Does your child ever feel like they just don't fit in?
Kiki the octopus is nervous about her first day at Sea Floor School — and it shows. Her eight waving arms draw stares. Her skin changes color when she's scared. And when she gets startled, she squirts ink... everywhere. Kiki tries her best to fit in, but the harder she tries, the more different she feels.
Then one day, something goes terribly wrong at recess — and suddenly, everything that made Kiki feel like an outsider becomes exactly what her classmates need most.
Kiki Finds Her Way is a warm, funny, and empowering picture book about belonging, bravery, and learning to celebrate what makes you unique. With vivid ocean characters, a surprise twist, and a triumphant ending, this is a story children will ask to hear again and again.
For some reason, octopuses have always fascinated me. Is it their alien-like appearance? Their incredible intelligence? Their ability to solve problems? Or just their overall weirdness? Whatever the reason, I’ve been completely captivated by them.
I knew I wanted to write a picture book featuring an octopus, but I also knew the story had to be authentic. Not a nonfiction book filled with facts, but a story children could see themselves in. The main character would just happen to have eight arms.
So I waited for the right idea.
And waited.
And waited some more.
Thankfully, the wait was worth it.
One day, it hit me. When do children worry the most about fitting in? When do they wonder if they’ll make friends, belong, or ever feel comfortable being themselves? The first day of school, of course. Suddenly, everything clicked.
An octopus starting school seemed like the perfect character. After all, octopuses don’t
exactly blend in. They're different, unusual, and sometimes misunderstood. Sound familiar?
But like all of my characters, Kiki discovers that being different isn’t a problem to solve—it’s part of what makes her special. And that’s why I called the story Kiki Finds Her Way.
Because sometimes finding your way isn’t about fitting in.
It’s about learning to be yourself.
Story Inspiration for Kiki Finds Her Way
Come on a whirlwind safari adventure in “LilliMae’s Safari Hat!” LilliMae loves her hat, a versatile companion for all occasions. But when a sudden gust of wind sweeps it away during a safari expedition, her hat embarks on its own journey.
From playful elephants to curious leopards, confident lions, and charging rhinos, the hat becomes the star of every animal’s day. LilliMae’s quest to reclaim her hat leads to unexpected discoveries, resilience, and a heartwarming transformation as she realizes that sometimes what is lost can change into something even better.
LilliMae's Safari Hat
Available now
Continue Exploring the Courage to Be ME Series
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This heartwarming story showcases the support of family, the power of teamwork, and the joy found in overcoming obstacles.
Most importantly, it reminds us to give unconditional love to our pets.
Heart Trouble for ZZ
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In the hills of West Virginia, Pammy Lee and her Mamaw share a special bond over Mamaw’s cookin’, especially her fried taters.
But when the potatoes run out, Pammy Lee embarks on a heartwarming journey through her neighborhood to find some.
However, she discovers there are no potatoes to be found.
Now what will Pammy Lee do?
“Fried Taters” is an inspiring story that celebrates family, the joy of fresh vegetables, and the power of community.
Fried Taters
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Step into the whimsical world of Nellie, a quiet and imaginative girl with an unusual best friend - an invisible pig named Old Long Snout. Together, they embark on adventures and share an unbreakable bond.
But when Nellie enters her beloved pig into the neighborhood pet parade, she faces a challenge unlike any other - no one else can see Old Long Snout. Will their friendship prevail in the face of disbelief? Will Nellie finally find her voice?
Experience the enchantment of "Old Long Snout" as Nellie's determination, imagination, and love are tested.
