I’m Featured in the Los Angeles Times—and Returning to the OC Children’s Book Festival!
I’m so excited to share that I was featured in the Los Angeles Times’ Daily Pilot! Seeing my journey as an author, publisher and disability advocate shared in this way feels almost surreal.
Reporter Andrew Turner wrote about how my experiences living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Type 3—and the challenges I faced while trying to find employment—eventually led me to children’s literature. What began with one book has grown into more than 21 published books of my own, the What If We Were All™️ series and Purple Diamond Press Inc.
The article also highlights one of my favorite annual events: the Orange County Children’s Book Festival.
Returning to Where It All Began
I first attended the Orange County Children’s Book Festival in 2019, the same year What If We Were All The Same! was published. I have returned every year since, and it continues to be such a joyful experience.
I love meeting the parents, teachers and children who stop by my table. I also enjoy reconnecting with fellow authors I have met through the festival—many of whom have become friends I continue to support and stay in contact with throughout the years.
There is something incredibly special about seeing so many families, educators, authors and readers gathered in one place to celebrate books.
This year, I’m honored to return again as an official exhibitor.
Orange County Children’s Book Festival
Sunday, September 20, 2026
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California
Free admission and parking
The Mission Behind the What If We Were All™️ Series
The What If We Were All™️ series began with a simple question: What if everyone were exactly the same?
That first story opened the door to conversations about differences, disability, diversity and inclusion. Since then, the series has continued to grow, introducing children to important themes such as friendship, kindness, generosity and honesty.
Each book approaches a different subject, but the mission remains the same: to create stories children can enjoy while helping them better understand themselves, one another and the world around them.
Now, the series is entering an exciting new chapter by exploring STEAM.
Get Curious!
What If We Were All Curious! encourages children to ask questions, investigate their surroundings and recognize that curiosity is an important part of learning.
Through playful rhymes and colorful illustrations, the story celebrates all the “why,” “how” and “what if” questions children ask every day.
Those questions are not interruptions—they are the beginning of discovery.
I was incredibly honored to receive this endorsement from molecular biologist and science communicator Raven Baxter, Ph.D.:
“Kids are already scientists! This book cheers them on, question after question.”
That is exactly what I hope children take away from this book. They do not have to wait until they grow up to explore science. Every question, observation and new discovery is already helping them think like scientists.
What If We Were All Curious! will be released on January 5, 2027, and is available for preorder now.
Come See Me at the Festival!
I’m looking forward to another wonderful day at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival. If you are attending, please stop by my table, say hello and explore the books in the What If We Were All™️ series.
I cannot wait to meet more young readers, parents and educators—and continue sharing stories that celebrate curiosity, kindness, inclusion and everything that makes each child unique.
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