Illinois Authors

Flying Cardinal Press 2022

After his beloved grandpa's health declines and he receives a diagnosis of dementia, a grandson must navigate the changes in their relationship. Through it all, he learns that Grandpa is still Grandpa, and their bond deepens and sweetens through a shared love of ice cream. Ice Cream with Grandpa is a loving, tender picture book that gently explores the topics of dementia, aging, and loss. Written from a child's point of view, it chronicles the changes in their relationship as his grandpa moves to assisted living, then memory care, and eventually hospice. Based on the author's own experience with her father and son, the engaging story and beautiful illustrations by Elisabete B. P. de Moraes addresses these challenging topics with a kind, age-appropriate approach that will resonate with young readers—while providing tools to help children maintain meaningful relationships with loved ones with the disease. Includes a guide for parents on talking to kids about dementia, hospice, death, and grief by expert on grief and loss, Diane Snyder Cowan, MA, MT-BC, CHPCA. While the book specifically deals with Alzheimer's and dementia, its themes are universally applicable to helping children understand the changes in and loss of older relatives and loved ones.

Flying Cardinal Press 2021

Join two curious giraffes as they go on a kayaking adventure and discover nature's beauty on a lake, in this colorfully illustrated picture book written by a mother and son team. Little Squiggle is a spunky giraffe with a new kayak! When he invites his best friend Little Lou to go kayaking, she is a little hesitant. Are there sharks? What will it be like? As they paddle away from the lake's shore, they marvel at the natural wonders that surround them-butterflies, dragonflies, flowers, and fish! When beautiful music draws them to an island, they venture out of their kayak to find its source. But when the unexpected happens, will they make it back to shore? Co-written by mother and son, Laura Smetana and Stirling Hebda, Little Squiggle's Lake Adventure is a delightful children's book about curiosity, courage, and the friends you meet along the way. This is their first book together.

Flying Cardinal Press 2023

With bright watercolor collages, My Love for You Is Like a Garden celebrates unconditional love with vibrant garden scenes that will delight fans of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle. Say "I love you" with this charming picture book families will love reading together over and over again. Bold, colorful illustrations of flowers, butterflies, and animals will inspire readers of all ages to explore the natural world⁠-and maybe even plant their own garden. Children will delight in finding ladybugs hidden throughout, and a glossary provides the names of each plant and animal featured. A beautiful book to share with a child, parent, or anyone who means the world to you!