About My Stories For Children

Having spent three decades observing how children interact, learn, and grow through play, has given me a solid foundation for writing children's stories. Or at least, I think so!

'The Chronicles of Elmwood'

The 'Chronicles of Elmwood' is a collection of stories featuring six main characters: A magnificent, red Beetle car called B-Jay, a wise, Great Horned owl called Aruna, a rather large St. Bernard dog called Maxwell, a proud and sassy black cat called Cressida, an acrobatic, tumbling badger called Digger Bo and a very theatrical ant called Zippo.

The Chronicles are envisioned to comprise four volumes, with each volume featuring six stories. Each volume will show an evolution and progression to the storyline, the characters and will gradually lead you into a world of unfolding events, infinite adventures and new characters. The first two volumes have already been written and the storylines for the next two volumes have been formulated.

Within that world—the world of Elmwood—you are slowly immersed, through the many different adventures to ideas that are rooted in the real-world curiosity and developmental needs of children in their classroom and daily lives. It will have a S.T.E.M. model interweaved into the problems and solutions that underpin each adventure's storyline, presenting education in a modern and fun way as well as delicately tackling early learning concepts.

The first volume is titled 'The Awakening of Elmwood' and is structured into two distinct halves comprising 'The Daytime Adventures' which focus on early learning concepts like the alphabet, colors, traffic safety and teamwork and the beginning of friendships. 'The Nighttime Adventures' which focus on emotional intelligence, overcoming fears and other strong emotions, along with problem solving through learning and understanding.

The second volume is titled 'The Heart of The Valley' and features a range of topics associated with social aspects, special moments and celebratory days, such as Christmas, Easter, Independence Day etc. These will also present learning about concepts such as self-worth, respect, individuality and the differences we all share.

The third volume will be titled 'Echoes of a Legacy,' and here we learn more about the environment, nature and the interaction between man and the world of nature through the history and legacies of the foundations that have been built. This is also where the world of Elmwood expands into something far bigger than just a continuation of fun adventures. Episodes become inter-weaved showing bigger concepts like cause and effect, actions and consequences, along with environmental issues etc.

The fourth volume will be titled 'The Secret Guardians' which tells the stories through different adventures about the balance of nature being controlled through an animal council known as The Secret Guardians. This starts with a 2-part episode, with a crisis introducing the unheard of secret council—who have no option but to reveal themselves to B-Jay and his gang of eclectic friends—as their very survival, and that of the valley which they protect, is at stake. The purpose of this volume is primarily to take the world of Elmwood into a much larger and more fantastic world of fantasy and imagination, where the animal world and nature have a structure, a balance, and is governed in much the same way as the human world. It is a chance to understand the world that goes on around us, unnoticed and unappreciated.

As well as a moral message underpinning each story there is my personal belief that recognizes that children’s literature should be more than a simple narrative; it should be a tool for language acquisition and emotional resilience. By intentionally utilizing sophisticated vocabulary within a whimsical setting, the aim of these stories, especially in relation to the speech dialogue, is to create stories supporting the idea of "scaffolded learning"; moments that challenge young minds while maintaining the joy and wonder essential to childhood.

Equally as important is the philosophy that if the adult reader isn't engaged then it is harder to convey the magic of writing and stories to the young listener. Throughout these stories we learn about Science, Technology, Culture and the Environment, learning key concepts such as DNA, Gravity, etc., while touching on cultural aspects like the Performing Arts.

Whilst exploring the many 'Elmwood' adventures featuring a red Beetle car named B-Jay and the social dynamics of his eclectic group of forest friends, every story is designed to be a springboard for conversation between the child, the reader, and the world around them, especially with regard to understanding and learning new words.

Meet the Heroes of Elmwood

B-Jay: A cheerful red Beetle car with a heart of gold and a horn that toots for everyone. He’s the wheels of the operation and the glue that holds the friends together.

Aruna: A wise Great Horned Owl. As the group’s strategist he’s usually the one with the mission plan and a vast knowledge of all things. He is the calm within the storm.

Cressida: A black cat who is as proud and elegant as a queen. She may act aloof, and a touch sarcastic, but as her love for her son Ludwig shows, underneath it all, she has a heart as gold as her sequins.

Maxwell: A large, sleepy St. Bernard. He has a nose for adventure (and dinner) and is always ready to join his friends - once he’s had a nap. He has a huge wealth of experience from living with humans, just not the intellect to understand it all.

Digger Bo: A tumbling, acrobatic badger who is constantly in motion. Whether he’s practicing "Mega-Tumbles" or helping a friend in need, he brings the energy to every quest.

Zippo: An animated, theatrical ant with a massive imagination. Whether he’s wearing a baseball hat or a Jedi robe, Zippo proves that even the smallest hero can have the biggest personality. As a polymath he is always exploring new personalities.

The main characters will be joined by special guests such as:

Jasmine: A rabbit from the warren.

Reginald the Riddling Rabbit: Specializes in riddles and putting on competitions.

Sergeant Horatio Nelson: A homing pigeon with a unique ability for locating people and things as long as he is given their full name or title.

Hudson the Hop Toad: A Canadian toad with special needs who becomes in need of help.

Ludwig Gustav Clawhauser Fritz the 1st: Cressida's son, who is a famous barn cat.

Thadeus McTweedy: A Thespian spider who is  Scottish by lineage and is well versed in musicals and theater performances'

Sssizle: A Grass snake who is lonely and unloved but is well versed in classical literature, specializing in Shakespeare.

B-Gray: He is B-Jay's great grandfather.

These will be joined by a host of other new characters who will be revealed at a later date.

Volume 1 'The Awakening of Elmwood' - Story 1 

B-Jay Has a Bad Day

"Meet B-Jay, a wonderful red Beetle car with a big heart and an adventurous spirit! This is the first in a six-story series—featuring three sunny daytime tales and three cozy nighttime adventures.

In this first story, a sudden accident leaves B-Jay stranded and far from home. But a stroke of bad luck turns into a lifetime of friendship when he meets a clever cat, a brave dog, a tumbling badger, a wise owl, and a very tiny ant. Can this unlikely team learn to work together to save the day? Discover how teamwork makes the dream work in B-Jay’s very first adventure!"

Volume 1 'The Awakening of Elmwood' - Story 2

The Alphabet Game

The sun is shining in Elmwood, and B-Jay the red Beetle car is bursting with excitement! Today isn't just a day for a drive; it’s the day B-Jay fulfills his promise to the five animal friends who saved him.

Zippo the ant, Aruna the owl, Cressida the cat, Maxwell the dog, and Digger Bo the badger all pile into B-Jay for their very first group adventure. But there’s one tiny problem—they forgot to decide where to go! Join the gang as they travel wherever the road leads, playing the hilarious "Alphabet Game" along the way. From tumbling badgers to singing owls, discover how a simple drive can turn into an "Excellent, Every-word-with-an-E" kind of day!

Volume 1 'The Awakening of Elmwood' - Story 3 

Red Light, Amber Light, Green Light - GO!

Beep-beep! B-Jay the red Beetle car is up early and ready for a trip to the big city! In this third adventure, the gang heads to the Elmwood High Street to see the bright, colorful shop windows.

But town is a busy place, and B-Jay has to teach his friends some very important rules. What does a red light mean? Why is the owl worried about crowds? And can Zippo the ant find a tiny new baseball cap? Join Maxwell, Cressida, Aruna, and the ever-tumbling Digger Bo for a day of window shopping and a catchy new song about the Red,  Amber,  and Green Lights! It's a "Go, Go, Go" kind of adventure you won't want to miss!

Volume 1 'The Awakening of Elmwood' - Story 4 

Facing Your Fears

When the sun goes down in Elmwood, a different kind of magic begins! In his very first nighttime adventure, B-Jay the red Beetle car braves the darkness to meet his friends under the glow of a giant full moon.

Gathered together in the quiet of the night, the friends decide to share their scariest stories—but they soon discover that what is terrifying to an ant might be a total mystery to a cat! From Maxwell’s nightmare about a missing food bowl to Zippo’s "alien invasion" and Aruna’s legend of the "cosmic string," B-Jay and his friends learn a valuable lesson: everyone feels afraid sometimes, and the best way to face the unknown is with your friends by your side.

With Zippo performing moonwalks on the dashboard and Digger Bo tumbling in the shadows, this is a heartwarming tale about courage, imagination, and the secrets of the summer solstice.

Volume 1 'The Awakening of Elmwood' - Story 5 

Hudson Finds His Hop

The air in Elmwood is turning cool, and the leaves are turning gold, which means it's time for another nighttime adventure! When B-Jay and his friends hear a mysterious and loud "BWWUUURRP" coming from the riverbank, they discover a very unusual traveler.

Meet Hudson, a "Hop Toad" who has drifted all the way from Canada! There’s just one problem: Hudson is a toad who is afraid of jumping! Join B-Jay, Aruna, Maxwell, Cressida, and a very nervous Zippo as they embark on a cross-country mission to get their new friend home. From learning about "Toad-ish" to helping Hudson overcome his fears, this heartwarming story shows that with a little teamwork—and a lot of friendship—anyone can find their hop!

Volume 1 'The Awakening of Elmwood' - Story 6 

I Name Him Fred

Elmwood has been transformed into a sparkling white wonderland! While B-Jay the red Beetle car is excited to test out his brand-new snow tyres, Digger Bo has a much bigger surprise waiting in his burrow: a tiny, white baby rabbit.

Naming a new friend is harder than it looks, especially when Cressida the cat suggests a name that is nearly ten words long! But while the gang argues over names like "Fred" and "Thumper," they realize that looking after a lost little bunny is a big responsibility. Join the team as they learn about parenting, share a joke about lions in Walmart, and receive a very special (and crunchy) gift from a worried mother. It’s a snowy tale about family, kindness, and the perfect way to use a carrot!

Volume 2 'The Heart of the Valley' - Story 1 

The Great Pinocchio Halloween Rescue

Disguises, disco badgers, and a daring mid-parade heist!

It’s Halloween in Elmwood, and B-Jay the carriage has the perfect plan: join the town parade in secret with his band of animal friends. But when a regal wave from Cressida the cat accidentally sends their wooden friend Pinocchio flying into the hands of "pirates," a simple night out turns into a high-stakes rescue.

With a glow-in-the-dark badger providing a dazzling distraction and a very fluffy "sheep-dog" standing by, can this mismatched team save Pinocchio before the humans notice they aren't just ordinary floats? Join B-Jay, Zippo, Aruna, and the gang for their most glittering adventure yet!

Volume 2 'The Heart of the Valley' - Story 2

The Day We Saved Santa

Christmas Eve in Elmwood is usually a time of quiet magic, but when a thick, mountain fog threatens to hide the town’s chimneys from Santa’s sleigh, Christmas is in peril! Join B-Jay, Zippo, Digger Bo, Aruna, Maxwell and a surprise visit from Jennifer as they race against the clock to light the way for Rudolph.

In this heartwarming tale of teamwork and courage, the friends learn that you don’t need a cape to be a hero—you just need a bright idea and some very helpful rabbits. Will they be able to save Christmas for the whole world? Pull up a seat under the cottonwood tree and find out!

Volume 2 'The Heart of the Valley' - Story 3

The Six Visit The 1st

Spring has finally arrived in Elmwood! As the snow melts and the crocuses bloom, B-Jay the red beetle car is reunited with his favorite group of adventurers for a mission unlike any they’ve faced before.

Guided by the legendary homing pigeon, Sergeant Horatio Nelson, the gang sets off on a top-secret journey to pull off a very special birthday surprise. But when the trail leads them away from the luxury they expected and toward a weathered farm barn, the "Six" learn a touching lesson about family, hard work, and what it truly means to be proud of the ones we love.

From Zippo’s hilarious "Jedi Master" training to a heartwarming mother-son reunion, this latest tale proves that you don't need a palace to be a legend—and you don't need a cape to be a superhero.

Volume 2 'The Heart of the Valley' - Story 4

The Easter Egg Riddle

Spring has arrived in Elmwood, and with it comes a mysterious invitation from the rabbits! When B-Jay and the gang are summoned to the old cottonwood tree, they discover they’ve been entered into a legendary Easter Egg Hunt unlike any other.

Led by the boisterous Reginald the Riddling Rabbit, the friends are split into two teams for a high-stakes race across the park. From deciphering clues about sun-dials to sniffing out hidden mushroom patches, the competition is fierce! But when the riddles lead both teams to the same spot, they realize that winning might not be as important as the friendship that brought them there.

Join B-Jay, Maxwell, Zippo, and the rest of the crew for an "egg-cellent" adventure filled with brain-teasers, high-speed tumbling, and a very large, very delicious chocolate surprise!

Volume 2 'The Heart of the Valley' - Story 5

Fireworks and the Flight of Independence

On a warm July 4th, B-Jay the red beetle car wakes up with a head full of strange dreams about baby sharks and lemonade stands. But as the hills turn green and the fireworks begin to fly, B-Jay and his quirky band of friends discover that real adventures aren't just about the sights in the sky. When the loud booms of Independence Day become too much for one of their own, the group learns that the greatest "mission" of all is looking after a friend in need. All you need is empathy, a little kindness and a warm blanket!

Volume 2 'The Heart of the Valley' - Story 6

The Time Capsule

The mid-July sun is stifling, but B-Jay the Beetle is finally home from the auto shop and ready for a new adventure. When the gang decides to create a time capsule to celebrate their bond, they expect to bury a few treasures for the future. Instead, they unearth a mystery from the past. Beneath the roots of the old cottonwood tree lies a secret that links B-Jay to a legacy he never knew existed. Can a message from a long-lost person change how B-Jay sees himself forever?

Volume 3 'Echoes of a Legacy' - Story 1

The Secret Spider Sleepover

After the storm has passed, the adventures start to get a wee bit grander and a wee bit stranger and even a wee bit longer. As an unexpected guest crashes the sleepover, the tale of Pinocchio becoming a 'real boy' takes a dramatic highland twist. Enter Thaddeus McTweedy, a thespian spider with a love of the performing arts - especially musicals - and a new-found fondness for not getting squished. Will Digger Bo break the world record and Zippo get his tartan kilt before Captain Grogbeard feeds Pinocchio to the sharks and the fishes. Only time will tell.

Volume 3 'Echoes of a Legacy' - Story 2 - in 2 parts.

The Cirque Du Silly

In the quiet valley of Elmwood, life usually moves at the pace of the harvest—until a fierce July storm leaves the town’s beloved Centennial Cottonwood battered and the local circus without its star attraction. With the world-famous Volante Valentino sidelined by injury, the final night of the circus seems destined for disappointment.

When the star of the show is sidelined a new star emerges and B-Jay, the magnificent Beetle car, and his eccentric band of friends have a secret plan to make sure that the show goes on.

Guided by the theatrical wisdom of Thaddeus McTweedy and a commitment to training, Digger Bo—a humble, tumbling badger—is about to step into the spotlight. From the shadows of the Rocky Mountains to the dazzling height of the trapeze, this tight-knit family of animals must pull off the ultimate performance.

Will Digger Bo’s tumbling talent be enough to save the show? Or will the secret of the "Angel of the Big Top" be revealed?

The following stories are planned for volume 3: 'Echoes of a Legacy'

Story 3 - Snakespeare In The Park

Story 4 - Finding Your Roots (The Time Capsule Part 2)

Story 5 - The Beavers Cry

Story 6 - The Up and Down Hot Air Incident

The following stories are planned for volume 4: 'The Secret Guardians'

Story 1 - The Secret Council Pt 1- The Council Calls

Story 2 - The Secret Council Pt 2 - The Iron Cavalry

Story 3 - Back in the Day

Story 4 - The Big Stack Tremor Trouble

Story 5 - The Heralds Initiate

Story 6 - Aurelius and the Heart Stone

The Secret Guardian Council

Norvic - Male Stag - The Herald of the Valley & Head of the Council

Crag - Male Snapping Turtle - Elder of the Deep (Keeper of the Heart Spring)

Rowena - Female Rabbit - Elder of the Burrows

Inari - Female Silver Fox - Elder of the Fields

Cinnebar - Male Red Squirrel - Elder of the Canopy

Sylpha - Female Wood Beetle - Elder of the Undergrowth

Aruna - Male Great Horned Owl - Elder of the Sky (Initiated in story 5 of volume 4)

Alongside the Elmwood stories is a stand alone story called 'What Am I' which lightly explores a confusion of identity with a Polar Bear as the main character.  This story is presented first as the artwork has been produced for it, making it complete. The artwork for the 'Elmwood' adventures has yet to decided.

What Am I?

The winds are howling, the North Pole is freezing, and Plip the Polar Bear has a big problem: he just can't seem to stay warm!

While his friends are busy diving into icy waters, Plip is much happier tucked under his nice, warm bed covers. So much so that he starts to wonder if he’s even a Polar Bear at all, so he sets off on a quest for answers. Join Plip and his best friend Cheeky the Penguin as they visit the wise old Walrus to discover who Plip really is—and why he’s so very chilly!