally follows them to a mysterious red door with “Imagination” inscribed above it. With a brave heart, she steps inside and enters a fantastical world where both the sun and moon share the sky. There, she meets Clair, a rabbit singing opera, who explains that they are in a place where anything is possible. Sally seizes the opportunity, painting the sky in different colors and exploring limitless possibilities. However, the peace is disrupted when Grumpy Grey, a hungry fog, arrives and smothers the magic, preventing them from enjoying the wonders of the land. Sally and Clair join forces, determined to restore the enchantment and bring back the joy of imagination.
Shain Stodt crafts an original tale that highlights the boundless power of imagination. The world she creates is filled with endless possibilities, encouraging young readers to embrace their dreams and creativity. The story’s sense of adventure captivates readers with unique and surprising moments like Sally and Clair soaring through the skies in an airplane.
The narration is both playful and engaging and is laced with humor and rhythm, making it a perfect read for children honing their reading skills. The illustrations stand out not only for their beauty but because they are hand-drawn, which I think adds a special personal touch. Each illustration reflects the care and creativity behind the story, making the visual experience as heartwarming as the narrative itself. The cast of animal characters living harmoniously in this magical world fosters empathy and a sense of connection with nature, which children will appreciate.
Sally Mitts and the Land of Imagination is a joyful and adventurous children’s book that reinforces themes of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. With its positive messages, imaginative storytelling, and heartfelt illustrations, this picture book is sure to inspire young minds and nurture their creativity.
A Review Of Sally Mitts FInds A Home By A Look Inside, Five Stars
Shain Stodt’s Sally Mitts Finds a Home is a heartwarming children's story that beautifully combines tender themes of friendship, trust, and finding one’s place in the world. The vibrant illustrations, also created by Stodt, bring the story to life with colorful, lively depictions that will captivate young readers and help them connect with the characters on a deeper level.
The story follows Sally, an adorable kitten who, after being accidentally left behind when her family moves, embarks on an unexpected adventure. Sally’s journey takes her through a vast, exciting world where she befriends butterflies, squirrels, and other creatures before finding herself at an animal shelter. The illustrations of her adventures are full of detail, with playful colors and expressive characters that will draw children into Sally’s world and make the story even more enjoyable.
At the shelter, Sally meets an endearing group of fellow cats, including the spirited Charlie the Tailless, whose friendship offers comfort and companionship. Stodt skillfully portrays the bond between Sally and Charlie, emphasizing the importance of friendship and how it can make difficult situations more bearable. When Charlie is adopted, Sally's loneliness and shyness become central to her emotional development, making her a relatable character for any child who has experienced feelings of abandonment or uncertainty.
What stands out in Sally Mitts Finds a Home is its underlying theme of trust—both in oneself and in others. When a kind man takes an interest in Sally, she must decide whether to open her heart and trust again, showing young readers the value of patience, love, and second chances. Stodt's narrative gently teaches important lessons about resilience and hope, making this story more than just a simple tale of adoption.
The balance between the lively illustrations and the poignant plot will resonate with both children and parents. Sally Mitts Finds a Home is not only a charming and beautifully illustrated story, but it also carries a meaningful message about finding where you truly belong, even when the journey is uncertain. This book is a perfect addition to any child’s library, especially for those who love stories about animals, friendship, and home.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Page turner
Easy To read
Whimsical
Wonderful Characters
