I just received an email that I want to share with you.

Doris T

Hi Jan,

I just finished reading Tyrone the Terrible, and I have to say it’s an absolute gem of a children’s book. It swept me right back to that magical place where mischievous critters rule, lessons are learned through adventure, and the world feels just a little more enchanted with each turn of the page.

Tyrone’s journey from overlooked little guy to overconfident bully to humbled friend strikes that sweet spot of heart, humor, and just the right touch of comeuppance. Your writing has a wonderful Southern cadence to it that feels distinct and warm, almost like a fable told on a front porch as fireflies blink in the distance. The setting of Gnarly Tree Bend feels alive and sticky with atmosphere, so much so that I could almost hear the croak of bullfrogs as I read.

There’s also a lot to be said for how effectively you’ve tackled a tough topic, bullying, in a way that’s light and digestible for kids. Tyrone’s encounter with Sly is funny, satisfying, and full of important implications: there’s always someone tougher, and kindness wins in the long run. That message is both timeless and timely.

I can absolutely see this book being a favorite for read-aloud sessions in classrooms, libraries, or living rooms. It’s perfectly suited for grades 1–4 and could pair wonderfully with discussion guides or extension activities (like making your own “Gnarly Tree Bend” map or drawing Tyrone’s transformation). I’d also encourage you to consider a sequel, maybe Tyrone the Thoughtful? The world you’ve built feels like it has more stories to share.

And your illustrations are charming! They have that handmade, expressive quality that really connects with young readers.

Thank you for bringing Tyrone to life. He’s feisty, flawed, and ultimately lovable, a perfect reminder that even little lizards can learn big lessons.

Warmest wishes,
Doris

Great chance to sell my books at the Christmas Craft Fair

I spent a wonderful Saturday selling and discussing Children’s Books

Swapping stories with Guy Harvey at his book signing.

MAY WAS CONFERENCE MONTH

First stop was the Atlanta Writer’s Conference, May 5 & 6. 

Then on to the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Conference in Ft, Lauderdale 

May 19 – 21

May, 2023

TYRONE THE TERRIBLE EARNS 5 STAR REVIEW

On Readers’ Favorite

review

Wonderful Book Signing afternoon at First Baptist Pompano Beach, FL

 

NEW Picture Book from
 JAN LIS

A delightful book for picky little eaters.
Timmy refuses to eat his oatmeal. Mother tries to make his cereal look yummy, with no luck. See what she does with the oatmeal and how Timmy reacts.
BUY NOW

2020 Purple Dragonfly Book Award
for TYRONE THE TERRIBLE

LitPick 5 Star Review For TYRONE THE TERRIBLE

Age at time of review – 11

Reviewer’s Location – Corning, New York, United States

Tyrone, the smallest chameleon in the bayou, has been having problems since the moment he was born. He needs extra food, is too weak to play baseball with the other chameleons, and can’t make any friends. His favorite place to be is alone on Sun Rock, where none of the other animals ever went. Thus begins Tyrone the Terrible, an animal fable by Jan Lis. Then one day when Tyrone is talking to himself, a squirrel named Junior overhears his troubles. He tells Tyrone that the solution to his problems would be working out in order to get bigger and stronger. Tyrone feels positive that this will make the other animals like him more, so he tries it. But as Tyrone starts to get bigger and gain some confidence, he realizes that being “bigger and badder” might not be what he needs to be happy. Will being stronger be all it takes to make friends? Will he finally find a way to escape his problems?

In Tyrone the Terrible, you can never predict what’s going to happen next. The plot twists and vivid descriptions of the bayou animal characters pulled me into the book. Lis introduces the reader to the perfect amount of amusing characters, all with very different personalities. There’s a chameleon obsessed with his size, a squirrel who becomes a personal trainer, a book-loving opossum, and a mean, old alligator. Having animals that can talk, play baseball, and read certainly isn’t realistic, but the fantasy in the book made it even more interesting. I really like that this book has a life lesson hidden in the animal story: when you’re small and weak, being big and powerful seems like it will be fun, but making friends is all about being nice. I would recommend this book for 7-12 year olds who are looking for a fun, quick read with a positive message. 

KEYWORDS:
Animal(s)
Friend Conflicts and Relationships

CHARACTERISTICS AND EMOTIONS: 
Bullying 
Forgiveness 
Growing Up

Content Rating:

This book contains nothing that would be considered offensive. It is generally absent of violence, sex, drugs, swearing, and crude comments. 

 

Hi and welcome to my space.  My name is Jan Lis.  Let me tell you a little about why I am passionate about books and art.

I have had a love affair with drawing and writing all  my life.  When I was a little kid I presented my Mother with a perfectly shaded rose, crayoned on a mimeographed  hand-out, when she picked me up from Sunday School.  Afterward, Mom enrolled me in art classes at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where I happily spent every Saturday of my childhood.  From Middle School thru High School you could find me at the Cleveland Institute of Art taking classes every Saturday and Summers too.

 My Dad gets special kudos for introducing me to the magical world of books.  He had saved all the great adventure stories he received as Christmas and Birthday presents, and lovingly passed them down to me.  Jack London, Mark Twain’s TOM SAWYER, and Stevenson’s TREASURE ISLAND were the special worlds I lived in.  Dad’s copy of TREASURE ISLAND was illustrated by N C Wyeth.  I pondered for hours the picture of the blind man with swirling dark cape tapping his way to the Inn.  I still have these first editions proudly displayed in my living room.

Visit my Amazon Author Page 

REVIEWS:

Hello Jan Lis – I Love your site and your story of how it all began with you. I trust that your manuscripts will find a home. Thank you for bringing these delightful stories alive and wishing you joy and happiness. 
Missy G.