One of the most transformational gifts we can give our children is a lasting love of reading. When children enjoy books, research consistently links it to stronger academic success, critical thinking and empathy.
Across Vancouver Island, parents are quietly creating picture books for young readers. When stories come from familiar faces and local names, literacy becomes personal and meaningful.
In speaking with other Island parent-authors, common threads emerged. Many began writing, not because they planned to publish, but because children invited them to see the world differently.
“Writing for children is like turning your shirt inside out,” says Sylvia Thomson, author of Ernie the Big Blue Beagle.
Sometimes families are unable to find the gentler or more inclusive stories, or those that better reflect the world they want their children to grow up in. Parents begin creating them themselves, shaped by care, intention and lived experience.
Often, stories start close to home. A grandparent’s tales of coastal wildlife inspire series like Marlet Ashley’s Revelry on the Estuary. Others reimagine complex ideas for young readers. Haley Healey, known for her non-fiction work on trailblazing women, such as Elizabeth Quock-sister: Keeper of History, has spoken about the challenge and joy of making stories accessible to children while still engaging adults.
For many families, parenthood is deeply transformative. Writing a children’s book becomes a way to slow down, reflect and create something meaningful during the early years. What begins as a bedtime story can grow into a book that captures imagination, growth and belonging within Island communities.
Vancouver Island has always been rich in storytelling. When communities choose local titles for their shelves, that support comes full circle, and we strengthen early literacy in our neighbourhoods.
There is quiet pride in knowing something once scribbled on a notepad is now being read at bedtime in local homes. When a child laughs at a line or asks how a book is made, creative work becomes something more. It becomes a connection. A lifelong love of reading does not grow in isolation; it grows in community.
Teresa Schapansky, North Cowichan
Along the Way series (self-published, 2021, 12 books)
Illustrated by Elly Mossman
What inspired this book series?
I wrote them because I found a serious lack of entertaining books about Canada for young readers.
What was your path to publishing?
The biggest challenge was finding the perfect illustrator whose vision aligned with mine, and oddly enough, I finally found her living right down the road from me. I chose to self-publish to maintain control of my vision.
How has your book impacted your community?
The public response has been nothing short of phenomenal—they’ve been featured in an article in the Times Colonist and received an amazing review from The Canadian Homeschooler.
Rosanna Elves, Victoria
The Amusingly Amazing Alphabet (self-published, 2024)
Illustrated by Rebecca Carlyle Allen
What inspired this book?
While teaching my daughter the alphabet, we read countless books, but none felt imaginative or funny enough. With her as my muse, I began creating three-word alliteration stories for each letter.
What was your path to publishing?
On a whim, I messaged an illustrator via social media whose work I admired, because—why not? We ended up collaborating for a year-and-a-half to self-publish a high-quality book.
How has your book impacted your community?
My daughter’s kindergarten teacher invited me to read to her class. A year later, one student asked, “How did you even write all that?” Moments like these remind me why I create tools that encourage early literacy.
Megan Pomper, Brentwood Bay
What Makes a Bird? (Owlkids, 2025)
Illustrated by Maia Hoekstra
What inspired this book?
This book was inspired by watching my kids grow up unencumbered by others’ ideas of who they should be. I wanted to inspire children to question the world and recognize the power they have in defining themselves.
What was your path to publishing?
I pursued traditional publishing as I didn’t know anything about self-publishing, and it felt incredibly daunting. Querying is hard—often feeling like you are throwing ideas into the abyss. But once I began working with Owlkids, the entire process was dream-like.
How has your book impacted your community?
I have been so touched by the positive response to this book. I loved participating in some school visits in 2025, and I hope to be able to continue these visits this year!
