​The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil
Written and Illustrated by Alan J. Hesse
Ages: 8–13 | 61 Pages
Publisher: Alan J. Hesse (2025) | ISBN: 978-9942489579
Publisher’s Book Summary: Adventure. Comedy. Climate change. A race across Brazil that could change everything. When Captain Polo, the world’s most determined polar bear, continues his journey south from the open-ended mid-Atlantic finale of Pole to Pole, Antarctica finally seems within reach—until ruthless oil tycoon Tex Greedyman sets a dangerous plan in motion to exploit the Amazon. Polo and his ever-practical sidekick Penguin are pulled into a race against destruction that sweeps them across one of the most dynamic countries on Earth—from shark-filled waters and electric-eel rivers to burning forests and vast southern ranchlands. Blending humor, high-stakes adventure, and real environmental science, Polo in Brazil brings big global challenges—deforestation, fossil fuels, Indigenous rights, and climate action—to life in a vivid, page-turning story.
Themes: Climate change & the environment • Deforestation & the Amazon • Indigenous rights • Fossil fuels & clean energy • Geography of Brazil • Conservation & climate action

​Why is writing about climate change important to you?
As a conservation biologist I am already deeply invested in nature conservation and
environmental issues that include climate change. From my perspective living and traveling
mostly in the Global South I know that global warming already impacts daily life, from
extreme weather to forced human migration to rising costs and constant public discussion,
a lot of which is often miscommunicated. Children are growing up with this reality, often
alongside confusion and misinformation, so helping them understand what climate change
means and what can be done about it feels essential. Young people are inheriting this
future, and they also have the power to influence others and shape tomorrow’s decisions.

What was your writing process for a story that continues over several books?
My writing process throughout the series is centered on reaching that sweet spot between
non-fiction educational and technical content, and fiction storytelling loaded with road trip
adventure, colorful characters, and humor. This combination is designed to make learning
about climate change, the natural environment, geography, social issues and different
cultures fun and easy. Having the story and characters develop over several books gives me
space to cover a lot of technical content in a way that isn’t too intense, weaving it into an
entertaining fiction plot.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
The fact that I am free to explore deeply technical, often tough and very real subjects using
fiction loaded with crazy humor and adventure. This is reflected in both dialogues and
illustrations, and I find this creative freedom very liberating.

What are you working on now?
Promoting ‘Polo in Brazil’! It took me about three years to research, write, illustrate, edit
and publish this book and it’s also up to me to give it the visibility it deserves. At some
point however, I know I will once again feel the creative itch to start planning Book 6, the
sequel to Polo in Brazil and the third book in this second trilogy. That book will probably be
called ‘Antarctica’, and it will see Polo and Penguin finally reach Penguin’s home. I will
probably continue the series to explore other parts of the world Polo has not been to yet.
Every location has a story to tell.

What is your favorite book?
My current favorite is ‘Polo in Brazil.’ From a storytelling perspective I consider it to be my best
work so far, because for the first time I really invested in further developing new characters
such as Tex Greedyman and Connor O’Connor. I also learn new illustration techniques with
every new book I work on, and I experimented along those lines quite a lot in this book, to what
I think is to good effect.

​Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!
Written by Jill Rosen
Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr
Ages: 4–6 | 36 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books Inc. (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-6-2
Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who has stared down a “You must be this tall to enter” sign will cheer on Phoebe’s latest quest to rule the BIG dog park the way only a pug can. Giggle along as a couple of compact canines stubbornly take on the BIG dogs in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure from the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug books. Will our favorite gassy pug learn that the grass isn’t always greener? Or will her pug-powered determination pay off? A laugh-out-loud, adorably illustrated, rhyming tale of pup perseverance, perfect for children ages 2–8 and dog lovers of all ages.

You do not have to be a dog lover to enjoy this book. You just need to have been told you were too little to join in. 
​​

​Where did you get the inspiration for Rescue Clickity Clack?
The inspiration came from performing the Heimlich Maneuver on my sister, on my
birthday, a day after my Dad died. It really got me thinking how grateful I was to be
there. This rescue was one of many that I have performed. I felt somehow, I was either
supposed to talk about this, or I have some kind of message to give and then an image
of a tiny crab entered my mind. It was about the decision to do something. It also was
about the message that the person who calls out for help for someone else in trouble is
valuable. Alerting someone is an action just like taking the specific actions to rescue that
person. This is why I ask the reader “Can you help?” on the first page. The decision to
ACT is where the chain of cause-and-effect events start. An interactive picture book was
the perfect vehicle to emphasize this.

What was your writing process like for this book?
It was a little different because the reader needed a reason to turn the page and take
some action that made sense to move the story/reader along. I made a list of some
action words that I wanted to incorporate. I also thought about the action of the waves
to emphasize or simulate the seas movement. Then came the rhyme which was a real
challenge! After many, many rewrites, in working with rhyme I finally reached out to
the Rhyme Doctors(www.rhymedoctors.com) and worked with Eileen who was so
positive, helpful and patient! Believe me there were numerous drafts and stanzas that
needed a lot of help!

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I love writing and working with all different kinds of characters! Every character has a
unique problem, they have favorite words they like to use and/or certain speech
patterns, the way they look and the unique way they end up solving their problem that
creates that satisfying ending. Characters hold the key to my stories and my JOY!

What are you working on now?
I have several picture book manuscripts that are character driven plus a couple of
nature driven manuscripts. These picture books range in ages from 1-8 years old.

What is your favorite book?
There are so many picture books that I love. These three are my favorites—Waiting for
Wings by Lois Ehlert, Florette by Anna Walker and Leo, the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus.

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Lorena M. Proia. All opinions are my own.

How to Be Best in Class
Written and Illustrated by Lorena M. Proia
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Self Published D.B.A. PnM Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9885730-1-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Obedience class is hard. Especially if you don’t do things like the other dogs do. Phebe’s flair for drama isn’t appreciated by her classmates, and when Rae says, “Come!” she stays. When she says “Stay!” she comes.

Seeing the world a little differently than everyone else makes it easy to be misunderstood. Rae wants Phebe to fall into line, but Phebe can’t help but be herself.

Will Phebe ever learn to be a perfect pup?

​Where did you get the inspiration for How to Be Best in Class?
My inspiration was twofold. It always begins with my memories of the real Phebe, who
continues to be the spark behind so much of my creative work. I wanted to use the very funny and disastrous experiences from our obedience classes and blend them with my own lifelong experiences of feeling different. I often thought, I wish I’d known as a kid that I wasn’t broken.
I didn’t learn I had inattentive ADHD until I was in my mid-40s. For most of my life, I couldn’t
understand why everyday “simple” things felt impossible, yet I could look at a complex software
problem and immediately see how to fix it. After my diagnosis, I realized that this brain of mine brought unique gifts that allowed me to excel in ways I hadn’t always recognized.

What was your writing process like for this book?
My process is fairly consistent from book to book. I start with the story itself. Once it’s working,
I map out the pacing with boxes for each page and—wait for it—stick figures. This helps me get
the images out of my head quickly without spending time on finished sketches. From there, I
bring my storyboards to my editor, and we work together until the story feels solid. Once the story is set, I sketch everything out and then collaborate with a wonderful art director to bring it to life. Together we refine the images, and the story continues to evolve slightly as the visuals take shape.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part is sharing stories inspired by my dog Phebe. She was an incredibly smart, and
sometimes challenging, first dog. Knowing that children, and hopefully adults too, can laugh at
the antics that once made me laugh means she continues to live on through my stories.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’ve been drawing nonstop to build awareness for my Kickstarter campaign. I’ve
been creating short reels for Instagram and Facebook, and I’m genuinely having fun with the
process. Most recently, I’ve been drawing Rae and Phebe in WWII-reminiscent recruitment posters. It’s a playful homage to those iconic images and a joyful exercise in wordplay and visual metaphor.

What is your favorite book?
It’s hard to choose a single favorite. One adult book that has stayed with me is As I Lay Dying by
William Faulkner. I read it in college, and it was the first time I encountered writing that
mirrored how my own thoughts worked. Always jumping, circling back, starting and stopping
abruptly. I loved it, even though much of the class didn’t. Looking back, I understand why I felt
like such an outlier. Maybe Faulkner had ADHD?

When it comes to children’s books, the stories that stayed with me were the ones I identified with
most. Lorenzo the Fish by Bernard Waber was one of them. I was always daydreaming while the
rest of my “school” swam along. Plus my dad used to call me Lorenzo, which made it even more
special. I also loved pouring over Richard Scarry books, discovering all the tiny stories tucked into his bustling cities. But if I had to choose an all-time favorite, it would be Winnie-the-Pooh. Those stories spoke to the soft, sensitive child I was. Their gentle wisdom and warmth have stayed with me ever since.

Back this book on Kickstarter to help reach its funding goal AND enter our giveaway for the chance to win an extra-special bundle featuring a signed copy of the first book in this delightful series, How to Make a Sandwich, a matching set of Phebe-n-Me T-shirts (one child size and one adult size), and a gorgeous collection of 12 blank note cards with Phebe-n-Me designs.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and T.E. Milburn​. All opinions are my own.

Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy
Written by T.E. Milburn
Illustrated by Ayşe Yıldırım
Ages: 7-12 | 403 Pages
Publisher:  T.E. Milburn (2025) | ISBN: 979-8991011488

Publisher’s Book Summary: Celebrate the wonder of the holiday season with Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy. Discover the heartwarming adventures of this highly rated series, now available in one beautifully illustrated edition.

Calling All Heroes! A dark shadow looms over the North Pole, and we need brave readers like you to help us protect Christmas!

Hi, we’re Noah and Alex James, and we’re excited to take you on this incredible journey. Here’s what we’ve uncovered so far:

• Our adventures began with Santa’s mysterious capture, and we’re on a quest to discover the mastermind behind this wicked scheme.
• Strange occurrences continue to shake the North Pole, but our determination to uncover the truth only grows stronger!
• People are calling us the “Sons of the Crystal,” hinting at an extraordinary destiny we are still trying to understand.
• The magic of Christmas is in grave danger, and it’s up to us to protect it at all costs!

We have received incredible support from amazing allies along the way— including super-chill yetis, quirky gnomes, talking animals, and other fantastical creatures. However, we still need your help to solve the mystery of who is attacking Christmas and why!

Are you ready to dive into this magical adventure and join us in saving Christmas? If so, open your book and let’s go!

Where did you get the inspiration for Magic in the Mountains?
On the surface, Magic in the Mountains was inspired by a creative writing
lesson I had with my sons. We brainstormed some story ideas, and I found the
process so enjoyable that I decided to develop the first book in the series. On
a deeper level, though, I would say that Narnia significantly influenced my
writing. The Chronicles of Narnia were the first books that truly transported me
to another world, and the idea of children becoming heroes captivated me.
These stories shaped my love of reading, but it wasn’t until we recently
listened to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe during a road trip that I
realized just how much Narnia had impacted my writing. I hadn’t read the
books since childhood, but the influence was undeniable.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I wish I could say I have a structured writing process, but I’m currently a busy
homeschooling mom who fits in writing whenever I can. For instance, I often
find myself writing or editing in my car while my boys attend a class. I actually
get a lot of writing done in the summer when we’re not in school. I can’t tell
you how much work I got done this summer at our local Urban Air or at the
neighborhood pool. With that said, I don’t typically make time for outlines or
brainstorming. I prefer to let my thoughts flow when I finally sit down to write,
and I’m often surprised by how things turn out.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
What I love most about writing for children is interacting with them after
they've read my stories. It brings me so much joy to hear a child say they
enjoyed something I've written. During a recent school visit, one enthusiastic
second grader couldn't stop chatting about one of my books. The teacher kept
trying to gently pull her away, but I enjoyed her enthusiasm for reading so
much that I could have talked to her all day long.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the next book in the Nessa Knightly and the
Gnomes chapter book series. I refer to these books as “STEM-sprinkled
adventures” because they blend science with fun and exciting stories. I have
started two different projects: one focuses on states of matter, while the other
explores animal classification.

What is your favorite book?
I don’t have a favorite book, but the last one I couldn’t put down was Kristin
Hannah’s The Great Alone. I’m currently trying to read through the New York
Time’s 100 Best Books of the 21 st Century list (for reference, I’m only 3 in).
This has been really fun as it is making me read genres I usually wouldn’t choose.

Enter for a chance to win one of five signed paperback copies of Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy! One grand-prize winner will score a signed hardcover, a cuddly Arnan the polar bear plush, a mini crystal necklace, a holiday hot-cocoa mug with a hot chocolate bomb, and a special bookmark.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jill Rosen. All opinions are my own.

Ode to a Pug: NOT the VET!
Written by Jill Rosen
Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr
Ages: 4-6 | 21 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-0-0

Publisher’s Book Summary: Do you ever get the feeling that something terrible is about to happen? Where the panic takes over, your eyes widen and you just need to zoom?  Well, today is that day for our beloved pug Phoebe as she faces her biggest fear yet – THE VET!
Laugh along to another silly, heartfelt and sweetly illustrated story from the author of the award-winning “Ode to a Pug”.

Pugs aren’t really scared of much (except vacuums, tinfoil, bells, any loud noise…), but there is one place that causes our comical canine to cower – the DREADED VET’S OFFICE! 
Join on an epic journey of courage for a little pug with a big heart and a belly full of gas. An amusing rhyming story ideal for children ages 2-8 and dog lovers of all ages. ​

Where did you get the inspiration for Ode to a Pug?
Just over four years ago a little, wrinkly ball of kisses and gas entered our lives. We named her
Phoebe and fell in love instantly. Now, perhaps we should have known she was part gremlin
when we first saw her with her littermates. She was the only one off tearing apart a shoelace
while the others were sleeping or playing sweetly with each other. Although that wouldn’t have
stopped us from falling under her spell! As soon as she came home, our house entered a state
of chaos that one might expect if a velociraptor suddenly appeared on your couch.
On one hectic day I came home to get ready for an event and found Phoebe happily chewing on
the only shoes I owned that matched the only dress I had for the evening. I looked into her wide,
innocent puppy eyes, shoe dripping and dangling from her mouth, and said, “Phoebe! That's it!
You’re going back!” I didn't mean it, of course. It was just one of those sarcastic lines you throw
out there when you are in a state of pug frazzlement. What I didn't know was that my youngest
son overheard me and the next morning asked, “Mommy, are you really going to give Phoebe
away?” I felt absolutely terrible. But that's when I had the idea of “Ode to a Pug. “ I wanted to
reassure children that sometimes, when both kids and parents are frustrated, we say things we
don't mean. We might get upset or exasperated from time to time with family or friends, but the
love never changes. So I wrote my ode to our perfectly imperfect pug Phoebe.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I follow a similar process for all my books. They usually start with an actual life experience and
inspirational moment that sparks an emotion. For NOT the VET, it was a particularly anxious vet
visit with a shivering Phoebe that got my mind going. Seeing Phoebe stressed reminded me of
when I took my sons to the doctor when they were little. My eldest was particularly terrified of
needles. A story about fear started brewing in my mind. Usually there are also some key rhyming lines or verses that pop in to my head, and I scribble them down in the center of a big board. I then start to jot down scenes that could surround the key climactic event I'm envisioning. Once I have a bunch of vignettes, I organize them into a time sequence or storyline. I then begin writing page copy and playing with and perfecting the humor, words and rhymes. This stage is the longest part of my process.
This is also when I bring Steph, my illustrator partner, into the development process and we
work together to amp up the laughs, drama, and heart of the story by perfecting the combination
of text and illustrations. Then the story really starts to come to life! Seeing Steph's first sketches
is always one of the most exciting and fun parts of the journey. I also have an amazing editor
who has worked with us on all the “Ode to a Pug” books. She truly understands our style and
vision for the series and always ensures the final output is of the highest quality.
I have to say, a pug in your life is just an endless supply of lovable and laughable moments that
inspire all sorts of funny stories for children and dog lovers of all ages, so the ideas never stop
coming! Thank you, Phoebe!!

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My absolute favorite part is making children laugh and find joy in reading. I also love creating
stories children can connect with and use to discuss how to manage strong emotions that they
may have. Kids, like pugs, are bursting with thoughts and feelings they often cannot control.
With my books, I hope to give young readers a humorous escape that makes them feel good
about themselves and know that, like Phoebe, they can handle whatever life throws at them!

What are you working on now?
I am excited to share that “Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog!” will be releasing this spring! Phoebe
and a little friend from “NOT the VET!” (minus the worms) will be out to prove they can hang
with the BIG dogs. It is sure to be a hit with any child who has stared down a “You must be this
tall to enter” sign!

What is your favorite book?
I am a big fan of “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson. I would read this book over and over again
with my boys until they were able to read it to me.
Personally, I love everything by Dean Koontz. I always pick up one of his books every time I hop
on a plane and read it from take off to landing. I'm a sucker for a good sci-fi thriller.

Enter for a chance to win one of 10 hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: NOT the VET! One grand prize winner will receive all three titles in the Ode to a Pug series, signed by author Jill Rosen, plus three custom pug plushies!
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Melanie Moore​. All opinions are my own.

Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie’s Cafe
Written by Melanie Moore
Illustrated by Juan Diaz
Ages: 3-8 | 40 Pages
Publisher:  Mascot Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891385351

Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Allie! She loves helping her friends any way she can. She is always on the lookout for new ways to make a difference.

In this first book about her adventures, Allie helps Chef Cherie with her restaurant.
Will you come along with Allie and Chef Cherie?

Where did you get the inspiration for Adventures with Allie and Friends?
I’ve been an educator for nearly 20 years and have often been asked by various
teachers to write small social stories and plan activities for their students. I realized I
had a passion for using creativity to support both teachers and students. It was these
teachers and students who helped me discover my passion for writing and creativity.

What was your writing process like for this book?
Something I think that gets misconstrued is that the writing process is a one-person show. The
writing process involves a team of people bringing ideas to the table in order to make a book
happen! I know I couldn’t have done it without the great team at Mascot Books!

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
My favorite part is visualizing what the characters and settings look like and making them come
to life on the page.

What are you working on now?
I am working on ideas for my second book in this series.
​
What is your favorite book?
My favorite children’s books are The Berenstein Bears and The Baby-Sitters Club book series.

Enter for the chance to win one of 10 hardcover copies of Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie’s Cafe by Melanie Moore!
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jennifer Ussi. All opinions are my own.

The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: Book 1: The Pangolins
Written by Jennifer Ussi
Illustrated by Lekshmi Bose
Ages: 6-10 | 56 Pages
Publisher: Little Boola Books (2024) | ISBN: 978-1-923356-01-6

Publisher’s Book Summary: Book 1 in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa introduces Casper, a curious, city-smart cat who suddenly finds herself lost in the wild African bush, far from everything she’s ever known.
Terrified of the bugs, the dark, and the strange sounds all around her, Casper is sure the wilderness is no place for a little cat like her until she meets a shy, scale-covered creature called a pangolin. As she learns to see the world through new eyes, Casper discovers the power of trust, the meaning of courage, and why protecting vulnerable creatures like pangolins matters more than she ever imagined.

Perfect for readers ages 5–10, The Pangolins is a beautifully illustrated chapter book filled with:

• A fun, heartwarming animal adventure
• Gentle themes of friendship, bravery, and conservation
• Fascinating facts about pangolins woven into the story

Written by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Ussi and illustrated by Lekshmi Bose, this 5,000-word debut in the Casper series brings the magic of African wildlife to life while inspiring young readers to be curious, compassionate, and kind.

Where did you get the inspiration for The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat
Who Got Lost in Africa?
The inspiration actually came from a conversation with my husband. We were traveling around
Africa in our campervan and had spent a few hours watching wildlife at a waterhole in Namibia.
It’s such a spectacular sight — all these different species gathered together, some wary, some
bold, some darting in for a quick drink and disappearing again. Mark thought it would make a
great book or film — the comings and goings at a waterhole — but I wasn’t entirely convinced.
Ensemble pieces are hard to write, and I’ve never thought I was very good at them.
Around the same time, I read about a cat in America that had gotten lost and walked over 300
miles to get home. I found myself wondering whether that cat might’ve asked other animals for
directions along the way. I’ve always loved cats, and during Covid in Australia we had a little
rescue — a tiny black cat with a white patch, my absolute soulmate. We called her Little Boo
because she stayed small and sweet. Casper was really based on her — a brave, wise old soul in
a little body, full of sass and just a touch of anxiety.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I find writing hard and easy, and each book is a little different. For The Pangolins – the
very first book – it just came out naturally, Casper became alive on the page, for me,
within minutes. Probably because I had Little Boo so real in my head that I just
channeled her, gave her a voice and all the awesome things I know she would do if it
was her lost in the bush. I wrote the first draft over a few days, and then, under the
guidance of my husband, my very first reader, and my nieces and nephews, I added a
few more characters and refined it a little before moving on to the second book, The
Elephants.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I think my favorite part about writing these books for kids is that I know that they are
learning about these amazing animals, and the more they know, the more chance the
world has at long term conservation. I love to hear feedback from kids (many times
teachers send me letters from the kids in their classrooms) about which
animal/character they loved most, and how much they learned and how much more
they want to learn. This, without doubt, is the absolute best part of writing!

What are you working on now?
I’m still writing the Casper series — I’m on the last book in the Africa collection, Book
10. It’s about a honey badger named Solo, who’s been chosen by the Animal
Committee to escort Casper on the final stretch of her journey home. Their adventure’s
a bit chaotic — honey badgers might have a sweet name, but they’re completely
fearless and just a little unhinged. Together they make quite a team: Casper teaching
Solo some city sense, and Solo teaching her bush smarts. And at last, Casper makes it
home to a very emotional welcome from all the neighborhood animals, her brother
Goulash the dog, and of course, her mum and dad.

But of course, Casper’s adventures don’t end there — her mum and dad are moving to
South America next. Would she really get lost again? Surely she wouldn’t get lost in a
jungle… right?

What is your favorite book?
This is always one of the hardest questions to answer, and I bet it’s the same for
everyone — there are just so many fantastic books. When it comes to children’s stories,
I always go back to Roald Dahl. Such classics, so diverse, and such lovely stories.
What I love is that they never talk down to children; they just invite them in and trust
them to understand. For adult books, I’d probably say my all-time favorite is Lonesome
Dove by Larry McMurtry. That book made me cry, laugh out loud, and honestly, I almost
went into mourning when I finished it. I just loved being in that world.

Enter for the chance to win one of 10 paperback copies of The Pangolins, the first book in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa. One grand prize winner will also receive a complete paperback set of the first four books in the series, perfect for young animal-lovers and chapter-book readers.
​

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Samuel Warren Joseph & Phil Proctor. All opinions are my own.

The Magic Maze Trilogy
Written by Samuel Warren Joseph & Phil Proctor
Ages: 9-12 | 244 Pages
Publisher: Sam/Phil Books (2025) | ISBN: 979-8-9927464-6-4

Publisher’s Book Summary: The Magic Maze Trilogy includes three books: Tyler and Tess in the Magic Maze; Madness in the Magic Maze; and Escape from the Magic Maze. It is about eleven-year old fraternal twins, Tyler and Tess Porter, who accidentally get sucked up into the bizarre world of the Magic Maze. Geared to appeal to children from seven to thirteen and older fantasy fans as well, the story propels the twins into an “Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz” world. In order to return home, they must get through twelve separate parts of the maze. Each is its own world with strange rules, riddles and puzzles that the twins must solve using their wits, knowledge and athletic prowess. Tyler and Tess learn how much they mean to each other as they evade the evil QUEEN ZEBRA and her ZENTAURIAN GUARD of two-faced POLINERDS, and a duplicitous wizard, SIMON PERCIVAL. They form alliances with the rebel TRIDGETS (tiny trolls with Mohawk hairdos) led by the feisty BELKIN, and an assortment of other bizarre and funny characters. At the end, they must track down and put back together three parts of a MAGIC AMULET before they can be finally transported home, safe and sound.

Where did you get the inspiration for The Magic Maze Trilogy?
I had always loved fantasy but had mostly written feature films and animation. I
was also teaching in the public schools at the time I conceived The Magic Maze
and wanted to write a book in this genre that was also educational. After writing
the first chapter of the book, I asked Phil Proctor to partner with me and he
agreed.

As a twin parent, I'm always interested in media that portrays twins. What led you to
choose twin characters?
I wanted to create a story about a brother and sister who had to go through this
adventure together. I had spoken with and read about a number of twins over the
years that seemed to have a unique bond. I thought it would be interesting to
explore, especially if they were fraternal twins that had dramatically different
personalities yet were super connected.

What was your writing process like for this book?
I really got to know Phil when he co-starred in a stage play I wrote that was
produced in Los Angeles. Phil is famous in comedy circles as a member of
Firesign Theater (look them up.) He is also the voice of many cartoon characters
like “Howard” on Rugrats. During the production of the play, I asked Phil if he’d
like to collaborate and he agreed.
We first outlined the book describing what would happen in each chapter with a
focus on how the twins would master that part of the Maze. We have some sort of
puzzle or educational angle to each chapter. We then divided up the chapters and
wrote them alone. Later, we literally sat in front of the computer editing the
chapters together.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
I think what Phil and I enjoyed most was creating exciting adventures that also
had an educational component. We essentially snuck in learning while engaging
the young readers in the story.

What are you working on now?
I am in the midst of writing a new stage play. Phil has a number of acting and voice-
over bookings coming up and has a weekly radio interview show on KPFK-FM in
Los Angeles (also available online). Phil and I are also discussing what we want
to write together next.

What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Phil’s is “the one that I’m
reading now!”

As part of this virtual book tour, one lucky winner will receive a classroom set of The Magic Maze Trilogy in paperback!
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This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall.  All opinions are my own.

Once Upon a Kwanzaa
Written by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall
Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
Ages 4-6 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Running Press Kids (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-0762487356

Publisher’s Book Summary: A celebration of the beauty, power, and faith of the African-American community as reflected in the principles of Kwanzaa, by the author of I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids.

Kwanzaa is a holiday steeped in ancestral traditions collected over generations of people across the Black Diaspora. Once Upon a Kwanzaa introduces communities of all colors to the interwoven history and lived experiences connected to this time of year when families and loved ones gather to celebrate, share, and reimagine the past, present, and future. Sawyer Cloud’s stunning artwork showcases seven different BIPOC families and highlights how different peoples of the Diaspora can celebrate in their communities, from setting the table and lighting the Kinara to sharing meals and gathering at events. The book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide.

Where did you get the inspiration for Once Upon a Kwanzaa?
Nyasha:
The inspiration really came from a personal place and a need we saw in the broader literary
landscape. Sidney and I were both starting to center Kwanzaa more intentionally in our lives.
For me, it was a complete transition for my husband and me, from celebrating Christmas to
celebrating Kwanzaa and that shift opened up so much curiosity, joy, and reflection. We wanted
to create something that families could have during Kwanzaa that really solidifies the central
points of the holiday. There are so many books for other holidays, especially Christian holidays,
that center them fully in families’ celebrations. We felt there was room for Kwanzaa to have its
spotlight, and for children and adults to understand the principles and bring them into everyday
life, beyond just one week of celebration.
Sidney:
Once Upon a Kwanzaa grew out of many of the potentials of cultural holidays serving as
vehicles and entry points for folks looking to gather in more community-minded ways. Just as
Juneteenth offered people lessons on the histories of slavery, abolition, and freedom, Kwanzaa
held the possibility of teaching everyone, especially our youngest readers, how to build up their
communities through the holiday’s seven principles. Pushing beyond Judeo-Christian holidays
and secular feast days – that often, intentionally and unintentionally, conceal much deeper,
troubled histories – allowed for us to open Kwanzaa up to a broader community that, regardless
of faith or culture, could find ways to incorporate the holiday into their seasonal gatherings and
everyday practices.

What was your writing process like for this book?
Nyasha:
The writing process for Once Upon a Kwanzaa was deeply collaborative and intentional. Sidney
and I spent a lot of time thinking about how to honor the principles of Kwanzaa while making
them accessible and engaging for children and families. We wanted the text to celebrate the
holiday, its histories, and its Ancestral wisdom, to feel both warm and inviting while practical in
guidance. It involved weaving together story and imagery in a way that could resonate on
multiple levels, whether for a young child hearing it for the first time, or an adult looking to
deepen their understanding of the holiday. We were very deliberate in making something that
allows families to experience the joy, reflection, and connection that Kwanzaa offers.
Sidney:
Working on Once Upon a Kwanzaa felt like coming home in so many ways. From the
character descriptions (and back stories) to the flow of words, everything felt like a collaboration
in the truest sense of the word. While we initially started this project out as a singular story to
introduce families and communities to the wintering holiday and expand the lens of cultural and
historical practices of the Black Diaspora, Kwanzaa, as so often happens, demanded we dig
deeper. The more we explored the principles, the more we came to realize that Kwanzaa, as a
living depository of knowledge, memory, and history, could not be contained by seven days.
Kwanzaa became an everyday mantra of miracles and magic; a creative landscape where
young folks could take lessons from the past to reimagine the future; a journey for grown folks to
sojourn and recover recipes of resistance and community building. Kwanzaa became more than
a holiday. Kwanzaa transformed into an everyday thing — a portal to the past, and a promise for
the future.

What is your favorite part about writing books for kids?
Nyasha:
First, I’ll say that I don’t just write books for kids, I write picture books or illustrated stories that
can be accessed wherever someone is on their journey. I truly believe that everyone has
something to receive from the magic of picture books. My favorite part about writing for the
community is helping people open their minds in relation to dreaming, dreaming beyond what
currently exists. I love creating space for readers to expand their own perspectives, gaze, and
lenses, to evolve and grow, and to tap into their own creativity. My work is meant to be a
stepping stone, sparking imagination and inspiring others to envision what’s possible beyond my
initial ideas.
Sidney:
Hmmm. I generally do not think of the stories I write and workshop based on their age
classifications of readership. Rather, I like to visualise my works, especially ones where I have
young readers in mind, as a pebble dropped in a pond. Pebbles might be small, but they have
the potential to create powerful ripples with time and reach depths that make us search,
recover, and reimagine ourselves and our world. Some of my earliest memories belong to the
books I read as a child. Even when the books were not “children’s books” or the subjects were
still fuzzy and forming in my developing mind, the words and illustrations continued to reach me
and the ripples they inspired moved me to dream, change, and transform. That potential is what
I hope to drop and deepen in all my stories – even when the conclusions do not bring forth
solutions, their impact will serve as an encounter and entry point for young (and grown) readers
to be amazed, moved, changed, transformed, and inspired.

What are you working on now?
Nyasha:
Honestly, a little bit of everything I love! I’m expanding Once Upon a Kwanzaa with lesson plans
with Sidney so people can really dig into the principles. Sidney and I are playing with the
creation of a Kwanzaa countdown or advent calendar for those who celebrate. I'm also working on graphic novels, middle-grade stories, and screenplays. On top of that, I’m growing my
publishing company, Fire + Honey, and building community spaces rooted in Ancestral wisdom
and liberation. It’s all about sparking imagination, connection, and helping people see what’s
possible.
Sidney:
Along with my history degree, I am working on an afrofuturism-fantasy epic alongside a
children’s illustrated collection inspired by the works and wonders of Leo and Diane Dillon,
Hayao Miyazaki, Mary Pope Osborne, and Dr. Margaret Musgrove. With Nyasha, I am building
out Once Upon a Kwanzaa with lesson plans for students, grown folks, and community
members to immerse their everyday practices in the principles of Kwanzaa. I am also expanding
my education platform from my Patreon (www.patreon.com/uprootedgarden) to more accessible
video and audio formats (so keep an eye on your YouTube recommendations for future
upRooted history lessons~)

What is your favorite book?
Nyasha:
Oh, I have so many favorites! For picture books, I love The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by
Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith; Safe Crossing by Kari
Percival; and The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith. For novels, I’m drawn to Jambalaya by Luisah
Teish, 78 Acts of Liberation: Tarot to Transform Our World by Lane Smith, Habibi by Craig
Thompson; and Root Magic by Eden Royce. So, clearly, I have a focus in social justice, folklore,
and spirituality, and I love characters who, through creativity, magic, or courage, use their gifts
to transform our world.
Sidney:
An excellent question (and a near impossible one!) If I had to think back to the books of
my childhood, I will always have a soft spot for Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series
and L. Frank Baum’s Oz books that nurtured my love of historical and fantastical worlds pressed
on the pages. I still return to my collection of American Girl books, especially Connie Porter’s
Addy series. Some of my favorite books now include Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower,
Ntozake Shange’s Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, and Julie Dash’s ​​Daughters of the Dust. I hold to the dream that works which weave history, memory, magic, resilience, and community
together reveal visions from the future/past that feed our souls, grow our minds, and inspire our
hands (and hearts) to change the world.

Enter for the chance to win one of five hardcover copies of Once Upon a Kwanzaa! One grand prize winner will receive the book plus a complete Kwanzaa Celebration Kit—featuring a Kwanzaa Advent, Kinara, and ceremonial candles—to honor your family’s heritage and create meaningful traditions.
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