Stories + Characters
THE MOLLYS B. (Coming Soon! EARLY 2025)
9th Place - Children’s/Young Adult Category 2023 Writer’s Digest Writing Competition
Indomitable. Determined. Fearless.
Living a century apart, Margaret Tobin Brown of Titanic notoriety and a brockle-faced heifer of Montana renown share an experience of a singular day that forced them to fight for their lives and unites them in more than a sobriquet. This picture book biography documents their brave actions, telling side-by-side stories of hope and resilience.
Photo credit for Margaret – (Denver Public Library, Western History Department)
Photo credit for Molly the Cow – (Robin Loznak/The Great Falls Tribune)
A contemporary story of a young girl whose mother suffers from hoarding disorder. Warned to “Don’t tell,” secrecy seeps into every aspect of her life. For a time, she is successful keeping this secret as she attempts to meet her challenging environment with problem-solving skills equal to her age. Eventually, overwhelmed and torn between loyalty to her mother and her own instinct for survival, she finally accepts help from someone she trusts.
Leading researcher, Dr. Gail Steketee, Professor and Dean Emerita, Boston University, says:
“Joann Howeth’s book Sometimes tells the poignant story of a charming child living in her mother’s hoarded home. Her mother seems unable to provide basic necessities for her young daughter while trying to hide the problem from others until a kindly neighbor realizes she must intervene for the child’s welfare. The little girl’s woes and the problem of hoarding are beautifully illustrated by Vicky Kuhn. Kudos to Ms. Howeth for her prowess and simplicity in telling this tale to help others recognize the unfortunate consequences of a parent’s hoarding behavior.”
Gentle Disclaimer: The subject matter of this book deals with mental illness and is intended to be used by school counselors and nurses, and mental health professionals.
MURDOCK: THE PRIMITIVE MODERN CROC
Murdock thinks he’s as modern as the next guy; his BFF (Best Feathered Friend) Percy, disagrees. Determined to win this argument, Murdock attempts to spin his primordial instincts into modern behaviors. But Percy remains unimpressed, changing his mind only when Murdock rescues him from the throes of a tropical storm by using a strategy mother crocodiles utilize to ensure their hatchlings reach the water’s edge.
THE NATURE OF MR. WILSON
10th Place - Children’s/Young Adult Category 2013 Writer’s Digest Writing Competition
Oliver is convinced a pet will alleviate his curmudgeonly neighbor’s loneliness. Finding the right companion is a challenge, however, when the recipient is uncooperative. Only when Oliver accepts that not everyone has the same likes and desires, does he learn that there is something else he can offer that’s even more meaningful.
NEVILLE’S OASIS
After Neville, a desert camel, is scolded for stepping on his owner’s compass, he is nudged by his pal, Beetle, to run away to the oasis where life is more idyllic. Waylaid by mirages and other distractions, his journey is anything but straightforward and all for naught when Neville learns that paradise is not a location after all.
2021 Writer’s Digest Writing Competition Honorable Mention
THE BUTTERFLY HUG
When Henry, a middle kid in a large family, learns a stress-relief technique, he’s anxious to share it, but meets with resistance from an important person in his life. He nearly gives up until an unexpected ally helps him win the attention he so desires.
IN THE LAND OF MOSTLY UNLIKELY ANTICS
From an Emu wearing earmuffs to a neep-nibbling Numbat, In the Land of Largely Unlikely Antics reveals an alternate realm where ordinary & not so ordinary animals engage in outlandish behavior. Alliteration paired with the “suspension of disbelief” gives the ABCs new life.
FIONA ENLIGHTENED
Fiona the firefly is afraid to venture out at night. Her list of anxieties includes bats, spider webs, fly swatters, and frogs, but after some gentle questioning from Grandma, she confesses she's simply scared of the dark. It isn't until Grandma shows her something special that Fiona realizes she had the very thing to combat her fears all along.
2018 Writer’s Digest Writing Competition Honorable Mention
UNCOMMONLY COMMON
Cora wants a cupcake! Maybe even two, but she has to get to the bakery first. And not that she would complain, but her best friend is holding her back! When a melodramatic flamingo and a brainy armadillo repeatedly fail to get to bakery before all the cupcakes have been sold, out-the-box thinking is required. Despite Presto’s affection for all things cerebral, it is Cora who comes up with a stylish and speedy solution that procures the cupcakes and preserves their friendship.
SUNSHINE ON THE INSIDE
Mileesha, a shy kindergartener, loves school. Her BFF, Cami, is not as enamored but they are happy to be in the same classroom and do everything together, to the exclusion of their classmates. When Cami has to stay home with a tummy ache, Mileesha is challenged to make new friends.
FRANCOIS
After completing an art assignment, a boy daydreams his creation into life and imagines all the ways they will spend time together. His fantasy is perfect until Francois meets Zelda.