Blog Archives
The Largest Unsolved Problem
So You Want To Be A Marine Biologist doesn’t just open the door to the ocean; it shows what it takes to step through it and trades fantasy for something more powerful: the slow, patient thrill of discovery in a world that is still, largely, unknown. What was the inspiration for your story?
The ocean is the largest unsolved problem on the planet, and we have barely begun to look at it. That is what I kept coming back to as I wrote. We have mapped the surface of Mars more completely than we have mapped the floor of our own seas. New species are still being discovered every year. Entire ecosystems function in ways we are only beginning to understand. For a kid who feels pulled toward mysteries, that should be electrifying. The book came from wanting to show that pull — not as an abstraction, but as the daily work of the people who study the ocean. There are kids out there who already feel the ocean’s tug, and I wanted to show the potential of following that feeling somewhere real.
You include details like cold water, seasickness, and failed research. Do you think showing the hard parts makes the career more or less appealing to kids?
More appealing, by a wide margin. The careers that get romanticized into fantasy in children’s books often feel hollow when readers encounter the reality later — sometimes too late, after they have already shaped expectations around the fantasy. When you tell a kid that a marine biologist spends real days cold and miserable on a research vessel and still loves the work, you give them something to recognize themselves in. The hard parts are not a deterrent. They are the proof that the work is real. A career that is challenging in specific, articulable ways is a career a thoughtful kid can imagine choosing. A career that sounds like a vacation is one nobody actually grows into.
The book touches on issues like coral bleaching and environmental change. How important was it to include the conservation side of marine biology?
Essential, because conservation is not a side topic in modern marine biology; it is the field. The ocean is changing faster than we can study it. Coral reefs are dying. Fish populations are collapsing. Acidification is altering ecosystems we do not yet understand. To write a book about marine biology in 2026 and leave conservation out would be to write a fairy tale. Marine biologists today are simultaneously trying to learn what the ocean is and trying to keep what they are studying from disappearing. That dual role — scientist and witness — is part of what defines the profession now. Kids deserve to know that going in.
What do you hope young readers take away about protecting the ocean?
That it matters, and that they matter to the work. Kids sometimes hear about environmental challenges in ways that produce despair rather than action. I wrote the book with the opposite intent. The ocean’s challenges are real, and the people working on them include scientists, conservationists, fishermen, policy advocates, photographers, educators, and citizens who simply pay attention. There is a place for almost any interest a kid has in the work of caring for the ocean. What I hope readers take away is that protecting the ocean is not someone else’s job. It is everyone’s, and the door to that work is wider and more welcoming than it may appear at first glance.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
So You Want To Be A Marine Biologist is an illustrated nonfiction guide for young readers ages 10 to 14 who are ready to learn what this career actually looks like — not the glossy documentary version, but the real thing. The years of science classes before the first research dive. The patience required to observe animals in an environment that was never built for human bodies. The teamwork between marine biologists, data analysts, divers, and conservationists working to understand a world that covers more of this planet than all its land combined.
Each chapter brings kids deeper into the daily reality of marine biology — from mapping coral reefs and monitoring ocean ecosystems to cataloging sea creatures and studying the connections between species that scientists are still working to understand. Young readers will discover how marine biologists conduct laboratory research and open-water fieldwork, what it means to live and work aboard a research vessel for weeks at a time, and why precise, patient observation matters more than any piece of equipment.
But this book goes beyond the adventure of exploration. It tackles the urgent science of ocean conservation — why coral reefs are disappearing, how pollution threatens sea life, and what marine scientists are doing right now to protect the ecosystems our planet depends on. It also addresses the physical demands and intellectual rigor the profession requires, honestly and without talking down to its audience. Kids who are curious about biology and drawn to the ocean deserve real answers about what this path takes, and this guide gives them exactly that.
Along the way, young readers will learn what they can do right now to explore marine science — the habits, the curiosity, the action steps that help a kid who loves the ocean figure out if this calling is truly theirs. Because the best time to start thinking like a marine biologist is long before you ever set foot in a lab or pull on a wetsuit.
The ocean still holds more questions than answers. And somewhere out there is a young scientist who will spend a lifetime chasing what we don’t yet know. This book is where that journey begins.
Ages 10-14. Illustrated nonfiction. Careers, science, and the sea.
Tattered The Tattered Unicorn in 5 Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish5 Languages: English French German Italian Spanish
The Tattered Unicorn follows Frost, a curious unicorn who leaves the safety of the forest to explore a glittering city, only to discover that its beauty hides pressure, vanity, and danger. After Mowra and Vanity try to reshape him and strip away what makes him magical, Frost flees, wounded and frightened. He eventually finds healing through Aurora and his friends, who help him become whole again, not by erasing his scars, but by turning them into something he can carry with pride.
The heart of this children’s book is genuinely tender. As a parent, I liked that Frost’s journey isn’t just about being brave in the obvious way. It’s about leaving, getting hurt, coming back changed, and slowly learning that being altered doesn’t mean being ruined. That idea landed with more feeling than I expected. The writing has a simple, fable-like quality. There are moments that feel lovely and memorable, especially when the story turns toward moonlight, starlight, cool grass, and healing.
The artwork is probably the book’s strongest pull for me. The scenes are vivid and dreamy, full of glowing colors and dark contrasts. The city illustrations feel much colder, with dark towers and sharp light, which makes Frost’s loneliness easy to feel. That contrast gives the book its strange fairy-tale edge. Visually, it has a unique mood that children will notice right away.
I also really appreciated that the story is told in five languages. It gives the book an international feeling, almost like Frost’s journey is being shared across borders and homes. As a parent, I liked the extra layer this adds for curious children, since it naturally invites them to notice different words, sounds, and rhythms while still following the same gentle story.
The Tattered Unicorn is a heartfelt picture book about identity, friendship, and learning to live with the marks left by hard experiences. It has sincerity, atmosphere, and a message that feels worth sitting with. I’d recommend it for families who like to learn new languages, kids who like magical stories, and especially children who respond to unicorns, fantasy art, and stories about being accepted after you’ve been hurt.
Pages: 71 | ASIN: B0F2Q2QVL3
Just “being” Is Enough
Flicker and the Beleaf Tree follows a fox living in a magical tree that shakes a leaf when someone needs help, who helps a little boy who is overwhelmed by the noise and rush of school. What inspired the idea of a tree that holds children’s worries, hopes, and “beleafs”?
Honestly, it came from my own experience as a kid. I was kind of a weird kid. I felt things deeply, but I didn’t really know how to process them or explain what was going on inside me.
A lot of the time, I just held it in because I didn’t have a place to put those feelings.
I knew that I wanted a visual anchor for the world of Flicker and I thought a big magical tree would be the perfect icon. I went through many iterations of the tree and what it could do or what it meant to the world. I eventually landed on the idea that each leaf was a magical entry for modern families learning to grow and thrive in the world.
The Beleaf Tree became the place I wish I had as a child, and still as an adult. Somewhere to put a worry, a hope, or even just a feeling I didn’t fully understand yet and know it’s okay that it exists. That it can be okay to sit with that feeling and explore it.
The artwork plays a huge role in creating calm and understanding. How did you envision the visual tone?
I wanted it to feel like the opposite of overwhelm. I come from a design background so many of the early conversation with the Illustrator, Nina Millen, were about the tone and visual language of the story. I knew I wanted a lot of negative white space to center and focus the illustrations. What developed was a calm and safe environment that fit perfectly with the story.
As we continued to develop the illustrations a flower motif began to emerge and I asked Nina to really lean into that. The story itself is about a child growing, as well as the parents and we thought flowers were a great example of what it takes to bloom in to a better version of yourself. You’ll see this in the family’s home or in the shadows when the parents pick up the child from school. Their shadows are towering trees, while the child is a small tree beginning to grow.
The goal was to create a space where a families could slow down for a second and feel safe, even if just for a few minutes.
The story doesn’t “fix” the child’s struggle but supports him through it. Why was that important?
Because sometimes real stories don’t have a solution, they have more questions than answers. I wanted modern families to reflect on the fact that we don’t have all those answers as adults and maybe it’s okay to sit in the in between for a while and be okay with that.
So I didn’t want the story to solve the problem. I wanted it to sit with it. To show that support matters more than having all the answers.
What do you hope children who feel overwhelmed will take from this story?
That they’re not the only one who feels that way. And that their struggles can be their super powers.
When you’re a kid, and even as adults, you can feel overwhelmed, it can feel like something’s wrong with you. Like everyone else has it figured out and you don’t.
I hope this story helps everyone realize that’s not true. That the feelings are valid, and that they don’t have to hide them or rush past them to be okay. That just “being” is enough to grow and thrive in the world today.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Kick Back, And Have Fun!
Suzy & Roxy Go Camping follows two best friends with very different personalities who learn important lessons in friendship and flexibility while camping during a thunderstorm. Where did the idea for this story come from?
Definitely from camping with my Dad when I was a kid! He was very organized and packed what we needed. Now me…that was a different story! I packed so much stuff, it was literally falling out of my Dad’s truck when we opened the door! We would have so much fun even though we both definitely had different ideas about what was “necessary” to pack!
Even now, as an adult, I tend to pack a lot when I go camping with my husband and family. I honestly have to laugh when I think about it! A weekend camping trip looks like a 2-week excursion through ALL the elements imaginable when I pack!
Suzy is very organized, and Roxy is more spontaneous—what do you love most about each of them?
I love that they both make it work as a team, just like me and Dad did when camping! I love how Suzy doesn’t get upset at Roxy; she may wonder what she’s up to packing all this stuff, but she accepts her for who she is! I also love how Roxy likes to take it easy, kick back, and have fun! I feel they both complement each other.
How do you balance teaching a message while still keeping the story fun and light?
I think this is so important! You want to have fun, but you also want to make sure you weave a little lesson or take-away into the mix. I think that’s important in Suzy & Roxy Go Camping. These are two best buddies, with different personalities, who make the most out of a rainy day at the campgrounds. They roll with the punches and I think that’s a great life lesson. Sometimes you have to just do your best and make the most out of a situation.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Yay! So excited to be working on my next book! I’ll be including a new character in the next “Suzy & Roxy” book! I’m hoping for a Spring/Summer 2027 release! Stay tuned, Suzy & Roxy friends!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram
Tattle Tails
Tattle Tails, written by Stacy Byous, Ph.D., and illustrated by Maddie Kimber, is a thoughtful, charming, and surprisingly relatable story about sibling squabbles. It helps children understand the difference between “tattling” and truly asking for help. At its heart, the book follows two siblings who cannot seem to stop telling on each other over the smallest things. Over time, they begin to learn a kinder and healthier way to handle everyday frustrations. As an older sister myself, I found this story adorably familiar.
Skylar and Brodie spend their days doing what many siblings do best: getting on each other’s nerves. They argue over toys. They point out every tiny mistake. They complain about who forgot to close the refrigerator door and who took an extra cookie. The tattling never seems to end, and their constant back-and-forth slowly begins to hurt feelings at home and at school. Through all of this chaos, Maddie Kimber’s absolutely adorable illustrations shine. Her warm, expressive art style was easily my favorite part of the book. The bright colors, playful details, and lovable family pets make each page especially inviting for younger readers.
What I appreciated most about the plot is how real it feels. Families with young children will likely recognize these small, everyday arguments right away. Instead of simply scolding Skylar and Brodie, their parents explain the difference between “telling” when someone is hurt or unsafe and “tattling” over something small. The turning point comes when the siblings discover a “Tattle Tail,” a fluffy stuffed companion they can talk to about little frustrations. I loved how child-friendly this idea felt. The story does not dismiss big feelings. It gives children a practical, gentle way to express them.
The language is simple and repetitive in a way that works beautifully for younger readers. The message is easy to follow. The illustrations also help move the story forward, especially for children who are still learning to read independently.
Tattle Tails is a warm, engaging book with a genuinely useful lesson at its center. It teaches kindness, communication, and emotional awareness in a way that feels practical rather than preachy. This would be a perfect read for families, classrooms, or any child learning how to navigate those everyday little frustrations.
Pages: 40 | ASIN: B0G2383NRC
Ben and the Spooky Forest
Brian Keith Higgins’ Ben and the Spooky Forest is a sweet and comforting children’s book about childhood curiosity, small adventures, and the quiet reassurance of family. Told through the eyes of five-year-old Ben, the book captures a familiar part of childhood: the way an ordinary backyard can suddenly feel enormous, mysterious, and full of possibility.
Ben spends the day at home with his mom while his dad is at work. He runs around searching for little adventures, discoveries, and moments of excitement. Whether he’s helping in the kitchen, licking chocolate batter from a mixing bowl, or wandering through the backyard, the story carries a gentle sense of wonder. One moment I especially enjoyed comes when Ben spots a bird fussing near a bush. He carefully sneaks closer and discovers a nest with tiny eggs inside. It’s a simple scene, but it beautifully captures the innocent curiosity children have about the world around them.
The heart of the story begins when Ben notices the forest at the edge of the yard. To him, it seems dark, mysterious, and a little frightening. The shadows stir his imagination. The trees feel almost too big. Then he hears his cat, Blackie, crying somewhere inside. Fear lingers, but curiosity slowly gives him courage. As Ben nervously approaches the spooky forest, his mom joins him. She becomes the steady reassurance he needs. I loved this part because she feels like such a safe and calming presence. She supports him without taking over the adventure. The resolution is simple and adorable: the “spooky” mystery turns out to be something familiar. It’s a gentle reminder that the things we fear most are often not as scary as we imagine.
The language is simple, which makes this picture book a strong choice for younger readers or bedtime storytime. The accompanying pictures help tell the story beautifully. They make it easy for children to stay engaged, even if they are still learning to read. The illustrations add warmth and bring Ben’s little world to life.
Ben and the Spooky Forest is an adorable kids book about family, bravery, and childhood imagination. Young readers will enjoy following Ben’s backyard adventure, while parents will likely recognize the comfort children find in having someone safe beside them when facing something new.
Pages: 47 | ASIN: B0GTFDL647
Kindness Is A Powerful Choice
Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny is a rhyming picture book in which a school-loving bunny learns to recover from a hurtful remark, reclaim his confidence, and answer cruelty with empathy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from everyday moments children experience but don’t always know how to process. I wanted to create a familiar, safe environment where young readers could see themselves reflected. The classroom setting allowed me to explore how a single unkind moment can impact a child’s confidence, while also showing that those moments don’t have to define them. At its heart, the story is about helping children understand that kindness—both toward others and themselves—is a powerful choice.
How did you approach writing Hop’s emotional journey so it would feel tender and true without becoming too heavy for young readers?
It was important to strike a balance between honesty and hope. Children are incredibly perceptive and they recognize hurt feelings. But they also need reassurance and resolution. I focused on keeping Hop’s emotions authentic but gentle, allowing readers to feel his sadness without lingering too long in it. By guiding him toward empathy and self-confidence, the story models emotional resilience in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming. The goal was always to leave children feeling safe, understood, and uplifted.
What role did rhyme play in shaping the tone and pacing of the story?
Rhyme played a huge role in making the story feel approachable and engaging. It creates a natural rhythm that helps carry readers through emotional moments with a sense of lightness and flow. For young children especially, rhyme adds a musical quality that makes the story more memorable and comforting. It also helps soften heavier themes, allowing important messages about kindness and empathy to land in a way that feels gentle rather than intense.
What kinds of conversations do you hope this book sparks in homes and classrooms?
I hope it opens the door for meaningful conversations about kindness, empathy, and how our words affect others. More importantly, I hope it encourages children to talk about their own feelings—times they’ve been hurt, or even times they may have unintentionally hurt someone else. In classrooms and at home, this book can be a starting point for discussing how to respond to unkindness with courage and compassion. Ultimately, I want it to reinforce that being kind isn’t just the right choice. It’s a strong and powerful one.
Author Website
Educators teaching social-emotional learning
Classroom read-alouds and discussion starters
Children learning about kindness, friendship, and confidence
Kids who love fun rhymes and lovable animal characters
Key Features:Engaging rhyming text that makes reading fun
Positive messages about kindness and self-confidence
Relatable friendship challenges for young children
Ideal for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary readers
A thoughtful gift for birthdays, classrooms, and young readers who love animals
A sweet and inspiring story that helps children discover that being kind, brave, and true to yourself is the coolest thing of all.
