Blog Archives
Where the Kaleidoscopes Turn
Where the Kaleidoscopes Turn, by Joan Enockson, follows Cody, an eleven-year-old boy who’s carrying the quiet sting of a rough school year, as he visits his grandpa in Pocahontas County, Iowa. What begins as a family trip becomes a tour of giant kaleidoscopes scattered through small-town parks, each one opening into a memory, a lesson, or a new way of seeing the world. With Grandpa Russell, Cody’s new puppy Molly, and the legacy of Leonard Olson guiding the story, the book becomes less about sightseeing and more about learning how beauty, community, and perspective can change a person from the inside out.
I really appreciated the heart of this book. I felt drawn to the way it treats Cody’s unhappiness without making it too heavy for young readers. He’s not written as a dramatic problem to solve. He’s a child who is hurt, withdrawn, and a little stuck, which felt honest to me. The relationship between Cody and his grandpa is the emotional center, and it’s handled with a gentle patience I found moving. Grandpa doesn’t lecture so much as notice, wait, tell stories, and lets Cody arrive at understanding in his own time. That felt true to childhood, and also true to good parenting.
The writing has a homespun, reflective quality that fits the rural setting well. The lessons are stated clearly, but I can see why that directness would work for younger readers. The ideas are lovely, especially the way each kaleidoscope becomes a metaphor for change, memory, courage, family, community, and choosing what we put into the world. I also thought the artwork gave the book much of its charm. The illustrations have a soft sketchbook feel with bursts of watercolor-like color, and that splashy brightness mirrors the kaleidoscope theme beautifully. The images of the small towns, parks, farm scenes, and Cody with Molly add warmth and texture, making the book feel both personal and rooted in a real place.
I found Where the Kaleidoscopes Turn to be a tender, thoughtful book with a strong sense of place and a sincere belief in the value of looking at life differently. It’s earnest and full of affection for grandparents, small towns, old memories, and children who need a little help finding their footing again. I’d recommend it for elementary and early middle-grade readers, especially kids who enjoy family stories, gentle life lessons, dogs, road trips, or books that leave them feeling steadier and more hopeful by the end.
Pages: 98 | ISBN : 978-1958023648
Chanumas: One Boy, Two Holidays and a Very Big Wish
Readers are introduced to a unique and heartfelt story about a little boy celebrating Chanukah with his family. His evening is filled with familiar traditions: food, dancing, and the warm glow of the menorah. But when Christmas Eve falls on the same night, he begins to wonder whether something extra might be possible. He wants to honor Chanukah, yet he also feels curious about the magic of Christmas Eve. Hoping for a small surprise, he hangs a sock on the kitchen wall and wonders who might deliver a gift or whether one will arrive at all.
Chanumas by Irv Brand is a creative, thoughtful, and engaging story that many young readers will enjoy. I appreciated the way the little boy’s parents found a meaningful solution that allowed him to experience the excitement of Christmas Eve while remaining true to their family’s beliefs. The story handles this balance with warmth and care. Small gestures, such as hanging a sock, leaving out food for the gift-giver, and receiving kisses even without mistletoe, add charm and humor to the celebration.
The rhyming text gives the story a playful rhythm and makes it especially appealing for young readers. It also offers a fun opportunity for children to recognize and practice rhyming words. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and expressive, with plenty of details to explore on each page. They add depth to the story and help readers better understand the family’s celebration without needing extra explanation.
This is a wonderful book for children learning about Chanukah, as well as for those who celebrate Chanukah and are curious about Christmas Eve. By blending both holidays into the joyful idea of “Chanumas,” the story celebrates family, tradition, love, and the meaningful ways people come together.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0GX83FKVG
Daddy, Can I Be A Marine?
Daddy, Can I Be a Marine?, by Ben Olbon, offers a reflective and heartfelt look at a father’s time in the United States Marine Corps through the eyes of his children. The story follows a brother and sister as they learn about their father’s service, discovering who he was before parenthood and how those experiences shaped the man they know today. The narrative highlights how military service can remain a lasting and defining part of personal identity long after active duty ends.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its presentation of core values such as leadership, commitment, and responsibility. These themes feel authentic rather than instructional, making them accessible for young readers. Olbon’s personal connection to the story brings sincerity and quiet pride to the narrative. The children’s growing fascination with the Marines begins with simple curiosity about their father, which makes his service feel personal and inspiring rather than distant or abstract. This approach naturally invites meaningful conversations between parents and children about service, sacrifice, and family history.
The illustrations by Alana McCarthy enhance the story with warmth and emotional depth. Details like the Marine Corps uniform and earned medals visually reinforce the importance of the father’s service. Expressive characters and carefully composed scenes help children engage with both the emotions and the message of the book. The inclusion of Marine Corps facts at the end adds another layer of value, offering informative content for readers who may be curious about military life or future service.
Daddy, Can I Be a Marine? is a thoughtful and engaging book well suited for family collections and classroom use. It is especially meaningful for military families and career exploration lessons, providing a respectful and accessible way to honor service while strengthening intergenerational understanding.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FN9QPDGV
The Warmest Memories
Saturdays With Gramps centers around a little boy who learns that love never truly dies after losing his grandfather. Where did the idea for this story come from?
Saturdays With Gramps was inspired by my own experiences with loss. I lost my dad when I was 27, and years later I navigated the loss of my mom—first ambiguously, as dementia slowly changed who she was, and then physically when she passed away. During that time, I was also helping my children grieve their Grammy and find ways to keep both her memory and their grandfather’s memory alive. Writing this story became a way to honor those relationships and the love we shared. My hope is that the book helps children and families feel less alone in their grief, and gently reminds them that love doesn’t disappear—it continues in memories, traditions, and the bonds we carry forward.
Is there anything from your own childhood included in Sam’s story?
Yes! My dad, Henry, co-founded a restaurant named Embers, and they served the most delicious pancakes. When I was growing up, we would go to Embers every weekend for brunch, and I couldn’t wait to devour a syrup-drizzled stack of pancakes! I have the warmest memories from those days. In the story, I named them “Grampscakes” because my dad, who went by Papa to his grandkids, always called himself PapaBurger, as his restaurant also served yummy burgers (namely, the Emberger Royal!). Grampscakes are a way to honor that silly nickname of his, and those awesome pancakes!
The artwork in Saturdays With Gramps is wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Ellie Beykzadeh?
Ellie is truly the most amazing illustrator. Her work is so stunning and always highlights every emotion beautifully. Her illustrations bring the book to life. I love working with Ellie because she is so talented, collaborative, and has the most creative ideas. She’s such a kind human, to boot!
What is one thing you hope young readers and their families take away from your book?
My greatest hope is that young readers and their families find comfort in knowing that love never truly dies. Even when the people we love are no longer with us, their love continues to live on — in memories, traditions, and the quiet ways they remain part of our lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Saturdays were Sam’s favorite—Grampscakes dripping with syrup, lively chess matches, quiet moments spent birdwatching. Just Sam and Gramps, soaking up their special day together.
But when Gramps passes away, Sam is heartbroken—and Saturdays feel empty.
With his mom’s gentle guidance, Sam begins to understand a powerful truth: even though Gramps is gone, the love they shared—and their cherished traditions—will always remain. Because like syrup on pancakes, love sticks around.
Saturdays with Gramps is a tender, heartfelt picture book that helps children process grief and loss with warmth, comfort, and hope. Through gentle storytelling and beautiful illustrations, it reminds readers that the bonds we build with those we love remain long after they’re gone.
✅ Ideal for ages 7+
✅ Introduces loss in an age-appropriate, relatable way
✅ Encourages open conversations about big feelings
✅ Validates kids’ emotions and experiences
✅ Offers healthy, hopeful coping strategies
✅ A supportive resource for parents, educators, and therapists navigating bereavement
Whether a child is grieving a grandparent, parent, pet, or any kind of loved one, Saturdays with Gramps reminds them they’re not alone—and that love lasts forever.
Saturdays With Gramps
Saturday With Gramps follows Sam, a boy who spends every Saturday wrapped in the cozy routines he shares with his grandfather. They eat Grampscakes, play chess, watch for cardinals, and just enjoy being together. Then Gramps grows tired, and Sam learns he has died. With his mom’s help, Sam starts to understand how love sticks around even when someone is gone, and he finds small ways to keep Gramps close.
This is a very emotional children’s book. The writing feels gentle, simple, and totally honest. I liked how nothing was rushed. Gramps grows tired slowly, and Sam notices it in those tiny everyday ways that feel so real. The moment his mom explains what happened is soft but clear, and I appreciated that. It does not sugarcoat the truth, and it also does not overwhelm. The whole thing felt like being spoken to kindly. I also loved the little details. The root beer, the petunias, the cardinal. They made the story feel warm and lived-in.
This whole picture of grief as something you move through by remembering what you shared felt calming. I found myself smiling at the thought of those Grampscakes and the way love turns into traditions you carry forward. It reminded me of how small rituals can feel huge when someone is gone. The message that love never dies felt simple in the best way. It stayed with me after I finished the last page.
I’d totally recommend Saturdays With Gramps for kids who are dealing with loss, and for the grown-ups trying to help them through it. The story is gentle, the pictures are bright and comforting, and the message feels steady and warm. It is a great read for families, counselors, teachers, or anyone who wants to help a child understand grief without making it scary.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0FFNC6BDF
Educating and Encouraging
Not Everyone Walks the Stage follows a young girl who is about to start kindergarten, and while she is excited, she is also nervous about fitting in because she is different. What was the inspiration for your story?
Sierra: The inspiration came from a joke that Nick made about myself working on my university’s commencement planning committee. He said something along the lines of “She helps people walk the stage but she won’t ‘walk’ the stage herself” and a friend of Nick’s thought that it would be a wonderful book idea. He and I both agreed and now here we are!
Nick: Sierra was the Lead Commencement Assistant (student worker) at our university, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and she never let her disability or her being in a wheelchair stop her from anything We worked together to make this wonderful story about a girl that goes to school for the first time and is concerned because she hears at school that at the end of the year ‘not everyone walks the stage” and graduates. The readers do not know exactly why she is worried, and at the end of the book we discover that she is in a wheelchair and has been taking the phrase literally rather than as an idiom meaning to graduate. Sierra’s own drive as a person is reflected by the character of Sophia who makes sure she does well in school so that she can cross the stage at graduation like everyone else!
The art in this book is fantastic, representing diversity so that all children can find someone with whom to relate. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Alisa Tverdokhleb?
Sierra: It was amazing! I have never been good at art myself and it was so cool to learn more about the creative process and watch her bring the ideas and words to life while adding her own unique voice. She did a fantastic job and I had a blast getting to know her more as well. She’s an absolute sweetheart.
Nick: Alisa Tverdokhleb is the behind-the-scenes hero of this project. She is a master visual storyteller who listened to what the writers needed and added her own creativity. Her unforgettable vibrant and beautiful artwork gave an even more resounding voice to Sierra’s story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Sierra: I would say the most important part for me was educating people on life in a wheelchair while showing encouraging others to go out and live their life to the fullest. I think it’s easy for anyone of any age to get caught up in the ableist belief that your life is “over” after becoming wheelchair bound for any reason and that simply isn’t the case. However, it is still a commonly held belief that is hard to shake for multiple reasons and it’s why the Q and A portion of this book is the most important educational aspect to include.
Nick: Sierra and I agreed that this book could be more than just a wonderful book for kids, but an opportunity to educate people of all ages about what it is like to be in a wheelchair, or how one can support wheelchair bound people. We agreed that helping and educating others is what we wanted to do. On our website there’s even free lesson plans for how teachers and parents can use the book to teach concepts in school. We also wanted every to just smile and realize that no matter how different we are we are all the same.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Sierra: I’m gonna leave this one to you to answer Nick, LOL.
Nick: I am hoping that this question means that people want more of Sophia’s story, or our style of book. We have talked about continuing Sophia’s adventures, but want to find the right story to tell. I think we also want the whole team back together for this if we can.
If you think we should do a sequel, please leave a comment here or on our social media pages and let us know. We love hearing from readers more than anything!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Sophia is excited about kindergarten and just wants to fit in. She is worried that at graduation at the end of the year she won’t walk the stage like everyone else. Join her as she learns about — how things work at school, how to make friends, how sometimes we all struggle, how learning is fun, and how she is exactly like her friends!
Sophia’s has a mobility impairment that makes her think that she might not succeed in school. Her literal misunderstanding of “being able to walk the stage” at the end of the year worries her. We follow her journey through her first year in school, where we discover that her experiences are identical to all other students. Sophia’s wheelchair is hidden in the book until the very end to emphasize her common experiences with other students. This wonderful book is perfect for all students to learn important broad lessons about how we are all the same, yet all different at the same time.
The book includes an interview with author Sierra Andrews who herself is in a wheelchair due to a car accident at 18-years old. She gives information about being wheelchair-bound to parents, educators, and students. She answers questions people want to ask but are often afraid to do so. It also includes special sections called Can You Find, Other Ways to Use This Book, Fun Things to Do, and Fun Facts that give readers additional activities that they can do to learn and enjoy themselves. An interview with illustrator Alisa Tverdokhleb gives advice to those who want to be artists.
“A story so full of delightful surprises from the unexpected ending to the detailed attention given to the whole-child development. Not Everyone Walks the Stage is a book so inclusive and informative that no classroom, library, school, or home should be without a copy. Not Everyone Walks the Stage shares an essential story that highlights valuable lessons for both kids and adults on how to acknowledge and respect our differences. This is a graduation ceremony you really won’t want to miss. Zepo Publishing takes the good that already exists in the world and amplifies it. A common thread in its books is its message of inclusion and acceptance of our individual differences that connect us in unique ways to one another.” – Dr. Janet Canino Ph.D., LMFT
Not Everyone Walks The Stage
At first glance, Not Everyone Walks the Stage looks like a simple children’s book about a girl named Sophia starting kindergarten, learning new things, dealing with tough moments, and preparing for graduation. But as the book unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more going on beneath the surface. We watch Sophia grow in confidence, navigate her struggles with school and classmates, and ultimately find her own strength. Then comes the twist: Sophia uses a wheelchair. That reveal adds a whole new layer to the story and makes the title resonate in a deeply personal way.
I found the storytelling refreshingly gentle yet brave. The authors let their message simmer quietly until you’re hit with it, and it stays with you. The writing is warm and simple in the best way. It invites kids in, and leaves space for adults to reflect too. I liked how real Sophia felt. She wasn’t a “perfect” kid. She was nervous, unsure, and sometimes afraid. But she worked through it. She learned. She helped. And she tried, even when she didn’t feel ready. That made her journey feel authentic and meaningful.
The book is also clever. It uses familiar moments like the nervous excitement of the first day of school or the build-up to a graduation ceremony to introduce bigger ideas about kindness, disability, and perseverance. I especially liked how it never made Sophia’s wheelchair the center of her identity. The reveal is subtle, and by the time it arrives, you already love her for who she is, not what she uses to get around. The bonus content at the end, including the author’s own story and Q&A, adds a lot of heart and insight. Every page is bursting with color and emotion, like a comic book. The characters’ faces are so expressive that you can tell what they’re feeling. The background is packed with fun little details too.
I’d recommend Not Everyone Walks the Stage to parents, teachers, and really anyone looking for a book that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and quietly powerful. It’s perfect for classrooms and storytimes, and it’s a wonderful way to talk with kids about differences, empathy, and determination. It reminded me that the bravest stories are sometimes the ones that start quietly and end with a cheer.
Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0DVLH26YH
Lifelong Love for Nature
Macie and the Magic Veggies follows a lively five-year-old who adores vegetables and when she gets to go grocery shopping, it turns into a thrilling adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
After I stepped away from the corporate world, my initial plan was to write a leadership book—something that distilled the professional lessons I’d picked up over the years. But then my granddaughter, Macie, was born, and it hit me that the most meaningful way to pass on those insights might be through her eyes instead. That’s how Macie and the Magic Veggies came about. I wanted to infuse the story with curiosity, compassion, and a sense of wonder—so it wouldn’t just share lessons, but truly inspire Macie and future generations to grow a little magic in their everyday lives.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
My goal in writing Macie and the Magic Veggies was to create a story that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. It’s an engaging tale that blends vibrant illustrations with hands-on, interactive elements—making the learning journey fun from start to finish. Through Macie’s eyes, I want to spark a passion for growing vegetables, a love for the environment, and a deeper understanding of how caring and kindness can help things flourish. This story shows children that the world around them is brimming with magic, just waiting to be discovered!
And the best part? The adventure doesn’t end when you turn the last page. Kids can keep the fun going with activities like singing Macie’s Veggie Song, searching for hidden gems in the artwork, or even starting their own little gardens at home. Ultimately, it’s all about fostering a lifelong love for nature, a sense of wonder, and bringing families closer together.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene that brings me the most joy is when Macie exclaims, “Now I’m a farmer too!” Originally, she said something more along the lines of “I can share with you,” but I changed it after one of my daughter’s elementary school students mentioned she’d never seen a book where a girl took on the farmer’s role. That moment flipped a switch for me—I wanted to celebrate the idea that girls can absolutely be farmers, too! It’s a small line change that carries big meaning, reflecting how excited my own family felt when we planted blueberries and built a barn on our property. Even now, that scene makes me smile every time, knowing it might inspire a future generation of young farmers.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I’m so glad you asked! The Macieverse is expanding in wonderful ways, with fresh adventures designed to spark curiosity and fun at every turn. We’ve already started crafting stories like Macie and the Magic Berries, shining a light on sharing and kindness; Macie and the Magic Beans, where kids discover patience and perseverance; and Macie and the Magic Dirt, showing how we can turn “waste to wow!” through composting. Each story even comes with its own original song, so children can sing along while they learn.
But that’s just the beginning! We’re also hard at work on Macie and the Magic Water Garden, exploring how small spaces can hold big gardening ideas—thanks to vertical planting. Plus, there are more songs and even Macieverse TV projects on the horizon.
At the heart of it all, every Macieverse story is created to inspire young minds to explore nature, care for each other, and nurture our planet. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more magic on the way!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Linkedin | Amazon
From Grocery Aisles to Garden Rows-Join Macie’s Journey to Where Real Magic Grows!
Are you ready to discover where all your favorite veggies come from? Macie sure is!
As Macie sets off on her adventure, she learns that the true magic of vegetables reaches far beyond soil and sunshine. With the guidance of her Grandpa, they meet Farmer Lundyn, a friendly young farm girl who helps Macie discover the joy of planting, nurturing, and harvesting her own food-and shares the secret that makes her farm extra special.
Filled with vibrant illustrations and rhythmic, engaging language, Macie and the Magic Veggies captures the wonder of a child’s curiosity and celebrates the love that grows from family and nature. This heartwarming story is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, inviting them to explore the magical journey from seed to table and the power of connection.
Sprinkle on Some Extra Magic-Activities Await!
Once the last page is turned, the adventure continues! Macie and Grandpa invite you and your little one to enjoy fun interactive questions and delightful activities to deepen the story’s magic and meaning. Let the learning and laughter continue as you revisit Macie and the Magic Veggies, cultivating curiosity and a love for nature together, one page at a time.
