Ivy Blue’s Greatest Pumpkin Playhouse follows a spirited young girl who, with the help of her community, turns a crumbling dream into a glowing masterpiece built from courage, creativity, and a whole lot of pumpkin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

One cozy fall evening, when I was tucking my granddaughter into bed, she asked me to tell her a bedtime story. Since we both share a love of pumpkins, I decided to tell her a story about a little girl and a giant pumpkin. Seeing her eyes light up as she listened, I knew this story was meant for more than just one bedtime, so I decided to turn it into a book, hoping it would be shared with other children and passed down for generations to come. That moment planted the seed for what would eventually grow into this book.

How did you approach balancing whimsical storytelling with deeper emotional moments like Ivy Blue’s initial failure?

Balancing whimsy with deeper emotions was really important to me. I wanted the story to feel playful and imaginative but also grounded in feelings that children can relate to—like disappointment and frustration when things don’t go as planned. Ivy Blue’s initial setback with the pumpkin patch gave me an opportunity to explore those emotions, while keeping the tone hopeful and light. By weaving in moments of wonder, friendship, humor and small victories, I aimed to show that even when things go wrong, something beautiful can still grow from it.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Some of the key themes I wanted to explore in this book were resilience, environmental stewardship, and the power of kindness. I wanted young readers to understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s how we respond to those disappointments that truly shapes our journey. Holding onto your dreams, caring for the natural world, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard—can lead to unexpected joy and rewards. Sometimes, our dreams come true in ways we never imagined, especially when we’re guided by compassion and purpose.

In addition, I wanted the book to have an extra layer of fun and engagement, so there are 29 butterflies hidden throughout the book—one in each illustration. This interactive element invites children to slow down, observe closely, and enjoy little details, reinforcing the idea that beauty and wonder are often discovered when we take the time to really look.

What message do you hope readers take away from Ivy Blues’s journey?

I hope readers come away with a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the incredible journey something as small as a seed can take. There’s so much wonder in watching a pumpkin grow—from planting the seed, nurturing it with care, and finally seeing it flourish. I also hope the story inspires kids to dream big and stay hopeful, even when things don’t go as expected. With patience, care, and a little imagination, dreams can be realized in the most unexpected ways.

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