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The Greatest Magic

Mary Nielsen Author Interview

Royce Saves the Day follows a ten-year-old boy who finds a magical propeller cap in a little shop in South Korea and discovers that it will transport him and his little sister to extraordinary places and adventures. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration for the first Royce story began with my grandson Royce’s trip to South Korea to visit his grandparents. The idea that ordinary objects can hold extraordinary possibilities. He sent me a photo of the cap he had purchased. A simple propeller cap — playful, colorful, and a little nostalgic — became the perfect symbol of childhood wonder. It represents curiosity, courage, and that moment when a child dares to believe something simple could change everything.

The setting in South Korea was inspired by the powerful feeling of travel — being far from home, surrounded by Korean grandparents, a special trip with just Mama, new sights, sounds, and culture. The thought of Royce discovering the cap on his final day of an unforgettable trip captures that bittersweet moment when adventure is ending… yet something new is just beginning.

The sibling bond is the emotional heart of the book. Why was that relationship so important?

The relationship between Royce and Yoey is special because it isn’t built on sameness — it’s built on loyalty, empathy, and a shared spirit of adventure.

Royce is often the one who steps forward into adventure first. He’s curious, imaginative, and willing to take risks. Yoey, especially knowing her journey includes being born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, represents quiet strength — resilience, perseverance, and a different way of experiencing the world. When you place those two siblings side by side, something beautiful happens: adventure becomes inclusive.

Their bond shows children that:

  • Strength looks different in every person.
  • The best adventures are the ones you share.
  • Royce doesn’t “rescue” Yoey. He supports her. And Yoey doesn’t need fixing — she brings heart, perspective, and depth to their journeys. Together, they model a relationship rooted in respect rather than sympathy.

That dynamic is powerful for young readers because it normalizes inclusion. It tells children:
“You belong in the story.”
“You belong in the adventure.”
“You belong in the friendship.”

And that message — especially in early childhood literature — is lasting.

Every adventure circles back to helping others. Why did you center kindness as the driving force?

Kindness is the driving force in the Magic Propeller Cap series because it is the quiet power that makes the magic matter.

The propeller cap may launch the adventure, but kindness determines what happens once the adventure begins. Without it, magic would simply be spectacle. With it, magic becomes transformational.

In Royce’s world, courage isn’t about being the loudest or the strongest — it’s about choosing compassion. Each journey presents moments where characters must decide how to treat others: whether to include, to forgive, to stand beside someone who feels different, or to act with empathy instead of fear. Those choices are what truly move the story forward. Finn, the leprachaun, Luna, the tooth fairy, rescuing Bootsy, the cat, and the Sasquatch family allow Royce and Yoey to offer kindness and make the world better. 

It also reflects a deeper belief that adventure is not just about faraway places — it’s about the heart. In a world where bullying is real, children reading these stories are not just watching magic happen; they’re learning that their own choices carry power.

And perhaps most importantly, kindness is something every child already possesses. The series gently reminds children that the greatest magic is in how they treat others.

Do you see more adventures ahead for Royce and Yoey?

There are more than a few more adventures ahead for Royce and Yoey for sure! 

Author Website

Follow ten-year-old Royce, who discovers a mysterious propeller cap in a little shop in South Korea that whirls him into incredible adventures with his sister, Yoey. When he puts it on, the cap transports him to extraordinary places—sometimes real, sometimes magical—where he learns courage, kindness, and curiosity are the true forces that guide him home.

Blending family warmth with fast-paced fantasy, this chapter book introduces young readers (ages 7–10) to a world where imagination takes flight, and one curious boy discovers that every adventure begins with a twist of wonder.

Royce Saves The Day; A Magic Propeller Cap Book 1

Royce Saves the Day is a sweet and lively children’s book about a boy who finds a magical propeller cap that lets him and his little sister float out of their bodies and zip into all sorts of wild adventures. One minute, they are at home in Portland, and the next, they are helping an old woman find her lost cat, putting out a fire behind a hotel, or hanging out with Sasquatch families near their soon-to-be Habitat for Humanity house. The book hops from normal life to magic in a blink, and the whole thing feels warm and cozy and full of a big heart.

While I was reading it, I kept smiling because the writing feels soft and gentle, almost like someone telling a bedtime story. The moments with Royce and Yoey were very emotional. I loved how the author lets their bond guide every choice. The magic never feels scary, just surprising, and it works because the story keeps circling back to kindness and curiosity. I found myself really rooting for Royce, especially when he tries so hard to be brave for Yoey, even when he is obviously freaking out a little. That felt real and sweet.

The images were fun and humorous, just like the story. I also liked how much everyday stuff sits next to the big magic. Pancakes and pool days. Habitat for Humanity visits. Video games with friends. It makes the magical bits feel even brighter. The writing is simple but not boring, and some scenes pulled me in more than I expected. The fire scene caught me off guard and made my stomach twist for a second. The Sasquatch world made me laugh because it was just so cheerful and weird in the best way. A unicorn. Why not. It all felt like a kid dreaming with total freedom.

This children’s chapter book was a fun ride. I would definitely recommend it to young readers who like gentle adventures, kids who enjoy stories about siblings sticking together, or families looking for something light and magical to read out loud. It has the kind of charm that makes you want to grab a snack, curl up under a blanket, and drift along with Royce and Yoey as they float toward their next surprise.

Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0G6VPNWTH

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