Blog Archives
God, Love, and Family
Marion, Faith & Ice Cream follows an eight-year-old’s simple question about believing in God as it unfolds across one day, where family love, sensory wonder, and everyday beauty teach her how to see faith for herself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration was my daughter’s family. The gift of becoming a grandparent is being able to view the development of a child from 30 thousand feet. As a parent, you are in the thick of the day-to-day duties and responsibilities, but as a grandparent, your experience allows you to see what really matters. Therefore, God, love, and family are the central elements.
How did you balance writing about faith for children in a way that feels gentle and discovered?
Thank you for asking the question this way. Children are so much more sensory-focused than intuitive, so it was important to me to connect the faith to something they can observe with their own senses. The unseen concepts of air and wind are ones children understand, so drawing the connection gives them a tangible connection to believing versus simply a spiritual one.
Marion’s father, being a scientist, adds an interesting dimension to the story. What drew you to pairing scientific observation with spiritual belief?
My son-in-law is an MD, so pairing a science angle that relies on “proof” with a child’s desire for something concrete seemed like a natural fit.
What do you hope children, and the adults reading with them, feel or talk about after they finish the book?
That God is calling us all to take a leap of faith. I think we all have a deep yearning to believe in something beyond what we can see. Therefore, I hope it gives children (and maybe even some adults) the simple framework to connect this tangible world with the spiritual one.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Marion isn’t sure. She’s eight years old, full of questions, and she’s never seen God. So how can she know He’s real?
Everything changes during one breezy Saturday. As she watches eagles glide above her, leaves swirl around the yard, and delights in a sparkling lake that seems to wink at her, Marion discovers that the world is filled with things she can’t see but still knows are true. And, maybe faith works the same way…
A beautiful picture book that helps children explore faith, family connections, and the amazing wonders all around us. With loving guidance from her dad, Marion learns that belief is so much more than just what meets the eye.
There’s a Rhinoceros in My House
There’s a Rhinoceros in My House! is a playful picture book built around a wonderfully simple misunderstanding. A sleepy mom, stumbling through the house without her glasses, becomes convinced a rhinoceros has invaded the kitchen, only to discover that the supposed beast is really her husband, noisily making breakfast, flipping pancakes, vacuuming the rug, and clattering through the morning routine. The book turns that small domestic mix-up into a comic little adventure, then lands on a family-table ending that feels affectionate rather than merely punchline-driven.
What I liked most is how fully the book commits to its premise. It doesn’t overcomplicate anything. Instead, it trusts the delicious absurdity of a half-awake mind trying to make sense of thuds, crashes, and splashes. That trust pays off. The repeated rhythm of Mom blinking, squinting, and misreading the chaos gives the story a satisfying bounce, and the reveal works because the book has already made the rhinoceros feel real enough for a child to believe in it for a few pages. The humor is warm. The joke is rooted in family life, in the strange exaggerations that happen when we’re tired, annoyed, or not yet fully in the day.
I especially appreciated how the language leaves room for the wonderful illustrations to carry part of the joke. The book’s ideas are gentle and young readers will be able to recognize them. Every page is filled with colorful, lively artwork that gives the story its energy, with expressive scenes and playful visual details that make the household chaos feel funny, inviting, and easy for children to follow. I especially liked the character sketches at the end, which offer a fun glimpse into how the artwork was created. They add an extra layer of charm to the book, and I think children will love trying to draw the characters on their own. It’s a lovely touch that could easily inspire budding young artists.
I came away from this story smiling. It’s an easy book to imagine reading aloud, especially with relish for the sound effects and the slow, teasing build toward recognition. In the end, what stayed with me wasn’t just the joke of the rhinoceros, but the fondness underneath it, that sense of a family translating everyday racket into story. I’d recommend this picture book to young children who love silly visual misdirection, for families who enjoy read-alouds with a theatrical streak, and for anyone partial to picture books that turn ordinary mornings into something slightly magical.
Pages: 25 | ASIN : B0GNJ3CZ63
The Hermit’s Hut
As a parent who absolutely loves children’s books, I found The Hermit’s Hut to be such a lovely surprise. It has that rare storybook feeling that makes you want to slow down, snuggle up with your child, and read every page a little more softly. The story follows Francis, an author who becomes discouraged by the noisy, rushed world around him and heads to the mountains in search of peace. That setup alone feels wonderfully unusual for a children’s book, and it gives the whole story a gentle and thoughtful heart.
Francis’s journey from sadness and frustration to connection and purpose is tender and meaningful, and his friendship with the goatherd Erasmus adds warmth and humor in a very natural way. I especially loved how the story turns knitting, storytelling, and kindness into something almost magical. It’s the kind of children’s book that opens the door to great family conversations about feelings, loneliness, creativity, and how people can care for one another.
The illustrations are dreamy, quirky, and absolutely packed with atmosphere. The mountain scenes, glowing campfires, tall trees, yarn, goats, and quaint little hut all make the book feel like a fairy tale wrapped in a hand-knit blanket. There’s so much to look at on every page that younger kids will enjoy browsing the pictures even when the themes are a bit deeper. Visually, it feels both whimsical and calm, which is honestly a delightful combination for bedtime reading.
This isn’t a super silly, bouncy read-aloud; it’s more of a quiet gem, perfect for families who enjoy heartfelt stories with a big message. I’d recommend it especially for kids who like reflective books and for grown-ups who want stories with a little soul in them. The Hermit’s Hut felt cozy, thoughtful, and genuinely moving, a book with a kind voice and a warm cup-of-cocoa spirit. I’d happily add this one to our home shelf.
Pages: 44 | ISBN : 978-9528202424
The Faded Wonders
The Faded Wonders, by Olex Mayen, follows four little adventurers who crash into each other’s lives and end up following a strange glowing map that hints at forgotten “wonders” hidden all over their world. They hike through wild places, solve odd little mysteries, and meet some pretty weird, magical stuff, all while trying to figure out what these wonders actually are. It feels like being dropped into a cozy fantasy game where every new area has its own mood, its own challenge, and a tiny hint that something bigger is waiting just out of sight.
Reading it, I felt wrapped up in a really cozy yet big adventure. Like a video game level select, married to a bedtime story. The writing is rich and cinematic, with waterfalls that hiss like silver curtains and caves that hum with trapped songs and strange guardians. I liked how each character brings a different flavor to the journey. Blukky is pure wonder, Scouty is the careful map nerd, Vroomy is all speed and swagger, and Chippy keeps cracking grumpy jokes and practical comments, so the story never gets too serious. The structure is very questy. Forest puzzle, ice puzzle, ocean puzzle, sky puzzle, fire puzzle, space puzzle. That rhythm feels satisfying, especially for kids who enjoy “what’s the next level” stories.
The book keeps nudging at softer ideas, and that hit me in the feels more than the big magic. The Starforge scene, where they are told that power fades but wisdom sticks, lands gently but is impactful, and I really appreciated that choice. The theme of “wonder that never disappears, it just waits” runs all the way from the opening note to the final key that is meant for future dreamers, and that gave the whole thing a warm echo in my head after I finished. I also loved that the friends are allowed to be scared, or annoyed, or tired. Vroomy is not just a show off; he learns patience. Chippy complains, then steps up anyway. Blukky worries and still moves forward. Those little emotional beats make the big cosmic stuff feel more grounded.
The pictures in this book pop right off the page, all bright colors and soft glowing details that feel kind of like a Pixar movie in book form. The characters are super cute with big, expressive faces that make them feel alive. Every scene has a strong mood, from cozy and warm to cool and mysterious, and the art makes the world feel magical.
I would recommend The Faded Wonders to kids who are ready for a longer, chaptered adventure and for children who enjoy reading something lush and imaginative out loud. It feels like the start of a series that readers can grow with, and I can see this working great as a shared nighttime read for ages roughly seven to eleven, depending on reading level. If a child loves fantasy worlds with talking animal heroes, glowing artifacts, and a gentle lesson about curiosity and courage, this book fits nicely on their shelf. It suits readers who like maps, quests, puzzles, and that feeling of “one more chapter, then bed, promise.”
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0G9M82SV3
Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Call From Buckingham Palace
Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Call from Buckingham Palace is a funny and fast-moving picture book about two cat detectives who get called to Buckingham Palace to protect a giant wheel of cheddar at the King’s birthday ball. Of course, things do not stay calm for long. A sneaky mouse shows up, the cheese goes flying, and the whole story turns into a goofy royal chase before midnight. It is packed with humor, bright illustrations, and a playful mystery that feels perfect for a read-aloud.
I had a really good time with this picture book. It feels warm, silly, and full of life. Fang and Bang are easy to like right away, and I loved the addition of Tilly the guard dog because she gives the team a fresh spark. The writing keeps things moving. It has that nice storytime rhythm. I also really liked the interactive parts where you look for the Midnight Mouse in the scenes. That kind of thing makes a book fun to share, and it would have kept me hooked as a kid.
What stood out most to me was how the book mixes fun with heart. It’s not just chaos and cheese, even though that is a big part of the charm. There is teamwork, problem-solving, and a sweet sense of friendship running through it all. The illustrations are a huge part of the magic, too. They are colorful, lively, and full of little details that make each page feel busy in the best way. I also love the bonus bit about the history of cheddar cheese. That is such a wonderful extra. It made me smile because it feels unexpected and clever.
I would definitely recommend this children’s book to parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone reading with kids around ages four to eight. It’s especially good for children who love animals, gentle mysteries, and stories that invite them to join in. I think it would shine at bedtime, during classroom read-alouds, or in family storytime. For me, it’s the kind of book that kids would ask for again, and the kind adults would not mind reading over and over.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FQ63PCH3
Gentle Humour
Stikki the Squirrel: Tree Spirits features parallel stories: A squirrel and his family as they scramble to survive the brutal winter, and a young bookworm of a girl preparing for Christmas with her own family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Following the success of Stikki the Squirrel, book one in the series, I felt a strong desire to set pen to paper and begin another chapter in Stikki’s and Rella’s lives. The two young adult squirrels now had a family of four kits and had made many woodland friends on their first adventure together. So with that in mind, I began outlining the individual characters that had made an appearance in the first book. I chose to expand on these individuals, supporting characters I call them, to see who pushed themselves forward. So by the time I had finished the rough draft copy of the story, I was spoilt for choice, wondering who to bring to the forefront in the story of my new book, Stikki the Squirrel: Tree Spirits. New animal characters also feature in the story, and as in book one, when they began to speak, their personalities and mannerisms just slotted into place. It was a weird and wonderful time watching my characters come to life on the pages. I know that might sound daft, but that’s how it happened from my perspective as a writer and artist. In this second book, I wanted to bring in a different kind of character, a human girl, twelve-year-old Sophie, her father, Evan, and her family, counting down the days leading up to Christmas. Bringing in humans (longlegs), I thought, would bring a new dimension to the story with relatable characters for children to understand and empathise with. In book two: Stikki the Squirrel: Tree Spirits, time has moved on for the animals in Hazy Hills Wood, who now face a bitterly cold winter with very little food available to them. In the second installment, I have created an exciting action story for children and teenagers who enjoy imaginative, character-driven stories about friendship and the importance of supporting each other when times are tough. There is gentle humour that carries a subtle message about caring for our wildlife.
The book continues the enchanting tale of a grey squirrel called Stikki and his mate Rella, their four slightly scatty kits, and an array of woodland animals the squirrel family befriends. A tale of mystery, danger, and the wonders of magic found in the most unexpected places. Set in midwinter, amongst the tall trees of the magnificent Hazy Hills Wood, the story begins.
What do you enjoy most about writing children’s literature?
I suppose the answer is simple—I enjoy the genre. I must be a big kid at heart, even though I was a late bloomer to come onto the publishing scene. I’ve enjoyed reading books my entire life, so, unsurprisingly, in my retirement, all the wonderful stories I had read in the past must have inspired my imagination to have a go myself. To date, I have published four books.
My debut novel: GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain, book one. Followed two years later by the sequel: GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls. Both books have won awards and earned themselves several lovely reviews as well. Both books are animal adventure fiction (wolves, with humans too), suitable for children aged ten years to young adults. Book two is rated a little older, for young adults to adult readers. My stories are about friendship, hope, and resilience.
I have discovered writing stories for children to be rewarding. Your young audience is usually appreciative of a good story, though they can equally be critical if you get it wrong in their eyes!
Young minds keep you on your toes. Children have no qualms about questioning the creation of your characters, or the setting, and the facts relayed about squirrels’ lives and their habitat. So I make a point of rigorously researching my subject before I begin writing anything new.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. Can you share a little about the process?
The age group for which my books are intended governs the artwork involved to a certain extent. For younger children’s books, the pictures tend to be larger and in full colour forming the main part of the book with the accompanying text larger as well. For older children of eight years and upwards, story books that have pictures or sketches are usually created in shades of grey to black on a plain white background, or in some cases, a detailed sketch is necessary depending on the scene.
When I sit down to begin creating a new character, I take out my A3 sketch pad and a hard pencil, either an HB or a 2H, using light strokes over the paper to form the outline of the body of the animal character. My characters are neither cartoonish nor lifelike but somewhere in between. They are unique to me and have become a hallmark in the Stikki the Squirrel books.
For continuity, I have kept to the same style of artwork in both Stikki books. Hand-drawn sketches created in black ink with pencil shading ranging from 3B to 8B for added depth where necessary.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am in the process of story creation for Stikki book three. I have some exciting ideas, but first need to get these written down on a rough draft copy. From there, I can expand the plot by jotting down sections in each chapter as I go. At the moment, it’s all in my head.
When I do get in a position to begin writing in earnest, I always make a point of having my reading and writing buddy sitting beside me. His name is Big Patchy, a fifteen-inch-tall soft toy doggy pal with a cream-coloured body, black ears, nose, and tail, of whom I read aloud to as though he is a child. This may sound nuts to some people, but doing this helps me write with children in mind, so the words are appropriate for the age group intended. Reading aloud enables me to ‘hear’ the words and gauge how well these fit in with the story plot, interpretation, and fluidity.
With regards to the publication date, well, that is too far away to predict. But I will keep readers informed using my Amazon author page and also through my website.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Winter has arrived in Hazy Hills Wood, covering everything in a blanket of snow.
Food is hard to find, and the animals are getting hungry. To make things worse, there is a scary food thief on the prowl.
Stikki heads out into the cold to find his secret stash, but when he doesn’t come home, Rella goes searching for him. A frightening journey looms ahead as Stikki and Rella are forced to confront their enemies and the dreaded longlegs.
Deep in the heart of the ancient wood stands the animals’ sacred ash tree. When Brodboar the badger spots something strange high in the tree’s branches, he is shocked by the discovery and begins to worry. Is it a warning?
With Stikki and Rella still missing, can the woodland animals work together to find their friends before it’s too late?
A Happier Outcome
Goldie and the Three Kind Bears is a unique take on the traditional Goldilocks fairy tale that introduces readers to a welcoming Bear family and finds them crossing paths with the Gingerbread Man. What inspired you to recreate this beloved story?
I have always enjoyed baking, and one Christmas, I baked a large Gingerbread Man for my family. Needless to say, he didn’t escape and was quite tasty. As I was decorating him, I thought about all the stories where the Gingerbread Man was tricked and devoured, and I thought it would be fun to write a story with a happier outcome.
The illustrations in your book are wonderful. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Baran Sabahi?
I discovered Baran on Instagram and fell in love with her charming, whimsical illustrations. I knew she would be a wonderful fit for my story. Through emails, I sent Baran my ideas for each scene. It’s always exciting to see your story come to life through the illustrations, and it’s always a little bittersweet when the illustrations are completed.
Since Goldie and the Three Kind Bears, Baran also illustrated two other books for me: Eloise Evergreen Isn’t Keen on the Color Green and The Christmas Gift.
Are you considering retelling other classic stories? Can we get a glimpse inside your next book?
Another retelling is not in the works. However, I’m working on several manuscripts that I’m excited about. One is a historical fiction picture book.
What advice would you give aspiring children’s authors?
I walk away from my story for a while, and then I return to it with fresh eyes. I also read my story out loud to myself, as if I were reading it to a group of children. This helps me to know if the story has a good flow.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Off-The-Wall Plans
Stop Snoring, Dad! follows a determined and imaginative young boy who has his sleep disturbed by his dad’s thunderous snoring, so he comes up with creative ways to try and stop the snoring. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Growing up, I spent many nights trying to sleep as my dad snored loudly across the hall. I had no idea that years later, those sleepless nights would become the inspiration for a children’s book.
Louie’s plans escalate in wonderfully absurd ways. How did you tap into a child’s “anything is possible” mindset?
Children are curious and imaginative, so I combined the two to come up with Louie’s off-the-wall plans. I had a mindset of the crazier the idea, the better, while keeping his solutions easily accessible.
Beneath the humor, the book carries a message about control and adaptation. How did you balance that without becoming too serious?
I think I balanced control and adaptation without becoming too serious by showcasing a different idea on every page. Not having Louie dwell on his failed ideas kept the story moving in a fun way and shows how kids can quickly adapt when things aren’t going their way.
Do you see Louie returning in future stories—or tackling new everyday “kid problems”?
He might! I’ve been thinking about a few ideas that I think kids and adults alike would enjoy.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Snuggle with your favorite blanket and join Louie on this imaginative adventure, as he searches for a way to finally drift off into sweet, snore-free dreams.
