Blog Archives
Genuine Vulnerability
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
I then had a story to write!
Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz follows a Zoodle who breaks a rule by getting a pet, he winds up in a prison no one has ever escaped from. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from my illustrator, Andy Case. In November 2023, he released his first album, Leap of Faith. There were three songs that came one after the other that set up the story in my head. Literally, it was one song after the other! “Lost Souls in the Dark” had that guitar rift that remined me of U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” but in a darting kind of way, and I pictured Snoodles flying through space to rescue our heroes. The next song “Break Free” had a slower guitar play and reminded me of a spaceship slowly rising from the planet. Then came “Should Have Sent a Card”. It is a hysterically funny song about someone trying to write a love song and failed. Because he failed, he sings out “I should have sent a card!”
I then had a story to write!
In your story, Droodle meets some amazing new characters. What was your inspiration for their characters’ interactions and backstories?
Well, they are inspired by Pop Culture! Swifty Swoodle is definitely Tayor Swift. Grandfafoodle was inspired by the crazy father of Dick VanDyke in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Trash Can Cats was inspired by seeing a bunch of cats around a trash can looking for mice in NYC.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
This is the fourth book in the series. I couldn’t write a book just to write a book knowing that it was not up to the first three. I had to write something that would surpass them, and make the universe of character bigger and the story crazier. I felt with this book, it was “mission Accomplished!”
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
We will find out that Cloodle did not come from the planet Zoodle! Similar to the Superman story, Cloodle is a baby on a planet that is disintegrating because of global warming, and he is put in a small spaceship with his poodle, Krazoodle, and lands on the planet Zoodle. Strap up because you will be in for quite a ride?
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Enter a cast of brilliantly bonkers heroes: noodle-powered scientists, intergalactic musicians, talking cats with trash can drum kits, and a villain so cranky he reads self-help books about revenge. There’s also a Jalapeño Popadoodle Noodle, a flying Balloonadoodle, and something called a Cloakadoodle Swoodle Car. Don’t ask, just roll with it.
This wackadoodle tale is packed with vibrant art, making it perfect for young and old readers who love silly stories, bold visuals, and absolutely zero boring parts.
Whether your kid’s obsessed with noodles, aliens, or saying the word “Groodle” over and over again, Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz! is the laugh-out-loud ride you’ve been waiting for.
Time to get ready for your NEXT GREAT ESCAPE!
Explore Life’s Adventures
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery follows three friends living in a new part of the woods who hear a strange sound in the dark, leading them to embark on a quest to discover its source. What was the inspiration for your story?
Bunny and Fawn are based on my two rescue dogs, Lulu and Pixie. I’ve drawn from their quirks, personalities, and even some of their funny habits to shape the characters and their adventures.
This second book picks up where the first one left off. After being separated during a storm, Bunny and Fawn find each other again with the help of their new friend, Bear. They decide to stay near Bear’s home by a pond, a perfect spot since swimming is one of their favorite activities.
As for the mysterious creature they meet later in the story, I won’t spoil the surprise, but the character was inspired by Pixie’s love of burrowing into blankets and making playful noises. This new addition will return in future books as part of the continuing story.
Much like my first book, I’ve woven in themes that children can relate to, but that also resonate with readers of all ages. Diversity is a central idea, shown through different species of animals sharing the forest and learning from each other as they explore life’s adventures.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For all my books, I intentionally include themes that are applicable to children. In Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery, several main themes include friendship, resilience, and discovery. All three themes are truly universal. Our lives are shaped by those around us. We seek guidance from those who have the experience, like Bunny in my first book, when Fawn taught her ways to be safe in the forest. Life is unpredictable, and we need to be ready for various opportunities and obstacles that come into our lives. I want readers to understand that it’s important to learn from experiences, be it good or bad, and that taking away those experiences makes us stronger. Also, specifically related to discovery, there’s so much to our world, and to simply ignore opportunities to meet someone new or experience a new adventure will only serve as a disservice.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Damien Hall?
I’ve worked with Damien on both books, and the process has been wonderful. I shared my manuscript along with a short description of what I pictured for each illustration, but I encouraged him to bring his own creativity to the art. The process usually went from sketches to final renderings, with my feedback at each stage. Many times, he suggested changes that ended up making the illustrations even better than I imagined. Collaborating with him was smooth and inspiring.
Will this story be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature is the second book in the Bunny and Fawn series. I’m currently writing the third book in the series, which will be revealed in January of next year, marking the start of the illustrations phase of the process. I have no plans to stop writing books in the Bunny and Fawn series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Awe and Tenderness
Who Are We, Really? follows three inseparable tadpole friends who go on an adventure to figure out who they are meant to be and learn an important lesson in the process. What was the inspiration for your story?
As a mother, watching my little one grow, explore, and dream inspired me to write this story. One moment in particular sparked the idea for this book. I was walking with my son along a trail here in New England when we came upon a small pond filled with tadpoles. My son immediately scooped up a few into his hands. His eyes opened wide with wonder. It was the first time he had ever held tadpoles, and watching him study them so carefully, with such awe and tenderness, was pure magic. I knew then that I wanted to capture a part of that beautiful moment — to preserve the innocence, curiosity, and joy that childhood brings.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One important educational aspect I wanted to explore in this story is self-discovery. While we all grow and change, who we are goes far beyond our appearance. It is our actions, choices, and character that truly define us. Another educational aspect that I also wanted to explore is creative thinking. Children learn through play, exploration, and imagination. Imaginative play is a vital part of childhood, helping them grow, make sense of the world around them, and discover more about themselves. In Who Are We, Really, the tadpoles imagine themselves as sharks, turtles, and dragonflies. This encourages children to play with different possibilities and outcomes and explore different perspectives.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where the three friends discover they have become frogs. Joey, the most stubborn and spirited of the trio, continues to believe they are dragonflies, even though his reflection in the water reveals the truth. In that moment, I wanted to capture a simple yet powerful idea — that who we are comes from within. It isn’t our appearance that defines us, but our feelings, our choices, actions, and the kindness we carry inside.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am currently illustrating my fourth book, and I started writing my fifth. It tells the story of a bear cub trying to make friends in a forest where all the animals fear him. At its heart, it is a gentle reminder about kindness, acceptance, and seeing beyond appearances.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Who Are We, Really? is a heartwarming adventure with three tiny tadpoles―Polly, Molly, and Joey―on a BIG quest to figure out what (or who) they’re meant to be. Sharks? Turtles? Dragonflies? The sky’s the limit when you’ve got imagination!
Along the way, they meet wise creatures, swap wild ideas, and stumble onto a truth bigger than any dream: the best thing you can be….is yourself.
With vibrant, handmade watercolor collages and a story packed with heart, humor, and the power of believing in yourself, Who Are We, Really? is perfect for little dreamers ages 0–7—and anyone who’s ever dared to wonder who they might become.
Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz
When Droodle the Poodle and Doo Doo Kidoodle tied the knot, they shattered the biggest rule on planet Zoodle: no pets allowed! As punishment, poor Droodle finds himself locked away in Zoodletraz, a prison from which no one has ever escaped. The question that drives the story is irresistible: can Droodle outsmart his captors and return to his beloved Doo Doo Kidoodle?
From the very first page, what stands out most is the comic book format. Children’s literature rarely embraces this style, making Snoodles in Space a delightful exception. Its layout instantly captures attention, not only from young readers but also from parents and educators seeking something fresh and visually engaging. Even reluctant readers will be drawn in, eager to follow the wild adventures of this eccentric cast.
Steven Joseph brings remarkable depth to his characters. In just a few panels, each one comes alive with personality and charm. Readers quickly form connections and root for them as if they’ve known them for ages. This emotional resonance, achieved through vivid details and playful dialogue, ensures that children will feel immersed in the world of Snoodles, Zoodles, and beyond.
The story also shines in its portrayal of community spirit. Whether celebrating victories or lending a hand in tough times, the inhabitants of Zoodle remind young readers of the value of kindness and cooperation. Through these moments, Joseph subtly imparts a lesson: helping others, no matter your age, shapes you into a compassionate, well-rounded person.
Andy Case’s illustrations elevate the story even further. His dynamic art bursts with energy, color, and imagination. Presented in a comic-book style, each page feels alive with detail and movement. The unique character designs and bold hues keep the reader’s eyes dancing from panel to panel. It’s the kind of book that invites you to linger and explore every corner of the artwork.
Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz is a story that entertains both children and adults alike. With its clever concept, lively illustrations, and heartfelt humor, it’s a comic adventure that will have readers laughing, learning, and turning pages long past bedtime.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0FMKSM2CK
That Beautiful Mix
Welcome Baby Wigglet! is a joyful children’s picture book about Gigglet the pig learning to embrace her new role as a big sister with love, pride, and giggles. What inspired you to create Gigglet and Wigglet’s sibling story? Was it drawn from your own family experiences?
Yes, the story was inspired by my own family experience! When my little brother was born, I remember feeling just like Gigglet—worried that I might be “replaced.” (Spoiler: I wasn’t… my parents still needed someone to sneak cookies off the counter.) But the moment he arrived, all those worries melted away. He instantly became my favorite “real-life baby doll,” and I couldn’t wait to protect him, love him, and teach him everything I knew—like how to build the best blanket forts! That beautiful mix of nerves and love is what I wanted to capture in Gigglet and Wigglet’s sibling story.
How did you balance addressing children’s worries about new siblings while keeping the story playful and lighthearted?
I approached it the same way I imagine a parent might—acknowledge the worries, then smother them in love, reassurance, and a little silliness. Because while big feelings are real, so is the joy of discovering that a new sibling isn’t competition—it’s a forever friend to love, teach, and laugh with. Gigglet’s story shows kids that it’s normal to wonder if things will change, but also that love grows bigger, not smaller.
The illustrations are so vibrant. Can you tell us about your collaboration with the illustrator and how you brought Gigglet’s world to life?
Working with Nifty Illustration is pure magic. We’ve been together long enough to fall into this beautiful rhythm where she just “gets” what I’m imagining. It’s like we share one creative brain—she brings the heart, the color, and the sparkle that makes Gigglet’s world leap off the page.
What do you hope parents and caregivers will take away from reading Welcome Baby Wigglet with their children?
I hope parents and caregivers take away the reminder that love multiplies—it never divides. Welcoming a new sibling isn’t about losing your place, it’s about expanding the circle of love and creating lifelong bonds. My wish is that families feel encouraged to embrace the big emotions, celebrate the little joys, and remember that even in moments of worry, love always grows bigger.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Yawns Are Quite Contagious
I Bet I Can Make You Yawn! follows a cute and determined sloth who asks readers to play a game with him where he will try to trick them into yawning. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am a mother and an educator. I LOVE reading books with children. I have read many books throughout my lifetime and had the opportunity to observe hundreds of children interacting with literature. I chose to make this book interactive because I love to watch kids engage in and interact with a text. It has them being a part of the text and begging to read it again.
I chose a sloth because who else can convince you to yawn but a slow moving animal that sleeps so much? Plus, who doesn’t love sloths? My illustrator, Audrey Kennedy, did an amazing job bringing Sammy to life.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It is important to me that kids realize reading can be fun.
I wanted the readers to feel like Sammy the sloth was playing a game with them. They also learn that yawns are quite contagious.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The entire book was fun to write. It was quite difficult not to yawn through the entire process.
I really enjoyed creating the final scene (the final attempt of Sammy trying to get you to yawn). Even though there is no written text on this page, the illustrations effectively convey the message to evoke an emotional response. When the idea came to me, I thought it was perfect. The reaction I get when I read it to kids, reassures me of that decision.
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?
This is the first book. There is no set date on the next book coming out. My illustrator and I have tossed around some ideas about the next book, so it is a possibility.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
LITERARY TITAN 