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Silas on Stage
Silas on Stage follows a theater-loving child who dreams of being the sparkling angel in a Christmas pageant, only to be cast as a shepherd instead. At first, Silas is crushed, but as rehearsals unfold, they begin to notice all the quiet helpers who make the show possible. When the chosen angel panics right before curtain, Silas steps into the role they were given in the most generous way, helping Max feel brave enough to go onstage.
I really liked how gentle this story is with disappointment. I recognized that little ache in Silas right away, the feeling of wanting the shiny part and having to sit with the less glamorous one. The writing doesn’t scold Silas for wanting to sparkle, which I appreciated. It lets that desire be real, then slowly widens the idea of what shining can mean. The repeated focus on helpers gives the story a steady, comforting rhythm, and the payoff feels earned because Silas doesn’t simply “learn a lesson.” They act from it.
The artwork has a soft and expressive warmth that fits the story beautifully. Silas’s slumped shoulders, Max hiding in the closet, the glitter floating under the stage lights, all of those details carry emotion without needing much explanation. I especially loved the contrast between the big theatrical moments and the quieter backstage ones. The illustrations make the church pageant feel cozy and communal, not overly polished, which gives the book a lived-in sweetness. There’s also a lovely inclusiveness in the cast of children and adults that feels natural rather than pointed.
By the end, what stayed with me most was the idea that sparkle isn’t something you have to win, wear, or be assigned. Sometimes it comes from noticing someone else’s fear and choosing tenderness. Silas on Stage is a warm, thoughtful picture book with a big heart, and I’d recommend it for children who love performing, kids working through disappointment, and families looking for a gentle story about empathy, teamwork, and finding your place in the spotlight without needing to stand there alone.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 978-1-957833-23-1
Worries and Anxiety
Carnival Chaos follows a curious, anxious young boy visiting his first carnival who finds it to be a sensory overload experience, learns to face his fears, and ends the day not just braver, but full of joy and pride. What was the inspiration for your story?
The Inspiration for this story is as with my previous two in this series, my son Kale. Kale represents the child of today’s world. Worries and anxiety are prevalent everywhere. These stories are a wonderful way to start a conversation about feelings.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
This book is about trying new things and having new experiences. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be a great accomplishment for anyone.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The child running off the ride looking sickly was my favourite. Kale’s response is exactly how he would respond to seeing such a sight. The calm demeanor of Mama as she tries to just brush it aside so as not to worry poor Kale even more is perfect.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I am going to concentrate on these three books in this series for now. I do however have a few ideas rumbling around in my brain, but right now I want people to understand the message behind my books and realize that they are teaching tools for not only parents but also teachers to start that all-too-important conversation about feelings with their children or students.
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Kale will want to go to the carnival every year knowing how much fun new experiences can be. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be a great accomplishment for our little ones.
