If I Had One Wish: I’d Wish That You Were Here centers around a lonely snowman who makes a simple wish to spend time with his friends and learns an important lesson about missing loved ones. What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration for If I Had One Wish truly came from observing the universal experience of missing someone. I noticed how children, in particular, can grapple with feelings of loneliness and the ache of absence when a friend or loved one isn’t around. I wanted to create a story that acknowledged these feelings in a gentle and comforting way. The idea of a snowman, so inherently temporary and perhaps prone to a certain solitude, seemed like a perfect vessel to explore this theme. Wynter’s wish is relatable to anyone who has ever yearned for the company of someone special, and I hoped to show that even in their absence, those we love leave an indelible mark on our hearts.

Wynter is a charming character. Where did the inspiration for his traits and dialogue come from?

Wynter’s charm really stems from his earnestness and his simple, pure desire for connection. I envisioned him as someone who is kind and thoughtful, but perhaps a little shy or hesitant as he navigates his loneliness. His dialogue was crafted to reflect this – direct, heartfelt, and unpretentious. I thought about the way children often express their emotions very openly, and I wanted Wynter to embody that genuine vulnerability. His interactions with the bunnies and cardinals are meant to be sweet and a little whimsical, reflecting the joy that can be found in unexpected friendships, even as he holds onto the memory of his dear friend.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The most important idea I wanted to share is that the love and memories we have for those we’ve lost never truly disappear. While Wynter’s wish for physical companionship is understandable, the real magic happens when he discovers that his friend is always with him in his heart. I wanted to convey that it’s okay to miss people deeply, and that these feelings are a testament to the love we shared. Ultimately, the book aims to offer a comforting message to children who are experiencing loss, assuring them that they are not alone in their grief and that the bonds of love endure, even when someone is no longer physically present.

Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?

My next title, already in the works, is a Christmas rhyming poetry book for toddlers filled with bright, cheerful artwork. I have also just published a Halloween book for children, ages three through twelve, about a scaredy-cat named Boo! A delightful book, written in verse, that offers a little lesson in bravery and compassion. Of my children’s poetry books to date, Boo, the Scaredy-Cat’s Spooky Night is both my favorite and, I believe, my finest work.

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