I didn’t set out to write children’s books. The idea grew quietly, through everyday moments and conversations — through noticing how curious children are about the world around then and how often their questions go unanswered or oversimplified.

Annie was born from my own daily work. Watching children light up when they learn what I do, I realized how powerful it is for them to see real careers through a lens they can understand. Annie became a way to invite young readers into a day in the life of a real profession, showing them that meaningful work begins long before adulthood — it begins with curiosity and imagination.

Animated girl dressed as a nurse, smiling, in an operating room setting.
Female surgeon in scrubs and cap standing in an operating room with two large surgical lights above.

Gary holds a special place in this series.

That story was born from the man who shaped how I understand work, dedication, and pride in what you create with your hands. Growing up, I watched my dad show up every day with consistency, skill, and quiet determination. His work wasn’t just something he did — it was something he respected. And through that, he taught me that every job, when done with care carries value.

Gary became my way of honoring that example. It’s a tribute not just to my dad, but to the kind of work that often goes unnoticed — the kind that keeps things running, builds foundations, and teaches resilience through action rather than words. Writing Gary allowed me to capture those lessons in a form children could understand: that hard work matters, that learning a skill takes time, and that showing up with integrity leaves a lasting impact.

More than anything, Gary is about legacy. It’s about passing down respect for craftsmanship, perseverance, and the pride that comes from doing something well, as well as accomplishing one’s dreams. Through that story, I wanted children to see that meaningful lives are built one day at a time — and that the people they look up to are modeling things they, too, can one day accomplish.

A man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a navy mechanic uniform with a name patch 'Gary' and a patch 'DOC' on his chest, standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree, holding a book titled 'Tiny Hands, Big Dreams: Gary's Day as a Mechanic' by Rebekah Bonner.