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Freckles is the sweet and heartwarming story about the unlikely friendship between a young girl and a duck decoy who spreads the message that being unique is something to be proud of. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration stemmed from my daughter’s charming and unique, real relationship with a duck decoy she named “Freckles.” Since she was three, Freckles has been her constant companion, and their unusual friendship has touched the hearts of many, spreading joy wherever they go. It became clear to me that this story was worth telling from the moment they started interacting with others.
I dove into the project, dedicating countless hours to writing and exploring the publishing landscape. Thankfully, I connected with a publisher who resonated with my vision and a talented illustrator who brought my ideas to life on the pages. This journey has been a profound learning experience, filled with late nights to bring this tale to light.
I’m excited to share this uplifting tale about friendship, self-discovery, and the power of kindness. It’s a family-oriented book that chronicles Freckles’ adventures alongside my daughter and captures their special bond. I hope it brings joy to all who read it.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The book is written simplistically but has some deep underlying and important messages for children, such as empathy and friendship, showing the importance of kindness, and reaching out to others. It also encourages imagination and creativity while fostering emotional growth and embracing one main, simple truth: it’s okay to be different. My goal was to allow children to learn some valuable lessons in a heartfelt, light, and meaningful way.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
Thank you! I wanted art for the book that was focused on being real and true to the story, so I set out on a journey to find the right illustrator to convey this tale with watercolor in the most vibrant way. The collaboration process was incredibly rewarding; I shared my vision and the essence of Freckles and my daughter’s adventures. The illustrator took the time to understand the emotions and nuances I wanted to capture, which resulted in an authentic representation of our story. Together, we explored various styles and color palettes, ensuring the art not only complemented the narrative but also engaged young readers. The exchange of ideas and feedback created a beautiful synergy, culminating in illustrations that truly brought our enchanting tale to life. Communication was absolutely key, and providing real-life images helped us get through all illustrated-related challenges!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
We aren’t sure what’s next for Mave and Freckles, but we know they have many more adventures ahead!
Author Links: GoodReads | Blue Balloon Books | Instagram | Amazon
Freckles is a captivating children’s story based on a true friendship between a little girl named Mave and her beloved duck decoy, Freckles. From the moment Mave pulls Freckles out of the box, it’s clear that he is no ordinary duck.
As Mave takes Freckles to school, the library, and around the community, he quickly becomes a source of comfort and happiness for everyone he meets. He starts to make an impact with his unique presence, fostering connections and encouraging kindness in a world filled with challenges.
Throughout their adventures, Freckles proves that being different is not only acceptable but something to be celebrated. He teaches those around him the importance of joy, compassion, and friendship. The story culminates in a powerful message: It’s okay to be different.
Freckles
Freckles is the sweet and heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a young girl named Mave and a duck decoy named Freckles. From the moment Freckles leaves behind his past as a hunting tool, his new life becomes a colorful journey of spreading joy, comfort, and kindness to everyone he meets. Mave brings him along everywhere, from school to the grocery store, and it quickly becomes clear that Freckles is no ordinary duck. He’s different in the best way, and he shows the world that different can be good. The story’s message is loud and clear: being unique is something to be proud of.
What I loved most about this book was how simple it was, yet how much it made me feel. The writing doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need to. It has a quiet rhythm to it, like a bedtime song whispered after a long day. The rhyming lines are playful without being sing-songy, and they carry a certain warmth. It felt personal, like the author was letting us peek into a real bond. That authenticity shines through. The fact that Freckles is a literal duck decoy, not a magical creature or a talking animal, makes the whole thing oddly touching. There’s a kind of grounded magic in that.
And the ideas behind it? They’re gentle but strong. The way the book handles being different. how it flips that word into something empowering, really stuck with me. Kids don’t always get to hear that message in a way that feels natural. But here, it works. Freckles helps people, not by doing big things, but by just being there. That message of everyday kindness, of quiet impact, was something I enjoyed. The illustrations add to that, too, bright and friendly and full of little touches that make each page worth a second look. The watercolor artwork is bursting with life and detail and will easily capture a child’s attention.
I’d say Freckles is a lovely read for kids ages 3 to 8, or anyone who needs a reminder that being different isn’t just okay, it’s something to be celebrated. It’s perfect for bedtime reading or classroom discussions about kindness and empathy. If you’re looking for a book that’s simple, sincere, and full of heart, this little duck might just be your next favorite friend.
Pages: 22 | ASIN : B0F8YQXP1K
LITERARY TITAN 